SHIPPING.

?ORT OF LYTTELTON Arrived Yesterday. Manawatu, a.a., from Well ngtou. Sailed. Y • Mary Ellen, schooner, for Polorua Omaha, brigantine, for Chatham Is- as., for Wellington and Weat Coast porta. s.B.,for Wellington. " Orowaiti, a.a., for Westport. TT... SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Ada 0. Owen, from Queens land. . „ ■ Sailed—Saxon, for Raratonga. Wellington, Yesterday. , Arrived —Rotcmahana, from the North; ■ from Weatport; Malay, barque, ... ;S«iled—Rotorua, for Picton, and Nelson; ’ Rotomahana, for Melbourne, via the South. _ . , r, Dunedin, Yesterday. ' ’ Sailed—-Linda Weber, for Auckland; Anna, for Mauritius; Suva, for Welling ton; Seagull, for Manukau; Wanaka, for the North. Dunedin, To-day. Arrived— Auckland, ship, from London. AllwelL „ _ t , Bluff, Yesterday. Arrived —Waihora, from Melbourne.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Crains Leave Ashburton for Christ ..i - and intermediate stations at 7.10 < turn., 10.55 a.in., and (Express) 5.37 Ashburton for Timaru oOUTH,• at 6.50 a.m.,10.26 a.m. (Express), and 4.45 p. m.—the latter pro ' cewniigno 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.un-

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES a Wt. •.! Friday, August 3. Ur Tho«. Bullock, at the Arcade, at 12 o’clock—Fruit and Forest Trees. Tuesday, August 7. 1 Matson, * Cox and Co., at the Ashburton t,. n Tarda —Stock. : ’Wednesday, August 8. Mawonr, Cox and Co., ac the residence pVpof Mr ■ Fuddicombe, Moore street— Furniture, &o. ; at 12 noon. Thursday, August 9. Matson,’ Cox, and Co., at the farm of Mr ,T'/John Leahy, ’Ashhu rton Forks—Live ]■. and Dead stock ;at 12 noon. 1 Friday. August 24. .Tallin an Co,, at the Dondas Homestead Stock; Implements, &c. - IrfKKTrNUS. AMUSEMENT:- , Wednesday, August 1. " (Oddfellows’ Hall—Entertainment; 7 30. -Thursday, August 2 Town flail—Rink Club Ball; 830 p.m. Friday, August 3. Second Meeting, Geraldine Coursing Club. J. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary A Third Annual Show, Town M-L’Hall. First day. , . Monday, August 6. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers; at 7 o’clock Wednesday, August 15. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers; 11 a. m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 31, 1883. The Land Acts Amendment Bill.

The most difficult question which the practical politician has to deal with is the proper administration of the land. We have on the one hand political theorists who argue that the soil belongs to the people, and should therefore be vested in the State for their benefit, and on the other side we have men who believe that the English system of a landed aristocracy is a divine institution which should not be interfered with on any account. This latter class, however, is not numerous even in older countries than New Zea land, while here it is unknown. The nationalisation of the land, as it is understood by those extremists who look upon Henry George as the apostle of a new faith, finds favor only with colonial politicians whose ideas on such questions are simply founded on sentiment. Drastic reformers of this kind would like to do away with private ownership altogether, by means of wholesale confiscation; but fortun ately the common sense of the majority is a wholesome check upon their desires. But impracticable as are the suggestions of this school, the principle underlying the theory they advocate is unquestionably just. In a new country like this, we have the tremen dous advantage of being able to benefit from the experience of older communi ties. We can, for example, see that in Great Britain, the richest country in the world, more abject poverty exists than in any other part of the globe. It is doubtful whether, as certain political economists would have us believe, this state of things is entirely due to vicious land laws, but it is beyond question that those laws have been and are an important contributory cause. There will always be poverty,, but it is none the less the duty of legislation to do its best to prevent those extremes of pauperism and wealth which have been the cause of so much trouble and disaster in the Old World. Ever since Mr Rolleston has occu pied the position of Minister of Lands he has shown himself actuated by a desire to encourage bona fide settle ment and to prevent large estates falling into the hands of capitalists. His policy has been to so administer the lands as to render impossible those ex tremes which we have referred to as existing in Great Britain. But one of the first lessons that a statesman has to

learn is that legislation-of all kinds is necessarily tentative. Success is only possible after a series ot experiments have been made, and last session Mr Rolleston was satisfied with passing a measure which simply enunciated the principle that the proper way to deal with those lands still remaining unsold was to let them under the perpetual lease system. It was not, however, likely that land tenure reform would stop here, and an Amendment Bill has been brought forward extending the principle which had been approved of by Parliament still further, and judging by the reception accorded to the mo tion for the second reading there seems to be little doubt of its becoming law. What is proposed in this Bill is that the Governor in Council be empowered to proclaim pastoral lands for leasing in blocks not exceeding 5,000 acres each, no person being permitted to hold more than 5,640 acres in the colony, except in the case of a person who may become a lessee or sub-lessee by marriage, or under a will, or by virtue of intestacy. These leases are to be put up to tender at an upset rental equivalent to 2 ios per dent, on the capital value of the land, a statutory declaration similar to that provided in the amendment Act of last year being made. We have enumerated the principal provisions of a measure of great importance, which will no doubt meet with the support of both parties in the House of Representatives and it is to be hoped that the Legislative Council will not stand in the way of its becoming law. There are, however, two important clauses in Mr Rolleston’s new Bill that deserve special notice. One of these is intended to deal a death-blow to dummyism, of which we heard so much from Otago some months ago. It is not improbable that our Southern friends made a good deal more fuss about the matter than there was any need for, but at the same time the agi tation served to open people’s eyes to the fact that under the existing Act capitalists could avoid the intention of the law. The condition attached to the lease, that the lessee should reside on the land for a certain period, is found not to be enough, and a moie stringent provision is to be laid down. When this Act comes into force the occupier of pastoral lands will be com pelled to “put substantial improvements of a permanent character on the land, to a value equivalent to the amount of one year’s rent of the land, within one year from the date of the lease; and to an equal value within two years from the date of his lease; and thereafter, but within six years from the date of his lease, to a value equivalent to the amount of two years’ rent of the land.” &o injustice will be done to the original lessee, as in the event of his not taking up the lease again at the expiration of his terra, the improvements will be paid for by the new purchaser at a valuation. The wisdom of this clause is, as it seems to us, obvious, ensuring as it will the land falling into the hands of a bona fide settler and thus making dummyism impossible. The other amendment we have re ferred to will, we fear, meet with con siderable opposition in the Legislative Council. It will be remembered that when last year’s Bill went to the Upper House a clause was added giving the right of purchase within six years. The Minister for Lands, much against the grain, accepted this amendment rather than see the measure laid on the shelf till another session came round. That the presence of this clause in the Act has prevented Mr Rolleston from carrying out his intention in re gard to the administration of the lands of the colony during the past year can not be gainsaid, and he now seeks to have it repealed. We do not see how this can logically he objected to, but unfortunately the “ Lords ” are at least as much actuated by interest as by reason in their opposition. The prin ciple has been affirmed by the country that the future land tenure of New Zealand shall be upon the leasehold system, but it is impossible to carry out this principle while the purchasing clause remains in the statute. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Council will not oppose the measure in a faction spirit, and that it will be carried through the Upper House in its en tirety.

The Alford Forest Diamonds. The excitement caused some time ago by the report that an enthusiastic prospector had discovered the existence of diamonds in the Alford Forest dis trict had pretty well died out, when it was announced a few days back that a favorable report had been received from the gentleman who took the pre cious stones to England, and now the shares in the company formed in Christchurch for the purpose of working the alleged mine have gone up with a rush. A mysterious silence was kept as to the precise nature of Mr Kelsey’s message, but public curiosity has been at last allayed, and we find that the cablegram consists of the following words Cutting. Diamond. Small value.” Most people would have taken this laconic utterance to signify that the stones sent Home were cutting diamonds of small value. This was news which could scarcely be said to be encouraging to the holders of scrip, but ’luckily we have at hand one who is able to interpret the message. Like the Delphic Oracle or the nod of Lord Burleigh, it only needs one who is in the secret to tell us what it means for us to realise the full signification of Mr Kelsey’s words. Mr Jacobsen has stepped forward to enlighten the public mind, and to assure us that the report which most people had in their igno rance probably looked on as unfavor able is quite the reverse. It appears there was an agreement between these two gentlemen, which was to this effect: —ist. That Mr Kelsey was to get some of the diamonds —two or three —cut. end. He was to submit to the decision of certain known authori ties in Liverpool, London, and Amster dam the question of diamonds or no diamonds. 3rd. Mr Kelsey and Mr Jacobsen differed here as to the value, the former rating the stones, in the ag gregate, at or ,£4,000, in the event of their proving diamonds ; while Mr Jacobsen reckoned them, as dia monds, altogether of the value of be tween £BO and £l2O. Mr Kelsey was to indicate in his cable message who was right. Mr Jacobsen, there fore, reads the message thus : —“ I am getting the number of diamonds agreed

upon cut. The stones are diamonds. Their value is the smaller value.”

It is a thousand pities that this lucid explanation of the mystic words was not given sooner, as it would have served to relieve tlie minds of those in vestors who had simply taken the cablegram to mean what it said. How ever, now that we have the correct interpretation before us we can indulge in visions of future prosperity for the province of Canterbury. What with gold cropping up in all directions and a diamond field at Alford Forest our dreams will indeed be an embarras des richesscs. But the thought comes over us that if the gems which were tried by our colonial savants by every test known to them and found wanting should prove to be veritable precious stones, our faith in the ability of some of our University professors will be rudely shaken if not alto gether shattered. Still, we could make up our minds to bear this blow for the sake of the material prosperity that would accrue to Canterbury if the diamond fields are established in our midst. We fervently hope that when further information is obtained from Mr Kelsey that it will !not be found Mr Jacobsen has allowed an exuberant imagination to get the better of him in his interpretation of the cablegram.

The prizes won at the rink tournament last week will be distributed at the Town Hall to-morrow evening. During the month of July there were registered in Ashburton thirty-three births, six deaths, and two marriages. In consequence of the inclement wea ther, the usual weekly meeting of the Ashburton Quadrille Assembly has been postponed till further notice. Our Methven readers are reminded that the public trial of the Randal Revolving Disc Harrows is to take place to-morrow in Messrs Gould and Cameron’s pad dock. The matron of the Hospital requests us to notify that she will be glad to receive any gifts of linen, etc., for the institution, which the generously-minded may be prompted to make. We would remind intending exhibitors at the forthcoming Poultry Show that entries will close to-night. Mr S. E, Poyntz, the secretary, will attend at his office this evening up to nine o’clock to receive entries. The following are the Hospital returns 'or the month of July :—Number of patients in Hospital on 30th June, 8 ; admitted during July, 5 ; discharged, 4; number remaining on 31st July, 9. No deaths occurred duriag the month. The following notification in connection with the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers ap pears in the Gazette of the 26th inst.; — Lieut. Wm. Sc. George Douglas to be Captain ; Waiter Edwin Dolman to be Lieutenant, and Alfred Augustus Fooksto be Lieutenant. The annual' meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club last night voted L 75 to the late handicapper, Mr Hateloy, in recog nition of ten years’ services, and appointed Mr J. 0, Ivott, of Napier, in his stead. The vote is to bo supplemented by a dona tion from private friends. Tc is reported from Christchurch that the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company has purchased the ex tensive business and premises of Messrs R. M’Kerrow and Co, grain and wool brokers, Rakaia, and that Mr 0.. W. Turner, formerly the Company’s Lyttelton agent, .md for some time past connected with the Christchurch office, will under take the management of this new branch. The informer James Carey has not long survived the men who were brought to the gallows by his evidence. A cable gram tells us that he has been shot dead at Port Elizabeth, and we may safely say that there are few people who will mourn the death of such a miscreant, although he was mainly instrumental in bringing to justice the murderers whose fate he so thoroughly deserved to share.

The annual meeting of the Wellington Racing Club was held last evening. Mr J. S. M. Thomson was in the chair. The balance-sheet showed an overdraft of 57. The receipts for the season were LI ; 910, and the expenditure was L 1,967. The amount givjn in stakes was L 1,451. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Sir William Fitzhorbort, President of the Club, and Mr William Hickson, Vice- President, resigned, and Messrs E. Pearce and J. S. M. Thompson were ap pointed to fill the respective vacancies. Later news from Naples informs us that the terrible nature of the disaster chro nicled in last night’s issue so far from being exaggerated was considerably understated. It appears now that the number of persons who lost their lives was 2,000, while no* less than 1,000 have been injured. Ischia, we may mention, is an island situated between the Bay of Naples and Gaeta, about 37 square miles in extent, and having a population of some 28,000. It is celebrated for its beautiful climate, and as it is a favorite summer resort of Italian families of dis tinction it is probable that many people who were simply visiting the island were destroyed by the fearful earthquake. Regarding the Nelson gaol tragedy the jury again met yesterday in order to con sider their rider, and they agreed to add the following to their verdict : —I. That the delay in removing Davidson to one of the gaols in the c'olonj who e prisoners sentenced to imprisonment for life a e confined is much to bo regretted. 2. They consider that a prisoner lik3 David son, whoso murderous and suicidal ten dencies were known, should not under any circumstances have been employed in gaol, and they would recommend for the future that the arms bo kept in a place of greater security than the so-called armoury at present in use. 3. They de sire to express their admiration of the tact and bravery displayed by Mr Shall crass under such trying circumstances. Mr Bryce has returned the following reply to the address of sympathy from the Kai-Iwi Cavalry : —“ I have received with groat gratification the address of sympathy yon have been so good as to send mo. Whatever may happen to mo in the future it will always bo a matter of satisfaction to me that I succeeded in acquiring your confidence under very trying circum stances, and that I have retained it to the end. When a man attains a prominent public position such as I now occupy, the temptation to some minds to assail his private character is evidently irresistible. The writer of the history to which you refer appears, however, to regard this not as a temptation to be avoided, but as a duty to be performed. His object seems to be to prove that his countrymen when they became New Zealand colonists, changed their nature and principles, and became all that is wicked and base. Such unveracity and slander are sufficiently congenial. I trust that the day will come when the history of New Zealand will be truly written, without morbid sympathy or unworthy prejudice. When that time comes it will be seen that the Natives of this country havo been treated ; with a degree qf justice and humanity never before displayed by the dominant , race in the history of colonisation. Gentlemen, I am sure you at least will accept the assurance that so far as I am i aware I have done nothing in any public ! capacity which my friends need be 1 ashamed to see recorded." j

At the annual meaning of membqra of the Now Zealand Educational * Institution at Auckland yesterday, a letter was re ceived from Mr P. O’Callaghan, M. H. It. for Lincoln, flatly denying the statement made by Mr Dargavilie in addressing his constituents in May last, that “ Mr (/Cal laghan, a Southern member, had obtained from the Auckland Teachers’ Association a vote of thanks for services re the restora tion of the 10 per cent reduction on teachers’ salaries, tire credit of which was really due to himself.” Commenting on Mr Dargavilie’a remark that “it was evi dent that here, as elsewhere, a proohet had not honor in his own country, ’ Mr O’Callaghan added —“ I must say if- this is the way Mr Darga\Tille seeks to gain honor in his own country, I don’t wonder at his not getting it thete.” A letter was received from Mr Dargaville, vindicating the truth of the challenged statements. The chairman remarked that) in- apite-of-the tremendous exertions of both gentlemen, it was a fact teachers had not yet received the amount of the 10 per cent reduction. It was refolvod that a copy of the corres pondence should be sent to the Board of Education, and that further information on the subject respectfully be asked.

A German, Baron Reichenbach, has occupied many years in studying the art of bed making, or, rather, bed placing, and maintains that improperly placed beds will shorten a man’s life. He says if a mere magnet exercises an influence on sensitive persons, the earth’s magnetism must certainly make itself felt on the nervous life of man. In whatever hemisphere you may be, always sleep with your feet to the equator, and let your body lie as “ true as a needle to the pole.” Tne proper direction of the body is ef the utmost importance for the proper circulation of the blood, and many dis turbances in the organisms have been cured by simply placing the bolster at a different point of the compass from that it had occupied. Let such as have, hitherto been in the habit of sleeping with their head where their feet ought to bo take to heart the example of the late Dr Fischwester of Magdeburg, who died recently at the age of 109 years. The most unhealthy position, we are told, is when the body lies east and west. Some observers assure us that to sleep in such a posture is tantamount to committing suicide, and that diseases are often aggravated by deviations from the proper posture.

The Southbridge correspondent of the Lyttelton Times writes;—“ One of Smith’s party —Fulljames— has just returned from the supposed goldfields with the amalgam from their washing up. He states that they .were prevented, mot only by the lagoon being let but, but in many other ways, from doing a fair amount of work for the time they have been there; in fact, he estimates that they have not done more than an ordinary day’s work. The greater portion of the washdiH at -the commencement was got togsther without any care in selecting it. The result was that most of it was only shingle, and con tained no gold whatever. However, tak ing the above drawbacks into considera-, tion, he (Fulljames) estimates that wages to the amount of 10s per day can bo made, after paying all expenses—that is, working the usual eight hours. This cal culation is based upon the result of the washing-up, which is sdwts of gold from eight loads or tons of washdirt, half or three-quarters of which, as stated above, was no good, and really not washdirt at all. They therefore estimate that, with good washdirt, from 2 to 3dwts can easily be washed out per load. There is a rumor afloat that gold much heavier than i hat found on the beach has been dis covered on the Rakaia Island. The color has also been found on the riverbed, so that there may be some truth in the report. ”

The Amsterdam correspondent of a paper called England says in a recent letter: —“Perhaps one of the most attractive sights of the Exhibition here is the Diamond Court. How the ladies seem to dote upon the sparkling gems ! Their male protectors can scarcely get them out of the place. I suppose like clings to like, for certainly the most beautiful of mundane minerals seems to have an irresistible attraction for the fair. Unfortunately for fathers, husbands, and he-cousins, tneir is a stall where, upon payment of any trifle from twenty guilders up to twenty thousand, a ‘ tasting order ' can be obtained, and any gentleman

whoso accounts with his banker are in a

satisfactory condition would be worse than a brute to drag a l&dy away from the show without buying her a sou enir. A visit to the room where L 3,000,000 worth of brilliants are on view is apt

to be an expensive one. There are diamonds of every color, form, and size, and in every state and oomoiuation ; and the whole process of the art and mystery of splitting, cutting and polish ing goes on under the entrance and eye of the beholder. Here is a sprightly young descendant of Abraham busily engaged in ‘ nicking ’ one stone with another. When he has ‘ nicked ’ it he inserts the edge of a chisel into the scarcely perceptible scratch, gives it a careful pat, and lo.and behold the hardest thing known to man is split into a couple of pieces. In the other corner is another man seated at a grinding wheel, which spins around at the rate of 2,000 revolutions a minute, carefully polishing a great brilliant which winks at us fiercely from the leaden coffin in which it is confined as ha holds it up for our in spection. That beautiful but chilly gem seems in that heartless wink to be saying, ‘ When you are put out of sight, because even the love of woman cannot long endure the sight of you, I shall endure, endure, endure fqr ever, and be caressed by countless darlings for my beauty.” Wanted the public to know you can save too per cent by dealing at the Keady-Moncy Meat Mart, Bullock’s Arcade. Meat delivered to any part of the town when purchased. 7 189

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Melbourne, July 24,

The Pacific Islands movement is becom ing complicated in consequence of the attitude of South Australia in relation to the proposal for the annexation of the Hebrides. A few days ago Mr Murray Smith telegraphed to Mr Service that the statements of the Agents-General, com piled by Sir Dillon Bell as suggested by Earl Derby, had been prepared, but the South Australian AgenGGeneral suddenly had withdrawn from the movement as re garded islands other than New Guinea. Mr Smith desired that South Australia be urged to rejoin the concert. Mr Service followed his advice and telegraphed to the Chief Secretary of South Australia his surprise at that Government’s action. Mr Bray replied that his Government was quite willing to urge the of New Guinea, and wired to the British Government in favor of the annexation of the Pacific Islands. After the statement of the Imperial authorities that there was an understanding between France and England regarding those islands he was satisfied it would ba better to allow the question of annexation to rest for the pre sent. In answer to Mr Service’s telegram asking Mr Bray not to destroy the grand effect of Australian unanimity, the reply was—l cannot consent to urge the Homo Government in reference to the New Hebrides after the statement in re ference to the agreement between England and France.” Another telegram from Mr Service to Mr Bray stated that he had just learnt that the treaty respecting the New Hebrides was old, obsolete, and that France had annexed some of the islands since it was made. He thought it would be a mistake, in the absence of these facts, f r the colonies to held their hands. He hoped South Australia would sea its

way to instruct the Agent-General to com plete the concert. To this no reply was received. Mr Service telegraphed to Mr Murray Smith, stating what had been done and requesting him to inform Earl Derby the reason why South Australia had withdrawn, in order that the effect of the secession should he minimised.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, July 18,

The ship Collingrove, bound from Loudon to Adelaide, took fire yesterday when going down the Thames. The lira was extinguished with some difficulty, and the vessel was brought back to port. Subsequent investigation showed that she had sustained serious damage. None of the passengers were injured, though the utmost excitement prevailed on board., The French troops which recently ar rived at Saigon, Lower Cochin China, have been despatched to Tonquin to rein force the soldiers there. Mr Murray-Smith, Agent-General for Victoria, has a letter in the Times this morning, which defends the attitude assumed by the colonies in relation to the annexation, and answers the objec tions which have been raised against the policy. It is rumored that in consequence of the action taken by Admiral Pierre in proposing to expel the British Consul at Madagascar and detaining the captain and officers of the British man-of-war Lryad, the French Government have decided to recall him from the command of the French fleet in those waters.

The gunboat Stanley has been ordered to the Mauritius in view of possible diffi culties arising between England and France. The long deferred meeting betweaoThe Emperors of Germany and Austria baa now been finally arranged, and- will take place shortly in Gastin,; an > [Austrian village in the province of ( [ Tyrol and Yoralberg. : The Imperial Government have decided to despatch English doctors to Egypt to report on the outbreak of cholera there. The Standard this morning has an article upon the attitude of the London money market towards the colonies, and expresses the opinion that notwithstand ing the success which has attended the recent loans of the various colonies, the English capitalists are not prepared invest much more money in. colonial securities, and that the borrowing powers of the colonies hare for the present reached their limit, so far as the London market is concerned. The corvette Frolic has been ordered to Mauritius. : Arrangements are being made for Hie dispatch of an English team of cricketers to Australia. The team will consist'en tirely of professional players, and,it is ex pected to leave London for the Antipodes shortly. The steamer Daphne,, which sank when being launched on the river Clyde on the 3rd July, was successfully floated yester day. Of the men drowned in. her 124 bodies have been recovered. .'fiy Bradlaugh is applying for an injuddtum to restrain the House of Commons from preventing him taking the oath required by new members. In the House of Commons yesterday the Hon Evelyn Ashley announced that the Queensland Oovernment had forwarded a telegram seating that the terms of agree ment entered into between the Imperial authorities and de Lesseps in connection with the construction of the second Suez Canal had caused great dissatisfaction in that colony. Ha stated that he had replied to the Agent-General of Queens land to the effect that he considered the action of the colony precipitate, Parlia ment not having sanctioned the agree ment referred to. Mr Watney, member for Surrey East, said that as soon as the proposed agreement had been laid before Parliament it was the duty of Mr Glad stone to transmit details to the colonies. July 22. Prince ,Bismarck and Count Kalnoky, Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs, will attend the interview which has been arranged to take place between the Em peror of these countries at Gastin, in

Austria. A number of leading capitalists of France have expressed their willingness to subscribe the sum of L 8,000,000 to wards the construction of the proposed second Suez Canal, in the event of De Lesseps failing to obtain satisfactory terms from England. > ' . A commercial treaty has been estab lished betwee i Germany and Spain,,.- The Chinese Government have issued an order prohibiting the French from pur chasing bullocks in Anam. ’

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent.] Wellington, To-day. The Legislative spree at. Masterton yesterday was a very tame affair. Mem bers reached home at half-past eight ,at night. Notwithstanding the .Ministerial as surance that Sir Dillon Bell does not contemplate retiring from ' the Agent- Generalship, it is considered pretty cer tain here that he will shortly be succeeded by Sir John Hall. Mr Evans Brown appeared to be much amused at the rumor of his being selected to join the Ministry with the portfolio of Railways. Mr Wright is unquestionably the coming man. : Ic is merely intended this session to submit a resolution in favor of tjie recon struction of the Upper Chamber. A Bill will be prepared during the recess, and on that an appeal will be made to the country at the next general elaition. Appearances are still in favor ot, the supposition that the session vyilj end Tyith August.

The Government confidently rely on a majority of at least nine on the Property Tax no-coafidonce debate.

A deputation, including Messrs Steward, Driver, Turnbull, Wright, Ivess, Duncan, Hart, Campbell and others, interviewed the Ministry to-day to obtain their support to a Bill ameqd ing the District Railways Act. After hearing the deputation, the Premier dor sired them to put all their suggestions iq writing, and he would give an answer after carefully considering their pro» posals.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

[rkutek’s telegrams —coptm&ht.] [Received July 31, 12.55 p.m.] The Earthquake. Naples, July 30. The latest accounts to hand from Cassamiciola show conclusively that nearly two thousand persons were killed by the recent earthquake, and that fully a thousand have received in juries of a more or less serious nature. Carey Assassinated. Capetown, July 30. Intelligence has been received hpre from Port Elizabeth that the Phceaix Park informer, James Carey, was shot dead yesterday on board the steamer Melrose, by a man named O’Donnell, who had been a fellow passenger with him from London. The attack was 4 very sudden one, and Carey died lOv stantly of the wound received.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 81, 1883.



Shag Point Coal. pUOKER, RESTELL AND OCX "JjV. O R SALE. Seed. Seed, finncn WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian, • Tartarian, first-class. Danish. RAIAPoi ISLAND POTATO^-. CRUSHED <» Al' B, Firat-olasa, Is. lud. V ' burii.- ; - JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tin raid. TOD WANT GOOD AND STRONG F.TJRNITDRE, v* to DAVIS’S FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, y’ g ST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. ■V* i : ’ £7I‘VERy • article .«t ‘.fo-iMi-h-v -h i ■4, Prices and vranteed bee. of and workmanship. ;'I UUi ,V 1 FUNERALS H 1 Gr. K. West and Co., . MUSIC AND PIANOFORTE WAREHOUSEMEN, . STREET, DUNEDIN Have great pleasure in announcing that it is their intention to cater for the Music- population of Ashburton in such a mahier as hint never before been at- MesSra T G. R. West & Co. are the Largest Direct Importers of PIANOS, ORGANS, HARMONIUMS, ’ / BRASS, WIND, AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTS In. the Colony, and a large and varied stobFdf the above can always be found. Mr G. . West,' being at present in England} u slapping direct to Dunedin all novelties in ■ 'MUSIC ! MUSIC 11 MUSIC !!! And the, firm respectfully solicit a call from their friends, teachers, and the public in general to inspect their magnifi oenfetock of Music, personally selected.



Wanted WANTED— One or Two FENCERS for Sod Fencing, at once. John Emerson, Epperston Farm, Hinds. 7 200 WANTED— A person to take charge of a CHILD five months old. Apply, stating terms, to S.J., Office of this Paper. 7 JB4 WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevor'on. 1443 WANTED— A GIRL, about 13 or 14 years of age, to help with house work. Liberal wages and a comfortable home to a good girl. Apply Mrs McFarlane, Havelock street, Ashburton. 7 188 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—That 0. Haw kins, BOOT and SHOEMAKER, having given up the Ashburton branch, is now carrying on the Business at Tin wald under his own personal supervision. Being overstocked with women’s and children’s BOOTS, he is now offering them at a sacrifice. Como 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 2s fid, 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 co arrangement. 1344 __ WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 ANTED KNOWN Great Slaughter Now going on with BOOTS AND SHOES, AS GREEN & CO. Are giving up business on Jfith August, they are determined to clear out the whole of their well-assorted Si ock of Boots and Shoes at any price, to save removal to Dunedin. No reasonable offer will be re fused. GREEN & CO., Corner East and Burnett streets. 7 169 Special Advertisements. PAPER FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDREWBS BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77 THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED, HAVE FOR SALE, 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. ? J | ' i. HORNE, Agent, | '.T v' ' SET, ASHBURTON. 1,2 ar. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the publie a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL 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. toff. a SINGLE GARMENT AX WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHBIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : BAST STREET. mHB GUARDIAN is on every Te *• table is Ashburton,



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 and 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 net 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 cost price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth J £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 018 6 l£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 X 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 OurJNo. 2,30 s household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets ... ••• 100 1 good honeycomb quilt 0 12 6 8 yds good wincey ... ... 05 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ••• ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 , Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth' 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Empress black velveteen ... 1 7 6 , 3 yds good silesia for lining ... 0 2 0 ( 2 doz new style oxydised buttons 0 16 1 handsome striped winter skirt 0 9 6 ; 1 durable silk umbrella, paragon [ frame 0 8 0 . 1 choice silk chenille scarf ... 0 3 11 | £2 12 5 ' Our No. 4, Ladies’ parcel for £2, contains— Worth I 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 quilled alpaca skirt ...0 10 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 I Our No. 5, household parcel for 1 £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 while 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 Roalyn flannel (pure > wool) ... 018 0 f 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 f 24 yds good strong brown or grey J 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 rowals ... 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. i 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 ... ... ... ... 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 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 £l6, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 6 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 0 14 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 0 11 6 £ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in 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 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at homo 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. F. 0.0. made payable to E O. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1868



Special Advertisements. bhag Point Coal. Tucker, restell and co. 7 193 STATIONERY OF EYERY DE- O SCRIPTION. Account Books Ink—from small to largest jars School Books—School Committees sup plied at lowest rates Latest Novelties in all kinds of Fancy Goods, Toys, &c. All the Home Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERS, &0.. East street South Ashburton, n!5 JgICONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. The Shag Point Coal Company, Limited, beg to inform the Public of Ash burton and neighboring district that their FAVORITE HOUSEHOLD COAL Is supplied by the principal local Dealers at prices 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. 7149 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 12a upwards. 25 INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 25 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH U of the U Lmost won- VT derful instru- Ements of the day. Tjl Music by the yard. A child XLi can play it. Very cheap. Just the H thing for those who cannot have a 10 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. 13J ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ARE CASH BUYERS OF WHEA.T OATS barley GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229