SHIPPING

PORT OF LYTTELTON. . Arrived. Ybstrrday. Annie Wilson, schooner, from Kaipara. Owatiri, 8.8., from Westport.* Manapouri, s. s., from Auckland and Way porta. Sailed. Yesterday. Kawatiri, s.s., for Auckland. Manapouri, 5.8., for Melbourne, via Sooth. ■ Letterfourie, barque, for Newcastle. Duke of Athole, ship for Cork or Fal mouth for orders. Antelope, cotter, for Akaroa.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Wednesday, May 30. Mr W. B; Moss, at his Sale ’ Rooms— Fruit affd Forest Trees, &c., at noon. Thursday, May 31. Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade— Trees, Ac., at noon. Mr Alfred Harrison, on the Railway Re serve—Office, Fittings and Effects. Friday, Junk 1. Matson, Cox and Co., at Waterton Ihrfii' Live and .Dead Stock; at 12 noon. Saturday, June'2. Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Yards Herses, Furniture, &o. Ironwork of Combine and Elevator. Messrs Matson, Gox and Co., at Tatter saH’s—Horses, Implements, &0., at ILSO. Thursday, June 7. Cox and Co., at Waterton—Town Sections, Farm, Live and Dead Stock, &a, at 11 o’clock sharp. Friday, Junk 8. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Tinwald pui« Yards—Surplus Stock, Farm Im plements,'etc. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &o ■y/ Thursday, June 7. Upper Ashburton Road Board District— General election of members; polling day 7th day of June, }(, ;: Monday, June 4. Ashburton Borough—Annual Licensing meeting for Borough, June 4th. Long beach Road. Board, at noon. , Wednesday, June 6. Reaident Magistrate’u Court, Ashburton — Annual Licensing meeting for Ashbur ton district, Jane 6th.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1883.

On our fourth page will be found a re port of the annual meeting of the Ash burton Woollen Factory Company, held yesterday afternoon. We understand that the Tinwald Oup will be awarded on Friday evening next, a special meeting of the Committee being called.

Two inebriates, named William Scott and Charles Falconer, were brought up at the Police Court this morning before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P. The former was fined 6s and the latter 60s, with the alter native of seven days’ imprisonment. The Canterbury Jockey Club has endorsed the disqualification inflicted by the Ashburton Racing Club on the horse “ Dalesman ” and his rider, Frank Poff. At a meeting of promoters of the new gas company held in Christchurch last nightj it was decided to register the com pany and anply to the City Council for permission to lay mains in the streets. L 5,000, one sixth of the capital, has already been subscribed. 135 business firms have agreed to take gas from the company.

From what Mr Bullock said at the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Ashburton Woollen Factory Company held yesterday, it appears that the machinery of the Factory will not arrive before some six or nine months have elapsed. This delay has occurred on account of the calls not having been paid up, and is to be regretted for many and obvious reasons. The compound engine, which is being made by Messrs .Scott Bros., of Christchurch, will be capable of driving a hundred looms. It will also be seen from our report that it has been decided to increase the capital of the Company to £IOO,OOO. The usual monthly meeting of the Bangitata Road Board was held at the office, Lismore, on Saturday, there being present—Messrs Morrrow, Wright, and Coskerie. Mr Wright was elected Chair man. The minutes of the previous meet ing having been read and confirmed, an application from the Hon W. S. Peter was considered re the proposed diversion of storm watel’on the Downs road, and it was resolved that the Board inspect the site. The action of the Chairman in putting on a gang of men to repair dam age done by the flood was approved. It was decided that the County Council be asked to improve the fords over the water races on Coskerie’s road and at the first crossing south of the flume over the south Hinds river. The Board resolved that Perrin’s road should be cleared of large stones for a distance of five miles, and also that the Mayfield road should be re paired by giving a coat of metal to the mud-holes. A motion was carried to the effect that a line of road should be opened up from the Anama railway station through sections 26029 and 24227 to the point where the Downs road crosses the North Hinds, a distance of about 30 chains, and that the Hon. W. S. Peter should be offered in exchange the road fronting his homestead for about 45 chains, and adjoining Rural Section 24644 and part of 24645, on the south western side. The Clerk was instructed to give notice to Mr J. G. Graham to remove the fence crossing the line of a public road, at the corner of Corbett's fence. Accounts to the amount of L 73 2s 9d having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned till July 7. I

Mr Allwr'ght, the member for Lyttel ton, addressed his constituents last even ing, and received a vote of confidence and thanks.

Miss Annie Potto, M.D., of the Female Medical College, Pennsylvania, who ar rived at Auckland by the mail steamer, intends giving a course of medical lectures at the Opera House.

The Otago Daily Times declares that the Dunedin Licensing Committees have agreed in future to allow no hotel in the city to keep open after eleven at night, and to strictly administer the Act. ' George Hart, a young man respectably oonected, has been arrested at Auckland on a charge of uttering a forged cheque on Colonel Thomas. H. Duller was arrested for a similar offence.

The half-yearly general meeting of the Ashburton Racing Club will be held at the Club’s room at 8 pm., on Tuesday next, when we hope to see a large atten dance of members, as, in addition to the annual report, statement of accounts and election of officers, a quantity of other important business affecting the interests of this now highly successful Club will be dealt with.

A glaring case of sly grog selling in the North Island was brought to light through the activity of Sergeant Hist, of Auckland. The offender, a Maori, is described as a Wesleyan local preacher, living at Ken nedy Kay, and who has been in the habit of selling spirits to Maoris and bushmen. The Magistrate considered the offence thoroughly proved, and fined the prisoner L2O, costs LB. The Salvation Army held a tea meeting last night in the Dunedin Garrison Hall. There were about 2,600 people present, and about 1,600 sat down to tea. One or two leading citizens gave testimony as to the good work being done by the Army. Iraongst those who stood up as examples of the work of the Army was a female, who admitted having been a gaol bird. All the officers addressed the meeting, which lasted from 5 o’clock to 10. It was announced that a New Zealand “ War Cry," would be published in June. At a meeting of the promoters of the Moorhouse memorial, held in Christ church yesterday, it was stated that L 765 had been promised. It was decided to request Messrs Miles Bros., of London, to confer with a Committee consisting of Sir Julius Vogel, Sir Edward Stafford, and Mr Walter Kennaway, to ascertain to what artist the erection of the statue had better be entrusted, and the probable cost of the work. It is not intended to ex pend more than LI,OOO. The Dunedin City Council last night discussed the Massey frauds in Com mittee. The result was that they agreed to pay the parties in Melbourne the amount of the duplicate bonds which they purchased. The opinion of counsel con-; suited was that the Council were not legally liable, but this action was resolved upon, so that the value of their other de bentures might not be affected. In order to protect the Councillors from possible legal action by ratepayers for having paid away such money illegally, Parliament will be asked to pass a special Act of authorisation.

Wanted Known —That f J. Meech is im porting all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockery ware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetting. A variety of tinware and other cooking uten sils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattrasses —in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed,and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. 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.]

Holloway’s Pills. Liver Complaints.—The digestion cannot be long so seriously disordered without the de rangement being perceptible on the counten ance. These pills prevent both unpleasant consequences ; they improve the appetite and with the increase of desire for food, they augment the powers of digestion and assimila tion in the stomach. Holloways Pills deal most satisfactorily with deranged or diseased conditions of the many organs engaged in ex tracting nourishment for our bodies from our various diets—as the liver, stomach, and bowels, over all of which they exercise the most salutary control. By resorting at an early stage of this malady to these purifiying and laxative Pills, the dyspeptic is speedily restored to health and strength, and his sallowness gradually vanishes.—[Advt.]

JOTTINGS FROM A TRAVELLER’S JOURNAL.

[written specially for the “ashburtok GUARDIAN.”] XVII.

Leaving Nice —Advice to Travellers Yillafranoa —A Question of Taste— Beaulieu—A Grim Castle—Eza — Underground Travelling—Monaco The Prince’s Revenue—Monte Carlo —The Casino at Monte Carlo—The Best Band in Europe—The Gaming Saloon—The Gamblers—A Demoral ising Passion.

Two days participation in the fun and frolic of the Carnival at Nice were quite sufficient to satisfy my curiosity. And many visitors were like - minded, for on reaching the station when about to resume my journey, I found quite a crowd upon the platform. The hustle and confusion wore almost bewildering to those who could hear, but not understand the incessant jabber. Here, let me say, for the guidance of those who may travel in Italy, that as little luggage as possible should be taken. Nothing is carried free except hand-bags or other light packages that may be taken into the carriage. Fellow passengers complain if they are incom moded by the size or number of the articles attempted to be introduced. The system, however, is tolerably well organ ised, and by taking the precaution of see ing that your packages are carefully weighed and marked—tor the officials are not immaculate, and when they make mistakes they are never in the traveller’s favor—and obtaining a ticket you are freed from further trouble. On arriving at your destination, all you have to do is to give your luggage ticket to the porter of the hotel at which you design to stop, and who is generally in attendance, and he will do the rest.

Owing to the crowd I had some little difficulty in obtaining a seat. I traversed the length of the train more than once, peeping into every carriage, before I dis covered a vacant seat. The employees seem to think it no part of their business to help the travellers in such straits. The most efficient aid is generally rendered by the porter who carries your valise, or whatever you may have in hand, from the the waiting-room. He is anxious to ob tain his fee ; and if a place is to be found, will find it. It was by the intervention of one of those necessary, but otherwise importunate and troublesome hangers-on, that I at last got squeezed into a carriage that I had considered already full. How ever, as the distance to Monte Carlo, where 1 intended to stop, was not great, the temporary inconvenience was of no great consequence. We passed through a tunnel soon after leaving the station, crossed the Paglione, ran along the valley of the stream, and through another long tunnel to Villa franca. This is a charming village, sur rounded by olive clad heights* and beauti

fled by many handsome villa residences. One was pointed out to me by an enthu siastic native, travelling in the same car riage, as pre-eminently grand. It would have been uncivil to question his taste, and therefore I held my peace. But a more preposterous example of grandeur I never beheld. It was painted a glaring red color, and though pretentious in its proportions, and somewhat novel in the Oriental character of its style, I con sidered it a vulgar edifice, an offence against good taste and architectural beauty. There we e other less prominent erections that struck me as far more picturesque and pleasing. We passed Beaulieu, another village embowered amidst olive groves ; some of the trees •were very large and evidently of great The peninsula of St. Jean forms the boundary on one side of the village, and on the extreme point are the crum bling ruins of a castle dating back to the times of the Saracens. Had those time worn stones a vo.'ce, what revelations of rapine and revelry could they disclose. This stronghold was dismantled in 1706, during the reign of Louis XIV, There stand the ruins, so suggestive in their silent grimness, looking down on the shelving verdant slope that stretches to ward the sea, with the distant sky line scarcely to be distinguished from deep blue waters. Here one might spend many pleasant hours, musing and mapping out, in imagination, the scenes of byegone days. Eza was the next settlement that came into view. It is perched on a rocky emi nence, and in those days of yore, was a favorite resort of freebooters and robbers who mainly subsisted by levying black mail upon the peaceful in habitants of the surrounding district. After leaving Eza a provoking succession of tunnels shut out the country from view. Had I but known beforehand that I was to be so frequently in the dark, whirled along underground, obliged to close the windows to prevent the carriage from being filled with vapor from the engine, I would have left the train at Eza, and taken a vehicle to Monaco. I would strongly advise those who may hereafter travel this route to act upon this suggestion. By so doing they will enjoy some of the finest scenery in the Riviera.

But in due time we ran through the disagreeable portion of the journey, and emerged into the brightness and beauty of the precincts'of Monaco, This township gives the name to a petty prin cipality not above five or six miles square, cut out, as it were, of the kingdom of France. The reigning Prince Charles ex ercises sovereign jurisdiction, and derives a large, if not the largest portion of the revenue from the gaming tables of the casino at Monte Carlo. These tables are now in the hands of a company, who pay the Prince a large annual subsidy ; and besides this contribution they defray all the expenses of his househould. The net profits of the roulette and rouge et n»ir tables that are constantly going at the casino must be enormous to make it worth while for thd company to pay so high a price for the privilege. So long as these arrangements last there is but little pros pect of the pernicious practice being sup pressed. If Prince Charles is a thought ful man, I should imagine he must at times feel degraded when contrasting his own position and source of revenue with the character maintained by his ancestors, the former sovereigns of the principality, who were renowned for their public spirit and naval exploits. But the love of money is a degrading passion, and princes are not better than other men when they yield to its influence. The scenery about Monaco is moun tainous and very picturesque. Monte Carlo can scarcely be described as a separate settlement. Ic is but a mile and a half from the capital, which gives the entire principality its designation; and is almost connected with it by straggling villa residences. I took up my quarters at the Hotel des Anglais, within a few moments walk of the Casino, and close to the Public Gardens.

Monte Carlo is a lovely spot; perhaps unrivalled for natural beauty and artistic ' embellishment in the whole of Riviera. The company owning the Casino spare no expense in devising and maintaining local attractions. Beautiful gardens, adorned with statues, are laid out with exquisite taste, and extend over a considerable area. The interior of the Casino is gorgeously decorated. The concert-room or theatre, f >r it answers both purposes, in particular is indescribably grand a»d ornate. The chandelier that hangs in the centre from the lofty ceiling is the most superb thing of the kind I ever saw. An orchestra of nearly a hundred performers —all of them masters of their respective instruments entertain visitors every morning and evening. No charge is made for admission to hear the compositions of Mozart, Auber, Handel, Donizetti, Gounod and other great masters of har mony, rendered by a band that is said to be the best in Europe. No wonder that fashionable idlers and lovers if pleasure and play flock to Monte Carlo. The proprietors of the gaming tables have done their utmost to add to the natural beauties of the place such artistic attrac tions as are calculated to allure and bring victims within the circle of the fascinating but too often ruinous influences that surround the tapis vert. As I had never seen a public gambling c stablishment, I determined one morning to visit the Casino. I encountered no obstacles in entering the spacious vesti bule, at one end of which is a comfortable reading room, supplied with English and Continental papers and periodicals—a cloak room, billiard room, lavatory, and other conveniences. But on approaching the entrance to the gaming saloon at the opposite end my further progress was barred by a liveried doorkeeper. I was a stranger ; and no one is admitted for the first time without a permit from the bureau. But the entree was easily obtained. 1 had but to produce my card and name the hotel at which 1 was staying, and a pass, purporting to be for that day only, but which I understood would serve for any future time when once my personality was known, was immediately granted. The doorkeepers seem to be specially apt in recognising faces, for when once a per son has presented a pass, he may enter day after day if he chooses without ques tion. The apartment, or rather the suc cession of saloons in which play is carried on, for they lead from one to another without door or partition, are large and lofty, and lavishly adorned. At night they are brilliantly lighted. There are six roulette tables and several rouge et noir to which the deeper players resort. It was a sad but impressive sight. The seats surrounding the tables were all occupied, and a throng of people were standing round outside. Some few of them, like myself, were merely spectators drawn thither by curiosity , but the ma jority were playing as eagerly as those who were seated. It was saddening to watch the faces of the gamblers : their hungry, eager, anxious looks after they had staked their money, while the apparatus in the centre of the table was revolving—the selfish exultation with which they clutched their winnings if fortune favored them ; the careworn expression of those counte nances when the croupier called out a number into which the marble had rolled taht placed them in the position of losers. The evident disappointment—in some cases a look that almost indicated a feel ing of despair—of the unlucky ones as they saw their money raked into the bank ' by the impassive and u n sympathising crou- 1 piers, furnished matter for distressing 1 thought. How many of these players 1 were on the verge of ruin, risking the 1 remnants of their money in the vain hope i of recouping former losses. It is a terribly |

demoralising infatuation. If a player wins at the outset, as is often the case When a novice, lured by example, is in duced to venture a five-franc piece, he is encouraged to proceed. But ere long he finds himself minus not only of his gains, but of some of the coin that was previously safe in his purse ; and then under the in fluence of the .fatal passion he too often continues, hoping that his luck will re turn and his perseverance be rewarded. Thus step by step many are lured, and become bankrupt both in money and in morals. On the day I visited the Casino, the gamestsrs were not all of the male sex ; indeed, a large proportion of those engaged in play were women —some of them probably respectable visitors tempted to hazard a few francs. But many of them, I am sorry to say, were evidently habitvSs of the table, and of doubtful character. While I stood wa’u’.ing the proceedings, a female—l wi'l, not say lady—began to play with a pile of ten franc gold- pieces before her, at least sixty or seventy in number. With groat eager ness she staked four or five each turn on different numbers, and in less than ten minutes they were all gone. She rose from the table and walked away with an expression of countenance I shall never forget. A young man staying at the same hotel where I had taken up my quarters lost L 2,500 in two days, and was beg gared.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER AT HAWERA.

The Hon Major Atkinson addressed his constituents in the Hawera Town Hall last" night. The Mayor was chairman. Major Atkinson commenced by speak ing at considerable length concerning the functions of Parliament and the necessity for party government. He accused the Opposition of delaying business, and went on to say that unless it had reasonable chance of success, which the Opposition last year had not, it showed a want of patriotism in delaying the measures the country demanded. The Government last session were charged with delay in passing very important measures on such subjects as local Government, local and general finance, public works, loan and native affairs. On the 16ih June—and it would have been ten days earlier but for his ill ness—the Financial Statement was de livered, the native bills were all down, and in fact the whole policy of the Go vernment was before the House. If the Opposition had really believed in its strength, it would have at once tried con clusions on some general principle; but instead of that they pursued the extra ordinary course of attacking the Financial Statement on small points immediately it was delivered. Soaker after speaker rose to the attack, and Government re plied, so completely routing the Opposi tion that never again did it muster up courage to attack the Statement. So far as the policy of the Government was con cerned, the Government tried without success to get the principles discussed, and it was not till the 9tk of August that the Opposition brought down a no-confi dence motion re the Loan Bill. The mo tion was “ That the financial proposals of Government were not satisfactory”—a motion so wide as to catch every member who was not satisfied with what the Government proposed to do for his particular district. But the House never intended to displace the Government, and so the debate was flat and the Opposition defeated. The Government, supported by a large majority, then proceeded to carry its measures, and carried every one of them of importance with scarcely an alteration. The Opposition became indignant, and talked of undue haste—a cry which had been kept up ever since. If the Opposition delayed business in the earlier stages of the session there must be haste in the death—in the latter part— but every member had the opportunity of making himself acquainted with every measure. In June there were introduced no less than twenty-six Bills, in July nineteen, in August fourteen; most of them being of great importance, so that it was absurd to say that the House had none of the Government measures before it until the last moment. As to the legis lation of the session he pointed out that one of the objects of abolition was to de centralise power, and to give local bodies full authority over local matters, t > secure which various Acts had been passed, giving local bodies nearly as much power as they ought to have. No doubt the powers given could be increased as the country developed, became more thickly populated ; but at present the time was not ripe for much further extension. If the country would think for a moment as to what powers local government should possess, there would be great difficulty in pointing out any duty or power which should be exercised by local bodies, but was exercised by the central authority. No doubt new districts felt the want of roads, and the want made itself felt in the pressure put on the Government to attend to this road and that ; yet immediately a Government had done anything it had been accused of jobbery. If it put on the estimates money for a district represented by a supporter, it was favoritism ; if for a district represented by an opponent, it was to purchasers vote. In either case the Government was held equally blame able. To put a stop to this sort of thing the Roads and Bridges Construction Act had been passed, and he claimed for it that that Act would relieve members of the Government and House of great diffi culty. Now any money voted for roads and bridges was put into -a general fund and administered as it were automatically. There were the regulations, the machinery under which money was to be distributed, and the Government had nothing te do with the matter beyond carrying out the regulations, and the grants were made equally to all so long as the money lasted. It had taken three sessions to pass the Act, but now it was on the Statute books it would be regarded as one of the best Acts ever passed for the establishment of the independence of local bodies, and the relief of Parlia ment fnm pressure to which it should not be subject. The rumors so indus triously circulated about the centralisation of power in Wellington we-e absurdly contrary to fact. After referring to the Crown and Native Land Rating Act, Major Atkinson went on to speak of finance, repeating the arguments used in last year’s Financial Statement. Mr Montgomery, in a speech lately, had said he entirely, disagreed with the arguments, and he (Major Atkinson) thought he had at last got somebody to criticise his con tention, but he was soon disappointed. Mr Montgomery assumed that the Pro perty Tax was put on to make up the difference between the revenue the rail ways produced to the colony and the in terest on the cost of construction, and then argued that the Property Tax was unfair. Mr Montgomery went no further than that. He answered that the Property Tax was not put on for such a purpose, so that the argument tumbled to the ground. Mr Montgomery went on to say the rail ways improved the value of land, not the value of personal property, and there fore the land and not the personal property should pay. He (Major Atkinson) held that personal property had increased enor mously in consequence of the Public Works policy. It was trueland had been in creased in value to a large extent, but had not the merchants made their fortunes ; had not shopkeepers grown richer ; had not the laborer saved and bought a farm ; had not all classes become richer owing to the Public Works Policy T All classes had largely benefited. What was the fact 1 Directly the route of railway was fixed, the owner of land out it up and so'd it in small pieces, making an enormous profit, which profit was invested in all

sorts of ways—becoming pqjsonal pro- I perty. Why should personal pro- i perty not be taxed ? • Why tax the i holder of land when the real owner was j perhaps the money-lender, who would : escape? Why should the till a r of the soil alone be taxed ? There w:s tbi-ty millions of money borrowed upon the land of the country. Were not the people who lend that money the real owners, and why should they escape ? If that were done, a man wno Benefited by a railway had only to sell his land, rud let three fourths of the money remain on mort gage, and he would escape taxation, mak ing the unfortunate occupier pay for the increased value, which the seller had in his own pockets. Mr Montgomery urged that the present taxation all fell upon the working classes, because, as he said, political economists agreed that taxa tion upon goods was always paid by the consumer. If that were so, than no taxation upon wealth, except un productive wealth, was passible, and they arrived at the absurdity that it was abso lutely impossible to tax the merchant or farmer, or anybody else, except upon his fixtures or his ploughs or money turned into articles of luxury. The thing wa absurd upon the face of it, and, moreover, 8 the same law would apply to an income tax. It was not so easy to shift the bur dens as Mr Montgomery made out. Mr Montgomery urged that the State should not make railways through private land and get no share of the advantage. That was an entirely different question, and it seemed to him (Major Atkinson) perfectly fair and reasonable that if the value of a man’s property were largely increased the State should take a proportion of such in creased value, ani it was a great pity that that principle had not been adopted and carried out from the start. There were serious difficulties in the way of going back, because a large quantity of land had changed hands. It was impossible to trace the benefit and tax the right person ; but as to the future works, he could see no ' reason why the Assembly should not con [ sider and devise some means by which ' persons who were largely benefited in ' respect to the capital value of their lands ! should not contribute a fair proportion of the increased value to the State. The ? proposition to impose rates to make up a deficiency in railway revenue seemed ' most untair, because railways were made as a matter of public policy—perhaps run > ning through poor districts to connect with rich ones, or through sparsely popu ’ lated districts to carry out a public policy. ! The advantages of a railway to.the whole ’ colony were not thoroughly appreciated. t The speaker then went into statistics to j show that all classes benefited by the rail -1 ways, as if that means of haulage was not 7 used some other would have to be resorted r to. It was absurd, because the interest on the cost of a railway was L 500,000, of which only L 350,000 was covered by the returns } from the railway, to say that therefore c the colony lost LISO,OOO, and that parti ' cular districts must be taxed to make up " the amount. ! Until some more successful » critic than Mr Montgomery appeared, he fc (Major Atkinson) should adhere to his opinion that the taxation as'' at ■ pre ' sent imposed is tolerably fair. Major f Atkinson then pointed out that the 1 results of the last financial year were r satisfactory, and the Government had B decided to strictly adhere to the resolu -8 tion not to spend more than a million a J year on public works. As to the land * question the Government would continue * its policy of getting the land settled in the 1 proper sense of the word, and not merely 9 made a sheep walk. A fair price would f be demanded for the land, the revenue, f less expense of survey, being returned to 0 the land in the shape of roads and 8 bridges. The Minister of Lands had taken * a great deal of pains in connection with * this question, and hai devoted a great 9 deal of time, energy, and knowledge to it, ' He had done mors than any other man 7 had ever done in the matter. Since June, [ 1879, 35,000 deferred payment settlers 1 had been put on 366,000 acres—surely a f very satisfactory result. There wore * 42,000 acres set apart- under the system of l perpetual leasing for the purpose of trying ‘ the experiment of a new system of land 3 tenure. The Government hoped shortly ' to be able to judge of the probable result b of the experiment. Major Atkinson then paid a high compliment to Mr Bryce, and 3 said that it would be a terrible misfor -3 tune if he ceased to be the Native Miuis > ter. In connection with this was the ques r tion of dealing with native lands. It was 3 a very awkward qestion, which would * require careful consideration by the 7 Assembly. The system of Govern ’ ment land purchase was now nearly wound ‘ up, but it was apparent the withdradal of | the Government from land purchasing 1 operations had not got over all difficulty. 1 There were grave scandals in connection 1 with native lands and the Native Land ' Court, and there was no doubt that steps , would have to be taken by the Parliament shortly to sit to remedy some of the evils. | As to ,the future, he had nothing very startling to reveal. The policy of the | Government was laid down very clearly in the Acta brought in last session, and the I Government wouldcontinue toworkon the liberal and progressive lines pursued J hitherto. Public works would be carried ' on vigorously within the limits previously 1 referred to. Local bodies would be | strengthened and rendered independent. ; The native policy would be the same as ' that which had been successfully inaugu ! rated and carried on by Mr Bryce, and that firmness, self-reliance and courage would no doubt soon bring about the state or things so earnestly desired by both races living as one people. In regard to the session, the Government would bring down a number of consolidating Bills, and social measures. There would be the Abolition of Entail and Settlement Bill, a Bankruptcy Bill, and a Bill to deal with married women’s property on the same lines as the English Act. There would be a number of other Bills, to which he need not specifically refer, in continuation of the policy of last session. Whatever might be the result so far as the Government itself was concerned, a large amount of social work was sure to be gone through, but a great deal must depend on the position which the Opposi tion took up. The speaker denied that he had gone on this Southern tour for the purpose of fishing for a policy, as Mr Montgomery had said. Men who had taken a leading part in the framing and passing the Abolition Act, the Counties

Act, the Land Act and its amendments, the Property Tax Act, the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, the Native and Crown Lands Rating Act, and the various native Acts were not the men to go fishing in the waters of the Opposition in the sense in which Mr Montgomery used the word, but if fishing for a policy meant endeavoring to guide and construct public opinion by public discussion, by personal observation, ascertaining what were the wants and requirement of the people, and endeavoring to give effect to them, then he pleaded guilty, and should always be found fishing for a policy. In that sense statesmen who could in the course of half anhourdevelop from theirinner conscious nest Bills upon any subject, great or small, which would give perfect satisfac tion to everyone, must come from the ranks of the Opposition, for they were not to be found in the ranks of the Government party. Major Atkinson then went on to speak of the Opposition, saying that though Mr Montgomery had spoken, the Opposi tion had not, and that the latter would do what Sir George Grey determined, not what the member for Akaroa deter mined. Ho concluded by saying, that in his travels about the colony he had beeu gratified by the numerous signs of pro gress, and thought there was a certain amount of depression and money was

tight, and likely for a while to continue so, owing to over-speculation and over importation. He was certain in a short time all this would pass away, and that future progress would greatly exceed that of the past. In reply to questions, he stated that he did not think the Government would attempt this session to introduce any Bill to reform the constitution of the Legis lative Council. He defended the two recent appointments to the Council, and held that whenever the Government considered it necessary to reform the Council, it would probably have to call many more gentlemen to the Upper House. A vote of confidence was carried unani mously, no amendment being proposed.

CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN

[rkutee’s tel eorams —copyright, ] New South Wales Parliament. Sydney, Yesterday. An extraordinary session of the Par liament was opened to-day. .In the Legislative Council the address in Reply was voted. In the Assembly the Ministerial Bill for legalising the use of the steam motors on tke tram ways in the city was introduced. The debate on the Address in Reply has not yet taken place. New Steam Service. The Australian Navigation Company announce the establishment of a fort nightly service between Fiji and Sydney. The Tramway Difficulty. The debate in the Legislative ..As sembly upon the Government Bill for legalising the use of steam motors on city tramways, was commenced this evening, and is now (ten o’clock) pro ceeding. [Received May 30, 12.40 p.m.] Shipping. Melboubne, To-day. Sailed, last evening—Wairarapa for the Bluff.

Meeting of Parliament. It is announced that Parliament will meet for the dispatch of business on July 3rd. The Land League Mission. Mr Redmond has arrived here, and has declared that his mission to Aus tralia has already been more successful than he anticipated. The Catholic Party. The Hon N. Fitzgerald has declined to succeed Sir Bryan O’Loghlen as leader of the Catholic party in Parlia ment

Mr Francis’s Health. Mr James Fraucis is still seriously indisposed.

TELEGRAMS.

1 [pee PBBBB ASSOCIATION.] New Zealand Land Companies. t Auckland, To-dsy. i Wahanui, Taonui, and other leading • Kingite, chiefs hold aloof from the East f Coast Land Company. Nows has been ’ received by the mail that a projected 1 London Company will amalgamate with 1 the New Zealand Land Company. Earl 1 Shaftesbury, and the Bishops of London, I Liverpool, and St. Asaph are said to be 1 amongst those interested in the London 1 Company. A False Accusation. The report of the Commission of Enquiry into the charges made against the master, Mr G. P. Hogan, by several female inmates entirely exonerates him. 1 A Disaster. Gisbobnb, To-day. ; Whilst towing a punt at Tologa Bay on [ Sunday, containing goods from on board ’ the schooner Gisborne, a struck i on the bar and swamped goods valued at L LSOO. The boat went down. A Maori Bella Tua Nihoiho, on behalf of the Noatipi rau, presented a greenstone patu to His Excellency. T his relic had been handed 1 down for twenty generations. Fire. 1 Dunedin, To-day. Aynsley’s Mosgiel Hotel was burnt ; down last evening. Immediately after ■ the fire George Cardozo was missing, and his trunk was found among the ashes. s The fire is said to have been due to the bursting of a kerosene lamp. The insnr- ; ances are—Liverpool, London, and Globe, L 1,400 on the hotel, L7OO on the stock and furniture. The Standard had a risk of L1&0 on Brown’s., the adjoining shop, which was pulled down to prevent the spread of the jflames. Half of the Liver pool’s risk was re-insured in the Hamburg- Magdeburg Company. Laud in Otago. Nine sections were taken up under the perpetual leasing system, at prices rang ing from LI 12s to L 7 6s per acre. Escaped from Gaol. Charles Vickers, sentenced to five yean last session, effected his escape from gaol this morning. Two hours afterwards he called at the residence of a. Mornington settler and, threatening to shoot a Mn Warrington, got a change of clothing there. The police are in pursuit. Licensing. The Licensing Commissioners are mak ing a personal inspection of all the city houses. The Staff of Life. This city bakers will raise the price of bread from the Ist prox. A Challenge. Young Scott has been challenged by Raynor, of Melbourne, to walk 24 or 48 hours, for LIOO a-side. Scott offers to accept if the match takes place here. The case of the Sheep Department y. Inglis, heard before Mi Whitofoord, R. M., at Eaikoura, occupied three hours. The charge was one of neglecting to take. reasonable means to clean an infected flock. Judgment was given for the Crown, The Magistrate said the weight of evidence was in favor of the defendant, hut the Act could not be set aside. The evidence showed that no Sheep Inspector had ever been iu the country. Mr Fitzherbert ap peared for the Crown. The following is the substance of a peti tion to Parliament which is about to be circulated in Wellington for signature by the Roman Catholics resident in the dis trict:—“ That your petitioners are con scientiously opposed to the system of publin education established in this colony ; that they have in consequence established Roman Catholic schools, and maintain them at their sole expense ; that under these circumstances that they find them selves aggrieved at being compelled to maintain a system of educatio a, from which they derive no advantage, and which pate them at great diqadvantige, and which is practically the cause pf their being sub? jected to double taxation that they are persuaded one of two things should be done (if they are to be treated according to equity and justice), viz., their schools should be put on an equality with the public schools, or they should be exempted from taxation for public school purposes ; that they respect fully pray your honorable Hoqae to tqke the premises into consideration, and de vise such measures as will secure to tfao Roman Catholics of New Zealand justice 1 and equitable treatment,” ! *

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1883.



AM f .CASH PURCHASER IN 763 BRIGHT MILLING Oats, ANt QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, West street. A. N TED KNOWN. That BONBDUST, specially prepared fw drilling with, carrots, mangolds, etc., •A be obtained from the undersigned. , , F. MAYO, r -' Hampstead Bone Mills. Money ! Money!! THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT ...COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, limited, are prepared, through their agent, J. Cl Dun'jan, East street, to LEND MONEY on Ashburton approved free hold or leasehold property, repayable by either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly instalments, or for a fixed period. The Company are also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. «S 3 J. 0. DUNCAN, Agent, East street. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHBND ARE CASH BUYERS OP WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED .. Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, ’ • Havelock street. 229 -VTBW 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. Andeeweb Bros. , Booksellers and Stationers, East street Souths'Ashburton. 77 MR LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur ton Guardian at South Rakaia. STATIONERY OP EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—liom small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy j. Goods, Toys,;&o. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andre Wes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERY, &c., East streets South Ashburton. n!5



NJ) 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 be»n 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. Qnly a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at 6| per cent, for • term of years as may be agreed on. L ■ We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm : Containing 1026 ACRES. Situated: close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered. For farther particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12an



men GUARDIAN ia published ever; I evening, giving every day’s news, gp to the hoar of going to press. This is betas than haying a sixpenny weekly.



Wanted ’ANTED—A GROOM, equal to Gardener. Apply, 1249 WANTED— A thoroughly good gene ral SERVANT. Highest wages given. Apply, Office of this Paper. Men for FENCING and DRAINING. ; JOHN GRIGG. Longbeach, 28th May, 1883. 1241 WANTED Known— Gbeen & 00. have the Largest and Cheapest Stock of Boots and Shoes in Ashburton. J. G. Gbeen & Co., Liecester Boot Warehouse, N.B.—Don’t forget the Corner Shop in East and Burnett Streets. H 69 WANTED Known That Messrs. Gbeen & 00. have Removed into the Corner Shop, lately occupied by G. J. Martin, Butcher. 1170 ANTED KNOWN— Hates and Co, have a* lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 'IT'T’aNTED KNOWN—That Robebt V\ Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c SHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. Wanted a WORKING INSPECTOR of WATER-RACES for the lower district of the County. Particulars can be obtained at Council office. Applications with testimonials en dorsed and addressed to Chairman, to be sent in not later than 11 a. m. on WED NESDAY, 6th June next. 1250 ANTED. By order. WILLIAM BAXTER, County Engineer. 1124 Special Advertisements.



I have just received my season’s stock Guns of 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 best 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, and every Gun being made to my own order, intending purchasers cannot do better than communicate with me. HOS. G. ROWLEY, 630 Gunsmith, Timaru.



TO THE INHABITANTS OF ASH BURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. G. R. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Fringes 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 STRINGED 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 ! ! MUSIC !!! 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. d!4



Coro Sacks, rates. J AM A CASH PUR CHASER, AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES, of WHEAT OATS GRASS SEED BARLEY Farmers wishing to SHIP ON THEiOWN AC COUNT can get information as co Cost, Freight, etc., by applying to JOSEPH CLARK, 287 Ashburton & Tinwald. Corn Sacks, lowest market rates.



"F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND RED DING MANUFACTORY, BAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. ip VERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bea. of material and workmanship.



FUNERALS | CHEAPLY & COMPLBTEIiT FURNISHED Bl ■^■OTICE —The Ashburton Guardian is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Or ditora Aob rnHRESHING BOOKS printed on the 1 shortest notice, at the Office o this Paper,



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAV E spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT 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 increasedfjtrado 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. Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in Now Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERT HEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. OOOUNT BOOKS. OF A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE FRXOB. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at H. M. Jones’ NEW VOLUMES— Boys’ Own Annual Girls’ Own Annual Chatterbox Child’s Companion Infants’ Magazine, &c., &c.



POETS VARIOUS Authors ; Sir Walter Scott’s Works, new edition, complete, TOYS ! TOYS !! TOYS !!! GREAT VARIETY—in Wood, Tin, China, sr-?- Indiarubber. GOOD BUSINESS Envelopes. SIX SHILLINGS PER THOUSAND CASH. A Bargain. Good Second-hand PI ANETT MS , £2O, FANCY GOODS! FANCY GOODS ! A NICE SELECTION of the above now in stock. ALL the above Goods are offered at the LOWEST Possible Prices for CASH. A LIBERAL DISCOUNT allowed to schools on parcels of Toys, Books, etc. SECOND-HAND Pianos, In good order, £l6, £2O, 10s, 25. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST, & BARING SQUARE. 13d