SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Timaru, s.s., from Westport. Rotorua, b.s., from Dunediu. Sailed. Yesterday. Lizzie Grey, brigantine, for Havelock. Clematis, ketch, .or Pelorus Sound. Examiner, barque for Greymouth Rotorua, s.s., for ManuWu and way ports. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed— Eleanor Vernon, for New York; AdaO. Owen, for Rarotonga ; Omaha, for the Chatham Islands ; Stormbird, for the the Sou Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived—Koranui, from the South ; Maori, from Greymouth; Southern Cross, from Gamer u. . Sailed— Edwin Bassett, for Newcastle , Southern Cross, for the North ; Koranui, for the West Coast; Agnes, ketch, and schooner Croydon Lass, for Ly ttelton.! .. • A Du.>euin Yesterday. Arrivad— Waitarapa, from the North ; Linda Weber, from Western Australia, Omapere, from the West Coast. Sauted—Mahin apua, for the West Coast, Coptic, for Lyttelton J • hl ß sr N ®? > ? London ; Ta Anau. for the North , Hau rotb, for Sydney, via Lyttelton and Vv el* lington. ■—

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Thursday afternoon. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. report upon the live Stock market for the week end ng December 2nd as follows;—On Tuesday we held our usual weekly sale a) tee Tin a aid Yards of sheep, cattle and igs. The cataLgu ■ for th day was a good and varied one, both in sheep ana ca-tle, end the bidoing more spirited, especially in cattle. The attendance was larger than we have seen for some ime.. In fat sheep the n.a ket was well supplied with (rood shorn crossbred wethers and both wool.y and shorn merino wethers. In stores there were several pens of merino ewes and lambs with a fair percentage and some shorn cros brel hoggets and nurmo wethers. In cattle there was a varied entry of both fat, spnngeis and stores, all of which sold at prices sightly in advance of late rates. We sold cross -ed shorn fat wethers 14s id, do ewes 13s, do hog lets lls sd, fat merino wethe s shorn 7s id o 7s XO ; stores, wooly crossbred ewes 13s 6d, shorn crossbred hog.ets II- 9 d, S 1 *ner mo ewes 10s 2d, 13= 6d, shor.i <• -> ’ . catt e, f t htifers 14 js. 1-5 I2s 6d > 16 2s 6d .' • L Ti rfc 1.25 6 14.1 Is ; cows in springers, L 3 153, J-4 2s o x *o . pro t L 4, L 4 ios. L 5 12s 6d, L$ !s>, to. 16 17s 6d; store steirs, L 3 Ss; yeailmgs, 355, heifers, L2 13s.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction sales. Friday, December 5 MrThos. Bullock, at tie Arcade, Burnett atreet— Bankrupt Stock Saturday, December 6 Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Tatter aall’a—Horses and Sundries Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Saleroom - Furniture, Game Fowls, etc. Tuesday, December 9. Messrs Matson, Cox and Oi., at the Ashburton Sal eyards—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. This Evening Loyal Orange Lodge—Monthly Meeting, in the new Orange Hall, at 7.30 p.m. Saturday, December 6. Afakanui Road Board, at Koad Board office, Moore atreet, at 10.30 a. m. Monday, Decembb t 8 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7. Tuesday, Decembb \ lb St Stephen’s Church—Garden Party in the Parsonage grounds Fbiday, December 26. Loyal Orange Lodge—Concert and Ball in the Town Hall Friday, January 6 Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

ivraila close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and. North at ba.ni. 10.30 a.in., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertaey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m. tnd B p.m. daily. For Dunedin,Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. ■for Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a,n-.., For Time's South, at 6 a. m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 pan., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 *’For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafiold, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For ilonnt Somers, on Tuesdays and eturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Abhtm, Waterton and Longheaoh, *t 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. in. For .Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. JMails arrive at the Ashburton Post **Frnm Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 «.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Cbertsey, «fcc. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.35 p.m- daily. . , , A . From Dunedin ana intermediate places at 5.3'' 1 -i.m. daily. Froux Temuka and Timaru at 10,40 a. m. 5.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, "Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 From Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. and 8,15 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long headi at 10 a.m. daily. Fiom Rowlands, on Tuesdays ana Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat- I or avs, at 4 p.m.

DEATH.

Tbevok—On Wednesday, December 3rd, at Trevorton, Matilda, the wife of James E. Trevor.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1884.

The following is the Inspector’s report on the Chertsey District School: —Attend- ance.—Number on roll, 24 ; number pre sent, 24 ; average last quarter, 22 ; aver age last week, 18 ; percentage of attend ance to roll number, 100. Staff and dis tribution—Mr D. Todd, mister; Mrs Todd, sewing-mistress. Remits of exa mination in Standards. —Presented in Standard VI., 1; do V. ,1; do IV., 1; do TIL, 1 ; do, If. 8 ; do I, I—total, 14. Passed. —Standard VI , 0; V., 1; IV.) 1; 111., 1 ; 11., 8; I, I—total, 12. Not prepented to pass a higher Standard, 1; percentage passed, 86 r percentage of roll number presented, 58 ; below Standard L, 9. General remarks.—ln this small school all the Standards were attempted, and with two exceptions the children suc ceeded in what they undertook. The boy who failed in the Sixth Standard had not made more than half of the possible attendances. The answering of the younger children whose attendance was fairly regular during the year was on the whole good. The children generally did _hast in reading, spelling, and writing. The geography of the Second Standard was not good, the position of the conti nents and oceans not being known. The copy and exercise books throughout wore very neat and carefully written. Except that elementary science had not been taught, the prescribed course of instruc tion is followed. Reasonably good order is kept.—W. L. Edge, Inspector, Nov. 1884.

Mr D. M. Spedding sold by auction at Dunedin yesterday afternoon the gold mine and plant of the Cromwell Quartz Mining Company, situated at Bendigo, near Cromwell. The lot was started at LSOO, and, after some spirited bidding, was finally knocked down to Mr J. Mit chell, of Messrs Ferguason and Mitchell, for L 1,075. A great deal of interest was taken in this sale, the auction room being crowded. The Dunedin City Council, in reply to the Tramway Company s request for the extended term to enable them to substi tute another mode of traction for horses, has agreed to grant another twenty-one years’ concession from the end of the pre sent term. It is with deep regret and much sym pathy for the lady’s bereaved friends that we have to record the death of Mrs Trevor, which occurred yesterday. The deceased lady has been resident in the district for many years, and in addition to winning the affection and esteem of a largo circle of intimate friends, has unos tentatiously worked with unflagging zeal to alleviate the condition of the poor and the distressed. Many instances of her truly Christian charity arejwithin our own knowledge, and many others are reported to us by friends and recipients of her bounty, who delight to honor a life spent in good works. Recently Mrs Trevor has not enjoyed good health, and she has been compelled to abandon many of the social avocations in which for many years she occupied a place whjch Will long remain unfilled. The usual monthly meeting of the Tin wald (School Committee was held last evening. Present—Messrs Shearer (in the chair), Smith and Low. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The schoolmaster reported No. on the roll as follows;—lst Nov. 120; 29 h Nov., lid; average attendance for Nov., 8193; highest attendance, 101. The Christmas holidays were fixed from December 22nd, the school to re-open on February 2nd, 1885, the Secretary in the meantime to taka steps re the annual treat and prizes, and to call a special meeting to arrange matters. Leave of absence was granted the pupil teacher to attend the examination in Christchurch on December 17th. The Inspector’s yearly report was also received and con sii ered satisfactory, a very fair percentage having passed in each Standard. Mr Edge makes the follo\ving remarks in his goner.il report : —“ Since the last examin- J ation there has been a very considerable j recreate in tne enrolment, and the regu- j

la) ity, when compared with what was formerly the orse, has certainly improved. The buildings and ground were in fair order, and considerable care appeared to bo taken of the furniture and apparatus. 'Taking all circumstances into considera tion, the children presented in the higher Standards passed a fairly creditable ex amination, and with few exceptions the . children examined in the lower Standards ; of preparatory classes did very wall, their answering being full and : fairly accurate.” Several accounts were passed for payment and the meeting adjourned,

“ GERMAN Syrup.”—No other medicine in he 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 Jree of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted 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 it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.—[Advt.]

In the Napier Supreme Court yesterday John Sylvester was charged with firing at Chambers, railway inspector, with intent to murder, and was found guilty, and sen tenced to ton years’ penal servitude. Two men, one an ex-army officer, were ac quitted on a charge of robbery from a dwelling-house near Tarawera The case was as clear as clay on prisoner’s own con fession, but it transpired that confession was obtained by promise given by the arresting constable that if they showed where a watch was hidden they should be liberated. Without the information con tained in the conftssion the charge cou’-d not have been proved, and the Judge told the jury to dismiss the confession from their minds.

The Now Zealand Shipping Company are endeavoring to make arrangemen a for regular visits to Auckland of their direct steamers, Auckland being made the first port of arrival alternately, or as often as trade and mail arrangements will permit. The General Committee of the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition comprise the names of all the members of the Legislature for the Wellington Provincial district, also the principal commercial gentlemen and manufacturers of the city.

About twelve gentlemen are as yet oui as candidates for seats on the Board o: the Government Insurance Association.

The Red Queen (Mokibinui) crushing is proceeding sutisfactorily. On Tuesday night a rich run of atone was struck. Six pounds weight of, quartz crushed yester day gave loz 3dwts of gold. A large num ber of shares are held in Wellington. William Meldrum, a shanty keeper at Nenthorn, on the Otago Central line, was seriously assaulted at midnight on Mon day by three men named Lawrence White, Thomas Crowley and Gerald Fitz gerald. Meldrum died during removal to *he Hospital. The last two men are in custody, and the police are looking for the other.

At a quarterly meeting of one of the Dunedin City Licensing Committees yes terday several applications to extend the hours from ten to twelve o’clock, as in the southern part of the city, were refused. Some excitement was occasioned in Dunedin on Tuesday evening by the members of the North Dunedin Rifles and the Salvation Array falling foul of one another when marching in opposite direc tions. The Army officers aver that the Rifles purposely dispersed their members, and have lodged a complaint with the officer in charge of the Volunteer distric . Tenders will be shortly called for seven miles of plate laying on the Wingatui section of the Otago Central Railway, starting from the Wingatui section. The National Mortgage and Agency Co. of New Zealand, Limited, have received the following cable from their London office, under date 2nd inst.:—“Wool market weak, with irregularity of nrlces. . Good merino greasy shows advance of £d on opening rates.” At a meeting of the Longbeach District School Committee, held in the main school on Monday, the following members were present Messrs James Croy (in the chair), Bell, Donaldson, and Houston. The masters’ reports for the past month were read. That from Mr Malcolm of the main school showed the number on the roll to be 76, or an increase of three, but owing to sickness the average attendance had been low, viz, only 40 for the month. Mr Bramley reported tho roll number as 46, and an average of 31 attending. Mr W. L. Edge forwarded the report of his recent examination at the main school, showing the following numbers : —56 pre sent. ’ Standard Vl.—presented, 1; passed, 1. Standard V.—presented, 1 ; passed, 1. Standard IV.—presented, 7 ; passed, 5. Standard Hl.—presented 12 ; passed, 10. Standard ll.—presented, 10; passed, 10. Standard I.—presented, 7 ; passed, 7. Total presented in Standards, 38 ; passed, 34 ; faded, 4—or a total per centage of 89. Those who failed in Standard IV. had been very irregular in their attendance, through sickness and other causes, while those in Standard 111. are very young for their class Below Standard I. 18 were presented and passed. Mr Edge was pleased to say that the children at this school are being carefully and energetically taught an 1 show con siderable improvement, and those in the lower Standards and preparatory classes under the care of Miss Dawkins are quite as satisfactory ‘as those of the previous year. The sewing, taught also by Mias uavrkins, was very creditable. At the aide school under Mr Bramley—Presented in Standard HI., 4 ; passed, 4. Presented in Standard 11., 7 ; passed 7. Presented in Standard I, 4 ; passed, 4. Presented balow Standard 1., and all passed, 20— total percentage, 100. The teaching at this school appears to be painstaking, accurate, and vigorous, and considering the backward state of most of the pupils, good progress has been made and the pro ficiency attained is very creditable. The reports were considered by the Committee to be most satisfactory, and they desired to congratulate the master and mistress, and thank them for the manner they had conducted the schools, and for the pains taken by them in bringing the schools to their present favorable condition. Same business of the usual routine naturs hav ing been done, and the Christmas holidays fixed to close the school on the 24th inst. and ro-opan on the sth day of January, 1885, the meeting adjourned. A meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Summer Races was held last evening at the Commercial Hotel, when there was a good attendance,?|jMr T. Quill occupying the chair. It was de cided that the privileges in connection with the races, be offered at auction on Saturday, December 2Qth, by Mr Harri son. The Secretary was instructed to communicate with the Ashburton Brass Band, with the view of securing their aar-

vices on the race day, on the same terms

as last year. Mr Harrison resigned the offices of Treasurer and Clerk of the Scales, and MrT. Quill was elected to the former office and Mr Tasker to the latter. The other business transacted was of a routine character.

The privileges in connection with the Methven races and sports were sold by auction at Methven this afternoon. The

following prices were realised .-—Races : Publican’s booth (W, Rowse), LIS ; con fectioner’s booth (W, C. Davidson), L 5 10s ; right of sports (W. J. Hussey), L 3 ; gates (R. Patton), L 10; cards (R. Patton), LI; total, L 34 10s. Sports : Publican’s booth (R. Patton), Lll ; confectioner’s booth (V. Rouse), L 5; right of sports (W. J. Hussey), L2 10s ; total, LlB 10s. We know that there is nothing on earth equal to Hop Bitters as a family medicine. Look for. —[Advt. j 11 Buchu-Paiua.”—Quick, complete cure, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. Druggists. The N.Z. Drug Co. General Agents. 2

Ghat husband of mine is three times the mao he was before he began using “ Wells Health Renewer.” Druggists. The N.Z Drug Co., General Agents. 2 Tic-Doloureux, Toothache, or any other neuralgic pain speediiy yields to Baxter’s Anti- Neuralgic Pills. Holloway’s Pills, —The sudden changes, frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system, Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matteis, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bq,vcls. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkable effective, especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be re-establistied. —Advt.

Mr J. C. Wason passed through Ash burton by the express this morning en route for Dunedin, whore he intends to interview the Premier in respect to the Ashburton Forks Railway rate. It will be recollected that when the Bill intro duced by the present Government em powering them to take over the various private lines was rejected by the Legisla tive Council a resolution was adopted by I the House of Representatives authorising the Ministry to make some interim ar rangement with the companies pending the negotiations for the purchase of the lines. Dur ng the debate it was suggested that in the meantime the rates should not be sued for, and again that only two-fifths of the rates should be recoverable, and although no definite resolution was adopted on the subject, members left Wellington with the understanding that no harsh measures would be adopted to wards the ratepayers. However, an ad vertisement has appeared intimating that rates will be sued for if remaining unpaid, and Mr Wason, who has long been the acknowledged representative of the dis , affected ratepayers, has with commen dable promptitude proceeded to head quarters, where we trust his public spirited enterprise will obtain an equally prompt removal of the grievance. At the annual district meeting of the Canterbury Wesleyan Church, held at Christchurch yesterday, the Ashburton Circuit asked for an additional preacher to bestationedat Ashburton. The Revs Stand age, Rowse and Williams and Mr Jones sustained the request, which was unani mously recommended. The Judges of the Supreme Court have appointed Mr Seth Smith, District Judge at Auckland, Law Examiner, vice Mr Allan Holmes, resigned. A boy, the son of Mr Neave, had a wonderful escape from a fatal accident at Christchurch yesterday. He was driving across the railway at Montreal street when a shunting engine struck the cart, and smashed it, seriously injured the horse, and literally ballooned the boy, who fell down on the engine, and was carried

along for some chains before it was stopped. He was stunned, but not seri ously hurt. The Presbytery of Christchurch have a

serious difference on with the congrega tion of St Andrew’s Church. At the last meeting of the Presbytery several mem bers raised doubts as to the validity of the kirk session and the legality of the position of the present minister, the Rev W. Dinwiddie. A crowded meeting of the congregation was held last night and unanimously passed motions condemna tory of the Presbytery's action, and ask ing them to disavow the aspersion which they had allowed to pass unchallenged and thus tacitly confirmed. The quarterly meeting of the Ashburton Licensing Committee was held at noon yesterday. There were present Messrs Grigg (chairman), Dudley and McLean. Sergeant Felton reported favorably of the houses in the district. Mr Parnell ap plied for a confirmation of the temporary transfer of the license of the Hindhope Hotel from Ronald Montgomery to Thos. Richmond, which was granted. Fruit growers just now are complaining of an unprecedented visitation from green paraquets, birds even more mischievous than the English garden peats. We are informed that upwards of one hundred of these native trespasiers have been shot in a small garden duriag one day, and numerous smaller “ bags ” are reported As those birds display all the well-known sense and audacity of their species in defeating any protective measures placed between them and their luscious diet, they are likely to make serious raids upon ohorrios, currants and other frnita for which they have a particular predilection. It may be noted, although the advantage will hardly counterbalance the injury they effect, that Roquet of Paraquet is % dish of some merit.

Abraham Kulton, charged with drun kenness and being illegally on the pre mises of Mr O. Homersham, was this morning remanded by his Worship tee Mayor Until to-morrow. There was a good attendance at the Town Hall last evening, the occasion being the delivery of a gospel address by Dr A. H. Burton from England, The speech was earnest and el quent, and was listened to with great attention through out. Letters of naturalisation have been ismed to David Zander, Rudolph Ham burger and JLudwig Hamburger, of Ash burton. “ Rough on Rats,” —Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, tw-J-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack rabbits, gophers. Druggists, The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents, 2

TINWALD CHURCH ANNIVER SARY FESTIVAL.

The anniversary ' of St. Andrew’s Church, Tiatvald, was celebrated jester day by a tea meeting, which was in every way a great success. The attendance was somewhat .fleeted by the heavy downpour of rain which occurred during the after noon, but notwithstanding this drawback, a goodly number of people paid for admis sion. The large grain shed of Messrs FrieJlander Bros, was kindly placed at the disposal of the promoters of the festi val, and it having been very nicely decorated with fl iwers. and evergreens, made the interior look remarkably wel). The tables were five in number, and were bourn ifully supplied with good things Tne following ladies presided, and tbeir energies wore somewhat taxed to keep pace with the demand, viz:—Mesdames Grigg, Dudley, Carter, Scott Martin, Tippetts, Jephson, Garbett and Ball, and Miss Jackson. At the fruit table con siderable attention was paid to a large quantity of fine strawberries, but the supply was fortunately equal to the de mand, The Rev R. F. Garbett wishes ns to convey his best thanks to the ladies and *o all concerned in the festival ar rangements.

In the evening a concert, under the conductorahip of Mr Sidney Wolf, R.A.M., took place, and notwithstanding the bad weather there was a very large attendance. _ Those who braved the ele ments had their reward irv listening to an entertainment of a high class character, the singing throughout being very good. From Ashburton the following ladies gave their se. vices :—.Vlesdames Crisp, Hodge, Branson, Nixon and Misses Msxie, Kidd, G. Gates and Savage, while Mr Simpson and Mr G. Jameson rendered efficient as sistance. Of the purely local talent, Mrs Biggs and Mrs Tinpeta were the represen tatives, and Miss Thornton, from Christ church, sang tier two songs in a manner which ' elicited heirty applause. Mr Pusohell was in splendid voice,' and we have never heard him to greater advan tage than in a now song by Pinsuti, en titled “ The last watch,” ana he also ren dered that old favorite “My queen,” in excellent style. Mr Boyd, of the Christ church Cathedral choir, gave “Anchored” in a ma nor which earned him an unde niable encore, and a similar compliment was deservedly paid to Mr Simnson for his two songs. The whole of the items, indeed, were well received, and the only drawoack to the concert was the rain, which at times formed an undesirable ao'- c nnpainraent to the singing. The instru mental selections vere entrusted to Miss Maxie, who opened the c nicart with a pianoforte solo, Misa Ravage, whose vi -lin playing waa afo Aure of ih ; evening, and Mr Jameson, who not oniy cooti-muied a Arne solo, bucui-o furnished the obbligato fjr two songs of Mrs Hodge ana Mrs Crisp. Mr Wolf accompanied the singing, and after the concert wa> concluded he furnished the music for the dancing, which was kept up jjwitn spirit for some hours, 1

FEDERATION AND ANNfXATIOtf

The following memorandum on queS'

tions relating to federation and annexa tion of the South Sea Islands has been presented to the Cabinet by the Colonial' Treasurer, and has been forwarded to the Agent-General.

1. There are four subjects relating to die Islands calling more or less for a dis trict decision on the part of the Colony through its Legislature. 2. These questions are :—(a) The an-

nexation or establishment of a protector ate over Now Guinea and other islands ; (h) a contribution by the Colony to the cost of a High Commissioner and his staff in special relation to New Guinea; (c) The question of any of the islands in the douth Seas being used for the reception of con victs ; (d) The proposal to establish a Federal Council, it is better to deal with

those subjects separately, 3. (a) few Zealand has less direct inte rest in New Guinea than in the more easterly islands. The annexation of New Guinea or a large portion of it is of com mc.nding importance to Queensland be cause of its proximity to that colony, The establishment of a Foreign Power in the south-east of New Guinea would, in the course of time, be as disastrous to Queens land as would the foreign occupation of one of its islands be to New Zealand, or the foreign occupation of Tasmania be to Victoria. The southerly colonies of Aus-

tralia have somewhat more interest in the annexation of New Guinea than has New Zealand. The interests of the latter are mainly concerned in the annexation of the islands to the eastward of Australia, con sidering less their geographical position than the trade which has grown up with them. Victoria and New Soutn Wales have probably as much interest in the islands to the east as they have in New Guinea, so that ’in making New Guinea the most prominent subject of their representations, they have shown rare disinterestedness. Still, no colony has so much stake in any one island or group of islands as Queensland has in New Guinea, and the colonies were bound to look at the question from something more than a selfish point of view. It is well, however, that the situation should be distinctly understood, because there is no reason why New Zealand and the other colonies should carry their self-sacrificing disposition so far as to fail to press on the Imperial Government the immense im portance to jthem—now that the ques tion, as far as it relates to New Guinea, is settled- -of the annexation of the other islands. The Colonial Treasurer holds that the Parliament of New Zealand should be asked to express its approval of the annexation of tbe easterly islands, as well aamf New Guinea. The re-enact ment, slightly altered, of the following resolution, passed by the House of Re presentatives last year would seem to meet the case, so far as an expression of opinion is concerned —“ That the British Government should under existing cir cumstances take steps for the establish ment of its rule over such islands in the Pacific as are not already occupied by or under the protectorate of a foreign power, and the occupation of which by any foreign power would be detrimental to the interests of Australia.” It might, however, be better to follow more nearly the language of the resolutions passed by the Convention last year. It would em barrass rather than aid the Imperial Government to enter into the question of the conflicting interests to be considered in relation to the islands east of Australia and New Guinea. But it can do no harm to mike a special reference to the Tonga and Samoa Group of Islands, which are probably the most valuable of the islands yet unannexed. Though the Tonga Group is now ruled by an aged king, it is an open secret that whenever he dies there are likely to be such dis turbances on the islands as will make ttye natives glad to welcome the intervention of a strong Power. Viewing the situation of these islands with regard to Fiji, and putting apart all other considerations, there would seem to be no doubt that Great Britain should be prepared to in tervene at Tonga whenever the necessity arises. The Samoan islands possess ad vantages of which foreign Powers have shown themselves aware. Negotiations relating to them will probably be of a very delicate nature, and it is better to refrain from saying more than that they are fully as valuable to Great Britain as to other Powers. In relation to all these questions, it is clearly alike the duty and the interest of this colony to strengthen, and not to weaken the hands of the Im pedal Government, a point of great im portance to New Zealand which does not seem to have entered into the considera tion of the Sydney Conference, and yet one which is well worthy of careful de liberation The Colonial Treasurer than alludes to the Act passed last year, and which was reserved for Her Majesty’s approval, providing a machinery for en abling one or more islands to be annexed to New Zealand, As far as the other Australasian colonies are concerned, he says it must be batter in all respects that the islands unannexed should without ex pense to them become, in general, por tions of a constitutionally governed colony, in preference to a system of a Protectorate, or of Crown colonies. The Act makes it clear that the New Zealand Legislature is agreeable to an increase of the territory of the colony. It is greatly to be hoped that Her Majesty’s assent will be given to the Act. 4. (b) The contribution of L 15,000 asked for seems to be intended as an ex-

penditure on New Guinea, especially from what has already been said. It is clear, however, that this is an expenditure in which New Zealand has a minimum amount of interest, but the same in a less degree may bo said of Victoria, and it would be so impolitic of New Zealand to place itself outside the Australasian com bination that the Colonial Treasurer is favorable to 'the colony sharing the lia bility on the basis of its limitation to the same proportion of the whole contribu tion as the population of New Zealand bears to the total population of the Aus tralian colonies. In round figures this would amount to L2,5Q0 a year more or less.

5, (c) The restriction of convict settle ments in the Pacific is a question of over whelming interest to* the Australian

To soma extent they may keep the convicts from their shores by stringent legislation, but besides the inexpediency of stopping friendly relations by having to adopt such legislation, the injury does not stop with the actual Access to the colonies of the criminals themselves Their presence indeed in the colonies, where they could be to some extent held in restraint, is deplorable, as it would be

less injurious than that they should carry throughout the Pacific Islands their crime-stained instincts, and lay the foun dation in future generations of a lawless people. No representation on the sub-

ject can be too strong, but it is to be doubted if it is not better calculated to aid the British Government in its nego tiations that representations on the sub ject should be made to it direct, rathe* than fulminated in a manner calculated

to arouse the pride of a great nation. It should ue easy to show to France, from which country the danger is apprehended, that in the interests of her own posses sions in the Pacific, and of the large trade tint must grow up between them and the co onios, it would be co her onu advantage to seek some other part of the world, as a home for her criminal population. ft. (dj Upon the question of a Federal Council there seems to be some misunder standing, boih as to the exact nature of the proposal under consideration, and as to the extent of .he desire expressed f i federa ti ui by the Secretary for State for the Colonies, Practically the views of Lord 1

Derby as to saving the Imperial Govern ment additional expenditure aresufficient'y met by the Colonial Legislatures singly giving their guarantees to provide funds. This, it is proved, can be done without recourse to federation. The Federal Council BUI is a measure calculated to arouse mistrust, because it is impossible to determine what consequences may arise from it. Sir Julius Vogel then proceeds to detail his reasons for opposing the Federal Council, considering that the Bill either does not aim at federation or aims at foisting it on the colonies by gradually and involuntarily committing them to it. "he co'onies are not yet sufficiently agresd on the vital points to be readly for federation, and to decoy them ' into it is to run the chance of creating feelings of a nature so bitter that their one effort will be to subsequently free themselves. The Treasurer after summarising the leading features of the Bill concludes as follows :—lt really all comes back to this point, that as long as the colonies are not federated, as long as each is self-governed and the Government of each is respon sible to the local Legislature, so long will it be impossible for such Government to do ljustice to its responsibility, and yet alio* part of the powers it ought to exer cise to be exercised by others. There would be a constant struggle between each colony and the Federal Council. The . Imperial Government would espouse the rights of ihe Council, and would decline to receive separate representations, and there would be coolness and want of friendly understanding between the colo nies and the Colonial Office. The condi tions of representation (d) in* the Council would rot be satisfactory, to colonies which, like New Zealand, make their or dinary system of representation to depend mainly on the basis of population. A single large colony, with the aid of two or three smaller ones, might override the rest of the colonies possessing double the aggregate population. If the Council were a mere Convention to frame mea sures for the consideration and approval of the colonies separately, and to make recommendations to the colonial Govern ments on subjects of joint importance, but not to the Imperial Government, the basis of population would be of less con sequence. But these objections%re only directed against the measure as a Federal Council Bill. Were its object less am bitious, and did it merely aim at enabling the colonies to pass laws on subjects of common importance to them all, too much could not be said in its praise. The colonies have long felt the want of dealing with particular subjects by common laws, and should provide that no law should have force unless approved by the colonies separately.

SPORTING.

THE WELLINGTON CUP. The following weights have been de clared for the Wellington Gold Cap, to be run at Island Bay on Feb. 4th : at. lb. at. lb. Welcome Tigredia ...7 6 Jack ... 10 0 The Poet ... 7 6 Tasman ... 9 8 Bayard ... 7 5 Vanguard ... 9 7 Normanby ... 7 4 Lady Emma 9 0 Refrigerator 7 4 July ... Blt Armonrer ... 7 3 Salvage ... 8 9 Lady Evelyn 7 3 Leonora ... 8 7 Mokoia ... 7 2 JohnnyFaulk- Forerunner... 7 0 ner ... 8 7 Wiiberforoe 612 Turquoise ... 8 6 Moker ... 612 Sou’-wester 8 5 Main Boom 6 7 Black Rose... 8 2 Gaiters ... 6 7 Administrator 713 Witiora ... 6 6 Liverpool ... 710 Last Chance 6 2 Ito ... ... 7 10 Martha ... 6 0 Consul ... 710 Wanderer (late Fusilier ... 7 9 Carlton) ... 6 0 Ugly Buck ... 7 8 Woodstock ... 6 0 Tim Whifflar 7 7

C.J.C SXJMM R MEETING

For the Midsummer Handicap the following horses have been scratched ; Johnny Faulkner, Sou’-Wester and .kel son.

HSATHCOTE RACES.

l The following weights have been do ) dared for the Lower Heathcote Meeting, 7 to be held on December 26th and 27th > next ; j Handicap Hurdle Race. One and a half miles. , st lb st lb . Herrington Ravenswood 10 10 ('ate Mus- Madge ... 10 0 tard) ... 11 6 Bordeaux ... 9 6 Ardy ... 11 3 : Heathcote Handicap Cup. One and a half miles. i July ... 9 0 Supplejack 7 7 Tim Whiffler 8 8 Castile Filly 7 0 i Rally (late Ploughboy... 6 7 Whitoach) 8 4 Gem ... 6 0 Talebearer... 710 Sensation ... 6 0 Water King 7 7 Handicap Time Trot. Three miles. ; Oliver ... Scratch Doctor’s Wakatu ... 10 secs Mali 60 sees Lunatic ... 10 ~ Dolly ... 60 „ Randall ... 15 „ Filly ... 60 *„ Cock Robin 20 „ Tommy Princess (late Brown 60 ~ Peggy)... 25 ~ Energy ... 60 „ Mousie Girl 40 ~ Brownie ... 60 ~ Warrior ... 45 ~ Kittle ... 60 ~ Never Mind Daisy ... 60 „ Her ... 45 ~ Prince ... 60 „ Richmond 60 ~ Offwood ... 70 „ Jimmy ... 59 ~ Raddle ... 70 „ Miss Scott 50 ~ Flying Handicap. Three quarters of a mile. i st lb st lb July 910 Nelly ... 7 0 Rally (late Papapa ... 7 0 . Whitbach 9 7 Deception ... 6 7 Tim Whifftar 9 0 Ploughboy ... 6 7 - Water King 8 6 Vanity Fair... 6 0 Talebearer ... 8 0 Puri Puri ... 6 0 Sensation ... 7 0 Irish King ... 6 0 Conundrum... 7 Q Papapa filly... 6 0 Handicap Hurdle Race. Two miles.' Barrington Madge ... 910 (late Mus- Brian Boru 910 tard) ... 11 0 Conundrum 9 7 Andy ... 10 12 Mermaid ... 9 0 Ravenswood 10 6 Grand Stanij Handicap. One ai}d a half miles.' July ... 9 0 Water King 7 7 Tim Whiffisr 8 8 Supplejack 7 0 Rebecca ... 8 0 Papapa ... 6 7 Talebearer... 710 Ploughboy 6 7 Handicap Time Trot, Two milea. Oliver ... scratch Prince ... 30 secs Wakatn ... 5 secs Daisy ... 40 „ Lunatic ... 6 ~ Jerry ... 40 ~ Princess... 10 ~ Brownie 40 „ Randall ... 10 „ Jemmy Cockßobm 14 ~ Brown 40 ~ Billy ... 20 „ Tilly ... 40 „ Narrow Gif ... 60 „ Gauge 25 ~ Offwood 50 „ Warrior ... 30 ~ Strike-a- Jimmy ...31 „ Light 50 „ Mousie GirljSO ~ Raddle ... 50 ~

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THDRSSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1884.



A. Tapper, Sawmiller timber, AND IRON MERCHANT, East street, Ashburton, Has decided to Sell Oee fils Large Stock of TIMBER I BUILDING GATES & IRON I MATERIALS FENCING WIRE, & at greatly Reduced Prices, As he is retiring from business, therefore ANY REASONABLE OFFER will NOT BE REFUSED. Stock mrtwt be cleared off by December Slat. 1587 H. W. BARRETT, Manager,



Wanted. WANTED Work—By strong, energetic, young man. Undeniable character. Apply to Alfred Harrison, TTTANTiSD —One or two gentlemen's VV Washing. Address K.J., Office < - of this Paper. * 12 2235 1 - i WANTED —A Man accustom dto use of scythe to nvw seedling gose i F. M. Foster, Winslow. 12 223-1 ANTED— A man Cook for men’s S % hut; must be a good baker. 0. H. Dowmxg, Coldstream, Hindi. 12 2234 WANTED Known —House and Shop with every convenience, in Bur nett stieet, next to Bullock’s Arcad%, to let, cheap. 12 2233 WANTED Known—H. C. Seders’ is the Cheapest House in town for First-class Drapery and Millinery. Every thing marked with a small profit. Boaly’s Buildings, East street. WANTED Known—A. Orr is selling for cash at the following reduced pr’ces :—Tea, rare value, per box 14a 6d ; tea, per lb Is 3d, extra quality; L.B. sugar, per lb 3d; currants, per lb 5H ; raisins, per lb 6d ; tapioca, per lb 31, fi ie white ; sago, per lb 3d ; sperms, per lb 7d; sauce, per bottle 6d ; rice, best Japan, 3J. WANTED Known White crystal Sugar, 3£d ; Kerosene, 7s 3d a tin; 501 b Flour, 4a 9d ; Oysters, 6d ; Salmon, 8d ; Biscuit?. 33 ; a good family tea, Is 6d. J. McGregor, Tancred street. WANTED Known—Fresh Flounders are daily despatched direct from r our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles ; mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight [ hours from time of catching. Ail orders ■ received at my shop will be immediately i executed on arrival of the train. W.- \ Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elstoh, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, t etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical J’ companies and others visiting Ashburton 3 should communicate with the above. ■ Orders by post or telegram promptly i attended to. 7600 s f STJANTED Known—Boots ! Boots ! 1 VV That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to 3 wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic ’ sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must . be cleared at once. 7 1272 i 1 Known—That Jones and VV Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s ’ butchers shop, East street, are now offer * ing Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, etc., etc., etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the tawn. All goods delivered free of charge in town. 4 752



OMETHIFG worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. 0. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made up ; repairs and alterations WANTED Known—The undersigned beg to notify to their customers and the public generally that they have Removed into the premises adjoining Mr Taylor, Baker, East street. By strict attention to business and making a good article, they hope jto_,merit the continu ance of public patronages JiOTis and MoEwen, Bootmakers, East street, Ash carefully attended to. 10 1952 burton. 10 1973 Bl Special Advertisements.



NEW BOOKS. NEW FANCY GOODS. NEW STATIONERY. NEW TOYS. PRIZE BOOKS, Etc, OHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS of N3T Zealand Scenery. A beautiful assortment of goods suitable for presents. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., EAST STREET, SOUTH, Ashburton.



R EDUCTIONS. REDUCTIONS The Undersigned have For Sale at Reduced Prices : Timber. Timber. Timber. Coal. Coal. Coal. Firewood. Firewood. Firewood. Stakes. Stakes. Stakes. Posts. Posts. Posts. Hurdles. Hurdles. Hurdles, Inspection invited. MACPHERSON, FIRMER AND CO (late A. Hayes), TIMBER & COAL MERCHANTS, East street. VV. H. O 'LLINS, Manager, Ashburton.



NEW BQOK3 ; , Popular Encyclopedia (14 vols); Colo nies and Dependencies, by T. S. Cotton ; Local Government, by M. D. Chalmers ; Treasury of Sciences, Biographical, Work shop Appliances, Systematic Mineralogy, Electricity and Magnetism, Strength oi Material ; Vanity Fair, by Thackery ; The iN'ewcomea ; English Men of Letters— Bacon, Cowper, Uic-ens, Defoe ; Journal of the Plague Year, Plays from Molie're, The Prince Micharelli ; Pedigree of Man, by Hoeckel ; India, the Law and the People, by Caird ; Gilbert on Banking ; The Assommoir, by t> mile Zola ; Medi eval History, by Chambers; Cassell’s Family Magazine, Irish Pleasantry and Fun, English Scenery (6 vole), Countries of the World (6 vola), Peoples of the World (4 vols), All Round the World (2 vols), The Book of Health, Family Phy sician ; Animal Life, by Wright; The Technical Educator, Popular Educator, Men of the Time, Family Herald (half year tfol). How the Poor Live. Thomas F. Farley, BOOKSELLER, ASBBDRTON. BOOKS 1 and CHRISTMAS CARDS .Now in.



Special Advertisements. Dimant and Coe, A RE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A OHINKS, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply f Machine extras on hand. COHNER EAST AND TANORED STKE T<, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 NSW m WEEDS 1 SUMMER SUII S. NEW TWEEDS! SUMMER SUITS. Perfect Fit Guaranteed in the latest or any stylo that may I be I required. Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, E have much pleasure in announcing to our friends and patrons, and all who may feel interested in the general ogrecs of our times that we have just coived a splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coatings, Serges, etc., etc., of the best quality and latest designs—suitable for the season we are now entering. All Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICES. CRAIGHEAD & CO., Tancred street, Ashburton.



25 BkANCHEs Now Open 25 THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS. The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



DAVIS’S Cheap Clearing Sale NOW ON. £ a. d. Bedroom furnished complete for G 6 0 Chest of 5 drawers, for ... 2 0 0 Suites in Leather, for ... ... 14 0 0 Suites in Hair, for 14 0 0 Every other article equally cheap. Must be Sold to make room for our CONSTANT MANUFACTURE OF FURNITURE of all kinds. W, DAVIS, Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer, EAST STREET SOUP , Ashburton 9 1729



COMMENCING TO-DAY. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, FREE GIFTS TO ALL, CHOOSE FROM £IOOO WORTH. LAST Year, we gave, during December and the early part of January, 9240 Presents. This year we have even a larger selec tion, and intend, from to day, giving every Customer a Ticket equal l o ten per cent on the money spent; so that if you spend LlO you can choose anything up to LI; if L 5 is spent, a 10s present will be given ; if L 3, a 6s present ; if LI, a 2s present; but if you only spend Ore Shilling you will get something. And every time you come during this month of De cember and up to January 6ih, you will get a present. If you do not wish to spend a lot of money in one day’s shop ping, you can get your tickets for what you have spent, and so on each time you come, and then get one really handsome thing, equal in value to all the tickets you hold. If you want a pretty hat, bon net, useful dress, or anything in house furnishing, we feell confi dent you will save 12i- per cent by shopping with us, besides getting a present equal to one shilling in every ten, each time you come. H. E. May & Co



1884. Victoria House. 1885. gPRING AN b SUMMER SEASON. Prints, Dress Stupes, Co.-tdmks, Trimmings, Fancy Ties, Hosiery, Millinery, Men's, Boys’, and Youths’ Clothing, Shirts (assorted), Hats, &c., &c., Of newest designs, super-excellent makes, and durability, aelepted and offered for the especial purpose of well and worthily recommending Victoria House as pre-eminent for yirje'y, quality, liberality, and incomparable value. j2SS~ Ladies’, Men’s, and Children’s BOOTS, &c., at “ cill again ” prices. Patterns of Rosljn, Mosgeil, and KaiapoiTWEttDS received weekly, from which Men’s Youths’, and Hoys’ Garments are promptly made to measure, ht, finish, and fashion perfect. Charges strictly reasonable, Dimaut and Coe. Ready-Money Drapers, Clothiers, &o, East and Tancred streets, in premises lately occupied by Orr and Co. ,



Special Advertisements. ROTHKKHAM WATOHJfiB From £5 10s. m ATCHMAKERS tfeWELURS, [r



Christmas Carnival AND FANCY BAZAAR Will be opened on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6th, 1884. SIXPENNY & SHILLING TABLES, Also, a TABLE of VARIETIES from ONE PENNY to FOURPENCE. Admission—FßEE. All are heartily welcomed. Please observe.—ln the ROOM NEXT to my PRESENT SHOP, specially taken for the Christmas Season. R. Bevan, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, Etc.,



Christmas presents free of charge.—Last year we are informed that over 9,000 presents were given away auring December and the early part of January by H. E. May it Co., The Hall, Christchurch. This year they are doing the same, and this is how they do it ; Every customer is presented with a' ticket equal to iqt per cent, on the amount spent by them, 1 so that if you spend Lio you can choose anything up to Li, if Ls is spent a IoS * present will be given, if £3 a 6s piesen£ if a 2s present, but if you only spend One ! Shilling you will get something. And every time you come duri g this month of December and up to January the 6th you will get a pre* sent. If you do not wish to spend a lot of money in one day’s shopping you call get yopr tickers for what ypii have spent, and so on each time you come, and theu get one ready handsome thing equal in value to all the tickets you hold, — [Acvt.J