SHIPPING.

• »ORT OP LYTTELTON. *' ; ' Arrived. Yesterday. Wakatu, s.s., from Kaikoara and Wel lington “ Sailed. ’ ' YESTERDAY. ° Wakatu, s.s., for Timara. Hymalaya, barque, for Queenstown or Falmouth, for orders.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon, .ktosn Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction with Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., per Mr F. C. Tabart, auctioneer) report of the live stock market at the Tinwald Yards on January 19th, as follows :—Store Sheep : The entries in this line were not very numerous, but fat sheep were well represented and sold at very satisfactory prices, viz:— Crossbreds, heavy weights, .from 13s 6d to 15s 3d ; ewes and wethers, mixed, 14s; wethers from 13s 6d to 14s pd; and merino wethers from 8s $d to 9s 3d. In stock there is a considerable altera tion in trade, and we quote same 10 to 15 per cent lower at present than six weeks or two iMuirlw ago; in fact, the whole market for sheep is decidely weaker and more in favor of buyers. Cattle: Supplies were in contrast of those of sheep, a great number of fat and stores bong yarded. The demand- for beef was brisker than at previous sales, and stores found buyers at average market rates. We sold sheep : izo at 14s; 366 broken-mouthed merino, ewes at 3s 2d ; 245 merino ewes and wethers at Ss,6d ; 176 crossbred ewes at 10s 2&J arid a line of good sound mouth merino wethers (sold privately) at 6s 3d. In fat cattle we sold. 3at L. 5 i 12s 2d, lat L 7 10s, 1 at L 6 5V3-a1;1.7 6s 6d, lat LB, lat L. 7,2 at L 6 ICS, 2.at L 6,3 at L$ 15s, 2atL6 7s 6d. Pigs: There was only oneyarded and not sold. '

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Tuesday, June 26. Matson, Oox and,.Co., at the Ashburton Tarda—Stock. , Thursday, June 28. M«aan Milos and Co., at Methven — Farming Implements and Sun dries'; Sale at 12 o’clock. /MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &o Monday, June 26. Boroagh Council, at .Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. xJiiw Wednesday, July 11. Ashburton County Council —at Council uhunben; 11 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 1883. The Debate on the Speech.

One does not expect to find any very brilliant oratory displayed in the course of a debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, and certainly the one just concluded was no exception to the general rule. This may be accounted for by the fact that the Speech itself did not bring for ward any questions that could be con sidered “ burning,” and those who spoke on the Opposition side had to travel further afield to find subject matter to talk about. The ember for Inangahua, being the latest addition to the House, was, according to cus tom, chosen to move the Address, and he acquitted himself of his not very difficult task creditably. No debateable questions were introduced, and Mr Shaw’s speech was little more than a resume of the Address itself, the only special references being those made to a prospective reform in the constitution of the Legislative Council, and the need for a new Bankruptcy law. Mr Lee’s observations, in second ing the motion, were simply an echo of what had been said by the speaker who preceded him, but when the member for Akaroa rose something trenchani in the way of criticism was expected It cannot be said that this expectatioi was realised, for although accusation against the Ministry were freely mad* they were of a kind difficult to sub stantiate. Indeed, we question if Hr Montgomery, bitter partisan as bis, really believes that the present Goern ment are the enemies to the State;hat he represents. He accused ther of using the Roads and Bridges Cons-uc tion Act for the purpose of assidng those districts which returned memers favorable to them, and that old chrge in regard to the delay in bringing d»wn the Estimates last session was aain trotted out. As to the first accusalon, it was shown that Mr Montgomry was specially unfortunate in the ex ample he quoted, as Mr Fervus pointed out that what had been dme in his constituency was only in accord ance with promises made to hts ire decessor, who was an opponent of the Government. As to the other mater, it has been refuted so often that its reiteration is becoming wearisome ind pointless. If the presentation of the Estimates was unduly delayed, the Opposition were quite as mud to blame as the Ministey, if not mon so, and it would be better for both paties if the subject were buried for eve - , as it has nothing to do with the busness of the present session. It is curious that where Mr Montgomery night have made a decided hit, he nude a decided failure. The recent nonina tions to the Legislative Council were unquestionably the most unpopular acts that the Government have per petrated since they came into office, and have furnished those who are in favor of a reform of the Upper House with a strong argument. But instead of limiting himself to the instances of Messrs. Richmond, Barnicoat and Brandon, the member for Akaroa must point to the Premier as an ex ample of improper selection. Even the veriest Radical must admit that if only tried statesmen who were unfortunate enough not to obtain a seat in the Lower House were elevated to the Council, there vould be no grounds to quarrel with the nominated system. Of course, the lesser. Parliamentary lights on the Opposition side had their little fling at the Speech. Mr Seddon denounced it as “ a sham and a fraud, the perpe trators of which should be exposed and punished,” and Messrs Holmes and Fish, in language characteristic of, and we are glad to say peculiar to, them selves, added their quota to the debate. The utterances of these gentlemen served to relieve the monotony, although they did not add to our knowledge; but the debate as a whole must be voted uninteresting, even compared with those that have taken place on other similar occasions.

The installation of officers of the St John’s Lodge, No 1858, E. 0., took place yesterday afternoon at the Masonic Hall, Tancred street. Bro W. H. Gundry, P.M., 18°, performed the ceremony in the absence of D.D.G.M. Bra Thomson, and was assisted by Bro Braddell, P. M, Somer set Lodge, E.O. ; Bro MoFarlane, W.M., Thistle Lodge, S.O. ; and Bro Hector Dempsey, St John’s Lodge, E.C. The following brethren wore then installed, viz ;—B, G, Crisp, W. M. ; B. Saunders, I. ; 0. C. Fooks, S.W. ; A. Curtis, J. ; J. Tasker, S.D. ; J. Ourtis, J.D. ; W. H. Gundry, Treasurer ; T. H. Zouch, Secretary ; H. A. Gates, Organist; R. Cullen, Tyler. Bro Gates presided at the organ during the ceremony, and at its close votes of thanks were accorded to the officers, and general regret expressed that P.M., Bro Edward Saunders, was about to leave the district. Among the very few nuisances with which Ashburton has to put up with is the dog nuisance ; but this trouble is a severe one. Neighboring farmers are continually complaining of their sheep having been worried by vagrant curs, and every now and then advertisements an nouncing the intention on the part of sheep owners annoyed by losses in worried sheep—of laying poison en their lands, appear in the papers. The poison resource is the last the farmers have, but it is usually effective, and we know of several curs, with a deep-seated fondness for live mutton, that have been tempted to cake it dead with a reasoning of strychnine, and gone in consequence to the lands where sorrow and strychnine are alike unknown. The fondness of town residents for dogs, and the pro pensity of those pets to worry sheep have cost the farmers of the county more money in worried sheep than could well be cal culated. But the dog nuisance does not stop at sheep worrying. A case was laid before us this week in which a big lump of a retriever, wearing a collar and all that, but given to breaking his tether-rope, regularly takes charge of a neighbor’s garden every evening, planting himself just opposite the back door, and no one dare make exit or entrance by that door during the whole evening and night. The perplexed ratepayer wants to know how to rid himself of the form of dog nuisance that annoys him, without getting into trouble with the owner of the dog. Speaking for ourselves, we think we would try a peace-offering to the retriever in the shape of a piece of mutton sea soned with the saipe sort of stuff as the local chemist uses to season wheat in tended for sparrow feed. If the dog would not go to sleep after p feed of that sort, be might be induced to become permanently somnolent by a short course of lead administered by » percussion cap through an iron tube. ,

A Maonic ball, in honor of the retire tent of 3ro Edward Saunders, late W. M. i the S’John’s Lodge, took place at the' lasonic Hall last night, and was well ittendet Mr Weber’s band from Christ harch .applied the dance music, which vas all that could bo desired, and the refreshients were entrusted to Mr T. Taylor who supplied a very excellent spread The floor of the fine hall was in capita) order for dancing, and most of those >ho came stayed till an early hour this lorning, and apparently enjoyed the dnce immensely.

Tb Juno Company gave their third and nal performance in Ashburton last nighl but it cannot be said that it was a sucos, either financially or artistically. The-iece chosen was “ East Lynne,’ _ a poodramatisation of a silly novel. It is, bovver, a popular play, and the oharac ter f Lady Isabel is a great favorite with leaing actresses. Clever as Miss Juno is n some pait.s, this particular one is ceiainlj not suited to her, and she failed toouse the sympathies of the audience. Wether the small attendance served to reder the lady apathetic we know not, bt her acting was not characterised by tJ spirit noticeable in her other perfor »nces. “East Lynne” is eminently a oe part piece, all the characters, with te exception of the heroine, being either iipossible or useless. Archibald Carlyle i in the book an insufferable prig, and Ir Russell’s impersonation served to mphasiae this fault, while the Sir Francis ievison of Mr Dillon was a colorless and r hsipid performance, and his appearance jn the second act, dressed in morning clothes was scarcely appropriate, consider ing that he was representing that bete noir of female novelists, a villainous baronet. Miss Nellie Greenless acted carefully as Barbara Hare, and Mrs McGowan managed to infuse some spirit into the affair by her amusing impel sona tion of Corney Carlyle. The minor parts were fairly filled, and if they failed to be interesting it was the fault of the piece rather than of the actors. Holloways Pills.— Nervous Debility.— No part of the human machine requires more watching than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and life itself. These pills ar the best regulators and strengtheners of the nerves, and the safest general purifiers. Naue sea, headache, giddiness, numbness, and men tal apathy yield to them. They dispatch in a summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious appetites and confined bowels—the commonly accompanying signs ef defective or deranged nervous power. Hollo way’s Pills arc particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually sink into a nervous and debilitated state, unless some such restorative be occa sionally taken.—[Advt.]

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, Tune 22. THE RABBIT ACT. On the motion of the Hon. Mr Cham berlin, a return was ordered of the cost of working the Rabbit Act in Auckland. BILLS. The Married Women’s Property Bill and the Bills of Exchange Bill were read a second time without debate. The Council rose at 3.30. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, June 22. The House met at 2.30 p.m. VOTE OR CENSURE. Mr Montgomery asked the Hon. Major Atkinson to bring on Supply at once, as he intended to move a vote of censure on the Government in connection with the imprest obt dned on the (last day of the financial period. The Hon. Major Atkinson said he had intended to make an explanation on the subject, but as Mr Montgomery was in such a hurry, he would wait and hear what he had to say. He moved the postpone ment of all business down to Supply. At Mr Montgomery’s request the Auditor-General’s memo, on the subject of the which published in yesterday’s issue, was read by the Clerk.

Mr Montgomery said he was only doing hisduiy in endeavoring to maintain the control of Parliament over the public purse by bringing the matter immediately before the House. He was actuated more by patriotic than hostile motives. In speaking a few nights ago he had pointed out that the expenditure since the 3lst May was illegal. It had been met by on the last day withdrawing L 190,000 as an imprest from the control of the Controller. The terms of condemnation used by the Controller were sufficiently severe. It was no wonder, as he was a Parliamentary, not a Government officer. The Treasurer had been asked to lay the memo, before Par liament, and the Ministers had promised to do this, yet they had kept the paper back from the knowledge of the House until after the rep y to the address had been passed. Had this not been done it would have been the duty of the Opposi tion to have moved an amendment on the reply. It was now their duty to ask the House to express an opinion at once re garding the transaction. If the House passed over such conduct on the part of the Government without notice, the con trol of the public purse would have passed from the hands of the House. He hoped the matter would not be treated in a party spirit. Whether the motion he was about to propose was carried or not it would place on record that he had done his duty in protesting against an illegal and improper act on the Treasurer’s p irt. If the House did not pass the motion the country could then judge bet ween the Trea surer and those who tried to do their duty in guarding the public purse. He moved —“That this House disapproves of the conduct of the Ministry in retaining an imprest for L 192,000 by a grave evasion of the law, and contrary to the clear in tention of Parliament, and considers that the Treasurer is deserving of censure for not laying the memo, of the Controller and Auditor-General before Parliament as soon as it met, as requested by that officer, and promised by the Hon. Thos. Dick for the Colonial Treasurer. ”

The Hon Major Atkinson said Mr Montgomery ended by entreating mem bers not so take a party view of this matter. The ordinary courtesy of asking him to explain his conduct had not even been extended to him, a pretty good proof that he was acting entirely in a party spirit; if not Mr Montgomery would not have so readily interpreted the law of the Controller as condemnatory of the Go vernment. Once before he had, with the concurrence of the Controller, in regard to a matter of L 150.000, evaded the letter of the law in order to carry out its spirit. He then came down to Parlia ment when it met, and asked for a Com mittee to investigate the subject, and in vited Parliament to pass a Bill of In demnity, which it at one j did. Had he been in Wellington he would not, as Mr Dick had done, have promised to lay the papers on the table, but would have told the Controller, as an officer of the House, it was his duty to report direct to ihe House if he had any complaint against the Government. He denied there had been any evasion of The Go vernment had simply exercised a discre tion entrusted to them by the House. A full third of the ordinary public revenue was always spent on imprest without pro audit. While he held office he would always claim i he right to spend as much as he thought for the public good. The House could judge how be used his dis cretion. Had he liked he could have got this money without a word being said, but he wished to do it most openly. Such a

power as he exercised must be held by 1 the Government if the public service was to be carried on. The more he saw of -i the present system of control the more he was convinced that it was entirely useless for practical good. The money was voted and placed in the hands of the Pay master General as imprest. The claims were sent in to the various departments, and the vouchers sent to the audit. Then it came back to the Treasury, when it was sent to the Controller for approval, and if there was enough to the credit of the vote it was then paid. That was the ordinary method with this money. He claimed that the only difference was that the Controller could not see each item charged to its particular vote. Parlia ment had not in any way lost control over the money. If the money had not been got unier imprest it would have had to be charged as an unauthorised expenditure. Every halfpenny might have been spent before the 31sr. May, as Parliament had authorised its payment up that date. If the Controller was to determine when money was to bo spent on imprest and when not, it would be impossible to carry on the public service. The House must trust its officers, the Ministers. If they had not exercised their discretion they would have had to call Parliament together a fortnight earlier, when the buildings were unfit for occupation. He left it to the House to say whether Government Etd not exercised its discretion wisely in the interest of the country and of the hon members. He considered Mr Mont gomery’s haste in bringing this matter on without awaiting his explanation, was most unseemly. He submitted with the utmost confidence to the judgment of the House. Mr Holmes contended that the Govern ment had been guilty of a grave derelic tion of duty. The Treasurer complained of the undue haste with which the motion had been brought down. As a matter of fact he was continually taunting the Op position with not bringing forward conclu sions of this kind, and now that they were brought forward he complained of indecent haste. So long as the money obtained on an imprest was within the financial year there was no harm done, but the moment the financial year expired ; money raised by such means was a direct violation of the Act. It was distinctly provided that all votes not expended at the end of the financial year lapsed, and might be re-appropriated in the votes of ■ the next year. * This large sum of money I was used for services rendered after the f end of the financial year, and in that way the Treasurer had de'iberately violated 1 the Act of Parliament -an Act passed only ’ last year. If the provisions of the Act of 1882 could be thus contemptuously vio lated i- the year 1883, then the soonei the country knew of it the better. The discretionary powers claimed by the Treasurer were of the most extraordinary character, and might be used for the most corrupt purposes. He challenged the Treasurer to contend before the House that expenditure after the 30cli May was an appropriation by Parliament. If Parliament would by its vote on this * occasion deliberately sanction the violation t of an Act only passed last year, then he could only thank God he did not belong to a majority of the House. 1 Mr J. E. Brown said the moment the 1 imprest was placed in the hands of the imprestee the money became expenditure and therefore it was an expenditure withir the meaning of the Appropriation Acj of the then current year. He chargee the Auditor-General with an over-anxioui desire to secure the control of the publi< expenditure. The memo, told them ir one breath that it was an evasion of th< • law, and in the next they were told thal t it was not an evasion of the law. Agair f he (the Controller) professed to interprel a the law. If that were necessary, then they P should apply to the Law Officer, and not the Controller-General. The whole con- I duct of the Audit Office was simply a sys

tem of caprice, as was elicited by the in vestigations of the Civil Service Commis sion. What would have been the effect in the service of the colony had the Go vernment not done as it did. He

knew of money kept back from a con tractor for two months after it had been earned, and had this imprest not been taken the delay would have been vexa tious. The whole thing was only a mere quibble on th,e part of the Auditor, and yet they were asked to pass a monstrous vote of censure upon the Government and the Treasurer. r J.t would be quite sufficient to condone a far more serious offence' than this to think of the bare idea of such a contingency as Mr Montgomery getting on the Treasury B inches wuh such a one as the previous speaker as his legal adviser.

Mr Fish said the question was not whether the Government properly applied the money, but as to whether the law on the subject had been evaded. Home Go vernment might be in office which would use this as a precedent for corrupt pur poses. That was a danger they had to face, and if properly looked at they would see that it was an all important one. The Controller had been placed in the position because he is expected to come between the Government of the day and the Par l ament. Having done his duty to the best of his lights, it was most unfair that he should be abused as had been the case by the Treasurer. The Hon Mijor Atkinson denied he had abused the Controller. Mr Fish continued. The whole scope of the Revenues Act was that Parliament should be called together within two months of the end of the financial year, and the question for the.n to consider was, had that purpose been evaded. If the Government could legally avoid calling Parliament together for two months, then what was to prevent them from delaying the calling of Parliament together for six or even twelve months. Either they must support the motion or else they would vir tually pass a vote of censure on the Con troller. The suppression of the memo, until yesterday was an act for which the Treasurer deserved the sharpest possible censure. The Government knew that it would considerably influence the Address in Reply, and therefore it was kept back. He charged the Treasurer with acting in a disgustingly autocratic manner in the government of the colony, and trusting to his subservient majority to get his actions condoned.

Mr Shepherd contended that there was no change in the memo, of any law having been broken. It was all nonsense for them to go wrangling about a breach of the law which was not even charged. The Audit Department set itself up, not only to be superior to the Mini-sßy, but, as he read the document, it also desire! to con trol the opinions of the House. Had the money referred to not been drawn at the time it was the Public Service would have been seriously impaired, and that itself was a point for careful consideration.

Mr M. W. Green said that the mean ing of the Revenues Act was that money must not be paid after the expiry of two months after the close of the financial year. Beyond that peiiod no moneys could be legally paid on any condition whatever. He was inclined to give the Government an honest support in all that was right. He had held judiciously aloof from the Opposition, because since last session his mind had been in a transient state. • Members might laugh, but it was only fools who were not open to honest conviction, and who never changed their minds. He had no wish to see the pre sent Ministry replaced by one from the Opposition, but, although Ministers counted a majority in the House, he was not sure that they would in the country if there was a general election, and even some of their own number might not in such an event return. Still he was pared to support them iu what was right,

but in tils matter they whse undoubtedly wrong,,and a couplCof hundred years ago •the. Hon. 'Major Attiflson Would have run the risk of impeachment for acing as he had done. 3 The debate was interrupted by the 5 30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resume! at 7.30. Mr M. W Green continued theitebatei- He argued that they were bound to look 'TEt the principles involved in this question apart altogether from party consideration, and that in ranging himself on the side of the Opposition, he ■ was doing an act his conscience could endorse to the end of his life. The excuse given for not calling Parliament together at an earlier date was lame and impotent. They should have got the tradesmen to work day and night to get the buildings ready in time. The Government had acted illegally and unconstitutionally, and .deserved punish ment. He feared they had very little re spect for the law. Last session they had yielded to influence, and connived at the escape of a criminal who embezzled funds, and the bonds of the sureties had never been estreated. [Loud cries of “Name.”] He would not give the name. The Hon. Major Atkinson absolutely denied the truth of both statements. •

Mr Green believed hd was correct, but he wouU not give the name. It was a matter of history. The Hon. Mr Bryce said that the Go vernment had been accused of haying connived at the escape of a criminal during last session—one who had been committed for trial for embezzling Go vernment moneys. If Mr Green could make good that assertion he ,(Mr Bryce) would at once’ leave the Government; if; not, he (Mr Green) would have to beg under the imputation of making gross and unfounded statements without probable cause, simply because he was protected by Parliamentary privileges. Mr Shaw said he understood Mr Green to have been alluding to the case of one Rattray. He spoke from his personal knowledge when he said ,that the -.only persons who interested themselves in Rat tray were Mr John Sheehan and Sir Geo. Whitmore. Those gentlemen became bail for him, and their bail was estreated and had been paid. An extradition warrant for the arrest of Rattray wherever found had also been issued. He had no doubt in his own mind, from the reading of the Revenues Act, that the issuing of the money was legal, and as the issuing and the payment was one in this case, both were perfectly legal. • The Paymaster- General simply held the money in trust for the various parties to whom it was to be paid. The police force and other ser vants of the colony would have remained unpaid, although the wages were earned, if this money had not been got. The placing of that money in the hands of the Paymaster was, he contended, a payment within the meaning of the Act. Mr Steward spoke in favor of the motion, as he considered the action : of the Government as illegal as unconstitutional. Sir G. Grey said he did not at first

think the Government had been guilty' of the offence imputed to them, but subse quent arguments convinced him tha toe offence was made out. He thought, the Controller, as an officer of the House, should have an opportunity of being heard at the Bar of the House oa, the subject They had been told the Paymaster was simply a trustee for the parties to whom this money was. to be paid. He ventured to say that that was not the law of the case. He held the money on trust for this Parliament, and should not have paid the money in contravention of the law of the Parliament. No Ministry could spend money without.the consent of Parliament, and to spend without the consent of Parliament was a great national

crime. It was governing without a Par liament, and that was a state of things which had led to dire cona-.quenoes in other countries. What .the Parliament said was, “ You are enabled to make payments two months after • the ’> ex piry of the financial year, but not one moment longer.” Then, again, having violated this law it ought to have been explained in the Governor’s speech, and an Act of Indemnity asked 1 ' for to condone the offence. Mr Montgomery in bringing forward this motion did a great duty he owed to the colony- For the Go vernment to attempt to govern for a period of over fourteen days without Par liamentary authority, was a great offence, and ought to be resented. Those were his opinions on the point, and he desired that they should be made generally known. The House divided on the question that the House go into Committee of supply. Ayes—43 Messrs Allwrignt, Atkin son, Beotham, •J. &. Brown, Bryce, W. 0. Buchanan, Oonolly, Dick, Dodson, Fergus, Fitz Gerald, Fulton, J. Green, Hamlin, Hurst, 0. J. Johnston, W. W. Johnston, Kelly, Lse, Lovestam, F- W. Mackenzie, Mcllraith, McMillan, Mitchel; son, M ,nro, O’Oallaghan, Peacock, Pear son, Petue, Postlethwaite, Kolleaton, Shaw, Shepherd, Stevens, Sutter, Sutton, Swanson, H. Thomson, Trimble, Watt, J. B. White, J. Wilson, Wynn-Wil iiams.

Noes —29. Messrs Barron, Bathgate, Bracken, Buchanm, Cadman, Daniels, Duncan, Feldwick, Fish, George, M. W. Green, Grey, Harris, Holmes, Hurst house, Hutchinson, Ivess, Joyce, Macan drew, J. McKenzie, Montgomtry, Pyke, Seddon, smith, Steward, Te Wheoro, J. W. Thomson, Tole, W. White. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY.

In Committee of Supply, Mr Mont gomery asKed why the budding alterations had not been completed earlier The Hon. Mr Johnston said the con tract was for the work to be completed about the middle of April. The contrac tors, however, had found it utterly im possible to procure the necessary work men. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved the following resolution: — kC Pursuant to the provisions of the Public Revenues Act, 1881, it is hereby resolved by the House of Representatives that the period of two mouths mentioned in the 9th section of the said Act, during which the Treasurer may issue and piy money in the event and on the conditions of the said section mentioned, shall, and the same is hereby extended to a further month, and that such further month shall date and be reckoned from the expiration of the said period of two months, viz., 31st day of May last. ” . After some discussion this was agreed to, and the House resumed, when it was also agreed to by the House and ordered to be transmitted to the Legislative Coun cil. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS. The Hon Major Atkinson said he had intended to make a definite statement as to the business, but that intention had been interrupted by the debate. Me would be prepared to make the Financial Statement on Wednesday, if members would give up that night. If not the Statement would be delivered on Friday evening, and the Estimates brought down immediately afterwards. On the follow ing Tuesday the Public Works Statement could be delivered, and the Public Works Estimates brought down immediately afte. wards. Next week he would ask that Thursday should , bo , given up to Government for the Teat of the session. In that case he thought they might finish the Government business by the end of August, -: 1 ; •■ ■ * I; ‘j bills. 11; The Tenants’ Fixture Bill was read a second time, on the motion of the Hon Mr Conolly. -

The Hon Mr Conollt moved the second reading of the Prisons Bill. After a long discussion the Bill was read a second time, and the House rose.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliament ary correspon dent.] ; Wellington, To-day; - The Government have had a Bill_ pre pared which they intend ahortly to intro duce with the object of meeting the views of Mr Barron relative to the punishment of these who sell bread of false weight Sir George Grey has a petition to pre sent to the House on Tuesday from the Maoris, who complain of the Judge at Cambridge, calling him infernal. Next week Mr J. Wilson is to ask the Minister of Public Works if. it is the in-, tentiox of the Government to issue rail way return tickets at a similar reduction tp that already made on the. single fares-. = Mr Dodson intends to introduce a Bill for ‘he repeal of compulsory vaccination in New Zealand.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[bKUTER’s TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Abandoned. . London, June 21. In the House of Commons to-day Sir Henry James, Attorney-General,' announced that the Government had decided to abandon for the present session a Bill for amending the Acts relating to Criminal Procedure, which ■ provided inter alia for the establish-., ment of a Court of Criminal- 1 Appeal. : Monetary and Commercial. Consols have fallen and are how, quoted at iooj£- New Zealand securi ties remain at yesterday's quotatiooki« The total reserve of notes and bullion in the sank of England is L 12,700,000," being an increase of LBoo,ooo com pared with last week. The proportion of the reserve to liabilities has further advanced 1 per cent, and is now 41. There are no changes to report in thfiC market for breadstuffs and tallow.- , . . The Wool Sales. At the wool sale to-day. 8,500 bales were offered; and the market contidtied steady but inactive. Since the opening of the series 31,250 balgsi have been withdrawn. The sales close to-mdrrow. Up to date 310,000 bales have -.been sold, and 20,000 held over for the nexf'/j series. Crossbreds, for all exdept fidelity qualities, closed at J£d tq •id lotyef than the closing'rates of the last, series. Lambswool suffered a . similar decline during present series. Frozen Meat. " r "'’’ The first portion of quarters of beef, per Lady Jocelyn,'from Welling ton, were placed in the market to-day, and realised 6d to 6}£d. The meat was in good condition. .. Shipping. Arrived —Ship Triton, from LytteL ton, March 20th. • i -• An Accusation. London, June 22. : In a letter recently'addressed to Lord Randolph, Churchill with reference to the .Egyptian rebellion, Mr Gladstone indicated that the Khedive" Waß the author of the massacres/ of Europeans perpetrated in Alexandria in July .last year. A Premature Report. It has been ascertained that thead nounccment, of William Gurdon’s ap pointment as British envoy to the Transvaal was premature. The , Pope Protests. • Paris, June 21. ' It has transpired that the. Pope,has letter to, President Grhvy upon the subject of the present .position of the Roman Catholic clergy in France, His Holiness protes ts strongly against the clerical policy how being pursued by the French Government. The Queen of Madagascar. It is stated here that the Queen of Madagascar died six months ago, and that the fact had hitherto been kept a r secret. . , . ‘ !

AUSTRALIAN.

; in [rEOTEE’s XBIiEQEAMS The Underwriters’ Conference. : 'Vlblbooene, Yesterday.- 1 The Australasian Underwriters’ Con ference met again to-day, and sidered the payment of general average deposits, and the compulsory docking of iron vessels. At the conclusion of the sitting the Conference adjourned • sine die. It is, however, understood that members will meet annually. . . Shipping. Sydney, Yesterday. Sailed, last night—The Union steam ship VVairarapa for Auckland. The Markets. New Zealand wheat has advanced to 4s 3d; New Zealand oats have further fallen id, and are now quoted at as id. Maize remains at 2s nd, and Sugar - Company’s No 1 pieces at L 35 per-- ton. Adelaide, Yesterday. : Wheat is quoted at 5s id. The market is steady. Town flour, per ton, Ln 10s to Li 1 12s 6d;country brands, Lio 5s to Lio 10s.

TELEGRAMS.

[pee press association.] , The Jewel Bobbery- : Auckland, To-day. A quantity of the jewellery belonging Hehrickson was found in a bottle under the water in the graving dock. This, with the jewellery found in the Domain, covers the entire quantity missing. The Resident Magistrate this morning com mitted Stevens for trial, stating that a legal question raised by the counsel for. the defence could not be decided in that Court. The defencg was reserved. A Petition. A petition to Parliament is being signed, favorable to the remission of leg acy duty on charitable bequests. Sudden Death. Matthew Curtis, or Nollis, employed as a laborer at the Sugar Company’s works, died suddenly aboard the ferry steamer to-day of heart disease. A Home Vessel : , The Tongay, barque, has cleared for London, with a cargo valued at L23,T66. A Law Point. Tdiabu, To-day. 1 The Supreme Court case, v. Matthews and Tresize, closed last evening with a general verdict in favor of defen dants, An interesting point arose in the case. One of the covenants of the ISase was that three consecutive corn crops., should not be taken off the land. Evidence . of several experts was taken and a lengthy ; argument heard as to whether the lessor intended by this covenant to forbid the sowing of a third crop of wheat 'B* ‘ whether to merely forbid the growing to maturity of the third crop. Did- the green crop mean turnips, rape, potatoes, beans, etc., or could im* ~ mature wheat be so designated 1 Opinions were divided, but as the defendants had cut the third crop when in an immature., state, the jury found for them. 1 ■-*' :liV '

THE ASHBURTON GOAHHAN, SATURDAY JUNE 23, 1883.



Money L Money! ! rE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OP NEW ZEALAND, wtad, are prepared, through their agent, T. :.QL. Drorvan. East street, to LEND MONEY oh Ashburton approved free hold 1 OIT leasehold property, repayable by ; «ither monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or instalments, or for a fixed period, i The Company are also open to DIS COUNT Bills. mi J. 0. DUNCAN, Agent, East street. ' THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no efbrt to place before the public a MO3T COMPLETE ASSORTMEN T •T , NEW WINTER.MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in SfEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manqffutured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers. still further advantages than hithirtbjhnd THIS GOODS, \|£6h inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. AISINOLa GAKMKNT r ”“ AT WHOLESALE PKICK. SHIRTS,' HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



STATIONERY OF EYERY DE SCRIPTION. Aeoount.Books Ink—from small to largest jars School Books—-School Committees sup plied at lowest rates latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. AU the Borne Journals, Magazines, and . by every mail. Subscribers * :nti wsSttid for any Magazine or Paper published. jindre-wes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., tEjurr street Sooth Ashburton. n!5 W N D. WS>/ SUBSCRIBERS TO 008 CIRCULATIN G LIBRARY ANDREWES BROS., BoSKsellers and"- Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 'F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, £6 TO •jP .. , : :;D.AVIS , S CHEAP ’i?WNITUBB AND RED . ACTORY, CdtSiTO-ST BEE T SOUTH, ASHBURTON. /1/LAPTA t'V— .llO/ • - ’ VERY article Sold at Christchurch cm - ’dad guaranteed bes. of i ° J^d / woirkmanflhip., FUNERALS CHSABLT A OOMFXJtTBLT FU»NIfII£RI>



Wanted WANTED— A strong GIRL of about 13 or 14 years of age, to help in a private family; duties light. Apply Office of this Paper. 1436 WANTED Known— 'l wo or three Gentlemen will fmeet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevor-on. 1443 WANTED TO LET—An 8-roomed HOUSE and Garden, in Burnett street east. Apply on the Premises, to Mr Rooney, Burnett street, Ashburton. 1378 WANTED Known —A. Oku is selling all shades Berlin Wool, 6d ; Finger ing ; 2s 6d per hank ; Crewel Embroidery Silk, all shades, 2d per skein; Stays, Is lid 1417 WANTED Known C. Hawkins, Ashburton, will hold aFortnight’s CLEARING SALE of BOOTS and SHOES, commencing on SATURDAY next, at extremely low prices, to clear out his present Stock. 1442 WANTED Known Women’s Stock ings at 6d per pair; Children’s Socks, 2d ; Gloves at 6d ; Wool Jackets at ls6d.— A. Orb’s Cheap Sale. 1416 WANTED KNOWN — Hates and Co. have a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. aul2 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— That Mr Dan Lea has Opened his Gymnasium next to Harrison’s Auction Rooms. An inspection of his calisthenics of every description is invited. 1344 \\T ANTED Known—lf you want to W buy a Cheap Drapery Parcel, go to H, C. Segebs, Compton’s Buildings, Moore street. Sale now on. Every article reduced. 1350 A NTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., an be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED Known —A. Obr is now holding an extraordinary Cheap Sale to clear out all surplus stock previous to stock taking. Goods greatly reduced. 1413 Special Advertisements. AND FOR SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the



Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 acres. The block haa bean SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sectiors having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at 6| per cent, for a term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 ACRES. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered.'' For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au H. M. Jones H AS NOW ON VIEW A PINE STOCK OP PIANOS. FROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Schwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. OK INSTRUMENTS TO Ot /Co SELECT FROM. /CO HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH 0 o,° ! s. 0 Lmost won derful instru- N Ements of the day. T7I Music by the y*rd. A child XLi Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a O piano. Pianos en hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on * TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d OOBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARB CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 I AM CASH PURCHASER or. BRIGHT MILLING Oats, IN ANY QUANTITY. ALBERT ROBERTS, 753 r West street.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has beea achiever) in the Old Country by the introduction of the “Numbered Parcel- System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thou ands of parcels being for warded to the order of distune customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. 0. Brown and Co,, from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under c n st price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth \ £ 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 I 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6 £ 1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 j household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 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 S 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 Itoslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid .0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels ... ... ... ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 1 2 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 lg‘>od black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 6 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet ... 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb er toilet quilt ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ...O 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6



£ll 16 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... ... ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 1 1 0 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... ... ... ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 06 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains — A very complete trousseau. Our No, 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price 1 Ladies’handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. F.C.O. made payable to EC. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362