SHIPPING.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

POET OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Takapuna, a.s., from Manukau and way porta. Sailed. Yesterday Wakatu, a.a., for Kaikoura and Wel lington. Takapuna, a.a., for Manukau and way porta-

Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Sovereign, from the Marshall Group; I xplorer, from Sydney Islands. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Kiwi, from Blackhead; Edwin Baasett, barque, from Newcastle; G. M. Tucker, barque, from Newcastle; Kora nni, from the West Coast. Sailed—Kiwi, for East Coast; Rotorua, for Pictqn and Nelson; Manapouri, for Melbourne, Hobart and the South. Txmaru, Yesterday. Arrived—Northern Belle, barquentine; Annie Bow,br»quentine, from Newcastle. Dunedin, Yesterday, Arrived—Jane Anderson, from West port; Wave, from Sydney via Newcastle. Sailed —Wanaka, for the North. Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived—Wairarapa, from Melbourne.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-s. Thursday, December 6. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, at Rakia —Live and . Dead Stock Tuesday, December 11. Matson, Cox and Co,, at the Tinwald Baleyards—Stock. Thursday, December 18. Messrs H. Matson and Co., at their Stores—Wool MEETING-?, AMUSEMENTS, Etc Wednesday, December 5. Town Hall—Concert by the Orchestral Society Thursday, December 6. Star of Ashburton, L.O.L. Monthly . Meeting, in the Arcade Chambers, at 8 ' Friday, December 7. Longbeaoh Road Board, at Road Board . office, Longbeach Monday, December 10. Borongb Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. Friday, January 4. Ashburton County Council —\t Council .Chambers, 11a.m. . Saturday, January 5. Wakanoi Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, January 7. Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1883. The Truth of the Matter.

Our contemporary the Mail in an article published this morning waxes very indignant over some alleged delinquen cies on the part of the member for Ashburton in connection with the visit of the Minister for Public Works to Mount Somers yesterday. This is an old game of Mr Joseph Ivess, and when he wishes to blacken the char acter of Mr E. G. Wright he is not disposed to consider such a trifling matter as adhering to the truth. He lias, however, outstripped most of his previous efforts on this occasion, and has put together as many barefaced misstatements as could wellbecrammed into half a column of type. In telling a story, of course, a good deal depends upon the point of view taken by the' narrator, and when we know that the narrator in this instance is Mr Ivess, it need scarcely be said that every fact is perverted to suit his own private feel ings. And a very pretty story it is ; but the moral attaching to it, when the real truth of the matter is disclosed, is not exactly what the member forWaka nui would have the people of Ashburton suppose. According to the Mail, the proposed visit of Mr Mitchelson was intentionally kept a profound secret, and the readers are asked to believe that had not the lynx-eyed Ivess hap pened accidentally to he on the way to Christchurch by yesterday’s train some grievous wrong would have been done to the County by the Machiavellian Mr Wright, who was, this veracious chronicler hints, carefully shepherding the Minister for the purpose of per suading him to carry the Mount Somers line in some particular direction detri mental to the interests of the settlers. This is the plain English of the Mail's article, and those who know the tactics generally pursued by that journal will understand that no efforts are spared to convey a wrong impression of what took place. Mr Mitchelson, we aie told, responded to the expressed as tonishment of Mr Ivess at the intended visit with the answer that he had com municated with Mr Wright, who, he ex pected, would have informed the settlers of the district, and the infernce is that the member for Ashburton purposely suppressed the information. Then again the assertion is made that the new Minister expressed a belief that the Royal Commission promised by his predecessor in office would be dis pensed with, a remark which we are in a position to say was never uttered, as it is not likely that Mr Mitchelson would deliberately break a pledge made a few months back by Mr Johnston. We have given the gist of the Mail's lucubration, and if the facts existed any where but in the fertile imagination of the writer, we should be inclined to sympathise with his indignation. But, unfortunately for Mr Ivess, the facts of the case are quite otherwise from what our contemporary stated, and when we have given the plain truth it will he seen upon what a shadowy foundation this last exhibition of vindictive spleen on the part of the member for Wakanui rests.

First, as to the arrangements for the Minister’s visit being left in the hands of the member for Ashburton, we can give this a distinct and emphatic denial. Mr Wright was in Christchurch on Saturday, and the first intimation of a final decision on the matter being come to was contained in the public press, and he accordingly saw Mr Mitchel son on the subject, and was invited to meet that gentleman at Rakaia on the following Monday. Even had there been any necessity for Mr Wright to inform his constituents of the affair, time would have been wanting to have done so; but as a matter of fact there was absolutely .10 such necessity, as quite sufficient publicity had been given. As everybody knows, the new Minister for Public Works is at present making a flying journey through the South Island, for no other purpose than to cursorily inspect the various lines. It s no part of his intention to deter mine what routes particular railways will take, and had the notification, the absence of which the Mail so in dignantly deprecates, been forthcoming, it is simply nonsense to suppose that Mr Mitchelson would have spent the few hours at his disposal in listening to evidence got together hastily. It pleases Mr Ivess, for reasons which are as de plorable at» they are obvious, to attempt to raise a false issue by deliberate mis representations, but it is not likely that the people of Ashburton will believe that their member would do anything so gross as to take advantage of a friendly invitation of the Minister to unfairly further his own ends. Then, again, we have the picture drawn by our contemporary, of the member for Wakanui happing by chance upon the discovery of what he pretends to consider a diabolical plot. What a grand opportunity this gives him to blow that trumpet of his ! Private busi ness called upon him to go to Christ church, but on the journey thither he determines to sacrifice himself to his public duty and frustrate the deep laid schemes of Mr Wright, and accord ingly he attaches himself to the party at Methven. But why does he sup press the most dramatic part of the story ? Experience forbids us to put this down to modesty, and we must fall back on the supposition that he found his pen not graphic enough to do jus tice to the episode. Still, we are not inclined to let the light of Ivess be hid under a bushel, and will let the Waka hui constituency know what an ener getic representative it has. Arrived at Methven, it is recorded, Mr Joseph Ivess lost no time in bestriding the steed provided for him, and dashing past his more quiet companions, he soon left the buggy containing the latter in the rear. What was the reason of this haste ? The ) member for Wakanui was hurrying to I

carry a flaming sword through the land of Alford Forest and Mount Somers. The arch-enemy of the settlers was coming, and if some effort was not made to defeat his plans, the Mount Sorr.ers line would be extended in the wrong direction. Away hied the gallant Ivess to the homestead of the trusty Macfarlane, there to be met with the doleful tidings that the man he sought was absent. This was, however, not a time to spare horseflesh, and soon the estate of Mr Smith was reached, and here, alas, disappointment was also awaiting the member for Wakanui, and when he arrived at his destination the only gentleman whose presence it had been possible to secure was Mr Peache, who came armed with a large map. Even then the victory gained does not appear to have been a very brilliant one, for when it was triumphantly pointed out that most of the land on'one side of the river be longed to the Hon. W. S. Peter and Mr Wright, the latter said that he was willing that the terminus of this much canvassed line should be at the town ship. This must have been gall and wormwood to Mr Ivess, whose constant endeavor has been to spread abroad an idea that the member for Ashburton wished the line to benefit his own land —a statement which has as much foundation as most things coming from the same source. We have no intention of saying more on this subject at present, but our readers will see that the accusations of the Mail against Mr Wright are from first to last only those of an unscrupulous enemy, who leaves no stone unturned to injure one whom, had the mem ber for Wakanui a proper sense of his duty, he should assist in furthering the interests of the dis trict. We are glad to say that this petty jealousy on the part of a repre sentative towards his neighbor is ex ceptional in the colony, and it will be a good day for Ashburton when it ceases to exist here.

The outward English mail, via San Francisco will close at Ashburton on Sat urday morciug The tender of Messrs Muir and Reid for the new schoolroom in connection with St. Stephen’s Church has been ac cepted. Two foreign sailors who left the May Queen in the port of Nelson, on a raft a week ago, were apprehended yesterday in Aniseed Valley. They had been out 01 the hills since landing. They were sent to gaol till the ship sails. ilu New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following telegram, date I London, 33th Nov., 1883 :—Mut on tallow : Fine qualities are in good demand at 42s 6d per cwt. Beef tallow: Market un changed. The explosion at the Owake Powder Mills on Thursday did abovt L2OO worth of damage, the whole building being de molished, and some of the lighter machi nery damaged. The explosion is attri buted to a fire which was started near the mill by men engaged in the bush felling timber. It is expected work wdl be re sumed in three weeks. The Boys’ High School will play an eleven of the County Club to-morrow on the ground of the latter, play to begin at 2 30° sharp. The County team will be chosen from the following : —L F. An drewes, J. Fooks,JJ. A. Caygill, Makeig, Polhill, Wroughton, Quinlan, Simpson, Davis, C. R. Andrewes, Amos, Crisp, and . others. A narrow escape from a serious acci dent occurred to-day. The iwo horse i attached ti an omnibus which was about i to convey the Willmott Company to Methven this morning, bolted from the r yard of Quill’s Hotel aud ran down Bast street. Mr Mcßae was thrown off the box, but we are glad to say did not sus : tain any serious injury, and the animals were brought to a standstill by coming > into collision with a trap belonging to Mr i John Ashton, which was standing oppo l site the Union Bank. The cross ba • of ihe omnibus was broken, I ut the horses were not hurt. At the Mataura yesterday morning a fire broke out on the premises used by Mr 1 E. Steele for the manufacture of rabbit exterminators. Mr from the building badly burnt, but his son, a boy of ten, was rescued in an unconscious : state by a neighbour. The building was destroyed. Mr Steele and the boy are so much injured as to be unable to state how the fire origina ed. There was a slight accident at Dunedin on the Roa'yn tramway lino list evening Tne man driving gripped the rope too 1 quickly, and the car jumped off the axle tree. He then tried to put a brake on, but it did not act, and the car began going down the hill at a fast rate. The passen gers jumped off, but another driver who happened to be on the car rushed to the gripper and got hold of the rope. One passenger fell and got a slight cat. At the inquest on the man Young, at Dunedin, a verdict ot “ Suicide while in sane ” was returned. The dead was evi. dently premeditated, as the deceased loft a letter explaining about the owners of articles of jewellery left in his shop for repair, and also a letter addresse I to tins reporter of the Otago Daily Times The jury added that no blame was attachable to Mr Cunningham, who was deceased’s uncle, and father of the girl alluded to. The garden fete which takes place to morrow week in aid of St. Stephen’s Sunday School Building Fund promises to be a great success. A number of stalls for the sale of fruit, produce, and needle work, etc., will ba on the ground. Lawn tennis, croquet, 'and other amusements will be provided, and a fine art exhibition will take place in the parsonage. We are requested to invito the lo in of any works of art or vertu for the exhibition from those of our readers who are willing to contribute towards the success of the gathering. During the evening a dis play of fireworks will also take place. Our readers will be glad to learn that the piano fur the Old Men’s Home is at length wholly paid for. A cheque for LI 17s 9d, part proceeds of the recent ciicket match, made up the amount required. We congratulate Mr and Mrs Harris who originated the idea of obtaining the instru ment, that the purchase of the instrument has been completed before their departure for the North Island. It is suggested that the proceeds of future entertainments should be devoted to replenishing the libraty at the Home, or to furnishing the inmates with any luxuries of which they may be in need. It might be well to con sult the inmates on the subject. Holloways Ointment and Pills.— Notable Facts. —Intense heat augments the annoyances of skin disease and encourages the development of febrile disorders; therefore they should, as they can, be remove by these detergent and purifying preparations. In stomach complaints, liver affections, pains, and spasms of the bowels, Holloway’s ungent well rubbed over the affected part immediately gives the greatest ease, prevents congestion and in flammation, checks the threatening diarrhoea and averts incipient cholera. The poorer inhabitants in large cities will find these remedies to be their best friends when any pestilence rages, or when from unknown Causes eruptions, boils, abscesses, or ulcerations point out the presence of taints or impurities within the system, and call for instant and effective curative medicines.— i [Advt.j i

At the Police Court this morning before Messrs R. Alcorn and T. Bullock, J. P. V, James Goughian was again remanded, as no communication had been received from Mr March regarding the accused being re-admitted to the Old Men’s Home. —A charge brought against Alfred Harris for neglecting to bury a horse at Winslow was dismissed, as it was not shown tint the animal was in the possess'.on of the ac cused.—For allowing a cow to stray at large, > n offender was fined ss, and the Court then adjourned. The last performance of the Willmott Company hero drew a good house last night, and praise is due for the manner in which “ Blow for Blow ” was per formed. The play has much of the pathe tic to interest, and of the comic to amuse, and all the characters wore well repre sented. Miss Crawford in the dual role of the two twin sisters acted with force and spirit, and Miss Amy Johns was equally successful as Kitty Wobbler. Miss Lawrence was s en at her best in Ibo small part of Lady Linden, and Miss Wyatt did what little she had to do as M s Moulsey well. Mr Wilkinson created hearty laughter as ths vulgar but g md hearted Charley the audience in sisting in recalling him in the second act. Mr Alexander pleased those present by his rendering of John Drummond, the villain of the piece, and Mr Teece and Mr Rede were satisfactory in the respective parts of Dr Grace and Sir Harry Linden. The Company play to night at Methvan, their subsequent destination being the West Coast.

MASONIC INSTALLATION.

One of the most successful gatherings in connection with Scotch Masonry which has ever taken place in Ashburton was held last evening in the Masonic Hall, Tanored street, the occasion being the install ition of the officers of the Thistle Lodge, No. 627, S.G., by the newly ap pointed District Grand Master, Bro the Rev. James Hill, of Lyttelton The officers installed were —R.W. M, Bro 0. Reid ; D.M., Bro G. >-t. Hill ; S.M.. Bro J. Soily; S. W., Bro J. Tait; J. W., Bro John Bland; Treasurer, Bro J. Smith; Secretary, Bro W. Sparrow,P. M.; SD., Bro T. Williams; J.D , Bro R. Powrie; I G., Bro J. Smith; Stewards, Bros T. Hicks and J. Reid; organist, Bro W. Townshend; Tyler, Bro R. Cullen. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the D. G. M. Bro the Rev J. Hill presented I. P. M. Bro D. McFarlane with a massive gold jewel on behalf of tha officeri and brethren of the Thistle Lodge. The jewel, which had been o'.taino ! from Mr R. Murray, jeweller and watch maker of this town, boro the following inscription Thistle Lodge, Ashbur ton, 627. Presented to P. M. Bro. D McFarlane by the members as a mark of their esteem ; Nov. JBi3 ” The Dis'rict Grand Maser, in making the pnseda tion, sai l that to an honest and honorable man the knowledge of always having nsod his best endeavors to do his duty, was a source of great pleasure ; but when, as in this instance, his friends desired to show their appreciation of his worth and present him with something as a token i f their esteem, the per formance of those duties became doubly pleasant. Bro. McFarlane male a very suitable reply, in which ho stated that he had in the past done his level best to further the interests of Masonry in the district, and he would continue to do so. About fifty of the brethren remained to partake of the banquet supp’ied by Bro. T. Hicks, who certainly deserves to be complimented on the way m which the things were served up. Bro. 0. Reid, W.M , presided, and was supported by the masters and past-masters belong ing to the various lodges in the district. Several loyal and patriotic toast) ware given and responded to, and a very plea sant evening w~s brought to a close by the brethren singing “ Auld Ling Syne ”

THE STRANDED STEAMER

I [by telegraph.] Auckland, Yesterday. At the conclusion of the consultation yesterday morning it was known thit the captain of the Triumph had decided to abandon the steamer to the underwriters. He made an offer to that effect this morn ing, through Mr L. D. Nat'ean, but the local agent of Lloyds (Brown, Campbell and Co) refused to take her over. No special reason was assigned, the ordinary course being either to accept or re.use. Mr Nathan forwarded a cab’egram to Lloyd’s, in England, informing them of the refusal, and nothing further will be done until an answer is received b.y. nd the landing of the cargo and deepening the stem. The steamer Annie Mill bank called at the Triumph this morn ing on her way up from the Hot Springs A boat was lowered, and a party including Captain S. Anderson, ma-ter of the Kmbleton, Bengal, and Helen Denny, and Messrs G. Fraser, James Stewart, Lodder and Black, went on board. The captain of the Bengal expresses himself of opinion that the Triumph can be got < ff it proper appliances are used. He saw the Sorata, a ship of 2,000 tons, when she went ashore at Adelaide, and ho considers she was in a much worse po ition than the Triumph. She was also half filled with water. His idea is that the Triumph can also bo got off if the action taken is prompt, and the weather holds good. A conference of engineers, consisting of Messrs Geo. Fraser, W. Lodder, Jos. Stewart, Geo. Black (Thame j), David Goup, and Captain Heale, was held this afternoon, for the purpose of considering the feasibility or otherwise of lifiing the Triumph off the rock into deep water with the agency of c impressed air. It was generally agreed the project was feasible, and eventually the proposition was adopted, which it was resolved to at once submit to the agents of the vessel, Messrs L. D. Nathan and Co. Its terms, however, have not yet transpired. It is really not known who the underwriters of the vessel are, and the amounts of insurances are not known. Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co., the local agents of Lloyds, refused to take the vessel when the offer of aban donment was made because they do not know whether she is insured in Lloyds or not, and they would not do so until en quiry, for if they v-ere to have accepted they might have incurred expense and risk, and then found that Lloyds was not concerned. Other companies involved would instruct their own agents. Dr. Menzies, of the Triumph, states in reference to the withholding of gratuities which are usually paid to the captain and doctor, that the statemo t published might have led to the inference that there were improprieties between the officers and immigrants, but that there were none such, and if there was any thing of the kind at all it was between some of the passengers and the immi grants. There is a strong feeling of sym pathy in the ship for Captain Brotherton in his misfortune, and those under him, all speak very highly of him. He has held a command since he reached the age of twenty-two, and at the present time is considerably over forty. This is said to be the first mishap that has ever occurred to a vessel under his charge.

NEWLANDS ANNIVERSARY.

Newlands chapel waa nevermore crowded .hin it was on Monday night, when the annual tea meeting was held. Despite the inclemency of the weather, the far mers with their wives and families mus tered strongly from Wakanui, Seatield and Newlands The tea was served in relays. 'lhe following ladies presided :

Mcadames Moore, Lloyd, Grayburn, Lill, Aston, Robinson and Height. The after meeting was a great success. The plat form was filled by well-known speakers, the laymen being well represented. Mr W. T. Lill presided, and in the course of bis speech said that he was glad to see so many old faces, as well as new ones. The elements had been agai st them this year, but they never d spaired. They would be addressed by some excellent speakers, therefore he would not detain them. As chairman he would see to it that the speakers behaved themselves. (Laughter ) Mr Lloyd then read the re port, 0 which was of a very encouraging cha-acter. In his speech he referred to the past history of the Church at Now lands : how they sowed in faith, and now they were reaping in joy. Of course they were still in debt L 175, but over against that they had the present building and five acres of ground. An effort would ha made in future to reduce the debt. He concluded an earnest address by ex horting them to be one in heart to help those who were the leaders in the work. Mr Buxton followed with a characteristic address. It was the first time he had been amongst the Methodists in this County of Ashburton. He was a Wedeyan of the old school, very like the Primitives. He liked the Primitives be cause they did not despise lay help. Min isters were useful, but very expensive. Some of them were too polished for him. He was a rough stone, but lately he had seen how God was using the weak things of this world to confound the mighty He encouraged them to go on, and summed up an animated address by wishing them every success. Mr J. Scott took for his subject “ Modern Scepticism.” The spirit of doubt was abroad. Christians grew fearful for the Ark of God. There was a soul of good in scepticism. Truth is one, therefore let no man’s heart fail. They wanted t ■ cultivate a larger charity, and to have more confidence in their manhood. lie was pleased to see so large a gathering, it repaid him for his long walk of six miles to be present. Mr Shingieton, of Dune din, in response to the Chairman made a few remarks. He had been told that he was a “ Captain” in the Salvation Army, but that was not true, he was simply a private. He had no ambition for honors so high. Mr Leadley took for his text the word “Wanted ” —a word often to be met with in the newspapers. He thought they were too hard on the ministers. They needed our prayers. Mr J. Nixcn delivered a highly amusing address, inter spersed with rare bits of wisdom. He twitted some of the former speakers with shirking the question. Was the ministry an expensive luxury ? He thought not. If Cod could do without their v.isdoin He could do without their ignorance An educated ministry was not to be despised. During the evening several selections were sung by the choir ; Mrs Nixon c n tributing with exquisite sweetness “ My Mother’s Bible”; Mrs Vaughan, “ Meet Mo ” very tastefully ; and Miss J imi's, “ Wash me in His Blood,” this solo be ng well rendered for one so young Mr Maidens in proposing a vote of thanks to the ladies drew attention to the fact that during the year the chapel had been painted and other improvements effected. This had been the work of the ladies. (Laughter) They did not paint the chapel, but they collected the money to pay for it. Mr Grayburn seconded this motion, which was carried with great cheering. It will be seen from the above that our friends, the fanners at Newlanda, had a grand field night at their gathering, and we wish them a good harvest.— [Communic atkd. ]

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, Nov. 20. It is reported that the measure which recently passed the French Chamber of Deputies f> r the deportation of criminals to the islands of the Pacific will probably be abandoned. The visit which Baron De Lesseps has made to Liverpool, with the object of conferring with large shipowners upon the question of a prop sad sec md Suez anal, has terminated without any practical re sult. Karl Detby has decided to refuse the application of certain German owners of property in Fiji who have appealed for compensation for the allged loss of their land. The measure now before the French State for the deportation of criminals to the Pacific has been further considered in Committee. After a prolonged debate, a clause was adopted giving the judges dis cretionary power to banish criminals. t'he Agents-Genoral of the several Australian colonies had another interview with Earl Derby in reference to the an nexation question. It'3 generally con sidered that his Lordship’s attitude was hss firm than it was previous to the in terview, and that he is beginning to dis play considerable vacilla'ion on the question. The report that 3,000 Chinese troops had attacked the French position at Hark quong, and had been defeated after an engagement lasting for seven hours, proves by later advices to have been unfounded. The statement that a secret treaty has been discovered between China and the B'ack Flags is also said to be without foundation, The French Premier has decided to despatch M. Courneaux on a special mis sion to the Australian Colonies and New Caledonia. The terrible disaster which has befallen the Egyptian troops in Soudan has caused the greatest excitement throughout Europe. The followers of the t false Pro phet (Mahomet El Mahdi) lay in ambush for the Egyptian force, and suddenly sur rounded them. It is feared that O’Dono van. the special correspondent of the Daily News, who was with the force, has been ki led. The Times in an at tide this morning upon the disaster, insists that England shall send troops to assist the Khedive in suppressing the rebellion.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, Nov. 27. The officers who were selected in Eng land for the Victorian Defence Force ar rived by the Rome, and have taken up their quarters at St. Kilda, pending the preparation of quarters in the Barracks. Gounod’s new oratorio “ The Redemp tion ’■ is to be given by the Philharmonic -'ociety in the Town Hall to-night. The event is exciting great interest in musical circles. An agreement between the associated Banks and the Government for floating the new loan in January has been come to, on terms the same as on the occasion of the last loan. The amount to be floated is L 3,200,000, the remaining L. 800,000 of the four millions being re served to meet debentures falling due in October. Mr D. D. Chambers is gazetted Acting- Commissioner of Police during the ab fence of the Commissioner on leave. Mr Kerferd, the Attorney-General, en tertained the Convention delegates at luncheon in the Australian Club on Mon day. The gathering was purely of a social character. Major Sargood has been re-elected un opposed for the South Yarra province. Sydney, Nov. 27. Several men have been arrested on sus picion of being French escapees from New Caledonia. Owii.g to the scarcity of water the Mayor has called upon the citizens to exer cise economy in its consumption. Earl Carnarvon, formerly Secretary of S:ate for the Colonies, his recently made j

urge purchases of land in Sydney and its vicinity. James Boscawen Duff, late Deputy Re gistrar-General. has been committed for trial for embezzling money belonging to Government. Advices from Noumea state that the French ship Bordeaux is a tolal loss at Boulari Pass, near Noumea. The Carl of Rosebery has left for Bris bane. Mr Reid, Minister of Public Instruc tion, is indisposed and unable to attend to the duties. The police at Forbes have arrestel a youth on suspicion of being concerned in the Woolloomooloo murder. Bhisbanb, Nov. 27. Sir Anthony Musgrave held his first levee on Thursday. It was the moat numerously attended ever held here. Mr Rutledge, Attorney-General, has been returned unoppossd, and all the Ministers are re-elected except Mr Dut* ton, Minister of Lands. A man named Edward Macartney has been arrested under the Immigration Apt for attempting to leave the colony within three months of his arrival. He recently came with his wife and son as free immi grants, the passages costing the colony L4O. The case, however, dropped owing to legal informality. Mr f roe t G. Morrison, the Age ex plorer, is recoveiing, and leaves shortly for Melbourne. In future no license will bo issued to rec uit for labor in the Pacific unless it is shown that the vessel carries no firearms or ammunition beyond what is actually for the ship’s use. Sir Thomas and Lady Mcllwraith leave for England nex'' week. ADI.L..IDE, Nov. 27. Justice Andrews has been granted leave of absence for six months owing to ill health. The City Council agreed to grant a new lease of the Adelaide racecourse toßlackler and Terry on condition of effecting some improvements. The Working Men’s Association at Port Adelaide has resolved to form a Stevedoring Company, with a capital of L 5,000, the Association taking up LI,OOO. There is great dearth of agricultural laborers. In some c .ses 35s a week, with board and lodging, a .d v. ina or beer in the harvest field, baa been given.

THE ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

[REUTER’S TEL KG RAMS. —COPYRIGH C.] Sydney, Yesterday. At to-day’s sitting of the Conference the question of annexation was not dealt with. A long discussion took place on the subject of federation. All the delegates spoke, and finally a sub committee was appointed to consider the best means of constituting a Federal Council, and decided upon its func tions. Mr Whitaker laid on the table certain amendments to the report of the Committee on annexation, but they make no substantial change in the report. Mr Fraser presented a note from Mr Broome, Governor of West Australia, referring to several points of federal interest, notably the question of cable communication with Ceylon. Mr Broome points out that communication by land telegraph with the coast of West Australia will soon be completed. The Conference ad journed at midday until to-morrow. The amendment proposed by the Hon. F. Whitaker to the report of the Committee at the Conference consists of ten clauses, the main points being as follows : That the authority of Great Britain over the Pacific Islands may be established by their annexation or by a protectorate over the various islands, as may be severally suitable, and that measures be adopted to pre vent the interference of foreigners. It recommends the annexation of New Guinea, as far as that country is un claimed by Holland, proposes that an effective guarantee should be given by the Australasian colonies for their share in the cost by permanent Appropria tion Acts according to the population, declares that there is no intention of placing Great Britain in a position of hostility to foreigners in the Pacific. Messrs Stuart and Atkinson have tele graphed to London details of the mat ters now before the Conference. The Melbourne Argus has published a special telegram stating that the Convention has agreed to the principle of applying to the Imperial Parliament for an Enabling Act for the formation of a Federal Union of the Australian colonies.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold, ourselves responsible for ihe opinions expressed by our correspondents. AN EXPLANATION. To the Editor. Sir,— Theacc dent which occured to Mr Hulston on Sunday night last is in no way attributable to the singing of the religious procession, the singers were all comfortably seated in the church before Mr Hulston put in an appearance, and he being a great friend of mine I was imme diately sent for, from church. These are the facts of the case as given me by Mr Hulston It was comparatively a new horse, and was very accustomed to rear in like manner, and had always required that he should ride very cautiously, but that on this occasion he was a little off his guard—his mind being otherwise par ticularly engaged ; and as result the rear ing of the horse took him quite suddenly, His own words are that “ He was just then riding rather carelessly. ” These are the facts of the case. I will thank you to correct your statement in last night’s issue in all fairness to the religious singers.—l am, etc., R. BevaN.

CABLE NEWS.

ATbST FRO.VI ELIROPF.

[reuter’s telegrams j copyright.] European Interests in China. London, Deo. 3. It has transpired that communica tions have recently passed between the German and English Governments re garding the state of affairs in China, and that arrangements have now been made for co-operation in taking such action as may be deemed necessary for the protection of British and German subjects resident in Chinese territory. Shipping- London, Dec. 2. Arrived—Ship Deva, from Bluff (Aug ißth). The Viceroy of India Calcutta, Dec. 3. Earl Ripon, Governor-General of India, has returned to Calcutta to-day. He was received by the natives with cheering, but hooted by Europeans who were present at the time. A new Loan. Sr, Petersburg, Deo. 2. The issue of a new loan of 50,000,000 roubles, about L 7,150,000 sterling, is announced by the Government

IHB ASHBURTON GDARDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1888.



THE JOHNSTON HARVESTER AND Twine Binder, 'SOWON VIEW AT MST YARDS. The best MACHINE in the colony. OVER A DOZEN IMPROVEMENTS. STRENGTH, LIGHTNESS, SIMPLICITY. Jail and Inspect it. ALFRED HARRISON, 11 891 Agent. PUBLIC NOTICE. ™S2S a 2,000 Thomas F. Farley’s BOOK & STATIONERY DEPOT, Saunders’ Buildings, Ashburton. Libraries, Sunday Schoo’s, etc , receive from above (T.F.F.) greater discount than is obtainable either in Christchurch or Dunedin. An inspection is solicited. Christmas cards in great variety, prize books, religious and secular works. THOMAS F. FARLEY, DIRECT IMPORTER OP Books and Station vs y, ASHBURTON. 1041 JUST OPENED UP Without a doubt the Most Beautiful Selection op CHRISTMAS CARDS Ever Exhibited in the Colony ; —A very .valuable Present lo any Friend. An inspection is solicited. CHEAP STATIONERY. Cood Business Envelopes, 6s 6d per Note paper, superior quality, 5a per ream Foolscap, unequalled value, Is per quire Also for • 1884 DIARIES 1884 Offered at Published Price. R. Bevan, S-ATIONBB, BooKSELLEE, &0., SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS. Note the Address— Next Shop to Quill’s Hotel. 1217 P. (Jaims, IJJAILOR AND CLOTHIER. „ < DQ S 3 He 05 Q Me 4) o .-.I /. 7. CORNER Ok w . OF HIGH AND ASAPH STREET-' 3 , CHRISTCHURCH, ST. All Goode warranted well shrunk, by our potent shrinking machine. OF TWEEDS SENT ON ■ APPLICATION 11 953



Wanted. WANTED, by a youth, BOARD and LODGINGS in private house. Apply to 8., office of this paper. 12 993 VJTT ANTED—A good general SER- V\ YANT. Apply Office of this Paper. 12 976 WANTED— Three good SHEARERS, 20s per 100 and found. To com mence Monday, December 10th. Apply to A. J. REID, 12 980 Ardlui Station, Raka a. WANT: D—Railway Works Annma, Mount Somers Branch, a few good pick and sho el MEN. Lake and Pender, Contractors. 12 977 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. have about 196 pairs of Ladies’ Cashmere Boots, splendid value, at 3s 6d. VT7"aNTED KNOWN—That Robert V\ Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c WANTED Known—That in conse quence of tho rapid increase of business, John Mox on, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. gained the public trust in tho past by doing beat work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance DrinKS, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per moP 4 h, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. m Q O O O O 2 M C2 CL in w z O A 48 a ’ZS g <u 2 * i o rt a P o o CQ «• H O S to o H o> H w 2 O (S ■a „ s s 83 a 11 P Pi M » oT § pj a W » a w W « E-i < § a ~ O w 03 s S W §9 CL, •< < w P 5 O A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, COMMENCING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER sth. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety. INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOB THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory's BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OP FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Lowbb Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS A CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch ; BAST STREET. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S CHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED



. Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion P ovsk, 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 dist.mt 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. O. 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 price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth £ a. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydiaed buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 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 Km press 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, p >ragon fiame ... ... ... ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets ... ... ... 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt ... ... ... 014 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... . ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... ... ... 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 G 2 pair? 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 £2 19 G Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern goad tapestry carpet ... ... ... ... 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 C 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb or toilet quilt ... ... ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tabiecover 016 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 G 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 G £ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... ... ... ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia 0 G 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 Ipair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— Avery complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 8 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 sse what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at ones fur Soy article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. F. ('. O. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 13?2



Special Advertisements. Reward Books, Presents, Prizes, Toys, Dolls, &c. H. M. JONES, East street. 11 877