SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON,

Arrived. Yesterday. Mahinapua, s s., from Dunedin. Sailed. Yesterday. Mahinapua, s.s., for Wellington and West Coast ports. Augusta, brigantine, for Wanganui. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. The brig Moa arrived at Kaipara Heads, *” v forty-nine days from Dunedin. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Wanaka, from the South ; - Hawes, from the North ; Te Anau, from ' Melbourne and the South ; Grafton, from Oamarn and Lyttelton. Sailed—Hawea, for Lyttelton. Timaku, Yesterday. Arrived—Wakatu, from the North Waitaki, from Dunedin; Sarah Pile, from Wellington. Sailed —-Wakatu, for Lyttelton ; Wai - taki, for the South. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived—Taiaroa, from the North. Bluff, Yesterday.

Sailed—Waihora, for Melbourne. Be sides (coaling, the Waihora took in 600 tons of grain to-day.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon,

Messrs Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction with Messrs R. Wilkin and Co,, per Mr F. C. Tahart, auctioneer) report on the live stock market for the week ending July loth, 1883, as follows: Probably owing to the bad weather there was not a large entry of fat sheep : at last Tuesday’s sale, only one line of merinos, which fetched 8s 3d, and one line of crossbred brought 14s 3d. In store sheep a considerable ■: nnmher came forward, and we quote for broken-mouthed merino ewes from 3s to 3s 6d; merino wethers from £s to 5s gd ; and merino ewes from 4s 4d to 4s gd. Fat cattle we quote £rom 17s to 20s per roolb. Not many store cattle ■ ' were entered, and there was no alteration in prices since previous sales. Messrs Miles and Co, per J, T. Ford, re port on the live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday; July 12th, 1883, as follows Addihgton ;In fat sheep the entry was larger than the previous week, though the numbers were stfll low. Several lines of very , good quality were yarded, but there was no material alteration in values except where pur chases were made for freezing ; in these cases the best quality was eagerly competed for, and in one instance at least 3d per lb was reached. With these exceptions we quote the average at , from 2d to per lb, the lower quotation beingfor merino, of which the supply is more : than plentitul and the demand limited. In fat cattle there was a larger entry than usual, and a, corresponding dull sale. Beef may be quoted at from 17s to 21s per loolb, the higher figure being for extra prime quality. Pigs were in the usual supply, and brought full rates, being in active demand. A limited number of ■stores, either sheep or cattle, were penned, and there was little or no inquiry, owing perhaps : partly to the inclemency of the weather, but also toils being the season of the year when this class of stock does not change hands in large numbers. The total entries were 4,180 sheep, 217 head of cattle, and 178 pigs. ur entries were 1,576 sheep and 46 head of cattle. We sold bn account of flon. John M'Lean, the Mount Hutt estate, the Chatmoss estate, Messrs C. Ensor, P. Grant, P. Clinton, W. McLennan, W. B. Clarkson, W. H. Cooper, Joseph Haydon, E. Clarkson and others.. The Hon. John M‘Lean’s merino wethers sold at 8s fid and 8s gd, the Mount Hutt crossbred : wethers realised 14s, • 14s 3d, 14s fid and 14s 9d, the Chatmoss crossbreds ..brought 13s gd and 14s, Mr P. Clin ton's crossbred wethers sold at 14s and 14s and 3d. Mr W. McLennan’s crossbreds real ised 13s fid and 14s ; other lines equal to quo tations. Mr C. Ensor’s heifers brought L 5 5s and L 5 7s fid; Mr Haydon’s cattle sold up to L 7 12s fid. The returns given above represent our other sales fbr the day. Ashburton—At this market, on Tuesday last, very few fat sheep Were yarded, and the prices were quite equal to our Addington Yard rates. The same may be said of fat cattle possessing anything like quality and of handy weights. A line of heavy bullocks was purchased by a southern buyer, at from L$ to Lg per head; many of them would require more feeding before bring ing to the slaughter yard. The store sheep were for the most part old merino ewes and wethers, and. did not excite very great compe tition. Not many store cattle were yarded ; two-year-old steers brought from L 3 to L 3 15s, heifers from L2 to L 3 10s. Our entries for the day comprised 2,600 sheep, and about 30 head of cattle. We sold on account of the Hon John McLean, Messrs P. Grant, A. McFarlanc, and Others. The Hon John McLean’s merinos brought 8s yd each. Mr Grant’s ewes sold at 4s 3d and 4s fid; the wethers brought 6s 2d. Mr McFarlane’s cattle realised 40s, 62s fid, 82s fid,’ and up to L 5. Other lines equal to quoted rates. Hie New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, report on the Christchurch markets as follows for the month ending 12th July Wool: On 4th July we submitted to auction the accumu lations into store of the past two months. The attendance was good, and considering the character of the several lots offered, prices were satisfactory. Out of 254 bales catalogued 147 found buyers at—for greasy merino, is 5d to Is fid; scoured merino locks, is oj£d to is id; scoured half-bred, is 2j£d to is 3j£; scoured cross-bred. Is id to Is 2d.—Tallow : Notwithstanding the steady decline in values reported from Home, there is an active enquiry for all descriptions, at close up to previous quotations. Shipping tallow has been placed at 32s fid, and good well saved fat commands 2jid per lb.—Sheepskins ; The quantity brought forward during the month has been large, but with a continued strong demand, no difficulty is experienced in realising. We have to note a marked decrease in prices, however, equal to about 20 per cent, on Merinos—extra growth being taken into account.—Hides : The demand is fairly active, and with only moderate supplies, the market is firm at pre vious quotations.—Grain : The interval since last we wrote has been very favorable for. farm work, and good progress has been made with the plough. It is, however, evident that the breadth sown down falls short of the average of the last few years at the same date. Ex treme dulness has marked every department of the grain trade, and unless intercolonial and coastwise orders flow in more freely, farmers MU experience some difficulty in quitting their stocks, even at the low pi ices now current. —Ryegrass : A slight enquiry for spring sow ing has displayed itself within the past few days, but the business passing has been ex tremely limited. Well dressed samples com mand 4s ; medium to good, 3s 3d to 3s gd; and farmers’ rough lots, 2s gd to 3s 3d. — Frozen Meat.—The lonic sailed from Lyttel ton on nth instant, with 12,755 carcases of frozen mubon, 9,584 of which were shipped by the Dunedin Company, and 3,171 by the Canterbury Company. This is by far the largest shipment that has yet been made from New Zealand—indeed, it is the largest from Australasia —and with arrangements so perfect as those on board the lonic it is confidently hoped that the meat will reach London in prime condition. A Dunedin shipper has made a new departure, in shipping by the lonic 100 legs of mutton—disposing of the remainder of the car cases here. The price at Home continues firm, as advices are to hand stating that fid is being obtained for the Fenstanton’s shipment.—Pro perties : Although there are several enquirers after properties with more or less capital at their disposal, it is stiU very difficult to bring through sales. During the month, we sold a nice property at Kirwee, comprising 1,018 acres, the property of the Hon. Colonel Brett, at h satisfactory figure; and we have also dis posed of several farms and township sectioms at Belfast, the rising district in which the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company’s works are situated.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES

Tuesday, July 17. Mr T. Bullock, at the Tiuwald Yards — Dairy Cows, Etc. Vlatson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &o This Evening. Egyptian Variety Minstrel Company Oddfellows’ Hall Monday, July 16. Church of England Temperance Society— Public Meeting, at Oddfellows’ Hall, at 7.30 p.m. Friday, August 3. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association —Third Annual Show, Town Hall. First day. Wednesday, August 15. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers ; 11 a. m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains Leave Ashburton for Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a,m., 10.65 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timabu and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express),and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther than Timaru. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 15a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from Timaru and South at 10.40 a.m., 5,27 p.m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JULY 14, 1883. The Rangitata Bridge.

The telegram which was received by the Chairman of the Ashburton County Council from the Geraldine Council on Wednesday, stating that the latter body had come to a decision not to

pay their share of the cost of re constructing the Rangitata bridge until the present structure had been tried by floods, came like a bombshell in the camp. It will be remembered that when the ceremony of opening the bridge took place, Mr C. G. Tripp, the Chairman of the Geraldine Council, spoke in enthusiastic terms of the suc cess which had attended the under taking, adding that he did not suppose there would be any difficulty about the payment. The battle of cylinders versus piles had been fought in the past with a good deal of asperity, but the result had amply justified the opinion of the Ashburton Council, and the hatchet might safely be buried. There is no reason to believe that Mr Tripp has changed his views, but the extraordinary resolution come to on Wednesday,shows that those views are not shared by the majority of the Council over which he presides. At the risk of being accussed of repeating a twice-told tale, it is necessary that we should recapitulate a few of the princi pal facts connected with the building of this bridge. When the carrying out of the work was placed by the Govern ment in the hands of the Ashburton County Council, Mr Higginson, C.E., was appointed to prepare plans. 7,'0 erect the bridge on cylinders it was found would cost about £ 12,000, a sum which this county could not afford, and at a conference with |the Council Mr Higginson was asked if iron piles could not be used instead, and he answered in the affirmative. Accordingly he was com missioned to prepare a plan for such a bridge, and it is upon that plan that the present structure has been erected. It should be mentioned here that the first piles that were sent out from Home were so faulty that when an attempt was made to drive them a number of them broke off, and Mr Higginson con demned their use. Others were ob tained, and under the direction of the County Engineer the work was brought to a successful issue, and there is no doubt that the new part of the bridge is quite as safe for traffic purposes as is the original portion. Still it must be confessed that the Geraldine County Council always stuck tenaciously to the idea that a bridge erected on iron piles would not withstand the floods which at times occur in the Rangitata river, and they left no stone unturned to sup port their case. At a meeting of that Council held on June 14th, 1881, a re port was read from Mr Higginson, in which that gentleman stated that the experimental pile-driving had been a failure, which he considered was “ en tirely owing ,to the bad material of which they are composed,” but adding, “at the same time I think their success is open to doubt, even if they had been perfectly sound.” The curious fact about this report is that it was not sent to the Ashburton County Council, whose consulting Engineer the writer was, nor to the Geraldine Council, the latter body having obtained it from the Public Works Office. Why the Govern ment should have withheld from those most interested in the matter the know ledge that the Engineer had con demned his own plans is as extraordin ary as that Mr Higginson should have written as he did. If he had any doubt as to the practicability of carry ing out the designs he had himself re commended, surely his clients should have had the first intimation of it. So far from this being done, we only discovered that the Engineer had changed his opinion from the Geraldine Council, who them selves obtained the information at second-hand, having managed to ferret the report out of the pigeon-holes of the Public Works office. But apart from the fact that the successful erection of the bridge has proved the fallacy of Mr Higginson’s views on the matter, the sentence we have quoted shows that he had not been afforded an opportunity of fairly testing the question. Because some of the piles that had been driven in had broken off, “ entirely,” as he asserts, “owing to the material of which they were composed,” he is ready to condemn the system of building bridges in this way over such a river as the Rangitata. The truth is, we sus pect, that Mr Higginson in this in stance was, wittingly or unwittingly, playing into the hands of the Engineer in-Chief of the Middle • Island. Mr Blair had declared himself strongly in favor of a cylinder bridge, probably be cause he looked forward to the possi bility of its being used in the future for railway purposes, and the failure of the pile-driving was too good a point to be lost. Thanks to the faith which the Ashburton Council had in their engi neer, Mr Baxter, the bridge has been constructed according to the plan ori ginally determined on, and professional opinion has declared that it is perfectly safe for all the purposes it is likely to be put to, while the Geraldine people have to thank the Councillors on this side of the river that the work has been done for little more than half the sum that would have been spent over a cylinder bridge.

But when it comes'to paying the bill, we find the Geraldine Council using this report of Mr Higginson as a basis on which to found a reason for evading their just liabilities. The motion that was carried at their meeting on Wed nesday to the effect that they would defer the consideration of their contri buting a half-share of the cost until the bridge has been tested by a flood is simply an attempt to shirk payment for a work from which they receive as much benefit as our selves. The construction of the bridge was placed in the hands of the Ashbur ton Council, and even if it had proved a failure the Geraldine County would still have had to meet half the cost. Luckily, however, that consideration does not enter into the question, as the bridge is admittedly a thorough suc cess. As to the flood test, the idea is so absolutely childish that we wonder how sensible men could have voted for it. We should like to know who is to decide as to the sufficiency of the flood. If the Geraldine Council had their way, they could defer the payment .of their just debt till Dooms day as they could always shelter themselves behind the plea that although the bridge had withstood a great flood, Providence might still send a greater one. Concerning their lia bility there can be no question, and the refusal to liquidate it will only re sult in the County being compelled to pay a good deal more money in the way of law costs.

The usual services in connection with the Baptist Church will be held at the Oddfellow’s Hall to-morrow, when the Rev. T. Bray, of Greendale, will preach morning and evening. The Plumpton ground is now ready for the Waterloo meeting. It contains 130 hares. A trial made yesterday proved very satisfactory. By the votes of nominators for the Waterloo Cup, Mr O. R. Wise has been elected Judge, and Mr J. Fpooner slipper.

A branch of Cuff and Graham’s Aus tralasian Forwarding Agency has been opened in Ashburton under the direction of Messrs Ward and Son. This will be a great boon to those who wish to send parcels to any part of the world, the through rates being fixed very low. As will be seen by an ads’ortisement elsewhere, the Rev. H. C. M. Watson, of St John’s, Christchurch, will preach at St Stephen’s to-morrow. On Monday the anniversary meeting of the Church of England Temperance Society in Ashbur ton will be held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, when Mr Watson will deliver an address. The Ashburton 'Volunteers are about to be supplied with short Snider rifles, and it is necessary that the weapons now in use should be returned, as until this is done the new ones cannot be distributed. There are several volunteers who have as yet neglected to comply with this order, and it would be as well if they take this hint and return the rifles now in their possession at once. A meeting of the Ashburton Coursing Club was hold last night at the Somerset Hotel, at which there was a good atten dance. The stakes in the All Aged event were paid over, but it was decided not to settle with the winner of the Puppies until enquiries had been made as to the ages of four of the competing dogs, viz., Miss Alice (the winner), Kias-me-Quick, Glasgow Collie, and Una, some doubt having arisen as to whether they fulfilled the conditions attaching to this event. At the Oddfellows’ Ball last evening an entertainment was given in the shape of a diorama of the Egyptian war, inter spersed with specimenso- negro minstrelsy. I ha diorama proved to be an old acquain tance, but it was enjoyed none the less on that account by those who were pre sent. The instrumental and vocal selec tions were not of a very high clsss, but the audience seemed to be amused. Another exhibition of the panorama will be given this evening.

We have received from Mr Robert Alcorn a sample of a very ingenious, and at the same time a most useful, kitchen requisite, in the shape of a “ Parer and Oorer.” The little instrument shows great ingenuity because 'of its simplicity of construction and the ease with which it can be worked. Both for paring and coring apples and other fruit, or paring potatoes, we would recommend every housewife to have one in her kitchen. Mr R. Alcorn is the sole local agent for the patentee. At a meeting of the Hunt Club held at Quill’s Hotel last evening, the following officers were elected :—President, Mr E. G. Wright; Vice Presidents, Messrs Hugo Friedlander and M. Stitt ; Master, Mr H. T. Winter; Secretary, Mr J. Cargill; Treasurer, Mr W. Hutchison ; Committee, Messrs Max Friedlander, S. Saunders, E. G. Crisp, W. Denshire, John Hunt and Dr Boss. It was also decided that the Committee should make arrangements for hunting in this district during August and September, should it be practicable. The Committee is to meet again on Tuesday next. Some specimens of quartz found in the Rakaia Gorge were brought into town yesterday and were on view privately at Messrs Friedlander's establishment. Gold was very plainly visible in the quartz, and although it would be rash to say anything at this early stage as to the value of the alleged discovery, there seems to ba reason to hope that the find will bo a good thing for this part of Canterbury. No thing definite has been disclosed as to the precise locality where the quartz was found, but it is said that the gold-bearing country is about forty miles up the Gorge. The sittings of the Methodist Union Committee were continued at Christchurch yesterday, under the presidency of the Revs. Mr Dutton and Mr Reid respect ively. The powers of Church Courts were considered, and considerable pro gress made in forming the basis of union or submission to the respective churches. Unanimity was practically arrived at on all important questions. In the even ing at a public meeting held in the Dur ham street Church, the Rev. W. Morley presided, and addresses of welcome were delivered by Revs. B. Best and W. Tins ley, The following were speakers on various phases of Methodist Union ; Revs. W. Dutton, R. Bavin, I. White, and J. Wilson.

On Thursday, at Hood’s Hotel, Mount Somers, an inquest was held on the body of George Long, who committed suicide on the previous Monday evening, before Dr Trevor and a jury, of which Mr John Hood was chosen foreman. It appeared from the evidence that deceased, who was aged 27, and a native of Lough Gall, Armagh, Ireland, borrowed a gun from a friend and went out for a day’s shooting. He brought the weapon back in the afternoon, both barrels being loaded, and after tea he left the house where he was staying. The gun was in the stable and the deceased having obtained possession of it went into the garden at the back of the hotel and shot himself. The act seems to have been one of great deliberation, two handker chiefs having been tied together, and one end attached to the trigger and the other made fast to a branch of a tree, the muzzle pointing to deceased’s breast. Death must have been instanta neous. The report was heard by several people in the township, and on going to the place the body was found lying on its back with the gun between the feet. There was nothing to show what induced the deceased to act as he did, although it was stated that he had been for a long time past very peculiar and eccentric in his manner. The verdict was that the deceased committed suicide while in a state of unsound mind. A meeting of the Committee of the Poultry Association was held at Mr Poyntz’s office last evening, Mr S. W. Alcorn in the chair. The judges who have been accepted for the various classes are as follow : - Poultry—Messrs A. Saun ders, J. Wood, and W. Smith ; pigeons —D. Sh.iw, J. Wood, and S. Saunders ; canaries—T. Stapleton, A. Wadsworth, and George Jameson The following marshals were appointed :— Poultry—the Secretary and Mr J. W. Silcock ; pigeons —Messrs G, H. St. Hill and J. Perraain ; canaries—Messrs S. W. Alcorn and E. Cookson. The Secretary reported that general dissatisfaction had been ex pressed with the conditions under which the silver cup was to be awarded, and that, in conjunction with other mem bers of the Committee, they had decided to make the following alterations .—Win ners of first prize to count 3 points, second prize 2, highly commended 1, and commended The Secretary stated that ha had obtained a first-class lot _of canaries and other birds for distribution in the art union. The meeting ad journed to Friday, July 20th, when the whole of the Committee are requested to be in attendance to make the final ar rangements re the Show. It is antici pated, from promises received, that the number of entries will far exceed those of last year, and the accommodation in the Town Hall will be taxed to its utmost. We are requested to notify that entries will close on Tuesday, 3ist inat.

During the past year 84,231 persons have visited the Christchurch Museum— -53,385 on week days, and 30,846 on Sun days. Hop Bitters does not exhaust and 'destroy, but restores, cures, and makes new. Look up. —[Advt.] 3 Mother Swan’s Worm Syrup. —lnfallible, tasteless,- harmless, cathartic ; tor feverishness, restlessness, woims, constipation, is at drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, July 13. The Council met at 2.30. THE RABBIT NUISANCE. Replying to the Hon Mr Miller, the Hon Mr Whitaker said the Government were taking all possible means to cope with the rabbit pest both on Crown and on private lands. BILLS. The Prisons Bill, Crown Grants Bill, Sheriffs Bill, and Trustee Bill were read a third time. THE SCAB NUISANCE. The debate on the scab nuisance was resumed, and after some further discus sion the amendment to appoint a Com mittee was negatived, and The Hon Mr Robinson then withdrew his motion. The Council adjourned at 3.45 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, July 13, The House met at 2 30.

The following Bills were introduced and read the first time :—To Amend the Registration of Electors Act, 1879, to Amend the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1881 (Mr Fyke).

DECENTRALISATION. The adjourned debate on Mr Mont gomery’s resolution was resumed by Mr Shephard. —Ho said that although ho did not agree with the resolutions, es pecially in. view of the fact that they ameunted to a Ministerial question, there was much in them with which he was quite ready to acquiesce. The present discontent was fostered by the dual sys tem of Counties and Road Boards. Where, the latter had been abolished the county system worked best. It was therefore ne% cessary that the position of these two bodies should be more definitely defined, so as to prevent them from clashing to gether. He was likewise in favor of the extension of the powers of the County Councils. If the resolutions meant any thing they meant the separation of the Islands. It was a question of money, and but for that they would not have heard anything about this cry. The South had got well supplied with public works at the expense of the colony, and now the ques tion came about raising money for. similar works in the North Island. Nothing worse or more unfair to New Zealand could be devised than the scheme of go vernment sketched out by Mr Mont gomery, Mr Thomson, Mr Macandrew,' and men of that following. If the third resolution came to the vote, which he did not think would be the case, he would move as an amendment that the words “ including public works ” be left out. Mr Watt did not believe that if they would they possibly could carry out the resolutions. He deprecated the present system of local government. Either they should abolish the Road Boards or the Counties.

Mr Duncan spoke in support of the re solutions.

The debate was interrupted at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7.30, The debate was resumed by

Mr Duncan, who narrated a number of local grievances as evidence of central maladministration.

Mr Ivess spoke in favor- of extended poweps being given to the local bodies, and the number of counties reduced. He was in favor of restoring provincialism. But for the fact of the resolutions having been made a party question he felt con vinced that their spirit, at all events, would have received a large support. If an appeal were made to the colony he had no doubt the resolutions would be upheld in the main. Referring to the Canterbury compact, he said the Can terbury members were determined the West Coast railway should be made, and if this Government was not prepared to undertake it some other Government could. He was prepared to give the Go vernment a fair and reasonable support, but he blamed them for having made this a party question. Let the issue be what it may he hoped this debate would have the effect of bringing the question under the notice of the people of this colony, and that a sufficient number would be returned to affirm this principle in the next Parliament.

Mr Wynn Williams said the main charge against the Government, in its centralising tendencies, seemed to be that it had failed to construct a culvert or pro vide a tarpaulin for a truck. That waa the burden of their complaints. Th-’y had been told not to go back to the in stitutions of the past, but he maintained that if they adopted a resolution like this they would be forced to go back to thesi institutions and ascertain how they had worked. The constitution enunciated by .Mr Montgomery was a mere myth ; it was like the mortal remains of certain un known animals in fables. It has neither head nor tail, no body and no legs. In a word, it had nothing at all. It was simply an insult to their intelli gence to put such a thing as this before them. Mr Montgomery had told them that the subsidies and endow ments were the great bait for abolition. That was a very different tale from whit he held at the time of abolition. His story then was that aver since he read the Constitution Act he felt satisfied that pro vincialism was not the proper form of Go vernment they should aim at. Wh it was the case under provincialism in Canterbury? They were surrounded by all the pomp of State; they had even a i-.ergeant-at-Arms, a poor follow with one leg, whose effiuts to follow in the train of superintendental state were something highly amusing, and indeed ho had no hesitation in saying that this unfortunate fellow with the one leg had a great deal to do with bringing provincial institutions into ridicule. _ On one occasion another unfortunate with a lame leg, and in a state of intoxication, made his way into the Chamber. _ The sergeant immediately set about ejecting him, when the two fell on the floor, and, being unable to get up, the two with their crooked legs had both to be assisted out. That was “the last straw that broke the 1 camel’s h ick. From that hour provincial 1 institutions in Canterbury began to de- ; dine. After this escapade of Mr Mont gomery’s his last pretension to the charac ter of a statesman must inevitably fade away. He ventured to say that there < could be no centralism half so vexatious t as the petty fallacies and heart-burnings 1 engendered by provincialism. Alluding £ to °the Canterbury compact, he said Mr ( Holmes, who now attacked Ministers, was doing more than any other man to injure the prospects of the West Coast Railway. Mr Holmes at the meeting of the members moved a vote of thanks for the Premier for what had been promised. IVJr Holies —That is not so. Mr WyNN- ILL!ams- Despite what the hon member says, I maintain he was there and moved this vote of thanks. r

The Speaker— You must accept the lion member’s denial.

Mr Wynn-Williams—l say he did say a certain thing, and he denies it. I can not accept his denial, knowing as I do that what I have stated is true. The Speaker—But you must accept his denial. Mr ‘ Wynn-Williams—Very well; I have now made my explanation. lam content to accept the explanation. In continuation ho said Westland would not be content with this compact. It would scorn the idea of joining with Canterbury, far less with Otago.

Mr Bracksn said that members on the other side had attempted to pooh-pooh these reaolu ions, but the fact was they would suit the country to its heart’s core if referred to the population. Under the existing circumstances he argued that it was plain New Zealand was made to be governed by a number of small federal states. As to the argument that it was bound to make laws for such trifling little states as was proposed to be constituted, he had to remind them that this was not alone a question of the present. It was a question of the future—a future when New Zealand’s population would not be counted by tens of thousands, but by millions.

Mr Huesthouse said there was nothing in this debate at the beginning, there was nothing in it up to the present, and he ventured to say there would be nothing in it at the end. They had had a news paper extract read by the previous Speaker extracted from .what professed to be a great colonial paper. That article he noted had been written after these resolu tions were tabled. Now, that was-nothing; that was merely public opinion making this would-be great newspaper, and not the newspaper leading public opinion. Any rag of a paper could do that. Why that was what the Nelson-newspapers did, and they were nothing. Had not the colony gone to the rescue of Auckland' in provincial days it would have bean, in as great a strait as Southland. Otago and Canterbury might have survived a few years, but even Otago would have had to give way before the run-riot conduct of the member for Port Chalmers he was Public Works Minister. They, s had too many bodies with badly defined duties. To remedy these was the ditty that rested on them. Discontent did exist, but he denied that it was general. .It was not discontent with the system but with the mode of administration of, that system. The House divided on Mr Mont gomery’s first resolution existing system of central government has failed to realise the results' anticipated, and that the promises .and engagements made at the time of the' abolition of the provinces have not been fulfilled.’'—Ayes, 23 ; noes, 31. The House then divided on Mr Moss’s amendment.—Ayes, 19 ; noes, 38; The House divided on the remainder of the resolution.—Ayes, 24 ; noes, 34. The House adjourned 'at 1.25 a.-m.

IN THE LOBBY.

[prom our parliamentary, correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day. Mr Ivess made a speech in the House last night on the anti-centralism question. Of course he supported Mr Montgomery’s proposal. He remarked that it had been said that there had been no demand for those proposals on the part of the country. Now, he happened to hail from a district in which there was a healthy public opinion, and the population of which numbered some 13,000 souls, the Ashburton county. That was the first district in this colony which had sent forth a sound in support of the resolutions submitted by Mr Mont gomery, and he held that if there had been no public opinion sounded by the colony generally, such an opinion was being gradually stirred. In every event, however, he held that resolutions of this character ought always to emanate from the people’s representatives, not from the people themselves. There was not the slightest doubt, he said, that csnlralism had proved a failure in the past. (Cheers.) He supported the present resolution, therefore, he explained, not as a party man. He was prepared and always: had been to give the Government a fair support, and it was not a wise thing on their part to attempt to make this a party question. (Renewed cheers.) He therefore trusted that the resolutions would be decided on their merits. If they were not carried, and most probably they would not- be carried on this occasion, he trusted'that before next Parliament public opinion would have been moulded in regard to the subject, and that the country would return a sufficient: number of men to give effect to that opinion irrespective al together of party consider tion.-

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[reuter’s tklkorams — copyright. ] Monetary and Commercial. London, July 11. The total reserve in the Bank c. England in notes and bullion i Lr i,600,000, being an increase o 1,30,000 compared with the reserve o last week. The proportion of the r<jserv< to the liabilities has advanced to 4s per cent. The Bank rate of discount remains at 4 per cent. ? and the market rate at Consols have further de dined and are now quoted at 99%, New Zealand securities remain at the following quotations : —Five per cent. 10-40 Loan, xo6j£; 5 per cent

1889 Loan, 104^; per cent 1879-1904 Loan 102; 4 per cent in scribed stock, 101, ex div. The mar ket for Australian breadstuff’s and tailor/ is unchanged. Australian hides arc now realising full prices. The French Outrage. M, Challemel-Lacour, French Minis ter of Foreign Affairs, professes to be ignorant of the Tamatave affair, ,and has telegraphed to Zanzibar for full par ticulars. M. Jules Ferry expresses sur prise at the excitement in England, and the French Press generally is un friendly towards Great Britain. [Received July 14, 1.40 p.m.] The Second Suez Carnal.

London, July 13.

Sir Stafford Northcote has given notice of his intention to oppose the agreement with the Count De Lessep* for the construction of the second Sue* canal, when the vote to provide th?

necessary capital comes on for con sideration in the House of Commons. The New Guinea Question.

In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone, replying to questions, stated that any further despatches that might be received from the colonies on the subject ot New Guinea would re ceive due consideration at the liantjs of the Government.

AUSTRALIAN.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT*] The Markets. Sydney, Yesterday. New Zealand wheat remains at 4s 3d per bushel, and New Zealand oats at as 6d 5 maize, 2s lod. Sugar Com. pany’s No 1 pieces, per ton, L 35.

riLE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 14,1883.



yyTASTE PAPER FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDRE WES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



Wanted WANTED— An APPRENTICE to the Painting and Paperhanging. Apply, Vincent and Dow, Moore street. WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorcon. 1443 WANTED— 100 Acres PLOUGHED immediately. Oats and chaff can be obtained on the farm. Apply, Lee and Co., Sherwood. 7 75 WANTED Known That H. C. Seoees has REMOVED from Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, to Sealy’s new buildings, East street. Great Reductions now on. 7 73 WANTED, by a respectable Man, SITUATION in a Store or to drive a delivery cart and make himself useful ; good references given. Address, J. Jackson, Office of this Paper. 7-47 •k'T'7'aNTED KNOWN—That Robert VV Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c WANTED Known—Music Taught to Pupils in Ashburton or Tinwald, at their own homes, for 2£ guineas ; at ray 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 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 bd ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public —American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give les<ons in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344 , », t .«Lr'siga—a——g—w—wbw gg———M Special Advertisements.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. |7l VERY article Sold at Christchurch m-A Prices and ;v„nranteed bos. of •naterial and workmanship. FUNER AL S CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED THE NEW ZEALAND Cloth lug Factory HAY E spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORT MEN T •P j 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 ac Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING. MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. Money ! Money ! I THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T . 0. Duncan, East street, ta LEND MONEY on Ashburton approved free hold or leasehold property, by either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly,, or yearly instalments, or for a fixed period. The Company are also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. J. C. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street. STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. •Account Books Ink—fiom small to largest jar a 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, &a., East street South Ashburton. u!5 ,



Special Advertisements- INTRODUCTION OP 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 and 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 price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels wo stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dross Parcel, contains— Worth 1 £ a. d. 1 dress piece (12 3’ds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 1£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 a household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ...0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, p iragon 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 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... ... ... 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt ... ... ... ... 014 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0 £3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) 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 ... ... 1 2 G 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 g >od black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L dies’ 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 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 I Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 2 17 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... ... ... 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 1 0 0 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades ... 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at 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. JP.C.O. made payable to E O. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch, 1362



Special Advertisements. AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OP WHEAT OATS B\RLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 AND FOR SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31767, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 acres. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sections having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at 6£ per cent, for term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 a C R E-S. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au H. M. Jones Has now on view a pine STOCK OF PIANOS. PROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Schwarch 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 0 ot°Th, 0 Lmost won derful instru- N Ementa of the day. _ p Music by the y*rd. A child JQi Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the H thing for those who cannot have a O piano. Pianos on hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d jjl 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. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald.