SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON,

Arrived. Yesterday

Hawea, 5.8., from Nelson, Picton, and Wellington. Tarawora, s.s., from Melbourne, via Hobart and South.

Cleared. Yesterday.

Letterfourie, barque, for Sydney. Mary Ellen, schooner, for Pelorua a^Roand;

Sailed. r . Yesterday. for Westport. Wild .Wave, schooner, for Pelorus .Sound. Ocean Banger, barquentine, for Mau ’'*■ Stfiw; Port Jackson, s.s., for Sydney. Hawes, s.s., i.pr Dunedin.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Explorer, steamer, from the -‘-Phoenix Group. .8 Sailed— Loch Ken, for London ; Te Anau, for the South. Dunedin, Yesterday, r ... Sailedr-ibar, brig, for Wellington; "Manapouri, for Melbourne, via Hobart and the Bluff. . , The small steamer Peninsula was suc cessfully floated to day. - Dunedin, To-day. Arrived—Cliftotl, from Newcastle. Sailed—Tarnow, for Auckland ; Forfar shire, for San Francisco.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, ; Friday afternoon. 7 Meere ! 'Mitsbn,.Cox t and Co. report upon the live stock market for the Ashburton dis *trict for. the week ending July 20th, 1883, as ■ follows, viz.At the Tinwald yards on lues dhy a fair entry, for the time of year, was made in both sheep and cattle. There was a good farmers and dealers from Christ fChteh, and considerably more animation was evinced in the biddings than has been the rule daring the last two ' months. Fat sheep made from 2d to 2j£d per lb, and beef from 16s to 19s per loolb. We sold on account of Messrs R. Anderson, -'-A. Dawson, Cullen, Williamson, A.. Dawson jun., Gourlay, McCormick, Gilmore, Jos. Haydon. 'Wm. Prebble, Chapman Bros., and Others,-' and our catalogue consisted of Bx 3 shefip and 70 head of cattle. In sheep we sold 300nalf fat merino wethers at 7 s i°d and 7 s nd. 90 do at 7s Bd,’ 120 mixed ewes and wethers (crossbreds) at 12s 6d, etc. In fat cattle we sold 3 at L 7 ss, 2 at L$ 8s 6d, 2 at .•I4» 25.6d.-2at L-5 8s fid. ..In dairy cows we ' sold iat L 4 10s, 2 at I 4 12s fid, I at L 6 10s, -*-at L 6 15s, 4 at L 5 3s, 1 at L 7, “5 at L 5 IDs, 2at L 6, Xat L 6 ss, 3at L 5 15s, In . yohijgdffitlej we sold 3 18 months’ steers at L 3 4s, '3,'two-year-old Lx 1 3s, 8 yearlings, 35s 6d, 9 calves at 20s, 4 small calves 133 6d, 1 10 months’ old bull guineas. We think that daring the next month values of sheep will . harden very considerably, and that the -same .remark will, apply to good sorts of young cattle. In.horsest of the .right class, vve cannot get ’ enough to supply the demand. Messrs H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, etc., for the week ending Thursday, July 19th, 1883, as follows:—For yesterday’s Addington market a considerably increased entry of sheep, came to hand, includ -jpg a large proportion of prime quality cross bred, tie balance being chiefly made up of -merino wethers; and light weight crossbreds. Buyers were.fairly represented,-and most of the lots changed hands, though generally at prices a shade below last week’s quotation. 1 hrough out the’auction values fluctuated considerably, medium class crossbreds commanding far less attention and realising lower ra es in propor , tion. than the heavier and better lines, whilst towards the middle and close of the sale a much keener spirit df competition was shown than at the opening. As consignments of our entry deserving special notice, we may mention the Fareora wethers, a magnificent line of sheep, which changed hands at 19s and 19s 6d per bpaH ‘Mr H. Overton’s wethers at 18s, Messrs Barker Bros.’ Romney ewes at 17s, Mr H. Washbourne’s crossbreds at 17s, wethers for Messrs Moderate Bros., at 14s, 2 and 4- tooth wethers for Messrs Dudley and Nor they at 14s fid, etc. We quote z%d to 2j£d for prime :muttop. ;In sheep our principal sales were—:s4 crossbred .wethers, 19s and 19s 6d, 67 at 14s, 179 at 14s fid, 54 at 17s, 84 at 18s, 83 at 17s, 31 at ifis 9d, 70 at 13s fid, 60 mixed crossbfpds at 12s fid, ro3 at 12s, 97 at rxs 3d, 120 merinos at 8s fid, 82 crossbreds at 13s fid, 93 at 12s 3d, 80 merinos at 8s gd, 70 cross breds at.l3s, 50 at 13s, 150 at X3s, 70 merinos at 8s gd, 92 crossbreds at 13s. Stores; 70 mixed Crossbreds at 12s 3d, 126 at us fid, tor at Irs 3d, 8x merino wethers at 7s xd. Fat cattle ; 5 at L 7 10s, 2 at L 9 ss, 5 at L 7 ss, 5 at L 6 15s, 5 at L 6, 3 at L$ 15s, 4 at L 6 is, 3at L 6 xos, 3at L 6 Ss, 3 at L$ 15s, 2 at L 7 ids, 4 atLfi Ss, Stores, nominal. In pigs we cleared btlr entry as under— 4 at 26s gd, 9at 345, 4at 265, 3 at 48s, 4 at 43s fid, 4 at 435, 5 at 403, 4 at 365, Sat 355, 18 at 265, 6 at 345, 6 at 31s, 6at ,325, 6at 31s, 6at 265, 11 at 16s 6d, 4 at 485, : S at 43s fid, 8 at 265, 6 at 41s, 6 at 425, 6at 35s,'fiat 30s, 6at 31s, 7at 20s, 15 at 6s, '

The following is the Christchurch Com Ex change report for the week ending Friday even ing the 20th inst: —Business in the grain trade dicing the past week has been exceptionally dull. Values in nearly all lines excepting wheat are identical with last. English telegrams con tinue to report values weaker, which has a cor responding effect locally.—Wheat: Good sound milling quality, 4s id to 4s 2d per bushel; ex tra good quality Tuscan, 4s 2d to 4s 3d per bushel; second quality, 3s 3d to 3s gd per bmm&;'chick wheat, 2s 3d to 2s fid per bushel —Oats: Good stout milling, 2s to 2s id per bushel f.0.b.; feed samples, is gd to is lid f.o.b.—Barley: Malting samples (good quality), 4s 3d to 4s fid per bushel, delivered in Christ church; class malting and feed parcels, 2s’4<f to 3s 'gd per bushel f.o.b; —Beans and Reas: 3s 3d to 3s 4d per bushel for the former; 3s 5d to 3s 9d for the latter.—Grass Seed : Good clean farmers’ samples, 3s 3d to 3s gd per bushel; machine dressed, 4s to 4s 3d per bushel; cocksfoot, 4d to '4%d per lb, —Pota- toes: The. market still remains in a torpid con dition; 'A few enquiries have been made during the ivrfekj' bnt there is no advance to record' in values; last week’s quotations must be repeated, 30s at country stations.—Cheese and Butter: cd to for the former; lod to ioj£d for the tetter. ■;

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Saturday, July 21. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, at 1 o’clock —Wheat Land, &c. Tuesday, July 24. VTatson, Cox and Co., at the Ashburton Yards —Stock. Wednesday, July 25. Mr Alfred Harrison, at the premises, Cox street, at 12 o’clock—First-class Furni ture, &c. Saturday, July. 2B. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, at 1 o’clock—Properties.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c Tins Evening. Wesleyan Church —Special Services, at 7.30.

Monday, July 23. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock. Thursday, July 20. Town Hall—Wilmott’s Comedy Combina tion Company.

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

Wednesday, August 15. Ashburton County Council —at Council Chambers ; 11 a. m.

BIRTH.

Brown. —On July 20th, at her residence, Cameron street west, the wife of J. L. Brown, builder, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1883. The Annexation Question.

When the Queensland Government commissioned the Resident Magistrate of Thursday Island to take possession of New Guinea in the name of the Queen they laid themselves open to a most decided snub from the Imperial autho rities. This unprecedented method of annexing an important territory must have been viewed either as a master stroke of policy or as a piece of colossal impudence on the part of a dependency of the Mother Country. For a long time we were left in doubt as to what would be the verdict of Mr Glad stone’s Government as to the action of the colony, but we were led to be lieve that on the whole it would be favorable. Meanwhile, however, Vic toria followed the suit of Queensland, although at a distance, and a message was sent Home, endorsed by all the other Australasian Colonies, pointing out the advisability of Great Britain taking possession of the New Hebrides. This seems to have" been the last straw, and both requests have been answered with a decided negative, accompanied with a rebuke and a recommendation that before annexation proposals are made again the British possessions in this part of the world should federate. But it is evident that we are not going to take this reply as an ultimatum, and the Agents-General have been in structed to use their influence in trying to get the Home Government to re consider their decision. Whether they will be successful it is impossible to say, but it is an encouraging sign that the English press is almost unanimously endorsing our view of the question. All things considered, the colonies could scarcely have happed upon a more unfavorable time to initiate such a plucky policy as this of annexation. Whenever the Liberal party have been in offiqe, their administration of any but fhome affairs have always been marked with the stamp of feebleness. And of all the members of the present Government none would be more flabbergasted at such proposals as those of Queensland and Victoria than would the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Earl Derby. Years ago he was nick named by a witty writer “ The Great Non-Possumus ” who held the opinion that although the people were as un comfortable as herrings packed in a barrel, if they attempted to improve their position it would only result in their finding themselves worse off in the end. Even his admirers could never find anything better to say of him than that he was “ safe ” —an epithet which carries with it condemnation, implying as it does timidity. A “safe” politi cian may be all very well when a policy of masterly inactivity is to be carried out, but when any great enterprise is brought forward such a one is the last person that should be entrusted with a responsible position. Bearing in mind the kind of statesman Earl Derby is, one is not very greatly astonished at the reply given to the colonies in this instance, and if it is not reconsidered it is by no means unlikely that England will have cause to regret her hasty de cision in this matter.

Considering how important are her colonies to Great Britain, it is extra ordinary that so much ignorance should prevail concerning our institutions among Home politicians. The tales that are told by the fanatics who dilate on the wrongs of the aborigines from the Exeter Hail platform seem to ob tain no little credence in England, and it is probable that the Imperial Go vernment were led to believe that the annexation of New Guinea was desired in order to carry out some nefarious plans of the Queensland planters. The truth is that while these Pacific Islands remain unanneiced, the Australasiafi colonies are threatened with a tremen dous danger, should war break oyt between England and one of the European Powers. Mr Gladstone in his answer to Victoria concerning the New Hebrides said that there was no danger apprehended of France taking possession of that island for the pur pose of using it as a convict settle ment, but it is curious commentary on that opinion when we find the Parisian press openly counselling that course. As to the advice given to the colonies to federate, everybody who knows any thing of the question must see there are so many difficulties in the way that it is very improbable that such a consummation will be reached in the present generation. Taking into con sideration all the circumstances, it is evident that the answer of the Home Government to the proposals of Queens land and Victoria has been given under a complete misconception as to the intention of the colonies, and it is to be hoped that it will be re-considered, not only Wor our own safety, but for that of the Mother-Country.

Tho Bine Ribbon Army in Timaru ap pears to be making headway. Last even ing a very largely attended meeting was held in that town, and for seme time the applicants for the piece of “ blue ” were so numerous that an extra side door in the place of meeting had to be opened, in order to let those pass through who had signed the pledge and taken the ribbon. The anniversary meeting of the Odd fellows, at their Hall in Wills street last evening, was a decided success. An ex cellent programme had been arranged, and the system of alternating songs with the dances appeared to give thorough satisfaction. Encores were frequent, and the vocal part of the entertainment was concluded by the singing of “ Auld Lang Syne,” which was taken up with much spirit by those present, all of whom formed a circle, and the hand-shaking was carried out in the usual Scotch style. After this, dancing was kept up for some hours, and all appeared to enjoy themselves to the full.

A meeting of footballers was held last night at Quill’s hotel, when there was a good attendance. It was decided to send a team to Timaru on Saturday, July 28th, to play a friendly game with the South Canterbury Football Club. The local fifteen will be picked from the following twenty-five playersßrett, Goodwin, Pawling, Fooks (3), Shury, Hepburn, Lechner, Tickell, Jephson, Roberts, Hus sey, Leitch, Coffey, Fleming, Stewart, M'Crobie, Hunt, Hart, Hutchison, Fish, Field, Pavitt, McFarlane. Moonlight practices will be held in the Domain every evening next week, and especial ones on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, at 4 o’clock, when ell who can are requested to turn up, as all the men are very much in want of some practice, and the South Can terbury Football Club is said to be very strong this year. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, at 7.30 p.m , to finally select the team. Players wishing to take part in the match should attend regularly to practice, as the team will be chosen from those who show the best form.

The people of Methven have in store for them this week one of the best con certs, if not the beat concert, that has ever been given in this rising township. The object of the little gathering is to raise funds for the new library, for the building of which such strenuous efforts are at present being made. Already a good sum of money has been raised, one way or another, with 'he object of putting up the building, and leaving it in the hands of the people without debt, but this purp ise cannot be accomplished without additional aid, because the house to be erected is intended to be a good one, and will cost more than was at first calculated. With a view to get a few more pounds than the ordinary subscription system will contribute, the Library promoters have arranged with Mr J. Mao Lean Dunn, whose ability in getting up concerts is so well known, to get them up a con cert on the 25th, and we understand that that gentleman has recruited a very selrict company, comprising some of the best vocalists and elocutionists in the Ashburton township. An excellent pro gramme has been arranged, and from the reputation of the names appearing upon it, wo are justified in saying that the big audience Methven always supplies to listen to a good entertainment will not be disappointed. Inaction of the kidneys and urinary organs causes the worst of diseases which Hop Bitters cures. Read.—[Advt.] 4 Don’t Die in the House. —“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers, Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. 1 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-mom. 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.— [A.DVT.] _____________

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASHBURTON.— To-day,

(Before Joseph Beswick, Esq., R.M.)

Larceny. —David Cairncross, who had been remanded in order that witnesses to haracter might be called, was brought up. Hie had pleaded guilty to the charge, and Mr Loughman, who appeared on his be half, Stated that the prisoner had taken the things for a lark.—Evidence having been given, the Court sentenced the prisoner to a month’s imprisonment. An Unruly Child. An application made by Mrs Burn ,?to have her son com mitted to the Reformatory, as he was be yond her control, was refused, His Vor ship saying that the boy ought to be set to work, and if he refused he should be whipped. Trespass— Donald Cameron was charged with allowing sheep to trespass on a Crown reserve. Mr Purnell appeared to prosecute, and Mr Loughnan defended. Evidence was called to show that a mob of sheep entered a plantation reserve near the racecourse and trespassed thereon. The Bench said tha'. no doubt the offence had been committed, but it did not appear that much damage had been done. A fine of 20s with costs would be inflicted, but a much heavier penalty would be incurred if a similar case were brought up, as the plantations were for the benefit of the whole County, and must be protected.

Unregistered Dog. A summons issued against F. Lewis for not having registered his dog was dismissed, on the understanding that the register be taken out at once.

. Drunkenness. —A first offender was fined 5s for this offence. CIVIL CASES. Black v. Grigg.—ln this case, which had been adjourned several times, notice of withdrawal had been given, and Mr Pur nell applied for costs on behalf of Mr Garrick, the defendant’s counsel. —His Worship said that he would not give a decision until M r Wilding' was present to state his side of the question. Fitzgerald v. Lewis.—His Worship said that he had given consideration to this case, and ho had no doubt there was a guarantee with the horse, and that the animal had been warranted sound, which was proved by £the expert evidence not to be the case. On the other hand there was no doubt that the horse when re-sold by the plaintiff had deteriorated, and L 5 would be deducted on that account. Judgment would be for L 7 19s Gd and costs. —Mr Crisp asked for leave to ap peal, which was granted, His Worship saying that ho thought it a very prop.qr case for the Supreme Court. In the following cases judgment went by default Mum v. Pullar, claim, L 5 17s; Alcorn v Collins, Lo 6s 8d; Same v. Gaul, L2 3s 6d ; Gundry v. Hamerton, L2 14s 7d; Martin v. Warne, L 4 9s 5d ; Borough Council v. Smith, L2 ss. Fergus v. McClymont, claim of LlB or recovery of a horse.—Mr Crisp for plain tiff,. and Mr Loughnan for defendant. Judgment was given for plaintiff with costs.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, July 19. The Council met at 2.30. IMPORTATION OP STOCK. In reply to Mr Hart, The Hon Mr Whitaker said the Go vernment were fully considering the ques tion of the prohibiting of the importation of stock from Europe and America, but had not yet arrived at a decision. BILLS. The Fugitive Offenders Jurisdiction Bill and the Destitute Persons Act Amendment Bill were road a second time without debate. The Dunedin Southern Market Reserve Leasing Bill and the St Peter’s Church (Caversham) Bill were road a first time. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, July 19. The House met at 2,30. QUESTIONS.

Replying to questions, Ministers said: — The Government were aware that the Westland County had collected tolls on the Otira road, which was entirely main tained out of Colonial Government funds. The toll was erected on that road by the County with the consent of the Govern ment, and if it were removed it would be re-erected elsewhere on the same Ine without any material gain to the traffic. — The Government did intend offering are ward for the discovery of a payab e gold field in Canterbury, but under certain conditions. —The attention of the Govern ment had been directed to the discrepancy between the local and the property tax valuation of proper y in Wanganui-Wai totara district. The property tax valua tion was L 719,000, and the local valuation L 520,000. The Government had reason to believe that the valuation under the property tax was the more correct one.— Mr Bowron been appointed lecturer on the cheese and da ry factories question at a sa ary of L2OO per annum.—The Go vernment would oiuse the railway reserve at Papakura to be planted with trees suit able for railway timber purposes. bills. The following Bills were introduced aud read a first time : —To Amend the Native Lands Act (dir George Grey) ; Kawhia Township Sale (Mr Rolleston) The fol lowing local Bills were read a second time:—Hokitika High School, New River Harbor Endowment, Waitara Harbor Board Loan. The Timatu Racecourse Reserve Bill was read a third time and passed. Westland Education District Subdivision Bill passed through com mittee, was reported with verbal amend ments, read a third time, and passed. PACIFIC ANNEXATION. The Eon Maj <r Atkinson moved — “ That this House concurs in the recom mendations cont lined in the report of the Pacific Island Annexation Committee, presented to this House on the 17th inst.” There might be complications arise in connection with the islands, unlesssteps in this direction were taken. He regretted that the Imperial Government should have asked them to contribute to the ex pense, but such having been asked, it was wise in their own interests they should acquiesce. Mr Montgomery said that these is lands were already thickly populated, therefore to speak of colonising them was a misnomer. In some of the islands the climate was most unhealthy. If it was in the interest of humanity this Was pro posed, he questioned if their civilisation would do much to improve the' natives. Financially speaking, he thought it would not be a success. They had not, as a co’ony, any spare money after providing for their own wants. In time of war these outlying dependencies would become a source of weakness. He did not ap prove of British rule and British rum being forced on people who did not ask for it.

Mr Holmes designated it as a senti mental motion. They did not go into these islands for the purpose or establish ing their civilisation. What was meant was to sweep the natives off the face of the earth. It was a sham to say that they took possession of the islands in the interests of the inhabitants. He would move as an addition to the motion, the following as an amendment —“Excepting in so far as it involves the expenditure of money on the part of this colony.” Mr Shephard denied the proposition laid down by Mr Montgomery that in civilisation the blacks must disappear before the superior race. India and South America were quoted as instances in point to disprove this. When population in creased, as it undoubtedly would in this colony, some outlet would be required for the surplus population. New Zea land was pre-eminently adapted for the establishment of manufactures. When that was done, they would require an out let for their trade, which these islan is would afford. He was strongly in favor of the proposal. He did not look upon the probable expense as being likely to be at all large. Mr Macandrew agreed with the amend ment, although he disagreed with the arguments by which it was supported. He held it was the duty ot the British Government to annex the whole of these islands. The most this colony could do in the matter of money was to provide fur its own wants. It was the duty of the British Government to find money for annexation.

Mr Moss denied that the labor traffic was a ape lies of slavery. la effect, Eng land would be challenging other Powers if they annexed these islands. At pre sent New Zealand had all the trade the islands could, afford to give, It was not, after all, such a great boon to get under the British flag. The Fiji settlers had found that, and had learned by bitter experience what a Crown colony of a severe typo really meant. The proposal before the House was one involving ureat responsibility, and the end of it could not possibly be foreseen. Mr Munro supported the motion, con menting on the commercial advantages it would secure to New Zealand if the Cus toms laws were suitably considered. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr J. Buchanan resumed the debate on the annexation motion. He would vote both against the motion and the amendment.

bfr J. \V. Thomson saiql his opinion was they should let good alone. If, however, British rule was to be established in those islands it should be done at the expense of the Homo Government.

Mr Hurst agreed in the proposal for the postuouement. He moved the adjourn ment of the debate accordingly.

Mr Fish supported the motion for ad journment. lie believed this annexation proposal would be of advantage to the trade of the Australian colonies. Sir George Grey said that for the first time these colonies had awakenpd to a sense of national life. For the first tin>e thoyjhad roused themselves to joint action. That was a most important epoch in their history, therefore he could not feel he was doing right to cast any damper upon a movement of so great import. He be lieved that the commerce would be of im mense advantage to this and other colonies. Again, these islands were most fertile, but at the same time they were most unhealthy. In that case Europeans could only live there as directors of labor, and the probabilities were they would have to leave the islands during certain seasons of the year. A large proportion of

Australia would hare to be populated with colored people. On the whole he thought they should hold out the hand of fellow* ship to the colonies who had entered upon this project, without pledging themselves to any pecuniary expenditure until, at least, they knew exactly what the contri bution would amount to.

Mr Hutchison took exception to the labor traffic, and stated that he would op pose the motion. Mr Barron suggested they should divide the resolution into four parts, and that they should pass the first, and ad journ the debate as regards the remain der. The Hon Major Atkinson thought it would be unfair to hurry the debate. The motion for adjournment of the de bate was put and carried. MIDDLE ISLAND RAILWAY. The Hon Major Atkinson moved that they go into Supply. Mr Leyestam moved that the central route of the maintrunfe line by the Tophouse be proceeded with at once.

The Hon said in the ab sence of the money it was an exceedingly difficult thing to undertake a work of this kind. Last session Parliament decided that a loan of L 3,000,000 and no more was to be borrowed during the currency of the present Parliament, and this ex pended at the rate of L 1,000,000 per annum. The motion was simply impracti cable, and could not be entertained. Mr Holmes spoke against the motion, adding that, after what had been-stated to them by the Government, it would be unnecessary to discuss the question further. . .

Mr Fish complained that the Govern ment were keep ng these various routes dangling before members for the . purpose of securing their support. It was humili ating for the Government to act. in this way as between the parties intjerest&rf.

Mr Hdrsthouse blamed the Center* bury ru -mbera for the part they took in thie late compact. Mr Turnbull did not think that these routes were at all likely to be carried out. It was this fierce contention for railways which had placed the finances the country in the critical state in which they found themselves placed. Within the last ten years they had added L 20,000.000 to the colonial debt. They could Jtfok for no assistance from the land, ak for some years it must be a burden on'the colony. The gold returns ware short this year, and the railway report was a, most melancholy one. During the dunront year 70 miles of line would : have -tobe re-laid. He was afraid that next year they would have a doleful state of affairs from that source. He could see nothing but commercial depression looming in'the future. The only way they could .escape from their difficulties was bringing; down their expenditure and placing. ,it within their income. It was on these grounds that he asked the Treasurer to take back the estimates with the view of having them recast. The amendment was negatived qn.the voices, and the motion for going' into Committee of Supply put and carried. IN COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY. The following items passed Minister of Mines, vote —L 13,083, mines ; L 5,800, miscellaneous; Crown Lands. Depart ment, L 21,444; miscellaneous, L 13,407 ; coal fields, L 220;0 0; Survey Department, L 111,729 ; Minister of Mines, L 10,500. The House adjourned at 1.20.

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent.] 1 Wellington, To-day. Excellent progress was with the Estimates last night, the consideration of which always makes an epoch in the his tory of a session. Members now seem to be of opinion that the session will ter minate six or seven weeks hence. Supply will be put up agan 10-night, but will be interrupted, probably, by one of Sir George Grey’s adverse motions. | Mr E. G. Wright has given notice to move, on Wednesday next, for a return showing by what process the General Manager of Railways arrived at the result given in his annual statement, viz , that —“The difference in revenue, due to the difference in rate between the grain rate of the Province of Canterbury and the current class E rate, estimated for the year’s traffic, would probably amount to L 90,000 ” ; whereas the tota: revenue for the year ending 31st March, 1883, for all classes of goods, including,grain, carried over the Hurunui-Bluff section is set down at L 403.420 ; and the quantity of grain carried during the same period was 343,398 tons, or less than' one-third of the total goods traffic, which was 1,130,410 tons. 41so showing whether since a reduction of about 25 per Cent, in the grain rate is estimated to reduce the revenue by L 90,000, the grain traffic at the old rate would have produced L 360.000 for the year'; and, if so, whether the balance of revenue from goods traffic on the Hurunui-Bluff sec tion, viz., L 43,420, is a fair charge for the carriage of the balance of such goods traffic, viz., 787.012 ton's. Also Showing in wfi.at respect the grain rate for the Provino > of Canterbury differs frotn the grain rate for the res', of the polony, and why 1 __________

COURSING.

THE WATERLOO MEETING, 1883 Second Day. There was a falling off in the attendance at the Plumpton ground yesterday, but the sport was watched with great interest. Nearly all the hares "oars'ed were killed. The following is the result of the running, beyond what was published yesterday Waterloo Cup. ‘ Third Ties. Azalea beat Mistletoe Rockwood beat Myrtle Bed of Stone beat Hurlingham Sea Foam a bye. The Waterloo Purse. —For dogs beaten in the first round of the Cup. Winner. L 37 10s ; runner-up, Ll 5; third and fourth, L 7 10s each; four winners of two courses, L 5 each ; eight winners cl one course, L2 10s each. First Round. Lulu beat Yivette Sir George beat Gent. Bell Lorimer beat Pixie Seadrift beat Belisarius Alchemist beat Maggie hoi way beat Tease Spot beat Annie Stewart Bonnie Scotland beat Flying £cu<| Star beat Laurestifia Gran-UrWai! beat Virginia "beat Lucretia Van Dieman beat Psycho Queen of Scots beat Jack’s the Lad. F.rst Ties. Sir George beat Lulu Seadrift beat Bell Lorrimer Alchemist beat Solway Spot beat Bonnie Scotland Gran-u-Wail beat Star Van Dieman beat Yirginja Queen of Scots a bye. The Waterloo Plats —For dogs beaten in the second round of the Cup. Winner, L 37 10s; runner-up, LJS ; third and fourth, L 5 each ; and four winners of one course, L2 XOs each. First Hound. Taraban beat Parmesan - Bridegroom beat Security -, Miranda beat Wainui _ Flora Mclvor beat Bessie Bell Bordeaux beat Rosey Mermaid beat Coomassie Auracaria ran a bye.

fHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JULY 20, 1883.



Sydney Markets. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency.. Company, limited, report of the Sydney'markets, under date July 12th, as fol lows t tinues' for all parcels coming to hand. Some fair lines of scoured have changed hands up to ig}4d, and a few lots of greasy up to 9#d. — Sheepsi- ins: Are in better request, and are rapidly cleared at the undermentioned figures : —Best, 5 j£d to yd per lb ; medium, to sdj jer lb ; short-woolled and pelts, 2d to 4<t. —Ta|lpw: This, market is now very firm at nnrdast . —Butter : We have quitted, at auction, a few lines of- New Zea land fresh at 13d to I4d, but for salt we have been unable to obtain anything approaching values ;. we have, therefore, no choice but to hold of make a big sacrifice ; and in the in terests of our various clients, we have adopted the former alternative.—Potatoes: It is grati fying, to/ find that the prediction contained in our last report was- correct, the market having hardened as we anticipated. We offered x 100 sacks.ex “ Hauroto”at our auction on Tues day, hnd sold as follows:—Best quality, L 3 Igsperton; second da, L 3 10s 6d per ton. The sale was .very largely attended, nearly the whole of the principal houses in the produce trade being represented. We now report a fairly firm market at our quotations.—Oats : Considerable quantities remain in store, holders bayingrefused to accept the low prices now tntihg; as a consequence, there have been in creased inquiries, and for good feed qualities we think we might anticipate an advance of id to ad pet bushel.—New Zealand Flax : Ll 9 to L2O per ton, but demand only limited. R LAURENCE OXLEY has been Appointed Agent for the Ashbur ton Goabbian at South Bakaia.



Wanted WANTED Known—Two or three Gentlemen will meet with a com fortable home ; terms moderate. Mrs G. H. Thompson, Trevorton. 1443 WANTED Known That H. C. Segers has REMOVED from Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, to Sealy’s new buildings, East street. Great Reductions now on. 7 73 TTTANTED KNOWN—That Robert Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared to 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 2| guineas ; at ray house for 2 guineas per quarter. Letters addressed to Post-office or to Mrs Charles Cornelius, third house on East Belt, next Davis’s, 7-19 WANTED, for a Station, a MAR RIED COUPLB without family. Man must be a good shepherd and willing to make himself generally useful; wife, experienced general servant. Apply, stating wages required, to A..E.M., care of Office of this Paper. 7-46 TIP’ANTED KNOWN—That J. Meboh YY has engaged a first-class Up holsterer, who has been employed at A. J. White’s Furniture Warehouse for the last 15 years. Also a practical Cabinet maker. N.B.—Having increased his pre mises and staff, J. Meboh is prepared to Furnish Funerals and Undertaking at the lowest terms. 7 108 WANTED Known—That C. Haw kins, BOOT and SHOEMAKER, having given up the Ashburton branch, is now carrying on the Business Tin wald under his own personal supervision. Being overstocked with women’s and children’s BOOTS, he is now offering them at a sacrifice. Come and see for yourselves. 7-49 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting,' Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinas, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lesions in Boxing, lessons £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344



Special Advertisements. I F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S ;HEaP rUStN'i f'UR : . AND ; D(N G iVi AN U P AUTO i IY , ■i A 8 T STREET SOU TH, ASHBURTON. £7l VERY article Sold at Christchurch JLli Prices and $ iiranteed bea. of -uaterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED h! THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory HAY & 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 tho best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE, SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requisite at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERT HEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET.



Money ! Money ! ! The equitable investment COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND, united, are prepared, through their agent, T . C. Dun'Jan, 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. C. DUNCAN, 883 Agent, East street. litationery of every 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, &o. All the Heme Journals, Magazines, and Papers by every mail. Subscribers wanted for any Magazine or Paper published. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS,. STATIONERo, &c., East street Scjvxh Ashbubxok. n!5



Special Advertisements. T)OBINSON AND TOWNSHEND ABE CASH BUYERS OF WHEAT OATS B\BLEY GRASS SEED Agents for A. Moore & Co. ROBINSON AND TOWNSHEND, Havelock street. 229 O R SALE, Stjcd. Seed? 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,



fO R SALE The UNDERSIGNED have received instructions from the Owner to SELL BY PRIVATE TREATY, All that COMPACT BLOCK OF LAND on the Acton Station ESTATE, SODTH RAKAIA, Being SECTIONS 31757, 31758, and 31759, Containing 1099 ACRES. The block haa boon SPECIALLY SELECTED by the Proprietor, and is thoroughly adapted for farming purposes, the adjoin ing sections having this season grown some of the HEAVIEST CROPS UN THE PLAINS. Only a small instalment on the pur chase is required to be paid, the balance to remain on mortgage at per cent, for term of years as may be agreed on. We have also FOR SALE an Improved Farm Containing 1026 ACRES. Situated close to Ealing Rilway Station, and well watered. For further particulars apply to THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COM PANY, LIMITED. Christchurch or Ashburton. 12au



H. M. Jones H AS NOW ON VIEW A FIME STOCK OF PIANOS, FROM £2O AND UPWARDS. A Magnificent Instrument by Lipp and Sohn, in walnut; also one by Schwarch ton with TRANSPOSING KEY BOARD, And others by English, German and French Manufacturers. ORGANS. ORGANS. A good selection of these Instruments on hand from £l2 12s upwards. 25 INSTRUMENTS TO SELECT FROM. 25 HARMONIUMS HARMONIUMS. Accordians, Violins, Banjos, Cornets, and all kinds of Brass and Stringed Instru ments. PH 0 ofIL 0 Lmost won- VT derful instru- Ements of the- day. _ T7l Music by the yard. A child JQi Mean play it. Very cheap. Just the H thing for those who cannot have a KJ piano. Pianos on hire and for sale at the lowest cash prices, and on TERMS to SUIT PURCHASERS. Agent for MILNER & THOMPSON. A Large Assortment of STATIONERY, BOOKS, TOYS, & FANCY GOODS. H. M. JONES, BURNETT ST. & BARING SQUARE. Ashburton. 13d yyr ASTE PAPER FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDRE WES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton. 77



v'-sti ’*? * I SWA m :Vi\ Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. JONES, Agent. PIPE ORGANS.—Especially suitable for Churches. Far superior to any Reed Organ near the price for richness and purity of tone, volume of sound, and durability of onstruction. Price —Ll2O. REED ORGANS.—By Smith and Co., Mason and Hamlin, Wood and Co., Easby and Co., New England Company, and Clough and Warner —from Ll2 12s. PIANOS. Brinamead and Sons, BroadAiood, Collird and Collard, Erard, Pleyel and others. Dresden Model, and German and French manufacture, with test improvements. /W DEFERRED PAYMENTS -®* Wholesale and Retail. 18 ALL PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wist street.



Special Advertisements. INTRODUCTION OF THE PARCEL SYSTEM. Fashion House, Cashel street, Christchurch. Great success has been achieved in the Old Country by the introduction of the “ Numbered Parcel System,” for the supply ard purchase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article not proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to be re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. C. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under 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 5 & s. d. 1 dress piece (12 yds) any shade, French costume cloth ... 0 18 6 l£ good velveteen to match dress 0 5 6 3 yds silesia, for linings ... 0 I 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 i household parcel, contains— Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 10 0 1 good honeycomb quilt... ... 012 6 8 yds good wincey 0 5 0 1 pair good strong corsets, any size ... ... ••• ... 0 5 0 £2 2 6 Our No. 3, dress parcel for £2, contains— Worth 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 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 0 17 6 1 black quilted alpaca skirt ... 010 0 1 white or colored wool wrap ...0 5 6 1 pair lisle lined fur-top spring cuff gloves 0 2 0 £2 19 6 Our No. 5, household parcel for £2 10s, contains — Worth 1 pair large size good witney blankets 1 10 6 1 nice large size good honeycomb quilt 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) ... ... ... . ... 018 0 24 yds splendid white calico, heavy make 0 13 0 24 yds good strong brown or grey wincey ... 0 14 0 6 yds tartan plaid 0 6 6 6 yds good brown holland ... 0 4 6 12 yds hemp carpet, dark stripe 0 7 0 6 pair Girls’ or Women’s warm winter hose ' fc ... 0 7 6 4 large unbleached Turkish towels 0 4 9 £3 15 3 Our No. ,7, mourning parcel for £2 10a, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 2 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape ... ... ... ... 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt ... ... ... ... 014 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair Ladies’ two-button choice black kid gloves ... ... 0 4 6 £ doz Ladies’ cambric handker chiefs, in fancy box 0 5 6 £2 19 6 Our No. 8, furnishing parcel for £lO, contains— Worth 20 yds nice pattern good tapestry carpet 3 5 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... * ... 016 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheots 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 110 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets 10 0 1 full size white honeycomb ®r toilet quilt ... 014 0 1 choice pattern wool tablecover 0 15 6 2 white Turkish bath towels ... 0 3 0 6 white or unbleached honey comb towels 0 4 6 2 white antimacassars ... ... 0 2 0 2 white toilet covers 0 4 0 6 yds linen check glass cloth ... 0 6 0 1 superior white linen tablecloth 011 6 £ll 15 0 Our No. 1, wedding parcel for £4, contains— _ Worth 1 dress (12 yds) pretty shade in cashmere ... ... ... 1 17 6 2 yds pretty shade in satin, to match ... ... ... ... 0 13 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth ... 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... O 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 G 3 pairs Ladies’nice hose... ... 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 6, 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 loading 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—Gash 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. R.t’.O. made payable to E C. BROWN & CO., Fashion House, Christchurch. 1562



The Borough schools will re-open on Monday next, after the midwinter holi days.



Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions—Wells’ May Apple Pills —anti-bilious, cathartic, 5d and is. Moses, Moss and Co,, Sydney, General Agents, J