SHIPPING.

*OET OP LYTTELTON. Sailed. T*stkr»at. Suva, •.«.» for Ohalmert, via ■ Timara. Orowaiti.s.*., for Westport. . Hseroto, for Sydney, via Wel lington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS- IooKLUiD.YeEterday. BMled—Rofcozaa, for &s &;«’-<! , WBLUHG'jTOM, xftaterartT* Arrived— Kangaroo, from Westport ; Charles Edward, from Nelson the West Coast: Eliza Firth. hripnrti-* ,?r ok ■■ "Sianedin ; Manaw-tu, from Vi -Wcc^ - &dlod-~W»»>al:a, ig? FAC - - eon ; Tai, for Manukau and _ l&rs. u ,~ ' Alexa, barque, for Lj ; . for Melbourne, via the Soot.u DrKKDIx, St-Merday. «tssUd—Haw»a, for the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTFON SA LBS TafirßSi'ar, Jolt 5. B. Davisa and Co., ?i. South Stock, a quantity of u. »nd «’»»- dries ; also, 1,000 l s 'rut£ r -raes ; i |/-ra. •j ntsr>Jolt UJ Jfatson, Cot and Co., at ti;e /.shlM-u;>j! Tatii.--- ■ ’•■ MftTiiTTKGS. AMUSEMENTS, &<-■ Ws.RIiBSDAY, July 4, _ AahbutUa A. and P. AssoGrAion— An nual General Meeting, e‘- the Arcade Chain hers, at 3 p.ni. Mostjxv, Jrt-v Borough Gouocii, at ."■■ovongh '-■ st “ 3 - Chambors, as o’clock. ?/LllSii.iiiAAj _ , Ashburton County Council —at Loan* Chambers ; 11 a. m. Friday , > tjgtjtt 8 Ashburton Pourlty, Pigeon and C»«y Association—Th«d Annual Show, own HallFirrtd^^^^^^g*.

TRAVELLERS' GUIDE

‘ jCaAWB Leave Ashburton wwjj™®: t -chueohand intermediate BtatJ“» t7 -10 Tm., 10.55 a.m., and (E*j«“) 5 - 37 c£S*s Leave Ashburton and South, at 6.50 a.m. ' 'CEipr®sß),and 4.45 p . m ._velatter pro ceediiiE: no farther than T aaru * , Truss Arrive at FEOj ' 4 : OhbKXOHUROHi at 10 H-™* {Express,, 435 p.m., and 7.15 p.r Trains** Arrive at A^to. Timaku and South : iU - qu ,ia --' ’•“* “ "■ 1 i_l OTTO

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1883. The Budget.

The Colonial Treasurer’s Budget re veals, in a striking manner, the hollow ness of the system of finance which the colony has been pursuing for many years. Unfortunately, the public does not like the study of finance, and it does like a free-handed expenditure. The Colonial Treasurer of New Zea land needs only to stuff his annual Budget full of figures—the more con fusing the better —and to affirm that the year’s operations have resulted in a “surplus,” and John Bull in these islands is quite satisfied. Sir Julius Vogel, even when he was paying no inconsiderable part of the ordinary ex penditure of the colony out of loan, always contrived to exhibit a “ surplus” in the year’s accounts, and everybody agreed that he was a remarkably clever fellow and the pnnee of financiers. His successors have followed in his wake. Major Atkinson last year worked out the substantial credit balance of and with this large sum at his command declared that he was in a position to reduce tax ation, and the Property Tax was ac cordingly lowered. Troublesome per sons of the “ I want to know, you know” class, indeed, asserted that the surplus was all moonshine; that if all charges which ought to have been made against the ordinary revenue had been so made the surplus would have van ished, and that in order to put the colonial finances on a sound footing, the taxation, instead of being remitted, should rather be increased. The colony would, however, insist on being deluded into the belief that the colonial finances were in a highly flourishing condition, so the Properly Tax was reduced. Now the surplus has vanished, and the Treasurer tells us that for the forthcoming year he must increase the Property Tax by one far thing in the pound, and even then he will only have to come and go upon, supposing his estimate of revenue is realised, which seems doubt ful. Major Atkinson, for instance, calculates upon getting an increase of in his Customs receipts ; but looking at the state of trade as dis closed in his own Budget, we cannot believe that any increase whatever is likely to occur in the Customs revenue for the financial period 1883-4 over that for 1882-3. The receipts for Stamp Duties during 1882-3 were, moreover, abnormal and are not likely to recur ; and it is further to be borne in mind that every session large sums are voted—frequently exceeding in the a ßg re g ate j£3 2 t°°° —the form of Supplementary Estimates, and if the same course is pursued during the pre sent session, it is probable that Major Atkinson’s paper surplus will dis appear even before the Assembly is prorogued. One cause of the dis appearance of the orthodox surplus is the circumstance that last year the whole cost of the Armed Constabulary was charged against the ordinary revenue, instead of being partly de frayed out of the loan fund, and the same thing is to be done in the future. We cordially agree with the Colonial Treasurer that“ the principle of pay ing the whole cost of the Armed Con stabulary out of revenue has so much to recommend it” that it is to be hoped “we shall not again consent to charging any part of that cost against loan while it is possible by any reason able effort to provide the necessary means from ordinary revenue,” es pecially when we find that to borrow a million of money last year—and under favorable circumstances too —cost the colony no less than in hard cash. The Armed Constabulary in peace time is obviously part and parcel of the ordinary Civil establishment, and its cost should be defrayed out of the ordinary revenue of the colony. To manufacture surpluses by charging it, either partially or wholly, against loan, is merely deluding the people. One most important feature of the Budget, especially to the inhabitants of rural districts, is the threatened break down of the system of local finance initiated last year. Under that system the Land Fund was to furnish;£too,ooo a year towards the construction of main roads by local bodies ; but in this, the second year of the scheme, the Trea surer can only see his way to get ,£28,284 from this source. The Land Fund is always a shifting quantity, and the Government having yielded to some extent to the popular demand, or what is supposed to be the popular demand, for leasing the Crown lands instead of selling the freehold, finds that the change has produced a marked effect upon the territorial revenue for the year, although, of course, in the long run the colonial exchequer is not likely to suffer, seeing that it will get a series of annual payments instead of lump sums. For the present year the Colonial Treasurer proposes to tide over the difficulty in the usual manner, viz., by having recourse to the Public Works Fund; in other words, a charge which was intended and ought to be defrayed out ot the ordi nary revenue is being quietly shifted on to loan. We look upon this as perhaps the most unsatisfactory part of the Financial Statement, and as fully justifying the general condemna tion which Major Atkinson’s local finance bills received both from the Legislature and the country. Local finance is the hardest financial problem which the Government has to solve. Major Atkinson has hitherto been un able to solve it; nor has any member of the Parliamentary Opposition yet propounded a rival scheme to the Treasurer’s which is worth considering. Ever since the provinces were abolished this problem has been presenting itself for solution. It has been evaded by a variety of temporary expedients, but the financial necessities of the colony, which compelled it to seize the provin cial revenues, and brought the provin cial system to an end, are again gather ing head, and unless our colonial finan ciers display more capacity in the future for dealing with this important question than they have done in the past the colony may again be subjected to a serious political convulsion.

The Moral Training Bill.

Nobody could have had any doubt as to what would be the fate of the

little Bill for providing “ moral training in public schools,” which was brought up by the reverend member for Dun edin East. It is to be feared, however, that the crushing defeat sustained by that small party in the House which would have us believe that a majority of|the people in the colony are dissatis hed with the present system of educa tion will fail to recognise even now that they have been fighting for a hope less cause. The intention of Mr M. W. Green’s measure was to compel school committees to appoint “ special periods during school hours, not to ex ceed thirty minutes, at which Bible reading lessons shall be given under the supervision of the teacher, and also for the inculcation of lessons in moral ity. It would be unreasonable to expect anything like logic from Mr Green, but the speech he delivered on this occasion was even more hopelessly illogical than that gentleman’s utter ances usually are. The ostensible object of the measure was to provide moral training, and he would attain that end by compelling the children to read the Bible, for thirty minutes each day, comments to be made by the teachers, although all denominationalisra was to be avoided. Is it possible that the member for Dunedin East can believe that even with the best intention what ever remarks might be passed by a schoolmaster would not represent’the latter’s particular cast of thought ? The idea is simply ridiculous, and if the Bill had passed it would have been nothing less than a return to the very system of denominationalisra which Mr Green professed to deprecate. Then again he shifted his ground, and argued that if the Bible *was not an inspired work, it had a value as history, and for that reason it ought to be read in our public schools. It is at any rate a novel notion that children can be taught morality by learning that certain events happened, or are supposed to have happened, many thousand years ago. It would be idle to deny that in these days a disbelief in the Bible as a his torical book is very widespread, and a conscientious teacher would find-it a difficult business to explain certain passages without instilling a doubt into the young mind, which would ripen in after years into absolute disbelief. But the matter, when all is said, resolves itself into the question, Is it the duty of the State to do more than impart a good secular education ? The colony has long since decided this in the negative, and discussions on such Bills as that of Mr Green are nothing more nor less than waste of time. It may be noted that even among the small number that voted for the second reading of the Bill, two members, Messrs Ivess and Feldwick, only did so on condition that it was made per missive, an amendment that the mover agreed to, while such thorough-going Presbyterians as Messrs Fulton and Macandrew were actually willing that the Douay version of the Bible should be read rather than none at all. So far as we can see, leaving the matter of Bible reading in the schools optional with the Committees, would tend to intensify sectarian differences, as the question would form a battle-ground at every annual election. However, the periodical debate has taken place, and it is satisfactory to know that we have heard the last of this fad for the present session at least.

It is stated that Mr Fish, M H.R., has resigned the chairmanship and member ship of the Otago Harbor Board. ;

Mr E. G. Wright left here for Wel lington yesterday morning and was a passenger by the Hauroto, which sailed from Lyttelton in the afternoon. There were so many visitors to the lonic at Lyttelton yesterday as to interfere with the work on board, and no more Visitors will be allowed till Thursday. The following letters from ’places be yond the colony were received at the Ash burton Post-office during the month of May, and remained unclaimed on Ist July, 1883:—O. W. Baokstrom, John Cocks, G. Fletcher, Patrick Kelly, James Stewart.

At the Dunedin Supreme Court yester day, a man named John Jones, formerly well known in Ashburton, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for forgery. Previous convictions were proved against him, and the Crown Prosecutor said that it was not unlikely he had committed the crime he was charged with in order to get into gaol.

In a recent case at the Dunedin Su preme Court a point as to costs was re served. Yesterday his Honor gave judg ment for costs on the whole amount re eb rered, including the sum paid into Court. He said he had communicated with all the Judges of the colony regarding the point whether costs should be given on an amount paid in, and they had agreed with him that they should be. The Southland Hussars..half-yearly in spection of arms and accoutrements took place at Invercargill yesterday. Notwith standing bad weather and the great dis tance at which most reside, fifty-two out ot sixty-three were present. Major Thom son, commanding the Southland district, inspected, and expressed himself pleased with the men and movements, and com plimented them in turning out in such force. Major Burrell and Captain Gard ner were in command.

The spell of fine weather which we have been enjoying lately has been rudely broken, and to-day has been about as unpleasant as it is possible to conceive. As may be imagined, the Tinwald Sale yards were deserted, and not a single head of stock was disposed of under the hammer. The unpropitious weather has caused the postponement of the Juvenile Temperance meeting, which was to have been held this evening.

A meeting of those favorable to the establishment of a branch of the Blue Ribbon Army in Ashburton was held last evening in the vestry of the Wesleyan Church. There was a good attendance, and Mr R. Alcorn was voted to the chair. Mr H. G. Berryman was appointed hon. secretary. Mr Kilworth explained the mode of procedure adopted by the Blue Ribbon Army at Home, pointing out the particular importance of the preparatory prayer meetings, and the necessity for a choir. On the motion of Mr Berryman, seconded by Mr J. Scott, it was re olved that it is desirable to hold a gospel tem perance mission in Ashburton by three public meetings on consecutive evenings to take place in the Town Hall, the dates fixed being the 16th, 17th, and 18th of August. It was further decided that the ministers of all denominations in the town be requested to preach temperance ser mons on the Sunday prior to the mission, and that the Revs. Taylor and E Best, with Mr J. T, Smith, of Christchurch, be invited to deliver addresses hero. . The organising of a choir for the mission was entrusted to Mr Weeks, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman and the pro nouncing of the Benediction the meeting adjourned till Monday neat.

The brig Moa, about which anxiety has been exhibited at Auckland, was spoken by Captain M'Cabe, of the brig Vision, on June the 23rd. off the Kai kouras, “all well,” wishing to be re ported. The wind was northerly when the Vision sooke her, so by this time she has probably reached her destination.

The Committee of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, at a special meet ing, passed the following resolution : “ That the Committee of this Chamber, believing the proposed Bankruptcy Bill to bo a great improvement on existing Acts, express the hope that Canterbury members in the House of Representatives will use their influence in securing the passing of the Act during the present session of Parliament.” —“ That the fore going resolution be communicated to the various Canterbury representatives.”— “ That the President teleg.aph the fore going to the various Chambers of Com merce in New Zealand, with a request that they communicate with their members to a similar effect.”

A meeting attended by about 150 stock owners, farmers, and others was held at Timaru on Saturday afternoon to consider the dismissal of Mr James McDonald from the post of Sheep Inspector for South Canterbury. Mr Orbell, of Levels station, was voted to the chair. It was stated that Mr McDonald had been sheep in spector foe twelve years, and had invari ably given satisfaction, but he had now been summardy dismissed without any reason being assigned, and a man who had never been in the Government service before had got his post, through political influence. Great indignation was ex pressed, and it was unanimously resolved to ask the four members for the district to use every effort to get Mr McDonald reinstated. The affair has aroused an unusual amount of strong feeling in the district.

A moafc disgraceful act of wanton de struction was perpetrated in Ashburton some time between Saturday and Mon day. On the shutters being removed from the windows of Mr R. Alcorn’s es tablishment yesterday morning, it was discovered that some evilly disposed per son had broken three of the large panes of glass. Two of the windows have been struck in places covered by the shutters, so that the damage must have been done while the shop was open. This renders the affair somewhat mysterious, as con siderable violence must have been used, the windows being strong plate glass. The other breakage is higher up, and has evidently been caused by a stone or a heavy stick. Mr Alcorn’s loss by this dis graceful piece of larrikinism is about LSO, and the matter is now in the hands of the p dice.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Debating Society took place last even ing at the Arcade Chambers, the President Mr 0. Hogg, in the chair. Two new members were proposed, and after the usual routine business a debate on the question “Is drink the chief cause of pauperism in England?” was proceeded with, Mr S. E. Poyntz leading in the affirmative. He quoted statistics in sup port of his contention, going into the matter at considerable length. Mr Hughes took up the negative side, and after a keen discussion a vote was taken, and it was decided that the “ ayes had it” upon the casting vote of the Chairman. The subject for debate at next meeting is “ Can morals be taught under our present so-called Godless system of educa tion,” to be opened by Mr Cape-William son.

The following reply has been received from the Minister of Lands to the petition recently forwarded to him from the Avon side constituency on the subject of the West Coast railway;—Gentlemen,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, of the memorial forwarded to me by you, in which you request me to “carry out my former ideas of constructing a railway to connect Canterbury with the West Coast with the least possible delay, and to insist upon the LIBO.OOO allocated for the Northern extension to be spent in con structing a railway in a westerly direction so, ultimately, to connect the Eait and West Coasts of the Middle Island.” In

reply, I have to beg you to accept my as surances that I shall continue to consider this matter with a view to promote the best interests of my constituents and of the colony, and such course as I feel it my duty to follow I shall take an early opportunity of explaining to you on the rising of Parliament. I have, etc., W. Rolleston.

The usual monthly meeting of the Tin wald School Committee was held last evening «n the schoolroom, there being present—Messrs Joseph Clark (chairman), Ennis, Jones, Lawrence, Tippetts, and McKenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were r.-ad and confirmed. Corres pondence was received from the Board of Education, stating that the amount of salaries and incidental expenses was paid into the Bank to the credit of the Com mittee ; also, from the master giving his report for the last month, showing that the average attendance had very much improved. The Visiting Committee for last month reported that repairs to the gymnasium were much required, also that the lean-to of the master’s house leaked badly. It was resolved that the Chair man write to the Board of Education asking for the sum of L 4 for these very necessary repairs. Accounts to the amount of L3B 3s Id were passed for pay ment. It was proposed by Mr Ennis, seconded by Mr Tippetts, and car ried —“ That the school be closed for the winter hol'days fr-'m the 7th to the 15th July inclusive." The Visiting Committee appointed for the present month we e Messrs Tippetts and McKenzie. This being all the business the meeting then adjourned.

When the brain is wearied, the nerves urn strung, the muscles weak, use Hop Bitters. Read.— [Advt.]

Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’“ Rough on Corns.” Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Don’t Die in Jthe House.—“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabb. ts, gophers, Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Wanted Known—That J. Meech is im porting all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockery ware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetting. A variety of tinware and other cooking uten sils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattvasses —in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. All kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J. MeeCH. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.]

Holloway’s Pills. —The chiefest wonder of modern times. —This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the globe astonishes everybody, and a single trial convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all complaints incidental to the human race They arc a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of the blood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action arc the prolific sources of the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. [Advt.]

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

A SUGGESTION.

To the Editor. Sir, —Hearing a great deal about the poisoned wheat that the County Council have been and are still giving to the far mers for the..destruction <<f small birds, I write through your uio hum to suggest the desirability of the graziers being sup plied with a small quantity, as the farmers pest bleed equally as much on the grass farms as on those used for tillage. The lark, their greatest enemy, hatches its young more in meadows than on arable land, Also having been informed that the wheat that has this year been prepared for this district, has already dene great execution, would it no', be advisable for the County Council to grant the stock owners soma of the deadly poison, and thereby successfully accom plish the good work they have under taken. By kindly inserting this sugges tion in your widely spread journal you w ill greatly oblige yours truly, Spero Meliora.

ASHBURTON FORKS RAILWAY.

Meeting at South Rakaia, Yesterday a meeting of- ratepayers who object to bo rated for the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway, constructed under the District Railways Act, 1876, was held at Howell’s Hotel. Owing to the Supreme Court being held in Christ church, a number who would have been present were absent, and the meeting was not largely attended. Mr J. C. Wason took the chair, and read the minutes of the last meeting held at Methven. He then called the attention of the meeting to the statements made by Mr Hart (the Chairman of the Railway Company), in his annual report to the shareholders last week, and he then went en to say that his property derived no benefit from the line, and yet he was rated in the highest class for some of his land. The Company’s proposal was now to strike a rate on the rateable value of lands instead of an acreage rate, which he considered most unfair to many if not all. He then read a petition which he had drafted, and he hoped that some gentleman present would pro pose its being circulated and sent to Well ington without delay. To the Honorable the Speaker and mem bers of the House of Representatives in Parlia ment now assembled, the huirble petition of the undersigned ratepayers of that portion of the Ashburton County, situate in the district proposed to be assessed by the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway Company. That the said Company having, in various ways, evaded and broken the District Railways Act, 1876, purpose petitioning for legislation to cover such evasion and breaches of the said Act. That the Company are not entitled to any relief from the Legislature, which would pre judice the rights of your petitioners in a Court of law, as the following facts clearly show : That township lands were excluded from the district as being liable for any rates, and yet included for the purpose of voting in order to secure to the Company a majority in number of the ratepayers. That the district was classified by acreage, improved and unim proved, good, bad, and indifferent lands all jumbled together for the purpose of securing to the Company a majority of value. That the votes of the ratepayers of the Alford Forest district were procured by the most unjustifiable means. That the Company issued their own voting papers, and procured signatures in a manner contrary to both letter and spirit of the Act. That the present rates proposed to be levied by the Company are entirely out of accord with those which were gazetted as being the rates payable in respect to the railway. For instance, in addition to various stores, warehouses, etc., in the district, there are four large hotels, each worth, ’ say, Lsoo a year. To secure the votes of such of the hotels as were then open, the Company gazetted a rate of pd per acre, or say 2s fid per annum full rates, f t the four hotels. The Company now purpose to levy a rate of is 1 upon the value, that is to say, an annual charge of Lll2 10s for property upon which they gazetted a rate of, say, 2s fid, and the same injustice would be done in respect of the various stores, etc., in the district Before as senting to any fresh legislation, your petitioners respectfully suggest to your Honorable House the appointment of a commission to enquire into the truth of said allegations. And your petitioners will ever pray, etc. nir McFatiarie proposed, and Mr Allan, on behalf of the New Zealand and Aus tralian Land Company, seconded—“ That the petition be taken round lor signature, and forwarded to the House without de lay.”—Carried. Considerable discussion then took place in connection with the manner in which the Company had been started at first, and the manner in which the District Railways’ Act had been broken by the Company. Messrs Mann, Mackie, McFarlane, and Allan were the principal speakers. Mr Mackie then moved the following resolution—“ That in the opinion of this meeting it is expedient that a petition be prepared and circulated for aignature in this railway district, and respectfully praying the Government to take into con sideration the question of taking over the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks railway, and that the member for the district be asked to present it during the present session of Parliament.”

This v.as seconded by Mr Minn and carried unanimously.

It was decided that Mr Mackie should have the petition prepared at once, and sent round the district to all those in terested for signature. The meeting then adjourned.

UNION INSURANCE COMPANY.

[by TELEGRAPH.] Christchurch, To-day. The sixth annual meeting of the Union Insurance Company was held at noon to day. The report of the Directors re commended that out of the profits of the past year a dividend of 10 per cent be declared, LIO,OOO carried to the revenue fund and L 9,210 carried forward to next year. It was unanimously adopted. Mr J. T. Peacock, Chairman of Direc tors, said that the Company had con tinued to make steady progress during the past year, as was evidenced by the fact that the premiums amounted to L 17,269 more than during the preceding year. He said the business of the Com pany in San Francisco was rapidly increasing, and to give the Company a better standing in that city the Directors had invested LIO,OOO in United States Bonds. During the last two months op erations had been further extended by opening a branch in India, and by pur chasing the business of the Mutual insur ance Company of Auckland. The wind ing up ot the latter Company was, he said, another proof that the time for small companies to exist in New Zealand was rapidly drawing to a close. Alto gether the prospects of the Union Com pany were pf a very satisfactory char acter.

Replying to questions, the Chairman said the Company had only lost L 1,509 by the sinking of the ship VVaitara in the English Channel ; also, that there was no intention to call up more capital. Messrs J. Palmer and Cunningham, the retiring Directors, were re-elected.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from oun PARLIAMENTARY correspon dent. ] Wellington, To-day. A writer in the Times to-day says “ Disappointment and confusion prerails among Canterbury and Westland mem bers anent the West Coa-t Railway ques tion. They have sought an alliance with the North and South, but failed to draw other members into a working partner ship. Their log-rolling proposals are found one-sided. It was supposed they could join with the supporters of the Otago Central Railway, but Otago mem bers ‘ don’t see it..’ Auckland members have also been sounded, and here again the;conditions are found not to be equal. It is true that outside support is wanted for getting a larger grant out of the present loan for continuing the Otago Central line, it is equally true that members from the far north complain of the small share allotted out of the loan'te continue their through railway to the Bay of Islands, but this clear difference is found to separate the schemes: that whereas the Otago Central and the Auck land Northern extension are provided for in part of the loan, and are thereby pledged to be completed by annual instal ments, the contrary is the case with the Canterbury to the West Coa.t railway, which would require a separate loan,! of two millions, and no other railway could get a share out of that amount. ' If, therefore, a log-rolling alliance were made with the North and South, it would have to be on a scale of share and share alike. When these three railway schemes Were lumped in a triple alliance, each, wquld claim two millions, which wouldtnean a new loan of six millions sterling. -The danger would be that such an alliance could control a majority of votes, Bu£‘it is fortunate that the conditions make this dangerous alliance impossible, and the fact is realised that the West Coast rail way will have to be treated on its separate merits," I believe that is now the general opinion in the House. * •

SPORTING.

MELBOURNE OOP. [rsDTßr’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT,J, Melbourne, Yesterday.-: The following weights for the Melbourne Cup were declared to-day:—Aberfoyle, 7st 91b ; Achilles, 7st Alb ; Ad Valorem, 9st; Aide de Camp, 7st 51b ; Albury, 7at 61b ; All Silk, 6st 131 b; Anglesey, 7st 101 b ; Archie, Bst 31b; Athena, 7st 21b; Belmont, Bst 51b ; Bisbis, 6st 81b ; Black. Diamond, 6st 91b; Boolka, Bst 61b; Bordeaux, 6st 91b; Bescawen, 6st 121 b ; Britisher, Bst 11b ; Bundoora, dst 51b ; Buttercup, 6st ,71b ; Calma, Bst ; Caractacus, 7st 51b ; Chryao phrase, 6st 71b ; Ohuckster, 7stl3lb; Clap trap, 7st 3 b ; Comet, Bst 51b ; Commo tion, 10st lib ; Colstoun, dst 31b ; Con jecture, 6st 131 b ; Copra, 7at Alb ; Corio lanoa, 7at lOib ; Countess, 6at 71b ; County Squire, 7at 71b; Coup d’Etat, 7st 61b ; Cuba, 7st Zib ; Cunnamulla, Bat lOlb; Delusion, 7st 31b ; Despot, 7st; Dirk Hatteriok, 7at 101 b; Doncaster, 7«t; Duenna, 7st 31b; Duchess of Albany, 6st 111 b ; Dukedom, 7st; Dunstair, 6st 71b ; Ericthoneus, 7at 71b ; Esmond, 6st 7lb ; Essex, 7atllb; Eva, 6st 101 b; Lavo, 7st 101 b ; First Demon, 6at 71b; First Water, Sat ; Footstep, 7st 111 b. This message was interrupted, last night.

[Received July 3, 3 a.m.—Delayed in transmission between Australia and New Zealand], .

Melbourne, Yesterday,

Additional Oup weights: —Forest King, Bst 31b; Glencoe, 7st 81b; Gloucester, 7at; Goldtiader, 7st 111 b; Grosvenor, 7st 4lb; Guesswor.i, 9st 4ll> ; Gyusana, fist 7lb; Hesperides, Bst Bib; Hilltalk, fist 8 b; Ike, 7st 81b; Ironhand, 7st3lb; Jack of Clubs, 7st 71b ; Jessie, 7st 9lb ; Joan, 6st 71b ; Kathleen, 7st 31b; Kathleen Mavourneen, fist 91b; King Charles, 7st 21b; King of the Vale, 7st 41b ; Kingsdale, 7st 81b ; Kit Nubbles, 6st 101bKohinoor, 7«t; Kibean, 7at; Legraud, Cat 71b; Leloir, fist 121 b; Linda 6st 101 b; Little Jack, Sat 81b; Lord Clifton, Bst 2ib; Lord Lisgar, 7st 81b; Lord Mandeville, 7st 41b ; Magnet, Sat; Maid of the Hills, 7at; Malwa, 7et 41b ; Martini Henryk 7st 4lb; Masewade, Bst 51b; Ment more, 6st 71b; Merman, Bsc 41b; Middle march, 7st 41b; Milparinka, Gat 71b; Mis taken, 8»t 101 b; Morceau, 7st 2lb ; Mor- : peth, Bst; Mountebank, fist 121 b; Mrs 1 Jatley, fist 71b; Navigator, 9st 111 b; Ne pean, 7st 4lb; Nicholas, Bst; Off Colbr, 7st 12ib; Pailleroo, 6st 71b; Palarenda, Gat 71b; Pellmeli, 9st 61b; Pevefcil, 7st£'Mb; Pollio, 7st 121 b; Prioress, 6st 131 b; Prodi gal (Stubbley’s), Bst 31b; Prodigal (Wil son’s), 7st lib; Prometheus, 7st 8lb; Rail lery, 7st 21b; Recovery, 7st 2lb; Redbapk,- 6al 7lb ; Robert the Devil, fist 121 b; Ro?A Mary, fist 71b; Rubina, fist 71b; Santa Claus, 7st slb; Sardius, fiat lllb; Sardonyx,, Bat 131 b; Segenhoe, 9at 31b; Sensatibb, fist 91b; Silver Arrow, fist 101 b; Signor, 7st lib ; Sir Modred, 9st 81b; Sports man, fist 91b ; Spread Fagle, fiat 71b; Sting, 9st 7lb; Stockwell, Sat 131 b ; St. Lawrence, 7it 7lba ; Suwarrbw, Bst; Sweet William, dst 51b; Taurus; 7st J 4lb; The Beau, fist 10lb ; The Drum mer, 9st 71b; The Gem, Sat lllb; The Vagabond, 7at 8lb; Thorntopper, 7st; Too-too, fist 71b; The Plunger, 9at 41b,! Trump Yoss, Bst 31b ; Vernet, fiat 121 b ;' Wahgunyah, fiat 7lb’; Warwick, Sat; Waterloo, 7st lllb ; Waxlight, 7st 3lb ; Welcome Jack (Wagner’s), 9st 41b; Wel come Jack (Pilbrow's), 9st; Willeroo, Bst 121 b; Wizard, 7st 4lb; Wotouga, fist 71b ; Yately, 7at 71b ; Yattendon colt, 7flt 4lb ; Zulu, 7atlllb. THE , J3TDNET METROPOLITAN. Sydney, Yesterday. The weights for the Sydney Metropoli tan Stakes were declared to-day. Com-, motion heads the list with 9at 121 b; Navi gator carries the second highest weight, 9at 61b.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[bKDTEr’s TKLEGKaMS COPYKI&HT.I [Received July 3, 3 a.m.—Delayed in transmission between Australia and' New Zealand.] Accident. London, July 2. Captain Shaw, the Superintendent of the Metropolitan Brigade, fell from a ladder while directing the operations at a fire in Long Acre last night, and has seriously injured his back. The Pacific Islands Question- ~ If has transpired that Sir F. D. Bell, Agent-General for New Zealand, in London, will draft the statement which Lord Derby requested the Colonial . Agents-General to draw up jointly, with regard to the proposed annexation of the Pacific Islands, for the consideta-r tion of the Imperial Cabinet. Comte de Ohambord- Paris, July 1. The Comte de Chambord, head of the elder branch of the Royal Bourbon family, has been seriously ill for some time past, and all hopes of his recovery have now been abandoned. ; The Cholera in Egypt. i Alexandria, July 1. -x. Notwithstanding the measures which have been adppted to localise the cholera epidemic, the disease continues to spread rapidly. Several deaths'Jtt'e now reported to have occurred at

i'HE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 3, IBb3



.pplying to JOSEPH CLARK, Ashburton & Tinwald. H. M. Jones tab now on view a fine il STOCK OF PIANOS, FROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Soho, in walnut; also one by Sohwaroh tobmth TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, Arid' others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. >A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. fyO 25 _ HARMONIUMS harmoniums. Accordions, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. ■ PH 0 o? the 0 Lmost won derful instru- N Ements of the day. Music by the yard. A child E M ean play it. Very cheap. Justfhe Q thing for those who cannot have a O piano. Pianos on hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for ; MILNER & THOMPSON. A Largo Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d j, AN ~D FO R SAL E The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY,' All that ( COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 acres. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sootiers having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CHOPS ON THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase u required to be paid, the balance t« remain on mortgage at 6$ per cent, for m term of years as may be agreed on. >V.’ ~We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm J/T » a Containing 1026 acres. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, ■‘••and well watered. For farther particular* apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN = AGENCY and mercantile oom ‘ PAKY, LIMITED. Qturwtohnroh orAfaborton, 13ao



Wanted WANTED Known—o. Hawkins hav ing decided to give up the Ashbur ton Branch of his Business, will hold a CLEARING SALE for a FEW DAYS. No reasonable offer refused for CASH. N.B.—All outstanding ACCOUNTS are particularly requested to be settled at once. 1480 WANTED KNOWN— Hates and Co. have a lot of EMPTY OASES for sale. Arcade Shops. an!2 ANTED, by a respectable young "T> ENGAGEMENT W" Useful iislp Turret*. 1 ' ' 1 i *T OJT ! \ V Gtxnt.leru ! wi«. .*.»’. t■- :s f-.mbls home ■ me.;;"' "■ *• H. Tbowf*'n, Tr.j •■u. W ; l r C , ■:* ’ -ii i .;! ' *-• '■'hmOKi-'. rmaitsencvv.g i -- | mm, at .-itcemoly low pr i ,ti nrcs Stock, SATU -:iUy ... to ciuar ous 1442 Wanted known—Thru robes’- * E>.«ton. 80-nsit street. Ashbur- Vn hivins pn« ured ins newest app.ua o ? rer*r«tl ta Sweep Chimneys at „. f , low caloo. Any orders left at tw Tow a H*d will receive prompt attention. T.c.wo cash. WANTED Known kh* O-n L«a ha* Opened . • i ,e ITrr: isrm's '-act-m aa of bis calisthenics <-*< every ' , 1 .. -•*? * i 'Hsi. r.Mn • 1C It. P < . ~* a. i Special Advertisements. I p YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S .TiKAP FUttN'TURE AND *EI>. : manrf actory, S O IT T H .■iSLIBoK t'ON. fjIVERY article Sold at Christchurch ■A Prices and .iranteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED si THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared ne effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMBN T •F NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and 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 feund CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches nowopen in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. Money ! Money! ! THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OP NEW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T . C. Dunjan, East street, to LEND MONEY on Ashburton approved free hold or leasehold property, repayable by either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly instalments, or for a fixed period. The Company are also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. J. 0. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street. O TATIONBRY OP EVERY DE- O SORIPTION. Account 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. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East street South Ashburton. n!6 AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OP WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRABS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 TXT Jl NT E D. SUBSCRIBERS TO OUR CIRCULATING LIBRARY ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 MR LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur ton Guabwah at South Rakaia.



Special Advertisements^ INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel str»et, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply and purchase of useful household drapery, thou ands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro d -d by E. Bkjw.. & Co. ASil 1O N I< •>'J SE. . CHUtstC-'OiC , ■ *■!'ri .. s‘oc£ -jz <?nsral Drapery ■I-*; ;,rt’.'.-?iic.s lias icon purchased by Kro-.-r. On., irm-.t the Trustees . *• ‘'.-...it/, of ■,>:«. lato (■■•»?! of Craig and r i ,;.-v large lis ount off cost T*|.JS ftiiii.lV.-s sold under cost 1 ave ;• g,..«d margin ol profit for the ! • ,r, wluia givmg -cnsnroassed value to 1 . uu'olisser, | -r a!I par ,1.3 we slake cur reputation | <v. the v.diii-- •-■•d, as scggvstod above, re i: ,i the v: - in all where the ,vacle is not aa.i;, Our lie i, its i-iv*® Parcel, contains- Worth i ; £ n. d. i 1 pieco {l2 yds) an. , iade, I -ouch costume .-’.loC-' 0 18 6 |lv 700 ft velveteen to n- ireas 05 6 | ! 3 ;3 s silesia, for lining.- ... 0 I 10 ■ 2 doz now oxydised '-j -9, to mated ... ... ... 0 1 6 i pair warns lined f-j. )ring mft*gloves -- ... 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,80 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame ... ... ... ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3 y«issilesia 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 glovds ... ... ... 02 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, corttains — Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt ... ... ... ... 014 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... . ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid ... ... 06 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 12 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof -crape 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 03 0 1 pair Lidies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 J doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box ../ ... 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £l9, 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 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 Ladiea’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades... ... ... 110 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P. 0.0. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1363



There are more cures made with Hop Bit ters than all other medicines. See flags and all.—[Advt.] Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions—Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious, cathartic. $d and is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agent*.. _, ......