SHIPPING.

?ORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wakatipu, b.b- , Port Chalmers. Taiaroa, s s., from Fort Chalmers and Oam&ra. ■ Mary Ellen, schooner, from Wellington. To-day. Te Anau, s.s., from Melbourne, via Southern ports. Rotorua. s.a., from Northern ports. _ Sailed. Yesterday. Devonport, -barque, for Auckland. ... Taiaroa, s.s., for Manukau via way 1 To-Day. Rotorua, s.e., for Dunedin.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Hawea, for Southern porta ; Recamia, for Akaroa; Zealandia, for Dunedin; Louise, for Sydney. Wellington, Yesterday. ” Arnved—Rotorua, from Picton and Reason; Napier, from ciai barque, from London; Sophia R. Lnhrs, barque, from Newcastle. . Sailed Rotorua, for the South; ’Wakatu, for Kaikoura and Lyttelton. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Waihora, from the North. Sailed—Sea Gull, brigantine, for Auck land; Te Anau, for Auckland.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office,

Jhursday afternoon,

Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. report upon the Live Stock market in the Ashburton dis trict for the week ending October 2, 1883 : On' Tuesday last we held our usual weekly sale of cattle, sheep and pigs. In sheep the entries were- .fairly numerous and of the description clearance at values fully is per head advance apon latte rates. The attendance of fanners, butchers, dealers and others was above the no doubt, drawn from curiosity ■td see now much the Winchmore sheep_ (sold by us) would bring. The sheep, 200 in the line, were the cynosure of all eyes, being really magnificent sheep, large 1 sized, well-woolled and brought forward for sale in the pink of condition,, reflecting the greatest credit, upon the grazier, M. Stitt, Esq. These sheep sold aiirtuu'fqs fid, 19s qd, 20s 3d to 22s per head, and in ,oqt .opinion were the best, sheep ever sSid in Ashburton. yards. We also sold 80 alias;' 210 crossbred hoggets at 12s 2d; 50 do at lis id; 200 crossbred hoggets at ns; 200 h ggets at rrsßd; no cuumerino ewes at 2s 3d; 7° merino ewes at ss; etc., etc. In cattle the entry was small and very-little business was done. No entry of ptes.;.. Our quotation for mutton is to 3d-perlb; beef, 20s, 22s fid to 25s per roolb.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave ■ Ashburton foe Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 - i a.in. > . and (Express) 5.37 Tunis'ljEaVb Ashburton for Timaru Souifi, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25. a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p.ni.—the latter pro ceed&g no farther than Timaru. Trains l 'Arrive at Ashburton from OheibTchuech at 10 15a.m. (Express), p.m.;'and 7.16 pim, , ’IAHJfe hAKBiVE at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.40 a.m.,5.27 p. m. (Bxpreaa), ftnd 8 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

H AUCTION sales Saturday, October 6. Wafajnn, Oat, and Co., at their rooms— Farm. Messrs Matson, Cox and Go., at Tatter-

■all's—Town Sections. Messrs M*taon,Cox and Co., at Tatter- Harness, &c. Mr Thus,' Bollock, at the Arcade, Burrett Section. Mr T. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnet (rtieet—Thoroughbred Entire. V TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c -V ‘ Friday, October 5. Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation—Meeting of Committee, at the ■ A^rcada,Chambers, at 3 p,m. 1 . Saturday, October 6. Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association —Horae Parade. Wednesday, November 14. Ashblirton Agricultural and Pastoral Association —Annual Show. Monday, October 15. Borough Council,-: at Borough Council Chamberpot? o’clock. Wednesday, November 7. Ashburton ‘County Council —at Council Chambers: 11 a. m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1883. Mr Dargaville and his Constituents.

Whatever may be the general opinion throughout the colony as to the con duct of Mr Dargaville during last session of Parliament, the resolution passed at the meeting held in the Auckland Theatre Royal yesterday evening shows that that gentleman’s constituents are perfectly satisfied with him. We know of what material popu lar heroes are usually made, and the outrageous behavior of the representa tive for Auckland City West is appa rently a recommendation in the eyes of a certain class. It would perhaps be scarcely fair to criticise the speech simply upon the telegraphic summary we have received, although it is doubt ful whether any fresh ground was broken. Mr Dargaville evidently knew he was addressing a friendly audience, who would be ready to ap plaud anything he said however ex aggerated it might be. He seems therefore to have piled his abuse upon the head of Major Atkinson even more unsparingly than he did in the House of Representatives. The Auck land electors were told that the Premier was “ unscrupulous,” that his chief weapons were “ vulgar raillery and coarse invective,” and that he had at his beck and call a servile press, ready to support him in anything he might do. This is the kind of ranting stuff with which the groundlings like to have their ears split, and it is a matter of supreme indifference to them whether the allegations put forward have any foundation in fact or not. When Mr Dargaville incurred the contempt of all right-minded men, by his reckless charges of corruption against Major Atkinson and MrWniTAKEßhebecame aware that if he was to attain notoriety it must be upon an altogether lower level than the House of Representa tives, He has found that level in the assembly he addressed last night, as was evidenced by the following resolu tion, which was carried unanimously;- “That Mr Dargaville, M.H.R., de serves the best thanks and confidence of his constituents and of the colony for his action in the House last session, and especially for his unflinching advocacy of the right of free speech for the representatives of the people.” The well-worn simile of the three tailors of Tooley street occurs to us when we read that a few of the electors of Auck land City West —the majority of whom were probably present out of curiosity, caring nothing about the matter under consideration, either one way or the other—accorded to this member the thanks of the whole colony. It is not impossible that after this Mr Darga ville will come to fancy himself no in considerable figure in New Zealand politics, and he certainly has attained a notoriety in inverse proportion to his legislative ability. Admitting that he possesses some powers of oratory, albeit not of a very refined kind, we know of no other quality that would mark him as specially fitted for a representat iye of the people. And yet forsooth, this is the man that is regarded by his Auckland constituents as the champion of freedom of speech How has he used that freedom himself ? He has taken advantage of his position as a member of Parliament to bring the vilest charges of corruption against Ministers, and when those charges have been clearly disproved he continues to re-iterate them with greater violence than ever. If the Auckland people are satisfied with their member, all that we can say is, so much the worse for them, but they have certainly no right to arro gate to themselves the position of spokesmen for the whole colony. How ever, it is probable that Mr Darga ville has recognised by this time that his potilical career is blasted, so far as Parliament is concerned, and he has consequently determined to reign su preme in a lower sphere. He has nearly all the qualifications that go to make a successful mob orator —un- blushing effrontery and an entire ab sence of any sense of responsibility in his utterances —so that there is every chance of his succeeding in his new role.

The master of the Home desires to ac knowledge with thanks the receipt of a parcel of clothes from Sergeant Felton, Mills, the patient at the Auckland Asylum attacked by t|>e lunatic Schnell yesterday morning, has djed of his in juries. The warder has been suspended pending enquiries, A deputation waited .on the Hon Mr Dick at Dunedin yesterday, to ask that the Industrial School children plight be allowed out on parole to go to church, not in a body, but mixing with the various congregations indiscriminately. The Hon Mr Dick promised to consult the master of the school on the matter.

-On Tuesday afternoon last Mrs Trevor, Miss Fish, and Miss Johns were the means of causing a ve y pleasant time for the inmates of the Home by playing seve ral selections on the piano, which were excellently rendered, and the _ inmates showed their appreciation by their hearty applause.

At the Police Court this morning a man flamed Jerome Camilla was charged with being drunk and al«o with using bad lan guage. For the first offence he was discharged with a caution, but on the other charge he was sentenced to pay a fine of 20s with the alternative of 48 hours’ imprisonment. Mr R. Alcorn, J.P., was on the Bench. The horse parade to be held on Satur day next promises to be successful, although the entries are not so numerous as they were last year. Twen'y horses will be shown, but the quality of these animals is out of all comparison superior to any that 'have previously visited this part of the colony, In our report of the cheese factory meeting published yesterday, a printer’s error occurred. The cost of making a pound of cheese when milk was at 4d was not stated by the Chairman to be the enormous sum of 59s 6d, but fivepence and nine sixteenths of a penny. The opening match of the Borough Cricket Club took place on the Domain ground yesterday afternoon, there being about twenty members present. Sides were chosen by Messrs L. F. Andre wea and Amos and after about two hours’ play the game resulted in a win for the laller team, the scores being as follows Mr Amos’s side, 61; Mr L. F. Andrewes’ 49. G. W. Andrews (with 13) and Dr Leahy (15) were the highest scorer* for the losers ; and Marsh (with 29) and A. Fooks (with 8) played well for their side. A meeting of “ interim scripholdera ”

in the proposed Alford a id United Com panies, was held in Christchurch last evening. The meeting had been convened by advertisement,’ “to call upon the licensees to present the balance-sheet, and wind up the affairs of the above Com ppnios. ” A stormy discussion followed in which some personalities were indulged in, it being freely stated by one or two speaker's that the licensees had deter mined to stick to the money obtained from scripholdera. Eventually the follow ing motion was carried: —“That the licensees be asked to produce abalmce sheet, and give other information respect ing the working of the Companies.” It was also decided that a Committee be appointed to protest against the registra tion of the Alford and the United Com panies, and take whatever steps they may deem necessary to wind up the same. A meeting of the members of the Hos pital and Charitable Aid Board was held at the County Council Chambers yester day afternoon, there being present Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman;, D. William son, and J. Lambie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Some misunderstanding arose on account of the complete returns not having been placed before the Board. Mr Madden explained that he had not been aware that the receipt books and returns of arrears had to be handed in each month. He could lay the hospital cash-book before the Board if required that moment. The members considered the master’s explana tion satisfactory, and he was requested to furnish at each meeting a statement of arrears, and the receipt and cash book for inspection. The architect’s report on the hospital buildings was read and consid ered. The monthly accounts were passed and the Board adjourned.

The two boys, Janies and Alexander Roy, charged with the" manslaughter of Henderson, the railway fireman who was shot near Wairuna in August 23rd, were tried in Dunedin yesterday. Mr Dennis ton defended. After evidence had been taken, his Honor summed up, and after an absence of an hour the jury returned into Court and asked some questions with regard to the height of the bank and the curves and grade of the line. At 5.25 ‘they returned into Court with a verdict of “ Guilty ” against both prisoners, with a strong recommendation to mercy on ac count of previous good character. They did not think that the firearms were dis charged iflth any intention to injure any one. His Honor agreed with the jury, and said he would give the fullest effect to their recommendation that he could consistently with his duty to the public. So far as Alexander was con cerned, his Honor thought that Iho ends of justice would be met by his father entering into a recognisance for his future behavior —no sentence would be passed. The elder prisoner was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment without hard labor. An amusing story of a mistake comes from the United States. An hotelkeeper living in Raleigh, North Carolina, re cently broke one of his bar-room windows, and being unable to get the damage re paired in his own town, he wrote off to New York for a pane of glass of the re quired size. The measurement was 22 inches by 32 inches, but in his haste Boniface wrote “ feet ’’ instead of “ inches," and in consequence his order rather astonished the glassmakers of the Empire City. They could not, they soon discovered, manufacture a sheet so large, and bearing in mind the magnitude and apparent importance of the order, they at once telegraphed, to France for what they required. A Paris manufacturer hap pened to be able to roll a sheet of the necessary superfices, and at the earliest possible moment he did so, and shipped the result to New York. In due time the huge parcel, which on account of its size could not be forwarded by rail, reached its destination ; and on opening the hotelkeeper found a mass of glass an inch thick, and as large as the floor of a ban queting hall. But what was worse still, the Paris manufacturer’s bill came to more than L6OO, and the charges for transport and insurance amounted to nearly half as much again.

Mr Neate, chemist, notifies his removal into his new premises in East street in our adver tising columns. The concert to be held under the auspices of the FJemington Tonic Sol-fa Class takes place this evening at the Flemington Schoolbouse.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following business was transacted yesterday after we went to press:— ferryman. It was resolved to ask the Geraldine County Council whether they will contri bute their subsidy to the ferryman at the Lower Bangitata.

WATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE,

Mr Taylor was appointed a member of the above Committee in the place of Mr Wright,

A RECREATION GROUND. Mr Macfarjaiie made an application to the Council to grapt police reserve No. 2027 to be a recreation ground for Alford Forest.—The application was granted. A OLUM. The claim of Mr Croy for L2 was passed. PLANTING BLOCKS. On the motion of Mr Bullock, seconded by Mr Taylor, Messrs Winter, Walker and the mover were appointed a Reserves Committee with power to act. TENDER. The tender of Furneaux and Dunlop for Coldstream race, at Is 4d per ciiain and 5s per ford, was accepted. NOTICE OB' MOTION. Mr Bullock gave notice that he would move at next meeting— “That a water rate fee struck in accordance wijth Mr Baxter’s suggestion after next meetipgj and estimates to bp prepared. The Council then adjourned till the 91st inst.

RANGITATA BRIDGE.

We are indebted to the Timaru Strald for the following report of what took place at yesterday’s meeting of the Geraldine County Council The Ashburton County Council having made a peremptory demand for half the cost of the Kangitata traffic bridge exten sion, carried out by them, at their last meeting this Council resolved to employ Messrs Marchant and Meason, engineers, to make a professional examination and report upon the work. Their report was now tea ' :n follows :

The Chairman, Geraldine County Council. As directed by a resolution of your Council, we have the honor to enclose our report on the strength and condition of the Rangitata bridge extension. We may say that evidence concerning the manner in which the iron piles were driven has been collected from several and trustworthy sources, and having inspected and contract plans at Ashburton, we have every confidence that the details set forth in our report represent as nearly as possible the tru; facts. We carefully examined the bridge extension, and tested each span and pier by means of a travelling load of about 24 tons, and results of which will be found in our re port. We have, etc., F. W. Marchant, G. Laing-Meason. REPORT ON THE RANG tT AT A BRIDGE EXTENSION.

Wrought Iron Pile Foundations. These consist of 18 piers of 4 piles each, or 72 piles in all. The piles are 38ft long and 6in in diameter; each being in three lengths, scarf welded together. We found that 13 piles out ofjyz were broken in driving, at first weld from head of pile. None of these broken piles were drawn or replaced by new ones, so that there are 59 piles in the bridge of full length, and 13 about 26ft long. The fracture of these 13 piles took place in nine cases above the capsill level and in four cases below it. We believe that the piles which broke above capsill level were driven down to that level, while those that broke below were drawn up a few feet above the level, and then re-driven to it. The con dition of these four piles must be considered very unsatisfactory. Fortunately not more than one of them exists in any one pier, and we feel convinced that the other three piles composing a pier must be sound and fully driven, or they would not have stood our test as satisfactorily as they have done. We may add that no apparent necessity existed for such a proceeding, as there are at the present time four or five full length extra piles still unused. Inspection of the broken pile ends shows that breakage was due principally to unsound welding, besides which the iron exhibits a highly crystalline and “ cold-short” fracture. We cannot offer any decided opinion on the condition of the lower welds of piles beyond the fact that should the welding be defective, the l tendency to fracture whilst being driven would be considerably less in their case than in the case of the upper welds. Load Test on Bridge.—To enable us to form a sound opinion of the strength of the bridge, and the manner in which it has been built, we tested each pier and span by means of a travel ling load of- 24 tons weight. In no case did we find any vertical movement in the iron piles composing the piers, while the lateral vibration was only that which the soundest and strongest material would have exhib ted under the circumstances. Though we think that the arrangement and jointing of the girder members might have bee 1 iniproved upon, still they are of ample strength, [the deflection of the girders under the test jload being within reasonable limits, and without permanent set. Abutment at North end of Bridge.—This is supportel by the walls of a concrete culvert previously existing at this • point. The wing walls and face of the abutment have been pro tected by a boulder apron, consisting of stones to an average size of about half a cubic foot. There is no doubt this boulder apron will be swept away by a very moderate stream, and we think some inexpensive means might be adopted to enable the abutment to resist more scour than it will be able to do with the pre sent protection. However, should the river really set in at that point the only safe course to adopt will be to extend the bridge still further. Conclusion.—After having very carefully considered all the forces in connection with this work, and having made the necessary calculations, we have formed the following conclusions 1 That the bridge is of sufficient strength to withstand the heaviest travelling load ; 2 that in no case would the point of the shortest piles be less than 14ft below the lowest scour of the river, which we consider a suffi cient depth ; 3 that the piers are of sufficient strength to withstand the lateral pressure of the swiftest and deepest flood occurring in the river, even if only two piles in each pier were sound and of full strength. (In this conclusion allowance has been made for the collection of flood rfibbish round the piles.) (Signed) F. W. Marchant, A.M. Inst. O.E, G. Laing-Meason, O.E. The report was considered very satis? factory by the members present. The Chairman expressed himself well satisfied with the test. It was made with two wagons loaded with shingle. They started from the north end, and he advised them not to take the loads over the old bridge —he did not believe it safe, but he did not know whether they took his advice or not.

la reply to a question whether any writ had yet been received from the Ashbur ton Council, the Chairman said he had written to the Chairman of that Council asking, as a favor, that the writ should be withheldluntil after this meeting at any rate, seeing that steps were being taken to obtain an engineer’s opinion about the work.

Mr Talbot thought it would have been quite unjustifiable for the Ashburton Council to go the length of issuing a writ. However, the engineers’ report being satisfactory they must now see about pay ing. The accounts ought to be examined first'to see that they were correct and fair. A rate must bo struck, but it would take some time to collect, and as the Council had some money on fixed deposit, he would suggest that that sum be handed over in the meantime. He would move first—“ That notice be given in accordance with the Rating Act 1882, that a rate of one farthing in the pound on the rate able value of the County will bo struck at a special meeting of the Council to be held on Saturday, 20th October, the same to be a general rate for the period ending March 31st, 1884, and payable in one sum on November 10th next.” Mr Talbot spoke in favor,of making th« rate as low as possible in view of the dulness of the times, and a rate of one farthing he showed would be quite sufficient. They had about L 1,700 in hand, and such a a rate would produce about L 4,100, so that after paying the Ashburton Council’s claim of about L 4,000 and deducting ex penses, they ought to have a balance of L 1,500. The following motion was also carried:— Moved by Mr Talbot, and seconded by Mr Ululee—“ That the Ashburton County Council be asked to accept the sum of L 1,500 now available for immediate hand ing over to them, and that the balance be allowed to stand over pending the collec tion of the rate now to be struck, this Council guaranteeing full liquidation on or before December 31st, 1883.

MR DARGAVILLE AT AUCKLAND.

Mr Dargayille addressed the Auckland City West constituents last night at the Theatre Eoyal. There was a large attend ance, and ho was well received. Senior Councillor Wadde 1 presided. Mr Dargavillo said he would at once proceed to remove any lurking prejudice that might remain in their minds owing to the unfair manner in which the recent quarrel with the Colonial Treasurer had been put before the public by the Gevern ment org ns. He described Major Atkin son as a professional politician of some twenty years’ experience, able and unscru pulous, his chief weapons in the Houss vulgar raillery and coarse invective. These, together with the consciousness that the golden wings of a great political Bank were spread over and around him, and that three-fourths ol the Ifress of the colony were in his interest, made him so insolent and domineering that) many Opposition members even trembled to speak before him. There should be

no mealy-mouthed sentimentality in ' dealing with such a "'an, and even the observance towards him of the more refined courtesies of debate would be about as incongruous as taking one’s hat off to a nnstiff. The charges of political corruption were then referred to. The late Attorney-General’s (Stout) opi nion and the Solicitor-General’s opinion were read to show thit the loan to the Bank ofTtfew Zealand of a quarter of a million without security for twb years was illegal; and the fact was not yet generally known that the Government had during the last hours of the session hurriedly passed through both Houses a Bill legalis ing that and other similar transactions, which was claimed as a triumph and a vin dication of his (the speaker’s) accusations respecting that matter. Mr Dargaville then referred to the grossly unfair treat ment of the Controller-General, a high officer in Parliament, by the Treasurer, in respect of the illegal payment away by the latter of L 192.000 in June last, and also in respect of the Controller’s memo to the House, pointing out that a member of the Ministry held LB,OOO of the public money in his (the Minister’s) own name in the Bank. The speaker then referred to certain disclosures made before Hie Public Accounts Committee, having reference to other financial trans actions of the Government and the affairs of the Insurance Department, especially dwelling on the fact that after action had been taken on the 20th June in the House by a member of the Opposition (Mr Hutchison) enquiring into the circum stance that so large a sum as L 2,900 was paid to Mr Thorne, and while the House was waiting the production of a certain return relating to the Insurance Com missioner, , Mr Luckie, on the 4th of July, entered into a fresh contract with Mr Thorne for two years and a-half longer, thereby placing it beyond the power of Parliament to make any alteration with out fully compensating Mr Thorne. The Treasurer was made aware of this contract at the time it was being made, and did not stop it. The report on this outrageous proceeding, prepared by the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee for pre sentation to the House, was suppressed hy the Government vote on that Com mittee. Such things would never be dared to be attempted if there existed in the colony an intelligent strong united public opinion. The present form of Government administration precluded thit Island was played off against island, and district against district, so as to en able any set of designing men and a cor rupt Government to work put their own schemes and keep themselves in power. To such an extent was this now guing on that he believed it was leading the public mind to consider whether separa tion was not, after all, desirable. This he would regard as a great public misfor tune, and with a view of rendering it un necessary and securing the unity of the colony as a whole for all time, he thought each island should have provided for it political autonomy, matters of colonial concern only fjo be dealt with by a central Government of one chamber in Welling ton, with a Governor, Her Majesty’s re presentative, at its head, these to in clude the management of the public debt, ; external and internal defence, Customs, ! administration of Justice, marriage laws, bankruptcy law, and all such mat ters, as are of common interest through out the colony, while' our rail ways, telegraphs and public works, lands, hospitals, gaols, lunatic asylums, chari table aid, and outlying harbors, licensing and all such matters of local concern, should be dealt with by the Governments of the respective islands. The benefits of direct and intelligent public opinion would thereby be secured. The power of the wealthy oligarchy that had kept the present governing families in office so many years and burdened the colony with an enormous debt, grinding taxation, and a huge and costly Civil Service, would thereby be lessened and eventually de stroyed to the lasting benefit of the whole colony. In reply to questions, he said he was not in favor of the abolition of the Legis lative Council and one Uhamber at Wel lington. The Council was a useful check on the House of Representatives in hasty and ill-considered legislation. Ihe following resolution was carried unanimously—“ That' Mr Dargaville de serves the best thanks and confidence of his constituents and of the colony for his action in the House last session, and especially for his unflinching advocacy of the right of free speech for the represen tatives i’f the people.” The following resolution was about to be put when an alarm of the tire bell broke up the meeting—“ That with a view to securing and preserving the unity of the whole colony and a better administra tion of government it is desirable that there should be a reform of tfia Consti tution, providing a political autonomy for each of the two islands of the colony.” Three oheers, however, were given for Mr Dargaville, and three for Sir George Grey.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ASHBURTON GAS.

To the Editor.

Slr, —It seems to me a short-sighted policy of t he Gas Company charging the almost prohibitive rates that they do. In other towns in New Zealand the gasworks are under the Municipal Councils, and those bodies do all they can to encourage the use of gas, both for lighting and cooking purposes. I don’t [for a moment mean to say that we are to be charged as low rates as in Dunedin and Christchurch, but I do say that a vast reduction might bo made, and 1 feel sure, with proper management, the result would be an in crease of returns to the Company, as the use of gas would be almost general.—l am, etc., Suggestion. Ashburton, Oct. 2.

A REPLY.

To thk Editor.

Sir,I—ln 1 —In last night’s issue of your paper in a letter re ploughing appears one of the most ridiculous statements I ever heard tell of in ploughing. I refer to where the writer says that a certain plough had the coulters two inches to land of the share, and I have no doubt that many a plough man will have a good laugh over it when they saw such a statement in print. How anyone could plough with their coulters in such a position at all, not speaking of the party getting a prize, will be a mystery to many. But as I can recognise in 3 “ JPloughboy ” an old acquaintance, I am not much surprised at it, as the same party once said to me in speaking of a certain mould board that it did not pack well six inches behind the share. As to thejstyle, of ploughing, that is a very debateable pointj; but having made ploughs for all the different pans of New Zealand, 1 know that every part of the colony, but the Canterbury plains—be tween Timaru and Amberley—will have nothing}|»lse but the so-called false cut, and in reference to the effect of that style of ploughing I refer you to the statistics of the last harvest where the C.utha county had the highest yield per acre (forty-five bushels), and their usual style of ploughing is two inches of cut, and Ashburton County with the lowest .(2a bushels), and ail our land ploughed with the flat furrow. ' ' . That any ordinary plough will make a round crested simply by altering the share, is another statement equal $6 that of the coulter ; but as I have no in tention of enlightening the writer on that

point, I would merely remark that ha had setter try a pair of.auch shares on a plough that has got the board fitted for a flak furrow, and invite all the Methven farmers to see it at work. In fact, Sir, it would be like trying to fit an angle af 45deg into another angle of 20dsg 1 In regard to another statement in the letter, I may state that before the match in Ashburton, two years ago, I asked one of the champion ploughmen in this dis trict if they would allow any false cut hare, and his. answer was—that he hoped so, as there was not much credit in plough ing any other way, as any fo >1 could turn, a flat farrow.

If the so-called “ Ploughboy” had ever before seen a coulter set for ploughing lea land he would have known better what it was for, and at the same time he would not need in match work such extras as skim coulters and grass knives to cut the corners of the furrows as they cannot otherwise hide thair grass, and no dgnbt very useful to boys, but things that, any champion ploughman that ever I know would scorn to use. As I have no intention of trying to hide myself behind so transparent a screed as “ Ploughboy,” I sign myself, Peter Walk*a.

SPORTING.

NORTH CANTERBURY RAGES.

The following are the nominations-for the events of the North Canterbury Races, to be held at Rangiora on October 26

Open Hurdles.—Mr A. W. Dillon's Hercules, Mr J. Lloyd's Nikao* Mr A. McAlpine’s Rattier, Mr P. Jonee’ Fair Play, Mr J. Forward's Schmooxer, Mr Atkins’ Ravenewood, Mr O’Brien’s Mel bourne, Mr r. Sheenan’s Psyche. ' /1 District Hurdles.—Mr J. 1 Hood's Nikm, Mr P. Jones’ Fair Play, Mr Hillier’s Chanter, Mr W. Stack’s Pen rose, Mr J. Martin’s Wiwi (late Glen) Mr D. Kennedy’s Moa, Mr H. McLean’s Clansman, Mr G. B. Starkey’s’ Tfce Masher. ' \l J •

N.C. Cup. —Mr A. W. Dillon’s Her* cnles, Mr P. McEvedy’s Trumpeter, 'Mr P. Butler’s Emir Bey, Messrs Mason thd Yiillanca’a Jack, Mr M. Duncan’s Mor. • Tbot. —Mr 0. J. Parker’s Duchess.Mt T. Milner’s Cock Robin, Mr A, P. aittart’s Miriam, Mr A. W. Dillon’s Wanaka, Mr J. Harper’s Dolly, Mr' :W.'_ Jackson’s Ohoka Dick, Mr G. Seawopd's Mite, Mr J. Hicks’ Moonlight, Mr'J, E Winsloe’s Mischief, Mr M Hamer’s Pat, Mr H. McLean’s Peter, Mr J.- Sunckell’s Lunatic, Mr J. Smith’s Nelly, Mr H. March’s Peggy. - - • ■VI i Publicans’ Pubsb. —Mr A. W. Dillon's Hercules, Mr P. McEvedy’s Trumpetop/ Mr P. Butler’s Emir Bey, Masars Mason and Vallanco’s Jack, Mr M. Duncan’s Mor, Mr T. Goodman’s Statesman,’ Mr T, Sheenan’s Psyche, Mr T,‘ ShoAdan’s Gold Coast. 1

OAMARU RAGES.

[by telegraph.

Oamabu, To-dsy V : The Oamaru Spring Race Meeting opened to-day, : with glorious weathkf. The attendance was about 300. The fol lowing are the results ’ Maiden Plate. ■ Molly Bawn ... ... 1 , Baraaby. ... ... ... . 2 , Statesman ... ... ... 3 Seeing Handicap. Violin ... ’ ... 1 Adamant ... ... ... 2 ■ Taiaroa ... ... ... 3 Adamant led to the mile post,. 'when Violin took the lead, which Jie maintained to |the finish, winning by two’ lengths ’Taiaroa was a bad third.

CABLE NEWS.

LATbST FROM fcUROPE.

[reuter’s telegrams—copyright.] Political Squabbles in Franco. Paris, Oct. 2.

'The latest authentic information ,fully confirms the report that have been- cur* rent of a split in the Cabinet; is now no doubt but that a rupture in the Ministry has occurred* And. it is understood that Ministers await 4 meeting of the Chambers, .which- takes place on the 23rd inst., to announce the fact. It is stated that the Minister consider that they have been tt&iflßl with discourtesy and indignity by M, Grevy, and complain of the Presidents interference with official actions of his son-in-law, M.'Wilson, . -o ' Arrested- M. Antoine, Deputy for the city of Metz, has been arrested at the order of the Government on a charge of treason.

The King of Spain. Madrid, Oct. 2. . King Alfonso returned to this city" to-day, and was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the populace. His/Ma-, jesty received an ovation of unequalled magnificence, and was warmly cheered - along the route to the palace. An open reception was held by the King daring the day at *he palace, and it is esti mated that fully thirty thousand per-, sons took part in the proceedings bn the occasion.

The Conservative Leader. London, Oct 3.

Sir Stafford Northcote, who is now

visiting the North of Ireland, arrived yesterday at Belfast, where a fete was organised in his honor. Monetary and Commercial. ~.. London, Oct. 2.

Consols have declined and are now quoted at ioifs. New Zealand securities remain at the following quota tions :—Five per cent .10-40 Loan, . 105^; Four and a half per cent 1879-1904 Loan, 101# ; Font per cent inscribed stock, The mar ket rate of discount has advanced to and the Bank rate to 3 per cent. Adelaide wheat remains at 45s 6d, ex store; and New Zealand ditto at 40s to 445; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 33a. Australian, tallow, best beef, 40s, best mutton, 41s. The Wool Sales.

The catalogue at to-day’s wool sale comprised 8,900 bales. The market continues firm.

[Received Oct. 4,12.50 p.m.] * Serious Rising in Hayti. ' London, Oct. 3. _ Telegrams are to hand from Hayti,

West Indies, stating that a serious ; native rising has occurred at Port-ajj- • Prince the capital. A large bodjr of blacks entered the town and attacked the foreign merchants, several qf wbqm - were killed and others were severely maltreated. The rioters also pillaged the business premises and private - houses of the merchants and committed great havoc. A body of marines from the rnen-of-war in port landed to quell the outbreak, and in an encounter which took place with the rioters seve ral marines were killed. France and China. Park, Oct 3. It is stated that the feench Govern: ", 5 . ment has ‘de|ivered an ultimatum to the Chinese Envoy in fegard io the diffi culty in Tpnquin. It is understood that the Government refuse to cede tkt

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER i, 1883.



goirrioanes o’ Bielaad Bbsls. Special Bargains. gBLMSQ OFF, MUST BE SOLD. Drawing-room Suites in splendid Vel c .ves, walnut aide-board with marble top ip all patterns of walnut, Beal Leather Dining-room Suites, in , mahogany, anti side-boards to match Everyolass of Furniture. Utenailsof every . Jdod-for House Furnishing. Must be sold, as I want to CLEAR OFF all^ifyilarge and varied Stock. JbMi Meecli, PORKITUBE WAREHOUSE, Burnett street. 9 484 ■■■ 1 ' —i—: JF YOU WANT GOOD AND * FURNITURE,



GO h ftrl ri I TO DAVIS’S OHBAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, • bast street south, a '.'ASHBURTON, IVBBT. article Sold, at Christchurch ' -MJJ P&icnu, and gjwmteed bea. of ■ad worknc*aship NEBALS .TUKWaHKD w



Wanted 57ee Silted Loonies. Scotch Concert. WANTED Known—TO LET, that very conveniently situated CoT CAGB in Burnett street, lately occupied ay Thomas Dudson. Only three minutes’ walk to any part of the town. ALBERT ROBERTS, } 629 W st street, Ashburton. WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 7600 Land of the Free. Scotch Concert. WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the tovn in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work add fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207



WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement ; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, foruae of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344



Jensy’s Town Hall,ißth October



Special Advertisements.



STOP THAT COUGH 1 PON’T DELAY.—How can you stop it? Where'is the Remedy. Bonnington’s PtSCTORAL OXYMEL OF GARBA GE UN or IRISH MOSS (registered), “can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for the purpose. Sold everywhere. —G, Bonninoxon, Christchurch.



A NDREWBS BROS, Are now selling everything at a GREAT SACRIFICE, For Cask 77



REAT CLEARING SALE. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY, Commencing Saturday, August 18th. STATIONER!, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, Etc. A GREAT REDUCTION IN THE PRICES OF ALL OUR GOODS. An Inspection Solicited. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East street South Ashburton. nls



The Laird o' Oockpea. Town Hal



Dimant and Gpe, ABE Now Showing their first parcels of SUMMER GOODS, Comprising, Trimmed and Uuntrimmed Hats, Laces, Prints, Plain and Fancy Sateens, Galeteas, Dresstuffs, Mens’ and Boys Clothing, Shirts Also, A splendid assortment of Mens’, Ladies’, and Childrens’ Boots and Shoes. All goods marked in plain figures, and offered at prices to compete with any house in Christchurch or Dunedin. VICTORIA H OUSE, Lower end East street, DIMANT AND GOE, Beady Money Drapers, Clothiers, etc. 9528



THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCAN TILE COMPANY, LIMITED, JJ AYE FOR SALE AJVERY COMPLETE Threshing Plant, By Ransome —almost equal to new, and for which terms ate specially easy. Also, SEED OATS AND BARLEY RYE GRASS ; NEW CLOVER SEEDS WOOLPACKS, Exo., Exo. All at lowest current rates. Wm. HORNE, 12 au , Agent.



New Sangsters-Hew Sangs. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing factory HAVii spared no effort to place before the pdblic a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS.



The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and



THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GABMEHT AX WHOLESALE XKICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Aglhts for the Unrivalled WEHTHEIM SEWING MACHINES



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to 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 cost price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels wo 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. I, 20s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth 1 £ B. d.



1 dross piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 1| good velveteen to match dress 0 5 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 1 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... 0 2



£ 1 9 10 OurJ,No. 2,30 s household parcel, contaiu a— 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 ... ... ••• 050



£2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains — Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Hmpreaa black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz now style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame 08 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ...0 3 11



£2 12 6 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3,yds silesia lining for same ...0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ... ■ ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 017 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 ...020



£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 1 pair good heavy white sheets 6 good value honeycomb towels 6 yds heavy. Welsh flannel ... 14 6 9 6 4 0 8 0



£3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Boslyn 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 10a, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash* mere 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6



v £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth



20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 6 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... ...100 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey-



comb towels ... 2 white antimacassars 2 white toilet covers



6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 I superior white linen tablecloth 0 11



£ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere 11? 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... ... ... ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0



6 Ladies' linen handkerchiefs 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose.,.



£5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— Avery complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Dsual price I 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 ones 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 & 00., Fashion House, Christchurch, 1992



Special Advertisements. Sillor-toaguscl Lassies. Q ct - 18 - & 1 fiVr : - r 1 J m fe^rOlTV, Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent. PIPE ORGANS.—Especially suitable for Churches. Far superior to any Reed Organ near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of onstruction. Price—Ll2o. REED ORGANS.—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Easby and Co., New England Company and Clough and Warner—from LI2 12s. PIANOS. Brinsmead and Sons, Broad Mood, Collard and Collard, Erard, Pleyel and others. Dresden Model, and German and French manufacture, with test improvements.



PB' DEFERRED PAYMENTS Wholesale and Retail.