SHIPPING.

POET OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Herald, schooner, from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Orowaiti, s.s., for Timaru. Wakatu, 5, a., for Kaikoura and Wei SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. ■'jSwmi. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Clifton and Natero, from Gamaru. • Sailed —Parnell, for New York. Wellington, Yesterday, Arrived —Kiwi, from Napier and Castle Point. Sailed—Waihora, for Melbourne, via the South; Hawea, for’Picton and Nelson; Onward and Herald, schooners, for Lyt teltqn; Mahinapua, for the West Coast; ‘'Murray, lor the West Coast. Timaru, Yesterday. Sailed—Suva, for Port Chalmers. Dunedin, Yesterday. '' Sailed—Rotorua, for the North. To-dat. , Rotorua, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Waihora, from Sydney, via Auckland.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Tuesday, September 4. Matson,.. Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Tarda—Stock. Friday, September 7. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Forks—Dairy Faim and Stock. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &c t - ' Tuesday, August 28. , t ssßeilowa' Hall—Royal Marionettes and Burlesque Company ; at 8 p. m. . - -Wednesday, August 29. ü ßuHock’a Arcade Chambers — Baptist “ Church Social Tea Meeting; at 6.30 • p.m. Wednesday, August 29. _ Town Hall —Rink Tournament. -j ; Thursday, August 30. Oddfellows’ Hall—Grand Ball; at 8 p.m. Friday, August bl. Methven Schoolroom Amateur Dra matic Performance, &c. Monday, September 3. ’ Council, at Borough Council f . i i Chambers, at 7 o’clock. r , . Wednesday, September 12. Ashburton County Council —at Council “ 'Chambers : 11 a.m.

BIRTH.

Beck —On Sunday, 26th August, at New land, near Ashburton, Canterbury, the wife of R. H, Beck, of a daughter.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1883. The Native Land Act Amendment Bill

The success of the Hon John Bryce’s administration of Native affairs is admitted by politicians of all shades of opinion. Thanks to his energetic action at a critical period, a disturbance was averted which would unquestion ably have cost the colony a large sum of money to have quelled, to say no thing of the bad feeling that would in evitably have been engendered had a collision taken place between the Euro pean and Maori races. Probably no Minister in modern days in a constitu tional country has been invested 4 with so much power as was Mr Bryce— a power which Parliament would have found difficult to justify had the event turned out differently from what it has. But it was clearly recognised, 1 that we possessed in our present Native Minis ter one who had studied in all its rami fications the most difficult problem that New Zealand statesmen are called upon to solve, and who from long ex perience knew the Maori temperament thoroughly, and it would be no more than truth to say that he has succeeded beyond the hopes of the most sanguine believer in his ability to settle the diffi culty which so many men had tailed to adjust. Still, although he had done so much good work in improving the relations between the two races, there yet remained a task for Mr Bryce, at least as difficult as any he had attempted. It was not only necessary to prove to the Natives that they would have to submit to the stronger power of the Europeans, but we had also to make them understand that the strength we possessed would be used for their bene fit and not for our own aggrandisement. Notwithstanding what has been said by the sham philanthropists that hold forth at Exeter Hall, whose fanatical ravings may be excused on the score of ignorance, and the assertions of such men as Bishop Suter, who certainly cannot put forth the same excuse, the records show that the Native policy of this colony has always been governed by a desire to improve the condition of the Maoris. But in spite of this there has sprung up an institution which has become such a disgrace that reform was de manded, and Mr Bryce has this ses sion brought forward a measure dealing with the present system of administer ing Native lands. Here was an Augean stable of cor ruption calling for a political Hercules to clear, and the manner in which the Native Minister has grappled with the task is characteristic. Courts for the administration of Maori lands were established because the questions ap pertaining to titles were very often intricateand demanded specially trained lawyers to decide, but during recent years it has been found that these tri bunals, so far from serving the purpose they were intended for, have only made matters worse. These courts have been used by certain members of the legal profession as a means to extort large sums of money from Maoris, and the latter are now fully alive to this fact, as was shown by a petition pre sented to the House during the present session. That the Natives have been robbed right and left does not admit of a doubt, while the present state of things seriously affects their morale. Whenever sittings of these Land Courts take place, drunken orgies become the order of the day, and all kinds of de bauchery are indulged in. Mr Bryce is no tinkering statesman, and he clearly sees that a serious evil like this requires a drastic remedy. If the measure he has introduced becomes law, no “coun sel, solicitor, or other representative ” will be permitted to appear in the Courts, and those lawyers who have been able to work their own sweet will with the guileless Maoris will find their occupation gone. Stringent as this provision is, in this exceptional case, we can see no objection to it. An in telligent judge, with special training in such work, should have little difficulty in deciding questions|of title, while the

absence of legal practitioners whose chief object is to pervert justice to their own ends will be an obvious advantage. Another equally important provision is that which aims at preventing the trafficking in Maori lands by private persons. Clause 7 runs:—“ Any per son who shall, after the passing of this Act, and before the day to be so fixed as aforesaid, take or accept any convey ance, lease, transfer, gift, or other as surance, whether to himself solely or to himself and others, of any native land, or be a party to any negotiation, agreement, contract, or promise for the making to him, or to him and others, or to any other person, of any such conveyance, lease, transfer, gift, or other assurance, shall forfeit and pay a penalty not exceeding five hundred pounds, to be recovered in a snmmary way. And every such conveyance, lease, transfer, gift, and other assur ance, agreement, contract, and promise shall, except as hereinafter provided, be null and void.” During the discus sion in the House upon this Bill it was urged that a breach of this clause should be punished by imprisonment and not by a fine, but we think that this is scarcely called for until the penalty provided shall have been proved to be inefficient. At any rate, knowing Mr Bryce’s deter mination to do away with the land-shark ing of the Pakeha-Maori, we feel cer tain that he will not hesitate to make the breaking of this law punishable by imprisonment if it is found necessary so to do. By placing the power of lease and purchase of native lands solely in the hands of the Crown, the Maori will not only be protected from fraud, but it will be equally beneficial to the bond fide settler who is willing to pay a fair price for property so long as he knows the title is above suspicion. There can be no question that Mr Bryce’s Bill is one of the most import ant of the session, and its fate in the House of Representatives has been already determined. All that remains is for the Legislative Council to pass it, but there is a rumor abroad to the effect that strong opposition will be shown by certain members of the Upper Chamber. Mr Stevens, the member for Rangitikei, sought to in sert aa amendment, which should allow such negotiations asjhave been carried on equitably, but are not yet com ple'ed, to be brought to a conclusion, his amendment was negatived by the House, but we are told that an attempt will be made to introduce it in the Council, and that if it is carried the Native Minister will refuse to accept it, and the Bill will be dropped. Con sidering how serious is the evil that this measure will do so much to remove it is to be hoped that the “ Lords” will not obstruct the passing of a law that is generally recognised as urgently called for. Should the rumor we have referred to prove to be well founded, the hands of those who are opposed to the Legislative Council as it at present exists will be greatly strengthened, for it will be a national misfortune if Mr Bryce’s measure is thrown out at the last moment, owing to the machina tions of people interested in the con servation of the present state of things in connection with the administration of our Native lands.

The Royal Marionettes will give their first performance in Ashburton at the Oddfellows’ Hall this evening, when it is to.be hoped there will be a good house. A man named Chester Coppin was brought into Ashburton this afernoon from Winchmore, suffering from lunacy. At the R. M. Court medical testimony as to Ooppin’s condition was taken, and he was committed to Sunnyside. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, limited, have received the following telegram, dated London, 25th August 1883:—Wool : Combing washed has declined Id per lb since close of last sales. Scoured, superior greasy, medium and inferior greasy, and coarse crossbred have declined £d to Id per lb. Fine crossbred, market easier. Merino lambs, market firmer. Competi tion is increasing and market is firmer. The Home demand is good, but the Con tinental demand is poor. Up to date, 50,000 bales have been sold. Wheat : The market has a downward tendency. A special meeting of the Committee of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce was held yesterday afternoon, when it was decided to send the following telegram to Mr Fish ;—“ From reports and telegrams received it is feared that your obstruction to thepassingof the Harbor Loans Consoli dation Bill will prevent the Bill from going through this session. The Committee of this Chamber consider that this would be disastrous, and request that as promised you will support the Bill cordially, the question is considered a vital one.” It was also decided to telegraph t© Mr Bracken, asking him to gi/e the Bill his support. The Auckland footballers arrived at Dunedin last night, and received a loyal reception. Great interest is taken in the forthcoming match, and there are many stories about big sums being sent from the north for investment over it. The fol lowing team has been picked to play for Otago:—Full back, Braddnn ; three quarter backs, Murray, Galbraith, Ban natyne ; half - backs, W. Allan and A. Allan ; forwards, J. Allan, Aus tin, Brown, Fowler, Leith, Mills, O’Donnell, Robertson and Wyinks. This is regarded as the best team that could be chofen, wanting Taiaroa. A large crowd eagerly awaited the posting of the names. The betting is level. The Aucklanders are eagerly accepting the odds.

Saunders' Buildings had what may per haps be regarded as a rather narrow escape from fire last evening. From what can be learned of the occurrence it seems that a little girl who was attending to the chil dren of Mr and Mrs Vaughan must have inadvertently ignited a box of matches lying on a chest of drawers in a bedroom, and some little time after, smelling fire, she went upstairs and discovered that some books and clothes were alight. Rushing into the street she attracted the attention of Mr Harrison, who was pass ing at the time, and he had little diffi culty in extinguishing the flames before much damage had been done. It would be childish to speculate on what might have happened had the fire not been dis covered in time, but as there were plenty of people at hand at the hour at which the event occurred we do not think that there was any great cause for apprehen sion.

By the s.s. Catalonia which left for England the other day, the Ashburton Cheese and Butter Factory shipped one and three quarter tons of cheese, consigned to Mr Bdwron, junr , who will fully re port on the result as soon as possible, News of the result of the shipment will be anxiously awaited, as although the reports in connection with the cheese sent by the British King were eminently satisfactory, there is reason to believe that the English market was not so thoroughly tested as it will be by Mr Bowron.

Mr Thomas. Quill last evening met with an accident which fortunately was not attended with such serious results as it might have been. He was stooping down to examine a gas meter in his back yard with a lighted candle, when a loud explosion took place, throwing Mr Quill forcibly on the ground, singeing his whiskers and burning his face somewhat severely. The meter has not been used for some time, and it is surmised that a slight leak had caused the gas to escape and accumulate in the box ; hence the mishap. At the meeting of the Debating Society held last evening a very able and interest ing paper on “ Falstaff ” was read Dy Mr Dempsey. The speaker was highly com plimented by the critics of his paper, the majority, however, differing from the lenient view which Mr Dempsey took of FalstafFa character. We were pleased to notice several ladies present who were evidently pleased with the debate, and now the ice is broken no doubt the ladies will make a point of attending the future meetings of the Society. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Dempsey for his paper, which was well deserved. The next subject for debate will be, “ Should legal proceedings for the recovery of debt be abolished,” Mr Collins to lead in the affirmative. The meeting then adjourned, having spent a very pleasant evening. Mr J. E. Redmond pleaded eloquently in Sydney to convince his hearers tint Home Rule for Ireland meant ennoble ment of the people—almost transforma tion—and that England and Ireland would fall into each other’s arms like loving brothers. Writes one of his audience to the Sydney Echo: “Plodding along homeward, I was wholly converted as I went through the 6g tree avenue of the park, for there upon a seat I saw two other patriots, and both were orators, and each was addressing each without pause or interruption, and both were half drunk and very dirty, and both had the heavy jawl and the shifty eye which dis tinguishes the low-bred, rum-educated Irishman. Their burden was, of course, Home Rule. They were samples of the class for whom Mr Redmond would win Home Rule. If they had a Parliament in Ireland they would straightway respect England and love the Empire. If that, indeed, be true we must be very careful not to judge them out of their own mouths, for, through twenty minutes’ ctreful listening, I could gather no single phrase or werd that hinted at any pos sible union or connection between Ireland and England. It was hate, hate, hate, '-‘aired the keystone of. everything. Honest, hearty, Celtic thirst fer Saxon blood.”

Mr H. M. Jones advertises two cottages to

Tenders for a five-roomed house are called for by Mr J. C. Duncan, East street. The tea meeting in connection with the Baptist Church, which takes place to-morrow evening, will be held in Mr Bullock’s Arcade Chambers instead of the Oddfellows’ Hall, as previously announced. J. Harvey notifies that he has removed into new and commodious premises in East street, where he intends opening a stock of boots and shoes in a few days. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. will hold a clearing sale of cattle and implements, etc., on the farm of Mr Robert Aitken, Ashburton Forks, on Friday week. The same enterpris ing firm intend opening a branch of their busi ness at the Rakaia, where they will hold fort nightly sales of stock. Mr Oxley has been ap pointed their agent. The best periodical for ladies to take monthly and from which they will receive the greatest benefit is Hop Bitters. Read.— [Advt.] io , Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup. —lnfallible, tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is at drug gists. Meses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2 Holloway’s Ointment and Pills combine both sanitive and sanative powers in a high degree—by the former term is understood their ability to preserve health, by the latter their capability to restore health. With these reme dies at h«nd no invalid need be at fault to guide himself or herself safely through the many trials to which everyone is subjected during our long and ofttimes inclement winters. Coughs, colds, ulcerated throats, diptheria, whooping cough, can be successfully treated by well rubbing this Ointment upon the chest, and by taking the Pills. During damp foggy weather asthpratical sufferers will experience the utmost possible relief from the inunction of the ointment on all tender chested persons will save endless misery by adopting this treatment.—[Advt.]

JOTTINGS FROM MOUNT SOMERS.

[from our own correspondent.]

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Mount Somers Mutual Improvement Society was held in the library on Satur day evening, the President in the chair. The minutes of last meeting having been read and confirmed, a debate on the capa bilities of the North Island of New Zea land to sustain a larger population than the Middle Island was started. Mr Wil liams fought well in supporting the North Island as being capable of sustaining the largest population. It appears his experi ence of the North Island is extensive, and he was quitesure there was more good laud in the North 1-dand than in the Middle Island. Not so his opponent, Mr Hood, who thought the Middle Island was capable of sustaining a much larger popu lation than the North. He had been at great trouble to bring very clear statistics to prove what he advocated, viz., that the South Island was pre eminent. Time did not permit of the matter being settled that night, so at the request of the meet ing it was deferred to a future meeting. The subject for debate at next meeting is, “ Which is best course to'followto res ore the exhausted fertility of the soil?” Mr S. McLymont advocating fallov, Mr A. Harvey advocating green manure. Mr James Price and Mr A. Smith gave an exhibition of dissolving views in the Mount Somers school on Wednesday. They have two first-class magic lanterns and 70 slides. The first set of views was called “The Bottle,' 1 by the Rev. J. W. McCall. That is the lect sre was by the abovenamed gentleman, and is a first-class temperance lecture. The last view shows us the once happy husband and father a hopeless wreck ; he is insane, watched and guarded from the fire, etc. When the lecturer says ;—“ The bottle has done its work, see its evil effect in the views we have shown yon !” it is rather solemn. The next set of views, eleven in number, represent Scrub, the workhouse boy. This is also a kind of history of Scrub, and shows the good of temperance and the happy results of the same. The lecture is good. The next part of the exhibition was enother temperance set of 16 views, which are very good, and the remarks made by the lecturer very appro priate. Then follows the Worship of Bacchus, which comprises thirteen views. The diagrams show the contents of strong drink or th« component parts of the same very clearly. It is simply a temperance lecture and a good one, illustrated by very good life-like pictures. Then follows a good number of humorous views, which gave general satisfaction—the children being apparently pleased. Altogether it is well worthy a visit from all, and the proprietors are to be congratulated on their enterprise, and I hope they will suc ceed in doing gnod.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

ASHBURTON.— To-day. (Before H. 0. S. Eaddeley Esq, R.M.) Drunkenness— For this offence, a first offender was fined ss, with the usual alternative. Trespass— John Johns was charged with allowing three horses to trespass on a public reserve. The offence was ad mitted, and Mr Purnell, who appeared on behalf of the prosecution, said he would ask for more than a nominal penalty, as

these plantations were -of great impoiv tance, He need scarcely say that the Plantation Board, for whom he appeared, had no personal feeling in the matter, but it was a question of principle. Mr Beswick f,had a similar case before him some time ago, and he then warned the defendant] in that instance that a much heavier fine would be inflicted should an other charge of the same kind be made. Mr Purnell now asked the present Magis trate to bear this in mind in deciding on the penalty to be inflicted.—A boy named David Price, son of the,late poundkeeper, having given evidence as to finding three horses of the defendant’s trespassing in a reserve near the racecourse on August Bth, his Worship said that he quite re cognised the importance of these reserves, and the penalty for breaking the law in this direction had very p-operly been fixed high. He would fine the defendant L 3 with costs, but he would remind him that this was much smaller than he was empowered to inflict, and he hoped his leniency on this occasion would serve* as a warning. Should another similar case be brought before him the fine would cer certainly be heavier.

Ass \ult— Leslie Martin was brought up on remand, charged with having com mitted an unprovoked assault on Hugh Muir. The evidence showed that the prisoner, who was rather the worse for drink, and apparently in a quarrelsome mood, was riding through the town on Saturday, and came in contact with one of the verandah posts outside the Town Hall. He resented the merriment caused by this mishap, and leaping from his horse attacked Muir, inflicting injury to his face. A second charge of having as saulted William Davey, a blacksmith, in a right-of-way at the back of the Somerset Hotel, was also brought against the prisoner. Both charges were virtually admitted, and his Worship inflicted a fine of L 3 in each instance, with costs of wit nesses, the alternative being twenty-eight days’ imprisonment.

Breach op Borough By-Laws—For allowing cattle and horses to stray, Thos. Andrews, Wm. Clymont and Robert Smyth were each fined ss. House op 111-Fame — A charge against John and Mary Gilbert, for being the oc cupiers of a house in Havelock street, fre quented by persons of ill-fame, was, ad journed for a week, to enable defendants to carry out a promise that they would leave the place.

THE CLINTON TRAGEDY.

The Inquest. The inquest in connection with the re cent shooting case at Clinton was opened there yesterday, before Dr Smith, coro ner. Mr Denniston watched the proceedings on behalf of the lads Roy. The principal evidence was that given by the engine driver (Peter Dunne) and Detective Henderson. Dunne said when abotit three miles from Clinton, as near as he could guess, and when passing through a cutting about a mile from Wairuna, he heard a report, and turning round exclaimed, “ What’s that ?” Deceased afeming to be of the same mind, twisted round to look, and witness saw a flash of light. Before they could realise what was the matter a second shot came. Witness saw the flash of this also, and heard the sound of a trigger dropping. After the second shot deceased put his right hand to his left breast and exclaimed, “Oh !” three times. As he did so he tried to make his way over to witness, and exclaimed, “ Oh, Peter, I’m shot!” Witness said, “ No, you can’t be but deceased fell into his arms. Deceased was found to be dead when they returned to Clinton. The second shot followed about three seconds after the first. Dotootive Henderson detailed his inter view with the boys before arrest. He and Constable Wilson saw James and John Roy riding through a paddock in a cart. Witness told them to stop, and called John on one side, leaving Constable Wilson to talk to James. Witness asked John if he had been out with a gun on the previous night. He said that he had been out rabbiting with James, who had a gun too. Witness then asked if they had fired any shots, and he replied, “ Yes, at rabbits.” Witness asked if they had been on the railway line near Wai runa, at about ten o’clock at night, and he replied “ Yes.” Witness asked if they had fired any shots about there, and he' replied “No, it was my brother Alexan der ; he fired off my gun.” Witness asked if he saw a train while there, and John said, “Yes, one passed just at that time,” Witness and John were just then joined by James and Alexander. Witness asked John if he saw the train pull up, and he replied, “ Yes, but we did not know that there was anything wrongs I asked James if he thought there was any thing the matte", and James replied, ‘ Perhaps there is something wrong with the steam-pips.’ After this occurred we loaded the guns and came back along the line for some distance and cut through the town to go home.” Witness told them that they would have to go to Clinton on a charge of committing the deed by which the deceased (John Henderson) lost his life. John said, “ Well, we did not in tend to hurt anyone. We did not know there was a man shot till this morning at ten o’clock. ” He also said to Alexander, “ Didn’t you fire off my gun ?” and Alex ander said, “ Yes.” John said he did not know there was any shot in his gun, as he had drawn it before, and James also said that he did not know there was any shot in his gun ; that he fired and Alex ander fired. Witness then, arrested James and Alexander for shooting the deceased, and John with being an accessory. Isabella Cruickshanks stated that she resided at the Wairuna railway station. On Thursday last James and John Koy called at her place at about 6 p.m., and Alexander about an hour later. They had two guns between them. They left the house at about a quarter to ten o'clock. To Mr Denniston—The boys could go home along the railway line if they chose. Witness said as they went away. “ Boys,, mind the ten o’clock train is nearly due.” She did not see which way they went. John Roy deposed that he resides at Gore, and that from what he heard of this matter he came to Clinton and saw the boys, who are his nephews. Ho asked John if he fired a gun, and he said “ No ; Alexander fired off my gun.” He likewise said that he took the ramrod and removed the shot, or the greater part of it, in case of any danger. After hearing the ramaininggevidence the Coroner, in addressing the jury, said —“ There is no doubt that the deceased, John Henderson, was shot whilst on the engine of the goods train which left Clinton on Thursday evening last. It appeared that the accused, James, John and Alexander Boy, were out shooting on the 113 rd inst, and wont in the evening to visit their aunt, Mrs Cruickshanks. They left there at nearly ten o’clock to go home, evidently intending todischarge their guns on the way. When the train passed James and Alexander discharged their guns whether intending to fire them as the train passed or at the train, there is little to show. There is, in fact, nothing to show that they maliciously fired at the train; but it is proved that the shots took effect upon the deceased and upon the engine, it would appear that Alexander had asked John for his gun to fire off, so that John evidently did not fire himself, but the shots were discharged by James and Alexander, and he had nothing - at all to do with the firing. If you think, gentlemen, that there was any malicious intent you will require to return a verdict of murder; if you think they merely fired

at the train for amusement, and out of a spirit of larrikin fun, and unfor tunately killed the deceased, then it will be a case of manslaughter.” The jury, after three-quarters of an hour’s deliberation, returned the follow ing verdict —“ That James and Alexander Roy, during the night of the 23rd inst., discharged their guns recklessly whilst the train was passing through the cutting nearWairuna, thereby causing the death of the deceased, John Henderson.” This amounted to a verdict of man* slaughter against the two lads, and they were bound over in two sureties of L 250 each to appear before the Resident Magis trate on Wednesday. The lads’ father and Mr Harrison, local schoolmaster, became the sureties.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Mono ay, August 27. CLOSE OX THE SESSION. In reply to Mr Chamberlain, The Hon Mr Whitaker said he did not see any reason at present why the work of the session should not be finished by Wednesday week. Sir G. Whiimobe moved—“ That the Council would not pass any Bills which it had not been given at least 48 hour* to consider.” He said the Council made itself ridiculous by the way it swallowed Bills without consideration at the end of last session. The Hon Mr Whitaker opposed tho motion as impracticable. After some discussion, it was agreed to substitute the words “ reasonable time ” for “ forty-eight hours,” and the motion was then passed. bills. . The Volunteer Act Amendment Bid, the Kawhia Township Sale Bill, and the West Coast Settlement Reserve A.:t Amendment Bill were received from live House, and read a first time. On the morion for the third reading of the Waitara Harbor Board Loan BUI,' The Hon Mr Robinson moved— “Th at the Bill be thrown out,” as there would. be not sufficient security for the'boiid holders, but the Bill was passed by 19 votes to 9. The Licensing Act Amendment Bill, (No 1), and the Waimate High- School Bill were read a third time, and (he Corrupt Practices Prevention Bill,* ; &nd the Licensing Act Amendment Bifl ( >o 2) were read a second time, after short discussions. The Council adjourned from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. EVENING SITTING. BILLS. A The Council resumed at 7.30, when the Gold Duties Abolition BUI was referred to the Goldfields Committee, and the School Committees Election Bill,* the Westh-' i High School Bill and the'CHaritableO f -s Duties Exemption Bill were read a sect-; i time, *

Onthe motion of the Hon Mr Whitaker the Coroners Act, 1867, Amendment Bill was discharged. • . : The Council then roga. J

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, August 27. The House met at 2.30. OTAGO HARBOR BOARD BILL. Mr M. W. Green moved the Second reading of the Otago Harbor Board Lean Consolidation Bill.

Mr Fish said that the position of the work of deepening the bar at Heads was such that they did not at the present time know whether the cost wot* • not be at least three times what was c I - oulated, and until that point was deft;' mined it would be highly impolitic to in terfere' with the financial position affairs.

Mr Macandrew opposed the Bill. 1; s borrowing powers had been already too extensive, and instead of increasing thoiu they ought to be retrenched. He ask ;• a members to protect Dunedin against itt.l£ and throw out the Bill altogether. Mr Bracken and the Hoh Major Atkinson supported the Bill. Mr Montgomery said that whatever the cost might be, he hoped the people Otago would insist on their harbor being made accessible to, vessels ‘ of heavy draught. Mr Turnbull opposed the Bill and Hr Smith spoke in support. Mr M. W. Green referred to Mr Fisa speech on the Loan Bill of last' year, which he said was a complete answer to hia objections of to-day. He showed that Mr Fish’s calculations as to the saving consolidation would effect to the Board had dwindled down successively fre L 1,750 to LBOO, L 650, until (o-day it had reached as low as LSOO per annum.

The Bill was read a second time. BILLS.

The Wellington College Land Bill, t; Timaru Mechanics’ Institute Act, 181 ; Amendment Bill, and the Christchurch Cathedral Square Bill were read A'mcoq I time.

IN COMMITTEE. ' , : , The House went into committee on tho Otago Harbor Loan Consolidation . Biiv and adjourned to 5.30.

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed in Committee OD the Otago Harbor Board Loan Consolida tion Bill. After discussion, the Bill was reporter as amended, read a third time, an. passed. OTHER BILLS The following Bills were passed through Committee : Wellington College Land, Timaru Mechanics’ Institute, 1877, Amendment, Christchurch Cathednu Square. They were reported *Wit ii amendments, read a third time, and passed. RUSSELL EXCHANGE LAND BILL. The Hon Mr Bolleston moved tbu second reading of tne Russell Exchange Land Bill. It was to give legal effect to an arrangemenjfißnadp many years ago.' Mr Smith fc? the purchase They be«n for, George correspondence negotiations although liussell had been by the Govern ment officers of the lay. There were two conditions stipulated for in the bargain. The first was ;to withdraw from the pur chase of a certain block, and the othe-|| was that he was not to enter into ooms<9 tition with the Government for theory* chase of lands in the Upper garding the latter, that simply to this : That Russell, a man of

and influence, was to be rewarded doing what was illegal, viz , competition with the Government to the prejudice of the public interest. .He asked the Government to show first that Bussell's negotiations were in accordance with law ; and as regarded the second, not to reward a man simply because- no- -re frained from doing what ho was iogalJy forced as a good citizen not to do. lfc~was their duty as a Parliament to nay we will not homologate an agreement illegally entered into with a man who has broken the law. Instead of rewarding Bussell for refraining to do an illegal act in which he had already been embarked, it wia their duty to ,say that having engaged in this act illegally to the detriment of the public, he should be punished. VLr Macandebw said this was a Bill that affected the waste lands of the Crown, and it should have been referred to the Waste Lands Committee.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1883.



Special Advertisements. U 0. , - .‘splendid assortment of Pianos, Organa, Harmoniums, , Concertinas, Accordions, Yiolins, Flutes, Music, etc., etc., at the Ashburton Music Saloon, Tancred street. 8 419 ’ ’ H. J. WEEKS, v//£2O. SECOND HAND PIANO. ' SECOND H AND HARMONIUM. "TCIOR SALE— Rare chance, second hand W* ORGAN, with eleven siops, £2B. , ' ' ' : H. J. WEEKS, 8 417 - Music Saloon, Tancred street. '‘OMEN’S PRAYER UNIONS There will be NO MEETING TO MORROW, inconsequence of the funeral of the late Mrs Beattie. The usual Ser • yico .will be held on WEDNESDAY ' Afternoon, September 6th, at 3 o’clock ~in the Primitive Methodist Church, Wills ’street. 8 418 LEASE TO LET ON FOB A TERM OF TEARS, OB FOR TWO CROPS, 11 QA Acres of Land near Hinds, in j AUy one or more lottt The Land is fenced and subdivided, and well supplied with water. Apply. Office of this Paper. 936 Notice of Removal. OTICE OF REMOVAL. J. HARVEY, BOOT| and SHO E MAKBR, has REMOVED from Tancred street’to the shop in East street, lately occupied by -Nealas and Co. Repairs neatly executed. 8 416 JgICONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. fhb- Shag’ Point Coal Company, Limited, beg to inform the Public of Ash burton and neighboring district that their FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD COAL . la supplied by the principal local at prices to suit the times. Special rates for quantities of 4 tons and upwards. Be snre and ask your dealer for SEag Point Coal, The most economical and efficient Fuel in the market, beirig free from soot and live . ashes :and emitting a strong, steady and lasting beat. For terms apply to your Healer or at P. 0., Box 213, Dunedin. N.IS.—-The price ot every ton of Shag *• Point Coal sold is spent in the colony, . and a large portion o£ it goes direct to the revenue. 7 149 Relief from cough in five , MINUTES. Bonnington’s Peg rOBAL OXYMBL OP CaBBAOEBN OB IRISH Moss (Registered).—The most certain and speedy remedy for disorders of the Chest -. and Langs. May be obtained at most of the Storekeepers and Chemists throughout the Province. Sold everywhere. —Geoegb Bonninqton, Christchurch. THE NEW ZEALAND ■ Olbtbing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in rr MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and -» ' ' newest Designs in r bOLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS, . . The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than u hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, rx -~ upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. ---- A SINGLE GARMENT *“ lr AT WHOLESALE PRICE. via, SHIRTS; HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New • JJiIL,. ?-<• T Zealand. .Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM sewing machines • ' i -' Ashburton Branch : /STREET. fcjrfuLl if i.ii



Wanted FOUND, on the Wakanui road, a SUR GICAL INSTRUMENT. Apply Office of this Paper. 8 411 WANTED —A thorough good General SERVANT; good wages given. Apply, Mrs Alfred Curtis, Sarralville, Tinwald. 8 414 WANTED— SITUATION by a com petent Gardener (single man), used to horses. Apply Office of this Paper. 8 401 WANTED— A good General SER VANT. Apply for particulars Office of this paper. 8 386 WANTED— To BUY 25 Ashburton Saleyards Company SHARKS, Apply to Matson, Cox and Co. 8 380 WANTED KNOWN—Two Ladies would find a comfortable resi dence, with use of piano.—Mrs Q. H. Thompson. Tancred street, near Arcade. 1443 WANTED 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 Startling an nouncement. Great bargains for a | short time. The stock belonging to the Little Dust-pan having been purchased at leas than half price by me, I invite the public to inspect the goods and secure genuine bargains. No sham ; must be sold; and as I am willing to give a chance to participate in the advantage received by me, an early call is invited to John Meech’s Cheap Furniture Mart, Burnett street. Roll up at once and secure bar gains.— John Meech. 8 287 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give les-ons in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according co arrangement. 1344 WANTED Known —That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions In the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade). Ashburton. 7 207 Special Advertisements. BROS. Are now selling everything at a GREAT SACRIFICE, For Cash. 77 QREAT CLEARING SALE. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY, Commencing Saturday, August 18 th. STATIONERY, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, Etc. A GREAT REDUCTION IN THE PRICES OF ALL OUR GOODS. An Inspection Solicited. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East street South Ashburton. nls F 0 R SAL Seed. Seed, E. SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. KAIAPOI ISLAND POTATOES. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald. JpARM FOR SALE at SEAFIELD, ON EASY TERMS OF PAYMENT BEING RURAL SECTION No. 25234, Containing 800 ACRES 300 Lately in the occupation of Mr H. Beckett The land is of good quality, and well watered by one of the County water races. Also, A VERYgCOMPLETE Threshing Plant, By Ransome—almost equal to new. Apply, THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MEROAN TILE COMPANY, LIMITED. Wm. HORNE, 12 au Agent,



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 Percel System,” for the supply and puachase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. 0. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth 1 £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring 1 cuff gloves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our'No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey ' 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 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 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, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ... ... ... 014 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish rowels ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No, 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 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 it doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 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. 0.0. made payable to E O. BROWN & GO., Fashion House, Christchurch. IMS



Special Advertisements. Fine Gold. AAA Sii. DPtobeSlaughteredto JUjUv/U Me(u/i ;heTimes.—Wanted the public to know you can save 100 per cent. by dealing at the Ready-Money Meat Mart, Bullock’s Arcade. Meat delivered to any part of the town when purchased. 8 211



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. tjVV’ERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FCKNISHED ■ll Baptist ohurc Ashburton. H, The Social TEA MEETING announced to take place TO-MORROW (Wednesday) EVENING la the Oddfellow*’ Hall, will be held in Bullock’s Arcade Chambers, instead, at 639 p.tn., same date. 8 416