SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. "' Arrived. jnwr’M'.t Yesterday. «.f Tui, S.S., from Wellington, via Kai ‘dcoora. Sailed. Yesterday. Examiner, barque, for Sydney. Hawea, s.s., for Wellington. To-day. Rotomahana, s.s., for the South. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Recamia, schooner, from Greymouth; .Coryphene, barque, from New York. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived —Waitaki, from Dunedin ; Star of the South, from Westport. Sailed—Waitaki, for the South. :.i 7 ! Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Arawata, from Melbourne ; Isabella; from Timaru. Sailed—Palace, barque, for Sydney. Dunedin, To-day. ; :Arrived— Yallogo, barque, from Glas gow.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES To-morrow, Thursday, July 27. R. Davies and Co.—Monthly Sale, at Methven. Saturday, July 29. . Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses ; "130 p.m. \te Alfted Harrison, at his yards— Horses, Pigs, Produce, &c.; 12 noon. Tuesday, August 1. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards —Stock. V MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o To-Night, ? ' Wednesday, July 26. Concert and Entertainment, in aid of the • ‘Library Fund—Town Hall, 8 p m. - - ‘ To-morrow, Thursday, July 27. Ashburton Racing Club —Annual General ‘ Meeting, Quill’s Hotel, 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 1. ashburton Permanent Building and ln vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 2. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Saturday, August 5. Wakanui Road Board —Monthly Meeting, Road. Board Office, Moore street Monday, August 7. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas, Et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 26. 1882. The Opposition Tactics.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.20 p.m, i

The great straits to which the pre sent Opposition has been put to in the matter of furnishiug any justifiable grounds for questions on party con siderations during the session are lamentably apparent The debate on

the amendment of the member for Waipawa (Mr Smith) on Major Atkin son’s motion, that the House go into Committee of Supply, which had for its object the restoration of the 10 per cent reduction to the railway employees, has resulted in another decided victory for the Government. There can be no doubt that the question was brought forward by Mr Smith for no other pur pose than a Want of Confidence motion. Ministers had no difficulty in perceiving that this was the object of the Opposition, notwithstanding the general desire of its members to make it known that they had no intention of treating the question as a party one. Every one of the Opposition members thought fit to mention the fact that the Government were treating the matter as a vote of censure. In this they were not disappointed. Indeed, nothing could be clearer than that the amendment, if carried, would be a very serious vote of censure on the Government. As usual when No-Confidence debates are on the tapis , and the “wo <dng man element ” is introduced, the “ small fry ” in the House remember their pledges to their constituents, particu larly those who are indebted to the present electoral law for their seats. In fact, the railway employees topic is always a safe one with these members. They simply move in the matter be cause they have to fufil a pledge made to this section of their constituents, and if report be true the member for Wakanui distinguished himself by call ing upon members to fulfil their pledges in this matter. So much for the men who go unpledged (?) to Parliament. A re-adjustment of the salaries of railway employees is undoubtedly a matter of justice ; but we can see no reason why the House should be called upon to interfere with the functions of an Executive Government. It is not in the province of any private member to introduce a motion to increase taxation without the consent of the Crown, and any motion like this must be considered a casus belli so far as the Government is concerned, because it treats with a matter of increased expenditure to the tune of and interferes with the Ministerial right of bringing down their own proposals—a matter of very much more importance. The amend ment proposed by Mr Smith must therefore be taken as one of the series of resolutions which the present Oppo sition delight in bringing forward, in order to retard the work of the session. How is it possible that the affairs of the country can be properly adminis tered if the House undertakes to regu late the details of administration ? If the Ministry were not capable of dealing with the question, we would admire the action of the Opposition in taking steps to remove them from office. Nothing was shown, however, that the Government did net intend making a re-adjustment in the matter of wages; but, on the contrary, they conclusively proved that they intended to deal with the question on its merits, and were quite willing to return as much of the ten per cent, as was com mensurate with the progress of the country. The arguments adduced by the Opposition clearly prove that they are dependent upon what may be con sidered but a popular cry—increased wages—with the most numerous and particular section of their constituents. As a matter of fact they boldly acknow ledged, many of them, that, for not voting for the amendment, their constituents would punish them. Every right thinking person will admire the action of the Government in mak ing the question a no confidence mo tion, because the men who form the present Ministry are perfectly cap able of recognising the fair claims of working men, or any other class of the community, when it is shown that these claims are for the public benefit. The chagrin of the Opposition at the result of the debate is unavoidable, but they one and all deserve it richly. They repeatedly expressed surprise at the Government making the amendment a matter for a no confidence debate, and will no doubt excuse themselves by ex plaining matters in this way—that it was not an Opposition question at all. As the Opposition did not venture to divide, knowing full well their fate if they did, the amendment was nega tived on the voices. Notwithstanding its being negatived, however, we feel certain that the railway men will get an addition of at least sixpence a day to their pre sent wages. We would like to see more comfortable dwellings on the large vacant allotments adjoining the lines and various stations, and a large num ber of houses for the employees on our railways. This, with the additional pay, will satisfy, no doubt, or in a mea sure tend to make matters very much better for a very large and important branch of Government servants, who deserve great consideration at the hands of their employers, in order that their efficiency may not be impaired. The hon. the member for Ashburton took this view, and showing that he is an independent member, holding alike the interests of Government employees and his constituents, he expressed his in tention of supporting the Government against the machinations of the Oppo sition, and undue interference with the Executive functions by the House. [Since the above was in type we learn, by wire, that the concession asked for by the member for Waipawa has been granted]

Tenders. —Mr W. L. Allan invites tenders for ploughing, &c. A Hint for the Farmers. —Farmers and others who have the County water races running through their properties should take advantage of the liberal offers cf the Council, and procure trees before the planting season is out, Wakanui Presbyterian Church. —A tea meeting will be held on Monday even ing July 31, at Wakanui, to celebrate the opening of the new Presbyterian Church, when the Rev. J. Elmslie (of Christ church) and others will deliver addresses. The Bev. Mr Beattie will occupy the chair, and tea will be on the table at 5.30 pm. The Ashburton Presbyterian Choir will sing selections of music at intervals during the evening. Library Entertainment.— We would again remind our readers that the first entertainment in aid of the Library funds takes place at the Town Hall to-night. An excellent programme has been pre pared, In addition to the songs, lead ings, &c., the Ashburton Dramatic Club will perform that favorite little comedy, “Betsy Baker.” If there is not a full house —when the proceeds ara to be de voted to such a deserving public institu tion as the Library— why, all that we can say is that there ought to be*

Schoolmaster Wanted. — A master is wanted for the Longbeach District Main School.

To Gardeners. — Mr Keelan’a an nouncement elsewhere will prove of interest to gardeners.

Police. — A solitary “ drunk” was the only case at the Court to-day. The offender was a first one, and was disposed of in the usual manner.

Suspected Infanticide. —Sarah John son, a servant at the Masonic Hotel, Cambridge, Waikato, was yesterday ar rested on a charge of infanticide.

The Late Poultry Show. —All ac counts owing by the Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society must be rendered to the secretary by noon on Friday next. Land Wanted.—The provisional di rectors of the Ashburton County Stock and Saleyards Company invite offers of land suitable for site for public saleyards.

Better! —With reference to onr local of last evening, stating that Mr George Gould had promised to give ten guineas towards the Library funds, we have been requested to state that the amount has been actually paid to the Committee. The Stawell Mystery. Constable Hilliard, of Victoria, yesterday arrived at Dunedin to ascertain the probability of Charles Forbes, supposed to have been murdered at Stawell, being alive. Forbes at one time worked on the Tuapeka gold fields.

Retiring. —Mr W. Seed will shortly retire from the Government service on his pension. It is understood that Mr Seed has been appointed manager of the Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Society vice Mr Buchanan, who has been appointed inspector of the London Char tered Bank at Melbourne, and he proceeds thither shortly. Serv.ce op Song. —We have been re quested to draw attention to a notice in this issue with reference to the Service of Song to be held in the Primitive Metho dist Church to-morrow night. The pro ceeds are to be devoted to procuring a library for the Sunday School, and, as the object is a worthy one, it is hoped that the building will be crowded to the doors.

A Fall in Bricks ! — A serious accident took place yesterday afternoon at a build ing in course of erection in King street, Dunedin. The parapet fell, and a mass of bricks buried a youth named Gow and a man named Wells. Both have their skulls fractured, and are at the hospital in a very low state. It is stated the building was being run up in bad style, but probably an inquiry will bo held.

A.F.B.—The Fire Brigade are sum moned to meet for wet practice at the engine house at 7 o’clock to-night, when, in accordance with the resolution carried at the last meeting of the Borough Coun cil, “ that a fair trial bo made of the new arrangement to supersede sumps,” that arrangement will be tried in Barnett street west, in the presence of the mem bers of the Council. The assistance of a few volunteers to pump will be, we are given to understand, very acceptable. This would afford a capital opportunity for testing the new fire engine, and letting us see what it is capable of doing in case of emergency. Gold Items. —From Greymouth we learn that samples of stone from Lang den’s claim, Paparoa ranges, were brought into that town yesterday, and crushed, and yielded at the rate of at least 3oz per ton. The stone was taken promiscously and not picked, but the quantity was small. When the directors of the com pany sent Home nine tons of antimony ore for treatment, they requested that the not result might be cabled. They have now received information through the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company as follows :—“ Net re sult : Antimony, 11.” This is somewhat indefinite, but the directors are not very sanguine over the result of the shipment It is supposed to mean eleven pounds sterling after paying all expenses. A letter containing full particulars will be received here in August, which will be published. A telegram from Reeftori received in Greymouth last evening, state that good stone was struck in the Keep-it Dark mine, and shares advanced five shillings within an hour. Good stone was struck in the Imperial.

Political Gossip. Referring to the last battle between the Government and the Opposition members, in which the latter came off second best, the Press special says:—“A more utter collapse could scarcely be imagined, and the pro spects of any harmony or united action on the part of the Opposition seem more remote than ever.” The correspondent goes on to say that “ the Public Petitions Committee report on the eight petitions in favor of Bible reading in schools, de clining to make any recommendation, and also refer to the Government ten others relating to public works expenditure or similar subjects. A return was presented last night showing the cost of the various Royal Commissions, as follows : —Railway Commission, L 2,732; Oivil Service, LI. 693 ; Local Industries, LB9B. A re turn of pensions, gratuities, etc., paid during the year under the Civil Service Act, gives a total of L 30,252. This in cludes compensation to sixty officers for loss of office, and fourteen new pen sioners.” Debtor and Creditor. —Amongst the applications which came before Justice Gillies in Chambers at Auckland yester day, was one by Mr Coleman, who moved, re Seymour v. Hutchison, for an order committing the defendant to gaol under the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act. Mr Hutchison was present and examined, and swore he had no means during the past year wherewith to discharge his lia bility. His limor therefore refused the application, and in doing so commented censoriously upon the case. He did not approve of such orders being granted unless fraud could be shown on the part of the debtor, either in concealing or making away with his property, or in ob stinately refusing to pay while he had means. Mr Coleman asked if it was not true that his Honor had drafted the very Bill that allowed all this. His donor said it was not true. The Bill which he drafted contained only three clauses, and it sought to abolish imprisonment for debt alto gether ; but it had to give way to the pre sent measure, which was the work of the Attorney-General.

More Fuss About Bobbin’s Ford.— At yesterday’s meeting of the Solwyn County Council a deputation of residents of the Ellesmere district waited on the Council re tlie erection of a bridge across the Rakaia at Bobbin’s ford. They presented a petition signed by 180 ratepayers in the Ellesmere district, representing holdings to the extent of 30,000 acres, and a rate able value of about LIB,OOO. They asked the Council to forward the petition to Sir John Hall, asking him to support the same. The bridge would require to bo about eighty chains in length, and would cost LIB,OOO or L 20,000. The deputation also requested that an engineer ho sent to report upon the same in conjunction with Ihj Ashburton Council’s engineer. The Chairman promised that the application should have the Council’s consideration. Mr Enys proposed that tho Ashburton County Council be asked to join the Council in the expense of sending an en gineer to report on the best site for a bridge. This was agreed to, and it was also agreed that the petition should be forwarded to Wellington as requested. LIB,OOO or L 20.000 is a pretty modest estimate for a bridge that will have to be a mile long, if it is built— which it is to be hoped will not be the case as it is entirely unnecessary. L 50,000 is more likely to be the sum re quired if the Bobbin’s Ford-ites carry the day.

The Last of the Exhibition. —The sale of the Exhibition buildings, fittings, &c., concluded yesterday afternoon. The total obtained for the two days’ sale was L2,C28 19s 3d. ’Pkisoo Mails. —The Wanaka, with the San Francisco mails, was expected to arrive at Wellington at daylight this morning. The Penguin takes on the Canterbury and Otago portion at noon, reaching Lyttelton early to-morrow morn ing. The Ashburton portion of the mail will probably come through per morning express from Christchurch, or if not in time for that, by special train. The Price of Grain. —Reuter’s agent writes as follows :—ln Juno last attention was drawn to the fact that the company ’s quotations of New Zealand wheat in Sydney were considerably higher than those received from private sources. On enquiry I find that the difference arose through an error on the part of the com pany’s Sydney agent in quoting N. S. W. instead of N.Z. wheat. As soon as the mistake was discovered, steps were taken to correct it and to prevent future repeti tion. The quotations now being received are strictly correct. Oddfellows’ Picnic. —The intended fete in connection with the Oddfellows Society, which is to take place on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday, promises to be a great success. The Hon. John M‘Lean has placed at the disposal of the pro moters any one of his beautiful paddocks at Lagmhor for the sports and picnic. A little difficulty has arisen In respect to the special train which has been applied for to carry excursionists up the new branch line to Lagmhor, owing to the scarcity of carriages available on the 9th of Novem ber. We hope the Railway Department will be able to meet the wishes of the Committee, and provide the necessary carriages.

The Dunedin Benevolent Asylum Enquiry. —The report of Mr White foord and Dr Giles on the Benevolent In stitution is published. Except in unim portant particulars, the Commissioners consider the charges all disproved (as srated in our last issue). They make one or two suggestions as to improve ments, and conclude as follows : —“ We cannot conclude this report without ex pressing our high sense of the present ex cellent management and the state of effi ciency of the asylum. The interior management reflects the highest credit on Mrs Quin, and the excellence of the general arrangements is abundantly a'tested by the general comfort and con tentment of the inmates, and the almost unanimous chorus of negations with which our invitation to make complaints was met.”

Mount Somers Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society. —The usual fort nightly meeting of the above Society was held in the Mount Somers Schoolroom on Friday last. A fair number of members turned up The President occupied the chair. The matter which formed the subject of debate was “ Which is best adapted for sowing in this district, Essex, or Hunter’s white, wheat ?” Mr Harvey opened in favor of the “ Essex,” and was followed by Mr Edson, who championed “Hunter’s white.” After the subject bad been thoroughly exhausted, the opinion of the meeting was taken, the result being decidedly in favor of “ Hun ter’s white.” Although in the minority, the thanks of the members are due to Mr Harvey for the mass of information col lected by him on this subject. The evening being so far advanced, iVIr Williams’ pro mised lecture on the “ Races of Mankind” was postponed till next meeting. The members then dispersed, well pleased with their evening’s amusement. Post Office Statistics. —The report of the Post Office and Telegraph depart ments was presented to Parliament last night. It contains an enormous mass of departmental details, the chief of which have been anticipated by published tables. The letters numbered 2,733,463, being an increase of 11 per cent , and the telegrams 134,060, being an increase of 10 per cent. The introduction of “ Reply post cards” has been decided upon, and stamped en velopes, and specially-prepared registered letter-covers are also to be issued. 8,056 accounts were opened in the savings banks by the means of penny-stamp cards. The dead letters contained 177 money orders (total, L 535); 73 bank drafts (L 3,927); 108 cheques (1,161); postage stamps to value of L 8; bank notes, L 191; gold, Ll 5; silver, copper, and miscellaneous, bringing up the total to L 5,840. There were also numerous greenstone and gold earrings, pendants, lockets, etc., etc. 525 papers and 230 books, etc., were received with out addresses, of which 52 were delivered; 73 letters were posted imaddressed, and 12

letters with obscene and libellous ad dresses, 4 with previously used stamps ; 956 letters were refused.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[special to “the age.”j Bright’s Successor. London, July 25. The Daily Neu>s says that Earl Kim berley replaces Mr John Bright as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. A Big Blaze. Three thousand persons have been rendered homeless by a fire at Kad gwillow.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] Fire. Sydney, Yesterday. The Hon. John Eales’ stables, at Maitland, were destroyed by fire to day. The racehorses Roberto and Sunshine and another perished in the flames.

TELEGRAMS.

[PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Rough on Rotherhams. Wanganui, To-day. At a meeting of residents held last night a motion was passed highly condem natory of Mr Rotherhams, railway manager, for trafficing in land with em ployees. Not Over Yet ! Another heavy shock of earthquake was felt about 6.30 this morning. Another Interruption. Wellington, To-day. The telegraph authorities have received information that the Turkish route is in terrupted beyond Busreh. Deeply Interesting. Dunedin, To-day. The City Council last night decided to dispense with the services of the gas engineer, and advertise for another, at L 350.

PUBLIC MEETING.

A public meeting was held at the Town Hall last evening for the double purpose of considering the railway tariff, and also the nocessi y that exists for a separate traffic bridge over the ishburton river. Mr W. C. Walker occupied the chair.

There was a very thin attendance, about thirty persons putting in an appear ance.

In opening the proceedings the Chair man said, speaking with reference to the railway tariff question, that he was sorry to see so few present. The importance of the matter they had met to discuss de served a better attendance, more especi ally on the part of their farming friends from the country districts. Ho could hardly conceive any more important ques tion than that of the railway tariff. He looked upon it that they were all share holders in a large concern, and it was not only their business but their interest to see that that largo concern was so con ducted that all classes of the community might reap the advantages derivable there from. It was not intended that the rail ways should benefit one class alone, or that one class should pay for their main tenance. He thought that the Canter bury people were rather slow to see their own interests, and at the last general election had perhaps not been particular enough in exacting promises from their Parliamentary representatives on the sub ject of the reduction of the tariff. How ever, that night they had an opportunity of rectifying their mistake, and he trusted that what was done on that occasion would help the matter forward materially. (Applause ) Mr John Grigg then read the following resolution ;—“That the present railway charges on agricultural produce are exces sive, and that a substantial reduction should be granted.” (Applause.) In speaking to the resolution the mover said that the great point was that they should see clearly that in the fixing of the rail way rates there was a fundamental error. The railway should do everything to for ward the interest of the people. Who would for one moment contend that roads should be made to produce revenue 1 and what were the railways but roads ? The railways should, of course, pay interest on borrowed money. Five per cent, had been mentioned as a sufficient return on the lines by the head of the department, and yet despite the fact that some Can terbury lines were paying seven 'and a half per cent, interest, a heavily increased tariff was clapped on. They ought to take every constitutional means of obtain ing the redress so urgently needed. A special tax, as it were, was levied on agricultural produce, and in the face of the fact that this produce was paying a fair proportion towards the revenue of the country, it was most unfair that it should be thus specially taxed. “ Thrice armed is he who has his quarrel just,” they were told. Now he felt that their quarrel was just, but he could not say that he felt thrice armed. Indeed, he felt as if he was fighting with one arm tied behind his back. Many of the Canterbury members of Parliament, not all of them, took a very peculiar view of this tariff question. Per haps when another election took place

they would be more fortunate in securing representatives who would fight for them. At present they might almost as well be without any representatives at all. He regretted the attendance was so small, and that so few appeared to realise

the importance of the matter under discussion. He hardly hoped that much good would result from that meeting—directly, that was, although in directly it might be of much service in getting the question ventilated. He could not think that the Government could con tinue to act so unfairly as to handicap in the way it was doing the largest'producing industry in the country. They were sup posed to be Free Traders, and yet Go vernment was levying a kind of black mail upon the farmer. They could not exercise too much caution at the time of a general election in their choice of repre sentatives. It was extraordinary the paltry considerations that influenced men at such times. “Is he (the candidate) an Englishman 1” or, “ Is he an Irishman 1 ?” or, “ Is he a Scotchman 1” or, “ Is he a Good Templar 1” were the sort of ques tions which were asked, while wider issues were left to take care of themselves. Union was strength, of which they had a very good example at the present time in the House in the case of Sir George Grey, who, with a following of about a dozen men, was able to do so much. He merely instanced this to show the value of com bination, and had no doubt that if the Canterbury members had only combined to such good purpose as the supporters of Sir George Grey they would have effected the desired reform in connection with the railway tariff long ago. (Applause.) Having touched upon the unfairness of the Middle Island lines being called upon to make good the deficiencies caused by the non-payable nature of the North Island railways, Mr Grigg sat down amidst applause. Mr Purnell was sure that the small at-

tendance did not indicate any want of in terest in the question on the part of the farmers, who, as a body, were, he was sure, keenly alive to the importance of a reduction in the railway tariff being ef fected. The revenue derivable from the Middle Island lines was more than double that produced by those of the North Island, as was shown by the Public Works Statement, which had just been brought down. [The speaker here read an ex tract from the Statement in support of his as’ertion.] There was not the faintest probability of the North Island lines pay ing for the next quarter of a century. So far from making any proposal to remedy the unpayable nature of the North Island railways the Minister of Public Works actually proposed to borrow more money for railway construction there. The line from Lyttelton to Oamaru paid per cent. Now so soon as a railway in any district paid the cost of its construe tion the tariff upon it ought to be lowered. As the most important class of producers in the colony the farmers ought to receive every possible encouragement instead of being taxed to pay for unremunerative lines elsewhere. He was quite sure that if the Canterbury members would only work together they would obtain redress for the farmer; and why they did not so work together was quite incomprehensible to him. He did trust that the farmers in the district would not fail to agitate for the differential rates. So long as the uni form teriff existed so long would the evil complained of continue. The resolution was carried unani mously. Mr C. P. Cox said he held a petition in his hand on the subject, which would speak for itself. The petition read as follows:—“ To the Hon. the Speaker and the Members of the House of Represen tatives in Parliament assembled.—The ratepayers of the County of Ashburton beg most respectfully to bring under the notice of your Honorable House the high rates charged on the railways of the colony for the carriage of farm produce. Wo venture to ask for a substantial reduction of the railway charges, as we feel assured that every principle of sound policy will urge the Legislature of tho colony to treat the agricultural pro ducers at least as favorably as, in the present railway tariff, other local in dustries, such as the production of coal and timber, are treated. We would sub mit that the farmers of this colony, in having to meet tho competition of other and older settled parts of the world, where railway freights are low, can with justice ask for as reasonable a tariff of charges as are possible with due regard on he other hand to the intrest accruing on he capital cost of the railways aad the

specific cost of the services rendered Furthermore, we would urgs that it is from the increasing quantity of agricul tural produce carried by the railways that the present high percentage of profit has been earned ; but that if no greater in ducement to production is given by a lower tariff, much second-class land in the colony, and more remote from the shipping porta, very probably may not be cultivated as they might have been, to the serious loss of the colony. We would urge also, that a general lowering of the tariff would result in a general increase of profit from the larger amount of business done by the railways; it being well-known that in many classes of produce, especially live stock, roads and rivers at present compete successfully with the railways, which thereby lose traffic which ought to come to them. We therefore pray that your Honorable House will take into favorable consideration this humble peti tion, and your petitioners will ever pray.” Mr Cox moved—“ That the petition read be adopted for presentation to Parlia ment, and the chairman be authorised to sign the same on behalf of the meeting.” Mr Cox, in speaking to his motion, said one fact in connection with the question before them would occur to them all, and that was the success which had attended the running of the Exhibition excursion trains to Christchurch. Those trains were run at reduced fares, and he thought that when the returns were in it would be seen how much more money had been earned in proportion by those trains than by the ordinary trains. After alluding to the possibilities opened up by the prospect of an extensive trade being established ere long in frozen meat, and the necessity, if only on that account, of the concession asked for being granted, the speaker went on to point out that New Zealand was at tracting many farmers just now to come out and settle in this country, which was a still further reason why the Railway Department should reform its tariff. A gentleman who lately went Home from New Zealand was so besieged by farmers asking for information respecting the colony that he had to reply to over 100 letters a week, while Mr Grant, of Grant and Foster, had been instrumental in sending no less than 800 farmers to this country since his return Home. (Ap plause. ) Mr Cox’s motion was seconded by Mr Stitt, and carried unanimously. Mr Thomas Bullock then moved— “ That the member for Ashburton be re quested to present the petition, and the member for Wakanui be requested to support the same, and a copy be sent to all the Canterbury members of Parlia ment.” Mr Bullock said ho thought it had been conclusively shown by previous speakers that they were asking for no thing but what was fair. The matter had been brought up years ago, but they had had not yet been able to obtain redress for the grievance. He might mention 1 that all store sheep were now driven by 1 road, the railway charges being simply 1 prohibitive. This was a great loss to the 1 country—a great loss to the district. In 1 the years 1870-71, no idea was enter tained that the railways would pay the cost of their construction. They were simply to open up the country, and that 1 was all that was looked for. On the non paying lines fewer trains should be run. Even in the Middle Island, on some of the 1 northern lines and in certain places in 1 Otago fewer trains might be run with ad vantage, and were this done the tariff 1 could be more easily lowered on the pay ' ing lines. The farmers were the back -1 bone of the colony, and he hoped that the ; Canterbury members would combine and do their duty in this matter. Tlie resolution was carried unani mously. The Chairman said the next thing they had to consider was the question of a traffic bridge over the Ashburton river. This matter it had been decided to discuss at that meeting, by his Worship the Mayor, who thought the opportunity a a good one. The Mayor having thanked Mr Walker for so readily falling in with his views with reference to the discussion of the bridge question, proposed the following resolution:—“That the Government be re quested to place a sufficient sum on the estimates for the construction of a traffic bridge over the Ashburton river in con tinuation of the Great South road.” His Worship remarked that they were all aware of the necessity that existed for a separate traffic bridge across the river, and had all probably seen Mr E. G. Wright’s letter addressed to the Minister of Public Works upon the subject. [The letter was published in The Guardian-, of the 10th inst.] One could hardly cross the bridge without encountering six or seven vehicles, and the walk was not a little dangerous unless the horses happened to bo very quiet. It had been estimated by one gentleman that 1,200 persons had passed over the bridge on a certain mar ket day. Sheep could hardly get across at all, and indeed, a flock rarely crossed without a few of them falling over into the river bed. Then there was the loss of time occasioned bj the constant shutting of the bridge. Reckoning that the gates were closed eight times day, and that twelve vehicles were stopped for fifteen minutes each, that was two hours, or twenty-four hours a day in all—which, at 2s an hour, gave 48s per day as the loss to the .district. (Applause.) The town and its immediate neighborhood contained a population of 3,000 persons, who were constantly coming and going across the bridge, and a serious accident would cer tainly one day occur. No doubt after a few such accidents had occurred the separate bridge would bo built. There was no doubt that the want of it was re tarding the prosperity of the district very considerably. The resolution was carried with perfect unanimity, and after the usual vote of thanks to the chair the meeting dispersed, j

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

Tuesday, July 25, FIRST READING. The Private Tramways -Bill (Mr Hart) was read a first time. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions it was stated that the Government were paying towards the education of Taiaroa’s children the sum of L 25 a year, half the education fees for one of his boys.—Government had the case of the convict Longhurst under considera tion, but the Government could of course take no action while the matter was under enquiry by the courts of law.—A patient, not a lunatic, had been lately released from the Dunedin Asylum, his friends supplying him with means to go to Eng land. AFFIRMATION AND OATHS. Sir J. Whitmore moved the second reading of the Affirmation in Lieu of Oaths Extension Bill (Sit G. Grey). The Hon. Mr Whitaker moved that the Bill be thrown out, as it was wholly un necessary, seeing that a more compre hensive measure on the same subject had been passed by the Government through the Council, and was now before the House. The Bill was thrown out by twenty voles to eight. MINING COMPANIES ACT. The Mining Companies Act, 1872, Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The Council rose at a quarter to 4.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 25. The House met at 7-30 p.m. affirmations and oaths. Sir G. Grey gave notice of a Bill that

affirmations be made in all cases in lien of oaths. THE PLATELAYERS’ WAGES. In reply to Mr Petrie, the Hon. Ml* Johnston said that he had communicated with the various local bodies as to the rate of wages paid their workmen, and he was now prepared to make the advance to the railway platelayers as recommended by the motion of the member for Wai pawa. THE PROPOSED LOAN. On the motion for going into committee of supply, Mr Moss asked if the Government would give them an opportunity for ex pressing their opinion, apart from party considerations, as to the propriety or otherwise of fresh loans being contracted. Ihe Hon. Major Atkinson would be glad to afford an opportunity to have the matter discussed, and said that the op portunity would be given to-morrow on the motion for going into supply. As respected the question of party, if the discussion resulted in a disarrangement of the Government financial proposals it would of course be incumbent for the Go vernment to consider its position. IMPREST SUPPLY. An Imprest Supply Bill for L 250,000 was introduced by a message from the Administrator of the Government, ahd passed through all its stages. IN COMMITTEE OP SUPPLY. Class 11—Colonial Secretary’s depart ment, L 24,880. The vote as printed passed. Vote—Miscellaneous services, L 26,724. Mr Montgomery moved that the item L 1,600 for the purchase of land adjoining ministerial residence on the Tinakori . road, Wellington, be struck out. Mr Wright moved that the item L2OO for compilation of the Maori history be struck out. Mr DeLautour moved that the item LBOO expenses under the Revision of Statutes Act, 1879, be reduced L4OO. Subsequently, however, he withdrew the > amendment. 1 Mr Wright then withdrew his former I amendment, and proposed that the item < for the Maori history be reduced by * LIOO. > The item L2OO for the compilation of - the Maori history was retained ; the item L 1,600 for the purchase of land at Wel f lington was struck out; the vote as re duced to L 25,124 passed. Class 13—Minister of Lands vote, Crown • Lands Departments, L 20,967. The vote 3 passed as printed. > Miscellaneous, L 10,668. Passed as } printed. Coalfields, L 225. The vote passed with t out alteration. s Survey Department, L 111,948. Passed ■ without alteration. 1 Minister of Mines, LIO,OOQ. Passed as i printed. b Colonial Treasurer’s Department, i L 8,047. Passed as printed. Y Progress was reported, and the House Y rose at 1.55 a.m.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 18. Inspector Dawall, of Scotland Yard, waj examined by the Police Commission. He described the organisation of the Lon don force. Inspector Kobet recommended that the detective force be placed under one head. A new evening newspaper, called the Telephone, the organ of the Trades Unions, has been established at Ballarat. Richard Gibson, of Carbisto, purchased two Ayrshire cows from the Duka of Bug clench's herd at a cost of LSOO. Mr Nicholson, the late Acting Chief Commissioner, was examined by the Police Commission, and recommended that the force be managed by a Board, consist ing of the Chief Commissioner and two assistants. The tenders have been accepted of the Phoenix Foundry Company, Ballarat, for locomotives, costing L 173,000, L 33,000 above the English tenders. Opposition was manifested when the subject of send ing the order to England was broached. Sydney, July 20. The Cabinet considered the question of defence of Sydney, and resolved that the earthworks recommended by Colonel Scratchley and other officers be carried out immediately. The requisite ammuni tion for a case of emergency has been ordered forthwith.

At a meeting at Punch’s Hotel steps for the formation of a Volunteer Naval Artil lery Corps were taken. Captain, Salter was chairman, and thirty were present. It was decided to request the Mayor to call a public meeting. A pommitte was formed, A silversmith has been instructed by the Marine Benefit Society to make a model immigrant ship for presentation to Pllmsoll in recognition of his devotion to the interests of seamen. Plimsoll shortly visits Sydney. The report of the chief engineer of the Nelson on the comparative merits of the Kamo (New Zealand) coal and Newcastle coal was in favor of the Kamo by seven to five.

THE WAR IN EGYPT.

[by cable. [special TO “ THE AGE.”] London, July 25, 6 a.m. A skirmish, lasting half-an-hour, has taken place between the British advanced troops and a party of Arabi’s force. The English lost none, and the casualties on the side of Arabi were slight, -but sixty prisoners were taken. There are 30,000 rebels assembled at Ramleh. The total of Arabi’s force is estimated at 100,000, but they are mostly rabble. The Christians have been massacred at Smyrna.

WRECK OP A BARQUE.

[by telegraph.J New Plymouth, To-day. The barque Australind went ashore half a mile north of the breakwater this morning. The vessel is from Wellington with a cargo of cement. She is in command of Captain Hill, and is owned by Captain Williams, the well known coal merchant of Wellington. She is believed to have become a total wreck. The insurance amounts to about The officers are not yet known. Later. A heavy northeasterly gale set in last night, which gradually strengthened. The barque Australind, which had brought cement for the harbor works, parted her cable, and ran ashore near the spot where Rees’ jetty runs out Were she not an old vessel there would be a chance of saving her, as she is on a soft bottom, and the wind is going round to the west, but as it is she has been much strained, and is lying in a hopeless condition. The captain and crew were all saved. The Australind was an American built wooden vessel of 520 tons register, about 18 years old, and owned by Captain Williamis, of Wellington. She brought 2,000 barrels of cement here, of which 1,500 had been landed. On the vessel coming ashore Captain Hall

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 1882.



Government publications. District Court Rules, Land Transfer Handy-Book and Acts, Joint Stock Com panies Acts, &c., on Sale at Office of this Paper EO R Is READY MONEY. 450 yards Black Patent Velvet, usual price, 5s 6d, now selling at 2s 9d, at 8. W. Alcorn’s Surplus Sale. 175 Ladies’ Velvet Hats, Satin-lined, now selling at Is, at S. W. Alcorn’s Sur plus Sale. 240 L a dies’ and Children’s Black Straw Hats, now selling at Is and Is 6d, at S. W. ALCORN’S CHEAP SALE, O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair • • Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET ASHBURTON. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, stationers &c., iI East street South, Ashburton, Have on Sale ACCOUNT BOOKS (Day- Books,- Ledgers, Cash Books etc.), SCHOOL BOOKS, and STATIONERY, at Very Low Prices. School Committees Supplied; Hymn and Prayer Books, ScRSpB (a beautiful assortment), Fancy Goods; etc.



CIRCULATING LIBRARY.



RBfiHSTRY OFFICE for Male and Fen Stall SERVANTS. 334 e gUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, Begs to invite his friends to inspect his urge stockof New and Second-hand Fur niture, consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers BoMriOases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables Wash Stands Wood:and Iron Bedsteads Cots, Cradles Perambulators And everything required in household urnishing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for all kinds of repairs. Furniture bought, and high prices given. Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly payments : JOHN MEECH, Bl SKETT STBEB Opposite the Mail Office. Matchmakers I M fiQ ijpWEUERS, ft ft ICHjfZ CH-CH. I The Celebrated American .Waltham Watchesjin sterling hunting oases, from £3los. N.B.—None genuine unless en graved Mass.” on movement. Rotherham's Celebrated English Levers, from £*UO£ All Wktthfe* Timed, and Qnarai&id Two T«HR, j; . Ovio "•



Wanted WANTED —A good General SER VANT for Reefton, West Coast. Wages £1 a week. Apply, Office of this Paper. j 125 WANTED KNOWN—LAST WEEK. The American Gem Studio will CLOSE on SATURDAY, 29th inst. Por traits Is per dozen. Opposite the Mail office. jl 17 WANTED KNOWN—That the beat place to get Short Firewood and the best Coals (delivered) is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street. 6b9e ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. ANTED Known—The late Proprie tress of the A 1 Restaurant has Removed to those new and commodious premises of Mr Quill’s, Wills street, now called the London Dining Rooms, ad joining Elz Bros., Coach Builders, and to cope with dull times she is now offering BOARD and LODGING at IBs per week ; BOARD only, 13a. Meals at 760 c all hours. 653



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. AAA TO LEND, in sums of £oo,ooo £3 0 o And upwards, on the security of Freehold Property, at Lowest Current Rates. ADVANCES to FARMERS are also made on Growing CROPS of Grain ; and also on Growing Clips of WOOL. Seed Wheat, Oats, and Barley supplied to farmers on most favorable terms. They have For Sale at Lowest Rates— FEED OATS CHICK WHEAT FLOUR, BRAN. & SHARPS CEMENT. WILLIAM HORNE, Blße Agent. PIANOS. —Wanted Seen, two DRES DEN MODELS, good as new, con siderably UNDER COST. H. J. Weeks’ Music Depot, Tancred street. LANDED, —Wanted Known, having cleared out a number of Pianos 1 lately, new Pianos and Organs Just I Landed. H. J. Weeks’ Music Depot. EXHIBITION. Wanted Musical public to know that v ery fine Piano and American Organ have been purchased from the Exhibition. Open to-morrow. H. J. Weeks, Music Seller.



The best value for ready MONEY is THE MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured BY THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which can be purchased at their Retail Branches all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of discerning customers testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments aro the very best for READY MONEY. Ashburton Branch: EAST STREET. W. SPARROW, Manager. 692 c Law AND COMMERCIAL STATIONERY. Foolscap (excellent quality), Is per quire. Fine Thick Note Paper, 4d ~ ~ Good Strong Envelopes 3d per packet. Considerably Reduced rates for larger orders. Ledgers, Journals, Cash, Day, and Minute Books ; Counter Day Books, in various bindings and sizes. A Choice Selection of Books by various Authors, Hymn and Prayer Books in great variety. Toys and Fancy Goods—too numerous to particularise. Selling at prices so greatly reduced that cannot fail to give unquali fied satisfaction. R. REVAN, Stationer and Bookseller, Saunders' Buildings. Observe-NEXT QUILL’S HOTEL j!22



BOOTS. WINTER BOOTS. 0. HAWKINS, Bootmaker, East street, Ashburton, and Tinwald, has just received a large assortment of Strong and Useful Boots for this season of the year, which he is selling at Christchurch prices. 998 e A 0C 0 U N T BOOKS— Various Sizes and Descriptions. s HOOL BOOKS And Requisites. O T E ' P A P E R, Various Sizes and Qualities. I FOOLSCAP AND ACCOUNT SALES ’ PAPER. Envelopes, Business, Official, and Fancy. SLATES, INKS, PENCILS, PENS, &c., &c. T OYS, FANCY GOODS, CREWEL WOOLS. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, ORGANS AND MUSIC. JEL M. Jones, EAST STREET & BARING SQUARE. IPS' Bookbinding Executed in All Branches. rp AK E NOTICE. Everett Brothers Are still in Ashburton, and are SELLING AS CHEAP AS EVER. Special : CALICOES FLANNELS WIFCEYS, and DRESS STUFFS. Bargains in LADIES’ ULSTERS, COSTUMES, and WINTER SKIRTS. We have still a Large Stock of MEN’S SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, &c Note the address ; EVERETT BROS., Havelock street, Next Harrison’s Auction Rooms.



Tho Buko and Duchess of Norfolk have returned from the miracle working springs of Lourdes. The journey was made in the hope that Oar Lady of the famous shrine would relieve the dreadful affliction of blindness from their infant son and heir. Contracts were signed at Paris between Baron Reirach, member of the Canadian and Pacific Syndicate, and Charles Decascs of Winnipeg, agent for tho above com pany. The society will select 2,000,000 acres of land in the neighborhood of the Canadian railway line, and expect to establish thereon 160 tp 200 fa niiies a year, till tho whole be colonised.