SHIPPING.

; »ORT OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived. I'. Yxstbrday. * a.s„ from Auckland, via way ?xiorts.. (l iltotoraa, 5.8., from Port Ghalmera and jJonoleuch, ship, from Port Chalmers. ,* Bella, barque, from Mauritius, via Port OHalmera. Soiled. Ykstkbvay. Clematis, ketch, for Pelorus Sound. Comet, ketch for Havelock. Rotorua, a.a, for Northern porta .. Orowaiti, aa, for Westport ; vxarktfera, aa, for Southern porta and 'Melbourne! ! - Kawatiri, s.a., for Westport.

COMMERCIAL.

, “ '•* : a ‘' 'i' J AsibukxoN Guardian Office, Wednesday afternoon. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited (per Mr E. G. Stavdey, auctioneer), report as under on Ash* burton sale on 26th inst.:—A depressing dull ness existed thoroughout the sale, for every Irind of stock. The attendance was small, and in no single instance was there even a pre tence of lively competition.—Sheep : There were quite as many withdrawn i-s sold. Those quitted realised the following values:— Fat crossbreds, ios 6d, 12s, 13s 6d. But little business was done in stores, the only quit tances bong a line or, two of indifferent merino ewes (in lamb) at 3s 3d,to 4s 3d, and a pen of xhixed sexes (aged) 3s id.—Pigs: Several pens of good bacon pigs were withdrawn for de portation to the Addington markets, 50s being refosed.—Cattle : A light entry resulted in a few gales at our quotations. Fat steers, Ls> L 6» and L 7; forward conditioned, L 4 ss. Fat cows and heifers, L 4 17 s and LS s®» one grand cow, that had taken several prizes, was sold for til, on account of Mr John Carter, to • well-known local “knight of the cleaver.” The sale ofstores was almost nominal. Year lings made 22s ;18 ewes, mixed sexes; 365. A consignment of polled Angus cal tie, from the South, comprising 1 .hull and 6 cows, was knocked down to Mr John Carter in a line at LAiSs a-piece. ■

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Thursday, Junk 28. Meson Miles and Co., at Methven— . Stock, Farming Implements and Sun -1 ‘ dries; Sale at 12 o’clock. IURSDAT, July 3. Matson,;.Cox and Co., at the Tinwald I Yaids—Stock, MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &c *—* J Wednesday, July 4 Ashburton A and P. Association—An nual General Meeting, at the Arcade . Chambers, at 3 p.m. , - Monday, Jury 9. Borough Council, at Borough 'Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. -) ■ Wednesday, Judy 11. Ashburton County Council —at Council (Chambers; 11a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 1883. A Threatened Land Bing.

When the present session of Parlia ment opened it was the general opinion that it would not only be a short, but also an unexciting one. The Speech from the Throne certainly did not lead us to believe that any question of vital importance would be brought forward, and when the battle was fought which clearly proved that the Government was even stronger than its best friends anticipated there appeared to be no thing to prevent the work of legislation going on smoothly. Since then, how ever, a cloud has shown itself upon the horizon, which presages a storm that will come ere long, and if all that we hear is true We shall have excitement enough before many days have passed. It is reported that Mr DeLautour is to present to the House a Private Bill, which is intended to give very ex tended powers to a rich company that has been formed for the purpose of acquiring large tracts of Native lands. The danger that must result to the colony by according such tremendous influence to a private company is so apparent that it is no wonder that members are looking at the situation with grave apprehension. But the affair becomes more complicated when we see that the Premier himself is a strong advocate of the scheme, and that his influence will be used to induce the Ministry to countenance it. It is also worthy of note that this Bill ema nates from a member of a party whose constant boast it is that they are the especial friends of the people, and who are so free in bandying about such epithets as “ land sharks ” when speak ing of their political opponents. But when self-interest comes in the way of principle, it is not unusual to find that the latter succumbs; and then we discover those beautiful patriotic sentiments that have been used to charm the ear of the mob are simply from the lips outwards. Those noteworthy “Liberals,” Messrs Shee han, George, and McDonald are all interested in ' the scheme, while Sir George Grey himself has maintained a silence as to his course of action that is in it self suspicious. Time was when the veteran politician would have been quick to denounce an attempt to secure to a private company so extensive a monopoly— a monopoly so great as to amount to a virtual handing over of the control of native affairs in the North Island; but now there is only too good reason to believe that he will be found on the side of the landsharks he was wont to profess such hatred of. As to the Bill itself, we cannot think for an instant that Parliament will sanction it. What possible reasons can be adduced for according to this company privi leges and powers which are entirely at variance with the land policy of the Government ? Without believing in the feasibility of carrying out a scheme for nationalising the land, we quite re cognise the necessity of limiting private ownership as far as possible, and this was the guiding spirit of the Minister ial measure that was passed last ses sion. To be consistent, the Cabinet cannot do otherwise than oppose the Bill tooth and nail, and we have no doubt that if they follow this course they will be supported by the good sense of the House. In the meantime, a petition has been presented to Par liament signed by Wahanui and four hundred and fifteen other Maoris; stating a distinct policy from the native point of view. What is asked is that their lands should be made inalien able, and that the same system of leasing should be adopted as is now being tried in regard to land in other parts of the colony. We do not intend to speak of this petition in detail at present, but we regard the requests made therein as reasonable. No doubt the promoters of this scheme for form ing a gigantic land-ring will say that they are actuated by benevolence, but the people of the colony are not so credulous as to believe that a love for the Maoris is the governing motive of the shrewd business men who are the Directors of this company. It is cer tain that the Bill will meet with strong antagonism from both sides of the House, and it is to be hoped that the Ministry will not support this barefaced attempt of a few capitalists to secure a monopoly, the existence of which would be a danger to the community.

We understand that owing to pressing business of a private nature, Mr Wright, M. H.R., has been unavoidably detained in Ashburton since the commencement of the session, but will proceed to Welling ton in the course of a day or two. The obituary of the Rev. Thos. Buddie, of Auckland, wired to us yesterday, will produce a profound sensation amongst the Wesleyan Methodists of the colony, so speedily following as it did the death of the Kev. J. Hobbs. For some years past the la ter has ceased active work in the ministry, and his demise was not so unex pected as that of Mr Buddie, who, although well advanced in years, has nevertheless until very recently been a prominent member of the Connexion, and undertook a good share of pastoral and official labor. The death of both rev. gentlemen thins the ranks of the pioneers and early missionaries of the colony, not many of whom are now living. The death of the Rev. Thos. Buddie is attri buted to an affection of the heart. He was about as usual on Monday, and took his tea in the evening. Shortly after he felt a pain at the heart. Dr Philson was called in, and the prescription gave him relief. At 9.30 he had a second seizure, when the doctor again came, but he never rallied, dying at midnight. He had been in the colony since 1840, and was 72 years of age.

Mr Hugh Campbell, mate of the schooner Isabella, was drowned on Monday night at Gatlin’s river, through a boat capsizing. The Otago Educational Institute opened its annual session yesterday, about 100 teachers beb’g present. Mr Fitzgerald, of the Dunedin Normal School, was elected President.

A meeting of the Caledonian Society was held at Quill’s Hotel last evening, when it was divided that the date of the a’ nual gathering should not be altered, and that it be held on Boxing day aa heretofore.

The leasing sites on the railway re serves in East street were yesterday made the subject of a question in the House. The Minister for Public Works said that as the leases had been granted the Go vernment could not interfere, but it would he seen that the conditions entered into should be observed.

A meeting of those interested in tue formation of a football club was held last evening. There was a good attendance, Mr 0. Jephaon in the chair. It was re solved that it was desirable a football club should be formed, and a committee was appointed to canvass for members, and the meeting adjourned till Saturday next. It was also resolved that a scratch match be played in the Domain on Saturday afternoon.

At the Police Court this morning, be fore his Worship the Mayor, Frederick Parsons was brought up, on remand from Port Chalmers, charged with stealing a gold chain and greenstone pendant. It appears that the prisoner stole the pro perty from a fellow lodger named Honey, at Truckle’s boarding-house, and after wards pawned it in Christchurch. He pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment.

Mr Hochford and party left Marto n yesterday morning to survey the central route for the North Island main trunk railway. They go along the Rangitikei valley, and thence west of Ruapeku. Mr Carkeek will follow along the same route a few weeks hence as far as Eakitipawa, and will then diverge to the east of Rua peku. The Government wish to discover whether the route west or east of Rua peku is the better.

The increase in price of coa!,|advertised by our local coal and firewood vendors, has in no way improved the morals of some members of the community, if the wholesale pilfering of these commodities carried on in some parts of Ashburton is any guide. A resident, who relates some startling adventures with similar marau ders in another part of the colony, vows to make it warm for the thieves when he pounces upon them, which he is confident of doing at an early date. Verb Sap.

It will be seen from an advertisement in this issue that the Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Com pany intend increasing their capital to the extent of L5,00l). This action has been taken on account of a new Jo qiany having been projected in Christchurch. The older Association is of opinion that by extending their operations in various localities all the frozen meat that will be required from this province for a long time to come can be prepared by the one Company. Even with their present ap pliances they are able to freeze more meat than freights can be obtained for. The choir of St. Stephen’s Churchgave an excellent sacred concert at the Old Men’s Home on Monday evening, in aid of the “piano fund.” The chair was taken by *he Rev. E. A. Scott; Miss Gates presided at the piano and organ, kindly lent for the occasion ; and Mr H. A. Gates conducted the vocal part of the programme. The concert, both instru mentally and vocally, was a decided suc cess, the audience showing their appre ciation of the treat given them. At the close one of the inmates made a short speech, thanking Mr Scott for his kind exertions in obtaining the piano for the Home, to which that gentleman suitably replied. A collection was made at the door, and the sum of LI was added to the fund. No doubt this amount would have been much larger had the weather been more propitious, the heavj rain prevent ing the attendance of many visitors, whose intention it was to help so laudable an object.

The new Board for the South Rakaia district was elected under the new Act yesterday, the polling booths being at Rakaia and Kyle school. The ballot resulted as follows :—O. N. Mackie, 153 ; G. D. Holmes, 140; J. Mann, 138 ; E. S. Coster, 130; B. W. Osborne, 124; W. L. Allan, 106 ;J. Lambie, 86. The first five were declared elected members. Considerable numbers assembled at the hotel last evening, awaiting the return of the Kyle papers. During the past few days canvassing has been going on all over the district. The east side of the railway is now represented by a new member, Mr Osborne, and Mr Mann represents the township. That the three old members west of the line have again been returned seems to give very genera] satisfaction. It is to be hoped that the new Board will at once see to having certain of the outside roads repairel, as to drive over them in the daytime is unpleasant, but at night, in the dark, dangerous. This is caused by the grain traffic, when the rain was so continuous, —(Own correspondent.) A Press Association telegram from Wel lington says :—ln connection with the sinking of the ship Waitara, it is men tioned that Mr Cheek, one of the cabin passengers by the Waitara, reported as having been drowned, was a brother-in law of Mr John Watt, bookseller, of this city. He was accompanied by his wife who went home to meet him some months ago. The apprentice Cotterill, we are informed, was a son of the late Dr Cot terill, of Nelson. The insurances on the hull of the Waitara are not definitely known here yet, but if the arrangement holds good now which existed some little time back the South British, National, and Union offices will have L 3,000 each on her. The Shipping Company have an insurance fund of their own, which is liable to the extent of L 3,000. The colonial insurance companies nearly all have heavy lines on cargo.

A meeting of farmers was held in the Willowby schoolroom last evening to con sider the propriety of getting a cheese and butter factory established in that district. There was a good attendance, and Mr S. Chapman was voted to the chair. Mr J. Orr, Chairman of Directors of the Ashburton Factory, and Mr Hard ing, the Manager at Flemington, were also present. The meeting was unani mously of opinion that it would be to the interest of the farmers to have a cheese factory in the district. Mr Orr explained that the Directors of the Ashburton Factory would be willing to estab. lish a branch at Willowby, provided the inhabitants were prepared to take up 600 shares. A letter was read from Mr J. Grigg, offering a site for the proposed factory—lo acres of land at Hazley’s corner—on the same terms as that sold for the factory at Flemington, namely, LIS per acre. Mr Grigg would also take up thirty shares to assist the establishment of the factory at Willowby. A committee consisting of Messrs S. Ander son, S. Chapman, Cullen, Houston,. Day man and Williams were appointed to can vass the Willowby and Flemington districts for the requisite number of shares. Those present promised to take up between them 150 shares. The meeting then adjourned to Thursday next, when the Committee will bring up their report, and be in a position to lay the result of their efforts before the Directors of the Ashburton Cheese Factory on the following Friday.

At three o’clock yestefday afternoon the body of a young man was found in Hagley Park, Christchurch, thot through the heart. A revolver was found lying near the body, which was discovered through the strange behaviour of a dog watching near it. The deceased had money and a watch in his pockets, and also a letter signed “H. Lee Longe,” written in reply to an advertisement for a canvasser for maps. The letter was an application for the appointment, but had evidently not been sent. The deceased has been identified as a young man well connected at Home. Tne reason for the suicide is not known.

Kidney and urinary complaints of all kinds' permanently cured with .Hop Bitters. Read. —[Advt.] Sour stomach, sick headache, and dizziness Hop Bitters cures with a few doses. See.— [Advt.] Ready-money Meat Mart (next to Ready money Hayes, Bullock’s Arcade) will be opened on Friday night next for exhibit, when Ash burton will be able to see a show of meat to excel anything heretofore, consisting of ox beef, Southdown mutton (fed by John Carter, Fsq., of Grove Farm). Some of the stock has taken three first medals in Christchurch and Ashburton. Prime porkers (fed at Westerfield by E. Franz, i. sq.) This will be a guarantee of what the stock will be.— (Advt.) Wanted Known —That J. Meech is im porting all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockery ware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetling. A variety of tinware and other cooking uten sils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattrasses —in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. Ail kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J. Meech. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.] ___________

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, June 26. THE ANNEXATION QUESTION. The Premier moved resolutions affirming the approval of the Council in the Government co-operating with the Governments of other colonies in the establishment of British rule in the New Hebrides and other islands, and in New Zealand paying a portion of the expense. In a debate which ensued, Sir G. Whitmore approved of the course proposed, but moved —“ That it be ex tended to all islands that are not under the control of foreign powers.” The Hon Mr Holmes supported the resolutions, as did the Hon Mr Rich mond. The Hon Dr Grace spoke against them, and ultimately the debate was adjourned. EXTENSION OF PAYMENTS. A message was received from the Lower House, notifying the power of the Troa sui er to pay money to three months after the close of the financial year. PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGES. The Parliamentary Privileges Bill was read a second time. The Council adjourned at 5. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, June 26. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NATIVE LANDS. The Native Minister presented a petition from Wahanui, Taoni Manga, and other principal chiefs of, the Waikato, praying for a less expensive mode of ascer taining the native title to land, and a simplification of the dealing with these lands after the title has been ascertained. The petition was read and ordered to be printed. APOLOGY. Mr M. W. Green, as a personal matter, asked to be permitted to withdraw state ments re the administration of justice made by him during the debate on Friday. Ho had made further enquiries into these allegations, and found they were wholly incorrect. As a matter of duty, there fore, he wished to withdraw them. PUBLIC RESERVES ACT The Colonial Treasurer gave notice that he would move that the Public Re venues Act should bo referred to the Public Accounts Committee to consider whether any alteration was required in the law. QUESTIONS Replying to questions, Ministers said : —That the nominated system had been taken advantage of for bringing out parties from the North of Scotland, and the Government would give very reasonable facility to fishermen from that quarter to come out to New Zealand in their own vessels, with the view of following their own calling in these waters. —That further enquiries would be made as to the neces sity for a change in the place of payment of deferred - payment settlers in the Waitaki County, and the Government would be guided accordingly.—That, so far as was known at present, there was no objection to the recommendation from the Education Board of South Canterbury, that an area of Crown land within the town of Waimate be dedicated as a street Une, giving access to the new public school buildings, and the recommendation will be given effect to, unless something turned up at present not expected.—That the Government was not aware that fur ther legislation was required in respect of riparianjrights ; at the same time strict regard would be had to the protection of river bank rights. —That it was not the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill to repeal the Contagious Diseases Act this session.—That there was no necessity for the establishment of Refor matories, as the Act of last session gave all necessary provision in the matter by classification in industrial Schools.—That the Government did not at present intend connecting the pilot station at Kaipara Heads, by telephone, with the telegraph station at Tekopuru.—That the Govern ment, before the close of the session, would ask Parliament to renew the Coast Peace Preservation Act till after next session. That the Government had taken steps to prevent solicitors’ fees in summonses issued in Auckland being inserted as a legal charge. Since then, however, the Magistrate had insisted on charging those fees, on the ground that such was his interpretation of the Act of Parliament. Such, however, was not his (Mr Conolly’s) reading of the clause ; still, as it wai a question of the interpre tation of an Act, the Government could not interfere Care was taken, in the Local Courts Bill now in preparation, to clear up this point and put an end to this charge.—That the land fronting the rail way reserve in Bast street, Ashburton, had been leased, and consequently the Go vernment could not interfere with it, but they would see that the conditions of the leases were strictly enforced. To remove the buildings would cause great incon venience.—That the Government saw no good remit likely to arise from the Press being allowed to be represented at all en quiries into the causa of railway accidents and charges made against railway em ployees. —That if the local bodies were prepared to provide for the repairs of the Tamaki bridge, it would be handed over to.thera, and they would be allowed to free the same from tolls, as had been doae at Hamilton and Wanganui.—That the Government could not recognise the ne cessity for establishing a post and tele graph office at Pukekohe. —That the Go vernment had not yet determined to

adopt any of the schemas proposed for draining Lake Ellesmere, and in the meantime the land would not be fold. — That a few bales of brown paper had to be imported, as the quality could not be got from the colonial manufacturer, even although they paid a higher rate. They would prefer the colonial article, but in this case it could not be had in New Zea land. The local paper was top brittle.

BILLS. The following Bills wore introduced and read a first time : —Pi Edition of Frauds against Insurance Companies (Mr Ivess) ; to amend the Masterton and Greytown Lands Management Act, 1871, and Acts amending the same (Mr Beetham) ; Abo lition of Education Districts and Educa-. tion Boards of the Westland Education. Districts Sub-division (Mr Seddon). THE CONSTITUTION AOT. Before "calling on Sir George Grey to move for leave to introduce a Bill to re peal, in so far as it relates to the colony of New Zealand, an Act of the Imperial Parliament (20 and 21, Vic. Cap. 53), in tituled an Act to . amend the Act for granting a representative Constitution to the colony of New Zealand, the Speaker said that the Bill appeared to soma ex tent to clash with their position as a Colonial Parliament. He must, however, leave it with the House to say whether or not such a Bill should be introduced. It appeared to be a Bill to declare ourselves independent of the control of the Imperial Parliament, and the House would have to consider whether it was consistent with its dignity to assume powers which the Imperial Parliament had expressly pro hibited their exercising. As a matter of fact any Act passed by the General Assem bly of New Zealand, which was inconsis tent w»th or contrary to the law of Eng land, as applicable to thejcolony, would be null and void. Having said as much he would leave the matter to the decision of the House.

Sir George Grey said that he was, he believed, acting as a good citizen and a lojal subject in bringing this important matter forward. The position of aff.ira was this : The Imperial Parliament in passing the Constitution Act had given them full power to legislate for the peace, order, and good government of the colony. In 1856 someone, he did not know who, had got the Imperial Parliament to alter this, and the amending Act was passed in 1857, and it gave the Colonial Legislature power to alter any part of the constitution, with the exception of twenty clauses in dicated by their numbers, and of which members of the Imperial Parliament pro bably knew nothing. That Act was not drawn by either a lawyer or a statesman. Among the twenty restricted clauses was the thirty-second, which declared that the General Assembly should consist of the Governor, the House of Representatives, and the Legislative Council. This they were forbidden to alter, but all the follow ing clauses as to the Constitution of the colony they could alter as they liked. In 1865, however, a further Imperial Act was passed which bestowed on all colonial Legislatures full powers to alter their Constitutions as they found necessary or desirable, and this, he contended, practi cally and bv fair implication removed the restriction imposed by the previous Act of 1857. If in ignorance any Act passed the Imperial Parliament inapplicable or in jurious to them they were given, he held, full power to set it aside. They could pass such an Act as he proposed, and send it Home for the Queen’s assent. Until it received that it would have no force or effect. Before Her Majesty would be advised to assent to it the opinion of those members of the Imperial Parliament forming her Cabinet would be taken upon it. If they approved, but deemed an Im perial Act necessary to enable the Royal Assent to be gi/en, they would no doubt obtain such an Act. If they disapproved they would send back the Bill, with their objections or amendments, for the Colonial Legislature to consider. Thus that Legislature would practically be placed in a position of a co ordinate Legislature with the Imperial Parliament, although not directly repre sented there. They would really be exer cising co-ordinate powers in legislation, and the feeling that this was so must tend to draw closer the bonds of union and pro mote the federation of the empire. He asked the House to boldly exercise its power, and thus test the -question as to what their powers really were. The Colonial Treasurer had hoped after the Speaker’s expression of opinion that the motion would be withdrawn. There were constitutional precedents to follow if they wanted the objectionable clause in the Act of 1865 repealed, but they had no power to adopt such a course as was proposed by the Bill. They had power to alter the Constitution of the Legislative Council, but they had no power under any Act to abolish it alto gether. If Parliament desired that power then they would have to pass a resolution to that effect, and represent their wish to; the Imperial Parliament, For them to attempt to repeal the Act of the Imperial Legislature would make them look ridicu lous. The Queen could not assent to such a Bill. Only the Imperial Parliament it self could repeal its own act. He hoped Sir George Grey would withdraw the Bill, and if it was deemed requisite to possess these powers, then he would move an ad dress to her Majesty, and the Imperial Parliament could deal with the subject in a constitutional manner. An Act of Par liament by a private member would not have much weight with the Home author ities If the motion for the introduction was insisted upon the Government would divide the House on the point. Mr Montgomery said this Bill could have no force until the Queen gave her assent, and as that could not be done without the advice of the Ministers, then it would be the duty of the Imperial Par liament to pass such a measure as would enable her assent to be given. In that case he could see no objection to the Bill. It would have more force than a mere resolution of the House as proposed by the Government. He would therefore support the motion for the introduction. Mr Shephard supported the motion with a view of testing their rights in <ha matter.

Sir Geokge Guey urged, in reply, that to adopt a resolution would simply aggra vate any complications that may exist with the Imperial Parliament. If a mere resolution of the House was given effeci to by the Imperial Parliament, it would offend the Legislative Council, and if it was not given effect, then it would give offence to this branch of rhe Legislature. It was their duty in the first place to agree amongst themselves, and, having done so, to get the Imperial Parliament to give effect to their decision. A resolution would only tend to raise disputes, and involve the question in further complica tion. He would, therefore, out of regard to the dignity and position of the colony, insist upon his motion. The House divided—

Ayes, 38—Messrs Barron, Bathgate, Bracken, J. 0. Brown, J. Buchanan, Cadman, Daniel, Dargaville, DoLautour, Duncan, Feldwick, Fish, Ge rge, M. W. Green, Grey, Harris, Hutchison, Ivess, Joyce, Kelly, Levestam, Macahdrew, F. W. McKenzie, McDonald, J. McKenzie, Montgomery, Moss, O’Callaghan, Pyke, Seddon, Shephard, Shrimski, Smith, Steward, Swanson, J. W. Thomson, Tolo, W. White.

Noes, 34—Messrs All wright, Atkinson, Beetham, Bryce, W. 0. Buchanan, Oonolly, Dick, Dodson, Fergus, Fitz- Gerald, Fulton, J. Green, Hurst, Hurst house, Lee, Mason, Mpllraith, McMillan, Mitchelson, Miinro, Peacock, Petrie, Postlethwaite, RoKestou, Shaw, Stevens, Sutter, Sutton, Tawhai, H. Thomson, Trimble, Watt, I. Wilson, Wynn-Wil liams.

The Bill was read a first time and the second reading ordered for July 18. BANKRUPTCY Bill. The Hon Mr Conolly moved the seoond reading of the Bankruptcy Bill. It was substantially based on the recommenda tions of the Committee appointed to deal with the subject last session. Its whole tendency was to place the debtor and his estate in the hands of an official assignee. Amongst other alterations from the Act at present in force was a summary power in the hands of the Judge to punish the fraudulent debtor instead of the formality and trouble of an indictment and commit tal as at present. Under the existing law it often happ ned through some technical objection the fraudulent debtor escaped. Deeds of arrangement were done away with .until the debtor had become a bank rupt. The debate was interrupted by the 6.30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7-30. Mr Wynn-Williams continued the de bate on the second reading of the Bank ruptcy Bill. He suggested that it should be remitted to a Committee, to be re ported upon. After a lengthy discussion the debate was adjourned on the motion of the Colonial Treasurer, who said he wished to give the House an opportunity for con sidering the following amendment, moved by Mr Hursthouse :—“ That the Bill lie referred back to the Government, in structing them to provide for the repefd of all bankruptcy laws, and to make the legal recovery of debts impossible beyond five years after such debts had been con tracted.” FISHERIES BILL. The Hon Mr Dick moved the seqotid reading of the Fisheries Bill. !It was a reprint of the Bill of last session. A lengthy debate followed, daring which the House divided on a motion for adjournment—Ayes, 3 ; Now, 37. The Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed. I THE NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITIES AOT.~ The Hon Mr Dick moved the second reading of the New Zealand Universities Act, 1874, Amendment Bill, the object of which was to enable degrees in science to be granted. Mr Shaw and Col. Tibmblb pointed oat a technical objection. , ~ Mr Hutchison and Mr Hubsihousb spoke against the Bill. , The Bill was read a second time. The House adjourned at 12.35.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from OUR PARLIAMENTARY correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day. Mr Barron is to move that in the opinion of the House, permission ex tended to members to absent themselves for five days during the sitting of Parlia ment without deduction from their allowance, in accordance with a resolution agreed to on the 25th August, 1874, should not apply to the last ten sitting days of any session, and that in addition to a proportionate deduction provided for in such resolution, a special deduction of five guineas per day should be made from the honorarium of any member who absents himself during the last ten days of any session. The Chairman of the Printing and Re porting Debates Committee estimates that to carry out the proposal of the hon. member for Port Chalmers for distributing a copy of Mansard to every householder in the colony would cost something like L 20,000 per session. There is therefore no prospect of the proposal being agreed to.

CABLE NEWS

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[belter's TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT. 1 The Anglo-Boer Convention. London, June 25.

In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone stated* the Government had decided to renounce their intention of appointing a Commission to proceed ,j to the Transvaal for the purpose of " negotiating for the revision . of the Anglo-Boer Convention of 1881. The ■ Premier announced that this step ‘had * ; been taken in consequence of the deci sion of the Transvaal Government to send a delegate to England at an early . date. A Renegade Pamellite. Mr F. H. O’Donnell, M.P. /or Dun garvan, severed his connection with,; the Pamellite party in consequence -of certain disagreements which have re- r cently arisen, :.r r Shipping. The P. and O. steamship Rosetta, from Melbourne May 8, arrived at Ply mouth to-day. ... Monetary and Commercial. Consols have further declined and are now quoted at New Zealand securities remain as follows S per cent, to-40 Loan, 106 ; 5 per cent. 1889 Loan, 1879-1904 Loan, 102%; 4 per cent. Inscribed Stock, Breadstuffs are unchanged. Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 475; New Zealand ditto, 43 sto 465. Adelaide flour, ex store, 335, Australian tallow, best beef con tinues dull at 41s, and best mutton at 42s 6d.

The Epidemic in Egypt. Alexandria, June 26. - The report that an outbreak of • cholera had occurred at Damietta is fully confirmed. The number of deaths is rapidly increasing, and the nature of the disease is now beyond doubt. A Catastrophe. Rohe;,. June 25. A serious catastrophe, resulting in the death of 37 persons, occurred at Dervio. A fire broke out at a puppet show which was being held in that ■ town, and in the rush which was made to escape from the building the door became blocked. Besides those who lost their lives by the fire many suf fered severe injuries. American Immigration. New York, June 26. In consequence of a large number of penniless immigrants who are now™ arriving from Ireland, and who require pecuniary assistance on landing, the Immigration Board of this city decided to send all paupers back to Ireland. AUSTRALIAN. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] The Markets. Melbourne, Yesterday. , The Melbourne Manager of the Na tional Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited, reports of the local grain market as follows :—Ship ping wheat, 4s lid to ss; malting bar ley, 5s 3d to 6s; New Zealand oats: ' feeding qualities, 2s gd to 3s id; mill ing ditto, 3s id to 3 s 3d; New Zea land oats, under bond, as to as 3d. Shipping. Sailed, this afternoon —Union steam ship Rotomahana, for the Bluff.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 1883.



TATIONBRY OF EVERY 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, &c. All the Heme Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every maiL Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East bxbbbt South Ashbukton. n!5 H. M. Jones TTAB 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. selection of these Instruments onlutnd frofn £l2 12s upwards. OK INSTRUMENTS TO OK 60 tfBLBOT FROM. /CO HARMONIUMS f ;f .HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Comets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH 0 .ft. 0 One the most won- ‘VT JU derful instru- JLI Ements of the day. _ TJ Music by the yard. A child Ju M J can play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have’a O piano. Pianos en 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. 7 i - H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE, Ashburton. 13d F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE,



DAVIS’S VHKAP furniture and red . DING MANUFACTORY, CAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. BYERY article Sold at Christchurch Pkkjbs «nd guaranteed bes. of tutorial and •workmanship. funerals nwT ‘! , LY & COMPLETELY yURtOSHBI) CASH PURCHASER or ' \ BRIGHT MILLING -Oats, ** i *siaSfi j asßS. I West street.



Wanted fpO PRINTERS. Wanted a good JOBBING hand. Ap ply at the Office of this Paper. WANTED Kno\m—Two or three Gentlemen will [meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorton. 1443 WANTED Known—A. Orb is selling all shades Berlin Wool, 6d ; Finger ing ; 2s 6d per hank ; Crewel Embroidery Silk, all shades, 2d per skein ; Stays, Is lid 1417 WANTED Known Ashburton, will hold a Fortnight’s CLEARING SALE of BOOTS and SHOES, commencing on SATURDAY next, at extremely low prices, to clear out his present Stock. 1442 WANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared te Sweep Chimneys at very low rales. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760 c WANTED Known Women’s Stock ings at 6d per pair; Children’s Socks, 2d ; Gloves at 6d ; Wool Jackets at ls6d.— A. Orb’s Cheap Sale. 1416 WANTED Known That Mr Dan Lea has Opened his Gymnasium next to Harrison’s Auction Rooms. An inspection of his calisthenics of every description is invited. 1344 ANTED KNOWN. That BONEDUST, specially prepared for drilling with carrots, mangolds, etc., an be obtained from the undersigned. F. MAYO, Hampstead Bone Mills. WANTED Known—A. Orb is now holding an extraordinary Cheap Sale to clear out all surplus stock previous to stock taking. Goods greatly reduced. . 1413



Special Advertisements. Money ! Money! ! The equitable investment COMPANY OF NKW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T . 0. Dunuan, East street, to LEND MONEY on Ashburton approved free hold or leasehold property, repayable by either monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly instalments, or for a fixed period. The Company are also open to DIS COUNT BILLS. J. 0. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street.



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY E spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT •T 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 GAUM ENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. J AM A. CASH PUR CHASER, AT HIGHEST MARKET RATES, of applying to JOSEPH CLARK, 267 Ashburton & Tinwald.



F OR SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OP LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SOUTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 acres. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by tho 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 a term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 ACRES. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, s and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. * Fashion Horse, 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.ands 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 c'st price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth | £ 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 f 1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 a household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 0 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ... ... 0 6 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, paragon frame ... ... ... ... 0 8 0 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 £2 12 5 Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains W orth 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 16 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ... 0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves * 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets ... ... ... 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt ... ... ... ••• 014 6 1 pair good heavy white sheets 0 9 6 6 good value honeycomb towels 0 4 0 6 yds heavy Welsh flannel ... 0 8 0



£3 6 6 Our No. 6, family parcel for £3, contains— Usual price 12 yds super Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... ... _ ... _ ••• 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make ... ... ... 013 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey 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 10j, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 2 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 g<iod black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 014 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 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 sheots 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ... 10 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 j 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 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 N<>. 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—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. P.C.O. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. w 4 N _ T 15 R SUBSCRIBERS TO OUR CIRCULATING LIBRARY ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



R OBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS B vRLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A, Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229