SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yzstbbdat. H.M.S. Egpiegle, from Port Chalmers. Wakatu, s.s., from Kaikoura and Wel lington. Hioemoa, C.G.S., from Wellington. Rotorua, s.s., from Wellington. V Sailed. Ybbtkkday Rotorua, b.s., for Dunedin. ( Wareatea, 8.5., for Westport. m B.a., for Kaikoura and Wel lington. Sinemoa, 0.0.5., for Bluff. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed—Hauroto, for the South. Wklukqton, Yesterday. Arrived—Wairarapa, from Melbourne, via. South'; Wanaka, from the North ; Charles Edward, from N elson and the v\ eat Coilat. Sailed —Cleopatra, schooner, for New Plymouth; Oharlea Edward, for Nelson and the West Coast; Wairarapa, for Auckland, via the East Coast; Wanaka, for Lyttelton. t ,shp New Zealand Steamship Company’s new ateame? Aorangi sailed for Lyttelton at 6.30 this evening. IKi ■*': * . Gbeymouth, Yesterday. .Sailed—Wallabi, for Wanganui. ? / Timaru, Yesterday. „ -^rrivad —Mahiuapua, from Oamaru ; Tjfoptifnl Star, from Dunedin ; Reward, __ from Lyttelton. ' Sailed—Mahinapua, for the North; Beautiful Star, for the South. , f Cle4todiriThutao, for Port Louis, Mau ritius, with cargo of produce. ■ *" Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Star of the South and Oma pere, from the West! Coast. ; Stalled—Te Anau, for Melbourne.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

: " AUCTION SALE-. S’-' ! *- Tuesday, January 29. Matson, Cox and Go., at the Ashburton Bsleyatda—Stock. MBJSTINpS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. ■ Monday, January 28. Upper Ashburton Road' Board, at Road . Board Office '* ' ! Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council—At Council ■ Chambers, 11a.m. Monday, February 4. ' - Borough Council, at Borough Council f ; Chambers, at, 7.30. ' . Saturday, March 1. mikanui Road Board, at Road Board ~ office, Moore street, at 10.30 a. m. . c/ Friday, March 7. Road Board, at Road Board . office, Longbeach

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Trains' Leave Ashburton for Ohrist ; .church and intermediate stations at 7.10 _a.m., 10.66 a.m., and (Express) 6.37 p.m. Trains Leave Ashburton for Timaru .’.and South, at 6.60 a.m., 10.25 a.m. = (Express), and 4.45 p. m.—the latter pro ■ ■ v oeeding no farther than Timaru. ■a-i Tbaxns Arrive at Ashburton from Christchurch at 10 15 a.m. (Express), v 4.36 p.m.,^and 7.15 p.m. Trains Ark ye at Ashburton from TntA»u and,South at 10.40 a.m., 5.27 r , jam. (Express), and 8 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office aafollows; — For Christchurch and North at 6 Km, 10.80 a.hi., and 6 p.m.,daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. aads p.m. daily. -For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow) Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, ■ad Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.tn. and 10 a.m.,

-For Tim&-U and South, at 6 a.m., 10 tLnu'i and 4,30 p.m., daily. ■>. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 {BID. Fortfount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. „■ For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. ’ FopAehtcn, Waterton and Longbeach, - at4.3op.m. daily. ' * For Fiemingtpp, on Mondays, Wednes ' flays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m, ’ For Wakanui,Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Newlauds, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.tn.

Midis' strive' at the Ashburton Post jjffioe— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 . an.', 4.36 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. ' From Ohertsey, &o. at 10,15 a.m. and 1,36 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at daily. ' iFrinli Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. f>,3op;m,, and B p.m. daily. From Greenatteet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 jam. . •• • . -i.- ■■ From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8,16 p.m. ■■ MaySeld, on Tuesdays and Satur da^s/atiojia.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beaoh at 10 a.m. daily. • ‘ From Hbwlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 9.30 a. m. 1 From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days* ami Saturdays, at 10 a.m. 'Front' Elgin,' Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and S&t urdays,at 4 p.m.'

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1884. The School Committee Election.

The annual election of a Committee which shall have control over local educational matters is not an event that is looked forward to with so much interest as it should be. On Monday next the parents of Ashburton will be called upon to choose representatives on the School Committee, and we doubt very much if one out of a hun dred of the residents have given a thought to matter. There are several reasons tor this apathy concern ing what is in reality an important question. The duties of the commit teemen are certainly not very arduous, but at the same time they are saddled with not a little responsibility, and an. effort should be made to secure the most suitable men for the position. So far as we know, there is small reason to complain of the manner in which the work has been carried out during the past year, but as no business of para mount importance has been brought forward it cannot be said that the ability of the Committee has been put to a severe test. Owing to the system of voting which is used at these elections, it is doubtful whether the members chosen are in any case truly represen tative. As we pointed out last year, it by no means follows that the man who polls the highest number of votes is approved by the majority of the resi dents, and at least one instance of this was given in Ashburton twelve months ago. We believe that this is one of the principal reasons why so little interest is felt in the business. The people recognise that, under cumulative voting, the election is nothing more nor less than a farce. Indeed anything more ridiculous than the manner in which affairs were managed here last year could scarcely be imagined. Papers were distributed promiscuously to any person who asked for them, with a total disregard as to their right to vote, and no attempt was made to determine whether more than one paper was given to each. Mr Steward, the mem ber for Waimate, did his best to get an Act passed last session to abolish this vicious system, but we are sorry to say he was unsuccessful. However, we are certain that until some way of choosing representatives that cannot be so easily abused is adopted, those who take an intelligent interest in educational questions will refuse to attend at the annual elections. This state of things is, it need scarcely be said, greatly to be regretted, as the duty of selecting a commitee will gradually devolve upon those who care nothing about the matter, and will simply attend the meetings from mo tives of curiosity. As a consequence the Committee will become ysar by year lower in intelligence, until at last we shall find that the local control of education is in the hands of men who are quite unfitted for such a trust. We do not for a mo-.aent wish t> say that ! we have reached anything like this J stage in Ashburton, but unless cumula- j live voting becomes a thing of the past, . it is to be feared that we slg.il rapidly j come to it. Bqt while we condemn the 1 system, it must be remembered that, ! with care in administering, some of its S evils may be lessened. As vye have c said, this care was conspicuous by its ] absence here last year, and we hope to \ see some improvement in this respect 3 on Monday evening.

A teDgram from Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, says the Governor proposes to take up his nsidence there a month each year.

The Mount Somers Railway Royal Commission concluded taking evidence this morning, and Mr Bell’s report on the question may be expected shortly At the annual mee ing of subscribers to the Auckland Sailor’s Rest, the report showed 10,000 seamen had during the year visited the institution. Bishop Co wie was re elected president.

An information for arson was sworn yesterday before the Mayor against four Maoris in the Murimotu district. It seems a dispute arose about a title to land, and accused burned down a whare. The matter has L een pending 8 months.

A man named Henry Woods has been arrested at Auckland ostensibly on a charge of vagrancy, but it is reported ho is known to have slept on the premises burnt down on Thursday night at Mount Eden, and there are good reasons for believing he set fire to the place.

By a fire at Lawrence on Wednesday evening Mr Tolcher’s store was burned down. Besides his own stock of building materials, goods stored for others were burned valued at L3OO, and quite un covered by insurance. The premises were insured in the Colonial office for Ll5O. Incendiarism is suspected. Charles White, the accountant in bank ruptcy, whose estate was recently vested in the Official Assignee, was arrested in Wellington on Thursday, not having obeyed the Assignee’s summons to appear before him at Wellington. However, it was decided he could not -be detained or transferred to Dunedin, no warrant having arrived. In the afternoon ho left by sail ing vessel for Australia. This is the sort of thing which a Press Association agent thought worthy of circulation throughout the colony;— “The Dunedin Official Apsignae, Mr James Ashcroft, made a ioke yesterday at a meeting of cieditora. The debtor’s debts amounted to L 1,461, and the assets to LIOO. The Assignee added that the only property in the estate was a microscope, which might prove of use to see the assets with.” • •

A peculiar case came before the DuneJ din Supreme Court yesterday, it was that of Ellen Forder v W. Brown. The parties had cohabited for nineteen years, and now plaintiff sued to be held a partner in the property acquired. One point taken for the defence was that as plaintiff had L2OO in the Bank which she bad placed there out of the business—a dairy —she had considerably the best of it. His Honor reserved j udgment. The wife of Mr J. McDonald, M. H.R., has had a narrow escape of poisoning. She W4S taking edicine as a remedy for sick headache, and when in the act of swallowing her usual dose observed a peculiar and unusual taste, and ejected it from her mouth, not, however, before having swallowed a portion. On the bottle being examined it was found to contain a solution of strychnine which Mr McDonald procured about two years ago for the purpose of poisoning birds, and which nobody was aware was in the house. Happily she recovered after medical at tendance. The Christchurch Supreme Court was occupied from Monday morning to yesterday, in an action brought by Crerar and another against the New Zealand Grain Agency, in respect of an amount paid by the Agency to Desborough, a partner of Crarar, on account of a contract entered into previous to the partnership. Desborough had managed to get overpaid by the Agency, who believed they were paying the new firm and not the individual. The Judge in summing up said fraud had been committed by Desborough. The ques tion was whom had he defrauded. The jury (by three-fourths) found for the plaintiflfi for L 2,457 6s Id, There we.’e two counsel engaged on each side, and a special jury was engaged. At the Wellington Supreme Court yes terday, the case of Harris v. Greatrexand Son, claiming LSOO as damages for alleged wrongful dismissal was decided. The plaintiff had been engaged in England to come and manage the New Zealand business of Charles Greatrex and Son, saddlers, Walsall (England) and Wel lington. He commenced duty here in March last, and was summarily dis missed at the end of May for alleged misconduct bordering on insanity. The question for the special jury was, was the plaintiff’s behaviour so eccentric 'and ridiculous as to justify instant dis missal? The jury found for the plaintiff, assessing damages at L 350, with costs. The Wesleyan Conference was in Com mittee during the greater part of yester day upon the subject of Home Missions, During the past year the income has been L 2,482 6s lOd, and the expenditure L 2,552 17a Bd. The Rev A. Reid and Mr F, L. Prime were thanked for their services during the past year, and re appointed. The balance sheets of Con nexions! properties were read by Messrs A. Hobbs and G. Grant. Arrangements were made to enable the Rev Mr Gittos to travel among the Maoris of the Northern districts, Cambridge and Patea. Circuits were reported to the Conference as having fallen short of amounts required for the the mission fund. Ihe Secretary of the Conference reported that a donation of L3OO had been bequeathed to the fund, payable next year.

The Zulu express, which leives Pad dington, London, every evening for Birkenhead, ani was on 26th November expected to convey Mr Gladstone to S&lt ley for Hawarden, narrowly escaped be coming an utter wreck, about six miles on the Chester side of Wolverhampton, The meat express from Birkenhead to London passed along the up line at this point just before the Zulu was due. When it had arrived there the suspicion of driver and guard was aroused upon finding their train somewhat impeded by some pieces of tim ber that had got athwart one of their rails, Upon using their lamps they were horrified to find chat massive blocks of stone from an adjacent quarry were lying upon the down metals. Hastening on a mile and a-half to Oodsail station the meat express stopped, and the Zulu was blocked by signals on reaching that station. It took two men to move some of the quarry blocks. The Zulu would have come upon

them at sixty miles an hour. An exami nation of the locality sho red that eight blocks were placed nine yards along the line. Four or five weighed each between lewt and 2cwt. The blocks were taken from a number stored by the company’s quarrymen who had left work two hours before.

That weakness and lassitude so frequent in fast-growing children may be easily remedied by a few doses of Hop Bitters. Read.— Advt.] Mother Swan’s Worm lasteless, harmless, cathartic ; lor feverishness, restlessness, worms, constipation., is at drug gists. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents.

August Flower.— The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted withjlhese two cli--eases and th«ir efießts ; such jjgjF sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costivencss, palpitation of the heart, heart burn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a i)ottle of august flower. This valuq.b e medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s fid a bottle. Sample ottles, fid.— [Advt.]

A Montreal citizen of “ respectable posi-

tion ” has (a Home paper states) been re cently taught a lesson in a way amusing to everybody but hitraelf. A petty officer of H.M. S. Canada heard him speak dis respectfully of the Royal Family, and at once knocked him through a plate-gbss window. The bystanders were so pleased at his combative loyalty that they paid the bill of damages, and when the corvette reached Halifax a six-dol'ar note was found awaiting the “ gallant tar,” with a promise to double the sum if he gave a lesson in manne-sto “any other foul mouthed ruffian.” Prince George of Wales is said to have offered his congratu lations to this plucky shipmate of His Royal Highness, whe is popular both on the main and quarter deck. A large number of brethren, represent ing the various Masonic Lodgesof Timaru, Temuka, Winchester,- Geraldine, and the Somerset Lodge, Ashburton, proceeded to Geraldine on Thursday to attend the funeral of Mr John Heney, who was acci dentally killed at the Upper Rangitata on Monday last. The funeral cortege left Scotsburn, the late residence of deceased, on Thursday morning, and on reaching Geraldine it was joined by a large number of Masons and other friends, who followed the remains of Mr Heney to the Geraldine cemetery. The funeral services were im pressively read by the Rev Me Barclay. Deceased was a prominent Mason, and a very old and much respected resident in the Rangitata district, and during the time of the funeral ceremony on Thursday all the places of business in Geraldine were either wholly or partially closed. Mr Beney was well known as the driver of the coach from South Rangitata to Peel Forest. On Monday evening last Mr Heney left the Rangitata station after the last train had arrived, and reached Mr J. Hinkley’s Rangitata Hotel in safety. He left there at the usual time for Peel Forest, and it is presumed that on reaching the top of the cutting he turned off the metalled road on to the tussocks, and. the night being \ ery dark he got too near the edge of an embankment, when he was thrown'off lys seat and (ho coach turned over'and fell on his shoulders. From the evidence given at the inquest held at Hinkley’a Hotel, on Wednesday, deceased was found on Tuesday morning with the body of the coach renting on his shoulders Death must have been instantaneous, as there was not the slightest sign of deceased having attempted to extricate himself from the overturned coach. Deceased had been resident at Peel Forest for many years,, and was highly respected by all with whom he came in contact, not only in connection with his public capacity, but also in private life. He was father of Mrs Turner of this town, and leaves a widow and four grown’up children.- The following is the Inspector’s report on the Wakanui Main School General remarks ; The conditions under which this school has been conducted almost ever sinoe.it was opened—a frequent change of masters, and a rather irregular attend ance of scholars —have been most unfa vorable to anything like satisfactory pro gress. The present teachers have been at work only a few months, and cannot be held responsible for the low standards of attainment throughout the different classes. The most successful pupils are those who have attended best. Singing is not taught, and veiy little has as yet been attempted in drawing and elementary science. Due provision is made for the teaching of sewing. The discipline, order, and general arrangement of the school work were fairly creditable. Standard V: Presented 2, passed 1. Standard IV: Presented 5, passed 2. Standard HI: Presented 9, passed 4 Standard II : Presented 10, passed 6. Standard I : Presented 12, passed 9. Presented in Standards 38, passed 22, failed 16 ; not presented to pass a higher stan dard than previously passed, 11 ; per centage passed, 57.9 ; percentage of roll, number presented, 59; below Standard T, 1.20. Side school—There was a change of teachers here between thejicspection and the present master, who had been in charge only a few weeks when I examined, is not in any sense responsible for the unsatisfactory condition of the school. Generally speaking, the scholars were very badly prepared for their respective standards. Six failed in spelling, and eleven in arithmetic. In too many cases the children are backward for their ages, and have made but little progress since my last visit. Those present were orderly and attentive. No instruction had been given in singing, drawing, sewing and elementary science. Standards V: Pre sented, 1; passed, 0 Standard IV : Pre sented, 1; passed, 0. Standard HI: Pre sented 7 ; passed, 6. Standard II : Pre sented, 3; passed, 0. Standard I : Pre sented, 9 ; passed, 6. Presented in Stan dards, 21; passed, 12 ; failed, 9. Not presented to pass a higher standard than that previously passed, 0 ; per cehfages passed, 57 ; per centage of roll number presented, 70; below Standard I, 9.

Holloway's Pills. —Weary of Life.— Derangement of the liver is one of the most dangerous of diseases, and the most prolific source of those melancholy lorebodings which arc worse than death itself. A few doses ol these noted Pills act magically in dispelling low spirits, and repelling the covert attacks made on the nerves by excessive heat, impure atmos pheres, over-indulgence, or exhausting excite ment. The most shattered constitution may derive benefit from Holloway’s Pills, Which will regulate disordered action, brace the nerves, increase the energy of the intellectual faculties, and revive the failing memory. By attentively studying the instructions for taking these Pills, and explicitly putting them in practice, the most desponding will soon feel confident of a perfect recovery.—[Advf

MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY COMMISSION.

According to arrangements, Mr C. Napier Bell sat in the County Council Chambers last evening at half-past six for the purpose of taking evidence concerning the Mount Somers Railway Extension. The following witnesses were examined: Mr Donald Williamson, Major of Ash burton, said that he would like to state a few facts by way of introduction, and he would be as concise as possible. In re gard to this railway, the Provincial Coun cil determined that a line should be con structed to Alford Forest, and reserves were made for this purpose, and a loan of

LIO,OOO was authorised. Thia was in 1874, but when the rails purchased with the money were forthcoming the Pro vincial Council had ceased to exist, and the Colonial Government used them for another purpose. The original route was altered on the score of economy, and thus the Alford Forest railway became the Tinwald-Mount Somers railway. About three years ago an effort was made to get the lino as nearly as possible to be car ried out according to the Triphook sur vey. A public meeting was held and a deputation, headed by the then Mayor, Mr Hugo Friedlander, was sent to Welling* ton on the subject, but it was unsuccess ful in gaining its object. The line had been gradually advanced to a point where the settlers in the district affected said that if the railway was to do any good to them it must cross the river, in the direction of Alford Forest. The people of Mount Somers were quite willing that the railway should not go through the township so long as the whole district was benefited. If the li e were extended he'felt sure that con siderable traffic would result, not only in passengers, but also in produce, minerals and timber. The reason of the present limited traffic was that the distance was so great from the railway station. He hoped the witnesses to be examined would de monstrate this morer fully. This town had already considerable traffic with the district affected, and this would iqcroasp

were the line extended. The interests of the town and those of? the colony were therefore identical. 7 hey also wished to see justice done to the early settlers in Alford Forest, who had purchased land with the understanding that the line would be made, and he knew of his own knowledge, that many people had been struggling in the hope of this railway being made. He would, with the sanc tion of the Commissioner, put in certain resolutions passed by the Borough Coun cil on the subject of the railway., . . In answer to the Commissioner, Mr Williamson said that he could not say in what direction the traffic would be in creased, but he felt sure that an increase would take place. The Committee of the Borough Council and burgesses had de cided that Bowyer’s stream crossing should be the terminus. Witness had not been, farther up the line than the limestone rock, and so far as he had gone ha was not favorably impressed with the quality of the land. The only people to be benefited by the extension of the line on the south of the river would be a few large land owners, who were already sufficiently served by the existing line. Mr William-1 son added at the close of his evidence that Mr Percy Cox, who was unable to be pre sent, had requested him to say that he would be g l ad to give the Commissioner any evidence in Christchurch. Mr Hugo Friedlander, member of the County Council, said that in 1873 a public meeting was held in Ashburton to urge upon the Government the advisability of 1 making the line to Alford Forest, and in the following year a vote of LIO.OOO was passed to carry out the work. In 1877 the General Government wished to divert this sum, but the County Council de murred to this, and subsequently it was agreed that the line should be made. Some influential settlers, however, had managed to get, the present line oh the score of economy, but it must be remem bered that this was against the wish of the Alford Forest people, who if they had realised what was being done would have been up in arms. He would hand to the Commissioner certain resolutions passed by the County Council in regard to this matter. In 1881 or 1882 a deputation was sent to Wellington from here to inter view the Government re the extension of the line to Mount Somers. Sir John Hall, the then Premier, promised that the line should be extended to the Mount • Somers township. When the question of the deviation arose in 1882, the County Council appointed a committee, consisting of Messrs Wright, Walker, Jackson, and McFarlane, and they reported that they recommended the line to be carried ■ round by the traffic bridge, which should be strengthened. This would show that the Council had never had any idea except to take the line across the river to Mount Somers. The witness then quoted statistics, which had been carefully pre pared by him, showing the sections of the land in the district to bo tapped by the line and the produce to be obtained if the land were put under crop. He fe'.t sure that if facilities of transit were afforded a large area now used for sheep woul i be cropped, as the land only needed sweeten ing to raise good crops. In answer to the Commissioner the witness said that his firm owned a stone quarry which had been partly worked. The cartage, however, had, been too ex pensive to enable the quarry to be worked profitably, and if the line were carried to Bowyer’s stream it would be an induce ment to continue quarrying. Had not seen the coal mines at Stour creek, but

had used the coal. By the Mayor: A great many of the farmers, instead of crossing the liver, preferred to. cart their grain to sending it by train. Were the line made to Bbwyer’s stream this would be obviated. In response to a question, the County Engineer said that there was a difference of 130 ft between the altitude ut Bowyer s stream and Mount Somers township. By the Commissioner : Witness could not answer that all the people in the dis trict indicated would send their grain by the train, but was certain that the great majority would do so. Mr Joseph Ivess said that from statis tics he had gathered that 4,700 tons of coal had come from different places to Ashburton railway station during the past year. This would have been greatly sup plemented if the supply ito Tiuwald and Winslow were included. So felt sure that if the quarries were developed by the extension of the it would be a gioat benefit to the district. There had also been 418 tons of atone sent to Ash burton, and as the stone from Mount Somers was very valuable for building purposes a great quantity would come from there were the line extended. The witness was then about to enter into the history of the line, and said he would read a letter from Mr John Knowles, the Under-Secretary for Works, but the Com missioner said ho thought it did not come within the scofe of the inquiry. A move ment had been made during the past eighteen months in order to obtain an extension of the line along the south of the river, but only two or three would be benefited, where as if the line were taken across the river it would improve the position of many settlers who had taken up land in the district. The reserves in Mount Somers had been made years back, and the residents had been induced to make a township on the strength of these re serves. Mr Williams, the Government Surveyor, reported in 1878 that he con sidered that the line should be extended to Alford Forest on account of the timber. From that it would be seen that the intention of the Government and County Council was to the line across the river. It was originally in tended to carry the line along the Forks, but this was abandoned for economical reasons, which was, he felt sure, the only cause of the diversion.

By the Commissioner : Witness con ■ aidered that the extension of the line along the south would neither benefit the signers of the Rangitgta petition nor the Mount Somers people. By the Mayor: The owner of Wester field signed the petition, but he was cer tain that gentleman’s estate could not be affected by the. extension of the railway up the Gorge. The only way that any of the petitioners would bo benefited would be by the construction of a branch line from Valetta. Mr Joshua Tucker, engaged in the timber and coal trade in Ashburton, said that the principal coal imported here was from Newcastle. Had only got about 20 or 30 tons some years ago from Mount Somers, which found an equally ready sale as the Malvern at about 30s per ton. It was as good as the majority of the Malvern coal, and he attributed the small amount of Mount Somers coal coming here to the expense of transit. Were a similar tramway to what was at Malvern made at Mount Somers it would facilitate the transit of the coal. The consumption of timber from Alford .Forest amounted to about 16 tons per week, and he con sidered that the trade was capable of being extended. About twelve tons of firewood per week came from Alford Forest. Other places besides Ashburton would use the timber, but now a good deal came here from Waimate and Peal Forest. If the railway were extended in the direction intimated by previous speakers, he estimated the demand would be 40 tons per week, and ha thought this could be obtained trom Alford Forest. At present these was very little supply of black pine in the district. . By the Mayor : Witness thought that if the line were extended at least seven eighths of the timber would come down by rail. By the Commissioner : Believed that at present it was as cheap to cart by dray

from Alford Forest as to send by train. The carters could make three trips ft day from moat parts of the district were the line taken to Bowyer’s stream. The tea son why so small an extension made so great a difference was that at carter could not make more than one trip . a day. Witness threshed 6,000 of grain last year in the Springburn district, of which not I,OCO sacks came by train on account of the wantof accommodation. The cost of cartage of timber by dray and by train was precisely the same. Timber cost 20s to 22s per ton to cart from the neighbor hood of Bowyer’s stream. Had been told by the mine proprietor that Monnt Somers coal could be delivered in Ash -1 burton for 20a per ton were the train taken to Bowyer’s stream. Mr E. Cookson, coach proprietor, said that he had the mail contract for several years from Ashburton to'Mount ‘Somers. Witness then described the route taken by the coach. The traffic was very fair ■ until the opening of the Methven line, but after that it fell off. Witness thought that if the line were extended the passen ger traffic would increase, although not from the Forks nor from the Hinds. By the Mayor • The great majority of the people drove or rode into Ashburton, or came by Bakaia via Methven, because that was nearer than by Anama. By the Commissioner The fact of a daily train coming by way of Rakaia might make a difference, but witness did not think it would ba great. •Mr G. BL. St Hill, builder, said he had had considerable experience of the Mount Somers stones. They would command a good sale if they were more easily obtain able The Anama stone was good, but hard to work, while the Mount Somera and Alford Forest was a. easy to work and as serviceable as that coming from Oiimani. If the railway was extended the stone would fee more generally used for building purposes. _ Approved of Oamaru stone for building, and did not consider it porous and damp, as it har dened in about twelve months. The best stone in the district came from shout three the Mount Somers township, at Mr Peache’a quarry. There were several places built in Ashburton of this stone, and he had no doubt there‘would be considerable traffic in the material if she line were extended; The Mount Somers atone was closer in the grain and less pojo.ua than that from Oamaru. . Mr Williamson said thatthat was all the evidence, and he Wished to supplement what had been said by the last witness. ■ He (the Mayor) was formerly a stone mason and had worked some of the Mount Somers lime, and afterwards he had worked some in Timarn which oame from Otago and also some from Pareora. ' He considered the Mount Someni lime much' superior to eitheJ of the others. Witness' was quite sure it would be largely used u it were more easily procurable. It could, be easily burned as .there was plenty of bush,; and the native coal was the yery best tiling to use for the purpose-" He might add that the laud would be'much benefited by the addition of lime as a manure, but the price was at present pro hibitive, whereas it would be greatly used were the transit facilitated. This closed the proceedings.

The enquiry was resumed this morning at 10.30, and the following evidence was taken : Mr W. 0. Walker, Chairman of the County Council, handed in a report of a committee of the Council made in No vember 1882, The report was the same as that mentioned by Mr Friedlander last evening, and recommended the ex tension of the line in the direction of the traffic bridge, which could be strength ened. In support of this the witness said the County Council took a great deal of trouble in the matter, and they arrived at a unanimous decision to cross the river at or near the traffic bridge and carry it northwards to Bowyer’s stream- To con tinue the line along the south of the river would make it simply a mineral line, which would be useless for passenger traffic. All the gentlemen who signed the petition were already served by the present line. The County Engineer, Mr Baxter, had given his opinion as to the feasibility of carrying the railway across the present traffic bridge, and witness suggested that the Commissioner should hear his evidence. The late Minis terof Public Works, Mr Johnston, had in formed the County Council that there was an objection to combined traffic and railway bridges, and that there was no reason to regard economy in the matter as there was plenty of money to carry out the work. The present Minis ter, Mr Mitchelson, however, had taken a different view of the question, and for this reason witness thought Mr Baxter should give his evidence. Witness had lived for a long time in the district, and could say that in the slack time for farm ing the number of drays used for carting timber was astonishing. What was said regarding the timber of Alford Forest by Ashburton merchants should be received with caution, as it was almost impossible to get trustworthy statistics. By the Commissioner : To take the line by the present traffic &ridgo would not increase the distance more than half a mile. One of the canses of the small traffic oa the line was that only two trains ran during the week, and it was very awkward for people tp fit their business to suit this. Witness thought that the Meth ven line was paying about 3or 4 P flt cent. The extension of this line would do good to the Ashburton district. Was acquainted with Mr Tripp’s seam of coal at Mount Somers, and it was a very good specimen of lignite, superior to Malvern Hill coal for domestic purposes. About 14 feet of the seam was exposed, but the depth had never been discovered. An expert ha 4 stated some years ago that the coal coqld be quarried at 2s 6d to 5s per ton. This seam was about seven miles from Mount Somers, and the country was such that a tramway could be constructed as the land was a succession of level terraces. A tram? way would also serve for the transit of stone. Witness knew of another seam of coal on the south of the Ashburton, and the mineral was also cropping up in other places. Mr William Baxter, the County Engi neer, said that it would increase the length of the route by taking the railway across the traffic bridge to the extent of about 30 chains. It would be requisite to adjust the trusses and strengthen the beams to make the bridge suitable for a railway, and witness estimated the cost at L7OO or LBOO. Witness had made a sur vey, and had ascertained >it to be practi cable to extend the line and use the pre sent traffic bridge, although it necessitated a rather sharp curve at the north end. The grade was about one in sixty from the bridge to Bowyer’s stream. No other witnesses being in attendance the Commission rose.

THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. At the Wesleyan Conference to-day a Christchurch Committee was appointed to conduct the detail negotiations during the year with the other Methodist Churches. The Conference also recommended the' Managing Committee of the N.Z. Wes leyan to change the name of the paper to the NZ. Methodist, and to reserve space for the publication of Methodist Church news that might be received; and that the Secretary of the Conference attend the succeeding Conference* ex officio. A motion to give a prize to the probationer taking the highest number of marks was negatived. The Rev T. Buddie presented the report of the Committee on transfer of Church property, further consideration

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1884.



Nfew . Pianos /Iron Frame, Pull I Trichord and \ Fiill Compass V from £35. SECOND-HAND PIANOS |,, .Guaranteed in Good Order. m J.V/ t 1 , , - a • - . ' Excellent valu - *. CHAPPEL PIANETTE ... GAVIN & GAVIN ... AUCHER FRERES ... ... LEITSIC MOPEL (new £6s) RONEISCH (new £6j xos) ... £24 25 23 42 42



i;-; k mm .o VBXOV, ?EB, Aobtix. Thompson



Wanted WANTED Known—That W. C. Page has commenced a Cash Grocery Business in East street, near S. Hardley’s. 1 175 \T7 r ANTED—Purchasers of Boots and Shoes ito call and inspect our stock of New Goods. The price and quality will please.— Orb & Co. 1 136 SITUATION Wanted —By first-class camp Cook and Baker. Address or apply personally to “Frank,” care of Messrs Fowke and McEwen, Bootmakers, Ashburton. < 1 171 WANTED to Buy—A small second hand fire-proof SAFE, fctate price, maker and size to Box 45, Post Office, Ashburton. 1 44 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor.h Is 9d at fid per yard. WANTED Known—For Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. O. Davis or j Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Ppater, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c WANTED— The public who are in want of Boots to inspect our win dow before purchasing elsewhere. As far as style and cheapness we are determined not to be excelled. Boots for everyone, and at any price. Large stock of women’s best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women a do, 3s fid ; girl’s do, 2s fid. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street, 12 1107 Special Advertisements. BAT.T, PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, W<wt street



n. iw 05 g 8 o C PH 5 O rQ t O a? 9 IS 'ii w pH- M m pp p rrt o ■<) H ss S c2 §. fl o ►.S c 3 &.t= 'tT o >»S g a s CU a 5 Ss ◄ * P 3 S o -q w S .2 M £ o Q C 3 (J2 H BS 2 JSQ 2 JH & - l-M Zi H pd fJ-S fit 3 a f 03 5 ◄ 1 a •« <1 as 03 w V Ph fi fl STATIONERY (commerciali plain and fancy), Account Books, School Books and Requisites, Prize Books, Chil dren’s Picture and Story Books, New Serial Volumes, Hymn and Prayer Books, Books on Gardening, Farming, Poultry, Sheep, Horses, etc., etc. ; Novels, Fire Stove Ornaments, Birthday Cards, Scrap and Photograph Albums, Scraps, Pictures, Tissue Paper, Purses, Card Cases, Diaries, Writing Desks and Cases, Work Boxes and Baskets, Toilet Sets, Fancy Ink stands, Wall Brackets, Ladies' Bags, Maori' ” Photographs, China and Brass Ornaments; Toys of every description from a Penny upwards; Judson’s Dyes, Gold Paint, Concertinas, Accordions, Song Books, a job lot of Music (very cheap), Journals and Home papers every English mail, Cricketing Goods at reduced prices, and a large assortment of other articles. All goods at Christchurch and Dunedin prices. Anprewes Beds., Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S CHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, BAST STREET SOUTH, J jhIVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and gjwanteed beat of "naterial and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED NTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OF FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can now boast of having Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : EAST STREET. ASHBURTON. «1 for the AT



Special Advertisements. -pASHION HOUSE 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. B. C. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, PREVIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING. FOR ONE MONTH COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY sth. The Entire Stock, including several im portant purchases of goods at about HALF PRICE, rrill be sold at such prices as must com mand speedy clearance. UNPRECEDENTED BARGAINS in all Departments, MILLINERY DEPARTMENT. Our Beautiful Stock of Millinery (en vied by all) comprises the latest and prettiest shapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweiss Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 60 pel cent reduction. 100 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end less variety, nearly given away. WONDERFUL BARGAINS And splendid choice in COSTUMES, MANTLES, JACKETS, - DUST CLOAKS,



THE WASHING DRESS DEPARTMENT comprises— Bargains in Pompadour Sateens ~ Fine Art Zephyrs . „ Plaid and Check Ginghams ~ Plain Sateens „ Prints (Floral Designs ~ Brocaded Sateens And a large QUANTITY OP REMNANTS In above materials, to be cleared at an IMMENSE REDUCTION. FRENCH MERINOS, at Is lid, worth 3s lid. SPECIAL. Black Silks, from 35s the dress Nun’s Cloth Fancy Beiges Summer Homespuns Diagonal Mohair Dress Materials, at about hall their value SIMILAR REDUCTIONS In all Departments. For further particulars aee circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisement COMMERCIAL t Stationery, Account Books, 1 7 c Presents, &c. t H. M. JONES, \ East Street, - 11 870 i THE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN AGENCY AND MERCANTILE ' COMPANY, LIMITED. , Reapers & Binders. We have now Landing, ex Oamaru, at Poit Lyttelton, SAMUELSON Sr. CO.’S TWINE BINDER For 1883, with all the latest improve ments. Owing to the great and increasing de mand for these Celebrated Machines at Home, we have been able to secure only a limited number, so that early application is necessary. A full stock of Extras and Binding Twine will be kept on hand during the Harvest at our Head Office and Branches. Binding Twine. We have now FOR S ALE at low prices, MANILLA AND HEMP BINDING TWINE. We have FOR SALE, on EASY TERMS OF PAYMENT, A Complete Threshing Plant, By Ransome, including 8 h.p. ENGINE COMBINE ELEVATOR. Apply, WM- HORNE, 1 168 West street. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements for The Ashdoktok Guardian must bo sent in not later than 3 p.m., with the number ef insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied the day previous to that on which they arc to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3.30 p. m., but will be charged double rales. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business lett is to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.