SHIPPING.

.PORT OF LYTTELTON. t Arrived Yesterday. Omapere, s.s., from Port Chalmers. Sailed- Yesterday. Omapere, s.s., for Auckland, via way ports. Koranui, s. a., for O&maru. shipping teleqram§.,. / Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived Hermione, from London ; iAfaswtiay’fwJW' fitobart. '■* : " Wellington, Yesterday, '—Arrived* -Te Anau, from Auckland, via thdiStst‘Coast;; Go-Ahead, from Dunedin and Oamaru; Kiwi, from Napier and Cl for Pieton and Nel son; the South; Southern Cross, for Auckland, via the East Coast; Te A nan, for Melbourne, via the South. .vhj.'Jl it -i Dunedin* Yesterday. ty.Baiiadr*rPet, -barque, ‘ for Auckland; ■Hawes* for the North. .8 Jf Yt'lOl •;! 11 K Bluff; Yesterday.. Arrived —Wairarapa, from Melbourne.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES- Saturday, October 20. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burpett Street—Suburban Section. Tuesday, October-23 Matson, Cos And Co., at the Ashburton Yards—Stock. ; . : MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS. &c Thursday, 'October, 18; Town Hall—Caledonian Gathering, 7- 30 p.m. n-.ftb . /’: Friday, October 19. v Tews- on “ Home Rule for Ireland,” at 8 p.m; s Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Asao* Meeting a£ fho Arcade Chambers,; at 2.30 p.m. > ' p Saturbiay. October 20. AuMmTtnn Cniinty-Stock and Saleyards ijQqnjpaPyr-yAnnual Meeting of Shares, holders at the Arcade Chambers ; 3.30. p.m. •MpNOAyj .OpTafeEit. 29f ; Borough-sCbuhcil; -at * Borough Council Wednesday, November ”. , Aslibrfrton 7 Cotinty Council —at Council nGbamberatHaiCs.' 1 ": Association—Annual Show.

MAIL NOTICES.

-Mails closeat tho Ashburton Post- Office and'North, at 6 a.m. p.m., daily. For ChertseyJSfkaia, &c.,,at 10.30 a. m. *nd 5 p.m.'daily. : - - Fprliunediti, Tipwald, Winslow, Hinds, 0/udßtreain ; Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, abd'OenO# pel, at 10 a.m. daily. 'For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 am., its fsttu '*>-*"•" 1 ■ ' For Tima.*u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 ».m. A ariitf , daily. •Fdr Qrbfcristreet and Ashburton Forks, OB. Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 priD; i : -Fori • Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 aim.s - For v&bhtsn,'Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m, daily. - ’ ;For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and-Friday a, at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, aipi.Kyla,: on Tuesdays, i Thursdays, and At- 6.30; a: nu ■ <■ For Rowlands, on Tuesdayii and Fri days at 10.30 a. m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1883. The Prisons Act.

A curious commentary on the absur dity, of sothe of the laws .passed by New Zealand legislators was afforded the other day in Dunedin when the first charge brought under the Prisons Act of last session came before the Resident Magistrate, The reason why this measure was considered necessary was that certain Visiting Justices had acted arbitrarily in dealing with prisoners, and had imposed penalties out: of all pro portion to the offences committed. Numerous instances of this kind of thing were disclosed in the evidence gjven before the Dunedin Gaol Com mission, and it was presumed that what occurred in Otago was not unknown in other parts of the colony, though probably not to the same extent. This new Act therefore curtailed the power of the Visiting Justices and divided prison offences into two classes, namely minor and aggravated. Of these the latter were to be decided by a Resident Magistrate and two Justices of the Peace in open Court, and the accused was to be allowed counsel to defend him. The principle of this seems to be fair enough, for although a man may have committed a crime he should nevertheless be protected from persecution. ,The provision was evidently made under the belief that gaolers and warders looked upon the men under their charge as natural enemies, but though this may have been the case in Dunedin it has not been proved to be so elsewhere. The Pri sons Act was in fact a piece of senti mental legislation, and the very first case brought, under it has proved that it will be a source of danger.

In the instance referred to the ac cused was an old offender named Tait, who was charged with having used in subordinate language to one of the warders, and the Visiting Justices, be fore whom the man was first brought, decided that it was an “ aggravated ” case, and consequently not within their jurisdiction. Accordingly he was taken before the Resident Magistrate, Mr L N. Watt, but the latter came to the conclusion that the offence was a “minor ” one, and consequently dismissed the prisoner. The question is whether Mr Watt’s reading of the law is the right one, and it he or the Justices had to determine what was the category in which the offence was to be placed, but as the Act is silent on this point it is easy to see that miscar riages of justice will be frequent. As it is, Tait gained a victory, and it is impossible not to agree with the gaoler when he stated that the result of this would seriously affect the discipline of the gaol. But whichever way the Act is read, it certainly appears doubtful if the Legislature has done wisely in enacting that these cases shall be heard in open Court. Mr Watt may or may not be wrong in his interpretation of the law, but it is unquestionable that this man Tait escaped his just de serts on this occasion, although on the following day two Justices of the Peace sentenced him for something arising out of the first offence. The fact, how ever, remains that if this Prisons Act is not a dead letter, the first ex perience of its working goes to show that the old system, with all its draw backs, was m some particulars consider ably better than the new.

The Dunedin Insurance Companies are requesting shippers not to send goods by sailing vessels to Invercargill, owing to the dangerous navigation of the New river. The Otago Rifle Association have a balance in hand to begin the year with of L 47 10s lOd. The date of the meeting was not fixed, but left to the Council. Colonel Stavely was re-elected President. At the Timaru Magistrate’s Court yes terday, C. F. Bourdon, late clerk in the New Zealand Grain Agency and Mercantile Company’s employ at Timaru, was com mitted for trial on six informations charging him with embezzlement. The master of the Ashburton Home wishes to acknowledge with thanks the receipt df a parcel of papers from Mr Douglas, also a parcel of Australian magazines from Mrs St Hill for the use of the inmates. Similar donations will be gratefully received and acknowledged. A cricket match will be played on the Domain ground to-morrow afternoon at two o’clock sharp between the Borough and Ashburton Clubs. The Borough" Club will be represented by the following: —J. Crocker, G. W. Andrews, D. Amos, Robertson, L. F. Andrewes, Coffey, Prebble, Jephson, Qaain, and Marsh, Emergencies : J. Purchase, W. Patching, Groves, and McDonald. Mr H, S. Fish addressed a meeting of 800 or 400 of the Dunedin electors last night. He specially dealt with his con duct in connection with the Otago Harbor Board’s Bills of last session. A motion was carried expressing satisfaction with the explanation and entire confidence in Mr Fish as their representative. Mr M. VV. Green urged that the other side should have been heard first. The monthly meeting of the Longbeaoh Road Board to have been held yesterday lapsed for want of a quorum, there being only the Chairman (Mr Grig?) and Mr Gilmour present. As tenders for several works in the district had been called, the members present decided that they should be opened instead of delaying till the next ordinary meeting. Tenders were accordingly accepted for the following : No 1, Windermere road, metalling : John Black. No 2, Shearer’s road : W. Oroy. No 3, Shepherd’s road: J. Lockhart. No 4, Isleworth road : H. Hooper. The meeting stood adjourned till Friday, November 2nd.

Major Atkinson arrived at Wanganui yesterday afternoon from Now Plymouth. A deputation from the heads ot the Rail way Company was introduced by Messrs Watt and Fitzgerald, M. H.R.’s, to seek a loan of L 6,000 upon the security of the company’s assets to enable works to bo carried on. The Premier promised to help the company if he possibly could. A deputation from the Harbor Board was to interview the Premier this morning, and take him down to the Heads to inspect the protective works now in progress. His Excellency Baron Hubner, Austrian Ambassador, who arrived at the Bluff per Wairarapa yesterday morning, was con veyed to Kingston by special train in three and a half hours. The steamer had been detained at Kingston, and the Baron, proceeded to Queenstown. He is un attended, save by his valet. The Baron speaks English well, and took a lively interest in the country he passed through. His stay in the colony is limited to a month. He was accompanied by Mr Kingsland, Mayor of Invercargill, and Mr Fitzjackson, his Excellency the Governor’s representative. The Baron goes to the head of the lake to-day, thence to King ston, m route to Dunedin.

Mr 0. J. Harper will address the rate- I payers in the Town Hall this evening. | The Ashburton Racing Club will hold a general meeting this evening for the purpose of electing members and to trans act other business. One of the great events of the year in Ashburton is the annual Scotch concert, and the entertainment promised for Thursday will be quite equal to-any of its predecessors. Not only will old favorites appear again, but several singers from other places who have gained considerable reputation will assist, notably Miss Allison from Christchurch and Miss Innes from Timaru. The national instrument of the Land o’ Cakes will bd represented by Piper James Tolmie, of who will commence proceedings with a pibrocn, and the dancing accompaniments will be played I y Messrs Campbell, MacQueon, Mackay and Stephen. The Kyle party will also play selections, and an exponent of the terps.ichorean art will be present from Dunedin, while Mr Dona'd Mcßae and wee Rho ie will bo conspicuous in the same department. Not the least im portant items will be those contributed by Mr and Mrs Branson and Mr D. Thomas, and taken as a whole a pleasant evening’s entertainment is guaranteed, and a crowded audience is a foregone conclu sion. A meeting was held in Quill’s Hotel yesterday evening for the purpose of con sidering the necessity of establishing a summer meeting for district horses only. There was a good attendance, and Mr Thomas Quill was voted to the chair. The Chairman in opening the proceed ings referred to a tumor that had got about to the effect that ths promoters of the meeting were antagonistic to the Caledonian Society. He could assure them that personally he had no , r suoh animus, nor was he in favor of holding the meeting on the day the sports were held. Thera were some 30 horses in the district, and in the ordinary programmes of the Racing Club the owners of these animals got very little encouragement. He would leave it to the meeting to say what day the races should be held. Mr Bell then proposed, and Mr Parkin seconded —“ That a meeting be held during Christmas week, the entries to be confined to horses coming from the dis trict between the Waitaki and the Selwyn. ” An amendment by Mr Hay, seconded by Mr Martin, defining the dis trict to be between the Rangitata and the Rakaia, was carried. It was also decided that the meeting take place upon Boxing day, and the following gentlemen were then appointed a Committee to carry out the arrangements : —Messrs Quill, Bell, Martin, Jourueaux, Brittan, Parkin, Corsbie, Dolman and Smith. The follow ing officers were then appointed : —Judge, Mr S. Saunders ; secretary and treasurer, Mr Bell; starter, Mr Brittan ; clerk of the scales, Mr M. Friedlander ; clerk of the course, Mr Martin ; handicappers, Messrs S. Saunders, C. O. Fooks, and E. G. Crisp. The Committee were em powered to wait upon the Racing Club and arrange terms for the use of the course. It was resolved that the follow ing gentlemen be asked to act as stewards: —Messrs Ivass, Crisp, 0. 0. Fooks, W. Saunders, M. Friedlander, and L. B. Corsbie, Old men, tottering round from rheumatism, kidney trouble, or any weakness, will be made almost new by using Hop Bitters freely. Read. —[Advt.] Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” 5d and Is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney General Agents for Australasia. 2 Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup — lnfallible, tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is at drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2 “ Rough on Rats.” —Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. 7 J4d. Drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —Today. (Before H. 0. S. Baddeley Esq, R.M.) Breac i of the Licensing Act. Thomas Qaiil was charged with having allowed unlawful communication between his licensed house and a room where bil liards were played.—Mr Crisp appeared for the defence, and pleaded not guilty.— Sergeant Felton wished to put in his re port on the Commercial Hotel placed be fore the Licensing Committee, but Mr Crisp objected, and after discussion his Worship decided not to allow it to be put in. Sergeant Felton then went into the box and gave evidence as to the commun ication between the private bar and the billiard-room. The communication was still existing, and the license was granted over the whole premises—Cross-examined: Had always spoken well of the house and had never seen women in the billiard room nor anything disreputable going on there. The billiard-room was so built that it could be taken away without inter fering with the hotel. The door was in the outer wall of the hotel, and the slide was what is ordinarily used in such places. —Sergeant Felton said that the case had been brought as a test one according to instructions recsived, and the police only wished to find out what the law was as this was the first case of the kind in New Zealand.—This closed the case for the police.—Mr Crisp requested his Worship to take a note of the fact that as no fraudulent act was imputed to Mr Quill that the words “premises" use in the license must bear the same meaning that it had in the Act under whLh the license was granted.—The following evi dence was then called :—John Fitzgerald, who said he had had charge of the billiard room for two years. Would say not more than a hundred different people frequented the room, and the average number at one time would be 15 to 20, the bulk of whom are players. No women or children ever came to the room. Witness closed the billiard-room every night and took away the keys of the two doors. The bar door was generally closed before witness went away, and it was also closed when he came in the morning.—Cross-examined : Was employed by Mr Hicks and Mr Quill had no influence over him. Had nothing to do with the bar door, the key of which, ho believed, was in the possession of Mr Quill. It was possible for people to procure liquor through the slide dur ing the day, but people generally went round to the bar. —Mr Crisp then ad dressed the Bench at considerable length, contending that as the Act was not retro spective, if the parties to the lease were acting lawfully at the time the agreement wssmade, the communication then allowed was lawful now. He quoted authorities to support this contention. He further argued that the evidence given that the door in question was in the outer wall showed that there was no internal com munication, and that the fact of a private person exercising the right of expelling anyone from the billiard-room prevented it being a place of public resort. A number of other points were raised, and on the conclusion of Mr Crisp’s speech His Worship said he intended to reserve his decision. —Sergeant Felton said that with the permission of the Court he would withdraw the case, as the police had no desire to press it. He would ask, however, that Mr Quill be obliged to close the communication between the hotel and the billiard-room. —With this understand ing the case was then withdrawn." ' Housebreaking. —John Kelly was charged with breaking into the boarding house of William Lucas, Tancred street. He was remanded till Monday next,

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Council was held last evening at the Council Chamber. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Ors Andrew Orr, Harrison, Sealy, Leggett, Nelson, and Bird. ABSENT COUNCIL! OR. Cr Orr apologised for the absence of Or St Hill, who was at present out of town. MAYOR’S STATEMENT. The Mayor reported that the .debit balance at the Bank was L 913 IBs. The reserves which were applied for have been vested in the Council, and the Gazette notices of same appeared on the 4th lost. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter from Mr Peter Walker was read, stating that unless the whole ef the soil (500 loads) was delivered he would not pay for that already left on his pro perty, and would obtain the balance at the Council’s risk. A discussion ensued on the matter, and it was resolved on the motion of Cr Sealy, seconded by Or Nelson “That Mr Walker be informed, in reply to his letter that as soon as he complies with the Council's request, viz—to pay for the soil now delivered, the Council will deliver the balance of the soil as soon as possible.” From Mr Higgins secretary to the Ash burton Fire Brigade, asking the Council to sanction the purchase «f some Fire Bri gade material. It was resolved that the application be granted. ENGINEER’S REPORT. This report was read as follows and adopted:—“The labor gang have been en gaged in re-forming the Alford Forest road, carting earth to private sections, filling hole at corner of Cox street, west, filling hollows in William street, repair ing roads, maintaining plantation, clear ing side channels, attending to water supply, etc.” INSPECTORS REPORT. The report of this officer was read and adopted. MOORE STKETT. Cr Nelson asked if anything could be done to remove a number of reapers and binders and other machinery which were lying in front of Friedlander Bros.’ store? He thought that as the other street lines were cleared across the Railway Reserves, this one should be done. The Mayor stated that it was intended to open up the street as soon as a large hole on the west side of the railway line was filled up. Several persons had spoken to him on the matter, and as the work was authorised already, it would be taken in hand as soon as possible. MAORI RESERVES. The Mayor stated that there were a large number of sections in this town which belonged to Maoris, and on which a large amount of rates had become due to the Council. Mr Boyle had been in instrumental in obtaining about L 6 of these rates, and he thought that the Council should pay a commission for the collection of these rates annually. Or Harrison suggested that the Council should pay 10 per cent, to Mr Boyle for collecting these rates. His Worship the Mayor moved—“ That Mr Boyle be paid five per cent, for col lecting the rates from the owners of the Maori reserves, and if it is found satis factory the Council will bo glad to make permanent arrangements to' him for the future.” Cr Harrison seconded the motion, which was carried. HALF HOLIDAY. Or Harrison drew the attention of the Council to the fact that a step was bei ig now initiated in the Borough to fix a half holiday during the week. Nearly 'he whole of the grain and other mer chants had agreed to give a half holiday to their clerks and employes, and no doubt it would become a general thing with all the other trades. He would move—“ That the Council offices close on the half holiday, if the present movement be carried into effect.” Cr Sealy seconded the motion, and it was carried. LICENSES. Carriers’ licenses were granted to R. Cullen, Henry Dailey, T. Williams, and 8.0. Smith. INSPECTOR OP PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 1 The Mayor stated that it was very necessary to have the public halls in Ash burton inspected before the licenses were granted to them. The Council under took some responsibility when issuing the licenses, and therefore something ought to be done in the matter. He thought that only six days in the week should be fixed for the letting of the hall and endorsed on the licenses. He would rao va_“ That the Engineer be appointed inspector of Public buildings, and should his report be satisfactory the licenses be granted at the following meeting of the Council. Cr Sealy seconded the resolution and it was carried. DEPUTATION. Mr Purnell said that Dr Ross, Dr Leahy, Mr M. Friedlander and himself had been requested by the Committee of the Ashburton Jockey Club to wait upon the Council in reference to an invitation which had been sent by the Club to the Governor. The Club had invited his Excellency and Lady Jervois to attend the race meeting to be held next month; and should his Excellency honor them by accepting the invitation, the Club would, of course, endeavor to entertain him in a proper and suitable manner. While, however, the Governor would necessarily be the guest of the Club, seeing that it had sent the invi tation, still they thought it might prove agreeable to his Excellency’s feelings and also to the feelings of the people of the town, as well as of the Coun cil if the matter took a wide range, by the Council co-operating with the Club in receiving and entertaining the Governor, bearing, of course, a share of the expanse. The views of the members of the Club, so far as ha understood them, wore that his Excellency should not be troubled with addresses or anything of that sort, but that their efforts should be directed solely to making the time pass agreeably to his Excellency. Until a reply to the invitation wore received they were not in a position to lay a programme before the Council, because supposing the invitation were accepted, they did not know whether the Governor would atop in Ashburton one or two days ; but if,tho Council would appoint a Reception Committee to co operate with any similar Committee which might be appointed by the Jockey Club, the two Committees could then jointly settle all matters of detail. Probably it would be thought desirable to decorate the town, and there might also be an oppor tunity of driving his Excellency about the town and suburbs. On the occasion of the Governor visiting Ashburton all he had seen of the town was the refreshment room at the railway station. The invita tion might of course be refused, but it was thought desirable to wait upon the Council this evening seeing that the time for preparation was short and the Council would not meet for another fortnight. The Mayor said that if his Excellency came to the town, it would, of course, be the duty of the Council to receive him ; but if he alighted at the racecourse, then it would become the duty’ of the County Council. Mr Purnell had omitted to mention that the Club intended to ask the co operation of the County Council. 1 The Mayor could only express the feel ing of the (jJpdqoil to be favorable towards helping tlie deputation, aud doing their share in the reception of His Excellency. The Council would at once consider the matter, and acquaint the deputation of the result.

The deputation thanked the Council and withdrew. v After a slight discussion, it was resolved that the whole of the Council form itself into a Committee to assist in the reception of his Excellency the Governor should he visit Ashburton. PIRE BRIGADE STATION. Cr Sealy asked if anything had been done in reference to the completion of the cottage now on the Fire Brigade section. The Mayor staled that the matter was now in the hands of the Engineer. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of L 63 were passed for payment. THB ALFORD FOREST ROAD. Cr Nelson said it was quite true that an accident had occurred on the Alford Forest road through some obstructions being placed across it during the past fortnight. Notwithstanding this, a cer •tain Councillor had written to the papers stating that no obstruction, nor had any accident happened on this road through this cause. Ors Harrison and Sealy also confirmed the statement of Cr Nelson. Bis Worship said that the obstruction was not placed there by the employees of the Council, and that no rope was placed across the road in question at the time of the accident. The matter then dropped. The Council then adjourned.

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday the 12th inst. Present Messrs Jackson (chairman), McMillan and Patton. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. , . OVERSEER’S REPORT. The Overseer’s report was read and considered.—The Overseer was directed to have sundry minor works carried out by day labor. an application. Mr Dowling applied to have certain re pairs done to Highbank road.—-Resolved that Mr McMillan a.id the Overseer ex amine the road and call for tenders to be sent in by next meeting. miscellaneous It was resolved to call for tenders for shingling the Back Tract from J. Haskett saddler’s shop to the gate on Belmont Estate.—lt was resolved to apply to the Ashburton County Council Tor permission to divert the water-race on the South Belt, Methven.—Resolved that a copy of that part of the Overseer’s report referring to the damage done to the plantations on reserves be foawarded to the Ashburton County Council for their information.— Resolved to give the owner of the pro perty adjoining Barker’s road notice to ; remove the gorso off the road. deputations. . Mr Brown waited upon the Board with additional plans re diversion of roads in Highbank district. Mr Brown undertook to have some necessary alterations made in the plans and to return them to the office. Mr J. Irvine waited upon the Board re diversion of stormwater on South-East Boundary road.—lt was resolved to ask the Engineer of the County Council to furnish the Board with a section of the road from the Main River road to the Dry Creek. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was received from Mr Dauby, contractor for the Rakaia flood channel bridge, asking the Board to have the road to the bridgo put in repair.—lt was re solved to for yard his latter to the County Council and remind them that the road had been closed for nearly six months, and to call for tenders for clearing the cutting from the rock to the bridge. Re Messrs Gunn and Marr’s applica tion for a road through section No. 22020, the Chairman reported the conditions on which the proprietor would allow a road to be opened through his section. —Re- solved that the consideration of the offer be adjourned until there was a full meet ing of the Board. THE DAMAGED ROADS. A letter was received from the County Council forwarding Engineer’s report on the extension of Chapman’s creek. The Committee appointed to examine the roads near Methven damaged by the late floods reported that they had care fully examined the roads within a radius of two miles of the present end of Chap man’s creek extension, and find that the sum of L 65 has been expended in repair ing the damage done to the roads by Chapman’s creak extension, and the said extension h a diversion of the natural course of the stormwater. —Resolved that a copy of the report be sent to the County Council, and that a deputation of the Board wait on the Council at its next meeting to explain the report. A SOURCE OP DANGER ’ , The Chairman reported that when driving past a steam traction angine on the road ho narrowly escaped what might have been a serious accident; as it was he broke the pole of his buggy, owing to the driver starting when he was close to the engine.—The Board were of opinion that the drivers of traction engines should be compelled to stop when they see horsemen or vehicles approaching, and adjourned the consideration of the com plaint until next meeting for legal advice. TENDER. The tender of Mr James Nee for forming and Shingling 2 miles of Barker’s road was accepted at 6s 6i per chain for mation, and Is 2d per yard for shingle. ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts to the amount of L 135 7s 51 the Board adjourned.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, Oct. 2. The Times this morning publishes a letter from Mr Dicey, the well-known lit terateur, on the subject of the rejection of the Irish informers by the Victorian Government. Mr Dicey contends that, by refusing to allow the informers to land, Victoria acted illegally, and expres es the opinion that Mr Service has rendered himself liable to an action for damages. He also expresses his surprise that the Marquis of Normanby should have sanc tioned the illegal action of the Victorian Government. Addressing a meeting at Birmingham last night, Viscount Cranbrook severely condemned the apathy displayed by the Imperial Government relating to the pro posal of France to deport habitual crimi nals to islands in the vicinity of the Aus tralian Colonies. M. Wilson, son-in-law of M. Grevy, President of the French Republic, is ac cused of having cited the mob to insult King Alfonso. The majoiity of the holders of deben tures under the Victorian 6 per cent, loan for L 3,820,000, which fell due on the 30ch inat., have availed themselves of the offer of the Government, and have received payment in cash. The bulk of the loan has accordingly been prepaid. M. Tricon, who was recentlyappointed French Minister at Pekin, and recalled shortly afterwards, denies that China is arming or making any other warlike pre paration for resisting France. The Daily Nexus this morning reviews the evidence taken in connection with the foundering of the Austral, and ex presses grave doubts whether the vessel is now in a safe condition. The Daily Tele graph, in discussing the same subject, condemns the finding of the Board of Trade in relation to sending vessels to sea before their stability has been thoroughly tested. The Telegraph contends that this portion of the judgment is harsh to owners and not warranted by the evi dence. A rumor is-current in Paris that Com modore Erskine, the officer in charge of

the Australian Naval Station, has been insulted by a French officer named McLeod, at present sta'ieqed at the New Hebrides. October 8. It is considered probable that the price of wheat will continue low, as recent shipments from New Zealand have become heated during the voyage and the grain has sprouted.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Oct. 10. The Emerald Hill election resulted in the return of Mr Gaunaon, who advocates, the Sunday opening of the library, de feating Messrs Vale and Brown. A determined attempt has been made to wreck the train between South Yarra and -Melbourne. ' Three metal chairs were fixed firmly on the line. Fortunately the engine cut through and averted the catas trophe. The police are investigating the matter. The Australian Frozen Meat Export Company has concluded a contract with the Orient Company for freight for two years. The Garonne took 3,652 carcases of sheep, averaging 691bs. The next steamer takes 6,000. Meetings are being held throughout the colony to support Mr Service’s proposals. The new comic op in “ Mant.eaux Noire ” was a great success at the Opera House. Jennie Lee is playing “ Grass hopper ” at the Royal, supported by her sister, Ada Lee, who has just arrived from London. The well-known actor G. S. Titheradge, has returned from Europe, and will shortly' appear in “ Silver King.” The total cost of the Hawthorne colli sion in December last amounts to L 118.022, of this law expenses absorb Li 9 397, medical fees L 7,648, leaving L 90.272 for the claimants. Mr Lewis -Lewis, of Sandhurst, cele brated the 100th anniversary of his birth on the 6th October. Ho was married in 1821, and was seventy-one when he left England. Contrary to the usual custom there has been a contest for the position of Mayor of Melbourne this year, which resulted in the election of Councillor Charles Smith. A difficulty has arisen between the Orient Company and thoi Victorian Postal Department.; The Company require the same price for -carrying mails as is paid by New South Wales under the now contract, while-in Victoria the rate is lower. Owing to the. formalities required, the Bill for enabling the Scots Church to secede from the Presbyterian Church, Victoria, is not to bo proceeded with this session. Sydney, Oct. 10. The Ministry, in place of the annual Parliamentary dinner, invited all- the members to a two days’ picnic in the National Park, Port Hacking. A large number accepted the irivitat’on, and an enjoyable time was spent in an encamp ment. There is much indignation at Temora about the disloyal action of Father Curley (Catholic priest) who refused to allow the singing Of the National Anthem at the close of a concert in aid of the local Catholic Church. The new high schools, Castlereagh street, were . opened by Mr Reid, the Minister of Education. In the case of Elizabeth Phillips, Ed» ward Williams, James Connors, and Geo. Kingsbury, committed for trial for the wilful murder of two youths, Alfred apd Joseph Wi'lianu, prisoners were dis charged, owing to insufficient evidence. The case disclosed horrible depths of depravity. Parliament was opened yesterday by the Governor with the usual formalities. There was a large attendance of the naval and military. The Speech indicates Bills dealing with land, law, contempt of court, libel, regulation of the Civil service, local government, postal laws, bankruptcy, and other important subjects. It congratulates on the success of the loan, and also refers to the approaching Federation-Annexation Conference.

BAPTIST CONFERENCE.

[BY TELEURAPH. Nelson, To-day. The annual session of the Baptist Con ference commenced yesterday- After prayer by the Rev A. North, of Dunedin, seventeen ministers and delegates as sembled, and the President (the Rev C. Carter, of Pohsonby) was in the chair. The Revs C. Bright, of Oaversham, J- D. Gilmore, of Sydenham, and A. Farr, brother of the Maori missionary, Te Wairoa, Uhinemutu, were elected mem bers of the Union. The annual report was read. Its salient features were that nineteen churches had sent their annual collections to the Union. The net increase in the membership, was 207, the total membership being 2,230. More churches were being formed at Oamaru and Mosgie l . The Sunday schools contain 2,800 scholars and 322 officers and teachers. Property and buildings costing L 2,680 had been acquired during the year.’ The Maori mission had beenj well sus tained by the churches, helped by Mr Snow, the generous originator. The treasurer’s report showed receipts to the amount of LlO2 15s 2d, and expenditure Ll 7 7s, leaving a balance in hand of LBS • 8s 7d. The sum of LlO had been voted for supplies to the church at Oamaru. A request from the Canterbury Baptist Association inviting the Union to take charge of the New Zea'and I Baptist and make it a journal for the whole denomina tion was agreed to. A motion by the Rev A. North that churches receiving grants from the funds of the Union be required to confer with the committee in the event of a change either of the pastorate or of the constitu tion of the church was, after discussion agreed to unanimously.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN BRAN CISCO MAIL.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, To-day. Arrived, at ten o’clock this morning— City of New York, with the English mail. Passengers-—Messrs Ledger, McKinnon, A. Rundie, Carruthera and wife, Gibbs, Loveti, Major and Mrs George, Holmes, Thomas, Pillow, Morrin, wife and infant, Gogan, Forbes, Misses Morrin, Gordon, and Mrs Miller. ' Mail News. London, Sept. 21. A death from cholera is reportel in the Sligo County Hospital on the 20th. Mr Parnell has selected Mr McMahon as the candidate of the Home Rulers. Elkin and Co., London merchants, failed on September 21st for LIOO,OOO, Professor Nordenkfoldt’s Greenland party were heard from via Thurso, in Scotland. They had reached a distance of 360 kilometres inland, and attained a height of 7,000 feet above the sea. The whole region is proved to be a desert, Germany interprets Mr Gladstone’s visit to Denmark in a most unfriendly way. . Miss Mary Anderson, the American actress, is reported on the 16th aS playing to very meagre houses at the London Lyceum. The Duke and Duchess of Teck have left England and gone into retirement in Germany ’ to economise. Their apart ments in Kensington (Palace have been placed at the disposal of the Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome. The testimonial to Mr Martin Tupper is progressing favorably. Tennyson, Lord Ly tton and all the leading publishers are subscribing liberally. | k

A movement is on foot ic London to erect a monument to Charles Dickens. The British Treasury Department baa cancelled L 75,000,000 of various stock, representing a portion of the national debt, and issued terminable annuities therefor. At the Trades Union Congress held at Birmingham, on September 12, Mr J. Arch offered a resolution that, consider ing the large amount of waste lands in the kingdom capable of cultivation, radical changes in the land system of the country are required, in order that land may “fie put under productive cultivation for the benefit of the community, thereby offering a check to excessive emigration. An amendment was offered calling upon the Government to declare such land Go vernment property, and with this addition the entire resolution was adopted. Moody, the evangelist, goes to Ireland in October, not, however, (as he say a ‘.'to convert Catholics, but only to preach the Gospel.” The striking weavers of Ashton-under- Lyne held a mass meeting on September 17th,fat which a resolution was adopted rejecting the masters’ proposals and de ciding that they will remain out - for another month pending the preparing of new terms. Lord Duncarne, future Lord Faver aham, is shortly to be married to a.pro fessional named Nellie Letnar, who with her sister Kate has been the reigning star for some time at one of the leading variety shows. She attracted'the atten tion of the Prince of Wales by her sing ing of the song “ Go and inform your Father,” and since that time she- has been advertised as the “ royal favorite.’* A movement is on foot to erect a monu ment to the late Captain Webb ofr the banks of the Severn, the spot where he first a saved life. . • The spread of the cattle f disease; in every portion of Eng and causes the greatest uneasiness. In some seoUqns only American beef is now attainable. The Lancashire Cotton Spiinen’ So ciety passed resolutions declaring that the depressed state of the cotton, goods trade demands a reduction in both spinning and weaving departments. ~ At a meeting of the supporters of .Mr Bradlaugh on the 16th, it was resolved' that the next session of Parliamealj’ the House of Comm ms should'be given no rest until Mr Bradlaugh be admitted to his seat, or his legal disqualification finally determined. , M r-- Miss Mary Anderson, the American actress, now in London, recently declined the honor of being presented to the Prince of Wales. She desired, she said, to avoid scandal. * f ' . The Queen subscribed L2OO for thi <e* lief of the distress in Egyptp caused cholera. ■ V' The Queen offered the ez-Bmpteil Eugenie the autumn tenancy of Aber* geldie Castle, which was cpmjteodaly de clined. The London night police are to be armed.- Tw * or three recent burglaries in which firearms played a loadingpart have changed public opinion .on- the;sub ject, and the general feeling,, is that,. the officers should be armed at oqce. . 1 The uncollected writings of Thackeray are announced as included in: the new Smith, and Elder edition, which will contain his earlier contributions to Punch 1 and other magazines. The Prince of Wales had A pleasant

time at Berlin on the Bth, wbere.be at tended a fancy ball. He, LordCbarle* Beresford, and other members .of the Royal party were attired as nooks v and chambermaids, etc. The Princess was absent. Matwood, the London hangman, died in September. An inquest was ordered, as it was said the Invincible* caused hla death. It is announced that Princess Beatrice will go to the north of Italy for the winter. An impression has gone abroad that the Queen has practically disgraced the new Duke of Marlborough by refusing to admit him to her presence to deliver up the insignia of the garter which his father wore, and which his successor,, according to custom, delivers to the Sovereign. Ho has been told he must leave the, things with the Lord Chamberlain. t . The progress of distinguished foreign tourists in America is watched! in London with great interest, and in place' : of par liamentary proceedings the newspapers are full of American affairs, emigration, natural resources, scenery and social conditions, The Yicar of Stratford-on-;4T on haa signified his willingness to allow the re mains of Shakespeare to : be exhumed. The object is to compare tha skull of the poet with the bust and portrait of him. "ome of the members of the town.council however, oppose the opening'of-the tomb as desecration, and threaten to throw any one attempting the act into the river Avon* i I Her Majesty has given Tennyson:-« commission to write some beautiful versea about the late John Brown, which jthe will have engraved on some numerous memorial brasses and monuments: which are being prepared by her prder, • Sir Theodore Martin will also write > bio graphy of Brown. The same despatch adds that the poet Laureate’s income from his works is no longer what it- was. Pub lishers used to guarantee him L3OOO ayear, but can do this no longer, as he has bean wasting his time writing rubbish for the stage. Mr John Morley has retired perma nently from the Pall Mall Oazttte.

SPORTING.

THE MELBOURNE CUP. 3 [REUTER’S IKLEGKAM3.— COBYaiqH^l 5 „ Melbourne, Yesterday. The following soratchings hare been posted to-day for the Melbourne Cup ; Normanby and Prioress. VICTORIAN BETTING MARKET. The following are the latest quotations in the betting market : fOAULFIELD COP. 8 to 1 agst Footstep 10 12 20 —1 - Yatoly and Norfolk. V.K.C. derby. ' Even betting on Archie 5 to 1 agst Martini-Henri and Off Color 8— 1 ——> Sardius.

CABLE NEWS.

LAThST FROM EUROPE.

[eeutkr’s telegrams—copyright.] , Shipping. London, Oct. 13. ' Arrived, from Lyttelton —Ships Himalaya (June 22nd) and Bencleugh (July 21 st). The Europeans in China. Lonpon, Oct. .15. 1 Telegrams to hand from Foochow stale that a serious anti-European riot occurred there, No details* hflwcsMf are yet to band. At Hainan the popu? lace are also in an excited state, and placards menacing the Mandarins and European residents ,have been posted and paraded by the natives.: . Cetewayo. Capetown, Oct, 13. The latest intelligence from Zulu land states that Osborne, the British Resident Commissioner, has gone ! to interview Cetewayo, with a view of in ducing him to surrender to the British authorities.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1883.



BoQO&fttt hooch aa hoo. Oct. 18 is published every I evening, giving every day’s news, np to (he houxof going to press. This is bqttes.(b£i> buying a sixpenny weekly. E‘ W W O R K. Oopies of-Mr Bowron’s Book “ Cheese, Batter, ■ and Bacon, ” can be obtained at this office. Price, Is. JQOMKSTIO PATTERN DEPOT. • h : MR S HOD G#, _Dressmaker, .(opposite the Arcade), Begs to intimate to the Ladies of Ashbur ton and neighbourhood that she has Winter Drpss. Materials that eatT be dis posed of exfioedihgbjr cheap. ' ; Ladies and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. Rtmstrv Office: for Domestic Servants. 8 320. jSpecial Bargains. BUS .SOLD, Drawing-roam Suites in splendid Vel -jvet,walnutside-board with marble lop ■ ■< Small Tables in all patterns of walnut, ■Bail Leather Dining-room Suites, in and side-boards to match Furniture. Utensils of*every kind -for House Famishing. I want to CLEAR OFF all my large and varied Stock. Meech, F^jjrl’yuE .WAREHOUSE, Burnett street. .. 9 484 SiUor-to&gued Lassies. Oct. is JF* 1 Hpdb : MTAkT GOOD AND Y 7 ,SSFRQNb f FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP, FURNITURE AND P.ED '"IS Ulfto ; MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, - i L ' l i ASHBURTON. EVERT kttibfe : Sold at Christchurch PstOßS' 'and guaranteed bee. of *naterial and workmanship. .•■iirtiuJ’J-’ '■■■' ; ~ ; P X7NERALS JUgm&iX& CCmFIiKTXLY ITJKNXBHED ' ■ &bHI .ttt JawgnA -



Wanted Wee Silted Loonies. Scotch Concert. WANTED— A GIRL about 14. Apply Mrs Segees, East street. 10 732 WANTED —By a married couple, a SITUATION in an hotel or on a station. No children ; good references Apply Office of this Paper. 10 723 TINTED 3? W Elston, KNOWN— That Robert Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tuses ‘prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Tdfms cash. 7600 T.anfl of thf Fto6. Scotch Concert. WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business,. JoaN Mox-on, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large 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 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement ; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tsined 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, Trapezk, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per month, or according, co arrangement. 1344



NEW SPRING GOODS JJOW Showing in every department. 5 PER CENT. DISCOUNT Upon usual prices allowed to purchasers of parcels amount ing to 10s and upwards. Diinant and Coe, Ready Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Etc. , East Steebt, Ashbueton, 9528 a 03 O o , W tg 1 P 2 a 0 to CD CD CO 1 W 2 QQ R v o • O to O 2, O o* O B *5" ® S 3 O 3 5 m > Q i-3 S'® §§ a 2 so ® »■» a o g »< • OS oc i-3 {► > 0 P .B a CD a qo H W ai O H H W o QQ



THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCAN TILE COMPANY,, LIMITED, Hate for sale A VERY COMPLETE Threshing Plant, By Ransome—almost equal to new, and |for which terms are specially easy. Also, SEED OATS AND BARLEY RYE GRASS NEW CLOVER SEEDS WOOLPACKS, Em, Etc. All at lowest current rates. Wm, HORNE, 12 au Agent. New Songsters—New Songs. STOP THAT COUGH 1 DON’T DELAY.—How can you stop it? Where is the Remedy. ; Bennington’a PECTORAL OXYMEL OF C.vHRA GE ?N or IRISH MOSS (registered), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Soldi; everywhere. —G, Bokninoton, Christchurch. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN'S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. i The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT __ AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES.