SHIPPING.

?ORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Ykstbrdat. Wakatipu, a s., from Sydney, via Wel lington. E. and U. Cameron, schooner, from Hickory. Antelope, cutter, from Akaroa. To-day. Alexa, barque, from Wellington. Mabinapua, b.b., from Nelson. Rotorua. s.s., from the North. Sailed. Tbstbrday. Wakatipu. a.a., for Port Chalmers.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Saturday afternoon. Messrs Friedlander Bros, (in conjunction with Messrs R. Wilkin and Co., per Mr F. C. Tabart, auctioneer) report of last weeks market as follows :—There has been no altera tion in prices either in sheep or cattle. Owing to the heavy rains on last Tuesday’s sale day very few lines of sheep or were yarded, so we can hardly report how prices have been going; but for what was there we quote as follows Fat sheep : Crossbreds fetched ns 3d ; merinos, 8s to 8s 3d. We had a line of lambs in the yards, but didn’t dispose ofthem. Fat cattle fromL6Ss upwards.

me Sydney Markets.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, report of the Syd ney hiaikets, under date June 29, as follows: Wool: The catalogues submitted during ihe past week (as is usual at this season of the year), were of an unimportant nature, never theless competition continues to be fair. We have no change to report, our last quotations being still maintained.—Sheepskins: Consider able animation has been noticed in this market during the week, and large quantities have bfep placed at the undermentioned figures— Best, 6j£d to per lb; medium, to cUd per lb; pelts and shortwoolled, 2d to 4d per lb.—Tallow; In good demand, both for local consumption and export; good shipping lines are scarce. We quote—Fine mutton, L 37 to L3B per ton; best beef, L 35 T os to L 36 per ton; medium and mixed, L3O to L 32 per ton. Butter: We have no improvement to re port; attempts have again been mad; by several consignees to clear at auction, and in order to induce business, parcels have been offered with out reserve, but the biddings elicited were so far below values that we have determined to hold; and as we have still two months of win ter before us, we are convinced this course is the proper one in the face of such a weak mar ket.—Potatoes : This market has improved slightly, owing no doubt to a temporary lull in the supply of Circular Heads and Tasmanians. The Wakatipu arrived opportunely, and wc were enabled to place a line of 1,200 sacks at full market rates. We quote—Prime New Zea land, L 3 5s to L 3 10s per ton. bags included. —Oats: We have no change to report.—Bran: Market steady at last week’s quotations.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Monday, July 9. Matson, Cox and Co., on the farm of Mr H. Beckett, Wakanui Threshing Plant, Farm Stock, Etc. luesdat, July 10. Matson, Cox and Co., ai the Ashburton Yards—Stock. J. T. Ford, at the Ashburton Yards Merino Ewes and Wethers. E. G. Staveley, at the Ashburton Yards— -3,000 Merino Ewes and Wethers. MEETINGS. AMUSEMENTS, &c Monday, July 9, Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Tuesday, July 10. Public Meeting, at Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 11. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers; 11 a.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

fsArcrs Leave Ashburton foe Ohrist- OHTJBOH and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 6.37 p.m, TsahiS 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 , Christchurch at 10 15a.m. (Express), 4.36 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 7, 1883. The Public Works Statement.

The Public Works Statement de livered by the Hon. Walter Johnston on Tuesday evening is chiefly notice able for two proposals put forward by the Government, namely that a new Cabinet office should be instituted, and that those lands through'which future railways are to be constructed shall be specially dealt with in the matter of taxation. A strong feeling has been manifested lately concerning the ad visability of our railway system being placed under the control of a non political body, and the present Minister of Public Works last year expressed a favorable opinion of this suggestion. Further thought, however, has con vinced him that it would be unwise to give so much power to a body not directly responsible to the House, and he proposes as an alternative that a Minister for Railways shall be ap pointed. Since this announcement was made, rumor has assigned this prospec tive portfolio to the member for Ashbur ton, and in this instance there is every reason 10 believe that the conjecture is well founded. Some months ago it was an open secret that the Government were anxious that Mr Wright should have a seat in the Cabinet, and they even offered him the position of Post master-General, which he very properly declined to accept. Indeed, it was the general opinion that the only possible office for Mr Wright to hold was that of Minister for Public Works. A shrewd and able man of business, with special practical {knowledge, begot of wide ex perience, the member for Ashburton was recognised as the certain successor of Mr Johnston when it was stated that that gentleman was about to retire from the Ministry. This lat ter event, however, is evidently not to be consummated, at least for the pre sent, and if the proposals of the Go vernment are accepted by the House, Mr Wright will probably enter the Cabinet as the first Minister for Rail ways in New Zealand. Admitting the necessity for the creation of this new portfolio, it is unquestionably true that a better man could not be found in the present Parliament to fill it, and this latest accession to the Ministry will materially increase their strength. But as to the necessity we have referred to there will be considerable difference of opinion. The Opposition will be cer tain to stigmatise the whole thing as a political job, an attempt to conciliate a member by founding an office which the exigencies of the colony do not im peratively demand. It will no doubt be argued that inasmuch as previous Ministers of Public Works have not found the work allotted to them too hard, there is no need to make any alteration. We do not think such a contention will hold water. Of all the members of the Cabinet none has more arduous duties to perform than has the Minister of Public Works, and recently those duties have greatly increased. It falls to him to administer the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, a busi ness in itself of no slight magnitude, the Mines Act and the Public Works Act, besides other departmental works. It is therefore only right that such an important and ever increasing depart ment as that of the Railways should have the undivided attention and re sponsibility of one Minister, and if Mr Wright is placed in that position he will assuredly be the right man in the right place.

The other feature we have referred to in the Public Works Statement, the manner in which lands specially bene fited by railways passing through them are to be treated, is worthy of careful att ntion. Mr Johnston specified two alternative methods of dealing with the matter, each of which has much to re commend it. In the first place it is suggested that the State might re purchase the land vyithin a certain distance of a proposed line, the price being fixed at, say, 25 per cent above the property tax valuation. The land so obtained could be let under the perpe tual lease system for moderately sized farms, where the line passed through country suitable for that purpose. By that means the double object would be served of having secured a consider able contribution towards the cost of construction of the line, and of having the land well settled. There is, how ever, the obvious objection that it would be necessary to raise a special, loan for such a purpose, while it would

be a long time before the money so spent would be repaid to the Govern ment. The other alternative is to value the land through which a railway may run, after the line has been com pleted, and to compel the owner of such land to pay to the State a share, say one half, of the unearned incre ment. This charge may be redeemed at any time, but meanwhile the owner must pay interest on the amount at the rate of 5 per cent. It is the latter plan that the Government are going to try first, not because it is so well suited as the other for the purpose of securing settlement, but for the reason that it will require no money to carry it out. The Statement may not be on the whole a very brilliant affair, but the two features we have pointed out give it a , special interest, and both pro posals of the Government will no doubt be keenly discussed by the House.

At a meeting of the Otago Rugby Union Committee, communications from Auck land and Wellington were considered. It was resolved that, as Otago had now made all arrangements for visiting Christ church on the 21st and Wellington on the 24th, it would be impossible to alter the dates so as to suit the Auckland Union. The opinion was expressed that if the Auckland Union was really desirous of meeting the Southern team they might easily arrange to do so. Mr John Tyrell, proprietor of the West port Star, defendant in the recent libel action of Wright v. Tyrell, was yesterday presented with an illuminated testimonial and purse of sovereigns by the townsmen. The testimonial expresses sympathy with Mr Tyrell for the annoyance and expense he has been subjected to in the libel action, and the subscribers’ appreciation of his conduct in fighting it out rather than retract, he considering the comment in question was fair and in the public interest.

In' the Christchurch Resident Magis" trate’s Court on Thursday, Alex. Kerr* sued Austin, Kirk and Co. for L2O, the amount of a promissory note paid by the plaintiff’s bankersafter the defendants had accepted a composition of five shillings in the pound. The defendants had signed an undertaking to give up the bill when they got it back. The bill was discounted and debited to the plaintiff's account when due. Defendants returned the amount of the composition, and the plain tiff accepted it ; but on second thoughts returned the cheque to the defendants, and now sued for the whole amount of the bill. Judgment was deferred till July 12th.

At a meeting of fhe Committee of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce the following important resolutions were passed :—l. That the Committee of the Chamber express a hope that ihe Bank ruptcy Bill amended in some minor par ticulars, as already suggested by the Chamber, may pass both Houses of Par liament during the present session, and that the members for the district be re quested to give assistance to secure that object. (2). That the Committee of the Chamber desire to urge upon the Hon. the Minister for Public Works the press ing necessity for commencing the con struction of the Gore-Kelso line of rail way at the Gore end, in order to afford the numerous agricultural settlers in that dis trict means of access to the main trunk line, a large amount of traffic being already in existence. On Thursday evening last a very suc cessful open Lodge meeting was given by the members of the Sunbeam Juvenile Temple at the Templar Hall. At the re quest of the Superintendent, Bro. A. Cook, Bro. G. W. Andrews took the chair and addressed a few appropriate remarks to those present. A very enjoyable pro gramme, consisting principally of recita tions by the children, was then gone through The Rev dr Nixon addressed the children at some length, and Mrs Nixon sang several appropriate solos during the evening in her usual effective manner, and was loudly applauded. Bro Isaac Scott and the Superintendent (Bro Cook) also spoke on the advantage of temperance, particularly alluding to the benefits resulting-from its early training. The meeting then closed. Previous to the open meeting a sumptuous tea was given to the children, which they heartily enjoyed. At its conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Superinten dent (Bro A. Cook) and to all those who had assisted in getting the tea and the entertainment for the juve dies. To Br > Cook, however, the credit of having made the affair so successful is mainly due, as he was the prime mover in getting it up. The usual monthly meeting of the Wakanui School Committee was held on Wednesday, 4th inst., all the members being present, excepting Messrs H. Beckett,' T. Patterson, and W. J. Wilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and .confirmed. Correspondence was read as follows . —From the Education Board, s ating that they’had appointed Mr A. Cookson and Mrs Williamson as teachers, and that Mrs Williamson would be at Wakanui on June 30, and Mr Cook-son on July 4; from the same, requesting the Committee that whenever they have oc casion to recommend a teacher for ap pointment, they will be good enough to forward the names of all the applicants, and that they will refrain from giving any intimation to the teacher recommended until they are informed that the appoint ment has been made by the Board ; from Mr Webber, main school, stating the number of children on the roll at the end of month to be: Boys, 31; girls, 32; total, 63 ; from Mr Angus, side school, giving the number on the roll as 30, and a work ing average of 23. It was agreed that Mr Webber be presented with a testimonial. The Chairman drew the attention of the Committee to an article in the N.Z. Schoolmaster, wherein it was stated the master wrote to the Committee asking permission to leach elementary scie-ce. He said the late master, Mr Robinson, had written to the Committee, stating that he considered) M‘M Han’s primer the best book for teaching elementary science. The Committee approved of this, and that was all. The Chairman was instructed to write to the N.Z. School master contradicting, the article. The Chairman said teachers’ salaries for the month amounted to L2O 19s 3d. After some further routine business had been transacted, the Committee adjourned. Sour stomach, bad breath, indigestion, and headache easily cured by Hop Bitters.— [Advt.] 2 “ Rough on Rats.” —Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. 7)£d. Drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 2

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 dmggetting. 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 •heaper than if in East street. Furniture ex changed, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. All kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated rwnedin Wind-maker. Spring window rollers and turnery sold to Note the address, at [Advt.]

The following resolutions were passed at a meeting of the West Coast Railway League Committee held yesterday:— “That while not agreeing with some of the deductions of the East and West Coast Railway Commissioners, the Com mittee of this League records its high appreciation of the efficiency, thorough ness and intelligence with which they have fulfiled the impoitant work imposed upon them”; “That the Committee re gards their report as not only throwing much interesting light on the main facts that call for railway communication with the West Coast, but as being in many important respects confirmatory of the justness of the arguments upon which this League lifts based its advocacy of the scheme ” ; and “ That the Committee of this League regards with satisfaction the action of those Canterbury members who are advocating in Parliament the merits of the East and West Coast railway, an! impolicy of constructing the Middle Island Trunk line along the East Coast ” ; “That the thanks of this Committee be conveyed to those members, accompanied by the earnest hope that their efforts will be successful in securing the practical recognition on the part of the Legislature of the justness of the claim of this district for railway communication with the West Coast.” The resolutions were forwarded to Captain Russell and Mr J. E. Brown.

Gorged Livers, Bilious conditions, consti pation, piles, dyspepsia, headache, cured by “ Wells’ May Apple Pills.” 5d and Is boxes at druggists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents for Australasia. 2

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

♦ The usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held at the Beard’s office this morning, there being present — Messrs E. T. Mayo (Chairman), T. Walsh, J. Brown, M. Bruce, and T. Megson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. inspector's of nuisances report.

The report of the Inspector was read and approved of. CORRESPONDENCE, A letter was received from the County Connell, stating that plans and specifica tions for river encroachments in the Wakanui districts will be prepared, and applications made under the Hoads and Bridges Construction Act, The Provincial Auditor wrote giving suggestions as to the duties of the Clerk in the keeping of accounts. surveyor’s report. The following report was read : We have the honor to{ monthly report as follows :—■ i. Great South Road : As authorised, ten ders were procured for this formation, and that of W. Johns at 5s 6d per chain accepted, and he is now making good progress with the work.

2. Treverton Roads : The Athletic Sports Company, for reasons of their own, suddenly stopped completing their arrangement for re placing gravel for earth on these roads, but on enquiry we find that the matter of stoppage is a private one between them and the contractor, and they are quite willing to complete the transaction as promised. On consultation with the Chairman it has been thought advisable in order to have the levels of the properly carried out to prepare plans of level sections, and call for tenders, which has accordingly been done ; the Company are then prepared to pay over in a lump sum the amount which it is considered they are entitled to contribute,

3. Maintenance : We have given the con tractor notice that unless he carries out his contract in a more satisfactory manner it will be terminated, We have repeatedly requested that the roads be kept in accordance with specification —failing his compliance after this date, we intend whenever necessary to put on labor for repairs at the -contractor’s ex pense, 4. Hampstead Roads : The conclusion ar rived at by the Chairman and ourselves is that it is advisable to postpone any metalling of the roads for a time, as it is likely that the shingle carts would do considerable damage to the roads. 5. Footpath; The footpath on the N.E. side of the Beach Road is being put in order, as directed by the Chairman who was em powered to act at last meeting. 6. Tenders : As directed at last meeting, tenders have been called for re-forming the Seafield road, and clearing tussocks at Chert sey. The report wa3 adopted. GENERAL RATE. Mr J. Brown, in accordance with a notice given at last meeting, moved as follows:—That a general race o -|d in the £ be levied on all property in the Wakanui Road District for the year end ing March 31, 1834, and that the rate be payable in one sum at the Board’s office on the 4th August, 1883 ; that notice in accordance with the Rating Act be given. Mr Walsh seconded this, and it was carried unanimously. TENDERS. The tenders submitted for works on the Seafield and Chertsey roads were then opened, with the following result—Chert say road, J. Crocker, at 1s per chain; Sea field road, No. 1 contract, J. Dick, at 3s 5d per chain; No. 2 contract, John Dick, at 3s Gd per chain. ACCOUNTS. A number of accounts having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned .

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day, A very important alteration has been made in the Bankruptcy Bill, so far as it affects bills of sale. Clause 82, which provided for the voidance of bills of sale that had not been executed three months before bankruptcy, was, on the motion of the member for Cavorsham, amended, so that bills of sale must now be executed and registered six months prior to the order of adjudication. By arrangement a deputation waited on the Government last night at the Parlia ment Buildings, composed of Canterbury and Westland members, relative to toe construction of an East and West Coast railway in the Middle Island. The depu tation seem to have elicited very favorable answers to their representations, and the Government agreed to make surveys of two lines from Canterbury to Westland, one north and the oilier south of Christ church. They consented to allocate LBO,OOO of the LIBO,OOO for extending the line to the Red Post, the balance to be reserved for disposal at next session ; and the Government also promised to re serve from sale Ml lands on each side of the lines referred to. Four Ministers were present at the interview and about a dozen members.

Mr Tole’s Libel Bill seeks to provide that reports of public meetings are privi leged, if accurate and for the public good. There is to ba no criminal prosecution without the fiat of the Attorney-General. If the Court thinks the jury would acquit them it may dismiss the case, and if the case is trivial and the accused consents, the Court may summarily convict. . Mr Steward’s Amendment Bill, recently introduced, provides for the payment of jurors at the rate of seven shillings per day, or three shillings and sixpence if the enquiry onlj lasts three hours. The num or of the jury at an inquest is altered to six, not less than five to agree as to th& verdict. The dead house of a hospital is to be the public morgue. A publican is not required to receive a dead body if the public morgue is situated within two miles of the in quest.

FEARFUL TRAGEDY IN DUNEDIN.

Shortly after six o’clock yesterday even- ' ing the residents of Manor Place, Dune- 1 din, were startled with the intelligence . that a murder and suicide had been com- 1 mitted in that locality, It seems that at ( about that hour Mr Donald Cargill and ' his brother whilst conversing at the 1 corner of Lees street had their attention attracted by a flickering light some fifty * yards up Manor Place. They took it to proceed from children playing with crackers until they suddenly heard a loud ' report as of the firing of some explosive material. Hurrying up the street to the 1 spot whence the sound came they were horrified by finding a man’s body hanging over a fence alongside the street line, and the body of a female lying prostrate at the man’s feet. Both bodies were head less, the pavement being strewn with brains and covered with blood. The sight was sickening beyond description. The bodies, which presented a most ghastly appearance, were removed to toe m"r,.;ne hy Con table Parker. On inquiry it was learned that the victim of this terrible tragedy, the first of its kiod in the colony, was Mrs Stephenson, and that the mur derer was her husband, George Timoihy Stephenson. Mrs Stephenson is wel known in Dunedin. She for some time past has occupied the position of head milliner at Saunders, Meßeath and Co.’s. She was a daughter of Mr Stenhouse, of Maitland street, and has been .-eparated some time from her husband, who has quite recently been engaged as groom for Campbell, Crust and Co, The parties, as is well known, have been on bad terms for some time, and Stephenson, through being denied access to his children, of whom he had two, had been known to entertain feelings of revenge towards the unfortunate woman and her parents n May last he was charged at the instance of Mr Stenhouse, at the City Police Court, with threatening conduct, and was then bound over. It is said that he has per sistently dogged the footsteps of his wife for weeks. It is surmised that last evening he followed her home from her place of bisiness, and overtook her in Manor Place. Of course, what transpired at their meeting can never be known, as no one was near at the time. It is be lieved that dynamite was the explosive substan6e used. The affair has created the greatest excitement in the neighbor hood. The Stephenson referred to in this case was not the banker at Mosgiel, but many years ago was clerk in the Bank of New South Wales in Cromwell. Ha afterwards became proprietor of a quartz ipine in that district, out of which he made considerable money. Subsequently about 1878 he went to Taranaki, where he resided soma time. His wife had before then left him. Further particulars show that Stephen son had been threatening his wife with violence for some time, saying that one or both of them should die. Last night he had followed her home, and, overtaking her on the footpath, he grasped her by the breast. He then fired off the dyna mite cartridge, holding it in his right hand and pointing it at her head. She screamed out when die caught hold of her, but no one was close enough to render assistance. The effect of the explosion was to blow their heads almost entirely away, and the one half of his face and the side of his head. He had evidently pre meditated the murder, and it is presumed his own death also, as he must have been acquainted with the properties of dyna mite. In his pocket afterwards was found a cartridge similar to the one it is con jectured he did the deed with. It had a head fuse inserted at one end, and tied by a piece of thread to the fuse was a match head outwards. Ha evidently struck the match, and then waved the cartridge in the air after the fuse caught, to make it burn brisker. This was the blue light seen by the Cargills. On him also was found a letter drawn out to the Minister of Justice, asking that the separation order obtained by his wife should be set aside. He had been drink ing from time to time for the last two or three years, and recently has been several times before the Police Court for drunken ness. During yesterday he had attempted to get his children away from his wife’s control, having taken one of them away from school, but the little one ran away from him. [by telegraph.] Dunedin 1 , To-d.iy. Portions of the deceaseds’ brains and scalps were found twenty yards away from where the bodies were discovered, and this morning one of tuo male deceased’s fingers was picked up in Maitland street. It is said that Stephenson procured the dynamite from a mine at Hindon, and that he had expressed his mtentien of taking it to a quarry at Anderson's Bay. An inquest will be held to-night. The explosion was plainly heard at the north end of the city, Stephenson’s grievance was principally that he was denied access to hia children, and that a protection order was granted in his absence, whilst every obstacle was put in the way of his getting its reversal. There is little doubt that brooding over these things drove him to desperation, as when he was talking of his troubles he spoke and acted like a madman. Marion Corfield, head milliner at Saun ders’s, states that yesterday evening she and the deceased left that establishment together at 65, and in Princes street were overtaken by Stephenson, who went to hie wife’s side and spoke about the children. He complained to her of being refused to see the children, and was very agitated. Mrs Stephenson did not speak to her husband, and she (Mias Corfield) left them at the corner of Melville street. It is supposed he had her by the neck whilst holding the cartridge with his left hand. He declared yesterday that he would make New Zealand ring with his wrongs. It is known that ha addressed the Government on the hardships inflicted by the Married Women’s Property Act, and he hoped this session to see it amended in the direction of granting re hearings, and relative to the custody of children.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, July 6. The Council met at 2.30. NOTICE. The Hon. Mr Nurse gave notice to move for a return of Jthe cases of venereal diseases treated last year at every hospital in the colony. NUISANCE. The Hon, Mr Mantell complained of the nuisance caused by the explosions of the gas engine generating the electric light to those living in the neighborhood, and the Premier promised to see to it. BILLS. The New Zealand University Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, and the Prisons Bill and Tenants’ Fixtures Bill a first time. XHORNDON kECLAMATION. On the motion of the Hon. Mr P. A. Buckley, a return was ordered of all the papers in connection with . the Thorudon reclamation at Wellington. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, July 6. The House met at 2 30. Bellamy’s. Mr George moved the adjournment of the House, to enable him to bring under notice a statement m.,de in a papei called the Dunedin Temperance Herald, to the effect that an annual vote had to be taken for Bellamy’s, to make up for losses bub*

tained through members who failed to pay their account?. Aa a matter of fact the statement was entirely false. Mr Pykk seconded the motion, and Mr Macandrew also wished to correct the impression that Bellamy’s paid no duty on liquors. That was a mistake, and he wished the public mind set right on the subject. The motion for adjournment was with drawn.

QUESTIONS. _ Replying to questions, Miniatsrs stated: —That Government considered the detec tive force conduced to the detection of crime, and the detection of crime to the welfare of the colony.—That the Govern ment could not see its way to introduce the system of forwarding passengers’ lug- , gage in operation on the United States railways knvwn as the check system, as it would cost L 4,000 or L 5,000 —That lands abutting on the railway lines had been extensively planted with timber suitable for railway sleepers and with w title trees. —That Mr McDonald, Sheep Inspector for South Canterbury, was found to he too old for the efficient discharge >i tie duties appertaining to the office, and for that reason alone Government could not rein state him in the office To retain him aa Sheep Inspector would necessitate the employment of another person t» perform the duties of Rabbit Inspector.—That no steps had yet heerTtaken to give effect to the recommendation for the 'Stabiishment of a naval training vessel, as no vote had been made for the purpose, and other difficulties interposed. The Government, schooner would shortly be available, and action would be taken. FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were introduced, and read the first time—A Bill to Amend the Licensing Act, 1881 (Mr Fish); to Re gulate the Elections of Licensing Oomr mittoes (Mr Steward). INFORMAL PETITION. Mr Fitz Gerald moved that a petition from the no man Catholics in Hokitika, returned to him as being informal, should be received. A long debate ensued, and ultimately the motion for receiving the petition was carried. RETURNS. The following motions were put and carried -A return of all freehold pro perties in the colony, consisting of 5000 acres and upwards, specify ng the acreage and owner of each property, and the county in which it is situated ; also of the total value of the landed estate of such properties as returned under Property Tax Valuation for 1883 ; and the total value of the mortgages existing thereon at the time of valuation (Mr O’Callaghan). —A return showing the total cost to the State of railway and other works con structed at Balclutha since the railway was first opened there, and necessitated by the damage caused by or anticipated from floods (Mr Mackenzie). BANKRUPTCY BILL. The Bill was further considered in Committee. Clause 61, sub-section 2 was struck out. Sub-section 5 was amended so as to read that a proxy must bo “ authenti cated before a J.P. of the colony, a Solicitor of the Supremo Court, or a Postmaster,” instead of the words “ authenticated to the satisfaction of ths assignee.” The clause aa amended passed. The clauses up to and including 67 were also passed, with slight verbal amendments. The House adjourned at 5.25.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. The Bmkruptcy Bill was further con sidered in Committee. Clauses 78, 79 and 81, after debate were passed as printed.—On clause 81, Mr Barron moved —“ That the clausa read bills of sale will be void as against the assignee if they have been executed or registered within six months or three months.”—The clause was made to read, “ executed and registered six months before bankruptcy.”—On the motion of Mr Smith clause 94 was altered to read, “ after ttie expiration of six months,” etc. —Clause 139, preferential claims were allowed for rates and taxes to six months, and ar'isans’ and laborers’ wages for three months.—Clause 150 was struck out.—On clause 155, sub-section 2, a motion was made to make it read, “ That if a suffi cient iiumb r of oreditois appeared, either by themselves or by proxy, then on a cer tificate that th bankrupt had duly sur rendered his property, and that in ’the assignee’s opinion there was no further occasion for further proceedings, the bankruptcy should cease.” It passed as printed.—Clause 157 was struck out.—On clause 161, Mr Peacock moved—“ That there should bo gr des of certificates of dis.-barge.” It was agreed to bring on the suggestion as a separate clause. The clause passed as printed.—Clause 166 was struck out — Clause 172 passed as printed, on a division by 23 to 17. Progress was reported, and the, House adjourned at 12.10

CABLE NEWS.

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[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT. ]■ Obituary. London, July. 5. The death is announced of the Right Hon John Wenston Spencer Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, aged 61. The Cholera in Egypt. Alexandria, July 5. Notwithstanding severe precautions that have been taken to prevent the spread of cholera, the disease con tinues to rage without abatement. There is a large increase in the num ber of deaths at Mansfoh and Dam ietta, and the progress of the disease at fresh points has convinced doctors that it is Asiatic cholera of an epidemic type. Two of the guard forming the cordon round the infected district have been seized with the disease and have died.

Prance and China. Hosg Kong, July 5. Le Hung Chang, the Chinese Prime Minister, who visited Shanghai to enter into negotiations . with M. Tricon, French Ambassador to China, with a view to the settlement of the conflict ing claims of France and China in Anam, has left Shanghai, having been unable to come to any satisfactory agreement with M. Tricon. The latter, it is understood, has been informed that any further parleying can only take place at Pekin. [Received July 7, 11.30 a.m.] English Control in Egypt. London, July 6. It is announced that Sir Auckland Colvin, Financial Adviser to the Egypt ian Government, has been appointed British Agent and Consul General and Minister Plenipotentiary in Egypt, vice Sir Evelyn Baring, resigned. The Suez Canal. Count de Lesseps will shortly arrive in London at the invitation of the Cabinet to conclude an agreement securing the necessary land, and to arrange*other preliminaries for the con tinuation of the second canal through the isthmus of Suez. [Receive 1 July 7, 12.28 p.m.] Monetary and Commercial. London, Juiy 5. Consols have declined by jfa, to 10034 The Bank rate of discount xo

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 1883.



-p O R SALE. Seed. Seed. REED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class, Danish. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. 265 JOSEPH CLARK;, Ashburton and Tinwald. H. M. Jones -AS NOW ON VIEW A FUSE Has now on view a 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 Ins 1 ruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. 25 INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 25 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Acoordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH o .r the 0 Lmost won- 'Vf derful instru- Xl Ementa of the day. _ T7l Music by the yard. A child Pi Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the Q thing for those who cannot have a O piano. Pianos an 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 SQUaBB. Ashburton. 13d



Wanted WANTED —A Bullock DRIVER. Apply to Mr G. Jameson, West street, V-27 WANTED Known —Best fresh Butter, Is per lb. Fresh Eggs, Is 2d per dozen, at Friedlander Bros. 7-25 WANTED KNOWN —Hayes and Co. have a lot of EMPTY CASES for sale. Arcade Shops. au!2 WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terras moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorion. 1443 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 WAN TED Known—lf you want to buy a cheap Parcel of first-class Drapery, everything marked with a small profit, go to H. C. Segers, Compton’s Build ings, Moore street. Clearing reductions now on. 7-32 TT7"aNTED KNOWN—That Robert V\ 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 Known—C. Hawkins hav ing decided to give up the Ashbur ton Branch of his Business, will hold a CLEARING SALE for a FEW DAYS. No reasonable offer refused for CASH. N.B.—All outstanding ACCOUNTS are particularly requested to be settled at once, 1480 Special Advertisements.



j-p YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, OHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, BAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and jvranteed bes. of •naterial and workmanship. GO TO DAVIS’S



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED JJ— THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMEN T •P NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. “ SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERT HEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



Money ! Money ! ! The equitable investment COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, tnited, are prepared, through their agent, T. 0. Dunjan, East street, to LEND MONEY on Ashburton approved free hold or leasehold pr .perty, 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. STATIONERY OF EVERY DE SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—from small to largest jars School Books —School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &c., East street South Ashburton. n!5 JJOBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS B4.RLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 CASH RECEIPTS Printed at “The Guardian office.



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 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. 3,20 s Dress Parcel, contains— Worth j £ a, d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, Ftench costume cloth ... 0 18 6 l£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3*yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 s household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 012 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



£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 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... ... ... ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid ... ... 0 6 6 6 yds good brown Holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ... ... ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached .Turkish towels ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. 7, mourning parcel .for £2 10s, contains — Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 2 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 03 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 h 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 1 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 O £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. 0.0. made payable to E C. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1362



Special Advertisements. W A H _ T E D SUBSCRIBERS TO OUK CIRCULATING LIBRARY ANDRE WES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 A N D 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 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block has been SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, tho 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 6i 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, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED, Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au



sey and urinary troubles are universal, only safe and sure cure is Hop Bitters, t it. Read,—[AUVT.] 2