SHIPPING.

J»OBT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Tester* at. L’Avenir, brigantine, from Newcastle. To-dat. Rotorua, s.s., from Port Ohalmers Manapouri, a.s., from Sydney, via Auckland. Sailed- V vfITKItDiT. * Wakatipu, a.a., for Wellington. C|»tlin, ketch, for Dunedin. SHIPPING' TELEGRAMS. Wellwotok, Yesterday. Arrived Kiwi, from Napier and Oastlepoint. . Sailed —Manapouri, for Melbourne, via Seufh and Hobart; Hawea, for Pioton and Nelson; Go-Ahead, for Dunedin; Aurora, schooner for the East Coast. Dunedin, Yesterday. • ■ Sailed—Rotorua, for the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Thursday, July 19. Mr Thos. ; Bullock, at the Arcade, at 1 o’clock—Trees. Tuesday, July 24. Ifatson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Tarda —Stock. Saturday, July 28. Mr Thot. Bullock, -at the Arcade, at 1 o’clock—Properties.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o Monday, July 23. Boroagh Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, August 15 Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers ; 11 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

‘ Mails <dbse at the Ashburton Post Office se follows; — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.80 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5. p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. .... For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Tima-m and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, cm Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30

P For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and ; Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur "Mays, at 6 a.m. , Fori Aahtca, Water ton and Long beach, > fct-4.30 p.m. daily. _ , For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, Kyle, bn Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. i Far Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fn ■ daysatlO.3o a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post yffiqo -■ From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertaey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. _ ± , From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.30 p.m* daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a, m. 5.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. J’rom Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A*HL From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. JVom Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. , From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 pan. _ , _ . From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri day* at 9.30 a. m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

pc inia Leave Ashburton for Ohrist cHUßOHand intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. Traxrs Leave Ashburton for Timaru xnd South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m. —-the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 15a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 p.m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalehbit. TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1883. The Decentralisation Debate.

The results of the divisions which have taken place during the present session in the House of Representatives show that on all important questions the Government can command such a decided majority that the rejection of the decentralisation motion brought forward by Mr Montgomery was a fore gone conclusion. But notwithstanding this fact, we should hesitate to declare that the past week has been wasted, as the question is one which demands ventilation, and the member for Akaroa is not to be condemned hastily for bringing it forward, even though he knew it must be defeated. The debate was on the whole decidedly the most important and most interesting that has taken place since Parliament opened, and there was almost an entire absence of that acrimony that so often char acterises the speeches of members when a party question comes on for discussion. Mr Montgomery, indeed, deprecated the idea that the motion should be discussed in a party spirit, but the Government chose to consider it as tantamount to a vote of want of confidence, and had they been defeated they would no doubt have asked for a dissolution. This decision did not probably interfere with the proper ven tilation of the subject at issue, although it may have made a difference when the division came to be taken. The present Parliament has unequivocally shown that it does not desire to see the Ministry ousted from their seats, but it by no means follows from this that those who voted against Mr Mont gomery are satisfied with the system of Central Government as it now exists.

And now let us look at the argu ments put forward by the member for Akaroa in support of his motion. To commence with, he set himself to prove that Central Government has not realised the results anticipated, nor have the promises made at the time of the abolition of

the provinces been fulfilled. Distinct pledges were given, Mr Montgomery averred, that the local bodies should be substantially endowed, and that the Land Fund should not be alienated. The pernicious system of log-rolling was to be heard of no more, and the roads and bridges would be under the control of local bodies, so as to obviate the necessity of appealing to Parlia ment for money for their construction. The question was whether any of these things had come to pass, and this the member for Akaroa answered emphati cally in the negative. The Land Fund had been swept away, and so far from local bodies being substantially endowed they were forced now to depend en tirely upon rates, while log-rolling was as common as ever, and the scramble for public money by members desirous of obtaining as much as possible of the good things going lor the benefit of the districts they represented was repeated in every successive session. As to the second portion of the motion, namely, that much discontent prevails in New Zealand in consequence of the present centralising policy, we do not think that this is so self-evident as Mr Montgomery would have us believe. It may be that the abolition of the provinces has not fulfilled all the dreams conjured up by the oriental imagination of Sir Julius Vogel, but it would be too much to say that the majority of the people consider it to be an utter failure. At all events ,we must wait until another general election comes round, and it this is made a crucial point of policy we shall then be able to determine what is the view of the colony on the question. So far Mr Montgomery had only dealt with what he considered the bane of Centralism, but in the final division of his motion, he points out the antidote. He would have the administration of local affairs, including public works, withdrawn from the control of the and placed in the hands of bodies elected by districts having community of interests. Coming to details, Mr Montgomery held that three of these bodies would suffice, Otago, Canter bury and Westland electing one, Nel son, Marlborough, Taranaki another, while the rest of the North Island would be represented by a third. 1 his was the change in the constitution which the member for Akaroa declared the public mind of the colony was ripe for, and twenty-two members of the House voted with him on the question.

The speeches delivered on the Go vernment side of the House were few in number as compared with those m favor of the motion, nor, with the ex ception of that of the Native Minister, were they so brilliant. The Colonial Treasurer’s criti ism of the motion was rather that of a clever debater, quick to seize on points that would tell at the instant, rather than of an able states man whose speech will bear careful perusal. He said that Abolition was brought about in accordance with the wish of the people, who had afterwards declared that it should not be repealed. He also stated that the pledges, as alleged by Mr Montgomery, had not been made, but that whatever was pro mised at the time had been fulfilled. Major Atkinson is of course justified in saying that when the provinces were abolished the measure was approved of by the majority of the colonists, and it is exceedingly doubtful whether a re turn to the old system would meet (with the approval of the greater part of the people. But on the other hand, it is equally certain that what was foreshadowed in Sir Julius Vogel’s speech advocating Central Government has not come to pass. It may be that that statesman painted the picture in too bright colors, but it does not follow, as the Treasurer argues, that because the colony at one time decided in favor of a certain form of government, no further alteration is to be made when it is recognised that the results anticipated have pot been realised. The Native Minister princi pally confined himself to the remedy proposed by Mr Montgomery, which the former regarded as a modified pro vincialism. Mr Bryce hit upon a weak point in the proposals when he referred to the financial aspect of the question, which had been only casually mentioned by the member for Akaroa as presenting no difficulty. Provincial ism, he said, had been a failure in the past, and to recur to such a system would be a mistake. This is perfectly true, but we doubt whether it was quite fair, except from a party point of view, to fine down the debate to one between Centralism and Provincialism, No one really believes that the people of the Colony wish to take such a retrograde step as to return to the form of govern-, ment in force before the provinces were abolished. Even Mr Macan drew, formerly the most violent oppo nent of Centralism, spoke clearly on this point. Stiil it would be idle to deny that there is a widespread discontent throughout certain portions of the colony, especially in Canterbury, with the present system of local government. For this reason we consider that the ventilation of the question caused by the debate on ' Mr Montgomery’s motion was not by any means a waste of time, although we could easily have spared some of the speeches of long winded members who added nothing to our knowledge of the subject.

Madams Lotti Wilmot will give a lecture in the Oddfellows’ Hall to-morrow evening. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Quadrille Assembly takes place to-night at the Oddfellows’ Hall, instead of Wed nesday, as heretofore. Messrs 0. Redwood and Holmes, of Blenheim, left yesterday for Wellington by the last steamer for the purpose of ob • taining information relative to the estab lishment of a Meat Freezing Company.

We learn from a Wellington correspon dent that Mr M. Price, the resident magistrate that was appointed soma time ago for Ashburton, has resigned, owing to failing health. Another gentleman will be appointed immediately. The criminal sessions of the Dunedin Supreme Court ended yesterday, when George W. Minter, for embezzlement from the New Zealand Insurance Com pany, was found guilty and sentenced to two years. This is his second trial this session, the first jury having disagreed. At the last session he was acquitted on a similar charge. , A meeting of the Western Fire Brigade was held last evening in the depot, there being a full attendance of members. It was announced by Fireman Dunn that he had taken steps in order to procure a performance in Ashburton in aid of the Fire Brigade funds •by the Ifi/tteltsm Times dramatic company, to take place about the middle of August.

At the Dunedin R.M. Court George Mcßride sued Joseph Osmond, Mayor of South Dunedin, for L2O, damages for assault and battery. This case arose out of the rowdy proceedings at the Borough Council meetings, and the alleged assault consisted in the plaintiff being removed by the police through defendant’s orders. After hearing a lot of evidence judgment was reserved. ' During the month of June no Chinese arrived in this colony, but 18 left. In the half year ended 30th ult., 19 Chinese ar rived in New Zealand and 110 we t away In June 1,210 persons arrived in this colony, and 952 left; the balance in our favor being therefore 258. The respec tive arrivals were as follows :—Auckland, 218 ; Wellington, 445 ; Lyttelton, 4; Dunedin, 320 ; Invercargill, 220. The departures were :—From Auckland, 198; Wellington, 140; Wanganui, 2; Lyttelton, 3; Dunedin, 313; Invercargill, 290. A meeting of ladies was held at Auck land yesterday in connection with the women’s branch of the Gospel Temperance Mission, and was largely attended. Ad dresses were delivered by the ladies, and a petition was adopted for signature and presentation to the General Assembly, praying that it will pass into law a Local Option Extension Act that shall embody the power to vote by all women of this colony of mature age. A house to house

canvass with the petition commences to morrow. A liberal collection was made, and donations promised and given to wards defraying the expenses of carrying out the project. A large meeting of the Wairarapa Jockey Club was held at Carterton on Saturday. The date of the Spring Meet ing was altered to the 2nd November, in order to follow the Pastoral Show day. A Committee was appointed to ascertain if it be practicable to connect Tauhereni kau racecourse with Featherstone by tramway, and to reporr, on other eligible sites for a course nearer the railway line. The stewards decided that the spring pro gramme should consist of six events ; the stakes, amounting to L3OO, including two steeplechases. The disqualification of Daniel Muller and the horse Pathfinder (late Joker) by the Dunstan and Dunedin Jockey Clubs was endorsed by the Wair arapa Jockey Club. The monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board wa's held on Friday, the 13th inst. Present—Messrs J. Jackson (chairman) McMillan, Morgan, Patton, and Coward. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. —The several Committees handed in their re spective reports.—The Overseer’s report was road, and instruction* given to him to have the necessary repairs made to the several roads mentioned therein.—lt was resolved that a footpath be formed on the west side of the West Coast road, Meth ven, from Alford Forest road to Boyle street, on condition that the parties in terested pay one half the estimated cost into this office.—After the transaction of other routine business and passing ac counts to the amount of L 73 15s, the Board adjourned. The following have been selected to re-

present Wellington in the approaching football tournament: —Brown, Campbell, Cooper, Davy, Dumbell, Harvey, King, ET. Roberts, H. 0. Roberts, Clifford

Holmes, Young, Uonaldson, J.H. Smith, A. Thomson, Webb and Wood. Emergen cies—Perry, Paulin ', Moore. —At a meeting of the reception committee last night it was decided to entertain the visiting football-rs at a ball and dinner. Messrs Kohnand Co., jewellers, intimated their intention of giving a handsome cup to the winning team. — J’he Otago football team is considered one of the strongest which ever took the field to represent that province. Taiaroa’s absence, owing to his broken collar bone, is greatly re gretted, but he will go North to witness the game.

At a meeting of the Southland County Council on Friday, the engineer,stated that the cost of the works proposed in the various ridings amounted to L84,82J. The Council granted permission to the Tramway Company to ext-nd northwards from the present terminus ; rails to be laid so that the centre of the tramw y is to be over thirteen feet from the centre nf the road. Representatives from In vercargill and Lindhurst Road Boards asked the Council to take over both Boards, and, in support of their applica tion, stated that the revenue of the Board was absorbed in working expenses, interest on loans, etc. The Council re solved that it could not take over the

Boards until they showed clean sheets,

In these dull times when there is “ nothing in the papers ” it is refreshing to come across a pleasant little paragraph like the following, which is published by' a London contemporary:—“You mist bo careful in your use of nitric acid,” said a professor of chemistry to his class, “ for, when benzoylnapt tylamid is treated with acid, two isomeric monitro benzoylnaphtylamide are formed, one yielding monononamidobemonoaphtylam ide, the other akydrobenzodiamidono phalane, and an explosion is pretty sure to follow.” Doubtless, like a famous pro duction by the late Artemus Ward, this is “ writ sarkastik,” but recent contribu tions to the literature of explosives have given us a number of words very closely resembling these polysyllabic periods. The average paper reader is expected to know, and, as a fact, does know a great deal, but it is unfair to heave such typo graphical tapeworms at him without a moment’s warning. At the Police Court this morning, before His Worship the Mayor and Mr T. Bullock, J.P., Archibald Clarke was fined 5s for being drunk, and for a similar offence Rosannah Hill, a very old offender, had to pay 10s, the penalty being mitigated because she had not been brought before the Bench for some months. Daniel Oairncross was brought up charged with the larceny of a coat valued at 10s, the property of Mr Wheeler, farmer, of Flemington, and for stealing a whip and driving-reins belong ing to Mr Harding, manager of the Cheese and Butter Factory. It appeared from the evidence that the property was taken while Messrs Harding and Wheeler were in church, and when service was over they missed the things referred to. Constable Neill arrested the prisoner on a'fann near Winslow, and found the stolen property under the bedding of the accused. viairn cross pleaded guiity, but said he had only acted as he had done “for a lark,” and the Bench rema ided him till Friday to allow of witnesses as to character being called.

Inaction of the kidneys and urinary organs causes the worst of diseases which Hop Bitters cures. Read. — [Advt.] 4 Don’t Die in the House. —“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bags, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers, 7Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents, 1

Wanted Known —That J. Mecch 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. Meecii. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt,]

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

AN EXPLANATION.

To the Editor. Sir, —Would you allow me, through your columns, to explain an oversight that occurred at our Temperance ra°eting last night. I had asked my friend the Rev C. H. Standage to be present on the occasion and to address a few words to

the meeting, and he had very kindly consented, at some personal inconvenience I believe. Mr Standage did not arrive till somewhat late in the evening and took his seat at the bottom of the hall. I noticed this, and concluded rather thoughtlessly that he was not desirous of speaking, and so contented myself with acknowledging his kindness in being present. Mr Standage was good enough to accept my explanation, and I have simply written the above to prevent mis understanding on the part of any members of his congregation.—l am, etc., E. A. Scott. The Parsonage, Ashburton, July 17, 1883.

TEMPERANCE ANNIVERSARY.

A moat successful gathering of the members and friends of the temperance movement took place last evening in the Oddfellows’ Hall, the occasion being the celebration of the anniversary of the Ash burton branch of the Church of England Temperance Society. The hall was crowded, and the proceedings were opened by singing the Old Hundredth and prayer. On the platform were the Revs E. A. Scott, who occupied the chair, H. C. M. Watson and A. M. Beattie, also Mr J. E. Buchanan and Mr Sawle ; the latte gentleman being a member of the Blue Ribbon Army. The Chairman in his opening address stated that the Society of which he was the head in this parish, admitted both the abstainer and the abstemious, and that a perfect unanimity ot feeling and union existed between the two. No one would be asked to take any pledges at this meeting, as he had very little faith in pledges taken in moments of excitement, but he would ask them to think the matter over and come to the meeting to be held the following evening (Tues day), at the Arcade Chambers. It was considered by some that they were the great enemies of the publicans ; they did not wish to he. The severe attitude they took was not against the publican, but against the evil effects of drink. The Rev A. M. Beattie said it gave him great pleasure to address the meeting on the temperance question. There were three great duties which we all had to perform—that to ourselves, to our neigh bors, and to God. It was the duty of ministers to speak plainly ; and he, as one, must tell .them that all reformation must come from the heart. Let them pray to God to give them a new heart and then all excuses would be swept away. He. hoped that success would attend the movement. (Applause.) The Chairman then introduced the Rev H. 0. M. Watson, who, on coming for ward, was very warmly greeted by the audience. He said it was ot unusual for speakers on being called upon to make some excuse for not being prepared with a speech, or for them to say that it was the happiest moment of their lives. It was not, however, the happiest mo ment of his life, although he was very glad to be there with them. He was pleased to see the healthy feeling which existed in Ashburton towards temper ance, which was, he considered, the great movement o f the age. We had heard a good deal about pauperism and the dif ferent‘schemes put forward to remedy it. vVhile drink remained the world would be uo better than it is. The great cause ©f poverty was not the want of land or the absence of thrift—it was drink. They were often accused of intemperate speak ing, but when, people saw their-personal friends suffer it made them speak out plainly. Scientific knowledge was en tirely with the abstainers. Sir Henry Thompson and Dr Richardson had both published the results of their experiments, and had shown the baneful effects of alcohol on the human system. It was considered by some that alcohol acted as food; but this was a mistake. Experiments had been tried, and the re verse proved to be tha case. The strength accredited to strong drink was simply moonshine, while the effect on the nerv ops system was considerable. The tissues were degraded aqd the functions im paired, as well as the work of the heart being greatly increased. These facts were bad enough when we had to deal with pure alcohol, but nowadays so much was made from chemicals and otherwise adulterated that the consequences were moat alarm ing. The rev. gentleman here quoted figures to 'show that amongst the members of a certain insurance society the mor tality was twice as great among the drinkers as among the abstainers. He hoped they would do their best to remove the tempter out of the road, and recover back to society many who had become the viutis of this great and terrible evil. (Pro longed applause.)

Mr J. E. Buchanan was next called upon to address the meeting, which he did in his usual racy style. He treated his hearers to several anecdotes which he had heard related by the groat tem perance advocate, Mr J. B. Gough, many years ago. He considered it only right that the Church should take up this movement, as the temperance cmse must, like the Ark of the Lord, be carried on the shoulders of the priests. Mr Sawle, a representative of the Blue Ribbon Army, was the next speaker. He had nothing at all to say against the publican—it was the drinking customs of society against which he wished to speak. It was this that was sapping the life blood of the fairest and ablest of God’s children. It was those people whose society we most c >urt and love who were by their constant sipping destroying their constitutions. The fairest of the land were being cub down by this terrible blight. He wished the movement every success.

During the evening Mrs Nixon sang very sweetly the two sacred pieces, “ The harvest truly is plenteous,” and “ He shall feed His Flock while Mrs Crisp gave a rendering of the old ballad “Darby and Joan.” Several hymns were sung, the choir of St Stephen’s leading in a very hearty manner, with Miss Gates, their organist, presiding at the piano.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 10.

No change has taken place in connec tion with the wrecks of the George Roper and Black Boy. There is considerable excitement in the locality, which has not abated in the least. Attempts are still being made to recover cargo. The Premier has received an intimation from the Agent-General, stating that the Under Secretary for the Colonies assures him that he knows nothing of the pro posal to send the Irish informers to the colonies. The present intention of the Government is to pay the informers cer tain sums of money and protect them only as long as they remain in Ireland. A petition from -andhurst to the Legis lative Assembly states that the mining stocks of Sandhurst have decreased in value LBO,OOO in one day. A disgraceful disturbance, in which a member of Parliament, a Justice of the Peace, and a Licensing Magistrate took prominent parts, occurred in Bourke street, at a late hour on the sth instant, arising out of an M. L. A. lighting a cigar in a ladies’ dining-room.

On Saturday afternoon a man, name unknown, nlshed on the railway lino just as the Sydney down train was leaving Narandera. He was knocked down and killed.

Redmond Bros, have been the cause of a split between Father McKenna and the Roman Catholics at Fitzroy. Mr Red mond applied for the use of a schoolroom for a meeting, which Father McKenna refused, whereupon the ladies of the con gregation, who were making efforts for a bazaar in aid of the church, handed in their subscription lists, and refuse •to assist in the matter. The rev. gentleman was still further surprised to find a num ber of Catholic residents refused to sub scribe to the Church extension, the result being he has reconsidered the matter, and now agrees to preside over the meet ing shortly to be held. Several waterspouts have been visible at Port Adelaide, but no damage was done.

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, July 16. The House met at 7 30. the speaker. In the Speaker’s unavoidable absence, Mr Hamlin, Chairman of Committees, took the chair. CHATTELS SECURITIES. Mr Feldwick moved the second read ing of the Chattels Securities Bill Agreed to without remark, and on Mr Feldwick’s matinn the Bill was referred to a Select Committee.

gold duty. Mr Seddon moved the second reading of the Gold Duty Abolition Bill. He stated that petitions were in course of being extensively signed in favor of the Bill, and that they would reach Parlia ment shortly. In the neighboring colon ies the tax had been abolished for years. He argued that the yield as a whole, as well as the yield per man, had decreased, and yet no abatement had been' mad* in the duty. This was unfair to a large industrial section of the community. *■ The Hon Mr Rollbston said he re gretted he was again in the position of re*, fisting the Bill. In consequence of the 6d remission in the duty made some time ago there had been no o responding rise in the price of gold. The fact was that this further remission, if given effect to, would simply operate, as it had done before, for the benefit of the large speculators. ’ • ■ Mr De Lautour supported the Bill, and suggested that the Department ought to do more than was done to foster the industry, instead ot leaving that to bo done by private members. For exarofple, mining schools should be established, and other means adopted for aiding the miner in his pursuits. The assertion that the money was returned for the benefit of the miners was practically untrue. The fact was that the money was used for opening up the country for the purpose of aiding agricultural pursuits. Mr Fergus commented on the state of the House as evidence of the little‘inter est taken in this question. He combated the assertion that if this duty Was abolished it would not secure an appreci able benefit in the rise of the price of gold to the miner. The true policy of commercial prosperity was to keep open as many branches of industrial pursuits as possible. This short-sighted tax had the effect of driving the miner into other pursuits, and to that extent at least the colony was liable to bo impoverished. Mr Shaw also supported the BilL He knew of mines in his district whose gold cost as much as L4O per ounce for taking it out of the ground, and they got only L 3 10s for it. That was the class of cases upon which the tax pressed unfairly, and its effect was to cramp industry and pre vent development. This was the only import that partook of the nature of a special tax. It was in no sense of the word a royalty. Mr Fish opposed the Bill, contending that in its effect it would be inoperative in bringing about tha purpose aimed at. Mining to his mind was a losing industry. If the same number of men could be drafted into any other pursuit it would be beneficial, not only to the individual, but likewise to the State.

Mr Mon no supported the principle of the Bill, but commented on the fact that it was merely permissive in its operation. He would rather have seen it made, as was proposed in the previous year, com pulsory. Mr Petrie pointed out that last session the Bill for the abolition of this duty had been supported by Mr Pish. He sup ported the Bill. Mr Fitz Gerald also supported the Bill, but had he been consulted about its passing he would have suggested a gradual abolition —say a shilling reduction this year, and a further reduction next year, until the whole amount had been repealed. ■ * Mr Sheehan said they had heard the same old arguments to-night that they had listened to so often. The provisions of the Bill had been argued purely from- a Southern goldfields point of view.- In the North the miners’ rights were paid to the Natives, and all that the local bodiesgot was the duty. He got the permissive clause inserted into the Bill last yeaf purely on that account, and the mover of the motion would have to giya him a guarantee that he would abide by that clause before he would consent to vote for the Bill.

Mr Donoan and Mr J. 0. Brown sup ported the Bill. ■ _ Mr Seddon replied—He would maintain the Bill ir its permissive features. He would ask that the Bill be read a second time and referred to the Goldfields Com mittee, so as to afford time for the peti tions now being got up in its favor reach ing Parliament. The House divided—Ayes. 21; Noes, 17.

The Bill was read a second time, and referred to the Goldfields Committee. The House rose at 10.10.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day. I understand that the Son. Ernest Gray, of Canterbury, has sent in his re signation as a member of the Upper House. I learn that the Native Land Company's Bill is definitely to come on for the second reading this afternoon. After Mr DeLautour has spoken, the Minister for Lands will make a short speech, pointing out that the Bid affects the native policy of the Government, who must oppose. The debate will i>a adjourned at 5.30, till a future day, the Government having set apart this evening for Sir G. Grey's quasi no-confidence motion.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[rKUTEr’s '’telegrams —COPYRIGHT.] Shipping. : London, July 14. Arrived—Ships Rialto, from Lyttel ton (April Bth) ; Serica, from Lyttelton (April 14th). New York, July 14. Arrived —Ship Thames, from Auck land (April 19th). / Riots in Prance. Paris, July 15. Serious rioting occurred at Roubaix, a manufacturing town in the extreme

fHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 17, 1883.



Seed. Seed, pigrcn WHEAT—Hunter's White. • v; Prime Tuscan. fIEETI OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald. y’y 'A N. D FO R SA L E The UNDERSIGNED have received 'instructions from the Owner to . SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SODTH 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 Metiers having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. r Only a small instalment on the pur u required to be paid, the balance ta remain on mortgage at 6| per cent, for 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 LGBNCY AND, MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12a«



Wanted WANTED— An APPRENTICE to the Painting and Paperhanging. Apply, Vincent and Dow, Moore street. WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorton. 1443 WANTED Known That H. C. Seoers has REMOVED from Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, to Sealy’s new buildings, East street. Great Reductions now on. 7 73 ANTED KNOWN—That Robert 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—Music Taught to Pupils in Ashburton or Tinwald, at their own homes, for 2h guineas ; at my house for 2 guineas per quarter. Letters addressed to Post-office or to Mrs Charles Cornelius, third house on East Belt, next Davis’s. 7-19 WANTED, for a Station, a MAR RIED COUPLE without family. Man must be a good shepherd and willing to make himself generally useful; wife, experienced general servant. Apply, stating wages required, to A.E.M., care of Office of this Paper. 7-46 \TrANTED KNOWN— That J. Mbbcu YV has engaged a first-class Up holsterer, who has been employed at A, J. White’s Furniture Warehouse for the last 15 years. Also a practical Cabinet maker. N.B.—Having increased his pre mises and staff, J. Mebch is prepared to Furnish Funerals and Undertaking at the lowest terms. 7 108 WANTED Known —That 0. Haw- Hns, BOOT and SHOEMAKER, having given up the Ashburton branch, Is now earn ing on the Business at Tin wald under his own personal supervision. Being overstocked with women’s and children’s BOOTS, he is now offering them at a sacrifice. Como and see for yourselves. 7-49 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tnined on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Shooting, Boxing, fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance DrinKS, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian ' dubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lesions in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, BAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Pbices and a v.iranteed bes. of •material and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT •F NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the beat qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. 1 The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still farther advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prises. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



Money ! Money! ! The equitable investment COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T. C. Don'Jan, East street, t® 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. J. C. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street.



STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—fiom 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. nXS



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, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to bo re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. 0. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under cost price leave a good margin of profit'for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels 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 5 £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 l£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doa 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 a household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0-9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 .£2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 yds-silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb I 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 Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, I heavy make ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ... ... ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... ... ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels ... 0 4 9



£3 15 3 Our No. |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 good 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 £l©, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet ... ... ... ... 3 6 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 00 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt ... ... ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tableoover 015 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels ... ... ... 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers ... ... 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... ... ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... ... ... ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... ... ... ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— 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—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P.C.O. made payable to E O. BROWN & 00,, Fashion House, Christchurch. 1962



Special Advertisements. Gr. R. 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 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. )OBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS B ■v.RLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Has now on view a fuse STOCK OP PIANOS, 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. Havelock street. 229 H. M. Jones INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM.



HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH 0 the 0 Lmost won- "VT derful instru- E meats of the day. Tjl Music by the yard. A child JQI Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the H thing for those who cannot have a KJ piano. Pianos on hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TFRM3 to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d PAPER FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



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 ba 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 aheuld be addressed to The Editor.