SHIPPING.

*ORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Saturday. Croydon Lass, schooner, from Waitapu. Rotorua, s.s., from Nelson, Picton, and Wellington. Alexa, barque, frem Wellington. Mahinapua, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Saturday. Vision, brig, for Kaipara. Alice Jane, ketcb, for Akaroa. Rotorua, s.s,, for Wellington. Reward, schooner, for Pelorus Sound. Mahinapua, s. s., for Dunedin. Rio Logo, brig, for Mauritius. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Saturday. Sailed—Taiaroa, for the South. Gbeymodth, Saturday. Arrived—The Gleaner, from Dunedin ; Charles Edward, from Hokitika ; Mary Campbell, from Dunedin. Bluff, To day. Arrived, at 7 a.m.—Te Anau, from Melbourne. She left Melbourne at 1.30 p.m. on the 4th, and experienced fine weather with light variable winds till Sunday, when there ware strong north* east winds and a head sea to arrival. She sails at 4 p.m. for Dnnedin.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows:—Saturday, July 7th. Horse mar ket very dull. Cows sold well, nearly every entry being cleared at fair prices up to LB. Pigs were not so plentiful, but sold well, prices being maintained.—Fowls: is 5d to 3s od per pair.—lmplements very dull of sale.—Carcase pork, 3d to 4d per lb.—Produce ; Potatoes, 60s per ton ; oats, is 6d ; chick wheat, is to 2s gd per bushel, according to quality. Car rots. 35s per tan. A consignment of apples from 6s to 9s 6d per case. —Harness sold well. A consignment of drapery was cleared fairly well.—Tea, 2is (guaranteed), —There was a fkirly • good attendance, and many lines in stock and produce realised really good prices, notwithstanding which there was a palpable dullness over all things which could be felt and seen.

Mr T, Bullock reports at the Horse Market for the week ending Saturday, July 7th :—3O horses were yarded for the day’s sale, a large proportion of which were of an inferior descrip tion. Anything like good draughts there was d spirited competition, but for inferior horses biddings were languid, in fact it is difficult to get rid of them. Hacks, although the biddings were better than at previous sales, only low priced ones were disposed of. Out of the total entries (30) 14 were sold at the following prices:—Medium draughts of a good descrip tion, L2O lOS, L 27; aged and inferior draughts, L 8 los to L 9 ; light harness horses, 1 4 15s to L 7 10s j hacks, 14 to L 7, with little demand ; aged horses of an inferior description as low as L 3 15s. —Country sales : I held a clearing sale of horses, implements, etc., on .Friday, 6th, at the farm of Mr Christian, senr., near Mayfield, in the Rangitata district. There was only a moderate attendance, and the horses offered were in rather low condition, and brought from L$ to Ll 6. Secondhand McCormick reapier and binder, Ll 7; chaff cutter and horse gear, Xl3 ss; implements and sundries brought low prices. Landed Properties : During the week I have sold a house and sec tion at Hampstead for L9B; and lot 41, Alford Eorest road, for the sum of L 45.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JULY 9, 1883. The Prospective Portfolio.

Whether or not the House will agree to the proposal contained in the Public Works Statement, thVt a Minister for Railways should be appointed, we have as yet been afforded no opportunity of judging, but the suggestion has already been criticised adversely in several quarters. It seems to be generally accepted that if this office is created, the member for Ashburton will be asked to accept it, and this fact is in itself quite sufficient for a certain sec tion of the northern press to condemn the proposal. This, for example, is what the Wellington Evening Post has to say on the matter ;—“ But there is one more new proposal in the Statement, and it comes first in order, although we have designedly left it the last for comment. We allude, of course, to the recommendation that the creation of a new portfolio shall be sanctioned, and the appointment authorised of a special Minister in charge of working railways. We gather it is not intended that this increase in the numerical strength of the Cabinet shall be in addition to the new Minister ot Agri culture, which the Premier promised the Christchurch Chamber of Com merce should be proposed to the House, but that the extra Minister is to have Working Railways, the portfolio of Agriculture being possibly allotted to Mr Rolleston—undoubtedly the best man for the post —he, perhaps, relin quishing to Mr Walter Johnston — relieved of Working Railways—the De partments of Mines or Immigration, or both. But we do know this—that the proposal looks most suspiciously like a device for providing a congenial portfolio for the hon. member for Ash burton, Mr E. G. Wright, who, it will be remembered, recently expressed his willingness to accept Public Works, but declined any other portfolio then avail able. That was the conclusion to which nine members out of every ten jumped at once when they heard Mr Walter Johnston’s first few words last night, and at which nine persons in every ten outside the House arrived when they read the Statement to-day. If this is so we may say plainly at the outset that we strongly disapprove the suggestion. We freely recognise Mr Wright’s ability and professional capa city, but we entirely dissent from his de clared views on railway management, and we are convinced that to hand over the railways to him would be to inten sify and to accentuate the evil results of those influences, which through their effect on the Government management of the railways have already involved the consequence of seriously diminish ing the profits of their working,” Those who remember how strenuously Mr Wright has opposed the perpetration of political jobs in the North Island can easily account for the dismaycreated in the hearts of the Wellington people when the idea that he was about to enter the Government was first mooted. They have never for given his opposition to the construction of the Wellington-Master ton railway—an opposition that has been amply justified, as the line was, of all the New Zealand railways, the most costly and has been the least pro fitable. What the Post thinks of Mr Wright’s views of railway matters is not of much moment, but it will not be without interest to consider upon what the opinion of our contemporary is founded. Last session Mr Wright exerted himself with characteristic de termination to obtain a reduction of the gram tariff, and his success in this direction entitled him to the gratitude not only of his own constituents but of the whole province. The Post argues thqt this reduction meant a correspond ing falling off of the profits in jthe working of the railways, and that the returns prove that “less money is earned for the same woskjdonc.” But

one very important fact is omitted. Under the old system when the grain growers of Canterbury had to pay an unduly heavy charge for the carriage of their goods, the profits on our railways ran up to nine per cent, which simply meant that this province had to submit to an unjust imposition for the purpose of paying for the losses on such lines as the Wellington-Masterton, whose re turns have never exceeded sixteen shil lings in the hundred pounds. Canter bury has been the milch cow of the North Island quite long enough, and not the least cause for congratulation on Mr Wright being appointed Minis ter for Railways would be the fact that he would put a stop to this order of things. It is easy enough to account for the objection which is felt in Wel lington to his taking office, but the strictures of the Post on Mr Wright’s views of railway management, consider ing upon what they are based, will be considered as complimentary to their representative by that gentleman’s con stituents.

The Local Government Question.

The dulness of the session has been suddenly broken by the tabling of Mr Montgomery’s resolution on the sub ject of local government. It is by a long way the most important question with which the House of Representa tives has been called upon to deal for some time. It has been lying in the background of politics for several years, and having once come to the front is not likely to be got rid of again in a hurry. Only a few days ago, when criticising the Colonial Treasurer’s Budget, we made the observation that the financial necessities of the Govern ment might ere long plunge the colony into a serious political convulsion; and whatever may be the fate of Mr Montgomery’s motion, it is perfectly certain that unless the Government grasps the subject firmly and produce some measure which will place our system of local government upon a better footing than it occupies at pre sent, it will have to retire in favor of another Ministry. On the present occasion the Government proposes to tide over the difficulty by treating the resolution as an abstract proposition and not as a want-of-confidence motion, which it really is. The move displays considerable dexterity on the part of Major Atkinson. It will enable the Government to ascertain to what extent dissatisfaction prevails with the existing form of govern ment, and whether the resolution be carried or lost, it will give the Ministry until next session to mature their plans. Still, these Fabian tactics will only serve for a time. The problem will remain unsolved, and will have to be elucidated some day or another. Our particular object just row, however, is to urge our readers to attend the public meeting which is to be held in the Town Hall to-morrow night. The promoters of the meeting, we gather, desire not to make a party demonstra tion one way or the other; but to give an opportunity for the public voice to be heard on this matter, than which none is more important to rural dis tricts. Save at election time, the Ash burtonians are rather apathetic in politics; but we hope that on this occasion they will muster in strong force, so that the opinion of the meet ing, in whatever direction it is ex pressed, may carry due weight.

There will be a meeting of those favor able to the establishment in Ashburton of a branch of the Blue Ribbon Army held this evening in the vestry »f the Wesleyan Church.

Our Resident Magistrate appears to have suffered serious inconvenience this mo King, as a telegram from Gisborne informs us that the house in which Mr Price was residing was burnt to the ground.

An inquest was held on Saturday, touching the death of Alexander Stuart (son of Rev. Dr. Stuart, the widely known and much esteemed Presbyterian clergy man of Dunedin), who was found dead in bed. It was shown that a large quantity of cyanide of potassium was in his stom ach He was taking borax for a sore throat, and the two things were in ex actly similar phials. The j iry found that death proceeded from his accidentally swallowing poison. The deceased had re tired to bed in splendid spirits, and was shortly going to New South Wales. He was a surveyor, aged twenty-seven. The Committee appointed to arrange for a visit from the Otago hounds have succeeded in obtaining some excellent country for this week’s sport. Mr John Smith will t&ke charge of the hounds on their arrival by express this evening, and officiate as huntsman during their stay. To-morrow there will be a private meet, for which passes and directions may be obtained from members of the Committee. On Wednesday the meet will be at the North Town Belt ; on Thursday there will be another private meet ; on Friday the neighborhood of Digby’s Bridge will be the trysting place, and should sufficient inducement offer there will be another run on Saturday. We have been requested to remind gentlemen who propose taking part in these runs, that money is required for the sport, and they may either pay their subscriptions in the field or hand them to Messrs Friedlander, Saunders, Hutchison or Cargill. Followers should also bear in mind that they are mainly indebted to the land owners for their sport, and avoid unnecessary injury to fences and crops. A horrible accident occurred in Blen heim on Saturday. A loud report was heard at the back of Mr John Smith’s tinsmith’s shop by two persons who at the time were standing talking on the foot path in front of Smith’s premises. On hearing the report they went across the street, and as they were crossing a son of Smith’s ran wildly out of the shop and down the street. They at once entered the shop, and seeing nothing in the front part went in the back room, where they found a young lad lying dead on the floor with a pool of blood near his head. His body was doubled up in the earner lean i <y against the door in a sitting posture, his head between his legs. On examina tion it was found that there was a wound of a ballet on the left side of the face, about an inch and a half from the left eye and an inch from the nostrils. Frank Smith, brother of the deceased, states that the gun was brought in at dinner time by a settler for repair. He put a cap on it to try it, and then thinking he would try another gun standing close by, which had been brought in about six weeks ago, ha lifted it down and put a cap on It. Just as he cocked it, his brother John ran across from the opposite side of the back shop, and as Frank pulled the trigger his brother received the charge it contained full in the face. Throwing the gun down on the bench, and stupefied with what he had done, he rushed out of the shop towards home. Biliousiness, drowsiness, jaundice and rheu matism, Hop Bitters removes easily. See.— [Advt.] 3

Wells’ “ Rough on Corns,” —Ask for Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” Quick re lief complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 3 Wanted Known —That J. Meech is im porting all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockery ware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetting. A variety of tinware and other cooking uten sils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattrasses—in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. Ail kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J, Meech. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.]

Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Outward Infirmities.—Before the discovery of these remedies many case of sores, ulcers, &c., were pronounced to be hopelessly incurable, because the treatment pursued tended to de stroy the strength it was incompetent to preserve, and to exasperate the symptoms it was inadequate to remove. Holloway’s Pills exert the most wholesome powers over the un healthy flesh or skin, without debarring the patient from fresh air and exercise, and thus the constitutional vigor is husbanded while the most malignant ulcers, abscesses, and skin diseases are in process of cure. Both Oint ment and Pills make the blood richer and pmer, instead of permitting it to fall into that poor and watery state so fatal to many laboring under chronic ulcerations:—[Advt.]

THE DUNEDIN TRAGEDY.

The Inquest. An inquest touching the death of Geo. Timothy Stephenson and Mary Stephen son, his wife, was held on Saturday night at 7 p.m. Henry Blythe Stenhouse, painter, Mait land street, father of the deceased Mary Stephenson, deposed : My daughter was thirty-three years of age, and a native of Scotland. She has been married ten years, but was about five years separated from her husband on account of his idle habits and threats which he had (made deceased. Stephenson about two years ago went up country, and wanted to borrow money of me. He threatened that if ho came back broke from the North, he would cut his wife’s throat, the children’s throats, and his own. He used every night, on her way home, to follow her, and molest and abuse her. He also abused witness, and oh one occasion even assaulted him. She had given him about L3O, and he always wanted more. She did not appear to be frightened of him. Whenever ho could he got drunk; he gave way to intemperate habits. I never saw anything strange or peculiar about his manner. I last saw him on Thursday at my house. Ha wanted to see me, and when I said I would have nothing to do with him he asked to see the missis. She saw him and told him sh; had nothing to say to him. He went away without making any threats. He used to blackguard us when he came to the house. About two months ago when he got seven days for using language to her calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, he said to her, “ One of us must die.” Yet she never seemed to be afraid. I heard the report made by the explosion of the dynamite, but did not see the victims till some time afterwards I had my own fears about his threats. The man was not safe to go about, and 1 often went to bed not knowing I would see the light of day. He appeared to be fond of the children, but they having heard him use bad language were afraid of him.

Andrew Turnbull Anderson, contractor and brother - in - law of the deceased Stephenson, stated that Stephenson was thirty-nine years of age, and a native of Lincolnshire, England. He had been in this colony nearly all his life. I have seen him daily of late, and knew him to be at the Spanish Restaurant. He had been in work till last Saturday. Latterly he was very despondent; indeed, so much so that my clerk remarked to me on the day of his death he was very down-hearted. This despondency was caused, I believe, by domestic troubles. He was always wanting to see his child ren. When ho was at work he was very steady. Yesterday at half-past four 1 saw him. He had just received soma let ters from the Minister of Justice, which he said gave him no encouragement in connection with upsetting the protection order and seeing his children. These he said were his last hope, and he could not settle down in the frame of mind in which he was in. At four o’clock he told me he had been out to Anderson’s Bay with some dynamite ; that the party was not there, and he had left it. He brought the dynamite down from Uindon la*t Tuesday, where he had been working as a miner. He seemed very down-hearted when I last saw him. I have heard him say, after he had been refused admission to see the children, “Don’t be surprised if they find me dead on their doorstep some morning,” and that he had nothing to live for. He might as well be dead as alive. This was some time ago. I opened his box, which was at my house, to-night, and found a little bag containing dyna mite. It was nothing unusual for him to buy dynamite, he being a miner. He always talked of his domestic troubles. Marion Corfield, head milliner at Saun dars, Mcßoath and Company, knew the deceased woman for some time. Witness accompanied her part of the way home on the evening of the murder. When they passed Larner’s shop he was writing a note on some boxes outside. He fol lowed them, and said “ Good evening ” to his wife, and began to speak about the children. Speaking to his wife, he said, “God alone has joined us together, and He alone should part us.” Mrs Stephen son said something lightly about the weather to witness, and her husband replied, “ You talk lightly to your lady friend ; your sister Margaret met death without " much warning ; look out you don’t meet death the same ” I noticed ho was very norvous and excited. Wit ness left them proceeding towards Mait land street, at the corner of Melville street and Manor Place, Mrs Stephenson saying “ Good night.” To the jury—Mrs Stephenson appeared to me, to be a very nice tempered woman. Robert Gray stated that, after the last witness left the deceased and his wife, he noticed the male deceased following close behind his wife, and when near a lamp post he took a few quick steps and caught up to his wife. Witness then lost sight of them, and proceeded down Manor Place. He afterwards heard a report, but did not know the cause. Mrs Stephenson did not appear frightened, and her husband was quite sober. Archibald Cargill, clerk, residing in Manor Place, deposed at about Q 15 he was standing in front cf his own house, and saw what appea ed to be a squib twisted in the air. While this was going on there were two very loqd shrieks in a female voice. Then followed a tremen dous blast which ha concluded must have been caused by the discharge of a gun. He ran up the street, and passed two figures, one in a standing and the other in a sitting position. The woman was the recumbent figure. He and his brother were surprised that the figures were mo tionless, and they turned and struck a match. Both figures were headless. In formation was at once given to the police. David Carswell gave evidence regarding the visit of the male deceased to the Anderson’s Bay quarry. Deceased wanted to sell some dynamite, and left a package of dynamite, about 41b weight, in wit ness’s keeping. This was at X p.m. on

the day of the murder. Deceased was anything but in low spirits then, and chatted freely with the men. Police Sergeant Geering gave evidence regarding the searching of the bodies. Among other things he found a dynamite cartridge in the male deceased’s trousers pocket. He produced letters from the Minister of Justice found on the deceased upholding the decision of the Resident Magistrate regarding the protection order before referred to.

The Coroner summed up. There was no doubt the male deceased had caused the death of both himself and his wife. The question for the juty was to decide on the state of mind the male deceased, was in at the time of this horrible tragedy. At 10 p.m. the jury found a verdict — “ That the deceased Stephenson and ■ wife met their death by a dynamite capwidge tired by Stephenson, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show in what state of mind he was.” They added a rider recommending that no person should be allowed to purchase or use dynamite without a license.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

[Pers.s. Te Anau at the Bluff.] [“Age ” Specials ] London, June 26. Mr Smith, Agent-General for Victoria, has communicated with the authorities and has pointed out that Victorian deben tures afford an excellent and safe means of investment for funds re-ained in Chan cery. The Anamese are busily engaged making preparations for the renewal of ho-tilities with the French troops. The former have retired to which place they have surrounded with trenches. Owing to the paucity of numbers the French Generals consider it unwise to renew the attack upon the enemy at present, and are awaiting the arrival of reinforcements which have been despatched by the Go vernment.

Mr Fawcett, Postmaster-General stated in the House of Commons last night that he would shortly introduce a Bill, the object of which would be the extension of the Postil orders in the colonies. .

At Damietta every precaution is being taken by the authorities to prevent the further spread of the disease. Cordons have been drawn around the infected places, and all persons suffering from the plague have been placed in close quaran tine. In consequence of the belief that contagious diseases are widely dissemi nated by ministers of religion visiting the different prisons and hospitals, orders have been issued forbidding them to enter these institutions.

The severe storms which have recently prevailed in the south of England, have done an immense amount of damage ?to the hop crops, and fears are entertained that the harvest will be a poor one.

Lung Chang, Commander of the South China' troops stationed at Shanghai, is leaving that town -with a large force.

The German Government has declined to interfere between France and the Anamese, and has suggested to the Chinese that they should ask Russia to mediate in the matter.

The Hong Kong sales of Foo Chow tea show a marked improvement, and prices for tea generally are advancing.

The German . Government has des patched a medical commission to Egypt to settle the doubt existing as to whether the disease is cholera morbus or not. The spread of the disease in different parts of Egypt is causing the greatest alarm in the south of Europe, and the Governments of France and Italy have put in force the most stringent quarantine regulations, at Carthage, Iberia, and Port Said. Trade is completely paralysed. The epidemic is spreading with alarming rapidity, and has mw reached Malta and Brindisi, and quarantine regulations are consequently being strictly enforced at both of these places. In Malta 21 persons were found to be infected, and have been isolated, and three patients at Brindisi have been placed in quarantine. The ravages made by the plague are of such an extensive nature that the reside >ts of infected localities are fleeing away in all directions, and a perfect panic prevails. Lord Sidraouth’s postponed notice of motion in connection -niih the naval de fences of the various colonies will be brought before the House of Lords on Thursday next.

London-, July 1,

At a meeting of the Cricketers’ Asso ciation yesterday the proposal of Mr Alexander, of Melbourne, to send an Aus tralian team of cricketers to England was discussed. The scheme was generally re garded as practicable, but the Association refused to accede to the terms submitted by Mr Alexander, and a motion was car ried that the Association was, however, resolved to support the proposal on con dition that Mr Alexander should agree to accept, on behalf of his team, onehaif the money taken at the gates. Sir Vernon Harcourt, the Heme Secre tary, intends to introduce a Bill into the House of Commons for the purpose of creating a Board of Trade in Scotland. The Bill confers upon the proposed Board powers similar to those exercised by the kindred institution in England, and also declares that the president of the Board shall have a seat in the House of Com mons and be a member of the English Cabinet.

London, July 3.

In the House of Lords yesterday, Lord Leamington submitted his motion in con nection with the annexation of the islands of the Pacific, and in the course of a long speech he strongly condemned the pro posal. Earl Carnarvon followed on the other aide and warmly supported the proposed annexation, upon the success ful carrying out of which he considered the essential welfare of the Australian Colonies depended. He referred to the abus a which were being practised on natives by the Queensland planters, and urged this as an additional reason why the islands should be brought under the protection of the British Crown. He also pointed out that if England refused to endorse the action urged by the Aus tralian Colonies in regard to annexation, it was prpbable that the territory would be seized by some European power, which might within a short period, be hostile to England. Lord Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies, opposed the views urged by Earl Carnarvon and remarked that though much stress had been laid upon the danger arising from foreign an nexation, the English Government would consider such a step as an hostile act on the part of any nation. He was also of opinion that before the Governments of the Australian Colonies suggested or de sired any powers of annexation they should become federated and thoroughly in unison on the subject. With respect to the cruelties which the natives of these islands were alleged to have been sub jected to by the Queen land planters, he said that an Order-in-Council was in course of preparation which it 'was hoped would have the effect of suppressing the abuse complained of. The London press this morning expresses approval of the action taken by the Government. In reply to Sir M. Hicka-Beach, Mr Gladstone stated in the House of Com. mens last night that the Government were prepared to offer every facility for the discussion of the proposal to accept Baron de Lesseps’ terms in connection with the construction of a second Suez Canal. Mr Gladstone suggested that Sir M. Hioks-Baach should submit a definite motion on the subject, and ample time would then be allowed for debating it. Mr Parnell and his followers are jubi lant over the return of Mr Healy, the Home Rule candidate and proteg6 of the Irish National League, for Monaghan.

A rumor has gained currency that in the event of Mr Redmond’s returning to Ireland a warrant which is pending against him will be enforced.

London, July 3. The authorities at Suez have announced that in order to facilitate the navigation of the canal under the existing quarantine regulations, they will make special arrange* ments for providing vessels with pilots. A floating lazaretto hospital has been provided at Port Said for the reception of per-ons infected with cholera. The ravages of the plague at Damietta are on the increase, and a fearful panic prevails. The number of deaths since the disease broke out has averaged 100 per day, and the utmost efforts of the authorities appear powerless to check its progress. The European Powers join in censuring ihe English Government for what they consider culpable neglect on their part. They asaertythat the responsibility of tak ing precautions to prevent the 'further -pread of the plague rests with England, as she has assumed the exercise of certain control over the internal affairs of • that country. A report having gained currency that the plague had its origin in India, whence it was conveyed to Egypt, Earl Granville has officially declared that there is ,no truth whatever in the report.

F ill particulars of the bombardment of Tamitave have now been received. It ap* pears that the Hovaa made no attempt to respond to the French fire, but retreated without disorder. During the bombard ment no subjects of other countries were injured, though (some damage was done to English and American property. As soon as the French obtained possession of the town, Admiral Pierre established a garrison, in which he stationed a force of 500 men. The Hovas completely abandoned the k town and retreated into the mountainous interior, with the evi dent object of remaining there until they received reinforcements. The French re sidents at Antananarivo have been ex pelled from that city, but as they hare not reached the coast it is feared that they have been murdered by the natives upon the journey. The Russian Government have officially announced that they will take no action in regard to the hostilities going on be* tween the French and the Anamese.

Earl Granville has expressed his opinion that the claim brought forward by Baron de Lesseps to a monopoly in connection with the Suez Canal is unimpeachable.

IN THE LOBBY.

▼ [from our parliamentary correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day. Bankrupts may, it seems, now hope that the disadvantage which they at pre. sent suffer from a ill disappear, when the Bill before the House becomes law. On the proposal being discussed for classifying certificates of discharge, Mr Barron pointed out that it contained the germs of what might some day become a great mark of social distinction, for which the highest in the land would be found con tending, and the truly successful and most envied man would be he who had attained to the great pre-eminence of being the holder of a patent of nobility from the Court of Bankruptcy, giving him the right to claim the title of a first class bankrupt.

FIRES.

[by telegraph.] New Plymouth, To-day At six o’clock last evening Johnson's stables, at the rear of the Masonic Hotel, Waitara, were burnt down. There is no clue as to the origin.

Gisborne, To-day. ’ An eight-roomed house, owned and oc cupied by Mr Gornice, bailiff of the R.M. Court, was totally destroyed by fire this morning. Mr Price, late R.M., who has. been seriously ill for some time, has occu pied apartments in the house, and had to be c-rried and left shivering in the cold till assistance came. He was subsequently brought into town. The insurance is not yet known.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[rKUTEk’s TrXROKAMS—COPYRIGHT.] The Annexation Question* London, July 6. . , Mr Ellis Ashmead Bartlett, M.P. for’ Eye, has given notice of his intention to move in the House of Commofli that it's desirable that a British Pro* tectorate should be established Over New Guinea in compliance with the ’ wish expressed by the colonies. A New Loan. A loan is announced of a quarter of a million sterling for the Melbourne Harbor Trust. Monetary and Commercial. Consols remain at and New Zealand securities as follows:— 5 per cent 10-40 Loan, ro6j£ ; 5 per cent 1889 Loan, j per cent 1879-1904 Loan XO2 j 4 per cent in* scribed stock, 103. The wheat mar* ket is unchanged. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 465; New Zealand ditto, 42s to 455; \delaide flour, ex store, 335. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,770,000 quarters, being 50,000 quarters less than last week. Australian tallow—Best beet, 41s ; best mutton, 42s 6d. The Belt Libel Case. London, July 7.y The attempt to effect a compromise in the notorious libel case, Pelt v. Lawes, having failed, the esse will shortly be retried. Woman’s Suffrage Bill. In the House of Commons to-day a Bill providing for woman’s suffrage was thrown out on the motion for the second reading by a majority of six teen votes. Diplomatic Changes* It is announced that the Hon F. JE. Plunkett, Secretary to the British Em bassy at Paris, has been appointed British Minister to Japan, zwtf Sir Harry E. Parkes, removed to Pekin. The Comte de Chambord. Paris, July 6. The Comte de Chambord has rallied, and some hope of his recovery is en tertained. Paris, July 7. The Orleanisl Princes had an inter view co-day with the Comte de Cham bord. The meeting was not of a politi cal nature. France and the New Hebrides. The Paris Temps urges the Govern ment to grant a charter to a French company for acquiring the New He brides Islands with concessions similar, to those granted by Great Britain to ' the Northjßorneo Trading Company. Floods in India. Bombay. July 7. News has been received here that serious floods have occurred in Surat and the Gujerat districts, causing im- * raense damage to property, arid wash ing away several villages. Thousands of ryots are reported to be homeless, and in a destitute condition. f

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JULY 9, 1888.



H. M. Jones H AS NOW ON VIEW A PUNE STOCK OP PIANOS, PROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Sohwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments oar hand from £l2 12s upwards. 35 INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 35 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. P H 0 of°the 0 Lmost won- "VT derful instru- ll Ements of the day, T? Music by the yard. A child Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a (O piano. 'Pianos on hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d 'PM i Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent, PIPE ORGANS.—Especially suitable for Churches. Far superior to any Reed Organ near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of onstruction. Price—Ll2o. REED ORGANS.—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Easby and Go., New England Company, and Olongh and Warner—from Ll2 12s. PIANOS. Brinsmead and Sons, BroadMpod, Collard and Gollard, Erard, Pleyel and others. Dresden Model, and German and French manufacture, with test improvements. jHT* - DEFERRED PAYMENTS Wholesale and Retail. 18 QOBENSON AND TOWNSHBN D • ark cjash buyers of WHEAT OATS barley GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229



Wanted WANTED Known—Beat fresh Butter, Is per lb. Fresh Eggs, la 2d per dozen, at Friedlandkr Bros. 7-25 WANTED Known—Two or three ■ Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorfcon. 1443 WANTED Known —That Mr Dan Lea has Opened his Gymnasium next to Harrison’s Auction Booms. An inspection of his calisthenics of every .description is invited. 1344 WANTED, by a respectable Man, SITUATION in a Store or to drive a delivery cart and make himself useful ; good references given. Address, J. Jackson, Office of this Paper. 7-47 WANTED Known—lf you want to buy a cheap Parcel of first-class Drapery, everything marked with a small profit, go to H. C. Segers, Compton’s Build ings, Moore street. Clearing reductions now on. 7-32 TTyTANTED KNOWN—That Robert EISTON, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 e WANTED Known—Music Taught to Pupils in Ashburton or Tinwald, at their own homes, for 24 guineas ; at ray house for 2 guineas per quarter. Letters addressed to Post-office or to Mrs Chaei.es Cornelius, third house on East Belt, next Davis’s. 7-19 WANTED, for a Station, a MAR RIED COUPLE without family. Man must be a good shepherd and willing to make himself generally useful; wife, experienced general servant. Apply, stating wages required, to A.E.M., care of Office of this Paper. 7-46 ANTED Known—That C. Haw kxns, BOOT and SHOEMAKER, having given up the Ashburton branch, is now carry ing on the Business at Tin wald under his own personal supervision. Being overstocked with women’s and children’s BOOTS, he is now offering them at a sacrifice. Come and see for yourselves. 7-49 ITT A N T B D. SUBSCRIBERS TO OUR CIRCULATIN G LIBRARY ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



Special Advertisements. t F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, east street south, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bea. of 'naterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED sl THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared ne effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE A3SORTMSN T •F NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT AT -WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : BAST STREET. Money ! Money ! ! THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OP NEW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T . C. Dunjan, East street, to LEND MONEY on Ajshburton approved free hold or leasehold property, repayable by either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly instalments, or for a fixed period. The Company are also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. J. 0. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street. STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—fiom small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &o. All the Heme Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0., East street South Ashburton, nib



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OP THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. 0. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE,. Christchurch. The splendid stock of General .Drapery in all departments has besn purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels wo stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested abcve, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth j £ a. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 l£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydiaed buttons, to match ... ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6



£ 1 9 10 Our No. 2, 3(h household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 017 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets ... ... ... 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 0 14 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... ... ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 17, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 2 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L dies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet ... ... ... ... 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 110 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... 10 0 1 full size white honeycomb ®r toilet quilt O 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels ... ... ... 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers ... ... 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 0 11 6 £ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... ... ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... ... ... ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth ... ... ... ... 1 1 0 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... ... ... ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars ... ... 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’nice hose... ... 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... ... ... 410 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P. 0.0. made payable to E O. BROWN & 00., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. P O R SALE. Seed. Seed, SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald.



AND FOR SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sections having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at per cent, for a term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 ACRES. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, hristchurch or -Vshburton. 12au