SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Mahinapua, a. a., from Wellington. Ocean Ranger, barqnentine, from Port Louis, Mauritius. Sailed- Yesterday. Koranui, s.s., for Wellington, and West Coast ports. rSewtiri, s.s., for Westport. Mahinapua, s.s., for Dunedin. telegrams. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived— Penguin, from Fiji; Louie, froin Tonga. Sailed —Alceatis, for Noumea. - Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—La Prance, from Mauritius irith sugar for Dunedin and Lyttelton. Sailed —Hawea, for the North. Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived—Manspouci, from Melbourne.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, d;; Tuesday afternoon. Mr F. Ferriman reports having sold during this week the farm situated at Ashburton Forks, known as Hariss’s, containing 84 acres, together with improvements, at a price satis factory to the vendor. __ ____

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton fob Chbist ohubob and intermediate atationsat7.lo a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p. m. Tbaos Leave Ashburton fob Tmabc ash South, at 6.50 a.in., 10.25 a.m. (Express), and 4.46 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Tuinro 1 Arrive at Ashburton from Ohkistchubch at 10 15a.m. (Express), 436 p.m'., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 p;ai, (Express), and 8 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE'*. “ Tuesday, November 13. MitUnrij Cox and Co., at the Ashburton ffolepards—Stock. TtiraWnNQS. AMUSEMENTS, Etc WedniDay, November 7. Wakanui Wesleyan Church —Tea and Pub* l|a Meeting, in the Shoool, Wakanui, at 5.30 p.ini ; l Monday, November 12. Borough . Council, at Borough Council Chambers) at 7.30. Wednesday, November 14. Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association —Annual Show. Tinwald Lodge of Oddfellows—Annual Tea and Ball Wednesday, November 28. Ashburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, follows For Christchurch and North at 6 a,m 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.in. wd 5 p.m. daily. . . For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Tenjuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and Sonth, at 6 a.m., 10 and4.3o p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, mi Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 Dam*., For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and ■Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, aV6a.m. For Ash tea, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4*3o_Pim- daily. For Remington, an Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1883. The New Minister.

The result of the Premier’s visit to Auckland has been more disastrous than was expected by those who be lieved that its object was to give a port folio to a Northern representative. The idea of according to Mr Peacock a seat in the Cabinet, simply on the grounds of his having been returned by an Auckland constituency and without regard to his fitness for the post of a Minister, was preposterous enough, but we were comforted by the reflection that he was not to occupy Mr John ston’s place. If it was necessary to have provincial representation in the Government, then a member from the North might have held the position lately occupied by Mr Oliver, where he could have done little harm or good. This would probably have satisfied the Auckland malcontents, but the colony has beei\ astounded by the news that Mr E, Mitchelson, the member for Marsden, has been offered and has ac cepted the office of Minister of Public Works. Most people will naturally ask, who is Mr Mitchelson ? His name appears but seldom in the reports of Parliamentary debates, and he has as suredly never shown any special quali fications for what may be regarded as the most important post in the Govern ment. Indeed, even those who may be fairly supposed to know most of the new Minister and to be chiefly in terested in his appointment have little to say in his favor. In yesterday’s issue we reprinted an extract from the New Zealand Herald, the organ which was loudest in advocating the right of Auckland to be represented in the Government, and if what was said there is the best that can be urged in Mr Mitchelson’s favor, it is very plain that the choice of the Premier cannot be justified. Whatever merits the member for Marsden pos sesses seem to be of an entirely nega tive kind. “He has not shown himself ambitious of the fame of a glib talker, who delights to air his notions before the House on every occasion,” we are told, and this is presumably to be ac cepted as evidence of special wisdom. Beyond question our Parliament is pre eminently a talking one, and many of the talkers are not particularly wise, but we never heard the logic of the sailor who believed the parrot he possessed to be “ a beggar to think,” simply because the bird said little, applied to human beings. Another reason for considering the choice of Major Atkin son to be a happy one put forward by our Auckland contemporary is that Mr Mitchelson was once an appren tice to a carpenter, and consequently has the advantage of having received a mechanical training. This is the most astonishing argument we ever happed upon, Mr Mitchelson will probably not make a worse Minister of Public Works because hewas once a carpenter, but he will certainly not on that account make a better one. Abraham Lincoln was in the early part of his life a splitter of rails, but surely it can not be said that this had anything to do with his subsequently becoming the greatest President America ever had. If, therefore, Mr Mitchelson eclipses all his predecessors in office, it will not be because he was formerly a carpenter’s apprentice, but in spite of that fact. The appointment of an untried man was especially a mistake at the present juncture. The new Minister has a very heavy task before him ; large and important works are impending, and we have been promised that the civil service is to be reformed. It is in the last degree unlikely that Mr Mitchelson will be equal to what is required of him, and Major Atkin son will have cause to regret an action which at best only benefits Auckland at the expense of the whole colony.

The only case at the R.M. Court this morning was a breach of the Borough by-laws, for which a fine of 5s was in flicted. Mr Baddeley delivered his judg ment in the case of O’iShea v. Dunn, tried on Friday last. Ho said that ho did not consider that the plaintiff in this action had proved his case sufficiently to justify judgment being given for a large amount. Certain items which amounted to 12a 9d wore proved, and judgment would there fore be for the plaintiff for that sum.

By the Penguin from Fiji, the follow ing items of Fiji news has been re ceived The schooner Energy, at Le vnka, reports having been in s the islands as far aa the Banks’ Group. On arriving at Apia, one of the stations which belong to the owners of the schooner, it was found that a trader at the station named Edward McEwan had been shot the day before. The coast tribe say that a bush man fired, killing their chief and after wards McEwan. In going north towards the Bank Group, the Energy touched at Aohau, where she heard that a French man, Matthew Ferries, had been toma hawked in a small cutter belonging to the Company fcr which the Energy trades. He was killed while buying nuts. A Mal licolo boy and one Lifou boy swam ashore, and eventually saved the cutter, although she had been completely looted. At Rewa, a filtorer named Archibald Wilson, in the employment of the Colonial Sugar Company, was brutally murdered by some person or persons unknown.

Ashburton is about to be visited by an equestrian entertainment, Mr Sat Clair Jones, the advance agent of Woodyaar’s electric circus, having arrived here to make the necessary arrangements. The opening night is fixed for the 14th inat. Articles between Edwards |and J. M. O’Connor were signed last night for a 50- miles match for L 25 a aide, LlO to be de posited, and Ll 5 to be paid on Friday. The match will begin on Saturday at 1.30 so as to end about 10 p.m. O’Connor runs at the Timaru sports on Friday. The Dunedin police last night made a raid on the City Tattersall’s a place where it is alleged a totalisator is worked. They arrested fifteen persons, who were in the room at the time. They were all bailed out. The police remain in possession of the premises, in which they found a regis tedng apparatus. The stewards of the Victorian Jockey Club, after careful consideration, have found that Archie’s running in the Derby was cue to an error of judgment on the part of Huxley, the jockey, in keeping be hind so long, and although censuring him (Huxley) have dismissed tho charge.

The Christchurch Benevolent Associa tion during the past year considered 1678 applications and relieved 270 cases, viz.: —Married men, 122 ; widows, 78 ; de serted wives, 25 ; single (chiefly aged and infirm), 46. The number of children de pendent on the above was 990 The value of the relief afforded was L 1,038. A child two years old was found on Sunday in a well at Kaiapoi, and was pulled out at once apparently dead. Arti ficial respiration was resorted to, and animation was restored. Tho shock to the nervous system, however, was too great, and the child died in two hours. A man for vaulting the Inspector of Nuisances at Christchurch in the execu tion of his duty had to pay in fine and costs i-4 18s.

Mr Watt, R.M., held an impromptu Court at Oatram on Saturday under amusing circumstances. Two men turned out of an hotel indulged in some rowdy behaviour. Eventually one ran away, and Mr Watt, who had been standing quietly by, rolling a cigarette, stepped up to the other and there and then fined him 20s, or in default three days. Tho local constable collected the fine.

Captain A. J. Kuatel, a gentleman of Samoa, bougnt a vessel named the Vavau, and after it had been repaired Captain Kuatel told hia friends on shore he was going out in her in order to test her cap abilities, and said she would return in two days, but nothing has since been heard of the vessel, although some months have elapsed since she left Samoa for her two days’ cruise. There is very little room for doubt as to the fate of the vessel and all on board

The trial of McGregor v. Boyd was continued at Wanganui for the fifth day, before the Justice yesterday. The prin cipal evidence taken was that of the manager of the Bank where the deceased John McGregor kept his account, and two doctors who attended him ; all of whom considered him more or less mentally in capable of transacting important business. The plaintiff s case closed and Mr Travers, on behalf of the defendants, obtained an adjournment till to-day. It is understood that negotiations for a compromise are very likely to be brought to a successful issue before then.

At the Christchurch Orange demonstra tion yesterday afternoon, resolutions to ths following effect wore carried : —(1) Renewal of pledgj as Orangemen ; (2) Condemning the Irish Land League as re sponsible for the state of arnachy and frequent crimes and gene al demoralisa tion in Ireland; (3) Determination to maintain the present system of State education ; (4) Expressive of horror at the Phoenix Park murders ; (5) To pro test against the attempt by the Govern ment of England to open diplomatic re lations with the court of Romo.

PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING.

A well attended meeting was held last evening at the new Library Hall for the purpose of electing officers and Commit tee for the ensuing year. The President (Mr Joseph Ward; occupied the chair and briefly stated the objects for which the meeting was held. The minutes of the previous annual meeting having bean read and confirmed the hon Secretary read the following re port:— In presenting their report for the period be tween the Sth day of April, 1882, and the Sth day of November, 1882, your Committee have to report that they have held twenty Committee meetings, and during the same some important business has been transacted. In order to supply current subscribers with the means of obtaining a reading room, the Com mittee deemed it necessary to make arrange ments with the Town Hall Company, which was accordingly done, and the upper ro ;m en gaged for three months, in the early part of last year. Owing, however, to the room not being sufficiently well patronised by subscribers, it decided to abandon the idea of having a read ing room until a new building was erected. In addition to this, several papers and periodicals was j abstracted from the room, and altogether the expense was so great as not to warrant the Committee in keeping it open beyond the three months arranged for. As a supply of books were requisite to open the Library with, it was resolved to emit the sum of LIOO to Mudie’s for a supply of standard works. The consign ment came to hand some months ago, but has only been opened this afternoon. The Com mittee decided upon not opening them sooner, owing to the liability of losing, or getting the books destroyed before a proper place was ready for their reception. The President and the Hon Secretary waited upon the County Council and the Borough Council in reference to a grant in aid m one case, and to obtain a cen tral site in the other. After these interviews with the County Council, that body generously granted a subsidy of pound for every pound collected from the public. With regard to the Borough Council, after some little delay the Committee were successful in obtaining the present site, which has been leased to the library trustees for a term of years on particu larly favorable terms, and a promise to assist the Library Committee for the time being, in endeavouring to obtain the fee simple of the site as soon as an Act for such a purpose can be passed by the General Assembly. The choice of site caused no little worry and delay, as no less than three were selected and de cided upon by the Committee at different meet ings, but we believe the most central one, and one that will serve the best interests of the public, has been chosen. After the very liberal grant of L2OO from the County Council had been promised the Committee resolved itself into a Building Committee, and plans were at once obtained on favourable terms, and tenders called for the building. The ten der of Messrs Nelson and Coutts for L 969 17s 6d, which was considerably under several others, was accepted, and the result is the fine substantial structure which they were now

in. The application for a portion of the Government grant of Ls>ooo to public libraries was made in due form, in the beginning of last year, and the sum of L 44 6s was remitted by the Government as our share of this fund. This sum has been placed to the credit of the building. The total of the subscriptions paid, together with the interest accrued on the L4OO which was lying at deposit with the Building Society until a short (time back, and LIOO from the Countv Council, has been ab orbed by the building fund, in ad titio 1 to a loan of L3OO which has had to be raised in order to pay off the contract for the building, The Bank over draft is also about L 47, so that altogether the total liabilities on the building must at present be about L4OO, which will be reduced as soon as the balance due by the County Council and the remaining subscriptions now promised are paid, to a total indebtedness of about L2OO. It will be necessary for the incoming Commit tee to collect the outstanding subscriptions, as hitherto they have not been paid as promised, owing to the non-completion of the building. This excuse, however, can no longer be put forward, and it behoves the public to give the utmost support to the management of the insti tution in order that the debt may be speedily

wiperl off. Now that everything in connection with the Library can be put on a satisfactory footing, it is hoped that our successors will have no difficulty in defining a policy whereby the institution can be satisfactorily managed in the interest of the public, and with due regard to the liabilities entered into by those who carried on the business of the institution during the interim from April 1882, to November, 1883. The Chairman stated that as only sub scribers could vote at the meeting it would be necessary to confirm a resolution which had been passed by the Committee re the amount to be paid as subscriptions. Ha might plate that these had been fixed at 15s, Bs, and 5s for yearly, half-yearly, and quarterly subscriptions. Mr Bullock moved that the subscrip tions bo the same as fixed by the Com mittee. Mr St Hill seconded this.

Mr Poyntz proposed as an amendment, and Mr A. Roberta seconded—“ That the subscription be 21s, 10s 6d, and 6s. Mr Caygill thought that 10s per annum was quite enough, as the supply of books was hardly sufficient to justify so large a subscription as had been fixed by the Committee. The Chairman remarked that it would take quite Ll2O a year to keep the Lib rary going. Mr Caygill said that if the subscription were made lower he thought that at least 600 subscribers would join instead of only 150 or so that had done so hitherto.

Mr Douglas thought that tho subscrip tion as fixed was a fair one considering the improved building. Besides it was neces sary to provide a much larger number of books and periodials than were now avail able. The Chairman then put the amendment which was lost, and the original motion was carried. The report and balance-sheet were then unanimously adopted. Mr Bullock, in a flattering speech, pro posed Mr Ward as president of the insti tution. He thought that no one deserved the honor so much as Mr Ward, who had been intimately acquainted with the Library since its first start in Ashburton. He would suggest, however, that the office of president another year should be bestowed upon some other member of the Committee, who deserved it. As it was the highest office in the management of tho institution, it should be made a rolling one. Mr Bird, in seconding, also spoke of Mr Ward’s indefatigableneas in the work of the library.

The resolution was carried unani mously. The Chairman thanked them for the honor they had done him, and trusted that other gentlemen who had worked quite as hard as he had himself, and whom he was glad to see present, would successively fill the office of president. The following were then elected officers for the ensuing year Messrs G. H, St Hill, treasurer; W. 11. Zouch, hon. sec; S. E. Poyntz, librarian. The following gentlemen were then elected a Committee:—Messrs Revans, Bullock, A. Orr, Dempsey and A. Roberta. The Chairman stated that it was neces sary to rescind one of the by-laws passed previously in reference to the amount of subscriptions to be paid. On the motion of Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr St Hill, it was resolved to rescind by-law No 4. Mr W. H. Zouch proposed and Mr Bullock seconded—“ That it be a recom mendation to the incoming Committee to have the whole of the by-laws revised and submitted to a general meeting of sub scribers for adoption. Mr Poyntz moved and Mr Gundry se conded— “ That it be a recommendation to the incoming Committee to make the annual meeting fall on November Ist in each year.”—Carried. A considerable discussion ensued in reference to the dates on which subscrip tions should become due in each year, and it was ultimately decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Committee to deal with. Votes of thanks to the Chairman and the outgoing Committee were put and car ried, and the meeting adjourned.

A Committee meeting was subsequently held, when it was resolved to advertise for the services ot a competent caretaker, and to open the reading room to the public from this ( iuesday) evening. The Committee then adjourned until Saturday next.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, Oct. 26. Earl Derby has writ'.eu a letter to Mr Murray-Smith explaining the ‘ reasons which iunuced the Imperial Government to refuse to accede to the petitions for annexation submitted on behalf of the Australian colonies. He refers to the Annexation and Federation Conference which is to be held in Sydney next month, and states that, should the Con ference unanimously affirm the desirabil ity of annexation in the direotio 1 pro posed, the Imperial Government will be prepared to reconsider their decision. Lord Derby, however, declines to suggest conditions under which the annexation should beeffe;ted, and expresses his in ability to furnish an estimate of the ex pense involved in executing the proposals referred to in hia despatch of the 11th July. Lord Derby has prohibited the expedi tion originated by General Molvor for the purpose of colonising New Guinea. In consequence of the threats uttered by the dynamite pirty in Canada against the Marquis of Lansdowno, the authori ties have exercised vigilance. The additional precautions taken led to the discovery in Qua’ ec of a dynamite plot to assassinate his Excellency on his arrival. Mr Murray-cimith, Victorian Agent- General, has selected four gentlemen whose names he will submit to the Vic torian Government as suitable for the ap pointment of Chairman of the new Rail way Board. London, Oct. 28. In spite of the prohibition issued by the Imperial Government against General Mclvor attempting to further hia scheme for the colonisation of New Guinea, the promoter still continues making prepara tions for the development of his proposal. He has now purchased a steamer for the transport of intending colonists to that country.

Marquis Tseng, Chinese Ambassador in Paris, has entered a formal protest against the French making an attack upon the town of Bacninh, Tonquin, at a time when negotiations were pending between France and China with a view to a peaceable settlement of the Anam difficulty. It is reported that Monsignor Capel, an illustrious prelate of the Roman Catho lic Church, is to be appointed to succeed the late Archbishop Vaughan at Sydney. The Bonapartist faction in Paris intends to bring an impeachment against M. Ferry, the French Premier. The barque Mirzapore, stranded at Boulogne on the French Coast a few days ago, when on a voyage to Melbourne, lies in a precarious position.

Rumors, which have gained some con sistency, are current here that jit is the intention of the King of Portugal to abdi cate at an early date, but the news re quires official confirmation. London, Oct, 29. Telegrams have been received here from Jamaica reporting that an extensive and disastrous fire has occurred at Port An tonio, in that island. The flames spread with great rapidity, and almost the whole town was burnt to the ground. Berlin, Oct. 29. Xntoine, the member for the City of Metz in the German Reichstag, who was

recently arrested on a charge of high treason in consequence of hia writings, haa been released by order of the Govern ment,

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Oct. 30. Messrs John Woods and Thomas Bunt, M.L. A.’s, left per Mirzapora for Calcutta, to visit the Exhibition. A largo number of citizens attended the funeral of the Hon. It. S. Anderson, the Minister of Justice, on Sunday. The flags in the city were half-mast high. The first production of the drama of “The SilverKing”on Saturday was a great success. The house was crammed. Critics review it most favorably. The drama of “ Woman of the People" ia being played at two Theatres. Bandmann at the Vic toria Hall, and the Majeronis at the Bijou. Keturns of Hospital Sunday show that although the day was very wet the amount subscribed in Melbourne churches is only about L7O less than last year. The excitement in the sweeps matter, which was originated by articles in the Herald, culminated on Friday, when a number of persons interested in the Orient, Diamond, Centaur, and Occi dental sweeps were arrested by detectives. The prisoners were brought before the Court on Saturday, and the principals were committed for trial in all the cases. The “ Spero ” and “Loco” tatalisator sweep runners, who levanted last week, have not been heard of. There is some talk of legal proceedings, but the general idea is averse to throwing good money after bad. A fire occurred in Bourke street on Saturday night in premises occupied by the Orient Sweep promoters. The circum stances were suspicious, although the fire was quickly extinguished. Oioumbie-Brown, journalist, who was arrested last week on a charge of obtain ing L2 by false pretences from Joseph Blockley, Hobart, was brought up at the . ity Court to-day, and again remanded for fifteen days, and it: was stated there were several other similar charges pend ing.

The investigation made by the Premier into the alleged immorality in the State Schools failed to substantiate the state ments made by the Rev James Horner. The doctor who made the statement to a lady, who informed Bishop Moorhouse, is dead.

Under the new Ministerial arrange ments, Mr Sargood will become a salaried Minister whilst continuing to ghold the position of Minister for Defence. A meeting of the Working Men’s Col lege. was held last night. Mr Ormond announced his readiness to subscribe the ent.re amount wanted for the construc tion of a building, the only condition being that L 7,500 be raised by subscrip tion to be added to L 5,000 already sub scribed for fitting, furnishing, repairs, and scholarships ; also, that the title be changed to the Leopold Working Men’s College. Sydney, Oct. 30. Messrs Daniel Smith and Jean Luie, well known in connection with the Tich borne case, hare been lecturing in Wagga Wagga on behalf of the Tichborne De fence Association, but it appears the claimant was too well known in Wagga Wagga, as the meetings attracted poor audiences and little attention.

A blind man was brought up at the Police Court, Sydney, on Thursday, on a charge o insanity, and on being searched a deposit receipt of L4OO was found on his person.

Four men.McCoskar, Galvin, McManus, O’Malley, were tried at Armidale for sticking up Scott’s Hotel, in the Black Mountain-, in August last. O’Malley turned Queen's evidence, and derailed the circumstances, showing he and McManus actually robbed the hotel, whilo Galvin and McOosker, who keeps an hotel at Armidale, found horses, money an.i weapons. The proceeds of the robbery were equally divided. All were committed for trial.

At the Grafton Circuit Court, Matthew Brad field and George Herbert were charged with removing one of the leading beacons placed to guide vessels entering the Clarence river, and were found guilty and sentenced to seven yeato’ penal ser vitude.

The Uev John Osborne, Wesleyan mini iter, whom other ministers charged with heresy, has announced his intention of resigning. It is said if he did not resign ho would certainly be expelled. Adelaide, v/ct. SO.

Sunday School children to the number of 2,500 attended the Exhibition building on Saturday in connection with the special services of the Sunday School Union. The Governor and Lady Robinson were present. The condemned Chinaman Mah Poo .refuses to take his food, and it is thought improbable he will live to be executed. Perth, Oct. 30. In consequence of the grounding of the Clyde at Albany, the Government directed a re-survey of Princess Royal Harbor. It is supposed that the buoys havo been displaced by the recant tidal disturbances. t RISBANE, Oct. 30. A proclamation has been gazetted in reference to the alleged purchase of land from the natives in the Kabadi district, New Guinea, declaring that, in the event of New Guinea being annexed to Queens land, all such purchases will be declared illegal and treated accordingly. It also affirms the probability of such purchases being prohibited by the Federated Colo nies if the territory is placed under their jurisdiction, and in any case by the Im perial Government.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

MR LOUDON EXPLAINS.

To the Editor. Sir, —Tu your leading article of the 26th ult., you attack the proprietor of the Ashburton Mail for the report he gave of the few words spoken by me at the Meth ven Ploughing 'Hatch Dinner, in propos ing Mr Wason’s health. The report of the same that appeared in the Mail, althought not exactly a verbatim report of what I said, was not in any sense mis leading. How your reporter omld pos sibly construe the conversation he had with me to warrant the article in question, I am at a loss to understand. Hoping you will insert the above, 1 am etc, John Loudon. Lauriaton, Nov. 2nd. [We have published Mr Loudon’s letter, as requested, but in order that our readers may value it at its true worth

a word or two of explanation is neces sary. When our contemporary s report of the dinner appeared and we were assured, not only by our own reporter but by perfectly independent people who were present, that what was ascribed to Mr Loudon was not what he said, we wrote to that gentleman asking him to contradict it. This letter was never answered, but when we inter viewed him at the time of the Scotch concert, he asked us not to say any thing about the matter, adding, how ever, that the Mail’s report was incor rect. Thus we have on the one side the following facts: Mr Loudon’s speech was understood by several impartial people to refer to the WaEanui seat; when he is asked to say whether the re port of the Mail was correct or not, he remains silent, and subsequently asks us to take no notice of it; and finally if our contemporary’s report was “ not in any sense misleading ” then Mr

Loudon nr.’st have been talking abso lute nonsense. On the other aide we have simply the present denial, which is an entire contradiction of what was said to us by the writer when we met him in Ashburton. The natural con clusion we should think most people would come to is that if the Mail had reported Mr Loudon’s speech correctly that gentleman would not have delayed in answering our letter on the sub ject. As to his being at a loss to under stand that the conversation we had with him warranted our article, that ia plainly hia own fault, for we can assure our readers that we simply took Mr Loudon to mean what he said, namely that he did not say what our comtem por ry’s report made him say. ; Per haps it will be well for him in future to bo quite certain of what he does mean when he speaks at public dinners, -r- Ed, (?.]

SPORTING.

NEW ZEALAND METROPOLITAN MEETING. [by telegraph.] [from oub own correspondent.] Racecourse, To-day. Stewards —J. Brabazon, J. D. Prankish, J. B, Gresson, L. Harper, J. D. Lance! J. T. Peacock, U. H. Frias, W. Beeves, J. 0. Wason, L. Walker, A C. Wilson, H. Wynn-Williams. Judge—M. Stnd holme. Starter —F. W. Delamsin. Clerk of scales—S. Garforth. Clerk of course—Captain Dundas. Handicap pers—The Committee. Hon Treasurer G. G. Stead. '

The weather is fine, although rather .• stiff breeze is blowing. There u a "'large' attendance and the course is in good order. The Governor arrived immedi ately after the first race was concluded. t At 2 30 there were about 5,000 people on j the course, and three totalisatora are doing a good business. Thb Free Handicap, a sweepstakes of 3 sovs each, with 100 sovs added. One mile. Messrs Mason and Yal lance’s b g Jack, 4yrs, 7st 12ib ... ... (Williams) .1 Mr J. H. Stephenson’s ch c Taiaroa, 4yrs (O’ConnorX^^ Mr F. Lewis’s b c Dighy Grand, yst (McCluskay) 3 Betting—6 to 4 Water Nymph, sto 2 , Siesta, 3 to 1 Uigby Grand, 4 to 1 July, 6 to 1 Jack. After a good deal of fiddling at the post, Rubina being fidgetty, an excellent start was made. Taiaroa gained the lead near-

ing home, but coming up the straight was passed by Jack, who was never after col lared and he landed an easy winner. Time, Imin 57£secs. The Welcome Stakes, a sweepstakes of 15 sots each, with 200 sova added ; for two-year-olds. Second horse 'to sav e his stake. Colts, Bst 51b ; filltes,Bst.' ' Four furlongs. (Closed with 45 auba) Hon W. Robinson's ch c Liverpool, by King of Clubs —Italia (Budings) I Hon G. McLean’s ch f Lady Evelyn, by Perkin Warbeck—Pulohra (Brown) 2 Mr A. Hawthorne’s b c by King of Clubs—Watersprite ... (Thompson) 9 Mora than half an hoar was wasted in •*' getting the youngsters into position, but' at last they were got off well together. The race was a well contested one, Liver-, pool eventually winning by about three lengths. Time, 51$seo.

The New Zealand Cup, a handicap sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, with 1,000 sovs added. The second hone to re ceive 100 sovs, the third horse 50 sots from the stake. Two miles. (Closed with 66 subs.) Mr D O'Brien’s hr h Tasman, syrs (Derritt) 1 Hon. W. Robinson’s ch f Nonsense, 4yrs ... ; ... (Wattle) 2 Mr H. Smith a b h Tim Whiffler, 6yrs ; (Lang) 3 This was a most exciting race. Non sense led from the start and held that position to within 200 yards from home, when she was challenged by Tasman, who had held a good position from the first, Tasman winning by a short half length in 3mins 36£secs. Deafening cheers greeted the rider when weighed in. THEW ELLINGTON CUP.

The following are the nominations for the Wellington Cup, received last night: —Mischief, Leonata, Hercules, Louie, .. L">rd ef the Isles, Lubra, Normanby, Lady Emma, Libeller, Musketeer, bf by Planter, Mystery, Girl, Miss Juan, Epi- ' cure, Turquoise, Sir George, Refrigerator ~ Odd Trick, Administrator, The Consul, ' \ Cheviot, Salvage, Vanguard, Leoneasa; 3 ' Master Agnes, Oudeis, Bayard, Sir Bede* , vere, Tim Whiffler, Hippodamia, The / Poet, Minerva, The Painter, Buzzard, 1 Hippona, Shan (late Constellation), Wel come Jack, Envious. This number ia an increase of two over the entries of last'

year. VICTORIAN RACING. [special to press association.] [Received Nov. 6th, 2 p.m.) Melbourne, To-day. There was a large attendance at Tatter* sail’s last night, and the books expressed themselves as satisfied with the settling on the Derby. The weather continues fine, but the dust is something fearful. There is a large number of visitors in the , - city, and each train or steamer that has arrived is crowded with excursionists en route for Flemington. The town is ex ceedingly lively, and there is a prospect of an immense attendance being present to see the Cup run. A considerable amount of money has been invested on Claptrap, Sweet Wil liam is a better favorite for the money. Despot and Dukedom have been backed : in thousands. Pollio and Dirk Hatte* raick hare been backed freely, the former being the favorite with the ring. The latest quotations are for the CUP.

5 to 1 agst Martini Henry 7 1 Despot g i Claptrap 10 I Calma 100 8 Aide-de-Oamp (tk) 100 100 100 s— Nicholas, Dirk _ Hatte raick and Commotion (tk) 100 Pollio and Recovery (tk) 100 —4 —— Sweet William, Sir Mo dred, Stockwell, Gunna mulla, Anglesey, Lesbia, and Dukedom (tk) Dukedom has been backed freely. It is expected that either Claptrap or Mar* ■ tini- Henry will be the winner. Stock* well is considered to be the best outsider. Great dissatisfaction is expressed at the decision of the stewards with reference to the running of Archie in the Darby. ' [Received Nov. 6, 1.20 p.m.J [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.—COPYRIGHT.] Melbourne, To-day._ The papers to-day condemn the decision of the stewards in the case of the running >; of Archie for the Derby. The weather this morning is fine, bat' cloudy. - ' The latest betting is as follows ; ■ ■ * oup. . ‘ 6 to 1 agst Martini-Henry ' 7 l ■■■ Despot ? * 7 i Calma ~ 10 1 Claptrap § 12 —. l—— Aide-de-Oamp and Fiat, . Demon , 14 —1 —■ Sardius 20 1 Legrand, Commotion, Be* covery, and Dirk Hatte* raiok 33 —1 —— Stockwell,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1883.



Agricultural c . SHOP. MACHINE Charles Ray, Wakanui Road, Ashbcbtok, ENGINEER, MILLWRIGHT, REAPER & BINDER EXPERT. All kinds of Machinery REPAIRED, with despatch, and on reasonable terms. Extras of all kinds; orders taken for the latest improved Reapers and Binders, and the he« Twine. Sewing Machines re paired. I® so® Special Bargains. JELLING OFF, MUST BE SOLD. Drajripg-Room Suites in splendid Vel vetj'walnut side-board with marble top. SmaliTahlea in all patterns of walnut, •ttfa 1 ' Real Leather Dining-room Suites, in mahogany, and side-boards to match Every class of Furniture. Utensils of every kind for House Furnishing. Hustbe sold, as I want to CLEAR OFF all my. large and varied Stock. John Meech, FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, Burnett street. 9 48



An evil and its remedy.— tj the Editor,—lt is ahealthy sign ofthe times when onr .local papers are beginning to deal in a fearless manner with bankrupts and the bankruptcy laws. The time has come when something must be done either by the legisla ture or by business men themselves to put an end to a state of affairs which is a disgrace to our boasted civilisation. We (the under signed) have been doing business in Asbbur ton about 3 # years, and the money we have lost during that period .by bankrupts, levan tm, and blacklegs generally amounts to a great dealmpre than the margin usually -allowed for fcd debts. If the law cannot pro tect ns thitt 'We' must protect ourselves, and there Is only one way to do so, viz,, to abolish the credit system altogether. This system has been the curse of other countries besides New and past experience has proved it to be rottentut the.core. Owing to recent heavy losses we have resolved to sell for cask only in future. The honest man who is willing to pay his 20s in the £, and pay as be goes, will find this no disadvant age rot dgreat gain, as he will be able to obtain a first-class article much cheaper than he would ■nder the-;old; system. We shall exert our selves to the utmost as heretofore to give our customers Ml satisfaction, and every order will be executed in our usual first-class style—but ere shall no longed run any unnecessary risk. Under the system we are prepared to to Order, £2 IBs fid; ladies’ tailor made Bister, £2. /Jloiher goods in proportion, for eeds at the following ■Gentleman’s suit made S CO., ' TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS, 1 Trucked Street.



Wanted. WANTED— A Man COOK, must be a good baker. Apply Donalu McLean, Laghnaor, 10 832 WANTED— A competent person as CARETAKER for the Ashburton Public Library. Applications to be in writing and forwarded to this office before 6 p.m., To-morrow (Wednesday) evening. 11 848 rpO CONTRACT PLOUGHMEN. Wanted TEAMS for Breaking Up tussock LAND. C. H. DOWDING, 845 Coldstream. TTTaNTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c



WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, 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. has 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 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 Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per mop*h, or according to arrangement/ 1344



Special Advertisements. STOP THAT COUGH 1 DON'T DELAY.—How can you atop it? Where, b the Remedy. Bennington’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OP CARRA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (registered), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. —G. Bonninqton, Christchurch.



£JRICKEI’ING MATERIAL, Of erery description, at . CHRISTCHURCH PRICES, AT Andrewes Bros., EAST STREET SOUTH. 77



JJOME, SWEET HOME. XMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS, WITH Photos of New Zealand Scenery And a Beautiful Assortment of Others of Latest Designs, IN TIME FOR THE HOME MAIL Leaving Ashburton on the 3rd November. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0,, East street South, Ashburton. n!5



NEW SPRING GOODS OW Showing in every department. 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT Upon usual prices allowed to purchasers of parcels amount ing to 10s and upwards. Dimant and Coe, Ready Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Etc., East Street, Ashburton, 9528



THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCAN TILE COMPANY, LIMITED, AVE FOR SALE A VERY COMPLETE Threshing Plant, By Ransome—almost equal to new, and which terms are specially easy. Also, SEED OATS AND BARLEY RYE GRASS NEW CLOVER SEEDS WOOLPAOKS, Etc., Etc. All at lowest current rates. Wm. HORNE, 12 au Agent.



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OP 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 cos tpmers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. Tar 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 WERT HEIM SEWING MACHINES, j Ashburton B'anah ;J EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion F-wsb, Cashel street, Chi. jtch arch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction ef 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. C. Brown & Co., i 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 under cost price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels wa stake our reputation on the values, and, assuggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 016 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6



£1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 a household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 012 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 05 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ••• ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 8, 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 S 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 W orth 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 ... ... ••• ••• 014 6 1 pair good heavy while 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 ... 04 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 rowels ... 0 4 9



£3 15 3 Our No. (7, mourning parcel for £2 10a, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 0 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 09 G 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 014 G 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L idies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box ... ... 0 6 G £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet ... ... ... ... 3 6 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 wilney blan kets 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt ... ... ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tabiecover 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 ... ... _ ... 117 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 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— Avery complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Osual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 10 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades... ... ... 110 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 one s 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 B 0. BROWN & CO., Fanhion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. | |TF YOU WANT GOOD ASM) STRONG FURNITURE, CHEAP. FU RNITUR.E AND RED DING MANUFACTORY, EA S T BTR EE T SOUTH, ASHBURTON. VERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and , .trailteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED GO TO DAVIS’S