SHIPPING.

’• PORT OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived. ' ■ Satubday. f Wakatipu, 8.8., from Sydney, via Wel- Vlington. Amateur, ketch, from Akaroa. ‘Wanaka, 8.5., from Manakaq and way Jtorta. 1 Endeavor, brigantine, from Wellington. Ocean Bird, ketch, from Anahan. Edwin. Bassett, barque, from Welling* ton.. Mlthinapua, s.s., from Westport. Sailed. . Satubday. 1 - Wanaka, 5.8., for Wellington. Wakatipu, s.s., for Port Chalmers. y .pokeby. Hall, barque, fer Queenstown or Falmouth, for orders. Mary Ellen, schooner, for Wellington. E. and U. Cameron, for Hickory Bay. 11 ' ! Margaret, ketch, for L'ttle Akaloa. Rebecca Crowell, barque, for Auck land. Yesterday. Annie Wilson, schooner, for Kaipara.

SHIPPING TSC.3I&A

Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Peerless, from Newcastle. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Rdtomahana, from Auckland, via East Coast; Wanaka, from Lyttelton ; Alexa, barque, from Singapore. Dunedin, Yesterday. 1 ■" 1 Sailed—On Saturday the Natal Queen, barque,, for Melbourne.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office,

Monday afternoon. Mr Alfred Harrison reports his weekly sale as follows: —Saturday. June 9. —A goodly few medium .draughts and hacks were entered. The first sold up' to Ll 6; the latter from L 5 to Ll2, —but it is drawing blood to sell a hack now-a sdiysi: . Many cows were yarded, but though nearly all were sold prices were low. Pigs hdd their own well, all pens being cleared at ihigh prtces. Fowls, 2s 6d to 3s M for good ypnng.birds; ducks, 4s to 4s: gd; turkeys, 10s per pair. Implements and harness occupied much attention, quite a long array changing hands, such as chaff-cutters, horse-power and intermediate, ploughs, harrows, etc. Produce: Potatoes, 50s to 55s per ton; carrots, 30s per 'ton'; chickwheat, is fid to 2s fid per bushel; 'tidtd, is gd to 25 3d per bushel; sharps, S OS to €os per ton; carcase pork, per lb; tpa, An enormous quantity of furniture and effects, tools, confectionery, etc,, sold well, there being no lack in the way from noon till dark. Mr T. Bullock reports of the Horse Market for the week ending Saturday, 9th inst: —44 horses weie yarded for to-day’s sale, a large ■proportion'of which were medium draughts, and .a few of superior class. The biddings were .not quite so keen as at previous sales, specially for' the high-priced horses, several orwhich weie turned but unsold, the reserves heing considered too high. Out of the total entry, viz.,. 44, 16 were sold at the following prices; —Medium draughts, Lifi to L 1 8; do, fi^cbtss, 1 L3O; others of rather a light description, Ll 3 10s to Lis 10s. Colts—2 unbroken three-year-old light draughts, L 26 the pair; 2 four-year-olds. Ligand Lis 10s. Bight harness horses—2 three-year-olds brought Lir.tos and Ll 3 } 1 fbur-year-old, Ll2 10s. Wnrlfg, with little demand, L 5, L$ 10s to LB. implements, harness, etc., at market rates.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Wednesday, 13 Jura. Matson Oox and Co—Sale of Contract Horses at Patton’s Hotel, Methven ; 12 o’clock.

>■«: " Thursday, Jura 14 Mr T. Bollock—Sale of Stock, Household furniture, Dairy Utensils, etc., at Ash burton Porks; 1 o’clock. Saturday, June 16. Mr XL Bullock, at the Arcade Sale Yards —Wbeai Land, at 1 o’clock.

* MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, June 11. Borough Council, at Borough Conner Chambers, at 7 o’clock. ; v Wednesday, Jura 13. Orchestral’ Society’s Grand Concert, al tha NoWt Hall, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 4 Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers; Ua m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails dose at toe Ashburton Post Office SB follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and s‘p.m.j daily. Pot Ohertseyßakaia, &0., at 10,30 a.m. and 5 ptm. daily. / . Pot Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Pflldofa-ftam Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. Pot Temnka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. Poe Tim&m and South,'at 6 a.m., 10 *m., and 4.80 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, On Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 Am. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at ft ai m. 5Vw Ashtcn, Waterton and Longbeach, at4.3oip.m. daily. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30 p. m. For Wakahui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and •Saturdays, at 0.30 a.m. on. -Tuesdays and Fri days at 1d.36 a.m. M«il» arrive .at the Ashburton Post 'Mice— From Christchurch and Bakaia at 10115 s.m., 4.35 p.m-, and 7.20 p.m. FrcmiOhejftsoyi &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 486 p.m. daily. , Prom Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.80 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 6.Boipimf» andß p.m. daily. Prom Greenstreet and Ashburton ' Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Mount Somers, bn Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.6 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. Prom Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days; at 10.6 a.m., From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beaebat 10a.m. daily. Prom Elgin, Wakamii, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. ’ . From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri- at 9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

BIRTH.

Stephenson —At her residence, Petra: street, June 11th, the wife ' of Mr H. Stephenson, of a daughter.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 11, 1883. The Licensing Act.

During the past week the Licensing i Committees have been sitting in various i districts thoughout the colony, and we have been afforded another proof of the absurdity of some of the provisions of the present Act. We never could see any valid reason for altering the man ner in which public-house licenses were granted. The old system worked admirably, and it was comparatively cheap, while what has been substituted is cumbrous, ineffective, and expensive. The chief plea put forward for the change was that the nominee bench was at variance with the cardinal prin ciple ot good government—namely, government of the people by the people. Now, excellent as a principle may be in itself it may be carried too far, and the tendency of modern legis lation, it seems to us, is to fall into this mistake. This is especially apparent in our new method of electing licensing committees, which even its. most ardent supporters cannot aver has been successful. One of the argu ments in favor of its adoption was that the Committees would represent the popular voice in the different districts; but though you may lead a horse to the water you cannot ma,ke him drink, and the experience of two years has shown j that in many instances the majority of the people feel so little interest in the matter that they will notnominate the re quisite number of members much less take the trouble to record their votes. The result is that a party holding ex treme views on either side can always secure the return of its own men, who will be governed in their decisions by their prejudices. Let us contrast the old system with the new. Under the former regime we had benches com posed of the district Resident Magis trate and other gentlemen who had had some experience in judging the value of evidence laid before them, and who were totally unin fluenced by local considerations. If an hotel-keeper lost his license, he had at any rate the satisfaction of knowing that his case had been fairly judged and that he was only reaping the reward of his own indiscretion, but he certainly can not have that consolation now, when he has to submit to the ruling of men utterly incompetent to decide a question upon its legal merits. Many astonish ing stories have been told of the eccen tric decisions of the Great Unpaid, but we fancy that not a few of the examples of “Justices’justice ” could be paral leled in some of the Licensing Com mittees in New Zealand. Take, for instance, the action of two committees sitting last week in Dunedin, one of which was presided over by no less a person than Mr H. S. Fish, M.H.R. An application for a license was brought before the latter body by a publican at whose house a man was “ lambed down ” in so gross a way that the Resi dent Magistrate characterised it as one of the worst cases of the kind that he had ever heard of. And yet the Com mittee did not take away the license from this man, but the hotel of another applicant, who had been once convicted of selling liquor during prohibited hours, although the offence was com mitted without the knowledge and in the absence of the licensee, was ordered to be closed. A more glaring exhibi tion of inconsistency could scarcely be given than this, but it is only of a piece with what occurs in many places during the licensing season. Again, the chairman of a second Dunedin Com mittee announced that the members were unanimously opposed to allowing public-houses to be kept open after eleven o’clock, but as their confr'etes in other parts of the city did not agree with them on this question they decided to grant midnight licenses to any per sons who wanted them. This is reduc ing the local option principle to an absurdity with a vengeance. Here was a body supposed to repre sent the popular opinion, and yet they had not the courage to act in accordance with their convictions. Coming nearer home, we are afforded a proof in our own neighborhood of another defect in the provisions of the Act. A Committee was elected for the Upper Ashburton district, and when it met on Friday last the members were called upon to determine whether or not two licenses should be granted for that locality. The matter was not only decided in the negative, but it was also distinctly stated that, as in their opinion a public-house would not be needed in the district for a long time, the present Committee would turn a deaf ear to such applications in future. Thus the county is called on to pay for the election of an absolutely useless body, and this is one of many similar instances throughout the colony. When we see what is the result of importing the principle of popular government into little matters, surely common sense will impel the Legislature to alter the provisions of the present Act, or, better still, to return to the old system.

The annual football match between the Oamaru and Timaru Clubs was played on Saturday afternoon, and was won by Timaru by one goal to a touchdown.

A number of the constituents of Mr Fish, M.H. R., met on Saturday to arrange for a banquet to him prior to his depar ture for Wellington, but a note was re ceived from him asking that it should be deferred. The idea was relinquished, but it was intended to tender him a de monstration on his return.

The Governor inspected the Govern ment Printing Office while the building was lit up with the electric light, and ex pressed satisfaction at the result obtained by the use of electricity as an illuminator. His remarks upon the building itself, however, were not complimentary, as it is inconvenient and unsuitable for the pur pose for which it is used. At a meeting of the Dunedin chemists it was resolved that various clauses in the proposed amendments of the Pharmacy Act be opppsed, and a committee, con sisting of Messrs Marshall, Isaac, and English, was appointed to give effect to the resolutions. _ The meeting also re solved to forward' their proposals to all registered chemists in the colony, and ask their co-operation'in carrying out the same.

We understand that proceedings are about to be taken, against two men for camping on plantation reserves in the County, and allowing sheep to trespass thereon. This is a very common offence, and it is to be hoped that + he action now taken will serve to put a stop to it. In our cablegrams is reported the death of Sir Arthur Kenned', the late Gover nor of Queensland. It is only a few weeks since that Sir Arthur, who was con sidered one of the best Governors ever in the colonies, left for England, and it ap pears that he died when the steamer reached Aden.

The County Council has accepted the tender of Messrs Sealy Bros, for the supply of 20,000 trees for plantation pur poses. It will be remembered that some time ago the Council gave a grant to the Domain Board for the formation of a nursery, and there are nu,< 10,000 trees available to be used, in addition to those to be supplied by Messrs Sealy Bros.

The new stand erected for the conveni ence of the band by the Borough Council was utilised for the first time on Saturday evening, when a number of selections were admirably rendered, much to the satisfaction of a large number of people who were promenading the streets. The stand is certainly a great improvement, and we may expect to hear the band per forming regularly every Saturday evening, if the weather permits. There appears to bo no doubt as to th,e excellent prospects obtained at the new rush at Scotchman’s terrace, north of Barry Town, on the West Coast. Several returned miners washed prospects from Allen’s claim, yielding from four to eight pennyweights to the dish. Letters have been also received in Greymouth confirm ing the statements. A good many miners are flocking there from Rimu and Kumara.

A meeting of the Hospital and Charit able Aid Board was held on Saturday, when there were present, Messrs W. C. Walker (in the chair), J. Lambie and G. St. Hill. A report from Messrs Fooks, re certain small repairs that had been done at the Hospital, was laid on the table and approved of. It was resolved that Dr Trevor be requested to continue to act as surgeon to the hospital. The follow ing tenders for the ensuing ye ir were then accepted For bread, Mr Marsh; meat, Mr Lancaster; medical comforts and groceries, Mr A. Orr; drugs, Mr Cambridge; and fuel, Messrs Tucker, Rested and Co.

A writer in an English paper remarks —Mr John Morley’a election for New

castle-on-Tyne adds another to the list of journalists in the House of Commons. They are now there as thick as black berries, and their numbers will probably be increased at the next election, as Sir •Algernon Borthwick, of the Morning Post, is likely to oust Mr Firth at Ohelaea. Mr Thomas Gibson Bowles, of Vanity Fair, stands a good chance of getting in for Sal ford—a borough which ought never to have been lost to the Conservatives ; while Mr Levy Lawson, of the Daily Tele graph, is determined at all hazards to write gM.P. after his name. I wonder whether George Augustus Sala has selected his seat yet—although he is a strong Liberal, he would be a great addi tion to the grammatically speaking por tion of the Legislature. Cricketing by gaslight, as introduced by Mr Pocock, who came to New Zealand with the Australian Eleven, has proved a big success in Christchurch. On Friday evening last this gentleman opened his pavilion in Hereford street with a rather mixed programme, consisting of cricket, single-sticks, boxing, and vocal and instru mental music. In addition to the novelty of playing cricket by gaslight, the stumps, instead of being stuck in the ground in tne usual way, were by a very clever con trivance, invented by Mr W. Sykes, sur geon dentist, of Christchurch, balanced on an iron rod, and by means of india rubber bands made self-adjusting. The stumps were also connected with an elec tric bell, which was placed alongside of the bowler, who knew as soon as the alarm rung out that he had bowled his man. The pavilion, which is about 100 feet long by 30 feet wide, is divided off by network, so that onlookers run no risk of being struck by the ball. The Argus states that Mr Panton, M.P., has received from Mr Thomas Brown, who recently returned from Cen tral Australia, a unique description of native shoes, said to be used by an un known tribe of blacks occupying the slopes of the Musgrave Ranges, west of the tele graph line, for the purpose of reconnoit ring and effecting a noiseless descent upon their prey, and retreating under cover of the night without leaving traces of their footprints. They are called kudoichees, and are said to be known only to the tribes occupying the comparatively un known country north of the Warburton and Musgrave ranges. The shoes, a pair of which has been obtained by Mr Brown, who intends to lend them to the trustees of the Public Library and Museum, are unshapely in appearance. They are ob-

long in shape, the toe and heel being rounded alike, and the place for the foot being in the centre ; they measure from

9in to 10m in length, and about 4£in in width. The uppers and instep bands are composed of a network of human hair ; the sole is about lin in thickness, and formed of native grasses, sown together with thread-like rushes, with an outer coating of small emu feathers interlaced, and the whole cemented together with human blood. The shoes are lastng in their construction, and are described as well adapted for the work for which they were designed. A judgment has been given in a re-

markable case before the Registrar of the Nelson Supreme Court, acting for the Judge. In the beginning of May last Arthur Clayden, late Immigration Agent, sold to James Park, purveyor, a house and land mortgaged for L2OO. Park’s statement was that he purchased simply for the price of the mortgage, which was to be transferred, the land being under the Land Transfer Act. A transfer was prepared and signed and explained to the parlies. Ten days later Clayden demanded payment of L2OO, explaining that his intention had been to sell for L4OO, half cash, and not for the mortgage, but as there was a mistake he offered to take back the property. Park refused to re-transfer, and Clayden then commenced proceedings under sections 140 and 141 of the Land Transfer Act, claiming to have the transfer annulled. The evidence as to the value of the property was con flicting ; for Park it was contended that, in comparison with the price paid for the adjoining property, L2OO was a fair price, while for Clayden evidence was given of its being worth L4OO. It was not alleged that Park had acted otherwise than in good faith. Clayden said he was so fully impressed with the conviction that the monetary consideration was to be L2OO that he had paid no attention to the terms of the transfer, in which the consideration was stated to bo 10s. When this sum was mentioned to him ho imagined it to be a fee that Park had to pay. The Registrar decided that neither party understood the other, and that as neither party consented to the same thing there was no contract, and it was not a case for a rectification of the con tract, but for the cancellation of the same, provided the position of parties had not been so altered with respect to the land as to preclude their being replaced in their former posi tion. As there had been no with the land,. and Clayden bad sought redress speedily, the transfer would be set aside and its registration cancelled. In consequence of Clayden’s carelessness he ordered him to pay costs of the sum mons and transfer.

James DicU, a B'b'atman in the employ of the .Otago Harbor Board, while pro ceeding to the Heads on Saturday on horseback, was thrown from his horse and killed.

A Sydney journal has the following on the subject of soiled bank-not a :—“A Ipng-auffering citizen, tired of receiving over the bank counters the dirty paper given out. there as notes, has taken a legal opinion on the' matter. He is ad vised that he may act with them just as he would if an hotel waiter handed him * soiled napkin at a dinner table'; he may fling it back again, the one being an insult as much as the other. The suffer-, ing citizen has notified his intention of. acting as advised, and for the future flinging back behind the counter any, soiled notes that may be handed to him, over it. a bank customer has a legal right to demand clean paper when he; submits to take paper in place of gold. According to an English exchange, a copy of Moody and Sankey’s volume of hymns lately reached one of the Turkish Post Offices in Armenia to the address of an American missionary. Of late the Imperial restrictions on the importation: of foreign literature, as well as on the printing press, have become more strin gent than ever, so, as a matter of course, Moody and Sankey must pass under, the eagle eye of Bukhsheeah Efiendi, the Go vernor-General’s factotum, who knows a few words of English. “Dogs,” he ex claimed, as he turned over the leaves. “ Hold the Fort ! What fort? Treachery, as I live ! May Satan seize them!” They were patriotic songs for the use of the Ar menians ; those hymns, and the musical notation proved it ; and that particular

song, “Hold the Port,” must have re ference to an intended insurrection. .So “ Hold the Fort ” was cut out by order ipf Bukhsheesh, and the expurgated volume cent to its destination. As the present is the season for pruning operations, as well as transplanting all kinds of fruit and forest trees—in fact, about the busiest time of the year for the gardener, both professional and amateur— it may not be out of place to notice a few of the improvements in the way of garden ing which have lately been made in our midst. Although scarcely sixteen months have elapsed since Messrs Abbott and Raynall commenced operations at the Exotic Nursery, Millrace road, we found on visiting there lately -that they have one of the finest gardens in the district. The piece of land which they, are work ing consists of about five and a half acres, and is well-stocked with thousands of forest and fruit trees, while they have flowering bulbs and flower roots in im mense variety. The greatest treat, how ever, to the visitor at this time of the year is in the hothouse, where Mr Abbott has a choice selection of ferns and flower ing plants rarely met with about these parts.

Remember that a little Hop Bitters saves big doctor’s bills, and cures when all else fails. Read.—[Advt.] will be paid for any case that Hop Bitters will not cure or help. Doubt riot. -■See. —[Advt.] Holloway’s Ointment and Pills combine both sanitive and sanative powers in a .high degree—by the former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore health. With these reme dies at hand no invalid need be at fault to guide himself or hetself safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during our long and ofttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping cough, can be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weatherasthmatical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment on all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment.—[Advt.] Wanted Known'—'That J. Meech is im porting all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockery ware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetling. A variety of tinware and other. cooking uten sils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattrasses—in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to; sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. All kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept, 'Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J. Meech. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.]

SERIOUS FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH

Shortly after 5 a.m. on Sunday morn ing two men named John Conway and Silas Cooke were coming through the right-of-way by the Times office, when they observed smoke issuing from the rear of the building occupied by Mr T. Jacobs as a drapery store. Conway gave

the alarm at the Chester street station, and the fire bells rang. Shortly after Conway leaving, to give the alarm, his companion observed the flames bursting through the windows in the rear of Mr Jacobs’ shop, The Brigade were speedily on the spot, a d lines of hose were run out to the tank in Cathedral square and to the river. The fire, however, got good hold, and communicated to the premises occupied by Mr Fountain Barber on the corner and that of Mr Glasson, hair [ dresser, and Mr Stewart, fruiterer, The engines were quickly got into position, but owing to some derangement of the machinery of the steamer stationed at the river, a delay took place in getting water on to the fire. In the meantime the work of saving the goods in the burning buildings was rapidly carried out. The stock of Mr Stewart was almost entirely carried out, and some portion of that of Mr Fountain Barber was also rescued. In the shop in which the fire originated the flames had too great a hold before it was discovered to enable much- to be saved. The efforts of the Brigade were mainly directed towards keeping the fire from communicating with the Central Hotel on the one side, and the Lyttelton Times office on the other, as, had the small buildings intervening, viz., Tattersall’s Club, Lennon’s oyster saloon, and Green’s gunsmith’s shop caught, nothing could have saved the en tire block ; indeed, it would have been very doubtful if the Commercial and Cri terion Hotels and the Gaiety Theatre could have been saved. The wind was from the S. W., but fortunately it was light, or the efforts of the Brigade would have been unavailing. The hold that the fire had obtained before discovery, rendered it impossible for the Brigade to save the three places on fire, viz., the shop, occupied by Mr Fountain Barber and those tenanted by Messrs Jacobs and Glasson. The upper storey of the build ing occupied by Mr Barber was used by the Young Men’s Christian Association, and the whole or the furniture and library was destroyed. Fortunately for the safety of the whole block, the efforts of the Bri gade, who worked well despite the acci dent to their engine, were sufficient to confine the fire to the three shops named, though that occupied by Mr Stewart had the side burned out. The others spoken of were completely destroyed, and it was fully an hour from the time the alarm was given till the fire was got under. . There was a large crowd at the tire despite the early hour, and the windows of Mr Fiske’s jhop opposite were broken by the crowd hqing forced backwards, when the engine was brought on to the footpath! Owing to the accident to one of the steamers, the services of the hand engine had to be called into requisi tion. The buildings destroyed were held on lease by Mr F. Hobbs, and the

insurances were as follows ;—On the buildings occupied.by Mr F. Barber, Mr J.Glasson, and the Toung Men’s Chris* tian Association, L6OO ; on the building occupied by Mr Jacobs, L4OO ; on that occupied by Mr Stewart, L 15 0; or a total insurance on the buildings of Lll6O. All these insurances were in the_ New Zealand Insurance. Company. The insur ances on the stock were as follows :—Mr Jacobs’ stock, in the Australian Mercan tile Marine Insurance Company, LI6OO, LI2OO of which was re-insured in 5 the Australian Alliance, Mutual and Fire Insurance Association. Mr F. Barber’s stock was insured in the Liverpool,.Lon don and Globe Insurance Company for L3OO, and he estimates his loss at L7OO over this. Mr, Glasson’s stock-, was. in sured in the Mutual Insurance Company for LBO, and he estimates his loss at L2O over this sum. Mr Stewart’s stock was insured, and he estimates his loss by re moval, etc., at L2O. With regard to the origin of the fire, Mr Jacobs st ites that there has been no fire in his building for four days, and that on leaving the pre mises about 10 30 p.m. on Saturday everything was apparently safe. From ah examination of the buildings after 'the fire, it was found that the taps of the meters ■ were turned off in all the shops with the exception of that occupied by Mr Jacobs. In this the fire had so com pletely destroyed the building that it was impossible to ascertain the condition' Of the meter. The origin of the fire'ls unknown. The two men, Conway'and Cooke, who gave the alarm, were subse quently arrested by the police for having stolen goods from the shop of Mr Glasson, which were found in their possession:— Press.

[by telegraph] Christchurch, To-day,

Additional particulars re the fire on Sunday morning state that the effects of the Young Men’s Christian Association, which were completely destroyed, were insured in the Norwich Union office Ihr LIBO. The library consisted of : 600 volumes, and was worth considerably more than the amount of the insurance, and the Association are heavy losers* In addition to the above a good deal 'of valu able property belonging to members and lent for the, use of the Association was destroyed. The Rev JT. Cree’s had some LSO worth of books and a magic lantern burned, nothing of which .tii insured, while Mr J. M. Heywbodand others have lost various articles of valued The members of the Associat on intendin consequence of the destruction of their old premises to make a vigorous' effort to push on the erection of the proposed new building on their section in Cambridge Terrace. The estimated cost of this is LIOOO, about half, of which is either 1 " in hand or promised. Mr W. Hobbs, the lessee of the block, whose lease hu seme 40 years to run, purposes replacing the premises burned with a handsome' struc ture of a more substantial and imposing character, plans for which are to be pre pared as soon as possible.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[eeuter’s telegrams —copyright.] Monetary and CommevlaL London, June 8.

The total quantity of wheat afloat ,for Great Britain is 1,950,600 quarters, being 300,000 less than' the quantity afloat last week. Breadstuff’s are un changed. Adelaide wheat, ex store, 48s; New Zealand ditto, 44s to 475 ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 33s 6d. Australian tallow has advanced 6d per cwt; best beef is now worth 4 IS best mutton, 435. London. June 9. Consols remain at ioo££. New Zea land securities are quoted as follows; 5 per cent. 10-40 loan, io6j£j 5 per cent. 1889 loan, 104 («V); 4J6 p6r cent 1879-1904 loan, 102 ; 4 per cent, inscribed stock, 102 The Wool Sales- London, June 8. The catalogue at to-day’s wool sale comprised 11,500 bales. A good de-’ mand was experienced. London, June 9. At the wool sale to-day 10,300 bales _ were offered; the tone of the sale was firm. The Frozen Meat Trade. ~ ' London, June 8. A portion of the cargo of frozen,., mutton, ex Garonne, was sold at auo tion to-day, and realised an average of sd. The meat is in good condition. [Received June 11,11.20 am.] The Phoenix Park Murderer. London, June 9. Another Phoenix - Park murderer, Timothy Kelly, was hanged to-day at Dublin. The Egyptian Incendiary. Alexandria, June 9. Dachud Pasha, who was recently found guihy of having instigated the burning of Alexandria in July last and ; sentenced to death, was executed to day. The War in Tonquin. Hong Eong, June 9. Intelligence is to hand from Shang hai that M. Bowie, the French Ambas sador to Pekin, has arrived at Shanghai and has had a conference with Hi Hung Chung, the Chinese Prime Minister, on the subject of the state of affairs in Tonquin. No particulars of the interview have transpired. Tele grams have been received here from Tonquin, that the French garrison at Hanoi has been reinforced by fifteen hundred men.

AUSTRALIAN.

[reuxer’s telegrams—copyright. ]

Death of Sir Arthur Kennedy. Brisbane Yesterday.

It is reported here that the Colonial Secretary of Queensland received a telegram from Earl Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies, stating that Sir Arthur Kennedy, Governor of Queensland, died at Aden on the 3rd inst., while on a voyage to England. ~

The Suez Mail. Melbourne, Yesterday.

Arrived, this afternoon —P. and O. steamship Indus, with the inward mails via Suez and Brindisi, dated Lon don, May 4th. A Bailway Opened. Sydney, Saturday

The western railway extension from Nevenire to Nyngan, a distance of thirty-six miles, was opened to-day. The total length of the line now open from Sydney is 377 miles.

A New Statue.

His Excellency the Governor un veiled the statue of the late T. S. Mort, which was erected opposite the Ex change. A vast multitude of people was present, and an eloquent oration was delivered by the Hon W. B. Dailey.

A Total Wreck. Launceston, To-day.

The ship Astrope, which went ashore at Lowhead, has been aban doned to the underwriters, and it It expected to becdme a total wreck.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, JUNK 11, 1883.



■rt‘r* : A'K TED KNOWN. !Kst BONBDUST, specially prepared fte drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., an be obtained from the undersigned. “ F. MAYO, • .. Hampstead Bone Mills. Money ! Money!! fTIBEB - EQUITABLE INVESTMENT I COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, ' mited, are prepared, throusih their agent, T. 0. DVK3AN, Bast street, to LEND MONEY on Ajihburton approved free hold or leasehold property, repayable hr «*!»* monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or instalments, or for a fixed ere also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. m Ji 0., DUNCAN, Agent, East street.



Wanted anted. TWO steady TEAMSTERS, must also be good Ploughmen. Apply to the MANAGER, 1352 Lowcliffe Estate. WANTED KNOWN— Hates and Co. have a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 \\Y ANTED KNOWN—That Robert Vf 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 Mr Dan Lea has Opened his Gymnasium next to Harrison’s Auction Rooms. An inspection of his calisthenics of every description is invited. 1344 TTTANTED Known—Am now selling W that celebrated Costume Cloth, in all shades, at B£d, usual price, 11Jd ; also another lot at Is 4£d, usual price 2s. H. 0. Seoebs, Compton’s Buildings, Moore street (opposite Friedlander Bros). Every thing marked with a small profit 1350 Special Advertisements. -TVJEW WORK. PATH OF LIFE : or, Aims and Aids to Success and Happiness,” illus trated with Steel Engravings, in differ ent bindings. Also, a beautiful selection of EASTER CARDS. Andrewes Bros. , Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 I have just received my season’s stock of Guns of every description, and respectfully invite an inspection. Double Breech-loaders from L 5 ss. Double and Single Muzzle-loaders at all prices. Decoy Ducks. Duck Calls. Game Bags. Cartridge Belts and Bags. Field Glasses. Loading Machines, etc., etc. New Season’s POWDER, Curtis and Harvey’s, and Pigou, Wilkes and Lawrence’s —very beat quality. Newcastle Chilled Shot,'all sizes. Cartridges, Cartridge Cases, Wads. And every shooting requisite. Being the largest importer of Guns and and Ammunition in New Zealand, ana every Gun being made to my own order, intending purchasers cannot do better than communicate with me. HOS, G. ROWLEY, 630 Gunsmith, Timaru. STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—from small to largest jars ; School Books —School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., ■ East street South Ashburton. n!5 JgOBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS B\RLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co, ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 I AM CASH PURCHASER OF BRIGHT MILLING Oats, IN ANY QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, 763 West street. AND FOR SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that ; COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH . RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sections having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at 6£ per cent, for a term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 ACRES. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au J^|"OTXCB — The Ashburton Guardian is a Gazette for all notices under r the Debtors and 0 itora Acts]



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL ' SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the . supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thou-ands of parcels being for warded to the order of distune 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. O. 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 c rt st price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth 1 £ 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 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 .6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 6 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, piragon frame ... ... ... ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ...0 2; 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 017 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 6, 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 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 Boslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... - 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish lowels 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 1 2 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 g<>od black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L dies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match 0 16 6 1 p tir handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pairf jll size good witney blan kets ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tableoover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match 013 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 1 1 0 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 Ipair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £6 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 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 C. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory ! HAYB spared no effort to place before the public a M 0 3T COMPLETE ASSORTMENT of NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES : Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT 7JS>r AT WHOLESALE FRIGE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. H. M. Jones H AS NOW ON VIEW A STOCK OF PIANOS, FINE FROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Schwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. 25 INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 25 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH 0 of’the 0 Lmost won- 'VT derful instru- il| Ements of the day. TJ Music by the y.ird. A child JDj Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a (O piano. Pianos en hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. ’ Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, ' BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. 1 H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. ; Ashburton. 13d gPECIAL NOTICE. TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. GL E. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Princes street, Dunedin Have great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a manier as has never before been at tempted. Messrs G, R, West & Co. are the Largest Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, BRASS, WIND, AND STRINQED INSTRUMENTS In the Colony, and a large and varied stock of the above can always be found. Mr G. R. West, being at present in England, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC ! MUSIC ! 1 MUSIC I! ! And the firm respectfully solicit a call from their friends, teachers, and the public in general to inspect their magnifi cent stock of Music, personally selected. did j-F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S JHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. 171 VERY article Sold at Christchurch 1-J Prices and guaranteed bes- of •material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED _ sl NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m , with the number of 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 double 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 letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. ,