SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived. Testbrday. Maud Graham* from Greymouth. Parnell, brigantine, from Wellington. Waihora, a.a., from Auckland, via way ports. Olio, schooner, from Waitapu. Sailed. ... Yesterday. Waihora, s.s., far South. Orowaiti, s.s., for Westport, for liondon.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, , ( Wednesday aftemosn. The New Zealand Loan 1 and Mercantile Agency 1 Company, Limited (per Mr E. G. Stavdey, auctioneer), report as under on Ash burton live stock market on loth July.— Sheep : A large entry was brought forward, consisting. almost entirely of merino steres, ; Which brought from 5s to 6s 2d for wethers, and 43;6dt0 5s 8d for ewes in lamb; but in comparison to the numbers submitted, trade was very dull, the majority of those yarded b»m£ turned out unsold. One or two pens of tat sheep made 8s ?d and 9s 6d for merinos, and 14s ?d crossbreds. The attendance during the day was considerable, but no animation was manifested by buyers.—Cattle; A mode-; rate supply was entered in this department also, safes were difficult to effect, at our quo tations. Medium steers, in good forward con dition, Lj 13s 6d and L 6 2s 6d. Fat cows and heifers, L 4 ys 6d to Ly 15s ; springers up to L 8; 18 months stock, 38310473; 2-year-olds, L 4. We yarded 2, y 45 sheep and 15 head of cattle. No pigs were brought to the market.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

■ t .. , AUCTION SALES Tuesday, July 17. Msteott, COjX and Co., at the Tinwald ; Yards--Stoct.

MKBTTN'GS, AMUSEMENTS, &o Fbidat, Jolt 13. HiOlt.Club, at Uacing Club’s Booms, at 8 p.m

Friday, August 3. Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Awociation—Third Annual Show, Town Hall * First day.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

JbaiHS Leave Ashburton fob Christ church and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton fob Timabu and South, at 6.50 Am., 10.25 a.m. r ..(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), 4.36p.m., and 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from TimarU and South at 10.40 a.m,, 5.27 ,p.n». (Express), and 8 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

M’ftila close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: . For Christchurch and North at 6a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. . For Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and# p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timasru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 jam., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, OB Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at43op.m. daily. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430 p.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a-m. Fet Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri day* at;10.30 a,m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 Am.'« 485 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. FrqmGhertaey, &o. at 10.16 a.m. and 486 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places it 6.30 p.m. daily. FrbmTemnka andTimaru at 10.40 a. m. 6.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. .From Greenatreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 alni.

From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beochat 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and £yle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, And Sat urdays, at 4 p.m. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri day*, a-m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1883.

A meeting of the Ashburton Select Quadrille Assembly takes place this even ing at the Oddfellows’ Hall, Wills street. The Sustentation Fund Committee of the Otago Presbyterian Church have declared a dividend to ministers of LIOB 14s as the half-year’s salary.

The New Zealand Insurance Company declare an interim dividend at the rate of 3s per share for the half year ending May 31st.

The pottery employees of Milton hare made a fair start. A loan of LIOO was placed at their dispossl by local residents, which has enabled them to get their first kiln of ware ready, which contains about L2OO worth, and they have a second kiln ready for firing. At the Police Court this morning J. McOonnel, an old offender, for being drunk, was fined ss; and L Williams, with various aliases, who was brought up as a loafer and vagabond, was sent to Ad dington for seven days, Mr Alcorn, J. P., was on the Bench.

At a meeting held yesterday at Dun edin of the merchants and importers who lost goods in the Railway shed fire, a legal opinion was received to the effect that the Government might be held bable for the value of goods destroyed. It was decided to take action by means of a test case for a small amount.

The ordinary meeting of the Rinking Club takes place this evening at the Town Hall. Members are requested by adver tisement in another column to “ roll up” punctually, as the entries for the forth coming tournament will be taken by the Secretary. We hear that the Club in tend giving a ball during the first week in August, as a wind up for the season. The inquest on the body of the man George Long, who commit red suicide at Mount Somers yesterday, will be held at Mr Hood’s Hotel, Mount Somers, to morrow at 11 a. m. A rumor is abroad that that the deceased had been “ jilted ” by his sweetheart, and hence the cause for the rash act. From the nature of the wound on the body, the deceased evi dently had determined on instant death, as the full charge of the gun went through his heart.

At the Dunedin Police Court yesterday, two men working in a mill at the Water of Leith, were charged with spearing trout. They swore positively they had not done so, but Mr Deans, Manager of the Acclimatisation Society, and Ranger Burt, swore they had seen them in the act, and they produced the trout. The Magistrate said his experience of Ranger Burt in previous cases was that he was a credible witness, and he fined tho defen dants 50s each, with costs. The Coromadel correspond of the Wel lington Post wires as follows ; —“ Reports coming in from out-districts tell of the lamentable destruction of roads and bridges. In some parts there are great chasms a hundred feet deep across the road, as if caused by an earthquake. A man at Cabbage Bay was jammed between lo»s, and four of his ribs were broken. He is in a precarious state. At Whanga poua 2,000 logs came down one creek and carried away a bush house with 20 men in it. The occupants had a narrow escape. At Kennedy Bay hundreds of logs wore carried out to sea. The total damage to roads and bridges in Coroman del is eatimatedl at least L 12,000. '1 he mailman is missing from Kennedy Bay. He was duo on Saturday, and has not arrived yet.”

Yesterday Walter Gibson, the lessee of the Warden and Tyler runs, was charged at jKaikoura with being the owner of 40,000 infected sheep. The offence was admitted. Evidence showed that defen dant had only been in possession twenty months, but had almost stamped out the disease in the time. One flock of 30,000 was quite clean, the remainder nearly so. The infected' portion was scabbed by sheep straying from Crown lands of an inaccess ible nature to man. The Sheep Inspector admitted that the defendant had done his utmost to clean the run. One shepherd had lost his life through the efforts put forth to clean the sheep. The Bench, in giving judgment, said they must inflict the minimum penalty of 3d per sheep— a fine amounting to LSOO, but promised to recommend the Minister of Justice to make a partial remission of the fine.

At the meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery yesterday, a petition, signed by a number of residents of Lauris toh, was read s-ating that they were prepared to subscribe L4O towards the stipend of a minister. It was resolved that the Revs Beattie and Dinwiddie should visit the district, and report upon the feeling of the residents in regard to the proposal to remove the ser vices from Rangitata to Lauriston. A telegram was also read from the Commit tee of the Rangitata district, signed by Mr Dooherty, stating that he was in structed to ask the Presbytery to defer the consideration of the Rev Mr McLel lan’s request in regard to the Lauriston district, and to ask Mr McLellan to call a meeting of the congregation on the 15th. The Rev Mr McLellan was re quested to call the meeting. The Secretary of the Auckland Rugby Union Football Association has received the following letter from Mr Fletcher, of the Sydney Rugby Union Sydney, 4th July, 1883.—Sir, — I have ' our favor of the 18th June, and hear with pleasure the wishes of your Committee. On the rece pt of your telegram 1 held a meeting of my Commit ee, and we found, as the Ground Committee had decided not to allow football after July, owing to pre paration for cricket, the only dates open would be the 21st and 28th July, the two Saturdays being al’.-important days with u-. The same terms were offered Dune din, the only Saturdays available being July 21st and the 28th The terms offered were all the gate money taken, less ground charges and ad vertising. It is late in the season now, and I regret we cannot name any other dates later on than that given. Tuere is only one ground where we can make a charge after this month. The whole field is to be top dressed. We have been expecting for some weeks to hear from the Dunedin Union, and the Ground Committee kept their fixtures open for a long time, to enable them to arrange dates with them. I have not even the satisfaction of a line from anyone on the matter, and the visit of a New Zealand team was given up. Your telegram raised a faint hope, as we find steamers will suit.” Mr Fletcher then offered to arrange all business matters.

Hop Bitters does rot exhaust and destroy, but restores, cures, and makes new. Look up. —[Advt.] 3 Rough on Rats.”—Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. 7'Ad. 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 druggetting. 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. All 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.]

PUBLIC MEETING.

The meeting convened in the Town Hall last night for the purpose of discuss ing Mr Montgomery’s motion for decen tralising Government was well attended. His Worship presided, and the following gentlemen occupied seats on the plat form :—Messrs Alfred Saunders, Hugo Friedlander, 0. W. Purnell, A. Harrison, R. Alcorn, and J. Clark. The Mayor said that it was due to the meeting and to himself to explain why the meeting had teen called on so short a notice. The present session of Parlia ment, so tar as it had gone, had been a senes of surprises. For example, we found the Auckland and Wellington people strangely opposing the construc tion of the West Coast railway, and lastly Mr Montgomery had come to the front with a motion of very great importance, especially to the people of this island. We had as yet obtained meagre informa tion as co the resolution that the member for Akaroa was to bring forward, but it was a matter greatly interesting the people of his district. It was generally admitted that the advantages that were anticipated by those who favored abolition had not been realised in this island. Take for example tho small amount granted for endowments to local bodies. Ashburton was perhaps better off in this respect than some other places, but for that they had to thank their wor hy ex-Mayor, now sitting be-ide him (Mr Friedlander).' The General Government had promised that we were to receive 20 per cent, of the land fund, but this had been taken away, as was also the pound for pound subsidy. The Government had always been ready to find excuses for breaking the promises they had made. Then, again, there was the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, which Major Atkinson had boasted would do so much good. No advantage had accrued from its provisions to this part of the colony, although ho doubt the North Island had derived some benefit from it. Taking these things into con sideration it was evident that this portion of the colony had suffered for the sake of ocher parts. People might say that now the land fund was gone it was no use arguing anything about the matter, but he held that this was wrong. There was still a large quantity of land yet inalien ated, and if this was vested in the County Council there would be no need for that body to strike a4d rate. Hospitals and charitable aid should also bo well en endowed, but no one could say chat under the present system this was the case. He would, however, not take up the time of the meeting further, as there were other gentlemen to speak who would fully ven tilate the matter.

Mr Purnell said that His Worship had indicated the expediency of calling the present meeting. Local Government was an important question which had been hanging fire of late, but it should be dis cussed on its merits, an ! not as a pany question. When abolitio i of provinces was proposed the country was led to be lieve that a large number o' good objects would be gained, and if the promises that were made at that time had Seen ful filled no doubt it would have done good. We were promised greater economy of government, better local government, and permanent revenue and endowments for local institutions, while the Land Fund was not to be lost to us. But not a single promise then made had been carried out and a crisis was now arising similar to that which preceded abolition. Why was pro vincialism abolished ?—The real reason was that the General Government had got into difficulties by a system of cribbing in the North Island, and they looked to the South Island to get them out of trouble. The Colonial Treasurer was continually saying, when twitted, that the colony was perfectly well satisfied with the present state of things, but there was plenty of evidence to show that this was not the case in this Island at any rate. The resolution that he had to move was this ;— t{ That the coat of the General Government is excessive, and by absorbing an unfair share of the public revenue tends to impair the usefulness of the local bodies ; that the undue centrali sation of governmental functions which now prevails is injurious to the welfare of the people and opposed to the spirit of the Constitution : and with a vie w of remedy

ing these evils the Government shall be re-constructed in such a manner as to largely augment the existing powers of local government, and to confine the General Assembly to the true functions of a Legislature.” To take the first sen tence of the motion : this was easily proved. It was, however, impossible t» compare the cost of the Provincial with the General Government, as the former had to perform duties now falling to the County Councils and Harbor Trusts. But he would refer to the public accounts, and taking one item, viz., the cost of the General Assembly, he found that in the twelve months ending June 30th, 1875, the expense incurred was 1(28,730, as against last year’s L 45.313. This was a great increase, but still they had to further take into account that there was the constant expense of keeping up the Government building, which of course went on continually. Figures, no doubt, were rather dry to the audience, but it was necessary to give them in order to let people see how the case stood. The speaker then quoted statistics to show that the cost of Govern ment had nearly been doubled since the abolition of the provinces. It was the vice of a General Government to be extra vagant. Those present would, no doubt, remember the Civil Service Commission which went round thecolonysometimeago, and recommended that L 300,000 could be saved in this direction. Something was done in the way of reduction, but now we had the Treasurer coming forward and stating that it was necessary to revise the t ivil list, which meant that the old order of things would be reverted to. The truth was tnat when the provincial system came to an end the only check over ex penditure was removed. When the General Government was selected from the Provincial Councils, it was to the in terest of the members to keep down ex penditure, but this was not the case now. Two or three reasons could be given why it was impossible under our present sys tem to have economical government- In the provincial days popular opinion was brought to bear upon every question, and even the election of a clerk or an officer of any kind was freely canvassed. This served to prevent abuses, but no one could say this when appointments were made in Wellington. Again, when it was known that the seat of Government was to be in Wellington, property went up tremendously in that city. And why ? Simply because the people knew that money would be recklessly and extrava gantly spent there. Passing on to the next clause of the resolution, Mr Purnell said that it could be easily shown that the General Government absorbed an unfair share of the revenue. Out of the L 4,500,000 spent last year, only L 230,000 was given to local bodies. As to the pro mise of substantial endowments and per manent revenues, that was never carried out, and the financial arrangements of the Government were so miserable that they have thoroughly broken down. Local bodies were to be endowed out of the Land Fund, but as there is no Land Fund available they are to be subsidised out of loan. It surely did not require much argument to show that when local bodies have insufficient revenue their efficiency is considerably impaired. Our own County Council liad done good work, but that was due to their having a share of the Land Fund. Now, however, this was not available, and they would have to depend for the future on rates. Referring to the undue cen tralisation of Governmental functions, the speaker said that many people did not know the extent to which the country was centralised. They were told by the abo litionists that administrative powers would be returned to local bodies, but had this been done ? The General Government took away from the provinces the ad ministering of waste lands, the railways, the hospitals, education, etc., and not one of these powers had they returned, and the tendency was to increase this central ising evil. Last year, for instance, the Rating Act was passed, which deprived the Road Boards of the power to sell land on which rates had not been paid, but vesting such property in the public trus tee. As to toe last sentence in the reso lution, as to the proper functions of a legislature, he considered that the moat important. Mr Purnell then read an extract from a speech of Sir Julius Vogel, in which that statesman said that one of the great advantages of abolition would be the putting an end to the pernicious sys tem of “log-rolling.” He would ask those in the Hall if these words, read in the light of the present state of things, did not sound like sarcasm. A candidate for Parliamentary honors was not asked nowadays as to his nolitical principles, but he was elected solely because he was an adept at lobbjing, and would use his influence to get some of the good things going for the district he represented. There was a time when New Zealand was looked upon as a model colony, but that was in the days of Provincialism. Since then the Parliament had become nothing more than a Board of Works, whose only thought was how money was to be spent. He was of opinion that the problem could be solved by establishing a Board of Works, or two, if needed, in each Is land, having control of local affairs. At present the time of the Assembly was taken up with a great many matters that did not properly come within the functions of a General Government. He might take for example the case of the Ashburton Caledonian Society, not an important question to the colony certainly, but at the same time of local importance. This Society wished to become incorporated, and it was necessary that a Bill had to be brought before Parliament, while the whole affair could have been more easily and more satisfactorily settled by the County Council. Another important ad vantage that would be gained by this part of the colony by the federating of the Government would be that we should have control over our railways. The South Island railways paid more than double the percentage than ffid those of the North, and our profits therefore went to make up deficiencies in other parts of the colony. No doubt the present arrange ment was good for the North Island, but we should consider what was best for our selves, In conclusion, he would refer to a matter concerning which he feft some slight delicacy as it had a directly per sonal interest. If the Board of Works were established in this Island, as sug gested by Mr Montgomery, it was not im possible that Ashburton would be the Capital, Christchurch and Dunedin would never agree about the matter, and Mr Montgomery had suggested Akaroa, but surely Ashburton, from its situation and growing importance had a far better claim to the honor. He exhorted those present to bear this fa t in mind, as it would serve to keep alive the interest in the local government question. [Mr Pur nell resumed his seat amid loud ap plause.] Mr J. Clark said he would be brief, as the Mayor and Mr Purnell had brought forward facts and figures to show that matters were not right in these parts. He road to second the motion against his will, for the reason that he would have pre ferred some better speaker to take his place. When abolition took place a pro mise was made that the Land Fund should be retained, but they could see how this promise had been kept. The Road Boards and County Councils had no money to spend now, except what was obtained from rates, and he thought their revenue ought to be returned to local bodies. The Ashburton County Council had increased the value of property from at least 30s to 40s per acre by the water-races they had formed throughout the County, and if we had the income derivable from that in crease we should be independent at the present time. He did not mean to enu

raerate a scheme to mend matters, but it would be well if the motion noW rbefore, the House was carefully watched. He had great pleasure in seconding Mr Purnell’s resolution.

Mr Alfred Saunders, who on rising was greeted with prolonged cheers, said that it gave him much pleasure to see so many people present that evening, considering how bad the weather was. It was a good sign to see the Ashburconites taking such an interest in this important matter, which .Mr Purnell had placed so ably be fore them. The absorption of all power by the General Government had been going on for a long time, and he must confess that the provinces had helped to wards that end by their extravagance. Had the Government worked economically bur public worss could have been, made without borrowing, but we had by our extravagance killed the goose that laid the golden eggs. If we had made our railways out of the Land Fund we should not be indebted to the extent we are now. To show what economy could do, he would quote from the greatest statesman of the greatest country in the world ; he referred to Mr W. E. Gladstone. The English Premier, in a recent speech de livered before the Liberal Association, pointed out that during the last three years of the ! ’onservative administration L 7 ,987,000 of the national debt was paid off, while during the last three years that the Liberals have been in power it has been reduced by L 20 ,443,000. Mr Glad stone went on to say :—“ Other matters are important but secondary. This lies ?.t the root of everything. It is not from mere extravagance, but it is from disre garding the relations between income and expenditure that these cases of financial confusion have arisen in different coun tries, which have found their upshot in revolution and ruin. So,long as you keep your income up to your expenditure, and the people pay their way, why, in a coun try like this if they find the burden too heavy, they will take care that you reduce your expenditure, and therefore this is the real, best, and the real safeguard and the true corner stone of all sound finance.” Perhaps they might think that finance was not a subject for remark at tl is meeting, but in his opinion it was one of the most important factors in the question, Mr Purnell had spoken of log rolling, but if this constituency had been wise enough to send that gentleman to Parliament he would have found out to what extent it was carried on. It was a thing that an honest man hardly cared to speak of. Here, for example, they had their, Dob bin’s Ford Bridge and their Ashburton Forks railway. So long as they got these local works sanctioned they did not con sider the cost, which was that the colony was saddled wich a L 5 ,000,000 loan. The Government was at present administered by men whose only desire was to retain office and to reward their supporters, and he hoped the day was not far distant when the colony would refuse to support these loans. Mr Purnell had pointed out that L 300,000 could be saved from the Civil Service, but he (Mr Saunders) could assure them that the sum was nearer half a million. The effect made by the report of the Commission was very fleeting, and when Sir John Hall gave up the reins of Government the old extravagant expendi ture was resumed, and now the colony had to pay half a million more, instead of that amount less, than before. Nothing had done him more harm than when he advised the people to believe in economy, but he hoped that they would give every thing that they had heard that evening their careful consideration.

Mr Friedlauder said that everyone who bad read the Treasurer’s Financial State ment could see that there had been in creased expenditure in every department, and that the increase would be still greater in the future. It was this part of the colony that would have to pay for this, and he hoped Mr Montgomery’s motion would be carried, as expenditure would then be reduced and our taxation consequently lessened. We had a perfect right to call this meeting as every promise made by the abohtioni-ts had been broken. If the General Government had given us 10s, they had taken away 9a and ninety nine hundredths of it.

Mr J, B. Buchanan mounted the plat form and delivered a speech, in the course of which he expressed an opinion that there was not an honest man in the whole Government. Mr launders had said that they could save a half a million, and if this was so it was the dur.y of the district to send him to Wellington pledged to do it, or die.” Some of Mr Buchanan's remarks elicited considerable merriment.

The resolution was then pot to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr R. Alcorn moved—“ That copies of the resolution passed by the meeting be sent to the Legislative Council, to the House of Representatives, and to the mem bers for Ashburton and Wakanui. He was glad to see this meeting held as a pro test againthe lavish expenditure of the Government, which had been clearly proved by the previous speaker. When an attempt was made to retrench it was done by an all round 10 per cent, reduc tion, which pressed unfairly on those in receipt of small salaries, while the higher paid officials were but slightly affected. Centralism was no doubt a good thing if it could be carried out, but it was proved that this could not be done. It was partly our own fault, as we should send to Wellington representatives pledged to vote against borrowing and to reduce the expenses of the Government of the colony. Mr Harrison briefly seconded. At the suggestion of Mr Saunders and Mr Purnell, the names of Mr Mont gomery and Major Atkinson were added to the moton, and thus amended it was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks having been accorded to the Mayor for presiding, the meeting ended.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting «f the Council was held to-day when there were present Messrs W. C. Walker (in the Chair), A. Maofarlane, T. Bullock, T. Taylor, J. Jackson, H, T. Winter, and J. Lambie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. chairman’s statembnt. The Chairman made his usual monthly statement, detailing the business to be done at the meeting. The statement of rates collected up to date was laid on the table, showing that out of the L 2,994 2s levied, L 2,432 9s 9d had been collected, leaving L 531 13s Id to be got in. engineer’s report. The following report was read : I have the honor to report as follows: During last month a considerable portion of my time was occupied in levelling and getting up the plans, sections, etc., for the various works for which the Council are applying for Government aid under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act—viz. (i) The completion of Ashburton Gorge road from near Mount Somers, to the crossing of the oouth Ashbur ton river, B}4 miles. —(2) The road from Pud ding Hill badge towards Rakaia Gorge, 6t£ miles.—(3) The rqad from Dobbin's ford to Chertsey road in the Kyle district, Bmbps, and (4) The encroachment of the Ashburton river in the Wakanui district. In accordance with the requirements of the Act, working sec tions had to be prepared over the entire length of roads, with gradients, cuttings, etc., etc., shown in minute details, I undertook, per sonally, about half the work required, and as instructed by you, obtained assistance with the remainder in order that the plans of the whole might be completed and in Wellington by the 30th of June. With reference to the plan of the river encroachment, you will observe it is proposed to make a deviation of the present channel, so as to lead the water in a more direct line, and into what seems to have been its original course. By this means, consider able relief would be given to both sides of the

river, as the abrupt turn the river takes from the south side towards the river road on the Wakanui side, is not only the cause of the great inroads being made in the Wakanui district, but is in a great measure the cause of the over flows on the south bank of the river above the point referred to. The proposed channel would cut off upwards of 200 acres of land which is at present freehold, but it is only old river bed and pasture land of indifferent quality, so that the question of severance should not be an item of large value. The excavation from the new cut would partly be utilized in strengthening the banks on south side of river, and on the Wakanui side six groins would be required, as also an embankment and protective work round the breach which is now formed in the river road. Another encroachment, which threqteqs serious consequences, has taken .place on the north Ashburton river, about 2 miles aboVe Ashburton township, and about 5 chains below the ford leading into the Forks district. The river has already made a large gap in R.S. 27629, and is tending towards low ground which falls rapidly away from its present banks, and any large overflow from this point would inevitably inundate the town. To secure this portion of the river bank, two gorse groins would he necessary, about $ chains apart, one at each end of the breach, and an embankment about 7 chains in length and 3 to 4 feet in height, run along the lower side of breach, and terminating in high ground, below thep oposed lower groin. The banks between this breachand the road leading into the river should be planted up with willows, and as a means of temporarily relieving the pressure of water on said breach, I should recommend the cutting of a grip abont three chains below the road Hne so as to deepen and widen the streamlet pre sently running there, at a cost of about Ljto. This would lead the water away from the river bank in a channel which would still connect with that from which the mill race is supplied. I estimate the total cost of protective work re quired here at about Lioo. As this encroach ment is situated on the line of the main road from Ashburton to Mount Somers, a grant itt aid might probably be obtained under the Pro visions of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, and I should say the Borough Council would also contribtite towards the work, inas much as further encroachment would be almost certain to affect the town.—River Hinds.: I have recently examined the course of the river from near the railway to the sea. During the heavy flood which took place early in May last there had been overflow more or less from a point about two miles above the railway down wards, but any overflow between said point and near the Boundary road could have been, stemmed at small expense. From a little above the Boundary road to the new cut below Sur veyor’s road the channel is altogether in sufficient, and along that length there is evi dence of overflow m every direction. ’ The river-bed near Boundary road is about 7ft higher than the ground 20 chains' distant from it on either side, and is filled up .with shingle. Besides the gradient there is so flat, that inundation during every flood is unavoid able under present circumstances. The river bed there being already so high, I should not recommend any banking, except as a temporary measure ; but would suggest that an, auxilliary channel should be cut in the low ground .in ai straight line from boundary road to the bbupd-, ary drain at its crossing of surveyor’s road, and thence to join the new cul leading from bound ary drain to Big Gully. This would be a’work of considerable magnitude, being about miles in length, and, costing probably, when complete, about L 2.500,.500, but it would save not only to carry off the surplus flood watery lout would also drain a considerable area. of swampy ground, which is unworkable at present.. The new channel leading to Big Gully has been cut up a good deal, and a quantity of the" loosened shingle has been deposited in the channel, blocking it up for a length of about /seven chains. This deposit has taken place probably through the accumulation of flax during the time of flood, or may have been caused by a piece of wire fence getting into the channel and obstructing the passage of travel ling shingle. There is such a declivity in the channel that there will be no tendency to filling up under ordinary conditions; rather the re verse, as loosened soil will be carried right down to the sea. The present accumulation might, I think, be readily removed by cutting a groove about the middle of it, say 10 feet wide and 18 inches deep and turning the current of the stream through it. The water at present is flowing on both sides, clear of the channel altogether. Some small breaches have been made in the flood banks, chiefly caused by flood water flowing from behind, but these repairs, I consider, should be undertaken by the owners interested.— Ashburton - Rakaia Water Supply : The temporary protec tion of the weir at Pudding Hill is acting well. A further extension of it on the same principle, at a cost of about L4O, would, I believe, serve for all except a flood such as occurred in May last, and I should be inclined to recommend this being used for a time, in preference to the more costly scheme of sheet piling. • The breach which was made some time ago in the auxilliary channel has been repaired, and all the races depend ing on it ate now fully supplied. _ The earthwork of E 6 water race, Rakaia district, has been finished, and the flaming is in pro gress. I shall feel obliged by receiving the ' Council’s instructions as to extension of E2 race, as the settlers in the Acton district are now getting very anxious about it. I have taken levels and staked out the race which leads through the County Saleyards, and ten ders for it will be placed before you to-day..— Ashburton- Rangitata Water Supply : The Willowby extension race is on the, point of completion, and the water will be led over its entire length in a few days. Between the Hinds and Kangitata a few fords require to be, made up, and a flume placed in the embank- 1 mentin R.S. 31037 to provide for floodwater.\ During the recent frosty weather some of the races have got blocked up with ice, causing the supplies to be somewhat intermittent, but this is not likely to last long.—Taylor’? Stream; Bridge : The renewals, including additional span, are now about completed, and the bridge, will again be opened for traffic in a few days.. As requested by the Council I examined the threatened outbreak about 30 chains above the bridge. I consider the cutting of a short neck of land there would give the stream better vent, and greatly lessen the chances of overflow. The cost of this would be about Lis, but even this would be unnecessary if the Road Board divert the channel higher up, as I understand they intend to do, so as to preserve the line of roadway in the river-bed.—South Approach to Rakaia Gorge Bridge ; The land slip in Shingle terrace (about 12 chains from the top of the terrace), is of large extent, and would require an excavation of about 20,000 cubic yards to re-fill it, and the cost of restor ing that part of the road, on a line contiguous to the original, would be nearly L7OO. As there would always be the risk of a similar: recurrence on the first terrace there, I should propose to avoid it in making the connection, amd lead off on partly a new line as indicated on plan. The gradiant would thus be lin 10 instead of I in 12 in the original, but the cost should not exceed L2SO, and the altered por tion of the road would be situated on a com paratively low terrace with much flatter cross, section, and little liability to slip. The ques tion of convej r ance of land for the new portion would of course have to be arranged with Mr Aynsley. I may state that several portions of both the old and new road on this line are on gradients of 1 in 9,' so that the gradient now proposed is not exceptionally steep, and a flatter gradient could not be got without a good deal of winding or unreasonably heavy work.—Mount Ssmers Water Supply : The extension of the dam and supplementary head works for this supply has been finished, and the races are again in full operation. The races in Springbum district were also finished and set a-going about a fortnight ago.—Willow Planting : I shall be obliged for the Council’s instructions as to the planting of willows along the river courses, and the supplementing of planting done last year near the points of intake for the various water supplies.—Water- Races : I am preparing detailed lists, shewing ’ lengths of water-races through the various properties affected by the lines formed by the Council’s funds. As the new rolls .have just come to hand, thedistsjaf owners will have to be revised.

RIVER ENCROACHMENT. The suggestions of. the Engineer in regard to the encroachment of the Ash burton river in the Wakanui district were considered, and it was resolved that Mr Baxter should interview Messrs Dudley and Northey on the matter. In connection with this question the Chair man said that he had received a letter from Mr James Brown, saying that, fie had been in communication with the representative of the district, Mr J. Ivess, who advised that the Beach road be declared a main road. Mr Brown re quested the Council to act in getting the road gazetted a main road, ana a motita

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 1883.



ROBINSON AND TOWNSHE^D - ABE GASH BUYERS OF * ; -WHEAT OATS BARLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. i ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. * 229 AND EOR SALE Tlie UNDERSIGNED have received instruoticins from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that 00|1PA0T BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, BOOTH BAKAIA, ■ ‘ : Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block has been “ SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly Mftptpd for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sec tiers having thia season grown j. gome of the HEAVIEST CROPS ON THE PLAINS. a small instalment on the pur chase fa required to be paid, the balance tp.remjun on mortgage at per cent, for term of years aa may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm 1 v Containing 1026 AC RES. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, ,a ■< vj. A ;.... and. well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au



Wanted WANTED Known —All members par ticularly requested to roll up TO NIGHT, Business—To receive Entries for Rink Tournament. 7 64 WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorton. 1443 ANTED* on a Station—MARRIED COUPLE, without children. Man to milk and garden ; wife as General Ser vant. Apply between 10 and 12 o’clock Thursday morning, at Cookson’s Stables. 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 WANTED, by a respectable Man, SITUATION in a Store or to drive a delivery cart and make himself useful ; good references given. Address, J. Jackson, Office of this Paper. 7-47 NT7 r ANTED KNOWN—That Robert W 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—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 fTTANTED, for a Stition, a MAR- W RIED COUPLE without family. Man must be a good shepherd and willing to make himself generally useful; wife, experienced general servant. Apply, stating wages required, to A.E.M., care of Office of this Paper. 7-46 ANTED Known —That 0. Haw kins, BOOT and SHOEMAKER, having given up the Ashburton branch, is now ca r ing on the Business at Tin wald under his own personal supervision. Being overstocked with women’s and children’s BOOT'', he is now offering them at a sacrifice. Come and see for yourselves. 7-49



VIT ANTE SUBSCRIBERS D. TO OUR CIRCULATING LIBRARY ANDREWES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



Special Advertisements. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS'S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. INVERT article Sold at Christchurch -i Prices and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY 1 '- spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT OF NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from 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 WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. Money ! Money! ! THE EQUITABLE INVESTMENT COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, mited, are prepared, through their agent, T . C. Dunoan, 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. O. 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, STATIONERY, &c., East stejsbt South Ashburton. n!5



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion Hotjsb, 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 B. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. 0. 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. 1,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth ) £ s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 1 10 2 doz new oxydised buttons, to match ... 0 1 6 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0,2 6 £1 9 10 Our No. 2,30 s 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 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 1 dress piece (10 yds) celebrated Kmpress 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 1 dress piece (12 yds) French check costume cloth 1 1 0 3 yds silesia lining for same ... 0 2 0 2 doz choice buttons, to match dress ... ... ... ... 0 1 6 1 good warm Ladies’ tweed ulster 017 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 0 14 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 Roslyn flannel (pure wool) ... 0 18 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 g 'od black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L.dies’ two-button choice black kid gloves 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 1 0 0 1 full - size white honeycomb ®r toilet quilt 0 14 0 1 choice pattern wool tableoover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers ... ... 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 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 ... ..f 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 6 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price 1 Ladies’ handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette 4 10 0 1 Ladies’quilted satin skirt ... 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 1 and name of parcel only. P. 0.0. made payable to E 0. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1363



Special Advertisements. 0 R SALE. Seed. Seed 3 SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS—Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, Is. lOd. per bushel. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald.



H. M. Jones Has now on view a fuse STOCK OP PIANOS. FROM £2O AND UPWART^. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Schwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. Lmost won- I\T derful instru- IN Ements of the day. Tjl Music by the yard. A child X!i Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the QJ thing for those who cannot have a O 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. INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 25 0 o?ll 0 piano. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d