SHIPPING.

*- POST OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Y KBTERDAT. Ringarooma, s.s., from Auckland and way porta. Kawatiri, a.a., from Westport. Taiaroa, a.a., from Dunedin and Oatnaru. Sailed- Yesterday Ringarooma, a.a., for Melbourne, via Southern porta. Kkwatin, jus., for Timaru. ‘ a. 8., for Manukau and way porta. . , SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yeaterday. Arrived—Ada 0. Owen, from Lyttel ton. Sailed Omapere, for Greymouth ; Takapuna, for Southern porta; Rotorua, (or tne South. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Bauroto, from Sydney. : Sailed —Kennedy, for Nelson and the ' Weat Coast; Wakatipu, for Sydney; Southern Cross, for Auckland, via the East Coast. _ , Grktmouth, Yeaterday. 1; Arrived —Koranui, from Westport. ,■ Sailed—Mahinapua, for Wellington, Lyttelton, and Dunedin. Dunedin, Yesterday, ‘ Arrived —Tatawera, from the Bluff.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, - Wednesday afternoon. The New Zealand 1o >n and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited (per Mr E. G. Stavelcy, auctioneer), report on the Ashburton live stock market under date November 27th ; Sheep: The largest entry for this season came to hand, chiefly stores of medium quality, which met a somewhat dragging sale. Fat sheep were quitted with difficulty at rates Scarcely equal to current values. Shorn cross . breds made us 6d, 13s 6d, and 16s 6d ; hog geltsin the wool, 10s lod and 12s; woolly merino wethers, Bs, 10s 6d, and 10s 9d J merino couples, 9 s > crossbred couples, 13s I id; several lines had to be withdrawn, owners* values not being realised.--Cattle : A very heavy entry, with .a full supply of medium beef, which was hard to quit. A large num ber of stores changed hands. The sale was quiet throughout, but a slightly better demand was: experienced for lines of good stores, though no actual increase in values can be re corded, Fat heifers made Ls, L$ 7s 6d, and L 6 as 6d; dry heifers, L 3 5s and L 3 17s 6d ; springing heifers, L 4 los; mixed sorts, 18 months to 2 years old, 50s 6d ; yearlings, 33s to 40a; calves, 16s. There was about an average attendance daring the day. Privately during the week we placed 100 head of cattle, and 18 head at prices fully'up to our quota tions. ‘ Also 200 crossbred hoggets in the wool and 130 shorn fat crossbreds for export at cur rent values. We report a good demand for all descriptions of storg sheep, in' the wool or off : shears, especially breeding ewes.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-*. ; Friday, November 30. MV Alfred Harrison, at his Booms — u TbWSe<stion Saturday, December 1. Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett - iftwiet Totrn and Rural Sections ;rj i; • ; TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4. -Matson, Cox and Co. , - at the Ashburton Stock. >i. '• , ; MEETINGS; (AMUSEMENTS; Etc. Wednesday, November 28. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers,'lla.m. ; !r Saturday, December 1. Wakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. ■ Monday, Dec ember 3 Upper Ashbdrton Road Board, at Road Board Office \ "Wednesday, December 5. Town Hall—Concert by the Orchestral Sbteiety Friday, December 7. Longbeach Road Board, at Rvad Board office, Longbeach " Monday, December 10. Borough ' Council, at Borough t Council • ‘Chambers, at 7.30.

MARRIAGE.

Hetherinoton —Hepburn —On the 28th inst., at the lesidence of the bride’s father, Moore stieet, by the Rev. A. M. Beattie, William, second son of the late Samuel Hetherington, Oounty Tyrone, Ireland, to Elizabeth, second daughter of John Hepburn.—Auckland papers please copy. A————————

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1883.

Mr H. T. Winter has resigned his seal on the Ashburton County Council.

Mr Joseph Evans, of the Land Office, Invercargill, has been appointed Clerk to the Official Assignee in Canterbury. At the annual meeting of the Christ church Poultry, Pigeon and Canary So ciety the report and balance-sheet were adopted.. The receipts for the year were L 365, and the credit balance is L 4 10s. The N.Z. Shipping Co. have received a cable message that the British Queen arrived at Rio Janeiro on November 22, and sailed the following day for Plymouth. Her cargo of frozen meat is reported in good condition. By the outgoing mail applications under the nominated system of immigration were forwarded from Dunedin for 72 souls, equal to 61 statute adults. Their nation alities are English 6, Irish 29, Scotch 37. Of the number 14 are . ingle men, and 17 single women. At the recent berthing of the Zealandia mail steamer at the Auckland wharf, an altercation tojk place between Captain Webber and the Harbor Master, Captain Burgess. The Harbor Board have in structed the latter official to take proceed ings against Webber under the harbor re gulations. Mr Thomas Quill is, we learn, the suc cessful tenderer for the lease of the rail way refreshment rooms for a (period of three years from January next. Con sidering the satisfaction hitherto given to travellers by Mr Quill in his manage ment of the refreshment rooms, it is a matter for congratulation that they still remain in his hands. 0..

Mr T. Fergus, M. H.R., leives for Hobart by the next steamer to supervise the contract of the railway line from Mersey to Deloraine—a distance of miles. Messrs Fergus .and Henderson were the successful tenderers for this work, and the amount of their contract is upwards of 1/100,000. Over 400 men will be employed on the works next month. A meeting of shareholders in the Cham pion Copper Company was held at Nelson yesterday, when it was unanimously re solved to wird up the present company, and form a new one with a capital of L 60,000. Of this amount the shareholders in the old company subscribe L 20,000, as against the purchase of the property for that sum. Already over 30,000 shares have been applied for The Longhurst case has been settled. His Excellency the Gc vernor has informed his Ministers that he has gone fully into the several matters relating to this case, and regrets that he can arrive at no other conclusion than that Longhurst is guilty of the crime of which he was convicted in April, 1880, and that his release would be a grievous miscarriage of justice and a serious injury to the public at large. At the Wellington Magistrate’s Court a respectably dressed young man named Charles Walter Dixon, who it is believed hails from the South, received three months’ imprisonment under the Vagrancy Act. • He had been victimising a number of tradesmen by what is known as “ring ing the changes.” Twenly-one charges were laid against him, and he was sen tenced to three months’ imprisonment on each of three informations, the sentences to be concurrent. The police withdrew the remainder.

A number of gentlemen waited upon Mr W. N. Blair, of the Public Works Department, at Dunedin yesterday morn ing, to ascertain whether the rumor that the “ unemployed ” who were engaged on the Hindon section of the Otago Central Railway have been discharged was cor rect. The party included Messrs R. Gil lies, A Bartleman and J. Roberts, and were introduced by Mr V. Pyke, M.H.R. Mr Blair informed them that according to instructions received from the Govern ment one hundred men had been dis missed, and the rest would have to leave as time went on. During the day, there fore, a requisition was presented to the Mayor asking that a public meeting should be held to consider the mattsr, and his Worship has called one for to morrow evening at the Queen’s Theatre.

The concert of the Ashburton Orches tral Society, to be held on Wednesday next, promises to be a musical success, and it is to be hoped that it will be well patronised by the public. The instrumen talists have been assiduously practising for some time past, and there can be no doubt that they have greatly improved since their last appearance in public, while they will teceive invaluable outside assistance, the well-known violinist Mr Qorrick having been engaged as leader. Instrumental music, as usual, occupies the principal share in the programme, !h» Society contributing four overtures, and there will also bo string and brass quar* tettes and a duet for two cornets. Two of the overtures, Invocation a Ste Cecilo and La fie de Potsdam have been heard here before, but they will bear repeating, especially as continued practise has made the performance of them far more perfect. Cleopatra and After Dark are new, and the latter will, wo think be heartily ap preciated- It is a musical sketch of the streets of London, several tunes made popular by the whistling of larrikins being introduced, and many familiar airs will no doubt be recognised. The vocalists, will bo Mrs Corrick, Mrs Crisp, Miss Smart and Mr Branson, and Mr Corrick will give a violin solo. The entertain ment promised is oercaiuly good, and it is to be hoped that the people will show their appreciation of local talent and crowd the Town Hall on Wednesday.

The Banka in Aahbtrton will be closed on Friday next, St. Andrew’s Pay. A rumor was current th's morning that a criminal assault had been committed on a woman in Ashburton last night, and it was also stated that the victim had been stabbed. Upon enquiry we learn that there is no foundation whatever for the report, the police having been communi cated with on the matter under a mis apprehension of the circumstances.

Wb would remind owners of horses that entries and nominations for the Ashburton Summer Meeting close at Beecher’s Hotel on Saturday evening, at 9 o’clock. The promoters of this meeting are leaving no stone unturned to make the affair a success. Messrs Ho'ibs and Goodwin will have a totalisator on the course, and the services of the Ashburton Brass Band have been secured, the latter being a new feature in race meetings here.

The Willmott Combination intend giv ing two performances at the Town Hall this week. The well-known Irish drama “TheCoheen Bawn ” will be given on Friday evening, and on Saturday the bur lesque of “ Cinderella or the Class Ship per ” will be given at a matinee perfor mance. To-morrow night the company play at Rakaia, and no doubt after the favorable reception they met with on the last occasion of their visit t • that town ship, they will have a good house. From what was said at the County Council meeting to-day it seems that the Wednesday half-holiday in Ashburton is doomed, and rs continuance after the 20th December is more than doubtful. Mr Walker remarked that it was a great inconvenience to members of the Council coming from a distance, as when the meeting was over they found the shops closed, and they were thus deprived of the oppor. unity for making what pur chases they required. He would suggest the advisability of changing the day of the Council’s meeting, if the holiday sys tem was likely to continue. Mr Fried lander, however, said that the holiday would be abolished before the next time the Council met, and as no doubt he spoke from absolute knowledge we may presume that he is right. Curious complications brought about by twin brothers and sisters have formed the subject of many romances since Shake speare wrote “The Comedy of Errors.” The latest, a romance of real life, is re ported in the New York Times, in all seriousness, from Milwaukee. Miss Ma tilda Pope, a young woman of 29, ap peared at the office of a magistrate named Benzler in order to be married to a young man named William Conlin, who said he was just 21. The ceremony was per formed, the couple departed, aid Judge Benzler expected to hear no more of them, when he was surprised, only two or three days afterwards, by a visit from Mrs Conlin. The bride wanted a divorce, her plea being that her husband had com mitted perjury by swearing that he was of age. On closer enquiry the truth came to light. The ex-Miss Rope had, she informed the Justice, been married to the wrong man. There were, she went on to explain, twin brothers named Conlin, and she wanted and had intended to marry the other one. The personal resemblance between the two is marvellously close, but their char acters are widely different. One is a sober, industrious, moral young man, while the other is a dissipated scapegrace. Miss Pope fired her affections on the moral brother, he proposed—at least that was her impression—and she accepted him. It may have been, the lady and her legal adviser admit, the bad brother whom she accepted, or he may have supplanted the good brother at the magistrate’s office. She does not care to go into that question, but is advised that the fact of the hus band swearing falsely as to his age consti tutes good ground for a divorce. The papers relating to the matter have been filed in the higher court. A six days’ bicycle match, for LSOO aside and championship, between James Watson, champion of Scotland, and John Rolfe, champion of Australia, was commenced in the Melbourne Exhibition Building on the 3rd inst., and after four days’ riding, terminated rather unexpec tedly on Friday last, by Watson with drawing from the contest. The winner, Rolfe, who had some 20 miles to his cr-dit before the match concluded, announced his intention of riding, on Saturday last, 100 miles against the bast English record. He commenced his task in the Exhibiti m Building at 3.11 o’clock on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of a large num ber of spectat >rs. The first two miles occupied 7min lOsec, and the first five miles 17min 20sec. The pace was then increased, and the next five miles were got over in 15min 9sec, thus making 32rain 29seo for the 10 miles. C. Thorley, who was riding with the champion, then slackened the speed a little, only 7 miles being covered in the next 28min, making 17 miles for the first hour. In the second hour 15§ miles were covered, the first 60 miles being done in 3hr smin 46|530 Rolfe then retired for tea, and was off the track 23min 46|sec. He then resumed his task, and was assisted by Messrs Greenlaw, Hoskins, Irish, Brown, and other well-known riders. A good pace was maintained throughout the second 5) miles, accomplished in 3hr stnin 53£seo, making the actual riding time for the 100 miles 6hr llmin 45Jsec, or from the time of starting including the stoppage of 6hr 35min 32sec. This is a really fitst-class performance, consider ing the nature of the track, which has two sharp turns. He rode well throughout, and ran the five miles, from 85 to 90, in 17min Ifiseo. After having completed 95 miles he put on a spurt, and rode the next two miles in fimin 59sec. There was a large attendance during the evening, and he was frequently cheered by the spectators. His time, if the time he was off the track is added, is not up to the best English record, which is 6hr 15min ; but in that case it was done for a large wager, and the rider had plenty of assis tants to help him along, whilst in Rolfe’s case it was purely an exhibition. The Exhibition track gives four laps to the mile, and the sharp turns at each end caused the riders to slow their pace until safely round, thus losing pace and time.

Holloway’s |Ointment and Pilis. — Glad Tidings.—Some constitutions have a tendency to rheumatism, and are throughout the year borne down by its protracted torture Let such sufferers bathe the afflicted parts with warm brine, and afterwards rub in this soothing Ointment. They will find it the best means of lessening their agony, and, assisted by Holloway’s Pills, the surest way of overcoming their disease. More need not be said than to request a few days’ trial of this safe and soothing treatment, Ly which the disease will ultimately be completely swept away. Pains tthat would make a giant shudder are assuaged without difficulty by Holloway’s easy and inexpensive remedies, which comfort by moderating the throbbing vessels and calm ng the excitedjnerves.— Advt,

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Council was held to day, there being pre sent the following members—Messrs W. C. Waiker (chairman), H. Friedlander, T. Taylor, A. Macfarlane, T. Bullock, J. Jackson, and J. Lambie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. chairman’s statement.

The Chairman stated that the Govern ment having agreed to the payment of the cost of making the road to the Rakaia Gorge bridge out of the special fund at the Bank of New Zealand, he had called for tenders for the work. Tenders had also been called for the Ashburton Forks water supply. The accounts in connection with the Rangitata traffic bridge had been examined by the Committee appointed by

the Geraldine C unty Council. The amount of rates collected up to date was L 2,848 lls 3d, leaving a balance of Llls lls 7d. The Government had informed the Council that L 1 ,200 for river protec tion in the Wakanui district is available under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, provided the Act was com plied with. Mr Winter, member for Ashburton riding, had forwarded hia re signation to the Council. engineer's report.

The following report was read: — Ashburton Rangitata Water Supply : The various races fed from the South Ashburton river have had a full and regular supply during the month. The Limestone Creek branch has also been acting satisfactorily. The floods in the gorge of the South Hinds river caused some irregularity in the flow of Montalto races for three days, and necessitated some cleaning out of shingle at the inlet works, as well as some slight repairs along the terraces. P race below the railway in Hinds district is now fully charged, and the water has reached (he lower end of it. Tenders will be placed befo e you to-day for the extension of No I race. Messrs Miles and Co. have defrayed the cost of that portion of the race which would affect the Chatmoss property.—Wheatstone Water Sup ply; The works for this scheme ate now nearly finished, and the water could be turned on as far down as the flood channel at Wheatstone in a few days. The culverts under said channel are now being got in. Some of the fords are still unfinished, and the upper portion of Lagmhor Creek has yet to be cleaned out, but this would not prevent the full supply being let on when the other works are ready to re ceive it. The formation of a small race near Waterton township is being proceeded with, and will be put into operation as soon as the necessary supply is obtained by the scouring out of the upper portions of the creek from which it is to be derived.—Water Supply from Ford’s Creek: Having communicated with Mr Grigg as requested by you I find he has no ob jections to the scheme desired by the settlers, which would lead off near Mr Robert Ander son’s, so that if the various owners are prepared to utilise the surplus water from this creek there does not appear to be any objection to their doing so. The normal supply of the creek, however, would only be available, and it would lie well that those interested should be clear as to this point, as a permanent increase of the supply would be expensive.—Hinds River Im provement: With reference to the recent pro posal by some of the proprietors below the rail way to contribute a partial improve ment of the river near the boundary road, I found o» visiting the ground that they are not now in favor of doing anything there at present, and Mr Grigg proposes to provide additional water way for the overflow of the river, or a line of drainage already formed throughhis property. Ashburton Rakaia Water Supply : The con tinually changing state of the north Ashburton river and Pudding Hill stream has necessitated c'ose attention to the headworks during the month—but the supply has been very fairly maintained on * all the races throughout this system. During the month the water has also reached the lower ends of Bi and Ea extension races. It will be necessary to erect a small flume of about 6oft in length, in lieu of em bankment at crossing of storm-water channel in Mr George Gaul’s R.S. 28856. Me-srs Dun lop and Furneaux will finish their contract, of race in lower Acton about the end of next week—and, meantime, a p irtion of Ei race at junction near Barrhill will be slightly enlarged to give the supply necessary and the additional mileage now being formed. In many cases the question of maintenance is not receiving from owners the careful attention which is ne cessary, and during the next month specially, all requisite improvements should be made, so that every race may be rendered efficient, and fully available during the harvest. —Ashburton Forks Water Supply: Tenders for this race will be placed before you to-day. The requi site contributions for defraying of half cost, have already been provided by owners. Wakauui Flat Water Supply: In accordance with your instructions, I had the water turned on temporarily from the river for supplying the 25 miles of races in this district, pending the settlement of the question of protective works, but as might have been expected, the fresh in the river about ten days ago interfered with the temporary inlet, so as to cut off the supply, and also the new piece of race formed th-ough Messrs Brown Brothers’ land. The drawing out of the water here in the present weak state of the river banks, is in effect to render them still weaker, while the maintenace under pre sent circumstances of waste in river banks, would soon eqnal the original cost of water scheme for that district, and until protective works are authorised there will be great hazard in re-opening the connection with the river.— Bridge Thompson’s Track : The bridge is now in progress, be available for traffic by the end of December. The blocking up of the storm-water channel, about 30 chains down from this bridge is still causing considerable damage to the adjoining road and lands. I be lieve the Upper Ashburton Road Board are prepared to defray their due share of the cost, if the Council carry out the work.—Road De viation Rakaia Gorge : Tenders for this work will be placed before you to-day—Boundary road, between Mount Hull and South Rakaia Road Districts : As requested, I have prepared section of that portion of the road extending from River road to floodwater channel, a dis tance of 125 chains. From the River road to Back track there is a fall of about 8 feet, and from Back track to flood channel a fill of about 7 feet. It is over the latter length that damage chiefly arises to R.S. 15544> and a regularly graded and capacious side channel with crossing to lower side of road at abrupt turn at south-west corner of R-S. 15522 should give the relief which is wanted. Greater por tion of the water which crosses the boundary road to the north of Back track could easily bfe intercepted at the River road, about a mile and a half higher up, where it seems to leave its natural course, ford’s creek. The paragraph in the Engineer’s report re water supply at Ford’s (Jraek was agreed to. ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA WATER SUPPLY. The recommendation re flume was agreed to, and it was reiolved that the attenti >n of the rangers be specially called to the neglect of maintenance and report of those ownen who had not done the necessary work during next month, and wherever cases are reported the En gineer to be instructed to do the work at the owner’s expense. W4KANUI RIVER PROTECTION WORKS. Mr J. Ivess, M.H.R., wrote, forward ing a letter received from the acting Undersecretary for Public Works, in which it was stated that the grant of L 1,200 would bo made, provided the Roads and Bridges Construction Act was complied with, and enclosing, certificates with printed instructions for the guidance of the Council. It was resolved that the Chairman be instructed to take the necessary steps under the Roads and Bridges Construc tion Act, 1882. Mr Taylor proposed, and Mr Friedlan der seconded —“ That Messrs Bullock, Friedlander, the Chairman, and the mover bo a Committee to confer with the Engineer and settlers as to the best means to protect the district.”—Carried. Jt was also decided to acknowledge Mr Ivess’s action in the matter, and to thank him for what he had done. ANNUAL MEETING. The Chairman said that it was neces sary for them no .v to hold their annual meeting for the purpose of electing a chairman. He said that the Council would look with satisfaction at the work done in the past, and at any rate one very troublesome question had been settled, namely, the dispute with the Geraldine Council in regard to the Rangitata bridge. Tim work done during the year was useful and beneficial to the County, according to the means at their disposal, and if they had not been abie to do all that was re quired it was not the Council’s fault. It would be well if the ratepayers bore in mind that for the future the money re quired would hare to come from taxation, and it therefore would rest with them what would be the extent of those works. For himself he had to thank the Council for the consideration they had shown to him as chairman, and if he had at any time failed in his duty, it was not from want of striving to do what was right. They had now to elect a chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Bullock said that he had much pleasure in proposing that Mr W. C.

Walker be appointed chairman for the ensuing year. They would agree with him that the County was greatly indebted to Mr Walker for the manner in which the business was conducted. He had been the Council’s Chairman from its incep tion, and he (the speaker) was assured they could not have one better suited to the position. Mr Walker was not only energetic, but he studied every question brought before him thoroughly. As to tho work done by the Council, there could be no doubt that it had been of great service to the County, and they had at present 800 miles of water-races, which had been formed at small expense. He would now move his motion, and he thought the thanks of the Council were due to Mr Walker for the able manner he had carried out his duties of chairman during the past year. Mr Jackson seconded, and after the other members of the Council had ex pressed their appreciation of Mr Walker, the motion was put and carried unani mously. On the motion of Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr McFarlane, it was resolved that the usual honorarium of LIOO bo granted to the Chairman.

The ordinary meeting of the Council was then resumed. ASHBURTON FORKS WATER SUPPLY. The motion of Mr Friedlander to the effect that the resolution passed in Oct. 3rd, re I he Ashburton Forks water supply, be rescinded, was carried. A WATER RATE. Mr Jackson moved, and Mr Lambie se conded —“ That a water rate be struck in accordance with Mr Baxter’s suggestion. Mr Bullock opposed the motion, and suggested that the matter stand over till next meeting. He would move as an amendment —“ That a Committee be ap pointed, consisting of Messrs Jackson, Friedlander, Lambie, the Chairman, and the mover, to report to the next meeting, re Mr Jackson’s proposal. Mr McFarlane seconded the amend ment, which was carried. SUNDAY TRAIN. Mr Lambie, in accordance with a notice given, moved—“ That this Council request the Minister of Public Works to instruct the railway department to run a train once on every Sunday between Christ aud Ashburton, each way.” He said that he thought such a train would be a de cided convenience to the public, and that it would yield a profit to the depart ment, as many people would take advan tage of it to go to town. Mr Friedlander seconded the motion pro forma. Mr Bullock and Mr McFarlane opposed, although the latter said he would perhaps have supported it if the Mount Somers line had been included. The Chairman said that he could not vote for the proposal—not because he held any narrow-minded views on the subject of Sunday travelling, but because he was opposed to work being done on that day unless it was absolutely necessary. The new Minister of Public Works was said to be a man accustomed to get at the root of things, and no doubt if he considered a Sunday train from here to Christchurch would pay we should not have to wait long for it. At the present time he (Mr Walker) thought the proposal premature. The motion on being put was declared lost.

ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly accounts were passed for payment. AN APPLICATION. Messrs Holmes applied for a water-race on their property.—Referred to the Water Supply Committee. DEPUTATION S. A deputation comprised of farmers in the Wakanui disirict, waited on the Council in regard to the protective works and water supply in that part of the county. Mr D. Wilson having explained the views of the deputation. The Chairman explained that they had received an intimation that the Govern ment had set aside L 1,200 for the work of river protection. According to the Roads and Bridges Construction Act the rate payers would have to provide one-fourth of that, and would have fifteen, years to pay the L3OO back. It was for the rate payers to say whether or not they would accept this liability. A committee had that day been appointed to confer with the Engineer and the settlers in order to arrive at the best way to suit all parties. He thought the river protective works and the water-race should be done together. The deputation thanked the Council and withdrew.

A deputation from South Bakaia at tended in support of a petition for the formation of a new Roa-1 Board district. The Chairman said that the Act left very little discretion in this matter to the Council. If two-thirds of the ratepayers wished for this new district to be made, the Council had no other course but to grant the petition. However, it was necessary that the signatures should be carefully examined and compared with the rolls,- and he could assure the gentle men attending that *his would be done. After the deputation had withdrawn, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Fried lander, seconded by Mr Taylor, that a Committee consisting of Messrs Jackson,, the Chairman, and the mover enquire into the petitions from the South Rakaia and report to next meeting. METHVBN ROADS. The Committee appointed to investi gate the alleged damage to roads in the Methven district reported that they visited the locality, and after inspection have come to the conclusion that the present course of the stormwater from Chapman’s Creek is as nearly as possible that pointed out by nature, and that the Council can not be held responsible for any damage that may have accrued to the roads in that vicinity. Also, that the Road Board has not attempted to do more in the way of preventing such a collection of water- in one spot, which would have the effect of relieving the roads by giving them less water to resist and to carry in the watertables in the time of flood. The Committee is strongly of opinion that the locality requires a well matured scheme for dealing with the storm water. Mr Taylor moved, and Mr Lambie seconded, the adoption of the report. Mr Jackson moved that the report be referred back to the Committee, and on this being lost a second amendment to the effect that the report be considered in two parts was moved by Mr Fried lander, seconded by Mr Jackson. This was also rejected and the original motion was carried.

RESIGNATION. Mr H. T. Winter wrote resigning his seat in the Council, v. ant of time to attend to the duties being assigned as the reason —The resignation was accepted, the Be turning Officer being instructed to make arrangements for the election of a mem ber to fill the vacancy. longbeach road board._ Mr John Grigg wrote nominating Mr Harry G. Boyle as a member for No. 5 sub-division of the Longbeach Road Board, the extraordinary vacancy not having been filled up.—lt was decided that Mr Boyle bo elected. SLAUGHTER LICENSES. Slaughter licenses were granted to H. Knight and G. Grice, the latter subject to certain restrictions recommended by the Inspector. > DATE OP MEETING. It was resolved that the Council in future meet on the first Friday in each month, the Christmas holidays being fixed as from December 24th to January 2nd. The next meeting of the Council will be held on January 4th. ASHBURTON FORK SI. Mr Sargeant waited on the Council rt protective works at Ashburton Forks.— it was resolved that the Engineer and

Chairman see to the temporary protective works pointed out by Mr Sergeant, and that it be a first charge on the estate. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Jackson gave notice to move the following That all deputations to the meetings of this Council he preceded by ten days’ written nolice. [Left sitting. ]

A CONTRADICTION.

[bt telegraph.] Wellington, To-day,

Mcßeth contradicts the statements that he is the author of the letter of the Maori members to the Aborigines Protection Society. The following is Mcßeth’s vet* sion:—“ During last session I was asked by Mr Tawhai, who mot me in Moles worth street, to attend a meeting of Maoris, including four members whom I had not seen or had communication with for about twelve months. The letter was the joint production of the meeting, and its substance had, I believe, been before throughly discussed in raaoriland. I wish it to be distinctly understood that 1 did not even suggest that the letter should be written, and the Maoris probably con sulted me merely because they know me to be one of those who objected to the illegal treatment of the Maoris on tho West Coast. The statement that the letter was offered by the press is quite true. I offered’it to the manager of the Press Association since its publication in Great Britain, I thought that course might prove a most expeditious way of raising money to transact a little business in the interests of the Maoris. lam fully authorised by the Maoris to act for them in all matters relating to the letter. I told them that it might probably be necessary to publish it, and 1 have no doubt Major To Wheroa would endorse my doing so.”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[REUTER'S TRLEORAM3—COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, Nov. 26. Consols remain at ioij£. New Zealand securiiies are now quoted as follows:—Five per cent. 16-40 Loan, 105 ; Five per cent. 1889 Loan, 103; Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 Loan, iotf£ ; Four per cent in scribed stock, 101 -Breadstuff's— The market is unchanged; Adelaide wheat, ex store, 46s fid; New Zealand ditto, 38s 6d to 44s 6d; Adelaide flour, ex store, 325. Australian tallow—Best beef, 38s 6d; best muttony 39s fid. The Wool Sales. The catalogue of to-day’s wool sale comprised 10,800 bales; a firm and active demand was experienced.

Accident to a Yacht. London, Nqv. 27.

The yacht Vestal, which was befog fitted at Shoreham, overturned and filled with water. The proposed race to Australia between the Vestal and the ship Northern Monarch will not take place.

France and China. In view of a possible outbreak of war between France and China, orders have been issued for [the prompt rein forcement of the Chinese squadron. Attempts at Mediation. Parleying has commenced between the British and French Governments, with a view of arranging a settlement of the Tonquin difficulty by friendly mediation between France and China.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] Shipping. Melbourne, Yesterday. Sailed, this morning The Union Steamship Wairarapa, for the Bluff.

The Annexation Conference. Sydney, Yesterday.

The delegates for the Annexation Conference arrived here, and will hold their first meeting to-morrow.

[Received Nov. 28, 2.10 p.m.]

Sydney, To-day. Mr Dibbs, Colonial Treasurer, will also represent New South Wales at the Intercolonial Conference.- It is not probable that the sittings will be open to the press. Mr Thurston, the ■ Colo nial Secretary of Fiji, will not represent that colony at the Conference inconse quence of the absence of Sir G. W. Des Voeux, the Governor.

Lord Rosebery. Lord Rosebery left to-day for Bris bane.

TELEGRAMS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Bishop Luck and his Flock. Auckland, To-day.

Bishop Luck, at a meeting of St. Patrick’s parishioners yesternight, 'stated that he intended visiting Rome and re turning with a number of priests. It was not his intention to give them the slip like Bishop Oroke, but to return with in creased reinforcements. He could say so honestly and sincerely, and while he had life and health his services would be given to the diocese.

Mrs Hampson. Mrs Hampson lays the ■ foundation stone of the Salvation Barracks on Tues day week. An Interprovincial Match. A private telegram from Christchurch asks a well-known Auckland cricketer whether a guarantee of LSO would be given towards a visit from the Canterbury interprovincial team. An unofficial an* swer in the affirmative was sent Shipping- Arrived—-Manapouri, from Sydney. Re-elected. Napier, To-day, Mr Sutton, M.H.R., was re-elected Chairman of the Hawke’s Bay County Council. With the exception of one year he has held the position since 1877. A Supreme Court Case. The Supreme Court was occupied yes terday and to-day in the case of Fellows v. Hamilton, in which the plaintiff, a ser vant girl, seeks to recover L3OO damages for alleged maltreatment by the defen dant, who is a medical practitioner, in setting a broken leg. Wesleyan Conference. . To-day.

At the Wesleyan district meeting it was resolved that New Zealand be constituted a separate and independent conference, and that the conference be recemmepded to consider the adyisa leness of request ing the general conference to send tq New Zealand thg Rev. Edward Youngipan of the Chinese Mission in Victoria, to consider the'spiritual needs of the Chinese in this colony. Reference was ipadß to the deaths of the Revs. Buddie, Hqbb§, and Warren ; men who had done pioneer' and noble work.

The Mayoral Election. Christchurch, To-day. The polling for the election of Mayor to-day is causing considerable excitement in the city. «he contest will be close, but it is generally believed Mr Hulbert will be elected. j

The Dunedin Mayoralty. Dunedin, To-day. The polling for the city mayoralty will be the heaviest known for yean. It ui

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1883.



QTOP 7 qaT COUGH 1 DON’T O DELAY.—How can you atop itl Where. m the Remedy. Bennington's PECTORAL OXYMBL OF CAB.BA GEEN or IRISH MOSS (registered), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. —G. Bonmimgton, Christchurch.,



TVOMBSTIO PATTERN DEPOT. MRS HOD of E, Dressmaker, TANORED ST. (opposite the Arcade), Beg* to intimate to the Ladies of Ashbur ton and neighbourhood that she has Winter .Dress Materials that can be dis posed of exceedingly cheap. Ladies Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. Registry Office for Domestic Servants. 8 320 tfil Q O O If r s a o *3 J 9 ns g 3 gif O 9 W " 08 z ■+» h* -tS S 3 r h C/3 £ <3 W w A -9 2 AN EVIL AND ITS REMEDY.—T 3 the Editor, —It is ahcalthy sign ofthe times whtrt ixtr ! local v pap«rs ate beginning to deal in a fearless manner with bankrupts and the bankruptcy laws. —'The time: has come when something be donfc either by the legisla ture nr 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 Ashbur tonabeat 3}i‘ years; and the money we have lost during that period, by bankrupts, levau ters, and blacklegs generally amounts to a great, deal j more - (ban the margin usually allbWed for bad debts. If the law cannot pro tect ns then we‘xhMt protect ourselves, and there is only one way to do so, viz., to abolish the credit systeih altogether. This system has befn. the/curse of other countries besides New Zealahd, said past , experience has proved it to dc rotten to the core. Owing to recent heavy losses we have resolved to sell for cent only n., future. The honest man who is willing to pay his 20s in the £, mulpay as*he*goes,'will find this no disadvant age but a great gain, as he will be able to obtain tt first-class article much cheaper than he would under the old system. We shall exert our •elves to 4)ie utmost as heretofore to give our customers’fell satisfaction, and every order will be executed in our usual' first-class style—but wextaall ho-' loifger ran any unnecessary risk. Under the cash system we are prepared to Oder a special lip® of tweeds at the following dnosnallyJpw prices ;—Gentleman’s suit made to order, St 18s ’6d ; ladies’ tailor made ulster, £2. All other goods in proportion, for & co., TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS, IJ3 *Tancrxd Street. ... * , - • '



Wanted. WANTED— A good General SER VANT. Apply Office of this paper. 11 952 WANTED Two good DRESS MAKERS. Apply to Miss Camp bell, Friedlander Bros. 11 951 WANTED TO LET, a comfortable 6-roomed COTTAGE, adjoining the Domain and close to the station; rent moderate. Apply, Geo. Jameson. 11 944 \T7ANTED A few good HORSE V\ TE AMS, at once, for road work. Apply at John Campbell’s, Mitcham. rr * 11 t\i O WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. have about 196 pairs of Ladies’Cashmere Boot-, splendid value, at 3s 6d. WANTED —TEND?* for CUT TING GRASS in the Domain, and Carting and Stacking the same. Ten ders to be sent in not later than MON - DAY next. JAMES TASKER, 11 937 Butcher, East street. KNOWN—That Robert VV Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c



WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moi-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. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, ho 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. BALL PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Gttabdian Office, W>«t street.



E W WORK. Copies of Mr Bowron’s Book “ Cheese, Butter, and Bacon,” can be obtained n* this office. Price, 2s. Y I B R A B Y. Our Circulating LIBRARY is now re duced to Four Shillings per quarter (pay able in advance;. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0., East Street South. 77



M U S T BE SOLD. In consequence of being overstocked, and in order to make room for a lot of NEW GOODS to arrive shortly, we are now selling off at A GREAT REDUCTION. Andrewes Bros., IMPORTERS OF BOOKS, STATION ERY, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, &0., East street South, Ashburton. n!5



INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOR THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OF FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted: in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO is® TO DAVIS’S JHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. t 7l VERY article Sold at Christchurch Peicks and guaranteed bea. of *naterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FT7KNIBHED



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Eotbb, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. 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 under 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 I article is not satisfactory. Our No. J, 20s Dress Parcel, contains- 1 - Worth £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 1£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ••• ..•• 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 6 £1 910 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. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame ... ... ••• ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No, 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains 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 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 ... ... ••• 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ... ... ... 014 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 ... ... ... 076 4 large unbleached Turkish towels 0 4 9



£3 15 3 Our No. j 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ••• 1 0 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 Ladies’ 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 godd tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets 1 10 0 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains — A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Osual 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—Gash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P. 0.0. made payable to E O. BROWN & 00., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. Reward Books, Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. H. M. J O N E S ; East street. 11 877



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS,



Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number ef insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged doub'o rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett is to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.