SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Te Anau, b.s., from Auckland, via way forts. Bawea, b.b., from Dunedin and Akaroa. Sailed. Yesterday. Te Anau, s.s..for Port Chalmers and ?ISe!»ne’ Hawea, s.s., for Wellington. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Prospector, from Oamatu; Rotomahana, from Sydney. Sailed —Taiaroa, for the South. , Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived —Barque Kentish Lass, from Hokianga; Kennedy, from the West Coast and Nelson; Herald, schooner, iromTimaru. Sailed—Grafton, for Oamaru, via Lyttelton; Kawatira, for Westport. • N ? Timaro, Yesterday. Sailed—Young Dick, for Auckland; Waitaki, for Dunedin.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Wednesday aftemesn. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, limited, report on the Ashburton market, under date July 24th:— Sheep : A good representative entry of all classes, though none sold freely. Fat sheep, were much in excess of local wants, and few were quitted. We afterwards sold privately most of the entries entrusted to us at prices fully maintaining our late quotations. Fat cross-bred wethers made 14s Sd and 15s 6d; Inerinbs, 9s gd; lambs, 6s yd. Few stores were sold under the hammer; but, as staffed !we subsequently sold 400 crossbred hog getts; Crossbred ewes, and 456 ewes at market ■ values. —Cattle ; A moderate supply only wak brought forward, chiefly steers in good forward condition. The sale was somewhat dragging, evincing no features of special inter est "Bullocks made from L 6 15 to Ly 5 s - Dry heifers, L 3 2s yd.. A few medium dairy cows were submitted, but failed to change hands. '

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES To-morrow, 'Mr Thos. Bollock, on the premises of Mr D. Boss, East Belt—Furniture, &o. 1 o’clock. Saturday, July 28. Mr Thos. -Bullock, at the Arcade, at ; ‘ 1 o’clock—Properties. Tuesday, July 31. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Yards—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Tins Evening. Town Hall—Banking Tournament. 'Wesleyan Church —-Lecture: “ John Wes ley,” &e. ; 7.30. Thursday, July 26. Oddfellows’’ Hall Wilinott’s Comedy Combination Company. Friday, July 27. Oddfellows) Hall—Mr Henry Teeces i . “ Elocution Recitals.” . Friday, August 3. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association —Third Annual Show, Town HalL First day. Monday, August 6. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock, i Wednesday, August 15. Ashburton County Council—at Council Chambers; 11 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at tO a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a-m., daily. ForTimaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A.m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, OH Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. , _ , , For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 430 p-m. daily- _ , For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4 30p.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. Far Nawlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

Mail* arrive at the Ashburton Post From Ohristchoroh and Bakoia at 10.16 *.m., 485 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &o, at 10.15 a.m. and 486 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at, 6.30 p-nu daily. ' From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenatreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 Am. From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.16 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.6 a.m. Ftom Ashton, Waterton, and Long leach at 10 a.m. daily. + From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, oh Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat 'hxdays, at 4 p.m. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

fßAuis Leave Ashburton tor Ohrist- OHUROH and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.65 a.m., and (Express) 6.37 p.m. Leave Ashburton for Timaru 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 Oheistchuboh at 10 15a.m. (Express), 4.36 p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Tra£hs 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 Prevale WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1883.

The Rev. W. Morley will deliver his promised lecture on “ John Wesley,” at the Wesleyan Church to-night. In Committee of Supply in the House last night the salary of the Ashburton Resident Magistrate was reduced from LSOO to L4OO per annum. The Christchurch Hunt Club intend holding a meet in the beat part of their country the day after the steeplechases, and a general invitation has been issued to Ashburton huntsmen to join in the sport.

Mr Henry Teece intends giving an elocutionary recital, and readings of dra matic and humorous selections from well known authors, at the Oddfellows’ Hall on Friday and Saturday evenings this week. Mr Teece is well spoken of as an elocutionist, and it is said gives a very enjoyable entertainment, which is inter spersed with vocal and instrumental music.

Two men, named Peterson and Clarke, were drowned off the bar at Patea on Monday night. They had been fishing, and it is supposed that in attempting to cross the bar the boat capsized. One of of the men hung on to the boat for a long time, but nothing could be done to save them. The boat came ashore yesterday morning, and part of the men’s clothing, but the bodies have not yet been re covered.

A very useful football practice was indulged in yesterday afternoon, when ten of the team to play at Timaru turned up, beside some of the High School boys, and one or two outsiders. A. Fooks and Jephson picked sides, and three spells of twenty minutes each were played, and very evenly contested. S. Clark (High School) by capital runs secured two touch downs for his side. This young player promises to be a very smart forward. A. Orr, another High School boy, kicked a goal from the field. Coffey, Stewart, Hepburn, and Jephson, played well for their side, while Mcltobie, Field, Clark, and Fish were most conspicuous for the other. A meeting was held in the even ing to pick the team to play on Saturday, when the following were chosen:— B. Fooks, Roberts, Stewart, A. Fooks, Tickell. J. Fooks, Hepburn, Goodwin, Jephson, Lechner, Leitoh, Butt, Pauling, Hugonin, and oßobie. Emergencies: Coffey, Shury, Fleming, Field. A final practice will be held on Thursday after noon, at four o’clock, when it is to be hoped all who can will turn up.

The members of the Ashburton Fire Brigade will meet to-night for wet prac tice at tho engine shed. On the arrival of the Tarawera at Auck land from tho South, Sydney Taiwhanga was arrested on a warrant on a charge of wife dasertion. V\ hile being searched in the Guard room bis wife was run in on a charge of drunkenness. The Otago football team yesterday tried conclusions with a Wellington fifteen, the latter, contrary to expectation, proving victorious, by one try to nothing. The weather was very unfavorable for the game, whieh was well contested through out. The heavy ground gave the Northern men the advantage, as they were superior in collaring and dribbling, while the Otago players were not able to make such good use of their weight as they would have been had the ground been harder. The teams were entertained at a ball in the evening.

This evening the Skating Rink Clnb are to give their annual exhibition of skill as rinkera in the Town Hall. From the programme before us wo notice that several novelties in the way of skating will be seen, notably a hurdle race and a water jump. For one race no less than thirty-two have accepted, but how m my will appear at the start is not known. In any case the public will have good sport for their money, and from all accounts the Club may expect a large attendance. At the Dunedin Supreme Court yester day, Mr Justice Williams delivered judg ment in the case of Johnston v. the Otago Waste Lands Board, a motion to compel the Board to issue a license for agricultu ral deferred payment land at Strath- Taieri. The Board refused the license unless plaintiff applied personally, and as this condition had not been observed, and as the Judge held that the Board had rmht to make such a request, the plaintiff was ruled out of Court o > that issue. The motion was dismissed with costs. The annual meeting of the Orchestral Society was held last evening in the Odd fellows’ Hall. The balance-sheet, which showed that there was a nominal debit balance, was read and adopted. Mr G. Jameson, the President, was in the chair and gave an account of the doings of the Society during the past year. The fol lowing officers were then elected :—Presi dent, Mr G. Jameson ; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr J. Molean Dunn ; Libra rian, Mr J. S. Savage ; Committee, Messrs G. Hoskins, J. Purchase and J. Simmons. The Committee was instructed to select a conductor, and to submit the selection to the Society for approval. The librarian was requested to open negotiations with a Christchurch firm for the purpose of acquiring a set of tympani, etc. Arrange ments are to bo made for the production of a concert of popular music at an early date, and it was stated that the Society now numbers nineteen performers. Votes of thanks to the retiring officers concluded the meeting. At the R.M. Court this morning, before his Worship the Mayor and R. Alcorn, J. P., an old man named Thomas Harri son,' an inmate of the Home, was brought up charged with having attempted to commit suicide yesterday. Sergeant Felton stated that the accused had walked about two miles down the Wakanui road and had there attempted to cut his throat with a pocket knife. The wound inflicted wasnota dangerous one. The sameacoused was then charged with being of unsound mind. On the testimony of Drs Trevor and Ross, Harrison, who had been a sailor in the Royal Navy, was sent to the Lunatic Asylum. Charles Beard was brought up charged with that he did un lawfully cause grevious bodily harm by wounding one J. F Smither with a tomahawk. It appears that the accused was working on Smither’s farm near Chertsey, and having an altercation with his employer he cut him on the band wir.h a tomahawk and then threw it at him. The accused was remanded until Friday next, and was admitted to bail in his own recognisance of L 25, and one surety of L 25.

A meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral As sociation was held this afternoon in the Arcade Chambers. There was a very small attendance, Mr T. Bullock occupy ing the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by the secretary and confirmed. Mr Hawdon wrote thanking the Association for the honor they had conferred upon him in electing him presi dent, and stating that he would do his best to further the interests of the Asso ciation. A letter was read from Mr Lyttelton, saying that he would be happy to give a prize of L 3 3s at the next show, for anything the Committee might think best. The chair man said that Mr Ford, on behalf of Messrs Miler and Co., had stated his in tention of giving a cup, and Mr flawdon had promised a president’s prize. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. would give a cup valued at L 5 ss, and Mr Oliver said that he intended to contribute L2 2a as a special prize. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Thomas, seconded by Mr Oliver, that the Secretary bo instructed to write to the Christchurch Agricultural and Pastoral Association, asking on what date their parade would take place, the Ashburton parade to bo held a week later. It was resolved that the Show take place on the day prior to the races, namely, on November 14 A Sub.Oommittee was ap pointed to revise the catalogue and arrange the prize list. The case to adjudge Daniel Campbell a bankrupt was continued at Dunedin yesterday. Evidence was given that the value of the Arcade sold for L 15,000 was about L 23,000 free of encumbrances. The Arcade is at present let for L3OO per annum, but this lease expires in three years’time. The annual rental received by the lessee from his tenants is L 2,800 net. Greenwood, manager for the New Zealand Mortgage and Investment Society produced a bill of exchange for L 2,400 which 0. D. R. Ward and D. Campbell promised to pay two months after date. The bill was not paid, but' was due and owing. After argument, Mr Stout said that the debtor did not leave a single debt outside of what was due to the Company, and it was a partnership lia bility in regard to the Waicola osta'e. Amongst the points he submitted was that the debtor could not be adjudicated a bankrupt unless his partners were shown to be insolvent, but this was overruled. John Davey stated that the Waicola had been purchased for L 60,000, that it com prised 15,000 acres of land, and that the purchasers were Messrs Campbell and Ward, with whom were associated McLan dress, Hepburn and Co., G. Turnbull and Thomson. The property was mort gaged to the extent of L 49,000, and 5,800 acres were sold at an average of L 6 per acre, the bills and arrangements given by the purchasers being in the hands of the petitioning Company. His Honor was of opinion, looking at the whole facts of the case, that there was sufficient ground for adjudicating the debtor a bankrupt. Leave to appeal was given.

Wanted parties about to furnish to know that J. Meegh is selling all his goods at a sacrifice, being over-stocked and wanting the money.. Drawing-room Suites from £io ios, 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—Nest Bullock’s Arcade, Ashburton.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, July 24. THE HONORARIUM. The Hon Mr Phakazyn gave notice to move that the honorarium to members of the Council should cease after this year. QUESTIONS. In reply to the Hon Mr Mantell, the Hon Mr Whitaker said he would con sider the question of making up to Maori members the loss to them through the late interpreter’s defalcations, though he apprehended the Government had no re sponsibility. advertising sweepstakes. The Hon Mr Hart moved that the Go vernment should bring in a Bill to prevent advertisements of sweeps appearing in newspapers. The motion was carried. THE EDUCATION ACT. On the motion of the Hon Colonel Brett, after a short discussion, a Com mittee was appointed by ballot to enquire jointly with the House Committee into the petitions alleging grievances under the present education system. Ct/LONEL m‘DONALd’s PETITION. The report of tho Petitions Committee, on the petition of Colonel McDonald, re commending the petition to the Govern ment for consideration, was r referred back to the Committee for further considera tion. The Council rose at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, July 24. The House met at 2 30. THE LAND COMPANY’S BILL. The Hon Mr Bryce presented a peti tion from residents in Poverty Bay against the New Zealand Native Land Company's Bill, and Mr Sheehan one from the natives to the same effect. On the order far the second reading of the New Zealand Native Land Settlement Empowering Bill, The Hon Major Atkinson said that the understanding was the Government would consider the merits of the Bill as proposed to be amended, and if they found they could not support it, the mover had pro mised it should not be proceeded with. The Government had carefully considered the matter, and now came to the conclu sion that under all circumstances it was desirable it should not be proceeded with. Mr DeLautoub said he always kept hia promise, and ho applied for leave to with draw the Bill, which was accordingly granted. The Bill was withdrawn. QUESTIONS.

Replying to questions, Ministers said: That the trade of the Port Chalmers line was increasing rapidly, but the Govern ment did not think that a duplicate line or its straightening would be necessary for the next two years.—That the proclama tion under the Crown and Native Lands Rating Act would be issued so soon as the necessary Parliamentary arrangements had been concluded, but the Government was unable to fix the date.—That such compound words as New Zealand were charged by telegraph two words where they were written as such, but when written only one word, they were only charged as one.—That the Government had not completed arrangements to trans fer to the temperance Branch of the Go vernment Insurance Department the policies of total abstainers who were policy holders prior to the establishment of the Branch. The matter was under consideration, but was surrounded by serious difficulties. —That no satisfactory contract had been got j,for| the erection of a bridge over the Rakaia Gorge Flood Channel.—That the Government refused to offer a reward for the discovery of a goldfield in the North Island, as they were afraid it might superinduce compli cations with the natives.—That it would not be convenient for medical practitioners near large centres of population to ensure a constant supply of calf lymph, even although substantial inducements were offered.—That the Government had infor mation from the Australian colonies rela tive to the existence of one case of hydro phobia in the case of an imported dog in January last.—That the Government saw no objection to reduce the rate of fees on letters within the colony to one penny, also letters posted in railway vans.

SALARIES BILL. The Hon Major Atkinson applied in Committee for leave to bring in the Legis lative Officers’ Salaries Bill. A motion by Mr Seddon far reporting progress was, after discussion, negatived, and leave to introduce the Bill was granted. GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS’ EXPENSES BILL. This Bill was introduced by a resolution in Committee, on the motion of the Hon Major Atkinson. On resuming, the resolutions were re ported. The Hon Major Atkinson moved the introduction of the General Assembly Members’ Expenses Bill. Messrs Seddon, Montgomery, Holmes, and Sir George Grey having spoken against the Bill, the House divided. — Ayes, 45 ; noes, 9, The Bill was introduced and read a first time. NATIVE COMMITTEES BILL. On the motion of the Hon Mr Bryce, the Native Committees Bill was intro duced and read a first time. PACIFIC ANNEXATION. The Hon Mr Rolleston resumed the debate on the report of the Pacific Island Annexation Committee. He believed that the destinies of New Zealand and the destinies of these islands were closely united together. At present there was a trade of nearly L 200,009 with these islands, and it was a matter of great con sideration that when the Panama Canal would be cut these islands would be come an object of competition amongst the various nations. As colonial stations, their position was of the very utmost im portance. He hoped the resolution would be affirmed.

Colonel Trimble believed they had gone too far in this matter, but that was no reason why they should go on with the wrong doing. The colony which initiated these steps had been somewhat notorious in the labor trade. To his mind that trade was nothing short of slavery. Mr Peacock; gave the resolutions a general support. Mr Wynn Williams ridiculed the idea that in the event of a foreign war New Zealand would be prejudiced in the event of annexation not taking place. At the same time he wished same of the previous speakers who had spoken against the re solution had told them what the effect would now be if they retraced them. The amount of morey that would require to be paid was also a consideration to his mind. Mr Montgomery suggested that the amendment stiould be withdrawn, and that they should pass the first part of the resolution, approving uf what had been done, and leave the rest in abeyance until they had all the papers before them, and other information as to the measure and extent of their liability. The report should be put in separate paragraphs. The Hon Major Atkinson professed his willingness to follow this course. Mr Holmes withdrew the amendment, and it was arranged that the report of the Committee should be printed in para graphs, with the view of their being con sidered separately on Thursday. The House adjourned at 5.20. EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7 30. AN INDEMNITY BILL. On the motion of the Hon Mr Rolles ton, the Parliamentary Witnesses’ In

demnity Bill was read a second time and passed through all its stages.,» PRIVILEGE. Sir George Grey spoke to a question of privilege. A petition was read in the afternoon containing serious charges against the promoters of the New Zea land Native Land Company’s Empowering Bill, who were accused of having pur posely kept secret the purport of the Bill in order that it might be hurried through the House in an unconstitutional manner. Having been read by the Clerk it would, it seemed, appear in Hansard, the per sons accused not having had an oppor tunity for replying. He thought it was improper to'have the petition printed 'in Hansard.

The matter having been discussed, the Speaker said that the petition in question, would not be printed in Hansard, nor would any others which were read by the Clerk, and in "future ■ libellous petitions would be withdrawn altogether from the records of the House. supply. On the motion of the Hon. Major At kinson, the House went into Committee of Supply. Clause 4 Minister of Justice, L 118,184; vote Department of Justice, L 715 passed; Crown Law Office, L 2,275, passed; Patent office, L 225, pissed; Supreme Court, L7,G88, passed; District, R.M., and War dens’ Courts, L 49,901. The item for travelling expenses for the Collingwood and Takaka R.M. was de bated, but eventually passed, Mr George withdrawing an amendment that it be re duced by LI. Mr Holmes objected to the item Resi dent Magistrate, Piet n, L2OO. This was a new item. Item passed. The item, Travelling Allowance R.M. at Tirnaru Ll5O was reduced to LIOO, on the motion of Mr White.

The item R.M. Ashburton, LSOO, was reduced to L4OO, on the motion of the Hon Mr Conolly. Mr Iyess objected to the reduction, as it would only giv# an inferior man to this important district, but the Hon Mr Conolly stated a • perfectly competent officer would be appointed.—The vote as amended passed. Criminal prosecution, L 12,300. —The vote passed as printed. Coroners Act, 1867, L 3,005. —The vote passed. Contingencies, L 3,300. —Passed. Prisons, L 38.885. Item, Inspector of Prisons, L7OO. Mr Macandrew pointed out this was an advance of LIOO on last year’s vote. In the present state of the colony that proposed increase was injudicious.—A de bate ensued, resulted in the LIOO being struck'but' ora division by one vote.

Mr Sheehan moved to strike out all the items for the Mount Cook prison, con sidering the Government were trying to establish a central prison for the colony there in defiance of the repeated decision of the House against having a central gaol. The Hon Mr Connolly and the Hon Mr Rolleston said that no such attempt was being made. Only a new prison was wanted in Wellington, and the Govern ment wate trying to build it on the most approved principles by prison labor. They were also building one in Auckland, and would soon be doing so in Dunedin. Mr Bracken and others protested against prisoners being removed from other gaols to Wellington. Mr Hursthouse said that .Wellington certainly did not want them or a central prison. Mr Sheehan’s amendment was lost by 22 to 13, and the total vote for prisons, less the LIOO House allowance, was passed. I he total class of Justice also passed. At 2.30 progress was reported and the House rose.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPON DENT.] Wellington, To-day. When the Estimates were under con sideration last night, Mr Oonolly moved to reduce by LIOO the vote of LSOO for the R.M. at Ashburton. Mr Ivess ex pressed a hope that the Minister would not press the amendment. Ee pointed out that Ashburton was one of the most important agricultural districts in the colony, and the time had arrived when that district required the very ablest gentleman as R.M. the Government could place at its disposal. . If the vote were reduced Ashburton would have to be con tented with a second-rate officer. L 450 with a hou*e allowance was the very least the Government could offer. Mr Oonolly twitted Mr Ivess with being one of those who last week voted in favor of sending back the Estimates to the Government to reduce them to the extent ot L 50.000 and now when he (Mr Oonolly) showed where a saving could be effected Mr Ivess raised his voice against it. He assured Mr Ivess that the gentleman whom the Government were appointing to the posi tion, though not experienced in the capacity as R.M., was a very old officer in the Government service and one uni versally respected. Previously he had been in receipt of a smaller salary than that now proposed, and no doubt he would be very much satisfied with his promotion, and the Minister felt sure he would cast no discredit on the office. The vote was ultimately reduced to L4OO. I understand the Government will con sent to the formal introduction this after noon of Mr Montgomery’s Bill to provide for the repeal of the Property Tax, and that the discussion will take place on the second reading to-morrow, though no doubt they will be tempted to retaliate upon the opposition for their attempt yesterday to prevent the introduction of Major Atkinson’s Bills relating to mem bers’ expenses and the Legislative officers’ salaries.

Mr Rolleston ia determined not to give Sir George Grey another opportunity of accusing, him of holding back information relative to the pre-emptive rights in Can terbury, and has laid on the table of the House a further return of the homestead and improvement pre-emptive rights in the Provincial District of Canterbury, which were purchased from August Ist 1879 to 30th April 1883.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, July 18. A report of the proceedings of the pub lic meeting in favor of the annexation of che Pacific Islands has been sent Home at the cost of the Government. An offer has been made to the Govern ment by a French inventor to sell for L 2,000 the patent of gas intended for the destruction of rabbits. A company has been formed at Ballarat, with a capital of L 20.000, to build a large coffee palace in that city. At a public meeting a Committee was formed to prepare a scheme for the estab lishment of a temperance hospital. Sydney, July 18. A London telegram announces that M. D. Conway, the well-known veteran preacher, lecturer, and journalist, leaves London next Saturday for Sydney via America. Sheep sales held during the week have been fairly successful. The sheep sold have been mostly from Tasmanian flocks. Several members of the Ministry are now visiting the Illawara district, where the Premier and colleagues were well re ceived. The Minister of Works said that the new Railway Bill was intended to give railway communication to all parts of the colony. Strong efforts are being made by the Early Closing Association to obtain uni

formity in the closing of drapers’ shops in the city. A fund is being raised for the family of the late C. 8. Packer, musician. The New South Wales loan was inter fered with by a fall in Consols of j per cent, and the French difficulty in Mada gascar. Adelaide, July 18. At the conclusion of the races at Port Augusta, the Governor, in responding to the toast of his health, said he was greatly pleased to see the number of men of posi tion and wealth connected with horse racing, as it augured well for the success of the turf in the colony.

GREAT FIRE IN AUCKLAND.

[by telegraph.] Auckland, Te-day.

At three o’clock this morning the fire bell rang out an alarm, and it was at once seen from the fact that the whole of the eastern sky was lit up that a very serious fire was raging in Mechanic’s Bay, which proved to be the Union Sash and Door Company’s Factory. The building is an immense wooden pile, standing on the reclaimed land abutting on the sea. There were no horses available to take the fire engines to the scene, and the consequence was that the firemen had to drag the engines through the mud and rain, arriv ing on the scene of the fire completely exhausted. The Salvage Corps, under Captain Field, speedily followed the Bri gade men. As soon as possible the hose was laid on from the pump in Stanley street and taken across the street towards the burning factory, but there were great complaints ef the insufficient supply of hose, owing to the distance, and the consequence was that the fire crossed the roadway and ignited the stacked timber which was speedily in a sheet of flames. Hughes and his men did all in their power with the miserable resources at their command, and succeeded in keeping the fire within the limits of the factory; and timber yards, allowing it to bum itself out within these limits, this being all they could do under the circumstances. The brilliant blaze from the burning kauri pine illuminated the whole city. . A fierce north-easter carried immense clouds of sparks .down the railway embankment, and fears were entertained for the safety of the Company’s joinery stores, wliere the doors, sashes, window frames and .All finer kinds of manufactured wboa wdrk are kept, and. also for "the kerosene bonded store a short dis tance off, and had that taken fire it is hard to say what the consequences would have been. Fortunately the huge rail way embankment, acted as a screen and protection to both buildings, which being constructed of galvanised iron, were less subject to the risk of being set on fire by the falling sparks. These, however, fell in dense masses among the houses and shops of Official Bay and Alten road, and alarm was felt in case an outbreak should occur in consequence ; hut fortunately the heavy rain which was falling at the time averted the danger. Owing to the direction of the wind the offices of the company were saved from the flames being carried northwards, but the whole of the stabling accommodation and the residences of the carters, who live there were burnt. The origin of the fire is unknown, hut . from the suddenness with which the fire burst forth immediately after the bieak ing of glass, as stated below, the watch man is of opinion that the fire was not ac cidentally caused. Mr Creer, one of the watchmen em ployed by the Company, made the follow ing statetnent: —There are two night watchmen employed on the premises, each one having separate divisions, with tell tales in each section to act as a check on them. My round was in the lower divi sion. At a quarter to three o’clock this morning I heard the sound of 'lass break ing near the breaking down machinery. I went to ascertain the cause, and immed iately a sheet of flame burst out. I im mediately called to Quinlan, the other watchman, and gave an alarm, and he came and got the hose ready and in work while 1 rang the bell. There was a gale and the ringing could not be heard any distance. Some delay arose in getting help. Holland, a painter, of Parnell, passed the building in a cab about twenty minutes to three and saw no indications of fire. He states'that when the cab got to Alten road he saw the flames suddenly burst up. He immediately drove to the Wakefield stand and rang an alarm. The following is a list of the insurances: —New Zealand Co., LI,OOO ; National, L4OO. The South British holds a policy for L 5.000, of which L 3.900 is re-insured in several offices, among which are the N.Z., L 35 0; North British, L 50 0; United, L 250 ; Victoria, L 250 ; London and Lancashire, L 50 0; Union, L 750 ; Northern, L4OO. The total insurances are L 7.350, but the loss is very considers ably greater, and a large number of work men has been thrown out of employment.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[reuter’s XKLEOKAMS —copyright.]

The Mails. ' _ London, July 23. The homeward mails via Suez, dated Melbourne June ist, were delivered here to-day.

Frozen Meat. A portion of the cargo of frozen mutton, ex Orient steamer Lusitania, was sold to-day at 6j£d to yd per lb. The meat is in good condition. Monetary and Commercial. Consols remain at New Zea land securities—Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 Loan Has fallen 10s, and is now quoted at ioij£ ; Four per cent, inscribed stock has declined from 101 to par ; Five per cent. 1809 and fo-40 Loans remain at 106 and ios}4 respectively. The wheat market con tinues active, and prices have further advanced is for colonial tfheat. Ade laide wheat, ex store, is worth 473,; and New Zealand ditto, 44s to 475. Ade laide flour has risen 6d to 335. Aus tralian tallow —Best beef remains at 403 and best mutton at 41s. The Suez Canal.

In the House of Commons last night, Mr Gladstone made the pro raised statement as to the course which the Government intended to pursue re* gardtng the provisional agreements which were signed by Mr Childers and Comte de Lesseps for the construction of the second canal through the Isthmus of Suez. The Government, the Premier stated, had decided not to ask Parliament’s sanction for the agree ment form, since it had been generally disapproved by the commercial and shipping interests. Mr Gladstone added that the Government had arrived at this decision in order that time might be obtained for considering a better scheme and one by which the canal would ultimately be brought under the control and management of the Inter national Commission. It ha<3 trans pired that Comte de Lesseps has written a letter to Mr Gladstone, announcing, that the Suez Canal Company has de cided to undertake the construction of a second canal, and will introduce the- - reductions in the tariff specified by himself and Mr Childers.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1888.



STATIONERY OF ETERY DE SCRIPTION. ' Account Books Ink—fiom small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup . . plied at lowest rates . Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &o. All the Heme Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., Eaststbbet South Ashburton. n!5 w aste paper In Large or Small FOR SALE Quantities. ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street . South, Ashburton. 77 ,



Wanted WANTED— A good General SER VANT. Small family. Apply M., Office of this Paper. 7 155 WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemerf will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorton. ■ 1443 WANTED— By two steady single men, SITUATIONS as Ploughmen or Teamsters on a farm or station. Eight years experience. Apply A. 8., Ashbur ton Hotel. 7 154 WANTED KNOWN — That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c WANTED Known—Music Taught to Pupils in Ashburton or Tinwald, at their own homes, for 2i guineas ; at my house for 2 guineas per quarter. Letters addressed to Post-office or to Mrs Charles Cornelius, third house on East Belt, next Davis’s. 7-19 WANTED, for a Station, a MAR RIED COUPLB without family. Man must be a good shepherd and willing to make himself generally useful; wife, experienced general servant. Apply, stating wages required, to A.E.M., care of Office of this Paper. 7-46 Wanted known—That j. Mbeoh has engaged a first-class Up holsterer, who has been employed at A. J. White’s Furniture Warehouse for the last 15 years. Also a practical Cabinet maker. N.B.—Having increased his pre mises and staff, J. Meechls prepared to Furnish Funerals and Undertaking at the lowest terms. 7 108 WANTED Known—That C. 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 see for yourselves. 7-49 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2a 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344 Special Advertisements.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and bes. of -naterial and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED 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 tha best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches hot open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



R OBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OE WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 Jjl O R SALE. Seed. Seed, SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. CRUSHED OATS, Pint-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 29S Ashburton and Trawald.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under copt price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpaaaed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth ? ■ £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 OurlNo. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ...0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel ior £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 stylo oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon frame 0 8 0



£3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wol) 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... ... ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish lovols 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 7, mourning parcel for £2 10s, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match 0 16 6 1 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 1 full size white honeycomb ®r toilet quilt ... ... ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers ... ... 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 16 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains — Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in I cashmere ... ... ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match 0 18 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth .'. 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... ... ... ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 1 pair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies’ linen collars 0 3 0 6 Ladies’ linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’nice hose... ... 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No, 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains — A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains — Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... ... ... 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 10 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 sea 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 those parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P. 0.0. made payable to E 0, BROWN & 00., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. JgCONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. X'he Shag Point Coal Company, Limited, beg to inform the Public of Ash burton and neighboring district that their FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD COAL Is supplied by the principal local Dealers at prices to suit the times. Special rates for quantities of 4 tons and upwards. Be sure and ask your dealer for Shag Point Coal, The most economical and efficient Fuel in the market, being free from soot and live ashes and emitting a strong, steady and lasting heat. For terms apply to your Dealer or at P. 0., Box 213, Dunedin. N.B.—The price 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 H. M. Jones Has now on view a fine STOCK OF PIANOS, FROM £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. INSTRUMENTS TO /0D SELECT FROM. AlO HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Acoordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH A One V/ of the most won -0 E derful instru ments of the day. Music by the yard. A child E Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a KJ 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



The NEW ZEALAND GRAIN agency and mercantile COMPANY, LIMITED, HAVE FOR SALE, ON EASY TERMS OF PAYMENT a Complete Threshing Plant, By Ransome, including 8 h p ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. The above has only threshed about 70,000 bushels, and is almost EQUAL TO NEW. Wm. HORNE, Agent, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 12 an