SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON, Arrived. Yesterday. Linda Weber, brigantine, from Napier. To-day. Botomabana, s.s., from Port Chalmers, Hawea, s.s., from Wellington. Wakatipu, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed. Yesterday. Hannah Barratt, schooner, for Welling ton, via Kaikoura. Go-Ahead, s.s., for Port Robinson. Clia, schooner, for Waitapu. SHIPPING. TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Uavvea, from Picton and Nel son ; Waitaki, from the South. Sailed —Sarah Pile, brigantine, for Kaioara; Neptune, for Oamaru. Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Albion, from Wellington. .1 Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Pontonaye, from London ; Ttotomahana, from Auckland. Bluff, Yesterday. Sailed—New Zealand Shipping Com pany’s, Arabella for Falmouth.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Thursday Afternoon. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. report for their fortnightly sale of slock at the Ashburton yards as follows: -The entry of sheep was again pretty numerous, and the sale opened rather dull but improved as the sale went on, and most of the lots were cleared at satisfactory prices. Our entries comprised 2,227 sheep and 31 head of cattle, which we sold at the following prices:—192 well-wooled crossbred fat sheep at 15s, 14s sd, aud 14s 3 1; 160 cross bred four-tooth wethers, 12s 9 I and 13s; 415 merino wethers, in forward condition, 8s gd; 300 crossbred iwo-tooth wethers, 12s 3d; 100 merino wethers, 4s; 350 merino wethers, 7s and 7s id; 400 mixed ewes and wethers, 5 s 9'l - - Fat store sold from L 5 17s 6d to L 6 ss, and L 9 IDS for first-class. Stores were again Very chea a, good two-year-olds only fetching L 3 5s to L 3 7s 6d. Calves—2os, 255, and 27s fid. —————

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : ' For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a. m., and sp. m., daily. For Chertsey Ilakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.tn. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin,Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Ojldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., aily. For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Grqenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a. m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, it 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes tjays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New- Und, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a,m. Mail« arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 *.m., 4.40 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, Ac. at 10.25 a.m. and 4.40 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.50 a. m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.16 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and 'Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long heachat 10 a.m. daily. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W, St. G. Dougias, Postmaster

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES | Saturday, June 24. Mr T. Bullock, at the Bazaar—Horses; 1.30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Rooms— Household Furniture, &c.; 12 o’clock. Saturday, July J. Mr. T. Bullock, at his rooms, East street —Landed Property ; 1 o’clock. Tuesday, July 4. Mataon/Gox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards —Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o Monday, June 26. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Friday, June 30. Bazaar, Tea, and Concert, at Methven. Tuesday, July 4. »shburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, Judy 5. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Thursday, Judy 6. Wakanui Road Board —-Monthly Meeting, Road Board Office, Moore street

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Irains Leave Ashburton fob Christ ■■ church and intermediate stationsat7.lo a.m., ll a.m., and (Express)s.4o p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timabu and South, at 6.60 am., 10.32 a.m. (Express),and 443 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. bains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 20 a.m. (Express), 4.35p.m., and 7.50 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from . Timaru and South at 10.45 a.m., 6.28 p.m. (Express), and 8.10 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas, et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1882. Teaching Prisoners Trades.

TOWN EDITION.

[lssued at 4.40 p.m. j

Mr Hutchison presented a monster petition to Parliament on Tuesday afternoon. The document was twenty five feet long with four columns of signatures on each sheet, comprising in all many thousands of names of arti zans and others, dwellers in the Middle Island, who took this forcible means of bringing under the notice of our legis lators, at Wellington, their protest against the teaching of trades to pris oners in gaols. The petition set forth : “ That the system of teaching skilled trades in the gaols of the colony com petes against and lessens the demand for free labor, and, besides, reduces the social status of a large section of the people of the colony. The following reasons are adduced in support there of, namely:—(l) That universal de pression has been augmented by the system. (2) That unskilled criminals, by being taught trades, and thereby placed on an equality with free artisans, benefit to a considerable extent. Your petitioners therefore submit that the system proves incentive to crime rather than deterrent. (3) That under the system a felon gains by imprisonment that for which a free artisan pays a

premium. (4) That making gaols self supporting under the system will eventually compel a number of artisans (taxpayers) to leave the colony, and that their share of taxation will fall on those that remain. Therefore there can be no real saving. (5) That from the ranks of the artisans men in the colony and elsewhere have risen to eminence, and that these, together with the present artisans, will suffer degra dation if the system is permitted to branch out over a large sphere. (6) That if the system is continued appren tices will be associated with hardened criminals, and that such association will naturally have an unsatisfactory influence upon apprentices. Your petitioners would respectfully submit that the system is unjust, as it is antagonistic to the free artisan, who contributes to the State through the Customs and other channels. Your petitioners desire to draw attention to the fact that the system complained of is being strongly agitated against in America, and that the question will come before Congress at an early date. Your petitioners, in consideration of the foregoing, ask that your honorable House will afford such relief as to it will seem meet.” What Parliament will do in the matter remains to be seen, but, in truth, it is called upon to decide in this question a most difficult problem. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, it is a hard ship—and a very great hardship—that the gaol bird should be fitted to com pete against the honest man, and should as the result and reward for his dishonesty be placed on an equality as a bread-winner with the man who has never broken thej laws of his country, and whose acquaintance with the pur suit he follows for a living has been purchased by years of hard and honest toil. And yet what is to become of Mr Bill Sykes if he is to be debarred from learning something which shall enable him, if so willed, to earn his bread in a reputable manner ? What hope can there possibly be of his re form so long as he is precluded from acquiring in the only place he is ever likely to acquire— i.e., in gaol—a knowledge of a trade or handicraft which shall enable him to support him self by other means than “ cracking cribs ” or filching gold watches from unsuspecting old gentlemen ? There are two sides to every question, but both sides of this particular question are entitled to so much careful con sideration that it will take a good deal of discrimination to enable the Govern ment to deal with it in a satisfactory manner. It will be interesting to watch how they will get out of the dilemma.

School Committee Elections.

Some time ago we took occasion to point out a few of the glaring anomalies of that most unsatisfactory piece of legislation—the Education Act ; draw ing particular attention to the method at present in force, by which School Committees are elected. The subject has within the last few months been very fully ventilated, and now en gages the attention of Parliament, a Bill having been prepared by Mr Steward, under the title of “ The School Committees Election Act, 1882.” The measure, if it becomes law (as it is to be hoped will be the case), will com pletely upset the present pernicious system of “ cumulative voting.” Writ ten nominations of persons eligible for election to School Committees are to be lodged with Chairmen of Committees not later than December sth of every year, and immediately afterwards a list of the nominations are to be displayed conspicuously on the outer door of the main entrance of every schoolhouse within the school district, and be also published once in one newspaper having general circulation in the school district concerned. On the 20th of each De cember, the annual householders’ meet ings are to be held, when, provided that only the requisite number of can didates have been nominated, they are to be at once declared duly elected. But this is the clause that will bother the cumulative voters :—“ If more than seven persons shall have been nomin ated, a ballot shall be taken, and' the seven persons who shall receive the largest number of votes shall be the School Committee for the ensuing year. Provided always that no person may vote for more than seven candidates, nor record more than one vote for any one candidate.” A member absent from Committee meetings for three months is to forfeit his seat. These are the principal features of the mea sure framed for the reform of a system notoriously in need of reform. [Since the above was in type we learn by wire that the School Committees Electoral Bill has passed its second reading.]

The Courthouse. —The Courthouse re serve has just been dug up, preparatory to being re-sown with grass. A double row of trees is also to be planted right round the Courthouse, we understand, and the footpaths leading up to it are to beriieatly asphalted. Inside the building, carpet is being laid down all over the floor, even the space devoted to the public being covered with drugget. This will be an immense improvement. The noise of persons walking about the building on Court days has been very trying on many occasions to Bench, bar, and reporters. The Courthouse fire is to be lit every Court day during the winter months, we understand. Wrestling. —From Dunedin we learn that the money has been staked for a wrestling match between Slade, of Timaru, and Professor Miller, of Mace and Miller. The amount is LSO, and the match will take on Saturday night at the Princess Theatre, Dunedin. The contest will bo worth seeing. Slade is a half caste Maori, a man standing over six feet in height, and of splendid physique. He has distinguished himself at more than one annual gathering of the South Can terbury Caledonian Society at Timaru, and few amateurs care to tackle Slade. Miller, of Jem Mace's troupe, is a perfect Hercules, his muscular development hav ing excited the curiosity and surprise of the medical faculty of Christchurch when the troupe were performing in the latter city. One of Miller’s feats of strength is to raise with one hand a monster dumb bell weighing 186 pounds, and hold it above his head. When the company were in Timaru Slade was the only man who dared accept tho invitation of the terrible Miller to wrestle, and when he did so he was disposed of with about as much ease as a schoolmaster would dispose of a re fractory small boy. Mace applauded Slade’s pluck, and told him ho was the only man who had dared to face Miller since the company left Australia. Slade expressed his desire to have “another buck ” at his powerful opponent—with the result already announced.

Police. —At the Police Court this morning, John Heard, previously con victed of the same offence, was fined 20s by MrC. P. Cox, J.P., for drunkenness.

Personal.— Mr E. G. Wright, M. S.R. for Ashburton, returned to Wellington to-day by the s.s, Wakatipu.—Dr Giles and Mr Whitefoord, the Royal Commis sioners appointed to inquire into the management of the Benevolent Institution at Dunedin, went south by the express this morning.

The Missing Man Anderson. Our Methven correspondent writes us that up to five o’clock yesterday evening Mr An derson was still missing. He says:— “ Over fifty men must have been scouring the river, gullies, and bush all day in the drenching nor’-west showers, and a most deplorable appearance the bulk of them ■wore on their return, drenched to the skin, faces and hands scratched all over from the thick scrub, and the lower part of their clothes torn into ribbons. The gravest fears are now entertained respect in" the poor fellow, as the north branch of the Ashburton river, where Anderson and Grant were camped, is in very heavy fresh.”

Christchurch Offences. —At Christ church, yesterday, George Hall was brought up on remand charged with having indecently assaulted a little girl aged ten years, atSpreydon on June 19th. The accused was committed for trial at the next sessions of the Supreme Court at Christchurch. A man named Matheson was charged with assaulting a lady named Elizabeth Kinly. Matheson, who is a seafaring man, met the lady on board the 1.20 train to Port. Complainant deposed that the train was just entering the tun nel, when defendant, after some prelimin ary talk, made an improper proposal to her. Witness testified to the language used by the defendant. The case was ad journed for a Week ; in the meantime a warrant to be issued for defendant’s arrest.

Floods in the South. —A Dunedin telegram under yesterday’s date states ! “ The Balclutha river is in high flood, and in many places is overflowing its banks. The lower reserve and the adjacent flats are almost wholly covered. The old post office, now the Borough Chambers, is surrounded with water, which is running along the street now, but there is no water in the houses yet. The river is rising s’owly, and the temporary railway embankment reserve has given way in several places. But for the protective works, a large portion of the town would have been flooded. No damage and no danger are anticipated. The height of the river has been about stationary since two o’clock, and it is expected that it will gradually subside. The township of Stir ling is pretty much flooded. The water has run into some buildings, but there has been no damage done. Lake Wakatipu is also much flooded, as well as the Clutha river.”

River Road, Wakanui. Owing to the heavy flood on Tuesday night and the Ashburton overflowing its banks, this road for a short time was knee deep in water. The river overflowed about three-quarters of a mile below the junction of the River and Beach roads at the place where protective works were made last year by the Wakanui Road Board. The groins put in by the Board have withstood the enormous body of water that was coming down very well, and have no doubt saved the road from being washed away. As to make good work here would entail a considerable ex pense, we should think the appointment of a Board of Conservators would be very suitable. The appropriation of part of the funds set aside by the County Council for a plantation, would bo well spent in plant ing willows along the banks of the river, thus saving the striking of rates for pur poses of this kind in future years. Invercargill Supreme Court. —This Court opened yesterday before his Honor Judge Williams. True bills were found in every case. The charge against Cor nelius Hagan, of larceny of growing timber, was abandoned. William Neilson, larceny of a watch, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month’s imprison ment in consideration of his having been in custody for four months. John Wood row, charged with aggravated assault,

was convicted and sentenced to one day’s imprisonment on the representations of the jury. His Honor expressed the opinion that the case should have been summarily disposed of. Alfred Harper, late seaman of the Kingdom of Sweeden, was convicted of stabbing Jacob Stern man at the Bluff; sentence deferred. Thomas Sims was found “ Not guilty ” of taking with violence a watch from the person of William Maun at East Gore. The charges of forgery and uttering against Stephen Walsh were sustained, but sentence was deferred. The Grand Jury sat all day, and on concluding their labors made a presentment with reference to the case of Tait, the railway clerk, charged with embezzling public funds. They expressed the opinion that there is great looseness in the manner of conduct ing the business of the railways, which to some extent was an encouragement to commit crime. The system of audit seemed also very imperfect. In this case there had been no proper audit for over twelve mouths, although a mere examina tion of the books without record had been made in November last. They also sidered that the department was offe

an incentive to crime by paying an officer, through whom some L2OOO a month was passing, a salary of LUO per year. Also that there should be local supervision over the accounts made up by the clerks of the department.

Political Gossip —“ Prom what I can learn (says the special correspondent of the Press, telegraphing yesterday evening) there is no chance of the Public Works Statement being made next Tuesday as expected, nor, I believe, will it be de livered next week at all. It is early in the financial year for a Public Works Statement to be made, and there are vari ous reports always included in it which take considerable time to prepare. Some of these are not, I believe, quite ready, and the proposals of the Government re specting a new loan will render the com pilation of the Public Works Statement a task of unusual difficulty and responsi bility this year. Mr Steward’s Coronets Act Amendment Bill provides that a publican shall not bo required to receive a dead body for an inquest if there be an hospital within two miles, and that the dead house at the hospital bo the public morgue. Provided always that wherever practicable, the inquest on such dead body shall be held at the nearest Court house, and shall in no case be held within the hospital buildings except with the sanction of the house surgeon of the hospital. Mr Steward’s Dog .Registration Amendment Bill provides that a dog regis tration fee shall bo fixed bv the local authorities at not less than 5s or more than 10s. Provided that when dogs are kept for tho sole purpose for management of live stock, or for tho destruction of rabbits, it shall be lawful to reduce the fee for the registration of any dog to such sum, not being less than Is, as tho Coun cil or Board may determine. Tho penalty for a false declaration to this effect is L2O, or one month. The goldfields’ members are very resolute in their determination to enforce the decision of the Honso that the gold duly should be abolished, and threaten to oppose Ministers unless the latter agree to it. I hear the Governor’s departure is now finally fixed for Friday morning. The various members who have drawn up schemes for the amend ment of the licensing Act have met in committee, and agreed to an elaborate schedule embodying most of these pro posed amendments, which Mr Weston has given notice to move in committee on Mr Pick’s Amendment Bill.”

Evangelistic Service.—An evange listic service is announced to take place at the Town Mall to-night, commencing at 7 30 o’clock

Wakanui Road "District.—A meeting of ratepayers in the above district was held at the Road Board c >ttage, near Wa kanui School at noon to-day for the pur pose of electing a member to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Hugo Friedlanier. There were five electors present. The Returning Officer read the advertisement stating the purpose for which the meeting had been called. Mr Samuel Wright then proposed Mr Thomas Walsh as a fit and proper person to represent the district on the Board. The motion was seconded by Mr William Cockle, and there being no other candi dates proposed, the Returning Officer de clared Mr Thomas Walsh duly elected a member of the Wakartuißoad Board. Mf Walsh briefly returned thanks, and the proceedings terminated.

Football. —The A.F.C. had a very en joyable game on the Domain ground last evening. About eighteen players rolled up, and sides were chosen by Messrs Brett and J. Fooks. After an hour’s hard play the game resulted in the defeat of Mr Brett’s side by one goal and two tries to one try. We understand the commit tee have finally selected the following to play against East Christchurch on Satur day next: —Brett, Fish, Fooks, A. (cap tain), Evans, Hussey, Fooks, J., Lechner, Winter, Fajks, E., Hugonin, Pauling, Hart, Groves, Church, and Hunt. Emer gencies: Hepburn, Hutchison, and Wood. All who can are requested to turn up to morrow (Friday) evening for practice. The following are the Christchurch fifteen: —Atack, Blanchard, Do Castro, Fisher, Fuller, Hinge, Kesteven (captain), A. Mountfort, Pringle, Ross, Roberts, Shand, Winter, Wright, Woledge. Play is to commence at 2.30 sharp.

“Struck Oil.” —Wo are pleased to learn that Mr Fred. Mayo, of this town, who recently went to the Woodstock rush, has “struck oil.” Mr Mayo is one of a party of six who have been hard at work for several weeks past in sinking. On the ni"ht of the Ist inst. Mr Mayo went down the shaft to take his spell, and almost im mediately came upon gold. The glad tidings spread with great rapidity, and soon men were busy pegging off claims as close to Mayo and party’s ground as possible. The prospects were at first quite dazzling, but subsequent in spection proved the claim to be not quite so rich as was at first imagined. How ever, Mr Mayo says there is enough gold to keep the party in capital wages for some months to come. The gold is of a pale, flaky kind. The excitement when Mr Mayo first announced the find was very great, as the party had been laughed at by some of the old hands, and told their claim was “ a duffer.” The Wallace Election Personation Case. —The following were his Honor Judge Williams’ words to the Grand Jury at the opening of the Invercargill Supreme Court yesterday, in reference to the above personation case. The remarks formed part of his Honor’s charge ; —“ The Regis trar received a claim from one Booth, who is accused under 28th section of the Cor rupt Practices Act of sending in a claim to vote in the form prescribed without having authority to do so. This claim purports to be signed by a voter, and is attested by Theophilus Daniel, another of the accused. It appears from the depo sitions that the name affixed to the claim to enrolment was signed, not by the per son named on it but by Booth, and the deposition of the person whose name appears on the claim shows that he never authorised his signature to be affixed, in writing or otherwise. Booth, who signed the claim in question, is accused of having done so without written authority, and Daniel, who attested the signature, is accused of having aided and abetted Booth in so doing. This being a misde meanor, the person aiding and abetting is treated and may be indicted as a principal offender. I am unaware of the mode in which the indictment in the present case against Theophilus Daniel is framed. If, however, it • treats him as a principal offender—that is, if it charges him with having sent in a claim without written authority, and the evidence shows, not that he sent it in himself, but that he aided and abetted Booth in sending it in, it will be your duty to find a true bill.” The case will be taken on Friday.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[PER. REUTER’S AGENCY.] The Australian Cricketers. London, June 20. The cricket match between the Aus tralian team and an eleven of Yorkshire was continued at Sheffield to-day. The weather during the day was fine, and the number of spectators on the ground was again enormous. The Australians, who had lost four wickets for 94 runs at the close of yesterday’s play, re sumed their first innings, and were all disposed of for a total of 148, of which Murdoch, who was given out 1.b.w., con tributed 97. The bowling of the Eng lishmen was dead on the wicket and their fielding excellent. The home team, in their second innings, suc ceeded in putting together 153. The highest scorers were, Ulyett, 30, Lock wood, 22, and Emmett 25. The Aus tralians then went in for their second innings, requiring 98 runs to win the match, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had scored 25 with out the loss of a wicket. The score of 38 in the first innings of the Yorkshire men was made by G. Ulyett, and not as previously stated by J. Phillips. The Egyptian Conference.

In the House of Commons to-day, Sir Charles Dilke, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in reply to a question, stated that the Conference of Ambassa dors of European Powers, to consider the position of affairs in Egypt, will hold its first sitting at Stamboul on Thursday, 22nd inst. Sir Charles added that no representative of Turkey would he present at the conference. “ The Sportsman’s ’’ Cup. The sculling race for the “ Sports man’s ” Cup took place to-day on the Thames. The competitors were Lar gan, Pearce, and Laycock. The race resulted in the victory of Largan, who beat Pearce by two length. Laycock stopped and did not complete the dis tance. The Markets. The markets for Colonial securities and produce are without quotable change. At the wool auction to-day less demand was experienced, and prices were occasionally easier. The catalogues comprised 12,000 bales of low to inferior qualities generally; all in favor of buyers. Political. London, Juno 21. In the House of Commons last night, Sir Charles Dilke, Under-Secre tary for Foreign Affairs, stated, in reply to a question, that the Government would require full reparation from the Khedive for the outrages committed upon British subjects during the recent riots at Alexandria. The Hon. W. E. Gladstone announced, with reference to his motion for reform of Parlw-

mentary procedure, that it would be impossible, owing to press of business, to carry out the proposals of the Go vernment during the present session, but that the subject would be again introduced next year. It is expected that an autumn session of Parliament will be held. The Wine Show. Paris, June 20. The international wine exhibition was opened to-day, at Bordeaux, with great eclat. The courts containing ex hibits of Australian wines present a most attractive appearance. War in Zululand. Capetown, May 20. A telegram is to hand from Zulu land reporting that war has broken out between the native tribes in that country, comprising two bodies, under Dahake, the brother of Cetewayo, and chief Oham. A severe engagement has been fought between the two armies, resulting in the defeat of Oham’s ad herents.

AUSTRALIAN.

[pkk reuter’s agency.] Produce. Melbourne, Yesterday. Malting barley is quiet, and prices are unchanged at 5s 3d to 5s sd. The market for New Zealand oats is dull ; feeding sorts remain at 4s td to 4s 3d; milling oats have advanced id, and are now quoted at 3s 3d to 4s 3d. Compromise Effected. Tiie motion of Mr Francis, objecting to the proposed remission of taxation, which was withdrawn last night, will be brought on in the Assembly to-day, when the House goes into committee of Ways and Means. Sir Bryan O’Loghlen has decided not to treat the motion as one expressing a want of confidence in the Government, and a compromise has thus been effected. Mr Berry and his followers are incensed at the arrangement come to, and threaten to support the Government against Mr Francis’ party. In connec tion with the proposed remissions, in the course of the debate last night, Sir Sir Charles McMahon warmly de nounced the action of Ministers during the crisis.

Melbourne, To-day.

In the Legislative Assembly last night Sir Bryan O’Loghlen, with con sent of Mr Francis, announced that the Government had decided to abandon the proposed remission of duty on tea and tobacco; that the question of re ducing the inland postage rate would be postponed for a year; and that the proposal to reduce the excise on beer would be allowed to lapse. From Bench to Bar. Obituary—Judge Billing, of the Vic torian Supreme Court. The “Age” Informer. Henry Bryant, the Age informer, has has been committed for trial on a charge of forging a cheque. Rejected Sydney, Yesterday. Newcastle coal miners have unani mously rejected the proposals of Mr Gregscn for the termination of the strike. Nautical Enquiry. The nautical enquiry into the cause of the collision between the Union Company’s steamship Arawata and the brig Sea Nymph, which was sunk on the 9th inst., opened to-day, Sydney, To-day. The Marine Board enquiry into the collision between the s.s. Arawata and Sea Nymph on the Bth instant has closed. The Board has found that the captain of the Arawata was to blame for navigating the harbor during the severe weather of the night of the col lision, but in consequence ot extenuat ing circumstances he is only repri manded and admonished. The Garonne. Adelaide, Yesterday. Arrived, last evening—The Orient steamship Garonne, from Plymouth (May 3rd).

TELEGRAMS.

[PKU Tit ESS ASSOCIATION.] Suicide. Nelson, To-day. A man named Hibberd, 73 years of age, and an old settler residing at Wakapuaka, was found in bed with his throat cut. He had been suffering for some time from acute neuralgia. A Weighty Nugget. A nugget weighing 17oz Sdwts has been found in Rocky River, Collingwood, and there is no quartz visible in it. Good gold is reported as being got at Drugget’s Flat, Collingwood. The Westport. Blenheim, To-day. The crew of the s.s. Westport have not yet arrived, but they are hourly expected. A telegram received at noon to-day states that the crew of the vessel, being unable to keep her afloat, brought her to anchor in Flaxbourne roadstead, and landed in boats on Tuesday night. The. Westport sank during the night. The Inquest on McPhee. Oamaru, To-day. The inquest touching the death of Neil McPhee commenced at ten o’clock yester day morning, and lasted till midnight, when the following verdict was returned by the jury :—“ The deceased, Neil McPhee, died from pyremia, caused by injuries received in an accident on the railway line at Tidal creek bridge, which accident was occasioned by a horse getting on the line and upsetting the engine." The chief facts elicited were, that the fence of the line was good ; that no com plaints had been previously made of cattle straying on this particular portion ; that the owner of the horse which occasioned the accident could not give any idea how it got on the line ; that the driver and guard, with the shepherd who was in charge of the sheep with which the train was loaded used every effort to get McPhee out from under the engine, but that it was impossible to do so, as his legs were jammed between the cab of the engine and the boiler of the fire-box. It was shown that McPhee had been on duty, with short intermissions, from 11 o’clock on Sunday night, and the driver from noon on Monday up to the time of the accident, about midnight Tuesday. Postponed. Dunedin, To-day. The criminal sessions have been post- i poned till July 17, in consequence of ■ Judge Williams proceeding first to Christ church.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, June 21. BU.LS. The Trades MarJra Bill and the Wai-

kato Native Reserves Bill were read a first time, and the Friendly Sooietiia Bill a third time. The Auckland Harh t Board Bill (Mr Williamson) was read a second time, without debate. RETURNS. A return was ordered of the number of sheep, amount of sheep assessment, amount of fines under the Sheep Act, and the number of sheep inspectors and their salaries for the past year. WEST COAST PEACE PRESERVATION BIEL. The debate on the West Coast Peace Preservation Bill was resumed. Ultimately the second reading was carried, on a division, by 26 votes to 3. INDEMNITY BILL. The second reading of the Indemnity Bill was then carried without discus sion, and the House rose at a quarter to five. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, June 21. The House met at 2.30. THE people’s JOSEPH. Mr Ivess, the newly-elected member for Wakanui, was introduced by Mr Montgomery and Mr White, and took his seat. A GOOD IDEA. Mr O’Oallaghan gave notice that he would ask if facilities for railway travel ling would be given on Wednesdays, the same as on Saturdays, by means of the issue of return tickets. QUESTIONS. In reply to questions it was stated ■ Government were aware that Mr J. For syth, of the Public Works Department, Otago, had invented a method of destroy ing rabbits, for which great merits were claimed. Mr Forsyth would be trans ferred to the Rabbit Department for two months, and afforded every facility for thoroughly testing the value of his inven tion.—Government did not intend to pro vide for members going before their con stituents on taking office. new bills. . . ' The following Bills were introduced and read a first time:— Bluff Harbor Waterworks (Mr Joyce); Education Districts Bill (Mr Dick). NEW ZEALAND “UNCLES.” Following motion carried : —(Mr Tole) Return of licensed pawnbrokers in the colony. VISIT TO THE EXHIBITION. Mr Shrimski moved that the adjourn ment of the House for the purpose of visiting Christchurch Exhibition be from Friday, the 30th June, to Wednesday, the sth July. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved as an amendment the addition of the words “and Wednesday evening be devoted to Government business.” Sir George Grey- objected to the Go vernment depriving private members of one of their days. He suggested that they should fix a sitting for Monday in lieu of the day that would be lost. The House divided on the amendment. Ayes, 52 ; noes, 20. After further discussion, Mr Tole moved, as a further amend ment —“ That the House sit on Monday, 10th July, at 7.30 p.m., for the pur pose of taking up private members’ busi ness.”

Mr Seddon protested against the whole arrangement, stating that the House and country had been made to dance to the tune of two mere adventurers, Messrs Twopenny and Joubert, and he would be no party to it. The amendment was carried on the voices, and the motion as amended was agreed to.

BORROWING. Mr Barron moved —“ That any pro posal for the increase of the public debt of the colony by further borrowing should be submitted to electors, and receive the approval of three-fifths .of their num ber before being finally sanctioned by the Legislature.” After a long discussion the motion was put and negatived on a division. Ayes, 25 ; noes, 44. TECHNICAL EDUCATION. Mr Hutchison moved that the House resolve itself into a committee of the whole to consider an address to the Go vernor, praying he will recommend for appropriation this year the sum of LI,OOO, to be divided among the Education Boards of the colony, for the purpose of encouraging technical education by means of night schools or otherwise, and for the establishment and encouragement of female classes for sewing and cookery. Put and carried on the voices. THE ELECTRIC LIGHT. It was resolved that, during the recess, the Government should cause enquiries to be made as to whether the Parliamentary buildings could, with advantage, be lighted with electricity. GOLD DUTY ABOLITION BILL. Mr Seddon moved the second reading of the Gold Duties Abolition BilL He argued at some length that the miners were a most desirable class of colonists.. The duty represented at least per cant, upon their moneys. If every other class of the community was similarly heavily weighted they could dispense altogether with the Customs duties. After a long discussion the motion was carried on the voices. EMPLOYMENT OF FEMALES. The second reading of the Employment of Females Act Amendment Bill was car ried. ELECTION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES. Mr Steward moved the second reading of the School Committees Election Bill. Mr Peacock and Mr Hutchison sup ported the Bill. Mr Munro defended the cumulative vote, but otherwise supported the Bill. Mr Connolly and Mr Watt supported the Bill as printed. The Hon. Mr Dick approved of the provisions of the Bill as to the date for election. He agreed that the cumulative vote was objectionable, and ought to bo abolished. He would like to have seen the absence from three consecutive meet ings declared a disqualification. He would support the BUI, but asked that it should be adjourned, to enable members to give their opinions on its provisions. Mr Rutherford, Mr Fulton, Mr Smith, Mr William Green, and Mr Dodson sup ported the Bill. The motion was put, and carried on the voices. The House rose at 12. 50.

THE WAKANUI ELECTION.

Referring to the successful and un successful candidates for the Wakanui seat, the. Otago Daily Times says:— “ Whatever may be thought of Mr Saunders’ views, or of his manner of urging them, there is no concealing his altogether unusual strength of charac ter. He cannot be said to have settled ideas in politics so much as rooted principles which nothing can shake. He is a constitutional Radical of the most pronounced and aggressive type; a man of extraordinary courage and un abatable tenacity; a student of politics who bolts his subjects whole, and digests them by the gastric force of un sparing mental exercise; an experienced and by no means feeble administrator, and one of the very ablest public speakers in the country. He has great faults, it is true. He is violent, self-conceited, and incorrigible in his prejudices, and totally incapable of co-operation or self-control, unless

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1882.



gUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY. John Meech, CABINETMAKER & UPHOLSTERER, Bega to invito his friends to inspect his large stock of New and Second-hand Fur niture, consisting of Drawing-room and Bedroom Suites Chiffoniers Book Cases Wardrobes Chests of Drawers Tables Wash Stands Wood and Iron Bedsteads Cots, Cradles Perambulators . . And everything required m household unushing at the very lowest prices. Practical workmen kept for ah kinds of repairs. , ~ . Furniture bought, and high prices given. ... Furniture lent, on weekly and monthly payments i- JOHN MEECH, ‘<B VBN IT T 8 1 818 : ' Opposite the Mail Office. DOATION Act, 1877, Debtors and Creditors Act, and Amend •V Acts, Forest Trees Planting ragement Act, 1871, to be had at OuAr.DUK Office, next Matson, Cox



Wanted WANTED KNOWN—That the best place to get Short Firewood and the best Coals (delivered) is from Hayes’ Coal and Wood Yard, East street. 609 e 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, 13s. Meals at all hours. 653 e WANTED KNOWN—Every descrip tion of Plain and Fancy Pointing, executed on the shortest notice, at the Guadian Office, next Matson, Cox, and Co.’s, West street. _________ Special Advertisements. PORTRAITS. —Wanted Known—ls per dozen, Is per dozen. For this week only. Come early to avoid the groat crush. American Gem Studio (Opposite Mail Office). 721 e



ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. ARE CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT BARLEY OATS GRASS SEED AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES. ADVANCES ON GROWING CROPS. The Undersigned are prepared to make liberal Cash Advances against Growing Crops during the ensuing Season. ROBERTS, PAXTON & CO. Offices : Manchester street, Christchurch, two doors south of Messrs P. Cunningham and Co.’s. 30e



COAL YARD. Coals. Coals. Coals. Tho Undersigned desires to intimate to hia Customers and the Public generally that he has OPENED IN THE COAL TRADE, in conjunction with his present TIMBER and FIREWOOD BUSINESS, and has now on Stock and to Arrive, a large supply of the best Newcastle Coals, (From the Old Lambton Mine), which will be delivered to Customers to any part of the Town and Suburbs at the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber and Coal Merchant, 4680 East street, Ashburton,



SCHOOL BOOKS. SCHOOL STATIONERY. SCHOOL COMMITTEES SUPPLIED. Foolscap from 16s per Ream, Cash. Envelopes ~ (is 6d per 1,000 ~ Note Paper, Five Quires, Is ~ A GOOD ASSORTMENT of Ledgers, Cash, Day Books, and Ledger Books IN STOCK. Toys Fancy Goods, Crewel Wools, &c. JEL. M. Jones. Stationer and Bookseller, 293 d



rr L) T 1 O E. ASHBURTON COAL AND FIREWOOD DEPOT R. S. Bean (Late of Montgomery and Co., Limited), HAS COMMENCED BUSINESS as above, next to Mr Jos. Clark’s Office, in WEST STREET, and hopes, by civility and attention, to merit a fair share of public support. Agent for the Springfield Coal Co. Coal, Firewood, Posts, Rails,Stakes, &c. Orders taken for Bricks, Cement, Lime, Timber, &c. Oats, Bran, Chaff, Chicken Wheat, &c. Note the •' ddress— NEXT MR JOSEPH CLARK’S, WEST STREET. 181 e



A LB E LIT FLOUR STORE East street. S, F. W. QUAIFE Begs to inform the Residents and Farmers of Ashburton and vicinity that he has taken the Premises lately in the occupation of Mr Henry Bowers, Miller, where he intends offering the following goods : Flour, by the sack, „ 501 b. Sharps, per bag Bran ~ Oats, per bushel SOAP. CANDLES. Soap and Candles at unprecedentedly low prices, in large or small quantities, to suit all purchasers, viz.: — Good Pale Yellow Soap, 6d per bar Good Pale Yellow Soap, 10s per box Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 8d per bar Superior Pale Yellow Soap, 12s per box Candles —Good Composite, 6d per lb Candles —Superior Wax, Is per lb Candles —Carriage, Is 2d per lb. CASH. Ashbueton. 732 e



ANDREWE S BROS (Late L. F. Andrewes), BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, AND NEWS-AGENTS, Ft9T street South, Ashburton. School-books and Stationery of Every Description. School Committees sup plied. Hymn and Prayer-books of Every Kind, Children’s Picture and Story Books. American Novelties, just arrived. Journals, Magazines, and Home Papers every Mail. A large assortment of Maori Photographs, including Te Whiti and other Chiefs. N.B.—All orders attended to without delay. 334 e



Special Advertisements. BOOTS. WINTER BOOTS. ’C, HAWKINS, Bootmaker, East street, Ashburton, and Tinwald, has just received a Urge assortment o£ Strong and Useful Boots for this season of the year, which he is selling at Christchurch prices. 998 e THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. Otr’A AAA TO LEND, in sums of £50,000 £3OO 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, 518 e Agent. A ITTUMN. 1832. WINTER. The First Portion of the New Goods for this Season, comprising over twenty cases are now opened up. The Boys’ and Youths’ Clothing is especially recommended, and Parents and Guardians will find it advantageous to make an early selection. The Stock of Men’s Clothing is simply superb, and the variety of Hats, Hoisery, Blankets, Flannels, and Shirtings secon J to none in New Zealand. Agents for the Celebrated Wurtheim Machines. Ashburton Branch: Gr. Adams <& Co., PRACTICAL ENGLISH WATCH MAKERS, JEWELLERS, AND IMPORTERS, HIGH STREET (Next W. J. Fisher s), Christchurch.



Rotherham’s English Lever Watches, guaranteed genuine, capped and jewelled, £5 10s to £lO 10s. American Waltham Lever Watches, of world-wide celebrity, English Hall-marked cases, £3 10s to £5 10s. N.B.— See that the words “ Wal tham, Maas.” are engraved on the works. None are genuine without. Ladies’ Watches, in gold or silver cases, from 455. Every Watch is Examined, Timed, and Guaranteed for Two Years. A splendid assortment of the Newest Patterns in Gold and Silver Jewellery. Novelties in Greenstone. 471 e 0. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, TOBACCONIST, FANCY GOODS 1. AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B. D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organa, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Saircutting, Shaving and Shampooing.



EAST STREET ASIIRH RTON, 257 a |jp AK E NOTICE. Everett Brothers Are still in Ashburton, and are SELLING AS CHEAP AS EVER. Special : CALICOES FLANNELS WINCEYS, 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.