SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON.

Arrived, Yestebdat

Wakatipu, b.s., from Sydney via Wel-

lington. Neptune, brig, from Newcastle. Manspouri, 5.8., from Auckland and way porta. , Botorna, a.a , from Port Chalmers and Ounwrn.

Ocean Bird, ketch, from Anahau. Cleopatra, brigantine, from Greymouth. Mary Evans, Newcastle. Yestbbdat. Onward, schooner, for Greymouth. *" Mina, brig, for Newcastle. v '■ British King, 8.8., for London. Wakatu, s.s., for Kaikoura and Wel- a. a., for Mannkau and way wiktok ■ Manapouri, As., for Melbourne via Sonthera ports. ■’< ’ Wakatipn, s.s., for Port Chalmers.

SHIPPING TELEGRAMS.

Auokiand, Yesterday. Arrived—Pawn, from Oamaru ; City of ' Sydney, from Sydney. ‘ - Sailed— City of Sydney, for San Pran ‘ cisco ; Takapuba for Sooth; Ryno, for > Sunday Island. t". ~: WauawoTOH, Yesterday. * Arrived—Southern Cross, from Auok f’ ‘ land via East Coast; Hauraki, from Wai tara and Opnnake; Go-Ahead, from East Coast. ,1J : Sailed —Kennedy, for West Coast. Dunedin, Yesterday. _ Arrived —Omapete, from the Coast; „fTd Anau, from, the Bluff. ’ ’ ' Sailed —Stella, for the South. .r; ■ ' Dunedin, To-day. Arrived Missionary schooner Day spring, from Sydney.

COMMERCIAL.

- - - Ashburton Guardian Office, v 'Wednesday afternoon. * The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company,“Limited, report on Tinwald lire stock market under date Bth January:— Sheep supply came forward of both fat and stores. , Mutton was exceedingly dull, r> and 'But' little' war placed at auction. We F topped .the market with mixed crossbreds at Ids iod; crossbred wethers made, 14s 6d; n ‘ merinO wethers, $s 6d. Although the demand winery goodih the store market buyers did not Appear quite so keen as of late.. Shorn merino ewes with lambs made 6s 8d and <js 3d, the latter price-being obtained by us for a line with neatly 100 per cent, of lambs. Cross* r-ihte i .; hdggets brought 12s 3d and 13s 6d; ...merino hoggets in the wool made 10s 6d and ‘-'Jijjled merino ewes in wool, dry, 6s 4<L Cattle: A large entry, and business as usual latterly tciy ‘Cpiet ; many lots were returned unsold. « f -Rit'cowi and heifers, L 4 12s 6d, L 4 17s 6d, 16 los and L 7; bullocks, L6and L 6 2s 6d ;. springers brought up fo L 7, and yearlings, 365. Jfevately we, have disposed of a line of 2,00 p Tmerihoeweswith good percentage of lambs at r. a satisfactory price. '

DAILY MEMORANDA.

1 s AUCTION SALE^. .TZr ' Thursday, January 10. -rMessts Miles and Go., at their Stores— ■l« WOOL :

tuaxi: Friday, January 11. Means Miles and Co., at Methven — Sheep ' ' Tuesday, January 15. Matson, Oox-and Co., at the Ashbuiton Kaleyards—-Stock. . - MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. , r Sunday, January 13. M—ntiin Service in the Masonic Hall, »t ci. ...i .. Monday, January 21. a ‘Bjitoapli Council, at Borough Council , tJi “ pjhiitnbers, at 7.30. '<» " • Monday, January 28. ’Upper Ashburton Boad Board, at Hoad Board Office Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. liMgbescH Road Board, at Road Board ' * office/ vi:,.. i - 'Saturday, February 2. Wakanui Road' Board, at Road Board office, Moore street,-at 10.30 a.m. ' —f————

TRAVELLERS’ GUIDE.

Tbaiks Liat* Abhbubtoh fob Ohbist catTßOHand intermediate stations at 7.10 litty 10.55 a.m., and (Express) 6.37

p-xn. ■ Tbaibs Lkavb Ashburton fob Timaep , and South, at 6.50 a.m., 10.25 a.m. * (Express),and 4.45 p.m.—the latter pro ceeding no farther wan Timaru. T»tnra AKEIVB AT ASHBURTON FBOM Ohbistohuboh at 10 16 a.m. (Express), 4.35 p.m., Mid 7.15 p.m. Trains Arrive at Ashburton from xqcAbtt and, South at ,10.40 a.m., 6.27 p.m. (Express), and 8 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails-close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — ulFdiKGhnstchurch and North at 6 a. id. iO.3Q «nk, and 6 p.m., daily. For ChertseyUakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. _ For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, sald&eam, Bangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine-, at 10 a.m. daily. b , J?ox. Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., "For Timiwa and South, at 6 a.m., 10 а. and 4.30 p.m., daily. ,!• For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays, and Saturdays, at 3.30 p,m. For. tfqant Somers, on Tuesdays and ■itmtrdays,- at 6 a.in. and 4.30 p.m. ForMayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur- Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. ffFor SiSmifigtoo, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 430, p. in. For Wakahui,'Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. : Newhinds, on Tuesdays and Fri day* at 10.30 a.m. Arrive at the Ashburton Post ... Fran Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 s.m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. iTmnjn, daily. fl "Fnan iJuneoin and intermediate places at &3ft*\nu daily. Stout Temuka andTimaruat 10.40 a. m. б. 8 p.in. daily. Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 -;-r ■' : ’ From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.3 a.m. and 8.15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur day!, at lOaa.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long : beiA'at fiTa-m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Thursdays, and Sat* ~i Rewinds, on Tuesdays and Fri- K on Tuesdays, Thuts , days, and at 10 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1884. A Futile Meeting.

When the recent agitation concern ing the want of employment was got up in Christchurch, we had grave doubts as to whether affairs were in such a bad state as certain people would have us believe. It is not as a rule the honest working man who, when he falls upon evil times, delights to shout the story of his wrongs and misfortunes from the sides of the street and the tops of the houses. This is the part played by the blatant demagogues who always come to the fore on occasions like this;

The scum

That rises uppermost, when the nation boils. We do not say that trade is not' in a depressed state in some localities in the colony, but we feel sure that a large percentage of the Christchurch agitators was composed of men who prefer loafing to working. Had it been otherwise the offer of the Minister of Public Works to provide employment temporarily for those in urgent want would have been gladly accepted, and it was a curious commentary upon the Christchurch agitation that at the very time the cry of want of work was raised, skilled labor was being imported from Wellington to Canterbury. On the whole, it is matter for congratulation that Mr Mixchelson and Mr Rolles ton assumed a firm attitude towards the deputation which waited upon them and it is to be hoped that the majo rity benefitted from what was said to them. But there was one fact which the recent movement has brought to light which is by no means pleasant to contemplate. It is to be feared that there is fast being developed in this colony that most objectionable mem ber of a community, the professional agitator. The average working man is one of the most gullible of God’s crea tures. Sublimely ignorant of practical politics himself, he is only too ready to put faith in the apostles of those new fads for the regeneration of the world which are being enunciated every day. As a proof of this, we have only to point to the so-called representatives of the working classes in our present parlia ment—those whose candidature was supported by the Trades and Labor Councils and similar irresponsible bodies. We venture to say that none of these members will ever do any real work in the House; their energies will be expended in mere talk, which, though it may tickle the ears of the groundlings, can have no other result than to delay the business. The pro fessional agitator we have referred to found his opportunity in Christchurch the other day; indeed it is in times of depression, when a spirit of discontent is not unnaturally engendered, that he always makes his appearance, A meet ing was called for the purpose of form ing a Working Man’s Protection Asso ciation, and the following programme was put forward; —“ 1. Manhood suff rage on the basis of a six months' quali fication; 2, both Houses of Parliament to be elective, with payment of mem bers; 3, the system of triennial Parlia ments to be adhered to; 4> protection against certain imports; 5, a land and income tax; 6, the fostering of colonial industries and resources; 7, modifica tion of land laws; 8, no further pensions to be granted, but a reduction in num ber of existing civil servants and of salaries; 9, no further free or assisted immigration for the tinie being; 10, canvassing at elections to be made unlawful; 11, eight hours to be a legal day’s work. This “platform,” as the Americans term it, is extensive enough, embracing as it does all the principles, which, according to the extreme radicals, should govern the world when the raillenium arrives. We are glad to say, however, that the meeting was a perfect fiasco, and that after a good deal of demagogic oratory had been expended, it was decided to abandon the very elaborate programme which had been prepared. The speakers, as is not unusual on these occasions, were for the most part quite unknown to fame, the solitary exception being Mr An drews, a whilom Christchurch member of the House of Representatives. Even he opposed the establishing of the sug gested Association, but his opposition evidently arose from a fear lest it should interfere with an existing institu tion. However, the meeting will not have been an unmixed evil if it serves to convince the working men of Christ church that their true friends are not the blatant demagogues who pander to their ignorance, but those who take the trouble to study the labor question and bring to the solution of the problem intelligence and experience.

The New Zealand Shipping Company have declared alO per cant, dividend for the half year ended December last.

Information has been laid against a well-known Otago resident for having neglected to send in a statement of his property, as required by the Property Assessment Act. The case will probably be heard on Friday next. The latest with regard to Donald Din nie is that he is likely to perman ently settle in Dunedin. He has de posited L 25 towards a match with Mathe son at ham uer throwing, and he challen ges Hudson, the wrestler, to meet him in five styles of wrestling. Mr Alexander, the Australian Blondin, intends giving an open air performance in Ashburton to-morrow evening. The site chosen for the entertainment is the pad dock opposite Beecher’s Central Hotel, and as Mr Alexander has a reputation as a funambulist second to none in the colo nies, he should receive hearty support, especially as ho has been very unlucky of late. A band will be in attendance.

At the Auckland Police Court yesterday morning Edwards, the pedestrian, was charged with committing wilful and cor rupt perjury by swearing at the Resident Magistrate’s Court that his signature to a cheque was a forgery. It was stated that a warrant had been issued in V- ellington for his arrest. The Court, decided, how ever, in the absence of a warrant that they could not take action on the telegram and dismissed the case, b dwards sailed by the mail steamer for San Francisco in the afternoon.

The quarterly meeting of the South Rakaia Library Committee was held on Monday evening. Present—Messrs Hardy (in the chair), Dixon, Bfoadbent, and Mutter. The late librarian (Mr Ellis) having resigned and left the district, Mr J. M. Broadbent was appointed at Ll 5 per annum. After the question of adding to the building and making a room for the ladies had been discussed (but nothing definitely arranged), accounts were passed for payment and the meeting adjourned. Messrs Carron and Baty, who have been prospecting in the Upper Mokinhui district for some months past, arrived in Westport yesterday with 17oz of alluvial gold, the result of twelve dayo’ work, ia eluding nuggets ranging from 4oz sdwt downwards, also fine gold. The locality where the gold was got is equi-distant from Mokinhui and Reefton and Lyell, and is within easy walking distance. The

gold was got at the edge of the creek. Thirty men are on the ground. No work has jet been dene in any claim, but the prospectors say the value of the discovery cannot be stated. At the Wellington Supreme Court yes terday Geo Gedge pleaded “<>uilty” to the charge of horse stealing, and was re manded for sentence The case of child murder against Kate Boyle occupied the Court the whole day. At bx o’clock the jury returned with a ver liar, of “ Guilty,” but while in a state of insanity. His Honor said that was tantamount to a ver dict of “ Not guilty.” The foreman in timated that the jury did not wish to en tirely exonerate the prisoner, and they again retired to further consider their verdict, and at 10.15 last night returned with a verdict of “NotJguilty, with a plea of insanity.” His Honor ordered the prisoner to be kept in strict custody until the Colonial Secretary’s pleasure should be known. The installation of officers of the Star of Ashburton Lodge, No 161, U. A.O. D., for the current six months took place at their lodge-room, Arcade Chambers, last eveiing, and was conducted by P. A. Bro Nathaa in a very able and impressive manner. The following is a list of the officers elected :—Junior Past Arch, Bro

Higgins; Arch Druid, Bro Bickford; Vice Arch, Bro Elston ; Treasurer, Bro. IJndrill; Secretary, Charles Word ; Arch Druid Bards, Bros Smith and Spicer ; Vice Arch Bards, Bros Taylor and Jeffs ; Inside- Guardian, Bro Carter ; Outside Guardian, Bro Brown. The Installation Officer was P; A. Bro Nathan, Mistletoe Lodge, Christchurch. The business of the Lodge was of a various but important character. After the installation cere mony had taken place votes of thanks were passed to the retiring officers and to P.A. Bro Killick and Nathan.

The monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held in the Library on Monday evening. Present Messrs Hardy (chairman), Howell, Cox, Kemble and Broadbent. The master’s report was read and considered satisfac tory. Average attendance for the quar ter, 129'1 ; working average, 130’2 ; aver age during past month, 116 ; ditto past week, 119; highest attendance, 155; number on roll, 169. The Chairman stated that after paying all accounts owing there would be a balance in hand of LlO. A list of members’ attendances was read, one having put in an appearance only three times, and it was decided not to publish the list and thus spare his feel ings. Accounts amounting to Ll 4 7s were passed for payment, and the meeting ad journed. At an hotel in the Rangitikei district during Christmas-tide, according to the local paper, the inmates were aroused in the middle of the night by a great noise downstairs, by the sound of which it seemed that the devil had been let loose amongst the crockery or bottles. The proprietor quietly aroused the servants, and the whole body, having hastily donned their garments around themselves as best they could, proceeded downstairs. Here the pluckiest of the party assumed the lead, and a thorough search was made without any success in discovering the midnight burglar. Suddenly one of the party shouted out that he saw a black shadow rush into the end room, the dour of which was found to be slightly ajar. The door was pulled to and secured, while a consultation was held As there waa no possible exit from the room except by the door, the prisoner was safe enough, and one of the party suggested that the con stable should be fetched. This was negatived on the ground that he lived several miles away. It was eventually decided to make an attack on the prisoner. Not a sound was heard inside the room. The door was therefore cautiously opened, when instantly “something” rushed a* the leader of the party, causing him to shriek with fright. Much alarm was created as the “black shadow” rushed past, apparently on its hands and knees. It was seen to get into another room, and there it was discovered that the “ black shadow ” waa a large black cat, half mad with fright. The front door was opened, the cat chased out, and the party returned to their beds. And here ended the cat story, fortunately without any catastrophe further than a few token bottles.

Young and feeble mothers with frail children will both become strong by the use of Hop Bitters, Read. -[Advt.] These old people whose blood has become thin and steps feeble are praising Hop Bitters for the good they have done them. See.— [Advt.] , , Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions—Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious cathartic. 5d and is. Moses, Moss and C 0.,. Sydroy, General Agents. I “ German Syrup.”—No other medicinejm the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis» tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afljicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go -to your Druggist and ask what they know about in. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case,—[Advt.]

T e Auckland Harbor Board request Pilot Burgess to resign in consequence of the many complaints against him. They also instruct the pilots in future to take no liquor from ships when leaving them.

A Rationalistic Association has just been formed in Auckland (Mr A. Camp bell, president), which contemplates hold ing Sunday services in the forenoon, Sabbath school in the afternoon, and social gatherings, lectures, and debates on Sabb ith evenings.

At the settling on the Auckland Sum mer Meeting yesterday afternoon, the following amounts were paid away :—R. Vallanoe, £714 8s; W. Pilbrow, L 517 15s; Major George, L 429 8s; W. Bobbett, L 422 355; D. Butler, L 282 5s ; J. Leonard, L 214 14s; Win. Somerville, L 190; W. Robertson, Ll4B 4i; B. Thompson, Lll2 2s ; W. Poiter, LlO3 lls ; J. Marshall, L 95; Foster, LSO 7s; Houghton and Shie'ian, L 88; W. Barr Brown, Ll 5 5i ; D. McKinton, Llls Total, L 3,343 2s. At the Auckland criminal sessions John Fitzgerald for larceny received two years; Peter Harper, for unlawfully wounding, four months ; Wm. Good, for maliciously wounding cattle, was discharged. Joseph Antonio was charged with larceny. The prosecutor showed that the watch and chain were stolen in Melbourne from the steamer Waitara, consequently his Honor said this Court had no jurisdiction. He directed the jury to find a verdict of “Not Guilty,” and prisoner was dis charged. Before tenders for the Calliope Dock were opened at Auckland, the Harbor Board’s engineer submitted a report, which stated that when he gave the opinion that this work would be com pleted for L 120.000, the estimate was a general one, in the absence of full quau ties of materials and labor required for the dock. As the dock was now to have 33ft of water on the sill instead of 26ft, and as he had now the full quantities before him, he estimated the total cost at L 176.700 for the whole work. He had erred in making the work of such a quality, th it its cost far exceeds the sum available. He advises a modification of the plan by using timber face work in place of a portion of the heavy retaining walls, local hydraulic lime for Portland cement, the substitution of a less expen sive concrete, by which L 46,000 could be saved, and the work brought within the means of the Board. The report was considered by the Harbor Board at its meeting yester ay afternoon. A short but sultry discussion took place, in which the Engineer was censured all round for his great miscalculation of the cost of the dock, and his change of opinion at the eleventh hour. Only Messrs Mays, McKenzie, Lamb and Ait ken spoke in favor of opening the tenders on Mr Mays’ motion. They were ac c rdingly opened, as he said, so that the saddle for the blunder might be put on the right horse. They were—Hunt and White, L 183.486; Cameron, Button and Co., L 179.103; Darnel Fallon, L 157,000; John Taylor, L 190,979. The Engineers’ report and the tenders were referred to the Dock Committee, to report to next meeting of the Board. 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. i Holloways Ointment and Pills. — Diseases of the Bowels.—A remedy, which has been tested and proved in a thousand dif ferent ways, capable of eradicting poisonous taints from ulcers and healing them up, merits a trial of its capacity for extracting the internal corruptions from the bowels. On rubbing Holloway’s Ointment repeatedly on the abdo men a rash appears, and as it thickens the alvine irritability subsides. Acting as a deri vative, this unguent draws to the surface, re leases the tender intestines from all acrid mat ters, and prevents inflammation, dysentery, and piles, f«r which blistering was _ The old fashioned, though successful treatment, now from its painfulness fallen into disuse, the dis covery of this Ointment having proclaimed a remedy possessing equally derivative, yet. per fectly painless powers. —[Advt.

ANNEXATION AND FEDERATION.

The Hon F. Whitaker, one of the dele gates to the late Intercolonial Confer ence, addressed a public meeting last night in the Theatre Royal on the pro ceedings of the Conference, and the ques tion of Federation and Annexation, h'is Worship the Mayor presided. There was a good attendance. On coming forward Mr Whitaker was well received. He said—lt was not a matter of surprise to him, on coming to Auckland, to learn that the citizens were anxious to know what had been done at the late Convention, but he felt it due to Government to consult it before making any address, in case he complicated mat ters or embarrassed the action of the Go vernment. The Premier telegraphed to him that he saw no objection to his giving an address on the proceedings of the Cortven tion. He might at the outset say that the proceedings throughout were of the moat friendly character, and he never met a body of men more fully bent op doing their duty to the colonies they represente i than those he met at Sydney. If ever it was his lot to act as a delegate again he hoped to meet such a body of men, or men actuated by a similar spirit. He and his colleague were favorable]to the admission of the Prsss, but the majority of the delegates opposed it, and gave, he must say, cogent reasons. In carrying on the business the delegates determined to have no long speeches, but to trans act the matter in a free conversa tion, which proved very useful. Some things were said in conversation about the °French convict scheme which it would have been highly impolitic to have published in the press, as it would have given rise to great unpleasantness with the French authorities. The New South Wales Parliament was also sitting at the time, and it would have hampered the action and the speech of the New South Wales delegates, and complicated matters in the Legislature of that colony. The lecturer then detailed the circumstances which led to the meeting of the Confer ence, viz., the annexation of New Guinea by the Queensland GovernmeUt, and the disavowal of such step by the Imperial authorities. He thought the action of the Imperial authorities not unreasonable, as isolated colonies might make discordant proposals as to annexation which the Home Government could not adopt or entertain. When the Australian colonies combined and agreed on a common policy with regard to annexation, federation and the South Sea Islands, their representa tions would bo listened to by the Imperial Government. The question arose in appointing the delegates to the Confer ence as to how they were to be selected. It was agreed as the respective Govern ments had to be responsible, and carry matters through, the gentlemen appointed should be connected with thp several ad ministration - He would have been glad to see Sir G. Grey at the Conference, and would have worked with him, but dele gates of other colonies might have objected to New Zealand being excep tionally represented. He (Mr Whitaker) was the only delegate present who, though holding office when the Convention was arranged, was not in office at the time, Sir G. Grey, in his lata address on federa tion, had gone over many of the points he intended to have dealt with, and it was not necessary to do so at length. The delegates never pretended to have power to bind the colonies they represented. They only met to discuss questions which might arise, and then to recommend jointly to the Legislatures of the colonits they represented a common scheme which they deemed best to pursue, leaving it to the representatives of the people to ac

cept or reject. The Sydney Press showed lamentable ignorance on this subject, and an impression was given that *he colonies would wake up to find their liberties gone and vested in a Convention. Nothing was more absurd. Another fallacy was that it was a meeting of private gentlemen on a holiday excursion. Their appoint ment as delegates was as authoritative an act as could be made by the tiovernments concerned. The Convention kept to three subjects principally, the aunexation of New Guinea, French convicts and federa tion. All sorts of schemes were pro pounded, and letters forwarded to them, which if they had been entertained and discussed would have kept the Convention yet in session. They every topic, from the extermination of rabbits to the colonisation of certain of the South Sea Islands. The Convention simply ig nored them. As to the annexation of New Guinea he had teason to believe it would be an accomplished fact within six months. With regard to the French convict transportation scheme, he believed they were justified in taking any and every meins to prevent an influx of French criminals into the Australasian colonies, and he had taken action in the Conference on the subject. New Zealand was deeply interested in the federation of the South Sea Islands with the Australasian group. Fiji, it was understood at the Conference, was willing to come in. Nothing could be done with Tonga and Samoa without a breach of international law, unless by their own desire to come into the Austra lasian federation. It was necessary, also, to get certain other South Sea Islands put in that position, s > that if not annexed, at least they were put beyond the grasp of foreign Powers. The French the other day took possession of Easter Island, and were going on encroaching owing to the supineness of the British Government; and if the French authori ties succeeded in their wicked scheme of casting their criminals wholesale upon the Pacific Islands they would become a pandemonium. The question of fedora tion r-'ceived great attention at the Con vention, and they went on the preoe dents of the Canadian Confederation as to the mode of action and exercise of powers, namely, to submit their concerted plans for approval to the several Legislatures. The lecturer showed the advantages to each colony were federal laws in force for fraudulent bankruptcy, extradition of offenders, cases of-wife desertion, copy right, weights, measures, etc. Instead of the Conference being regarded as desirous of the absorption of the liberties of the people, the Conference was entitled to theii gratitude. He had doubts of its success in the first instance, but these had been dissipated. The questions it had to deal with were not party questions, unity oi action was necessary. As he could not be a member of a Government again, the questions had no party character to his mind. If called upon to act as a delegate at any further Convention he would do a-, with pleasure, with ", Sir G. Grey or any other gentleman, in carrying out whate ei might be best for their adopted coun ry. The Governments represented at the Con ference intended to watch the course ol events, to keep the Imperial Government advised on the questions which the dele gates had d’seussed. Wo might not get federation to-day or to-morrow, but it was a necessity of the future, and he was glad hi-t name was associated with the initia tion of what he hoped would yet be the federation of the whole Pacific.’

Tho lecture was loudly applauded, and a motion that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to tho Hon F. Whitiker for his able and comprehensive address was car ried by acclamation.

CRICKET.

CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON,

The following concludes the match Can terbury v Wellington.' As will be seen by the scores Canterbury won by fifteen runs:— .

Wellington—2nd Innings. Wood, b Edser . ... ... ... 4 Roberts, b Edser ... ... ’' ... j Alpe, b Edser ... ... ... ... 28 Twist, b Edser , M i— 0 Blacklock, c Secretan, b Edser ... ... 6 Lynch, b Pocock ... ... ... ... O Heenan, b Edser .. ... ... 4 l Nicholls, b Pocock 25 Ronaldson, c Buchanan, b Edser ... 20 Holmes, b Edser o Lawson, not out ... 7 Extras 9 Total 147 The visitors; were entertained at a din* ner last evening, when the Hon. W, Rol leston and Mr J. E. Fit? Jerald were pre sent.

VICTORIA v NEW SOUTH WALES.

The following was the score in the first innings of Victoria : P. S. McDonnell, c Oleeve, b Garrett 15 G. J. Bonnor, 0 Garrett, b Jones ... 41 T. Horan,'b Garrett ... 126 P. Lewis, b Garrett 15 W. Midwinter, c Murdoch, b Evans 16 Q. E. Scott, not out 114 F. Walters, b Evans ... ... ... 25 J. M. Blackham, b Garrett 3 G. E, Palmer, run out 10 P. G. MoShane, lb n, b Garrett ... 25 H. F. Boyle, hw, b Garrett 1 Extras 29 Total 420 The chief scorers in the second in nings of New South Wales were— Bannerman, 34; Murdoch, 22; Evans, 11; Nunn, 24; and Mart, 29. In Vic toria’s second innings, in which seven wickets were lost for 136, the chief scorers were—M‘Shane, 17; Horan, 21; McDtinnell, 42; Scott, 12; Blackham, not out, 12; and Midwinter 10. Every one in the two teams bowled, except McDonnell, Blackham, and Walters, of Victoria, and Murdoch and Hall, of New South Wales. Midwinter was very destructive in New South Wales’ second innings, getting seven wickets for 54 runs. Garrett and Evans bowled all through Victoria’s second innings, with the exception of one over by Jones.

CRIMINAL SESSIONS.

Wellington.

[by telegraph.]

Wellington, To-day.

At the Supreme Court this morning, a young man, George Gedge, who pleaded guilty to horse stealing, was sentenced to two years. The case against Elizabeth Trenery, for larceny from the person is proceeding. The case of arson against Mullen has been postponed until Monday, owing to the abspnce of a material wit ness. It is probable that it will have tq be further adjourned as the Crown is un able to go on without his evidence. Elizabeth Trenery was convicted of lar? ceny from the person and sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[rBUTBR’s TRLEORAMS —COPYRIGHT.] Monetary and Commercial. London, Jan. 7. Consols have advanced to toij£. New Zealand securities remain as fol lows: Five per cent 10-40 Loan, Five per cent 1889 Loan, iosj4 Four and a half per cent, 1879-1904 Loan, Inscribed Stock, 100. The market rate of discount has fallen toa#, and is now per cent below the Bank rate. Colonial wheat has suffered a general decline of 6d per quarter. Adelaide, ex store, is now quoted at 45s 6d, and New Zealand, do, 38s to 435. Adelaide flour, 31s 6d. Tallow is unchanged. Australian, best beef, 395; best mutton, 445, Best Scotch pig iron has further fallen 6d per top, and is quoted to-day at 465, f.0.b., in the Clyde.

The Colonial Exhibition. The various Colonial Agents-General to-day waited upon the Duke of Buck ingham, Chairman of the Executive Commission for the Colonial Exhibi tion, to be held in London in 1886. His Grace took occasion to urge the colonies to take an immediate share in the exhibition of matters connected with health and food education to be held in London this year, also to cable the amount of space they will and announced that the time for the reception of exhibits had been extended. Sir P. Cunliffe Owen, who was present, urged that the attention of the public should be called to colonial products by arranging for exhibitions of cooking and eating. The Agents-General cor dially acquiesced in the suggestions of the Duke and of Sir Cuncliffe Owen as likely to lead to results both useful and beneficial to the colonies. Fatal Fire in a Convent. Nbw York, Jan. 7. A serious fire occurred last night at a convent at Belleville, Illinois, result ing in the destruction of the building and the death of twenty-seven nuns and pupils, who perished in the flames before assistance could reach them. Resigned. Alexandria, Jan. 7. The members of the Egyptian Minis try have tehdered their resignation to the Khedive.

Egyptian Affairs. Cairo, Jan. 7. It has transpired that the Khedive has acquiesced to the demand of :the British Government regarding Soudan, and it is now definitely decided' to withdraw the troops therefrom, and to post a strong garrison at the entrance to the desert in the neighborhood of the second cataract on the Nile. It is believed here that the Khedive- will ultimately place the Government in the hands of a Cabinet formed exclusively of British subjects. No official declara tion has, however, yet been made, and the position of affairs in connection with the political crisis is unchanged; [Received Jan. 9, 1.13 a.m.] The Frozen Meat Arrivals. London, Jan. 8. The cargo of frozen mutton by the lonic from Lyttelton has arrived in good condition generally, but part was damaged by fire (sic). A quantity of the shipment was placed on the market to-day and realised 5%d per lb. The cargo of mutton ex steamship C|u|na borazo, from Sydney, is fetching 4%d per lb.

AUSTRALIAN.

[bKDTEK’s TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] [Received Jan. 9, 1.13 p.m.] Shipping. Melbourne, To-day. Sailed, last evening—Waihora, for the Bluff.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] The North Island Surveys New Plymouth, To-day." A deputation waited on Major, Atkin son last night, urging that more sdrvey parties should be engaged in exploring the country for the trunk line to Auoklandas it was impossible for one or two parties to get through the work properly during the short time the weather allowed the ex ploration of the bush country.. Ho pro raised to communicate with the Surrey Department, A report is current 4hat some turbulent natives met Mr Oarkeek inland and threatened violence to him or any other surveyors who should be met with.

The Premier.

Wellington, To-day.

The Takapuna, from Manukau was un able to call at New Plymouth this morn ing, so that the Premier will have to come overland to Wellington, probably arriving here to-moirow afternoon. Shipping. Ohfistchurch, To-day. The British King did not get away yesterday as stated, owing to the deser tion of some of tha men, but nails this afternoon.

The barque Ada Melmore from London, 98 days out, arrived this morning. South Sea Island Curios.

Dunedin, To-day.

The Dayspring brings a quantity of South Sea Island curios for our museum,. The Manapouri.

The Manapouri, drawing 13ft forward and 15ft aft, is berthed at the'Rattray street wharf. )

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1884.



R. V. »TON GlAßDwi* for' 'all” noticea under tHe /r r ,' _-•> •' '-* rj reditor* Acts.



Wanted WANTED —A good general SER VANT. Apply Mbs Charles Beaddeli., Havelock street west. 1 42 WANTED —A married COUPLE. Ap ply personally or by letter, to E- H. Dobson, Lowcliffe, Hinds. 1 55 WANTED— By a respectable young girl, a light PLACE in a small family; good references. For address, apply to Guardian Office. 1 45 WANTED to Buy—A small second hand fire-proof SAFE, ktate price, maker and size to Box 45, Post Office, Ashburton. 1 44 WANTED- SITUATION3 for gene ral servants, housemaids and nurse girls. Apply Mbs Hodge’s Registry Office, Tanored street. 1 63 WANTED Knovrn—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin worth Is 9d st 6d per yard- WAN TED Known—For Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. C. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED TENDERS —For HAR VESTING bOO Acres of Wheat. Tenders to be in by 12th January. H. T. Winter. 1 17 rj HE EWE SHEARING will com f mence at Coldstream on Thursday, 10th January, 1884. A few extra HANDS wanted. 0. H; Dowding, 116 WANTED Known— H. James will sell Potatoes and all kinds of Vege tables, cheaper than any ether house in town; and all kinds of Cabbage Plants. | Saunders’ Buildings. 1 64



WANTED TENDERS For CUT TING and TYING 200 Acres, more or less, of Wheat. Tenders re ceived up to 15th inst., stating what reaper used. John Emerson, Epporston Farm, Hinds. 1 60 'VTT'ANTED Known—That H. Jambs Vy has taken over the market garden from E. Ling, Hampstead, and intends carrying on a RETAIL BUSINESS in Saunders’ Buildings. Vegetables and Frmt supplied fresh daily. 1 6 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, 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. 7600 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 s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2s 6«L Nokbs, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 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



TvIMANT AND COE beg to notify 8 / that they are REMOVING Into Shop lately occupied by ORB AND 00. (opposite Union Bank), which they will open on SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY sih, with a specially selected Stock of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS, &c VICTORIA HOUSE, Diinant and Coe, Ready Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Etc., Corner East and Tancrbd Streets. 9628 a.Sg a I o II o I s >ll*3 s 1 O H O I >■ ® _ 3 WWW hS ® 8® HSg u sr. ® 3 B o ® B q B Q o ST o 2 " a ® h o d c s S ILg. f* b r w g-s b a © a® Special Advertisements.



MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. ANDREWES BROS., East Street South, IS NOW OPEN. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YE GIFTS in great variety. AND Bazaar AND Fancy Fair



INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOB THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OP FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT 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 theshape of a still Lowbb Rats of. Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. ‘ Ashburton Branch: EAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. Jl A S HI O N HOU B 186, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH, E. C. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, PKETIOUB TO STOCK-TAKING.



FOR ONE MONTH COMHXKCUKO SATURDAY, JANUARY sth. The Entire Stock, including several im portant purchases of goods at about HALF PRICE, will 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 thapea and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweiss Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 50 per 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 OF 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 half their value SIMILAR REDUCTIONS In all Departments. For further particulars see circulars issued in Friday’s Press and Times.



Special Advertisement. N EW PIANOS, Iron Frame, full Tri chord and full compass, from £35. ORGANS, from £l2 12s. Very good second-hand PIANO, £32 10s. Cash or terms. H. M. J O N E S ; East street. 11 870



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO r - Jp DAVIS’S CHEAP, FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed best of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLEXBLT FTJKXISHF.D



, l.i ■ Dunedin ; i ' Dunedin, To-day. At the Supreme Court William&l‘Crain, convicted of robbery from a dwelling, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Pearce’s trial is fixed for Monday. Wells’ “ Rough qn CoB,NSj”;_-Ask f 0 Wells’ “ Rough on Corns.” 7%d. Quick re lief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., bydney, General Agents. *



Public Notices. LOST, from Winslow, Bay MARE (hack), brand on off shoulder;'White spots on back. W. Retell, Window^ ■ 'W Ten shillings reward-lost, One Dark Bay MARE branded TW pa off shoulder. Apply, Guardian ofljee. 1 LL ACCOUNTS owing to of Leslie Theobald Washer, of i d . r Spread Eagle Hotel, must be PAID-.at ones to the undersigned, or legal proceed ings will be taken. - , , i f ' B. HUGHES, 1 28 Trustee.' ACTION TO, BATHERS. 0 Persons BATHING in the Cahtetbjprjr Mill Rape without en permu^ipi^ REWARD.—LOST, Three Dark jbl Bay Draught HORSES—twomufci and one gelding ; gelding branded O da necß, one mare branded with (half circle) on near shoulder. Above reward will bo paid on delivering same to ARTHUR BDB, 1 46 Alford Forest,