SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON.

Arrived. Yesterday. Wanaka, s.s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Wanaka, as., for Port Chalmers. Reward, schooner, for Timaru. Cleopatra, brigantine, for Greymouth. Ocean Bird, ketch, for Wellington. . Wild Wave, schooner, for Pelorus Sound. Annie, ketch, for Wanganui. « :n : Herald,’schooner, for Wellington, ' Clematis, ketch, for PelorusJJpund. ’ SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. . Auckland, Yesterday. . , Sailed—Glenlora, for London ; Energy, * " for Noumea ; Agnes Donald, for Tonga; Manapouri, for the South. Auckland, To-day. _, Arrived —Handalale, from New York ; '‘Babberine, from London, 93 days out. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Sophia R. Luhrs, from New ; U'%astle‘; Aurora, schooner, from the East ■ OWftir:-’ Sailed—Hawea, for the North. Dunedin, Yesterday. Id <. Artived—Suva, frbto Timaru; Waimate, skip, from London ; Tarawera, from the North. v ,; ■ .■;/>'> Sailed—Camille, for Oamaru; Te Anau, for the North.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, ■ii-r;' ';' 1 'Friday afternoon. TFe following is the Christchurch Corn Ex change report for the week ending Friday evening the 17 th inst. There is no change to report in the state.of the grain - market, values in all lines of produce continue as-be fore.—Wheat : Good milling samples, 4s to 4s 2dseed samples, 4s" fid to 4s gd per bushel; second quality, 3s 3d' to 3s gd : per bushel; ■ »’ehick' :- 2s - 3d! t'®‘'‘2s Bd, delivered in Christchurch.—Oats; Good, stout milling, 2s ~ • jt6 2s<3d pqr-bushel; feed quality, is gd to is */ 1 -r’ldT—Barley V First-class malting, 4s 3d to 4s fid per bushel; feed and second class malting, ’ ’ 2s’4d to :3s m, delivered in Christchurch;— . Grass Seed : formers’samples, 3s 3d to 3s gd per bushel ; , machine dressed, 4s to 4s 3d, •_ ■ delivered: in Christchurch. —-Potatoes-: 3° s to ‘ 32s fid at country stations. Cheese , and Butter: 4d to the former; gd to gj£d for the latter, r

r Messrs Miles and .Co, .per J. T. Ford, re : bbri id follows Ashburton—At this market on- Tuesday last we had a very large entry of sheep, all, of whiqh changed hands, readily at satisfactory prices. The total, number of our f. '- entries wap''<2,o72, and were bn account of Messrs Harper, McKenzie, Moore, Hight, Grant, Giddings, Foster, and others. Pri vately during the week we have sold Mr Stan ley Bruce’s farm at Ashburton at Lio per acre, jt; I,,We have' also made sales privately of 600 fat Crossbreds on account of Mr W. B.- Clarkson ; • 7 goo fat_crossbreds on account of the Mount ■* '. Ipdmas, station ; 250 fa,t,. crossbreds and . ’ merifabs on account Mr James Gough; and ri'3so store 1 crossbreds'' on account' of Mr P. Grant, all at prices' equal to qur quotations. Messrs' Robert. Wilkin and Co. report : At the Addington Yards on Wednesday, T /q&gfi sheep and 236 head of cattle were yarded, jf ii ln fatrisheep a’good supply came forward, a large proportion of which were fit for freezing 1., purposes.-.jThqldemand was fairly- animated; 7 ' l for best quality lines,. )and every lot offered found, buyers at prices fully .eqyal io. last week’s ' ratie^-r 1 l r dt limited supply to hand, '■ 'ihe- bdlk composed Of second and medium -... quality isqrts, 1 and; owing to the short supply, competition was keen throughout the sale, and lor prime, quality pens -there was an advance ' of fully Ss per roolb compared to last week’s prices* Vife sold >. prime crossbred wethers, from'Messrs, Partridge and, Edwards’ estate, at from 18s to. 18s gd each. Cm account ’• of other owners, good quality mixed cross breds’at from 14s‘to 15s gd; fat merino wethers from 8s togs 2d; crossbred ewes, in —lamb, -at -14 s; prime steers 'at Lg each. —At our sheepskin sale on Thursday a large entry came forward, including some prime lots-of butchers’ and frozen meat skins. A line of Mr J.,- Rqsewame’s crossbreds realised 5s Bd, being the top price for that description;- is Sd was the highest price for skins from the iactory; for a heavy lot of Messrs J. and R. Southbridge, we catalogued 3,713, and disposed of all but a few lots of dry skins, which we were compelled to pass in owing to the late hppr, at rwhjclr 'out sale- commenced. We sold-cfidptry crossbreds it 4s 4d, 4s yd up to £s rd;*countiy nmripos, 4s rod, 5 s 4d, up to 5s gd for a line of heavy double fleeced skins; batchers’ crossbreds,l4s fid, 4s. rid, 5® 5d up to £s 8d; butchers’ merinos, 4s, 4s sd, 4 s tod, and-5s fid, ■ the latter price.for an exceptionally fine lot gf'Mr J. C,' Wason’s skins. ; Fat and tallqw—We ; £pld fat at, from zJ-jjd up-tq for gpgdiciean; from, the country.... Hides— Green, 35£d ; wet salted, 2^d ; cut and dam aged, 2#d; taffskins, 3% d.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails closest .the Ashburton Post Office as follows ‘:~ For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10. 30 a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and sfp.m; daily. / ; For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Blinds, Coldstream, Rangitaia, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For TmhukA at 6 a.in. 'and 10 a.m., daily., " Ft*Tinutmand 'South, at 6 Am., 10 and 430 p.ifn.; daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, and Saturdays, at 3.30 jx zn« ,* f' For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays; at 6 Am; and 430 p.m. For,Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days,' at 6a. in. •For Ashton, Waterloo and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily, ; For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes ikra,imd - ■’ForWaka'nui,.Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays,* at 6;80 Am. . Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a;ip. . . Mailsarrive at the Ashburton Post •){fioe— - From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 p-xg;, and 7.20 ptm.l • Trdih Cmertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 436 p.m. daily. ! ‘ From Dunedin and intermediate places at SiSO p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a.m. 5.80fc.m. : , and B p.m. daily. ’ From ~Qr®B D ßtreet. and ’ Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 son.———

From Moupt-Somers, on Tuesdays, and Saturdays,'at 10.5 a. m. and 8.15 p.m. From on Tuesdays and, Satur f ; Longl beach at 10 a.m. daily.-. -

From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat urdays,, at 4 pirn. ■ I : From Nev?lands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a.m.

Flemington, on Tuesdays, Thurs, days, and Saturdays,, atlO a.m.

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

£bjMs ipayß Ashburton for Ohrist- CHUROH and intermediate stations at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 5.37 p.m.. UiliS XdLSyB Ashburton,, for Tim arc ' iSfarftattfc He, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. (Express),and 4.46 p.'m.—the latter pro .oeetung no farther than Timaru. , XBAXXS - Awn AT ASHBURTON FROM ygj^g^ftgSigr-./gg

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 1883.

The members of the Juvenile Opera Company arrived from Timaru this morning, and will appear to-night at the Oddfellows’ Hall, as a iarge number of seats have already bean booked and the visit of the youngsters has been looked forward to with much interest, there will no doubt be a crowded house to listen to tbe Pirates of Penzance.

In addition to Rev Mr Taylor and Mr J. T. Smith, the Rev Mr West, of South bridge, will address the Gospel Temper ance meeting to be held at the Town Hall to-night. Mr Robert Alcorn will take the chair,

Two of the Oxford immigrants who came to Wanganui in the Huia on Sun day have typhoid fever, and were taken to the Hospital last night. Their names are Robert Patton and Mary O’Sullivan. The man’s case is alight, but the woman’s is more serious.

It is rumored in Auckland that the Rev J. S. Hodgson has resigned the charge of the late Rev Samuel Edger’s congrega tion, whose platform was unscctarian Christianity, and proceeded South, with the intention of making application to the Bishop of Nelson to join the Church of England.

The Otago Rugby Union have con cluded arrangements to hold the Auck land match on the Caledonian Society’s ground, close to the city, instead of at Taieri, ten miles away, where the Christ church and Sydney matches were played last year. The attendance is, therefore, sure to be large. “ A Teetotaller ” writes to us suggest ing that the shops should bo closed in Ashburton on Saturday evening at 7.30 to enable employees to attend the meeting of the blue ribbon mission at the Town Hall, in order to join the army should they desire to do so. It remains to be seen if business men will consider it worth while to take this hint.

At the Otago Education Board yester day, the following motion was carried: “ That with a view of considering the de sirability of dividing the City of Dunedin into five school districts, under the charge of separate Committees, the Secretary be instructed to collect information as to what is the custom in cities and largo towns in other provinces, and to advise the Board as to boundaries of such dis tricts, should it be advisable to do so.” The ceremony of presenting the diplo mas to the successful students of tho New Zealand University took place at Dunedin last evening. The Rev Dr Boaeby pre sided, and presented the diplomas to ten students—two M.A.’s, one L.L.8., and the rest B.A.’s. The Rev Dr Stuart (Chancellor of the Otago University), Mr Justice Williams (Vice-Chancellor), and others delivered addresses. There was a large attendance. The students were very demonstrative, and interrupted the speech of Mr Denniston, solicitor, re peatedly by catcalls, etc. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning an impecunious debtor was brought up on a judgment summons, and on being asked why he could not pay the amount owing he said that he was out of work and had a large family of seven to maintain, while his wife was about to pre sent him with twins. Mr Baddeley evi dently thought this was heaping Pelion on Ossa, but sympathising with the mis fortunes both present and prospective of the defendant, he made the order for pay ment as light as he could. He mentioned, however, that the order could be res cinded if the doleful anticipations of the gentleman as to the future increase of his family were not fulfilled. The Waste Lands Board yesterday granted to Long and party a license to prospect for gold in the Malvern district. The object of the party is to discover a gold-beating reef. The Chief Commis sioner announced that the Board had de cided to defer consideration of other ap-

plications for prospectors’ licenses in the Malvern district till fnext meeting, when they would consider how long, and for what extent of ground, further licenses should be granted. They felt a difficulty in dealing with so many applications for the same district, as if all were granted it would shut up for months a large area in the case of gold being discovered. Of the numerous applicants for diamond pros pecting licenses, not one answered when his name was called.

Kidney complaint, one of the most common and yet most neglected diseases of this country, can be readily cured by the use of Hop Bitters. See.— [Advt.] 8 Flies and Bugs. —Beetles, insects, roaches, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “ Rough on Rats.” 7j£d. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Wanted parties about to furnish to know that J. Meech is selling all his goods at a sacrifice, being over-stocked and wanting the money. Drawing-room Suites from £io ios, warranted ; Good Bed-room Suites, remark ably low; Drawing-room: Fancy Walnut Tables, Japanese Tables, a splendid Inlaid Walnut Sideboard, Marble Slab, with Plate Glass back, to be sold cheap. Iron Bed steads, Crockery-ware, and every requisite for house furnishing etc. Funerals conducted on the cheapest scale. Practical workmen kept in all its branches. Agent for the cele brated Venetian Blind Makers, Dunedin. Carvings and Turnery of every kind. All kinds of furniture exchanged and highest price given for furniture. Note the address—Next Bullock’s Arcade, Ashburton.

BLUE RIBBON MISSION.

The promoters of the Gospel Temper amce movement in Ashburton have good reason to be gratified with the success of the initial meeting held last night, if a capital attendance, enthusiasm and a fair number of fresh adherents to the temper ance cause, are any guide in the matter. The Town Hall was well filled, the speakers secured keen attention, and ap parently had the sympathies of the audi ence from start to finish. Mr Alfred Saunders occupied the chair, and with him on the platform were Messrs I. Scott, David Brown, R. Murray, senr., Gavin Smith, Rilworth, R. Alcorn, with Revs J. Nixon and Taylor. Two tables, each presided over by a lady and gentleman respectively, were placed just below the platform, on which were the indispensible pledge books and cushions ornamented with the now familiar bits of blue ribbon. The choir, numbering about 30 or 40 voices, with several members of the Orchestral Society, discoursed some capi tal music during the evening, though it was evident sufficient time for rehearsal had not been given. After the opening hymn, and prayer by the Rev J. Nixon,

The chairman delivered a I short ad dress, preceding it by a pretty compli ment to the choir, and an equally grace ful one to the speakers who would follow him. Mr Saunders said that prior to entering the hall he had heard two per sons conversing in the street. In reply to a question put by one as to what was going on, the other answered, “ Oh, it’s only a temperance meeting. ” Taking this reply as the basis of his speech, the chairman wont on to observe that senti ments such as that expressed were un fortunately too common, and showed how familiar they were with drunkenness, and how little the evil impressed itself on the community. They were met there that night to cope with the greatest evil that ever afflicted an English speaking people. (Applause.) In what ever way it was looked at, intemperance was a groat and formidable evil. Refer ring to John Howard’s philanthropic work, the speaker observed that the op position met with from the tyrants cf Europe was nothing compared to the appetite for strong drink which Howard bad to contend with amongst the criminal classes, while the Bishop of London with Earl Shaftesbury had stated that the charity of London was quite sufficient to deal with the poverty and wretchedness of that great city, but all philanthropic efforts were powerless to deal with those who worshipped the god of strong drink. An eminent lady had said that the City Arabs of London had often been clothed and fed by her, but the children had been as frequently stripped by their mothers and the garments pawned for the

purpose of obtaining liquor. The ques tion was—Were they met to propose any thing like a remedy for the evil? It had been said that they held too extreme views, but if any better remedy were propounded they were quite willing to adopt it. Had any other remedy been successful than that of “ Touch not; taste not; handle not ” the accursed thing ? and he con tended that they were met to grapple with the evil in the best possible way. Referring to the advance which the tem perance movement had made, the speaker said that for the last fifty years their efforts were taxed to prevent an increase in the consumption of liquor, but it would encourage them to know that the Chan cellor of the Exchequer in his last Budget had intimated that the revenue derived from the crink traffic last year was 1-5,000,000 less than formerly, and this result did not diminish the total revenue, as during the last three years there was such an increase that the Government had been able to reduce the National Debt by twenty millions sterling. In closing an instructive speech; Mr Saunders said there were two classes of the audience who had the power to deal very effectually with the evil of intemper ance—the ladies and professors of reli gion, and he trusted succeeding speakers would address themselves particularly to these two classes..

After one of Sankey’s hymns had been sung,

Mr Smith addressed the meeting at considerable length, his preliminary re marks being a resume of the life of Francis Murphy, a reformed drunkard, who was credited with having originated the Blue Ribbon movement, in the first instance in America. His methods were to commence the meetings with singing a hymn, read ing a portion of the Scriptures, and prayer, and then rehearsing the story of his life—a life full of thrilling incident, of degradation from drink, but of ulti mate reformation At the close of Murphy’s meetings the people were asked to sign the pledge, and subsequently it was suggested to the reformer that those who thus gave in their adherence to total abstinence principles should adopt a badge, and this was the origin of the bit of blue ribben. • The speaker did not, however, state what other objects were to be gained by donning the ribbon, but possibly more may be said on this unique phase of the mission before it comes to a close. Mr Smith went on to observe that Mr R. T. Booth, who had commenced the Blue Ribbon movement in England, was a convert of Francis Murphy’s son, and the American reformer himself had re cently visited England, meeting with a princely reception, and extending the movement with marvellous success.

The Rev Mr Taylor then delivered a most telling address. Though it was pos sible nothing new could be said on the well-worn subject of temperance, yet it would only do for them to relax their efforts when the evil as well as the tempta tions was removed. They had, as minis ters and members of churches, been very remiss in the past, as was seen by the re sult of the licensing elections in Syden ham and Christchurch. But they were now awaking up ; they were organising ; and he ventured to say that at the next election in Sydenham a very different tale would be told. He was glad that Ash burton had set a good example, and had raised its voice against any increase of public-houses. To show the strides the cause of temperance was making, the rev gentlemanstatedthatrecentlyat Newcastle 24,000 had donned the blue ribbon, while 24 public-houses and three breweries were closed. Two magnificent hotels in, Lon don, each worth L 30,000, were both empty, no customers could be found for them, and the owners had even offered them fiee of rent, but no one would take them. After giving some statistics of banki up toy cases io which those engaged in the drink traffic largely predominated, the speaker repeated a statement which he had made at Sydenham, and which had gained for him a certain notoriety, to the effect that as a rule they were sorry when people had to go through the Bankruptcy Court, but they would not regret it if every publican in New Zealand had to close his house for the want of a custo mer. This had been termed uncharitable. But he would immediately cease work in the temperance cause if he did not hope to close the publichouses, as the pros perity of the publican meant the immo rality and poverty of his customers. Where, he asked, was the philanthropist who would not wish to see the hotels closed if the result attained was the wel fare of the community? The rev. gentle man then went on to speak on “ what was a drunkard,” affirming that it was extremely difficult to draw the line separating moderation from drunkenness, and characterising the conduct of a man who got once intoxicated as sinful as that of an individual who only committed one act of thieving or other like crime. At any rate it was so in the eys of God, no matter how man viewed it. The rev. gentleman’s speech was interspersed with several anecdotes, which he told with ex cellent effect, and resumed his seat amidst much applause. On the motion of Mr D. H. Brown, a vote of thanks was accorded to the chair man, and the Rev. Mr Taylor pronounced the benediction. Before dispersing the audience was invited to sign the pledge, and we are informed that 146 responded to the invitation and assumed the badge of the cause.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Thursday, August 16. BANKRUPTCY BILL. The Council spent the whole afternoon in considering the Bankruptcy Bill in Committee, in which no important altera tions were made. An amendment was made at the Hon Mr Wilson’s instance, providing that where a bankrupt, before adjudication, paid a sum to a lawyer to put him through the Court, the money should be recovered in a summary way from the lawyer. The Bill was reported at 5 p.m., and notice given for its recommittal. The Council then rose. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, August 16. The.Bouse met at 2.30. EDUCATION. A number of petitions were presented from different parts of the colony praying that the present system of education be not interfered with. DIRECT STEAM. The report of the Joint Direct Steam Service Committee was brought up and read. It stated that they had adopted the following resolu ions:— That no con tract for a direct steam service should be entered into before the next session of the General Assembly. (2.) That in the meantime the Government should make such arrangements consistent with effi ciency as will be least burdensome on the public revenue. (3.) That in making such arrangements due regard should be paid to the claim which the New Zealand Shipping Company by its enterprise has upon the colony. (4.) That having re gard to the safety and comfort of pas sengers the Government should give the preference to unsinkable ships. (5.) That the Bluff should be included in the ports of arrival and departure, which shall be optional for steamers under agreement with Government.

Mr Driver. moved that the report lie on the table, and be referred to the Go vernment for consideration.

Mr Hubst moved that the report and evidence be printed. He pointed out that the Austral was deemed an trnsinkable ship. Mr Turnbull said that they might just well have left the matter as it was. This recommendation was just what the Government proposed doing. Mr Fish concurred in that opinion, and insisted that the proper way was to have the report brought.* up on a distinct motion, so that they might have an op portunity of giving some distinct instruc tion on the point. Mr Pykb was in favor of getting the whole evidence reported. He wanted to see what an unsinkable ship was. He believed such a thing impossible. Mr Macandrew said that an unsinkable ship was a fact that could be realised. There were plans and models :of such a vessel in one of the Committee rooms. He had had communication with mari time men who fully concurred in the opinion that such ships could be con structed as prepared by a Port Chalmers shipwright. .

Mr Swanson said there could be no such thing as an unsinkable ship, Lut ships might be constructed in a way to prevent them going down for a length of time.

Mr Montgomery wanted to know what the Government proposed to do with this report. He thought the proper way was to allow the report to lie on the table for a few days, and then it should be brought upfordiscussion. With that view he moved the adjournment of the debate.

The Hon Mr R®lleston said he would assure the House that the Government would do |its best to carry out the suggest tions of the Committee in the best way possible. He understood the Oommifctee were of opinion that the contract recently proposed by them should not be concluded, nor any other contract entered into for a year, but that they should do their best from time to time as to the conveyance of freight and passengers, so as to get full data to lay before the House next session. The Government were prepared to loyally carry out this view, and would also direct the Agent-General’s attention to Isbister’s designs for unsinkable ships. , The motion for the adjournment was withdrawn, and the motion for the report lying on the table for the Government’s consideration was put and carried, with the addition as proposed by Mr Hurst. ROADS AND BRIDGES. The Chairman of the Roads and Bridges Construction Committee applied for ten days extension of time. Mr Seddon movea as an amendment, that five days extension be granted. The motion for ten days was carried on the voices. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said : —That irregularities in the transmission of telegrams through defective transcrip tion, when brought under the notice, of the department, were carefully looked into, and where c .relessnees was dis covered adequate punishment was. in flicted.—That the Government would be prepared to offer a bonus for the manu facture of Portland cement.—That the Consular reports on New Zealand, made by (Mr Griffin, the United States Consul, would be published for general informa-. tion.—That the Government did not in tend giving facilities for establishing dis tilleries in the colony by making reduc tions in duty on colonial made spirits as agairst the imported.—That 1 facilities would be given for assays of gold taken from any of the goldfields in the colony, with a view of ascertaining their relative values.—That if an enquiry took place into the management of the Lyttelton Gaol, the propriety of opening it to the press would be recommended.

BILLS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time :—To provide for the appointment of a new Board of Go vernors for the Canterbury College (Mr J. B. Brown); to amend the Counties Act, 1876 (Major Atkinson). LAND TAX. On the motion forgoing into Committee of Supply, Mr Smith moved, with the permission of Sir George Grey, who had given notice of a similar motion —“That, in the opinion of this Honse, it is necessary to impose a land tax on all lands in the colony.” Interrupted by the 6.30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Smith continued the debate on the land tax motion. Out of Hawke’s Bay alone an annual income was drawn by ab sentee landlords amounting to not less than L 150,000 per annum. In the past too much capital had been invested in land not for improvement purposes, but simply to lie idle for hi.-her rates. The result of this was that the Banks having made heavy advances on land their capi tal had been diverted from more legitim mate channels. The property tax scarcely touched land. Nearly three-fourths of the lax was derived from buildings and improvements. Mr Levestam considered that the next session was the proper time to bring this motion forward in favor of a land tax. He would vote against the proposal at pre sent as simply a waste of time. Sir G. Grev said that the possession of large tracts of land meant the monopoly of legislation and influence generally., Every day’s delay in bringing in the land tax entailed more and more difficulty. He compared the amount of taxation raised in New Zealand in proportion to the population with that of Great Britain, and he said the amount to be raised in Great Britain would be L 271,000,000 per annum. The taxation of the colony, he con ended, was unfairly allocated, and pressed injuriously on the poor. The only way to put an end to these abuses was to put on a land tax. The thing would not bo easily done. Those who attempted the work would have great difficulties to encounter. How ever, the time would come whan justice would be done. He hoped they would re cognise the urgency of the requirement, and not delay the imposition of this tax one day longer. Mr Steward spoke strongly in favor of a land tax.

Mr M. W. Green spoke in favor of a progressive land tax, but could not sup port the amendment under the circum stances. Mr Fish supported the amendment. Mr Moss supported the principle of a land tax, but complained that the amend ment as tabled was too vague and indefi nite to disclose what was meant. Mr J. W. Thompson thought they would soon have to face the larger question of the nationalisation of the land. Mr Ivess warmly supported the amend ment. The House divided on the question of going into Supply.—Ayes, 42 ; noes, 28. IN SUPPLY. In Committee of Supply, Minister for Public Works—Harbor works, L 21,066; item, Westport harbor, L 5,000. Mr Montgomery moved that it be re duced to L 3,499. The Committee divided—Ayes, 15 ; noes, 39.

The motion for the reduction was lost, and the vote as printed, passed. Class 12—Charges aid expenses of raising loans, L 28,600, passed. Glass 6—Roads, L 310,436 ; item, roads north of Auckland, L95,80p. . ' . Mr Fish moved a reduction of L15,0Q0. Ayes, 16 ; noes, 35. The amendment' was lost and the vote passed. ■. J :

Vote—Unexpended balances , of pre-

vious grants L 115,603, was then die* cussed and passed. The following votes in Class 6 were passed : —Roads to open up lands before sale, Auckland, L 67.657; Taranaki, L 10.078 ; Hawkes’ Bay, L 12.029 ; Wel lington, L 31,143; Nelson, L 23.382; Marl borough, L 5,243 : Westland, L 22.302 • Canterbury, L 25.296 ; Otago, L 44.309 ; Southland, L 16.593; sundry roads, L 1,038. The total vote, L267,415,0f which L 48,052 is required for the current year was passed.

Vote roads through lands recently purchased, L9Bl. This finished the Public Works Estimate, and the ordinary estimates was then taken.

Class 6—Commissioner of Trade and Customs. Vote Customs L 42.373, passed. Vote.— Marine and Harbors L 56,427, passed.

Vote—Miscellaneous; Hinemoa, LBOOO. Messrs |J. McKenzie and Watt ob jected, and urged she should be sold. The Hon Major Atkinson said the steamer was only used when realty neces sary. He consented to reduce the vote by L 2,000. Mr McKenzie would strike it out al together. . • r; Lost on the voices, and the vote as re duced was passed. . i Class 7—Commissioner of Stamp De partment, 16,291; Land and Deeds Registry, LlB 860; and . miscellaneous, L 707 were passed. Progress was reported, and the House rose at 2.35. .

IN THE LOBBY.

[from our parliamentary correspon dent. ]

Wellington, To-day. On Tuesday Mr Pyke is to . ask the Colonial Secretary— Whethet' in the interests of public morality he ‘will ex ercise the discretionary powers vested in him by the, Gaming and Lotteries Act, and* rtf use to grant any: license or au thority to usa the total isa tor at horse racing meetings.—(2) In the event of the Minister refusing tof exercise Ms dis cretionary power,, will the Government allow a Gaming apd Lotteries Amendment Bill, having for its; object the- repeal of the sections of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, .1881, authorising .the r.use of the totalisator by permission of the Colonial Secretary, to come before the* House on a Government day. Mr Turnbull w ill ask ?the Government to-day if they will allow either :the!Hine moa or the Stella to call at Timaru for those unemployed persons and their fami lies who are desirous of.leaving therefor the North Island, but who unable to provide means of transit.// |- Petitions continue to come in, r praying that the present system of education may be preserved intact

The Wellington Chamber of- Commerce have petitioned the House -against the Fire and i Marine Insurance Company's Bill.

FIRES.

[bttblegbaph.] • Auckland; ■; To-day, A fire occurred atßelcher’s store,TJpper Q ueen street, at one o’clock ‘this morning. The fire was discovered by Lumsden, an operator in the Telegraph Department, on ,hia way homeward. Ho saw the glare at the store and ran to the spot,-but saw no one about. .He noticed, however; that one half of the -front door*next Upper Queen street corner was wide open. The interior was one mass of flames! Mr Belcher had leased the ; store for 21 years on the Ist June, and the loss falls most heavily on the latter gentleman. Mr Bel cher had the buildings insured for L 2.000 in the National, and Robertson and Max well had them also insured for L6OO in the same Company. Owing to their bavin.? the lease they had a’so a policy bf L 503 on the stock and LSOO on the plant. There was about L2OO worth of maize in the stores at the time of the fire, besides a quantity of country produce. J They had recently purchased a gas engine at a cost of L3OO, and had also a chaff cutter‘and oat and maize crashing machines, and a saw ing plant for cutting firewood. ~. ,A, dray was destroyed and two ' horiea 1 ini the stables, which wbre valued at LSO, were burnt to death, all efforts to release them being fruitless. Donnelly; adjoining, waa insured for L 176 in the South British. The house was badly charred, and the furniture and goods Were greatly knocked about by removal. Mrs Bibles’ house, adjoining, was insured in the New Zea land for L2OO, and has sustained very con siderable damage, and ' the furniture is also greatly damaged by removal. Mrs Bibles is an aged widew, and was so greatly affected by the fire that she had to be removed to Mr Belcher’s, Upper Queen street, where she was kindiy attended to. Robertson and Maxwell’s loss is a total one, as nothing has been saved. The building was a very extensive - one of cor rugated iron, and the Ibss and'damage the property adjacent is estimated at L 2,000. Robertson says he locked tip the stores himself at seven •’clock last, night, and left everything perfectly secure;'and was totally unable to throw any light upon the origin of the fire. ‘ Taueanga, To-day. Davidson’s Hotel at Orgapi, on the road to" the Hot Lakes, was burnt on Wednesday night. No'hing was saved- The insurances are LSOO in' the Union and L 260 on the furniture in the South British. Mr Bodell’s four cottages ,in Selwyn street were burnt down this morning. The fire originated in one af the buildings occupied by W. H. Orago, reporter.. Building insured in the Stan dard for L 275, Crago’a furniture and effects were insured in the NeWf< Zealand Office for L9O. In both bases ‘the occu pants had just time to escape, as there was a heavy gale blowing from thenbrth- • west at the time.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

ASHBURTON.-To-day. (Before H. C. S. Baddeley Esq, R.M.) Drunkenness. George Eagle was brought up charged with helpless drunken* ness and suffering from delirium tremens. On the application of Sergeant Felton accused was remanded for medical treat* ment. : ‘ ‘

Breaches op Borough By-Laws.—-J. Simmonds was charged with driving cattle through the street during’ prohibited hours. As the accused was a stranger a nominal fine was inflicted.—George Scott and John Newman were fined 5s for allowing a horse to wander at large. Assault. —W. -H. Williamson was." charged with assaulting Rosannah Hill. Mr Purnell appeared for the Mr Branson for accussed.—Mr Purnell, in opening the case, said a most violent as sault had been committed upon an elderly female by a strong man.—Rosannah Hill, sworn, said she was caretaker at the Wakanui School. As she was cleaning the school on 30tb July last the defendant cams into the schoolroom at Wakanui and interfered with her in her work. The defendant caught hold of her and told her to get out of the school. , In doing so he caught hold of her by the hand and broke one of her fingers. Had attended the doctor three times for the purpose of ■ having the hand dressed.—By Mr Bran* > son: Did not make use of abusive lan guage towards the defeudant first. Knew the boys Protheroe and Thomas, who .were pie«ent in the schoolroom.. Did not s throw her arms around' the neck of the defendant! Asked the ' boys to help * ‘ Granny ” up off the ground. ' rhebojS l : did not help her up. Shg rolled up her* self.—By Mr Purnell:' It' was in conse* quence of her being hurt that sh«

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 1888.



Wanted WANTED KNOWN—Two Ladies would find a comfortable resi dence, with use of piano.—Mrs G. EL. Thompson. Tancred street, near Arcade. 1443 WANTED— A SIiUATION as Manager on a Farm or Station, has had sixteen years colonial experience, both here and in North Island. Can pro duce satisfactory testimonials. Apply, “ 8.8,,” Office of this Paper. 8 329 TINTED KNOWN—That Robert VV Elston, Burnett street, Ashbur ton, having procured the newest appara tus, is prepared te Sweep Chimneys at very low rates. Any orders left at the i Town Hall will receive prompt attention. Terms cash. 760*



WANTED Known Startling an nouncement. Great bargains for a short time. The stock belonging to the Little Dust-pan having been purchased at less, than half price by me, I invite the public to - inspect the goods and secure genuine bargains. No sham; must be sold; and as I am willing to give a chance to participate in the advantage; received by me, an early call is invited to John Meech’s Cheap Furniture Mart, Burnett street. Roll up at once and secure bar gains. —John Mbech. 8 287 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea's Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Cigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, etc. Dan Lea is always at his post to give lesmna in Boxing, lessons £i per month, or according to.arrangement. 1344 WANTED Known—That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing best work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade); Ashburton. * 7 207



Special Advertisements. THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED, HAYS FOR SALE, ON EASY TERMS OF PAYMENT a Complete Threshing Plant, By Bansomo, including 8 & n ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. The above has only threshed about 70,000 bushels, and is almost EQUAL TO NEW.



Wm. HORNE, . Agent, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 12 an THE NEW ZEALAND Olothing Factory HAVE spared no effort to place before the public a MOST COMPLETE ASSORTMENT ©p NEW WINTER MANUFACTURES Comprising all the latest styles in MEN’S & BOY’S CLOTHING Manufactured from the best qualities and newest Designs in COLONIAL, SCOTCH, BRITISH, AND CONTINENTAL TWEEDS. - The large and increased trade has en abled the Proprietary to offer their cus tomers still further advantages than hitherto, and THIS SEASON’S GOODS, upon inspection, will be found CHEAPER THAN EVER. A 1 SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. SHIRTS, HATS, HOSIERY, and every requ.d.u at Wholesale Prices. Nineteen Branches now open in New Zealand. Agents for the Unrivalled WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINES Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. JgCONOMY, COMFORT, SAFETY. The Shag Point Coal Company, Limited, beg to inform the Public of Ash burton and neighboring district that their



FAYORITE HOUSEHOLD COAL Is supplied by the principal local Dealers at prices to suit the times. Special rates for quantities of 4 tons and upwards. Be sure and ask your dealer foi; Shag Point Goal, The most economical and efficient Fuel in the market, being free from soot and live ashes and emitting a strong, steady and lasting heat. For terms apply to your Dealer or at P. 0., Box 218, Dunedin. N.B. —The price ot every ton of Shag Point Coal sold is spent in the colony, and a large portion of it goes direct to the revenue. . 7 149 Fine Gold. A AAA SHEEP to be Slaughtered to VJ\ /Me(a)t the Times. —Wanted tfye, public-, to know you can save 100 per cent, ./by: dealing 'at the Rbady-Monby Meat Mabt, Bullock’s Arckde. Meat delivered to any part of the town when purchased. • 8 211



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 Percel System,” for the supply ard puachase of useful household drapery, thousands of parcels being for warded to the order of distant customers upon the distinct understanding that any article net proving satisfactory to the pur chaser, the money in all cases to bo re turned. This system is now being intro duced by E. (J. Brown & Co., FASHION HOUSE, Christchurch. The splendid stock of General Drapery in all departments has been purchased by E. C. Brown and Co., from the Trustees in the Estate of the late firm of Craig and Smyth, at a very large discount off cost for cash. Thus articles sold under c»st price leave a good margin of profit for the vendor, while giving unsurpassed value to the purchaser. In all parcels we stake our reputation on the values, and, as.suggested above, re turn the money in all cases where the article is not satisfactory. Our No, 3,20 s Dress Parcel, contains — Worth 1 £ b. 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 16 1 pair warm lined fur-top spring cuff gloves ... 0 2 6



£1 9 10 OurJNo. 2,803 household parcel, contains — Worth 1 pair good medium size blan kets 1 0 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 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 S 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) ... 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 8 Our No. ,7, mourning parcel for £2 10a, contains— Worth 10 yds good black French cash mere ... ... ... ... 1 6 2 yds 4x4 celebrated rainproof crape 0 9 6 1 good black alpaca or sateen skirt 0 14 6 2 pairs Ladies’ black hose ... 0 3 0 1 pair L idies’ 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 6 0 1 nice pattern hearthrug, to match ... ... ... ... 0 16 6 1 pair handsome lace curtains ... 0 14 6 1 pair medium lace curtains ... 010 0 2 pair full size good white sheets 0 18 6 1 pair full size good witney blan kets ... ... ... ... 1 10 0 1 pair medium good witney blan kets ' ... ... ... ... 1 0 0 1 full size white honeycomb er 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 0 11 6



£IL 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 18 6 1 dress (12 yds) good costume cloth 110 2 yds rich colored velveteen, to match ... ... ... ... 0 7 0 6 yds good silesia ... ... 0 6 0 3 doz buttons, to match dresses 0 2 0 8 yds braid, to match dresses ... 0 0 8 Ipair two-button first choice tinted or white kid gloves ... 0 5 0 6 Ladies' linen collars ... ... 0 3 0 6 Ladies* linen handkerchiefs ... 0 5 6 3 pairs Ladies’ nice hose 0 4 6 £5 5 8 Our No. 2, wedding parcel for £lO, contains— A very complete trousseau. Our No. 9, Ladies’ (half-price) parcel for L 5, contains— Usual price I Ladies' handsome mantle ... 217 6 1 Ladies’ beautiful real sable muff and collarette ... ... ... 4 10 0 1 Ladies’ quilted satin skirt ... 100 1 fashionable tweed ulster, in leading shades... ... ... 1 10 0 £9 17 6 A problem whereby Ladies may stay at home and order their drapery in perfect confidence. Just try one parcel and see what you will save. Remember—Cash returned at once for any article returned in good condition. Samples post free on application to any part of New Zealand. In ordering any of these parcels, it is sufficient to quote number and name of parcel only. P. C.O. made payable to f E 0. BROWN & CO,, ; ; Fashion. House, Christchurch. 1363 ,



Special Advertisements. F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S OHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. £7l VERY article Sold at Christchurch li- Prices and guaranteed bes. of material and workmanship.



FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED HEAT OLE ARING SALE. FOR ONE MONTH ONLY, Commencing Saturday, August 18th. STATIONERY, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, Etc. xuio, mu. A GREAT REDUCTION PRICES OF ALL OUR GOODS, An Inspection Solicited. Andrewes Bros., BOOKSELLERS, STATIONERY, &0., East street South Ashburton. n!5 P O R S A L E. SEED WHEAT—Hunter’s White. KAIAPOI ISLAND POTATOES. CRUSHED OATS, First-class, la. lOd. per bushel. IN THE Seed. Seed Prime Tuscan. SEED OATS —Canadian. Tartarian, first-class. Danish. JOSEPH CLARK, 265 Ashburton and Tinwald.



Milner & Thompson Ashburton, H. M. J.ONES, 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., Eaaby and Co., New England Company ' Clough and Warner—from Ll2 12s. P 1 AN OS. Brinsmead and Sors, Broad Mood, Collard and Collard, Erard, Pleyel and others. Dresden Model, and German and French manufacture, with test improvements. J *sr- deferred payments Wholesale and Retail. fjl I NWALD STORE. NOTICE. The TINWALD STORE has been RE-OPENED under the management of Mr W, BIGGS, and Customers will be attended to as formerly. 23d PAPER FOR SALE In Large or Small Quantities. ANDRE WES BROS., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashbunon. 77



anterbury linseed oil FIBRE COMPANY, LIMITED. NOTICE TO LAND OWNERS ASHBURTON AND LONGBBACH DISTRICTS, &c., See. The Company is desirous of obtaining offers of Sites of from 5 to 10 acres of Land for the purpose of erecting their Scutching Machinery now to hand, with or without water power. Water must, however, be available for rotting p'urposes. SEED FOR SOWING. The Company is prepared to supply Seed of the best quality. Application to bo sent in to the Company’s Offices, Here ford street. Mr J. DAVIS, the Company’s Agent, will visit the d.strict this week, for the purpose of addressing the farmers on the question of Flax Growing, and explaining the Company’s plans for the future. WANTED SITTING-ROOM, with one or two Bedrooms (unfur nished). A. 8.. care of H. M. Jones. 8 343 AND IN THK 8 339 M. MURPHY. Secretary.