SHIPPING.

?ORT OF LYTTELTON.

Arrived. Saturday.

Wakatu, s.a., from K.iukoura and Wel lington. Rotorua, b. 3., from Manukau and way ports. Hauroto, a. s., from Port Chalmers. Yesterday. Conference, barque, from Newcastle. Sailed. ' Saturday. *”*feWrcl, brigantine, for Auckland. / Hauroto, s.s., for Sydney. * _ Rotorua, s.s., for Wellington. .w Yesterday.

Duke of Richmond, barquentine, for Newcastle. ;i <7 Oelestia, barque, for Westport ]

COMMERCIAL.

\,-f f- * " t Ashburton Guardian Office^ Monday afternoon, -ref'. ; -Si The Sydney Markets. 7,![,. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, limited, report of the - Sydney maikets, under date Aug g, as fol *y ‘ lows Wool : A few parcels of scoured have been offered within the past few days, and prices show some little improvement, first K-V- combing making up to 21 per lb, and first clothing — Sheepskins : The better descriptions meet with good competition at late rates, but medium and inferior qualities are decidedly easier.—Tallow : This market exhibits no material change, all parcels coming forward being readily quitted at the following rates Best mutton up to L 37 ; best beef up to L 35 105 ; medium and inferior, L3O to L 32 10s. —Butter : There is no improvement in prices, though we are now gradually moving our stocks. The figures will doubtless be disappointing to consignors, but in the face of the large quantities which have been poured into the market, no other result could have been anticipated.—Potatoes; This market, . which exhibited some signs of weakness when we issued our last circular, fell rapidly on the - arrival of the s.s. Tarawera and Hauroto, and 1 /} per ton became the ruling quotation. Bayers have operated pretty freely at this . • figure,* but there are still large stocks on hand ; and unless, therefore, consignors are prepared to accept this price, or possibly some slight advance, we recommend their withholding ■ l Shipments lor the next two or three weeks, by which time, we think, some improvement may be looked for.—Oats : Consignments of feed qualities to hand have met with fait competi tion, at from 2s 3d to 2s ?d per bushel.

Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows Saturday, August 18: Several i;i L light draughts and hacks were sold, but prices unimportant. No cows were entered, though '* : i they were enquired for. Pigs sold well, all lots being cleared. Fowls, 2s to 3s 3d P er pair; ducks, 4s 6d to 5s 3d per pair. Imple ments, Wood’s reaper and binder, ploughs, Cambridge roller, harrows, etc., sold at fair rates. Harness sold very well. Carcase r >.* ; pork, 2#d to lb. Produce—Potatoes: 1 -Kidneys, L 6 per ton ; Blue Derwent, 50s to gjSipef ton; carrots, 30s per tan ; chick wheat, to 3s per bushel ; oats, 300 bushels short, rAXJ is 4d, long is 6d per bushel; tea, 21s guaran teed. Sundries sold well, there being a very large attendance, v , t. Mr ly Bullock reports of the Horse Market ■'"' for the week ending Saturday, August 18: 'There was a large attendance of settlers, and "’ar horses were brought forward for the day’s ii, i«fle. ! Anything like good useful farm horses sold at full market rates, but for hacks and

light harness horses there was little competi r- tiop. . Out of those entered II were sold as ,J follows—Medium draughts suitable for farm " ; work, Ll 3 10s to L 24 1 os; a three-year-old, .■■■' L 24 l os ; inferior draughts, L 7 5 s to Ul2 10s ; . . hacks and light harness horses of an inferior description, L2 15s to Ls ss. Oats, inferior and'Slightly damaged by wet, is 4d per bushel; seed oats, up to 2s. —Landed propei ties, also Borough leases: I offered the leasehold of ~ several Borough reserves, but only one was ... sold, viz., part of T.S. 91 having a frontage ' * of about 40ft on East street, which brought a rental of L2S per annum for the first five years, with an increase of 5° P er every seven years after up to twenty-one years. Out of the landed properties oftered, one changed hands viz., lot 44, bn East ' Town Belt, containing! rood 8 perches, at L3O 10s.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Tuesday, August 21. box and Co., at the Ashburton Yards —Stock. Friday, August 24. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Dundas .Homestead Stock, Implements, &c. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o This Evening. Monday, August 20. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Friday, August 31. Methven Schoolroom Amateur Dra matic Performance, &c.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows; For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m. , and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m. and daily. For Dunedin, Tin wald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, ijsadiGeraldihe, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Tima.’u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. 5 For Greenstreet atid Ashburton Forks, d ! on 'Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and ■ Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. • ■ For Ashtca, Watecton and Longbeach, . i: *t4.3o_p. m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednea- Says, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. in. ;; i f For Wakanui', Elgin, Sea view, Seafield, yid Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. ~ , For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri ( days at 10.30 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post listed— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 *.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. • From Qhertdey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at. 5.30 p.m.. daily. •.■ i From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m, 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. , FrOjin Greenstreet and Ashburton - Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.m. From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.in. and 8.16 p.m. v'S From.Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long '.'toehat 10 a.m. daily. ’ From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, *nd Sat urdays, at .4 p.m. ' Frpm Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn -4«y8,at9.30a.ra. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. rains Leave Ashburton for Timaru and South, at 6.50 a.in., 10.25 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 15a.m. (Express), 435 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1883. A Land Tax.

The House of Representatives has spent a considerable. amount of time during the present session in discussing questions relating to the taxation of the colony. It might be less profitably employed. The people of the colony are beginning to take a very lively in terest indeed in the subject of taxation; but they seem to view it from a differ ent standpoint to that from which it is regarded by most of their rulers ; for whereas the latter appear to consider that the chief things to be determined are the proper mode and incidence of taxation, the former consider that they are required to pay a great deal too much in the way of taxation, and that if more economy were exercised in the administration of public affairs the taxation could be materially lightened. The latest debate in the House bn this subject took place last Thursday, when Mr Smith, the member for Waipawa, moved a resolution to the effect that it was necessary “ to impose a land tax on all land in the colony.” The argu ments used in support of the resolution by Mr Smith and Sir George Grey—

vyho came out in great force on the occasion—were of a singular character. The eloquence of these gentlemen was directed to exposing the evils of land monopoly and the unfairness of per mitting landowners to benefit from the construction of railways made with public money through their properties without their being required to con tribute at least a part of the “ unearned increment ” ,to the State. Few persons, now-a-days, will be found to argue that land monopoly is a good thing for the country; and we may, without hesita tion, admit that when we began to carry our Public Works scheme into effect we might fairly have made some kind of bargain with the landowners, great and small, whose properties were likely to be improved in value by the for mation of railway lines through them or in their immediate neighborhood, al though, while making this admission, we may perceive the injustice which would be done by imposing a special tax upon persons who had bought lands at the enhanced prices given to them by this means. We fail to see, however, in what way an ordinary Land Tax would operate to break up over grown estates, especially as Mr Smith and Sir George Grey propose to abolish the Property Tax, and to re place it with a Land Tax as a substitute. We may condemn the injustice, and yet admit the logic, of those who pro pose class taxation in the shape of a progressive Land Tax, and even the hot-headed advocates of bursting-up taxes andsimilarcommunistic measures, might, with some show of reason, as sert that whether their projects were good or bad in themselves, they were calculated to effect the particular end in view, whatever their collateral effects might be; but to repeal the Property Tax and to impose an all round Land Tax in its room appears to us to be the feeblest of all projects for abolishing land monopoly and getting at the un earned increment arising from railway construction. In like planner, while Sir George Grey’s diatribes against the excessive taxation of the country will meet with many a responsive echo, it is impossible for any ordinary mind to deduce from them, as a necessary con sequence, that a Land Tax ought to be imposed upon the country. The country did enjoy a Land Tax during Sir George Grey’s brief reign ; and it didn’t like it. The tax irritated everybody concerned, while it* failed to produce the revenue expected. The fact is, there is a class of theorists who believe that the land will bear any quantity of taxation. One of these enthusiasts in a well-known work, re cently published, calmly propounds the view that the whole of the taxation should be placed upon the land ; and he innocently imagines that people would be found to carry on farming upon such terms. Now, a Land Tax is a perfectly legitimate tax in itself; but whether such a tax ought to be im posed or not must depend upon the particular circumstances of each case. Farmers in New Zealand, in addition to their contributions to the general taxation, do already pay a good deal of special taxation in the shape of local rates. These local rates, too, are increasing year by year. The policy of the General Government is to compel each district to defray the cost of administering its local affairs out of local rates. To augment these grow ing burdens by a land tax would be extreme injustice. The'common sense of the House fortunately rejected Mr Smith’s motion, for which, we observe, the member for Wakanui voted. The Wakanui farmers will doubtless appre ciate the action of their representative.-

Another of the Oxford’s recently landed passengers, a girl, who gave evidence before the Commission on Friday, has been seized with typhoid. At the Court this morning Wm. Jones was brought up charged with drunkenness and fined 10s. Robert Denton, who was suffering from lunacy, the result of drink, was remanded for a week.

During the past three months about 700 draught horses have been shipped for Sydney by the Union Company’s steamers from Port Chalmers and Lyttelton. They have been mostly taken to Queens land. The demand is slackening now.

The San Francisco mail arrived at Auckland on Saturday evening, two days before time-table date. The Hawea with the Southern portion was expected to ar rive at Wellington this afternoon, and should this be carried out Aahburton ites will get their letters to-morrow after noon.

The following have been chosen to play for Canterbury against Auckland on Saturday next: —Backs; E. Cotterill, Farr, C. D’Auvergne, Robinson, lies, and Helmore; forwards ; E. Million, W. Million, Archer, Fenwick, Andrews, McLaan, Mathias, Winsloe, and E. D’Auvergne; emergency: Blanchard.

The Committee of the Auckland Racing Club ha T e framed a programme for the forthcoming season. The total amount of prize money for the three meetings is L 4,595, distributed as follows :— Spring, L 515; Summer, L 2,750 ; Autumn, L 1,330. The Club has also decided to introduce two more races in future programmes— the Great Northern St. Leger of 200 sovs, and the Great Foal Stakes of 300 sova. In the matter of entrance fees the Club have dealt very liberally with horse owners.

The Blue Ribbon Army concluded their campaign in Ashburton on Saturday even ing, when the Town Hall was crowded by an enthusiastic audience. Mr D. H. Brown was in the chair, and during the evening addresses were delivered by the Revs T. Bray and W. West, the latter’s speech being especially racy and calling forth hearty laughter and applause. The number of pledges signed since the Army began work here is 337, but financially the mission has not been so great a suc cess, the subscriptions falling short of the expenses incurred to the amount of some few shillings. The announcement that a public bap tism would take place in the Domain yes terday morning drew together a large crowd of people to witness the ceremony. It was evide t from the manner in which the proceedings wore watched that the majority were present from cariosity rather than anything else. The officiating clergyman, Rev. T. Bray, was accompa nied by lay representatives of the Baptist community, a choir contributing the musical portion of the service. After an address had been delivered and several sacred songs rendered, Mr Bray entered the water, which portainly did nojt look inviting, the color and consistency of the liquid reminding one of pea soup. Two female and one male adherents went through the ceremony, and it must be admitted that they did not appear very comfortable under the ordeal, which could not have been very pleasant, considering the muddy state of the water- The pro ceedings were watched with much inte rest, the crowd dispersing in different directions after the baptism was con cluded.

On Saturday the hounds met at Mr Poole’s, Tinwald, but although that gen tleman had taken much trouble in pro viding country the very high wind pre vented the scent lying well, and the run was not a success. On Wednesday the meet will be at Bakaia, when a large turn out is expected. At a meeting of footballers on Saturday night it was decided to accept a challenge to play a team from Bakaia on Saturday next if they will come to Ashburton. Messrs Lechner, Fleming and J. Fooks were elected a Selection Committee to pick the local team. A meeting is to held on Tuesday (to-morrow) night at 7 o’clock, at Quill’s Hotel, to arrange sun dry matters in connection with the above match. Players are reminded that a practice will be held to-morrow afternoon at 4 o’clock, when all who can are re quested to turn up in order to give the Selection Committee a chance of seeing them play. The following have been picked to play;—A. Fooks, Fleming, Stewart, Jephson, Quain, "Venables, Lechner, Baddeley, Bradley, Hogg, S. Clark, Belatny versus Coffey, E. Fooks, Maud, Leitch, J. Fooks, Hepburn, Mcßobie, Field, Brett, McFarlane, Clark. Fish.

On Saturday afternoon a number of Mr Davies’ friends assembled at the South Bakaia Hotel to bid farewell and drink to the health and prosperity of that gen tleman on hia leaving Bakaia for Welling ton in ihe service of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company as auc tioneer; etc. Mr Mmn, as spokesman for those present, in a short speech proposed the health and prosperity of Mr Davies, and much regretted that he was leaving the district, whore he had been resident some four years, during which time he had well earned the goodwill and respect of all with whom he had been connected in both public and private matters. He had always taken great interest in church and school mat ers, and his loss would be much felt by those institutions. From the ability and sterling integrity always shown by Mr Davies in all his actions he felt sure that the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company had obtained the ser vices cf a most efficient officer, who would always give their interests his full atten tion. The toast was drunk in a most enthusiastic manner. Mr Davies in thanking his friends for the kind manner in which they had drunk his health, said it was with much regrtt thathe was leaving a district whore he had spent some happy years and made many friends, and he felt sure no enemies. He had always been willing to lend any assistance he could to parish matters, but there was no need to make a fuss about it. He trusted at some future date to return to the plains, if not to settle, to visit his old friends who had shown him so ranch kindness.

The New Zealand Times, criticising the speech delivered by Sir George Grey on the Land Tax motion says—Sir George Grey, who carried on the debate, after some considerable pause, then delivered an address which ne scarcely know how to characterise. Certainly it was strangely wide of the subject under discussion. After entering into an arithmetical calcula tion, in which he proved, according to his own satisfaction, that the House of Lords in England, if paid according to the scale allowed the Legislative Council in this colony, would receive annually L 1.840,000 a year, the Speaker some fabulous sum, the Sergeant-at-Arms L 22,000, and Major Atkinson and the members of his family L 270,000 from the public revenue, ap peared to resent the smiles and ironical “ hear, hear !” on the Ministerial benches and commenced a furious onslaught on those whom he considered the offenders. He stigmatised Mr Hurst as “ a buffoon,” and was called to order by the Speaker for so doing. Tften he charged the same member with insulting the Speaker by walking through one particular passage up to his table instead of through another, which, he said* he (Sir George) always used. This was followed up by a refer ence 10 the “ idiotic grin ” of the member for Hawke’s Bay, and to the “ honible looking countenances ” of the members on the Ministerial benches. The Hansard reporters were charged with issuing garbled reports, and the press with other offences. The reporters for the press laughed, and thought it all very funny. We are doubtful if it was. Sir George Grey parenthetically remarked that he was not well. We believe he was very bad at the time, and the only excuse we

can imagine for his extraordinary be haviour last night is that the brightest intellects become clouded over by physical suffering. It seems only a pity he spoke at all.

The usual weekly sales of stock, etc., will take place to-morrow at the Ashburton yards. Tenders for various works are invited in an other column.

Mr C. W. Purnell, solicitor, notifies that he has removed to chambers in Montgomery’s Buildings, Burnett street. Persons interested in the Fountain Head Gold Prospecting Company are referred to an advertisement elsewhere, calling a meeting for to-morrow night. Intimations concerning the bankruptcy estates of James Bradley and George Parkin appear in this issue, and Mr A. Harrison, the trustee in Mr Trevurza’s estate, calls a meeting of creditors to be held at the trustee’s rooms on Wednesday, at n a.m. “My wife and daughter were made healthy by the use of Hop Bitters, and I recommend it to my people.”— Methodist Clergyman, read. —[Advt.] Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions—Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious cathartic. 5d and is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. I Wanted parties about to furnish to know that J. Meech is selling all his goods at a sacrifice, being over-stocked and wanting the money. Drawing-room Suites from £\o ios, warranted ; Good Bed-room Suites, remark ably low; Drawing-room: Fancy Walnut Tables, Japanese Tables, a splendid Inlaid Walnut Sideboard, Marble Slab, with Plate Glass back, to be sold cheap. Iron Bed steads, Crockery-ware, and every requisite for house furnishing etc. Funerals conducted on the cheapest scale. Practical workmen kept in all its branches. Agent for the cele brated Venetian Blind Makers, Dunedin. Carvings and Turnery of every kind. All kinds of furniture exchanged and highest price given for furniture. Note the address—Next Bullock’s Arcade, Ashburton.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

The City of Sydney arrived at the Auck land Wharf shortly after 8 p. m. on Satur day. She left t-an Francisco on July 28 h. The passage was uneventful. Pas sengers—Cabin, for Auckland Mr and MrsJ. M. Mitchell, Messrs Glendinning, Mitchell, Porter, Harzog, Layard, Pat rick. Steerage—Mr and Mrs George, Mr and Mrs Carlie, and Mr and Mrs Hart and three children, Mrs Johnson, Mrs Balmer, Mrs Sims. SUMMARY OP NEWS. European News. London, July 27. A deputation of the British Medical Association and several members of Par liament called upon the President of the Board of Trade on July 16th to urge that greater precautions be taken on emigrant vessels, and that the pay of ship surgeons be increased. Mr Chamberlain replied that a Bill would be introduced in the Commons dealing with the matter men tioned.

The Belgian Chamber of Deputies haa increased the duty on tobacco to 75 franca per 100 kilometrea of the manufactured article. Sir Roderick Cara ron entertained the officers of the American and Canadian Crabs at a banquet in London on the 27th July.

The Paris Figaro has received advices

f'om Tamatave,MadagasoaE, by way of Aden, to July 27th, saying that the British Admiral there demanded of the French Admiral that the state of siege be raised, but that Admiral Pierre refused to comply. There was a tragedy in Bedford on July 17th that caused great excitement. A party were playing lawn tennis at St Cuthbert’s, in the centre of the town, Mr Dever, an army officer, and Miss McKay, a handsome girl twenty years of age, being among the players. Suddenly, without any apparent provocation, Dev-;r pulled out a revolver and shot Miss McKay dead. He then blew out his own brains. Both victims were well known in society. It is believed that jealousy was the motive of the crime.

A despatch of July the Ist says that the Bishops are so alarmed by the storm of criticism evoked by their opposition to the Deceased Wife’s Sister Bill, that they have prepared a reply in justification, ex plaining their motives. The despatch says further that the Royal Family is much vexed at the failure of the measure, which puts the intended ma.'riage of the Princess Beatrice with her widowed brother-in-law as far off as ever, and that project is being said to explain the warm advocay of the Bill by the Prince of Wales and his brother.

The London cable to New York on July 25th says the report is confirmed of the betroth.il of Miss Nellie Fortescue, the favorite actress ot the Savey theatre Company, to Lord Arthur Wi liam Gar moyle, second and oldest living son of Lord Cairns. The young loVd is not twenty-two, and has for a long time by his pronounced love for theatricals and constant association with people of the stage, been in disfavor with bis father. The prospective groom has, however, the strong sympathies of his younger brother, who also develops precocious predilections for the stage. Lady Charlotte, the wife of the Rev EL. Neville Shortbrook, and sister to Lord Cairns, is making a tumult over what she calls the pending degrada tion of her brother’s family. The London Standard says great com plaints. were made at Hamburgh against the excesses of the crew of the United States steamer Lancaster, The police men had been obliged to arrest several officers and sailors belonging to the vessel.

There is a hitch in the purchase of Sir

Philip Miles’s picture gallery by the New York millionaire, Vanderbilt. In the meantime connoisseurs are urging the Government to buy the celebrated Ra phaels and Claudes in the gallery. In the House of Lords on July Ist, Lord Derby, Colonial Secretary, said the Government was not ready to annex New Guinea, owing to the enormous extent of territory of unknown character in the in terior, and certainly the natives would ob ject to annexation. A sad accident occurred during a tem perance fete at the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield on July 2nd. There were thou sands of school children on the ground. A number of them climbed on a dray, when the horse, becoming frightened, caused a panic among the little ones, two of whom were killed and twenty others injured. Though Queen Victoria’s lameness has been entirely cured, according to reports of July 7th, her mental|indisposition still continues.

The Duke of Marlborough died of car diac syncope on July sth. He was found dead on the floor of his room.

The Daily News’ financial article |of July 7th says a number of holders of Con federate bonds have subscribed LIO,OOO to be used in trying to recover a portion of their debts. Lord Penzance and Messrs Gorst and T. 0. Bruce, M.P.’s were ap pointed trustees. The promoters do not expect more than 10 per cent, of the debt, averaging LBOO,OOO. The attempt to gal vanise the market proved a failure. There were more sellers than buyers. It appears that the joint committee of the Lords and Commons rejected the Channel tunnel project by six to four. The majority of the Committee, however, differed so much relative to their reasons for voting against it that they refrained from presenting any collective statement of their views to Parliament.

A cable despatch, July 15th, states that the outlook for the English harvest is not so favorable as reported the preceding week, as heavy storms had lodged the wheat in many places, but still the general prospects are good. Cardinal iioward has left R-me for Eng land. A despatch, July 13th, says his mission is to establish, if possible, diplo matic relations between England and the Vatican.

The London Lancet, of July 12th, says there is nothing in the Queen’s condition to excite the slightest anxior.y. The iron men of Wolverhampton have agreed to resume work at a reduction of wages, against which they struck. In attempting to launch the steamer Daphne at Renfrew, five miles from Glas gow, on the 3rd July, the ye«sel fell over on one side, precipitating a large number of people into the wiSer, Two hundred working men were on board when the capsize took place in the middle of the stream. The vessel left the ways at a very rapid rate of speed, and when she got into the water rolled fr ,m side to side, and the persons on board becoming frightened, ran to and fro, until finally she rolled over and nearly disappeared be neath the water. Those who maintained their positions on the portion of the steamer which was not submerged, did their utmost to save those Who were oast over board. At the same time boats quickly

assisted in the work of rescuing the un

fortunate people, and saved quite a num ber, but for all this the death roll is esti mated at one hundred and fifty persons

The vicinity of the scene was crowded with relatives of the deceased. The cause of the capsize was that she had too much top weight. The builders of the Daphne testified at an enquiry begun on the 11th, before Sir Edward Reed, that the vessel was launched in the usual manner, and no fear had been entertained of dan ger. They said the deck on the starboard side had been removed to admit the boiler plates, and the planking and other ma terial were stowed on other parts of the deck. She sank on the port side. Ac cording to the statement of eye-witnesses

and the survivors of the disaster the

vessel left the slip too rapidly, causing her stern, which entered first, to sink deeply into the water. She was then caught by a strong current of the river, by which, as well as by her top weight, she was caused to heel over so far that the water entered her ports. The vessel had all her machinery in place when she was launched, and a diver, who was sent down shortly after the disaster, said the companion way was blocked up with a solid mass of bodies one upon another. It appears that the men who were at work below when the ship went over rushed from their work and became jammed in the passage way. Some of the bodies still had tools in their hands. There was a large number of boys on board. The Daphne is a vessel of 500 tons, and was built for the coasting trade. She was partly raised on the 13th.

American Items.

San Francisco, Jul> 2s.

The Hanlon—Hosmer —Lee boat-race at Fulton, New York, on July 26, was won by the first-named. Time —Hanlon, 19.40; Hosmer, 19.50; Lee, 19.60. The course is not a full three miles.

James McDermott, a Brooklyn news paper man and Republican politician, was shot dead on July 22 by James Gaynor, who said as he raised his revolver — “ McDermott, you traitor, I’ve followed you 3,000 miles to kill you; and I’ll do

it now.” It is asserted McDermott was shot by order of the Fenian Brotherhood. He had tinned informer, and it was on his evidence Featherston, Dalton, Deary and others were arrested for conspiracy to murder. Gaynor was one of two members of the Brotherhood who had followed McDermott from Ireland to slay him.

Yellow fever has made its appearance at a quarantine lazarette below Philadel phia.

Physicians are apprehensive that the Egyptian cholera will visit the United States, as it is travelling just in the same tracts as in former years. A strange serpentlike creature 30ft long and 2ft in diameter, was reported as seta on July 26 at Greeu Bay, Lake Michigan, by two citizens and fishermen, at Bailies Harbor.

The Catholic clergy in the United States will follow the Pope’s instructions, and not the lead of Parnell.

England has sent a protest to the United States against returning emigrants to the former country, whose friends in America had invited them to come here, with a promise of assistance. It was reported on July 27th that the Spanish Minister to Mexico had been re called, and a serious rupture between the two countries was probable.

The health authorities of New York have taken extraordinary precautions against cholera, and will not allow the importation of rag cargoes till they are rebaled.

The steamship City of Sydney, leaving at date, carries to colonial order 124 fine American merino sheep from - Vermont. • The animals a. e large and heavily fleeced. The British ships Gilderhope and Euterpe, bound to San Francisco, are now (Ja y 28th) ninety-two and ninety-one days out from Newcastle, Neiv South Wales. Nothing has been he£rd of them since sailing. Captain Matthew Webb, the noted English swimmer, who first came into notice by bis notorious feats iu the English Channel, perished on the afternoon of Tuesday, July the 24rh, in attempting to swim the Niagara River whirlpool rapids. He was rowed in a skiff to a point in the river opposite the old ‘‘Maid of the Mist” landing by John McOlay, ferry man at the falls, 'and leaped from the boa,t at two minutes past four o’clock. The daring swimmer passed the big rapids all right, keeping in the middle of the stream. He struck a whirlpool, and was rushed to the American side, where the waves, if is esti mated, are from 30ft to 40ft high. When last seen be was throwing up one arm. His intention had been to pass the whirl* pool on the Canadian side. The refusal of the railroads and the hotels to hare anything to do with what they called “ going to his death” rendered the affair, financially, a failure. The river was searched two miles below the whirlpool, but no trace of the drowned man was found. It is generally believed he was engulphed in a whirlpool. Webb leaves a wife and child in E gland.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[bKDTKR's TBLEGR AMS—COPYRIGHT.] Launch of a Torpedo Vessel. London, August 18.

The launch of a torpedo boat which has been built for the Victorian Go-' vernment took place at Chiswick to day- The ceremony was performed by the Right Hon H. C. R Childers, after whom the boat was named. New Guinea.

In the House of Commons last night, Mr Gladstone was questioned as to the intention of the Government re-, garding the future of New Guinea. In reply, the Premier stated that as the Government refused to ratify the an nexation of that island by Queensland it was unnecessary to say anything about the future. The Government were satisfied that there was no fear of a claim to the island being made by any foreign power. Affairs in South Africa*

Capetown, August 18.

No intelligence of a reliable nature has yet been received from Zululand regarding the report of the defeat of Usibepu by Cetewayo’s adherents, and doubts are entertained as to its au thenticity. Outbreak of Cholera in India. Bomb at. August 18. During the past fortnight 200 deaths from cholera occurred here, and the disease is now assuming the character of an epidemic. Stringent measures have been adopted to prevent its further developement.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rKUTEr’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] Death of Archbishop Vaughan. Sydney, Yesterday. A telegram has been received l here to-day from England announcing'that the Most Rev, R. B. Vaughan, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, died suddenly at Liverpool yesterday. The intelligence has been received with universal regret. The Queensland Elections* Brisbane, Saturday. The polling for the general elections is proceeding. The following Ministers have been re-elected :—Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, Premier and Colonial Secretary; Mr .Archer, Colonial Trea* surer; and Mr Perkins, Secretary for Lands. The final returns from Towns* ville are not yet received, and-’there fore it is uncertain whether Mr Mac rossan, the Secretary for Public Works, has been re-elected. Mr King, Speaker of the Assembly, has been defeated for Maryborough. [Received August 20, 1.20 p.m.J The Suez Mail. Melbourne, To-day. Arrived—P. and O. steamship Assam with the Suez mail dated London July 13th. The French in the Pacific. “ The Vagabond" writes to the Argus from the Islands that the Dart {sic) has landed a party at Amboryn (?) to attack a village in that locality, the scene of the murder of Gapt JBelbin. “ The Vagabond ” also asserts that the lieutenant of the French warship d’Eslres, recently bought‘the island of Irirki. The transaction was nominally a private one, but was really on behalf of the French Government. The Annexation Conference. Mr Service has telegraphed to the Government of New Zealand asking when they will be able to reply to the invitation to the joint annexation con ference. Meanwhile the convention is at a stand-still and the Argus urges that it is important no time should bfi-lost, in view of the French activity in the Pacific.

- Shipping News. > Adelaide, To-day.- Arrived Messagefies Maritipies steamship Marseilles.' The Merchant Shipping and Upd e Fr writers’ Association, under date. Lon? don, i8 l .h August, report the arrival of the Margaret Galbraith, from Timaru j Elizabeth, from Oamaru; Gainsborough, from Lyttelton ; and Soukar, from Lyt telton.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 1883.



Fine Gold. AAA SH SEP tobe Slaughtered to • jU)UUU Me(a)t the Times.—Wanted the pnbJto| to know you can save 100 per MOt by dealing at the Ready-Money Bullock’s Arcade. Meat delivered, to .any part of,-the t«vn when 8 211



Wanted WANTED SITTING-ROOM, with one or two Bedrooms (unfur nished). A. 8.. care of H. M. Jones. 8 343 WANTED A thorough General SERVANT; good wages given. Apply, Mrs Alfred Curtis, Sarratville, Tinwald. 8 361 WANTED KNOWN Two Ladies would find a comfortable resi dence, with use of piano.—Mrs G. El. Thompson. Tancred street, near Arcade. 1443 WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared te Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 e WANTED Known Startling an nouncement. Great bargains for a short time. The stock belonging to the Little Dust-pan having been purchased at less than half price by me, 1 invite the public to inspect the goods and secure genuine bargains. No sham; must be sold; and as I am willing to give a chance to participate in the advantage received by me, ah early call is invited to John Meech’s Cheap Furniture Mart, Burnett street. Roll up at once and secure bar gains.— John Meech. 8 287 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement ; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Olubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344 WANTED Known —That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Mox-on, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 iiMtlWflWWWWM—————



Special Advertisements. PAPE It FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 r« IHE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN |_ AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED, HAVE FOR SALE, ON EASY TERMS OP PAYMENT a Complete Threshing Plant, By Ransome, including Bhn ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. The above has only threshed about 70,000 bushels, and is almost EQUAL TO NEW. Wm. HORNE, Agent, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 12 an



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAYS spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF 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 : EAST STREET. JgCONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. xhe Shag Point Coal Company, Limited, beg to inform the Public of Ash burton and neighboring district that their FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD COAL la supplied by the principal local Dealers at prices to suit the times. Special rates for quantities of 4 tons and upwards. Be sure and ask your dealer for Shag Point Coal, The most economical and efficient Fuel in the market, being free from soot and live ashes and emitting a strong, steady and lasting heat. For terms apply to your Dealer or at P. 0., Box 213, Dunedin. N.B. —The price of every ton of Shag Point Coal sold is spent in the colony, and a large portion of it goes direct to the revenue. 7 149



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Percel System,” for the supply ard puachase 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 been 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 tinder cost price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No, 3,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth £ s. 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 oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 6 £1 910 OurJNo. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ... ... ••• 1 .0 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 3 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 0 17 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 0 13 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. t 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L <diea’ 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 018 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 10 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 16 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 011 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 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... ... ... ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silasia ... ... 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 Ipair 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 I Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... 4 10 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. R.C.O. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S OHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. tjWERY article Sold at Christchurch ■A Prices and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. 1 FUNERALS I CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED —————— r|U NWAL D STORE. NOTICE. The TINWALD STORE has been RE-OPENED under the management of Mr W. BIGGS, and Customers will be attended to as formerly. 23d



Jjl 0 R SALE Seed. Seed. SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan, SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. KAIAPOI ISLAND POTATOES. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald.



RE AT OLE ARING SALE. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY, Commencing Saturday, August 18th. STATIONER!, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, Etc. A GREAT REDUCTION IN THE PRICES OF ALL OUR GOODS. An Inspection Solicited. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERY, Ac., East street South Ashburton. nls



Late Advertisements THE Promoters of the Fountain Head Gold Prospecting Oompanj are re quested to meet at the Somerset Hotel on TUESDAY Evening next at 8 p.m. 8 360 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24. 12 o’clock. ALFRED HARRISON, instructed b the Trustee in the Estate of Georg Parkin, will Sell by Public Auction, en the Premises, Moore street, A Quantity of Timber, Baltic and Kauri Ironmongery Coffin Furniture Derrick and Appliances 30 Scaffolding Poles, etc. Building for removal, about 24 by 10ft Tip Dray Spring Trap And a Large Quantity of Material of various kinds Sale at 12 sharp. ALFRED HARRISON, 8 368 Auctioneer.