MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close" at the Ashburton Post Office si follows For Christchurch and North at 6 a-m. 10. SO a. n., and 5 p.m., daily. For and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinw aid, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. , „ , A For Tiraarn and South, at 6 a-m., 10 «. m., and 430 p. m., daily . *F# Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30

p, m. , "'For' Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashtcn, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m- . ; Fer Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

HT.il. arrive at the Ashburton Post Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.36 p.m, daily. ■ From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.30 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10,40 a-m. 5.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A.XZL From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days,at 10.6 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. Front Elgin, Wakanm, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. , _ . FrOin Newlands, on Tuesdays and hn days, at 9.30 a m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

, AUCTION SALES To-morrow, Mr Alfred Harrison, at the premises, Cox Street, at 12 o’clock—First-class Furni ture, &c. Thursday, July 26. Mr Thos. Bullock, on the premises of Mr D. Ross, East Belt—Furniture, &c. 1 o’clock. Saturday, July 28. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, at 1 o’clock—Properties. Tuesday, July 31. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &o Wednesday, July 25. Town Hall—Rinking Tournament. Wesleyan Church—Lecture: “ John Wes ley,’’ &c.; 7.30. Thursday, July 26. Oddfellows’ Hall Wilmott’s Comedy Combination Company. Friday, August 3. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association—Third Annual Show, Town Hall. First day. Monday, August 6. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Wednesday, August 15. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers; 11 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1883. The School Committees Bill.

Although Mr \V. J. Steward, the member for Waimate, is not one of the shining lights in the Parliamentary firmament, be is certainly among *he most useful representatives in the House. Like the great majority of the party to which he belongs, his views on general politics are rather vague and visionary; but to do him credit he holds aloof from those movements of the Opposition, the only apparent object ol which is to delay the business of the session. “Vox etpuetetta nihil" is the motto that might fitly be applied to most of the members of that party which at the present time represent the “ Outs”; but Mr Steward, albeit he can deliver an excellent speech when occasion requires him to speak, seldom if ever talks for talking’s sake. The member for Waimate might be nick named the “ Great Amcnder.” He does not attempt to originate vast and novel schemes of policy, but he is in dustrious in his search for flaws in existing Acts, and we can always feel certain that a session will not be allowed to pass without his bringing forward several measures for the purpose of improving the law as it at present stands.

True to his creed, Mr Steward has introduced a little Bill into Parliament dealing with the election of School Committees, and as this has to do with a matter which urgently calls for re form we hope that no difficulty will come in the way of its passing the Legislature. One of its provisions is that “ three of the members of every School Committee presently existing shall continue to hold office till the 30th day of April, 1885, and four of the members of each Commitiee shall retire from office on the 30th day of April, .884, the names of the four retiring members to be decided by the Committee by ballot; .

and therefore on the 30th day of April in every year, the three, or four, mem bers, as the case may be, who have been longest in office shall be the re tiring members.” By retaining men on the Committee who have become accustomed to the work, the system proposed by the Bill, should it become law, will materially increase the effi ciency of these bodies, while the house holders, recognising that certain mem bers must necessarily hold office for two years, will be more careful m their choice. Mr Steward also proposes to abolish cumulative voting, a method of election that experience has taught us is nothing more nor less than a farce. Each householder is to be allowed the same number of votes as there are members to be elected, but no candi date is to receive more than one such vote. Should a vacancy occur, “ by death, resignation, or otherwise than by effluxion of time,” the remaining mem bers of the Committee are to be em powered to elect a qualified person to fill up such vacancy ; and should any district omit to elect a Committee at the time prescribed by the Act the Education Board is to appoint a Com missioner to carry out the duties until the 30th April following, the necessary salary to be paid out of the school funds. These latter provisions are comparatively unimportant, and it is not unlikely that they will be amended during the passage of the Bill through the House. The measure, it may be mentioned, is the result of a careful enquiry made by Mr Steward, by means of circulars containing a number of questions put to the various School Committees throughout the colony, and the Bill may fairly be said to embody the views held by the bodies affected. There is, however, one feature in the existing mode of carrying out School

Committee elections that we should like to see repealed, but which is not dealt with in this measure of Mr Steward. As these affairs are man aged now, only those people who are present at the annual meeting have a voice in the matter, and it cannot be said that under this arrangement the Committee chosen can in any way re present public opinion. Take for ex ample the larger towns, where the householders number between 20,000 or 30,000; what building could be found capable of holding a tithe of them, even if it were possible to ex clude from these meetings persons who have no right to vote? The Bill is in complete without some provision being made for the more efficient carrying out of the elections, and we trust that Mr Steward will see his way to introduce a clause dealing with this part of the question.

We learn from our Wellington corres pondent that Mr Baddelly, from Nelson, has been appointed Magistrate for Ash burton, and will enter upon his duties at once. Mr Baddelly has never been a Resident Magistrate previous to this ap pointment, having for some years acted as Clerk to the Nelson Court.

The Shag Point Coal Company are determined upon pushing their business in this district. An advertisement from ihe Company appears elsewhere, from which it will be seen that the principal dealers in coal in this town will keep a supply. We are informed from a letter received in town that the party which left Methven some little time back for the purpose of prospecting for gold in the Rakaia Gorge has returned unsuccessful. The failure is attributed to the bad weather which pre vails on the ranges at this period of the year, work being impossible, owing to the snow. The men are, however, in no way disheartened, and propose to return as soon as the spring is more advanced.

There was an excellent attendance at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening, when a service of song entitled “ The Pilgrim’s Progress ” was given. The musical por tion of the entertainment was rendered with excellent effect by the pupils of the Baptist Sunday school, under the con ductorship of Mr Kingston The con nective readings were entrusted to Mr Leggett, who acquitted himself to the satisfaction of those present. In the Dunedin Police Court, John Wheeler was charged with making a dis turbance at 1 30 a.m. by singing Salva tion Army hymns and parodies, and generally behaving in a disorderly manner. The Bench were of opinion that an offence had been committed. It was not to be allowed that eighteen or twenty young men could parade the town between one and two o’clock in the morning sing ing, even though the tunes might be hymns, so as to create a disturbance. It was not a serious offence, and the defen dant would be fined 10s, or 48 hours’ imprisonment. The Invercargill Borough Council, at an adjourned meeting last night, passed a vote of censure on the Mayor for his action in forwarding a letter from the signatories of a previous petition for amalgamation of the Town Licensing Districts, which letter requested that the Governor would expunge their names from the petition. By this proceeding the petition was burked. The motion for censure was—“ That this Council does not approve of the action of the Mayor in forwarding a letter to the Minister of Justice written in the offices of this Council, and adverse to a resolution of ihe same.”

The public meeting held at the Wes leyan Church last night was but moder ately attended. Mr David H. Brown occupied the chair, and speeches bearing on the Loan Fund of the Wesleyan Con nexion were given by the Revs. W. Motley and O. H. Standage, with Messrs J. Orr, J. E. Buchanan and t£. M. Jones. The Rev. W. Motley succeeded in making an apparently unattract ve and dry subject intensely interesting, and the information which he supplied proved beyond question the need for the estab lishment of such a fund. One fact is worthy of mention, namely, that at the present time the trustees of Connexional properties in New Zealand are paying L 4,000 annually to mortgagees for in terest. The rev. gentleman pointed out some of the uses to which this large sum could be put if it were available, as it was hoped it wou d be when the fund was in full operation. The objects of the fund—to assist needy circuits, the pur chasing of church sites in new townships, and the erection of parsonages—were explained very fully. It was proposed to raise LIO,OOO for this purpose, which would be loaned as circumstances re quired, but without interest, and repay able at fixed periods. The method of raising LIO,OOO would be by contribu tions, the donors having a term of two years, if necessary, to fulfil their obliga tion, and already L 3.800 had been promised. Following Mr Morley’s speech, which was replete with interesting facts, printed slips were handed round to those present, and before the conclusion of the meeting the amounts promised were re>d over, showing in the aggregate over L7O. To-night Mr .vlorley will addres-i a meet ing at Willowby, and to-morrow evening will give his lecture on "John Wesley” in the Cameron street church. The collections on Sunday last amounted o L 5, which will be devoted to the cause which the rev. gentleman is so success fully advocating. Sir Dillon Bell, Agent-General, writes a letter to the N.Z. Herald, of which the following passages are of colonial interest; —“Sir, —A tedious illness prevented me from writing to you last January about certain statements made by Sydney Tai whanga, and your article upon them. Ob serving, however, from recent files that you seem to be expecting a letter from me, I trouble you with a few words. It is not true that I promised the three Maoris to accompany them to the Colon al Office. I told them I would do so if I was asked by Lord Kimberley, but I was ■ rtjt asked by him. The Aborigines Pro tection Society invited me to be present, but only sent me an invitation a few hours before the deputation was to wait upon Lor i Kimberley. There is not a word of truth in the statement that Sydney Tai whanga suggested to Paroro to obtain a promise from me in writing to accompany them. All our conversation was in Maori, and from the positions in which they sat in my room it was impossible for anything of the kind to have taken place without my hearing it. If it had taken place, I should have ordered Sydney Taiwhanga out of the room. There is not a word o truth in the statement that I ever asked Lord Kimberley, or suggested to him, not to receive these Maoris, or did anything to prevent this interview with him. It is quite true that when efforts were being made to get them presented to the Queen, I did all I could to prevent it. They could not have been presented to her Majesty except by keeping up the false pretence of being chiefs with authority to speak for the tribes—a character in which it had suited some of their patrons to parade thorn, but which I resolved should not be used, if I could help it, to deceive the Queen. I spoke very strongly to Wirenui Puhi about their making any pretence to represent the great chiefs, and especially to represent Te Whiti, and cer tainly would have looked on Sydney Tai- ■ whanga, for example, as an envoy for him with supreme contempt. ” :

The usual meeting of the Quadrille Assembly takes place this evening at the Oddfellows’ Hall. In the Dunedin Supreme Court yester day a creditors’ petition to have Daniel Campbell declared bankrupt came before the Court. The petition alleged that the debtor had committed three acts of bank ruptcy since May last, with intent to defeat and delay his creditors, viz., that he absented himself from his usual place of residence in May last, that he de parted from the colony, and that he had conveyed certain portions of property to his wife. After argument his Honor decided to hear evidence. Thomas Bur ton, commission agent, gave evidence that he knew Daniel Campbell, and saw him last in his office in May, when he was asked to become his attorney, but did not receive any reason for beini appointed. He thought Campbell was going North, and not out of the colony. He saw Mrs Campbell last in Messrs Sievwright and Stout’s office, signing deeds. Mr Camp bell had asked him to act as trustee for his daughter for some property, but did not know anything more about it. He had, as trustee, sold the Arcade property, whi h was left for the benefit of Mrs Campbell. It was offered for sale at L16,0C)0, but was sold for L 15,000 to Mr Kennedy, of New York, and the money was handed over to Mrs Campbell. He did not know of any property in the colony undisposed of. Mr A. Sligo, the other trustee, gave similar evidence, and the case was adjourned. When worn down aad ready to take your bed, Hop Bitters is what you need to relieve you. See.— [Advt.] 5

Wells’ "Rough on Corns.” —Ask for Wells’ " Rough on Corns.” Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., bydney, General Agents. I Wanted parties about to furnish to know that J. Meech is selling all his goods at a sacrifice, being over-stocked and wanting the money. Drawing-room Suites from £lO 10s, warranted ; Good Bed-room Suites, remark ably low; Drawing-room: Fancy Walnut Tables, Japanese Tables, a splendid Inlaid Walnut Sideboard, Marble Slab, with Plate Glass back, to be sold cheap. Iron Bed steads, Crockery-ware, and every requisite for house furnishing etc. Funerals conducted on the cheapest scale. , Practical workmen kept in all its branches. Agent for the cele brated Venetian Blind Makers, Dunedin. Carvings and Turnery of every kind. All kinds of furniture exchanged and highest price given for furniture. Note the address—Next Bullock’s Arcade, Ashburton.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council took place last evening, at the Borough Council Chambers, Burnett street. There were present—His Worship the Mayor," and Crs A. Orr, W. Roberts, S. Nelson, G. St Hill, R. Bird, and A. Harrison. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. BANK OVERDRAFT. The May or stated that the amount of the overdraft was now L 706 7s 6d. C IBRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from Mr H. Fried lander, objecting to pay the amount of the tax-levied on him for the shop lately occupied by Mr Martin, butcher.—As it was thought by Councillors that Mr Friedlander must be under same-misap prehension in regard to the matter, the Clerk was instructed te refer the letter back with explanations. From Mr W. E. Dolman, accepting the position of caretaker of the Fire Brigade property, and thanking the Council for the appointment.

From Mr Joseph Clark, desiring to re linquish all interest in the reserves let by the Council to Mr F. Pavitt.

From the Clerk of the Wellington Borough Council, offering a waterworks plant for sale. From Sergeant Felton, asking for a lamp to & be placed at the corner of Ker mode street and Mona square for the convenience of the police.—Request com plied with. From Mr Geo. Cates, drawing the attention of the Council to the state of Gray street.—Referred to the Works Committee. From Mr J. Ward, asking the Council to nominate three members, including the Mayor, to act on the new Domain Board. —Cr St Hill proposed—“ That Cr A. orr and the mover, with the Mayor, represent the Council on the Domain Board.’’-—Cr R. Bird proposed —“ Crs A. Harrison and John Orr.”—Cr A. Orr retired in favor of Cr Harrison. A vote was then taken with the following result :—St Hill, 5; J. Orr, 5; A. Harrison, 4. Crs St Hill and J, Orr were accordingly elected. FINANCE. His Worship stated that he had asked Mr Shury to put himself in communica tion with Christchurch to see what were the best terms the Bank could give the Council for an overdraft |to the extent of L2 000, but no reply had been received. —lt was resolved —“ That the Finance Committee take the matter in hand, and make the best arrangements they could.” ENGINEER’S REP- )RX. Gentlemen, —We have the honor to re port as follows :—At a meeting of the Works Committee on the ißth ul imo, the question of the mistake in Cameron street was considered. The foreman, who was present, explained the reason of the error to the satisfaction of the Committee. —A proposal from Messrs Davison and C- ', offe ing to supply broken metal at 4s 6d per yard, provided the Council take 5° yards per month for 10 or 12 months, was referred to the Council for their consideration. —They also resolved that thb Fire Brigade be asked to test the several pipe wells in order to ascertain their efficiency or otherwise —The contractor for asphalting footpaths has been engaged in putting those in t-ast street in repair, and we have given him a certificate for the balance of his contract, in acc«’ dance with his agreement.—The labor gang has been en gaged in levelling Fire Brigade section, re pairing roads, clearing tussocks off footpaths, clearing side channels, making and fixing bridges, etc., attending to water supply, etc., etc.

The various clauses of the report were adopted, with the exception of clause 2 —broken metal for roads—Councillors de ciding to use shingle from the river bed instead.

nuisances’ report. The Inspector of Nuisances’ report, and the report of the Reserves Committee were then read and adopted. NEW BUSINESS. Cr St. Hill thought some effort should be made to dispose of the hydraulic pumps now in the possession of the Coun cil, and which had cost L6O. Cr Harrison moved —“That the clause in the Engineers’ report re the formation of Alford Ferest road be rescinded, and that the roads in the north end of the town be gone on with.” This was seconded proformd by Cr St Hill. After a lengthy discussion, it was pro posed by his Worship as an amendment “ IVat the re-formation of Alford Forest road be gone on with at once.” In speak ing to the amendment the Mayor said he could have ha 1 this road done years ago if he had wished it, when the other streets in the Borough were formed, but having an eye to economy, he had waited until the road was perfectly worn out before moving in the matter.

Or Harrison considered that the Alford Forest road was in moderately good condition, as compared with the other streets. The amendment was then put and car ried. RAILWAY RESERVES. flia Worship said that no reply had yet been received from Government re rail way reserves, about which Major Atkin son was interviewed when he passed through Ashburton. He did not think it was ever the intention of the Govern

ment to reserve some of the best business sites as a source of revenue. It was resolved—“ That, the Mayor write to Government, pointing out the use of these reserves as seriously retard ing the progress of the town.” STREETS. On the motion of Or Roberts, seconded by Or St Hill, it was resolved—“ That a separate account be kept for each street, showing the amount voted and expended on same since the formation of the Borough. ” ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of L 94 8s 2d were passed for payment.

THE CANTERBURY GOLDFIELD.

The rumors as to the discovery of gold in the Ellesmere dj-trict have at last been brought to something tangible in two directions. The first of these was by Mr G. F. Smith, of Sbuthbridge, who has made a claim to the Government for the bonus offered by them at the request of a number of citizens conveyed through his Worship the Mayor. Mr Smith’s dis oovery is situated on the Ninety-mile Beach, extending northward to the mouth of the Rakaia. The gold indications in the land are to be very clearly found to the south of the mouth of the river, but the most distinct traces and best results are, as stated, northwards. In addition to this, Mr Smith has also been fortunate enough to discover a second auriferous deposit on the western side of Lake Elles mere. Yesterday afternoon two Italians, named Nicholas Bass and Dominick Serra, brought to town two pickle bottles filled with highly auriferous sand, which they have discovered on the Ninety-mile Beach. Before making their “ find ” publicly known, they went to the Land Office, and under the Mining Act, secured a lease of ten acres of ground under pros pecting license. They left town early this afternoon to peg out the ground allotted to them. There are two other men con nected with the party, named respectively James Tool and Francisco Caffira. The wash dirt has been examined by several practical miners, and they are of opinion that it will produce at least 30 dwts to the load. The dirt has been found, it is stated, but a few inches below the sur face, and in great quantity. It may be mentioned that one of the discoverers, Dominick Serra, besides being an old digger was one of those engaged in the attempt to regain the gold from the ship General Grant, lost some years ago at the Auckland Islands; in fact, he was the man who volunteered to search the wreck, but was not permitted to do so.— Press.

COURSING.

COUR3ING ATRAKAIA. [fkOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. J Yesterday morning considerable anxiety was felt by the sporting fraternity of this district with regard to the weather, some thinking that from the rough weather ex perienced lately, it would not be a favor able day for the coursing match for L2O a side, between Mr Mutter’s bitch Butterfly, about twenty months old, and Mr F. Searle’s aged dog Joe. The clerk of the weather favored us with a splendid morning, and although there was rather a heavy frost, the sun was strong enough to make the ground in fair running order by noon. The match took place on Mr Derrick’s property, North Bakaia, some eight or nine miles from the township. Some fifty horsemen, a few buggies and a num ber of people on foot from all parts of the district, including Ashburton, turned out to see the sport. The dogs were put in the slips a few minutes after twelve by Mr Leach, and a start made over the pad docks, Mr Chatteris acting as judge. The old dog seemed to be the fav rite, and the betting was 3 and 2 to 1 on him for the best two courses out of three. Each owner was very certain that his dog was the better, and the talk was lofty on both sides. The hares were plentiful enough, but very wild, and it was an hour and a half before the dogs were slipped, when a splendid course was run, ending in an easy victory for Butterfly, with fourteen points to Joe’s one. The bitch seemed to have it all her own way from the com mencement, although Joe had certainly a little advantage at starting. Refreshments were freely taken for the next course (each one slipping for himsalf), provided by Mr Howell through the kindness of Mr Mutter. This course ended in a drink ail round to the satis faction of everyone. Business was then resumed and sundry bets made that Searle’s dog would win the next course. However, after a fair run, the bitch again proved herself too much for Joe, scoring 7 points herself and Joe only 3. “ Poor old Joe it seemed hard that both dogs could not win and so both owners be satisfied. This, of course, finished the match, many being surprised at the re sult. Mr Searle is of opinion that his dog was drugged on Friday night, and if this is true, it is to be hoped that he will be able to bring the scoundrel who did it to justice. There is no doubt that Joe did not look well, and his manner of running was described all round as being like that of an “ old cow,” which is cer tainly not his usual style. In returning home one of the horsemen received a nasty fall through his horse galloping into a wire fence ; fortunately the horse was caught by one hind leg in the top wire, which prevented him crush ing his rider, who escaped with a severe shaking and a ve y white face. A few horsemen and the occupants of a couple of buggies took what they called a “ short cut ” home, but after proceeding about a mile found themselves stuck up in a wire-fenced corner; the language used was more than calm, and would not grace your columns, when they found there was nothing for it but to retrace their steps and meet with a little chaff from those on the road.

An accident happened to a party of Ashburton visitors just after leaving the township for the coursing ground. A horse was hired from Mr luder to take Mr Hill’s dogcart over the river, and he was supposed to be perfectly quiet in harness ; however, at the first slight fall in the road he commenced bucking, and smashed both shafts short off by the body of the cart. He then “ went to market ” in a business-like manner, smashing the splashboard and turning the cart end over end, likewise three of the occupants, for only one had jumped clear, and he was seen sitting on the tussocks almost bursting with laughter at his companions’ curious positions—one en his back, another sitting up examining certain bruises and scratches, whilst another was endeavoring by spitting very hard to clear his mouth and throat of dirt, the description of which he will no doubt call and give you himself, being an Ashburton man. For tunately no one was seriously hurt, but the trap will require repairs to the extent of some LlO or Ll2. Saddle horses then were procured, and three of the visitors journeyed onwards to the scene of the day’s amusement. On reaching the Rakaia again in the evening the healths of both winner and loser were heartily drunk. To many the result of the match was a surprise, but there is no doubt that Butterfly is a really good bitch, and with proper care and training Mr Mutter should be able to come well to the front in all our local coursing matches.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 18. The proprietors of the Argus and Aus tralasian have sent Julian Thomas (“ The Vagabond ”) as a special correspondent to the New Hebrides, to make a tour of the islands, to report on the French projects of annexation, and the condition of the labor trade.

The news of the arrival of the ship Poonah at Fiji, having cholera, measles and small pox on board, has induced the Central Board of Health to declare Fiji an infected port. The Hawthorn Inquiry Board has con cluded its sittings. They comment very strongly on the disorganisation of the de partment.

The Pilot Board has suspended the cer tificate of Pilot Gafford for two years, in consequence of his bringing in the George Roper causing her wreck. Messrs Godfrey and Buller, solicitors, have commenced proceedings against the New Australasian Company on behalf of Mrs O’Shea, the widow of one of the victims of the Creawick disaster, for LI,OOO. A well-attended public meeting, con vened by the Mayor in obedience to a re quisition, took place on Monday night in support of the annexation of the Pacific Islands. Mr Justice Higginbotham, in an able speech, advocated the annexation in order to prevent the islands from being peopled by French criminals, and to pro perly regula e the labor traffic. An accusation of favoritism has been made against Mr Ferris, the Government printer. The Treasurer decided to appoint a Board of Inquiry. At the criminal sessions, Thomas, charged with embezzling L 1,600 from Messrs J. and A, Brown, his employers, was sentenced to three years’ hard labor. Not much has been done by the syndi cate who purchased the George Roper on account of the prevalence of bad weather. Sydney, July 18.

The Engineers’ Exhibition, which hu been remarkably successful, was brought to a close on Saturday by the Treasurer. A profit of LI,OOO was realised. Mr Robert Jervois, said to be brother of the Gpvernor of Mew Zealand, broke his leg on going ashore from a steamer at Newcastle, and was taken te the hospital. Packer, B. A.M, the well-known musician, has just died, aged 73. The funeral was attended by 6,000. There was a choral service. The annual sales of stud sheep are now proceeding. Some rams fetched up to 325 guineas. Adelaide, July 18. During the voyage of the Piorata from Melbourne, a heavy sea broke on board, washing overboard McCallum, the boat swain’s mate, breaking both legs of Wood man, the carpenter, and breaking the leg and arm of Davies, a seaman. Woodman and Davies were tasen to the Uospital. Woodman had both legs amputated at the knee. Davies had one foot amputated. No sign of McOallum could be found, although the ship put back. In the Assembly the second reading of a Bill to repeal the use of the totalisator was read. A motion is before the House to render betting of any kind illegal, and also publishing the odds by newspapers.

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, July 23. EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7 30. CONTEMPT OF COURT. Mr Tole moved the second reading of the Contempt of Court Bill. In the Superior Courts the powers of the Judges in the punishment of contempt of Court were practically unlimited, whereas in the inferior Courts that power was restricted. The object of the Bill was to assimilate the law in this respect and limit the powers of the Judges in both cases. The Hon Mr Conolly ageed with the principle of the Bill. A Bill of this kind was now passing through the British Legis lature, and it might be advisable that the Bill should not be passed until they had the opportunity of seeing the English Act. In these circumstances, he asked the mover to be content with affirming the principle by the second reading, and to allow the matter to stand over until they got the measure as passed at Home. Sir George Grey hoped the Bill would be allowed to pass this session. They were quite capable of walking alone and passing their own measures without refer ence to any other Legislature. Mr Feldwxck spoke in favor of the Bill passing. As matters stood, newspaper proprietors were subjected to inconveni ence or loss, and the sooner it was put an end to the better.

The motion for the second reading was carried. CHARITABLE GIFTS DUTIES. Sir George Grey moved the second reading of the Charitable Gifts Duties Ex emption Bill. Its object was to encour age men to assist in founding a nation rather than founding families. The Hon. Major Atkinson would not oppose the Bill, but he considered that in Committee clause 2 would require ma terial alteration. Mr Kelly opposed the principle of the Bill. He considered that when a person died and left property, and had no further use for it, that a portion should be de voted to the use of the State. Mr Peacock supported the Bill They had been told that bequests of this kind would be more common if this duty were remitted. He looked upon that as a strong inducement in iavor of the Bill. Mr Shephard supported the passage of the Bill.

Colonel Trimble protested against the principle of the Bill. In the old country these endowments had been flagrantly abused. He thought they should protest against the creation of permanent endow ments such as those proposed to be en couraged by the Bill, and quoted the fleriot clospital and other endowments in Scotland to show that under proper ( management great good was wrought. Mr Shrimski and Mr Feld wick sup ported the Bill. The Bill was read a second time. SCHOOL COMMITTEES ELECTION BILL. This Bill was considered in Committee. On clause 6, Mr Miinro moved that the proviso abolishing plural voting be struck out. The amendment was lost by 42 to 9. After considerable discussion the Com mittee divided on clause 16, defining the meaning of “ householder.” The clause was carried by 31 to 27. The Bill was reported, and the House adjourned at 12 35.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day. Mr M. W. Green is determined to hang on to his Eight Hours Bill till the death. He intends to move for its re-committal, with a view of inserting the following new clause :—“ In all cases where claims for daily labor done may be lawfully re covered or allowed in any action, suit, or proceeding, but when the rate of hours per day of such labor has not been pre viously agreed upon by cr between the parties, the party entitled to payment for labor shall be allowed to recover and re ceive payment for the same, and the day’s labor shall be reckoned at the rate of eight hours per day, all hours of labor done over such eight hours being reckoned as parts of other days to bet computed at

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1883.



G. R. West and Co., MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, Princes BTKEKT, Dunedin Have great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music loving population of Ashburton in such a mamer as has never before been at tempted. Messrs G. R. West & Co. are the Largest t Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, BRASS, WIND, AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS In the Colony, and a large and varied stock of the above can always bo found. Mr G. R. West, being at present m England, is shipping direct to Dunedin all the latest novelties in MUSIC ! .MUSIC ! ! MUSIC !! ! And the firm respectfully solicit a call from their. friends, teachers, and the public in general to inspect their magnifi cent stock of Music, personally selected. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN agency and mercantile COMPANY, LIMITED, . A ■ HAVE FOR SALE, ON EASY TERMS OF PAYMENT a Complete Threshing Plant, By Ransome, including 8 h p ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. The above has only threshed about 70,000 bushels, and is almost EQUAL TO NEW. Wm. HORNE, Agent, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 12 an TATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—fiom small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup plied jat lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Popers by every mail. Subscribers . .wanted for any Magazine or Paper ' published. . Andrevrea Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERY, Ac., EytTWrBBBT SoWTH ASHBURTON. >i 16 p a t!t. 'PROGRAMME CARDS in FI. very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wm 4 street.



Wanted WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate, Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorton. 1443 WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared te Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c WANTED Known—Music Taught to Pupils in Ashburton or Tinwald, at their own homes, for 2i guineas ; at my house for 2 guineas per quarter. Letters addressed to Post-office or to Mrs Charles Cornelius, third house on East Belt, next Davis’s. 7-19 WANTED, for a Station, a MAR RIED COUPLE without family. Man must be a good shepherd and willing to make himself generally useful ; wife, experienced general servant. Apply, stating wages required, to A.E.M., care of Office of this Paper. 7-46 WANTED KNOWN—That J. Mbech has engaged a first-class Up holsterer, who has been employed at A. J, White’s Furniture Warehouse for the last 15 years. Also a practical Cabinet maker. N.B.—Having increased his pre mises and staff, J. Mebch is prepared to Furnish Funerals and Undertaking at the lowest terms. 7 108 WANTED Known—That 0. Haw kins, BOOT and SHOEMAKER, having given up the Ashburton branch, is now carrying on the Business at Tin wald under his own personal supervision. Being overstocked with women’s and children’s BOOTS, he is now offering them at a sacrifice. Come and see for yourselves. 7-49 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 Drinss, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian ' Tubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give les ons in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according co arrangement. 1344 Special Advertisements.



F you want good and STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. v J.TYERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and gjiranteed bea. of material and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY PUBLISHED ———— THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY E spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT •F NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT at wholesale price. “ SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. R OBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS barley GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 O R SALE. Seed. Seed, SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. W JOSEPH CLARK, Ashburton and Tinwald. ASTE PA PE it FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



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. C. 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 forth? 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 5 £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 !■& good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 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 Empress black v.olveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0-9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame ... ... ... ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11



£2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth ... ... 1 1 0 3 ydssilesia 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 10a, contains — ■ Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets ... ... ... 1 10 G 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 0 14 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 Roalyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... ... ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 g od black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L-idies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6



£2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet ... 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match 0 16 6 1 prir handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size 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 ... 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth t) 11 6 £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 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 ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. llemember—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. F.C.O. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1982



Special Advertisements. JgCONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. I'he Shag Point Coal Company, Limited, beg to inform the Public of Ash burton and neighboring district that their FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD COAL Is supplied by the principal local Dealers at prices to suit the times. Special rates for quantities of 4 tons and upwards. Be sure and ask your dealer for Shag Point Coal, The most economical and efficient Fuel in the market, being free from soot and live ashes and emitting a strong, steady and lasting heat. For terms apply to your Dealer or at P. 0., Box 213, Dunedin. N.B.—The price ot every ton of Shag Point Coal sold is spent in the colony, and a large portion of it goes direct to the revenue. 7 149 H. M. Jones Has now on view a fiine STOCK OP PIANOS. FROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Sohwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. 25 INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 25 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH A One V_/ of the 0 Lmost won derful instru- N Ements ot the day. _ ’l7l Music by the yard. A child Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a O piano. Pianos on hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TFRM-S to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON, A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d



More health, sunshine, and joy in Hop Bit ters than in all other remedies. Observe. — [Advt.] 4 Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions—Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious, cathartic. $d and is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. *