SHIPPING.

»ORT OF LYTTELTON Sailed. Yfsterdat. Rotorua, 8.8., for Manukau, via way ports. Wairarapa, s.s., for Melbourne, via South. Mahinapua, b.b., for Dunedin. fiHTFfTNG TELEGRAMS. Wellington, Yesterday. ~Amied—G. M. Tucker, barque, from NWiSBIW; Waverley, from Nelson; Thornhill, three-masted schooner, from GWffflbuth. barque, for Newcastle ; Laatingham, for Sydney. - Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived Go-Ahead, from North ; Manappfliji, from Bluff - ,

COMMERCIAL.

Guardian Office, ■Wy!: >{ t[ Wednesday afternoon. ‘The ‘New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency (per Mr E. G. Stave ley auctioneer), report as follows on the Ash burtonlivestickmarket on Tuesday, yth August; —Sheep: For the time of year a numerous entry of both crossbreds and merino—fat and store. The sale was very quiet throughout, but little business being done, and several lots were re turned to the owners unsold. Fat crossbred wethers made 14s to 17s; merinos, 7s 4d to 8s 9d; crossbred ewes in lamb, 13s qd; merino ewes in lamb, aged, 3s 2d; merino couples, 4s 2d; long wool hoggetts, I2s Sd. Cattle Only a. small quantity brought forward, chiefly of medium sorts, Beef in small also good dairy cattle, but there were, apparently, quite enough yarded, to meet the requirements of the day. Faf&^ c bkhi|ht L 6 ,X,2s 6d and L 7 12s 6d; l»iBoeKA n is ; ''ss''’ttf Lit 10s; dairy cows, medium, L 4 and L 47 s 6d; dry heifers in formal frrijdUioa, L3is 6d and L 3 9s 6d. A feW«F»,th4 • younger sorts changed hands at nomiofl. values. ~ . The Sydney Markets. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantde Agency Company, limited, report of the Sydney ma»kets, under date July 28, as fol lows:—'Wo#l i The parcels offered during the past week have been few and unimportant, andj is S' consequence, competition has been altogether Jacking in spirit, resulting in the withdrawalof several lots; our last quotations are* b Ally Maintained.— Sheepskins : There is stiff good inquiry for iwell-woolled skins, but in ferior descriptions are dull. We quote : Best, 6d to yd per lb; medium, to per lb; short, to per lb.—-Tallow: Mar ket continues brisk, all lots being placed at undermentioned quotations : Prime mutton, upi toT/J? per ton; medium, L 34 to L 35 per and dark, 128 to L 32 per ton.— Butter - The market still continues dull, and stocks df NieW Zealand sire accumulating; we thertfOrestrongly advise aur friends to with hold further consignments for the present, as they can but result jn disappointing account sales.—Potatoes ; Our market continues fairly stejfdyi though prices this week have suffered slightly in consequence of heavy arrivals; there being mo -less. than 9,000 bags on offer on •Tuesday If^t., ‘At <s,ur,sale we had a large at teOTahch dnd'lilaced‘ X,7ob hags at L 3 13s 6d to L 3 15s per ton. The slight fall in price may, weGthidfc?' be; regarded as temporary, ancviwilbbk-fbV an almost immediate recovery, ■ as potatoes-,haye the “ call ” of the'n^StVf-Oats: A, fair demand at our last quqfatiop.r--^ian.:, A ( . fair, business is being done r « u3di Which is thfe present-ruling price.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

' ‘ AUCTION SALES To-moebow, - Thursday, August 9. Matson, Cox, and Co., at the farm of Mr John Ashburton Forks—Live and Dead Stock ; at 12 noon, iii Tuesday, August 14. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tin Wald Yards—Stock. Saturday, August 18. Mr Thos. Bullock/ at the , r Arcade, at 1 o’clock—Borough Reserves. Fuday, August 24. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Dundas Homestead Stock, Implements, Ac. meetings. Amusements, &o Tins Evening, Wednesday, August 8. Arcade Chambers Monthly Meeting, Horticultural Society ; at 8 p.m. Oddfellows’ Hall—Weekly Meeting, Ash burtonQuadrille Assembly ; at 7.30. Thursday, August 9. Oddfellows’ Hall—Lecture; 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 15- Ashburton County Council—at Council Chambers; 11 a.m. , Thursday, August 16. Town Hall—Gospel Temperance Mission.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the. Ashburton Post Offics as follows;

For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m. , and 5 p.m. , daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, *Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at, 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. Fqr. IJ'iinaOT and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A.UL,' and 4.30 p. m., daily. For Greenstceet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. Fur 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 Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at ASOuLSA'daily; For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days* and, Friday?. at 4.30 p. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyie, ‘bn Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 am; Fa?i!Neerlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 am., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. Front <3h6rtsey, : &o. at 10.15 aim. and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places «t 5.30 p.m. daily.

From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m, 1.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily.

From* ■ ‘Greenstr eet and Ahburton Forts; and Saturdays, at 10 am.

From Moupt Spinors, oa Tuesdays and Saufrqtfß/a't' 10:5 Am. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.6 a.m. -, From Ashton,' Waterton, and Long beach;£t 10-a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urday s,at4 p.m. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.m. F^om ( Flepaingtoa on Tuesdays, Thurs lays, at 10 a. m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

fBAiKS Leave AfIHBtTBTOir fob Ohbist- OBtrBOB and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m.V 10.66'a. m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. KatnsLeavk Ashbubton fob Timabo and Sooth* at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express), ana latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. A# /. ASHBUBTON FioM Obbxbtobubob at 10 16a.m. (Express), 485 pim., ahd 7.16 pith. y»inra Abeivb a? Ashbobton fbom TtstAßtr and Sooth- at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 . asu (Express), and 8 p.m. iafe*

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 p.m , with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will bo inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1883. The Irish Informers.

It is easy enough to understand the feeling that prompted the Victorian Premier when he peremptorily refused to allow the Phcenix Park informers to land in that colony, but if the Imperial authorities choose to take him to task, he will have some difficulty in giving a rational excuse for his action. That such men as Kavanagh, Hanlon and Smith would not make very desirable colonists, nobody will attempt to deny ; if they are not positively murderers they have been, at any rate, associated with criminals of the most degraded type, and their presence in any com munity is far from being a desirable thing. Still, we question if Mr Ser vice was justified in playing, as he has done, the part of an autocrat, and he has laid himself open to the charge of having pandered to the sympathies of those who believe that the murder of Lord Frederick Caven dish and Mr Burke was an act of patriotism. The three men who have been sent out to this part of the world certainly belong to a class that is uni versally detested, but this should not blind us to the fact that without their evidence the Dublin assassins would probably not have been brought to justice. Nor ought it to be lost sight of that they stand altogether upon a different footing to the miscreant Carey, who has recently met his just deserts. The latter was the main in stigator of the crime that sent a thrill of horror throughout the civilised world, while there was nothing to show that the other conspirators who turned Queen’s evidence were anything more than unwilling accomplices. When Mr Bryce was questioned on this matter some time ago, he said that he had no power to prevent the informers landing in the colony should they desire to do so, and there can be no doubt that he was correct in his opinion. Mr Ser vice was in precisely the same position, and yet he has for the sake of earning a little temporary popularity prevented these men coming ashore at their port of destination. Does the Premier of Victoria fancy that the people of that colony are so sensitive to evil influences that the presence of these approvers is likely to carry contamination with it ? On no other hypothesis can the action be accounted for, and this is probably the first time that a moral test has been deemed necessary in modern times in the case of persons coming into a new country. But the most important as pect of the question is that if those who have served the State—it matters not from what motive—are to be hounded from place to place, it would prevent such men from giving evidence in the future, and consequently the ends of justice would in certain cases be defeated. The sentimental squeamish ness shown by the Victorian Premier cannot have any logical support, espe cially when the identity of the informers was fully proved. This in itself would have been sufficient to make them marked men, and their movements could have been watched by the police wherever they settled. It would no doubt have been better if the English Government had informed the colony of their intention to deport the in formers to this part of the world, but the reason of their not doing so is pro bably owing to the necessity of keeping the whereabouts of people of such an unsavory kind as secret as possible. At this time, when it is as well to keep on good terms with the Mother Coun try, in order that the annexation pro posals, which have been talked so much about' of late, should be brought to a satisfactory conclusion, the action of the neighboring colony is particularly ill-timed. It will inevitably be used as an argument to show that when popular prejudice is to be conciliated, Colonial Governments do not hesitate to act in an autocratic manner, and that there fore any extension of power might be a source of danger.

The Fiery Cross mine at Reefton has struck a reef in the 450 ft level. The stone has been not broken into, but the borings show good gold.' Two fresh cases of typhoid fever have broken out among the arrivals by the ship Oxford—one on board the ship, and the other among the immigrants. Fully 3,000 persons, young and old, are expected to don the blue ribbon as the re sult of the crusade now being carried on in Dunedin. A meet of the Hunt Club took place this afternoon, the huntsmen starting from Mr Hunt’s farm on the Wakanui road. There was a very fair attendance, and an excellent run was obtained. During the past month the Immigration Officer at Dunedin has received nomina tions for 127 immigrants, equal to 109 statute adults. The nationalities are as follows :—English, 63; Irish, 36; Scotch, 28, The initial retorting in connection with the crushing of quartz at Terawhiti is ex pected to take place towards the end of the month. Great interest is evinced in the result. The prices of stock yesterday showed a slight decline. In our detailed report of the Poultry Show, the name of Mr Mitchell was mentioned as having cbtained the prize for the heaviest hen’s eggs exhibited. This was an error, as Mr E. Knight bore off the palm in this case, his eggs weigh ing 11b 3|ozs. During the year ending March, 1883, the New Zealand and Australian Land Company sold out of their various estates 66,054 acres, at an average of L 4 3s 5d per acre. The largest sales were :—Levels Uistaie, South Canterbury, 6,320 acres, averaging LlO p- r acre ; Edendale estate, Southland, 20,613 acres, averaging L 5 15s; Morton Mains estate, Southland, 35,718 acres, averaging L2.

The ship Lyttelton, which will probably sail from Port Chalmers on Saturday, will take 6,000 carcases of frozen meat.

On Friday next Kook’s panorama will bo shown for the first time in Ashburton in the Oddfellows’ Hall. The Southern press speaks in high terms of the paintings, and there will be the usual gift distribu tion after the diorama is concluded.

The Roslyn Tramway Company’s an nual report shows a profit for the year of L6BO, which goes towards the fund set apart to pay up damages through the me morable accident. But for this, alO per cent, dividend would have been declared. It is proposed to extend the paying off the accident fund over five years, although next year it is fully expected that a satis factory dividend will be declared.

Mention was made in these columns recently of a station holder in Otago, Mr Walter Miller, of Roxburgh, having made a profit of 15s or 16s on every sheep sent Home over what would have been realised in the colonial saleyards. The Bruce Herald gives the following hints as to the method of Mr Miller’s feeding, which are not without interest; “He has (which we believe is a device of his own) two large sledge hut boxes, each capable of holding 30cwt of chaff, which are easily removed to any part of the run. These are supplied with chaff cut from oaten sheaves. The sheep help them selves, and when desirous of change of food, they find turnips and grass close at hand. This diet has proved most nutri tious, and has produced mutton of the highest quality, and most excellent flavor.”

A fire occurred at Dunedin on Monday evening in Manse street in a large wooden building occupied by Messrs Mac Lean and Co., auctioneers, and the upper storey of which is occupied by various offices. It occurred through one of the holders of the upper rooms letting fall a kerosene lamp with which he was looking if all was safe for the night. The upper storey was pretty thoroughly gutted, and the wheat on the lower floor was damaged by water. The insurances are as follows :—On the building (the property of Messrs I>. Proudfoot and W. J. M. Larnach) LI,OOO in the National; probable loss, L4OO. On Mr Isaacs’ stock, L2OO in the National office; probable loss, L3OO. On the grain, LIOO in the National office; pro bable loss, L2OO. On Mr Harborow’s stock, L4OO in the London and Lancashire office; probable loss, LSOO. Besides these losses there are various amounts lost by office holders, who were uninsured. Commenting on the purchase of the wreck of ths George Roper for a sum of L 3,000, a Melbourne correspondent writes: —lf the profits of Melbourne “ wreckers ” are always as great as those of the syndicates that purchased the stranded vessel the George Roper, there will soon be as many people in the busi ness as there were in the good old days on the coast of Cornwall, where a ship ashore was looked upon as a special dispensation of Providence in favor of the inhabitants. The vessel still holds her own on the Lonsdale reef, despite the assaults of the wind and the waves. And not only will all the cargo be got out of the vessel, but there is a very strong probability of the ship herself being saved. A hull worth some L 30,000 and a cargo valued at L 60,000, of which amount seme L 20.000 is represented by steel rails, that under any circumstances will be recovered un damaged by salt water, cannot bo con sidered a bad bargain for L 3,000. The steamer Blackboy will soon be afloat again, and thus falsify the prophecies of the pilots, who say that no vessel that ever was on the Lonsdale reef could by any possibility be got off. The monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday, there being present, Messrs A. E. Peache (chairman), Walker, Edson, and (Mcßae. The former minutes were read and con firmed.—Ambrose Fox presented a claim of L 5 18s 6d for work done, at Mayfield crossing. It was decided to pay him L 4 9s 3d, being half the difference between the Overseer’s estimate and his claim, in consideration that no previous agreement had been made with him before the work was done. —James Milne waited on the Board re allowance for repairs to Down’s road. It was decided to grant him LlO and pipes for two culverts, provided he did L2O worth of work according to the Overseer’s estimate.— It was proposed by Mr Edson, and seconded by Mr Walker That a general rate of one halfpenny in the pound be struck for the year ending the 31st March 1884.—1 t was moved by Mr Walker, se conded by Mr Edson, and carried—That in the event of any part of the district re quiring an expenditure in excess of the amount raised in it by the general rate, that expenditure shall be covered by a separate rate. A letter was read from the Ashburton County Council re Taylor’s Stream bridge, and it was resolved that the Board accept the Council’s pro posal, the matter to be left in the hands of the Overseer to arrange with Mr Baxter. —A letter from Mr W. B. Compton was considered, asking for the use of shingle reserve on section No. 28090, and it was decided that his application be granted.— On the motion of Mr Walker, seconded by Mr Mcßae, it was decided that a notice should be inserted in the news papers warning ratepayers that in all cases where the gorse is growing on the roads unless it be cleared before August 31st the Board will take steps under the Public Works Act, 1882, to compel the same to be cleared.—lt was resolved that the Ashburton County and Borough Councils be requested to press upon the Minister of Public Woiks the necessity of extending the Tinwald and Mount Somers railway over the South Ashburton river towards Bowyer’s stream, in accordance with the petition of the ratepayers, and the report of the Committee of the County Council, and to write to the two members for the district, requesting them to urge the same on the Minister of Public Works.—The Overseer’s report was read and considered, when several necessary works were ordered to be done and ten ders invited. Several accounts were passed for payment and the Board ad journed.

The people of Methveu will hold a grand ball on Friday evening. Members of the Ashburton Quadrille Assem bly are reminded that the usual weekly meeting takes place this evening. The monthly meeting of the local Horticul tural Society will be hmd to-night at the Ar cade Chambers.

A series of meetings in connection with the Blue Ribbon movement will be conducted next week at the Town Hall.

The Timaru Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Show is to take place on 17th and 18th inst. Entries close nth inst,

Messrs Robinson and Townshend are author ised to collect fees due on account of Mr Sut ton’s entire Drayman. Far, far better for you than beer, ale, or porter, and free from the intoxicating effects, is Hop Bitters. Read. [Advt.] 7 Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup.—lnfallible, tasteless, harmless, cathartic ; for feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation, is at drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2 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,

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, August 7. JURIES ACT. The Hon Mr Mantell brought in the Juries Act Amendment Bill, which was read a first time. THE EDUCATION ACT. On the motion of Colonel Brett, the following names were selected by ballet to serve on the Joint Education Petitions Committee : Messrs Pollen, Holmes, Bonar, Reynolds and Barnicoat. BILLS. The Westland High School Bill, the Masterton and Groytown Lands Manage ment Bill, and the Taiaroa Land Bill were received from the Lower House and read a first time. QUESTIONS. In reply to the Hon Mr Wilson, who said he hoped the Government would follow the example of the . Victorian Ministry in regard to the Irish informers, the Hon Mr Whitaker said the subject was under the consideration of the Go vernment, and the Council should be informed of any decision come to. SECOND HEADINGS. The following Bills were read a second time Otago Harbor Board Bill, West land Education District Sub-division B 11, New River Harbor Endowment Bill, and the Massey Frauds Indemnity Bill. The Council rose at. 4.30 p. m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, august 7. The H ouse met at 2 30. MR DAROAVILLB’s CHARGE. The Hon Major AtKinson gave notice that he would move the name of Mr Fitz- Gerald be substituted for that of Mr Hurst on the Atkinson-Dargaville En quiry Committee, and Mr Montgomery gave notice that he would move for the discharge of his name from the said Com mittee. NATIVE LANDS. Colonel Trimble brought up the report of the Native Affairs Committee on the petition presented by Mr Bryce from the natives of Poverty Bay, opposing he New Zealand Native Land Company’s Bill, and making certain charges against the East Coast Land Company. The report was to the effect that the matter of the petition was a proper subject for enquiry in a Court of law, and that the Committee had no recommendation to make. He moved that the report be laid on the table.

Mr DeLautoue moved as an amend ment—“ That the minute of the reception of the Committee should be expunged from the r cords of the House.”

Mr Sheehan supported the amend ment.

The Hon Mr Bryce said he thought the allegations of the petition should be en quired into. They affected the honor of men both inside and outside the House, and he moved that the report be referred back to the Committee to take evidence on the allegations of the petition, as having presented the petition he would undertake that some evidence in support of it should be forthcoming.

Colonel Tbimble said that the Native Affairs Committee was systematically made the vehicle for slandering people. He would like to see a precedent of the kind like that sought for by Mr DeLau tour. It would do a great deal of good if these petitions were rejected altogether. The Committee could not possibly fully investigate the matter. Only a Court if law could da so.

Mr Sheehan “suggested the Classifica tion Committee should have power to re port upon these petitions, ano that if it appeared they contained subject matter for judicial enquiry, either civil or criminal, then the House should refuse to accept the petition, unless it had been shown that the judicial remedy had been exhausted.

t-ir George Grey said this was a mys terious proceeding altogether. This peti tion was presented by Mr Bryce, read in the House, and contrary to precedent it was published in Hansard. The Speaker said that he had applied to the chief of the Hansard Department, who stated that this petition was inserted according to the usual practice. Sir George Grey said the reading of the petition was unfair. The Hon Major Atkinson said it was time that the practice of constantly charging corrupt practices against the Go vernment and members should be put a step to. It was unreasonable that the Government should be asked to bear the expense of those enquiries. The parties making the allegations should be com pelled to come forward and substantiate their statements. Mr Montgomery said that Ministers should be c treful that a libel like this should not be thrown broadcast over the land. He supports I the proposal for having it expunged, and blamed Mr Bryce for presenting the petition at all.

Mr Fulton and Mr DeLautour con demned the petition as being a most im proper one, and ought not to have been received at all. The original motion that the report do lie on the table was negatived on the voices, and Mr DeLautour’s amendment became the substantive motion. The Hon Mr Conolly moved the ad journment of the debate. After considerable further discussion the motion for the adjournment was negatived, and on the motion for expunging the petition from the records of the House, the House divided—Ayes, 40 ; noes, 29. The petition was accordingly ordered to be expunged. ROiDS AND BRIDGES CONSTRUCTION ACT. Mr Shephard brought up an interim report from the Hoads and Bridges Con struction Act Committee as follows :—“ I am directed to report that the Committee has come to the following resolution : That main roads are those which connect two or more counties or road districts, or where there are no Hoad Boards, the ridings of a county, or which connect a country district with a port. The Com mittee further desire to ask for an exten sion of the order in reference, so as to enable the Committee to review the whole of the roads gazetted last session as main roads, with a view of recommend ing a new schedule in accordance with the resolution of the Committee, and the opinion of the Surveyor-General, as to what are main reads.” He moved that the power asked for should be granted. After discussion, a motion for adjeurn ment, moved by Major Harris, was put and the House divided. Ayes, 31; noes, 43. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. THE PREMIER. Sir G. Grey gave notice to move on going into Supply that the Premier of the colony should not be solicitor to the Bank of New Zealand, nor should he re ceive any salary, fees or emoluments from the Bank of New Zealand. BILLS. The following Bills were read a third time and passed: Bankruptcy, Mining Company’s Act, 1877, Amendment, and Grown Grants Bills. DIRECT STEAM SERVICE. The Hon Mr Rolleston moved —“That the House concur in the arrangement made by the Government, subject to the approval of Parliament, with the New Zealand shipping Co. (ijimited) for the conveyance.of immigrants and freightfrom 1 Great Britain to New Zealand, as set ]

forth in correspondence laid before the House on the Ist August.” After apeak* ing of the rapid growth of the colony, which necessitated a direct steam service being established, he went on to say that on the resolutions come to by the House, tenders had been invited but none re* ceived thereon, and the Government had since, on the basis of that report, entered into the arrangements which Parliament was now asked to confirm. That no tenders had been received was singular, as now, without a subsidy at all, the Go? vernment had an offer to carry on the service. As members were aware, the New Zealand Shipping Company had submitted an offer which the Government bad accepted subject to the approval oil Parliament. When the Government re ceived Messrs Shaw, Seville’s first letter, they were practically committed to the Shipping Company. It seemed to the Government that the matter could not'be longer delayed. The fact of giving the contract to the firm was not creating a monopoly. It was made for only - a short term, and the possibility of com petilion would always be kept in view. The (Shipping Company (had already, conducted its operations with consider* able success. Next year, when the Home meets, it weald have an opportunity of renewing the service. He did not think any good would bo gained by dividing thel service between two Companies. Mr Driver regretted he must oppose the resoluiion on the ground that the absence of public competition would en tail serious loss to the colony. He would move as an amendment ‘‘That the whole question be referred for consideration td. a elect C mmittee. ”

Mr Sheehan supported the amend ment, as did Mr Macandrew, arguing that in a full Home they could not ‘ expect to go into all the details the asm* as they would be able to do in Committee. Mr J. E. Brown opposed the proposal to refer the question to a Committee: Mr Fish said it was purely a commer cial transaction which they had to con sider, and the lowest tender should hi accepted. The Shipping Comrtiy halt in self-defence to convert their fleet from..; sailing to steam vessels. He did ;Qot ■ gree in the proposal tq refer the matter -1 to a committee. That system of referring , things to committees had become too much the practice of late. He would* vote against the proposition. Mr Hurst said the service had been:; initiated at a serious loss by the Shipping Company, and they had otherwise showed •; their hona fides in the matter by offering to share the contract with Shaw,:Saville and Co. if the latter would bear the share of the whole service from its initiation. Such being the case, he thought thbjf were quite entitled to the arrangement * proposed by the Government. : Mr Levin spoke at length against the ' resolution. As a business map he looked forward with alarm to the proposed mono poly. There was going he knew to be most violent opposition, and an opposi tion in steam meant ruin to all concerned. It would mean a great commercial diets* P ter if the trade were to be divided. It u would have the effect of bringing trouble • to the homes of many of the shareholders. ' besides flooding tbe market . with- all descriptions of merchandise,, which will practically ruin trade if there-was compe tition in the service.

After further debate the House divided —■ Ayes, 29 ; noes, 34. , The amendment for remit to a Oonfr mittee was then put , The House divided —Ayes, 44 ; noes, 22. The amendment as made by Mr Driver was then put and carried. The House adjourned at 1.5 a.m.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent.]

Wellington, To-day. Questions will be asked as follows this week ;—Mr Pyke : To ask whether the Government have taken any measures to prevent the landing of the Irish informers in New Zealand, and if not, whether the Government will take prompt action for that purpose ; Mr Hobbs: To ask whether the Government will, with the view t 6 assist the local industries of fruit pre serving and .jam making, submit a pro posal to the House to admit sugar free of duty ; Mr Duncan : To ask if the Govern ment will remit the property tax. to the districts that are now rated for their district railways ; Mr Feld wick : To ask the Minister of Marine if he will take steps to provide a temporary light on the Waipapa Point, in Southland, pending the completion of the lighthouse now in course of erection there.

Mr Wilson, in the Legislative Council yesterday, in the course of some remarks made by him against the hurrying < f a Bill through the Council, gave it as his opinion that if a Bill were brought in to suspend the Habeas Corpus Act it would < be allowed to pass unchallenged: by aomo I V members. 1 quite believe it.

Sir Geo. Whitmore waxed anecdotal yesterday in the Legislative ' Council, i During the passage through Committee of l the Destitute Persons Amendment Bill, , while an amendment, being a new • clause brought up by Mr Menzies, was => being discussed. This clause had for its object the levying of a reasonable sum of money, according to the circumstances of the parties interested, on the putative I father of a child bora out oi wedlock. Sir George objected to the clause, os he considered that it would be found that f the wrong horse would be frequently saddled. He said he had heard that once upon a time there lived in London a worthy, benevolent, and wealthy old gent;', who became the victim of no fewer than 250 youthful mothers of intelligent chil dren. These designing women, knowing,. his bump of benevolence was largely de - veloped, and being aware that he had an objection to appear in a Court of Justice, - swore their offsprings on him, and ob tained in each instance 2s 6d each. The inference that was drawn by the hon and gallant gentlemen was that a similar fraud, i . might be attempted to be perpetrated in this colony, should the clause be insisted on, to the evident relief of nearly all con cerned. The clause was rejected.

SPORTING.

GERALDINE RACING CLUB. The following are the nominations for the handicaps : Cup —Mr J. Stephenson’s Taiaroa, Mr J. Stephenson’s Hyacinth, Mr 6. Bate’s The Poet, Mr G. (Bate’s Minerva, Mr E. Cutta’s Sou’-Wester, Hon. G. McLean’s • Matauaka, Mr Gee. G. Stead’s Trickster, Mr B. Mason’s Bundoora, MrR. Mason’s Turquoise, Mr H. Fuller’S Hazard, Mr J.. ; J. Power’s Emir Bey, Mr P. MoEvedy’s Trumpeter, Mr J. Pi 1 brow’s Envious (late Envy filly), MrD. O’Brien’s Tasman, Mr P. Glasson’s Mermaid. . G.R.O. Handicap— Mr J. Stephenson’s Taiaroa, Mr J. Stephenson’s Hyacinth, Mr G. Bate’s The Poet, Me G. Bate’s Minerva, Mr E. Cutta’s Sou’-Wester, Hon. Geo. McLean’s Matanaka, Mr Geo. G. Stead’s Trickster, Mr R. Mason’s Bundoora, Mr R. Mason’s Turquoias, Mr H. Fuller’s Hazard, Mr J. Power’s Emir Bey, Mr P. MoEvedy’a Trumpeter, Mr. , Geo. G. Stead’s Poll, Mr P. Butler’s i Trinket, Mr J Pilbrow’a Envious (Iste’ Envy filly;, Mr D. O’Brien’s Tasman, Mr D. O’Brien’s Siesta.

Hurdle Handicap— Mr P. Jones’s Lady . Perdita, Mr M. Sherwin’s Milo, Mr H." Luna’s Canard, Mr J. Lewis’s Schmoozer, Mr H. Piper’s Ravenawood, Mr H. Good- !, man’s Sunlight, Mr F. Hedge’s Our Pony, Mr A W. Dillon’s Hercules, Mr J. Pil brow’s Barbary, Mr J. Pilbrow’a Clarence, Mr J. W. Cotton’s Wild Boy, Mr D.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1888.



Wanted WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevor-on. 1443 WANTED A MARRIED COUPLE for Grove Farm. Woman to cook for men and most be good dairywoman, and man to milk and do general work. Apply, J. Carter, Grove Farm, Tinwald. 8 254 • IMPLICATIONS are invited for the post of Working OARETAKKR to the Ashburton Racing Club. All par ticulars may be obtained from the Secre tary, to whom applications must be ad dressed on or before SATURDAY, Aug. 11th. S. SAUNDERS, . 8 219 Secretary. 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 e 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, be is now offering them at a sacrifice. Come and sea 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 Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lba is always at his post to give lesions in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344 WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moisok, 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 the past by doing best 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 ANTED KNOWN Great Slaughter Now going on with BOOTS AND SHOES, AS GREEN & CO. Are giving up business on 36th August, they are determined to clear out the whole of their well-assorted Stock of Boots and Shoes at any price, to save removal to Dunedin. No reasonable offer will be re fused. GREEN & CO.. Corner East and Burnett streets, 7 169 Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE , COMPANY, LIMITED, HAVE FOR SALE, ON EASY TERMS OP PAYMENT a Complete Threshing Plant, By Ransome, including 8 h o ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. The above has only threshed abeut 70,000 bushels, and is almost EQUAL TO NEW. Wm. HORNE, Agent, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 12 an O R S A L E Seed. Seed SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. KAIAPOI ISLAND POTATOES. CR U SHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald. jgCONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. the 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 te 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 of 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



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, thou anda 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 lata 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 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 a Dress Parcel, contains— Worth i £ s. d. 1 d ress piece (12 yds) any shade, F rench costume cloth ... 0 18 6 !■£ go°d velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 *3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 X 10 doa new oxydiaed buttons, to match 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 OurJNo. 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. 8, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame ... ... ... ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains — Worth 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress 0 1 6 i 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 6 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) 0 18 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. |7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere X 6 j 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 X pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 4 doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £l®, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet ... 3 6 0 I nice pattern hearthrug, to match ~ 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 j 1 full size white honeycomb er toilet quilt ... ... ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tableoover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 1 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels ... ... ... 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 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 ... 1 1 0 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 — Avery complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette • ... 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Gash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only, P. 0.0. made payable to EC. BROWN & 00,, Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. paper for sale In Large or Small Quantities, ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 Fine Gold. fA AAA SHEEP to be Slaughtered to £)'7>Uv/U Me(a)t the Times.—Wanted the public to know you can save 100 per cent, by dealing at the Ready- Money Meat Mart, Bullock’s Arcade. Meat delivered to any part of the town when purchased. 8 211 STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION, Account Books Ink—from small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0., East street South Ashburton. n!5 ‘ DANN’S Linseed Balsam. THE marvellous Cure for Coughs, Colds, Influenza, Bronchitis, Asthma, Whooping Cough, and all affections of the Chest, Throat, and Lungs. More genuine cures have been effected by this remark able remedy than by any other prepara tion on sale in the colony. The following articles are contained in the Balsam, viz.;—Linseed, Honey, Bal sam of Tohu, Ipecacuanha, Senega, Ex tract of Liquorice, and several other Bal samic and expectorant ingredients. This preparation is free from Morphia and Antimony, and can bo given with safety to infants. Price—ls 6d and 2s 6d per bottle. DANN’S Herbal Pills. In all comp’aints arising from the Liver being in a disordered state these Pills have proved to be a certain cure. Sufferers from Indigestion, Constipa tion, Sick Headache, Dyspepsia, Sluggish Liver, Loss of Appetite, etc., etc., will find these Pills the best and safest remedy. Price—ls 6d and 4s per box. Prepared only by E. C. DAN N, Chemist, The Pharmacy, Christchurch. Sole Agent for Ashburton, Mr Charles Neate, CHEMIST. 8 201 I F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. fjIVERY article Sold at Christchurch -i Prices and guaranteed bes. of •naterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED *1 OOBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public 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 TWEJEDS. 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 bo 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 WKRTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : BAST STREET. QOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS. The following Government Publics tions, with others, can be obtained at the Office of this Paper : Education Act Railway Tariff (revised) Grown Lands Guide Companies Act Fencing Act Regulation of Local Elections Act Public Libraries Acts Etc., Etc.