SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Wareata, s. b., from Westport. Rotorua, b.s , from Dunedin, via Aka roa. Bailed. * Yesterday Rotorua, ■ a., for Manukau and way port?. Waroata, a. a., for Westport. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived —Wanaka, from Picton and Nelson; Kennedy, from Nelson and West Coast. Sailed —Hauraki, for Opunake and Waitara ; Wakatu, for Kaikoura and Lyttelton ; Wanaka, for the South; Graf ton, for Lyttelton and.Oamaru. Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Hauroto, from the North. Sailed —Frey, barquentine, for Guam ; Mataura, barque, for Bluff; Manapouri, for Sydney, via the North.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE'. Saturday, February 2. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Tatter sails’—Farm and Crops Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at their Yards —Land Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street—Draught Horses Tuesday, February 5. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Saleyar da—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Thursday, January 31. Ashburton Rifles—Annual Meeting in the Arcade Chambers, at 7 p.m. Friday, February 1. Oddfellows’ Hall —Concert, at 8 p.m. Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Monday, February 4 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. Monday, February 25. Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office Saturday, March 1. Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. ; Friday, March 7. Longboach Road Board, at Road Board office, Longbeach

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.ro. i 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 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.m., For Tima**u and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Qreonstreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3.30 p.m. For llount 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. For Ashtca, Waterton and Longbeach, it 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. in. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 1884. Sericiculture.

As is generally known, an Italian gentleman named Federli lias for some time past been carrying on a series of experiments in connection with sericiculture, and in this work he has received assistance from the Go vernment. He is a great enthusiast, and believes firmly that the establish ment of the new industry will be a source of good to the colony. As an expert of undoubted knowledge of the subject he has taken in hand, Mr Federli’s opinions are worthy of care ful consideration, although his enthu siasm may at times cause him to view the matter through rose-colored spec tacles. Making all allowances for this, however, there seems to be no reason to doubt that the climate of New Zea land, at any rate in certain localities, is well suited to the rearing of silk worms, as is clearly proved by the ex cellent display of cocoons in the Christ church Industrial Exhibition. Even the inexperienced eye can see that the raw silk obtained from the worms bred here compares favorably with that from other countries where the in dustry has been established for cen turies. And, as it happens, the pre sent is a very opportune moment for discussing the question. It appears that since 1880 there has been a de cided falling off in the quantity of raw silk produced in China, the country which has long been recognised as the principal place whence this material is exported. In the year mentioned the export was 84,000 bales, while it was estimated that the amount in 1883 would not exceed 30,000 bales. This enormous difference is due to the ravages of a disease called “ pebrine,” and is similar to the scourge which be fell the worms in France some years ago, and bid fair to utterly destroy the silk industry in that country. China’s misfortune is, it is argued, our oppor tunity. The chief question regarding sericiculture, as with other sub-tropical cultivation, is whether labor can be procured cheap enough to make the industry pay. Mr Federli an swers this in the affirmative, but we are inclined to doubt whether there will be found people ready to devote the incessant care and attention that the work demands for the small remuneration necessary to give an adequate return for the capital invested. While there remain fields of employment in which more money can be made, it would be idle to expect men to embark in such an undertaking as the rearing of silkworms. At the same time it must be remembered that what is required is not skilled labor. With a thoroughly practical man, such as Mr Federli himself, at the head of affairs, children and persons whose ad vanced age prevents them from taking part in active occupations could do all that was needed in the way of frequently changing the leaves upon which the worms subsist, wind ing off the silk, etc. Experience will alone prove whether the in dustry can be made to yield a re venue proportionate to the capital ex pended, and Mr Federli suggests that either a company should be formed or that the Government should establish a model farm. Of these two alterna tive we are certainly in favor of the former. The Government has already done its part in assisting towards mak ing the necessary experiments, and if the enthusiastic advocate of sericicul ture can prove that it will pay there need be no fear that money to carry the enterprise to a successful issue will be forthcoming from private sources.

Abbotsford Stalior, in the Wairatapa district, was sold by auo ion yesterday. The estate comprised 2,799 acres, and was purchased by Mr M. S. James Cattell for LB,COO.

The New Zealand Shipping Company, Limited, have received the following cable, dated London, 29th inst.lonic left Plymouth for Wellington on the 28th inst, at noon. The steamer was delayed by galea.”

The South Pacific bore is now down 400 ft, and ha s got beyond the papa rock, and into quartz which contains quantities of pyrites. The last 30ft oil is brought up in considerable quantity. Tho news causes some interest in Gisborne.

The yearly report of the Dunedin Coffee Palace Co shows an excess of ex penditure over income of Ll3B 14s sd, which, with depreciation at rate of 10 per cent, throws the balance of L 603 4s 2d to the debit side of profit and loss. The Co therefore have to call on the prop-i tor of the building for his guarantee of LIOO per year.

The Victorian bowlers paid a flying visit to the Lake district on Wednesday. They reached Queenstown at 4pm., and at once proceeded to tho head of tho Lake returning to Queenstown at 11 p.m. At 4 o’clock yesterday morning they went over to Arrowtown, and at 10 o’clock were on their way back to Invercargill. They fortunately had tolerably good weather. To-day they play at Invercargill, and to morrow return to Dunedin, en route for the North.

A man named Watson has been sen tenced at Wellington to twelve months’ imprisonment for indecent exposure to thiee young ladies, who were driving through Carterton. This is his second conviction for a similar offence, and Wat son has been a nuuance to the town for some time. He was also charged with assaulting a lady, who was riding home in the evening, but the evidence was not conclusive, though ho was seen near the place after the assault was committed. The first day of the Napier Ram Fair was held yesterday. Partly owing to the enormous number of sheep from all parts of the colony which were yarded, and partly, perhaps, to the scarcity of money, the prices obtained were not equal to the average of past years. The top price was 75gs, for a ram bred by Mr Tanner. One of Mr Heardy’s brought 60gs, three 50gs, and one of the New Zealand and Austra lian Land Company’s 42gs. Locally bred sheep were in the ascendant, but Messrs Menlove’s and Fred. Sutton’s Southland sheep will not, be sold until to-day. At the inquest on the bodies of John Harris, cook, and John Moore, his assis tant, the victims of the tiro at the Kaipara Hotel, the jury returned a verdict of ac cidentally burned to death. The evidence showed that the tiro originated in their bedroom. Harris had had some beer, but was sidd to bo aide to take care of himself. He is said to have had a con siderable sum e.f money in the Bank. His real name was Oooksley, formerly of the 40th Kegimeni, and also served in Major Robert's division against Tilokowavu on the West Coast. Mooney was said to be generally half muddled, but is said to have been sober on the night of the lire. Quite a novel feature in the educational difficulties cropped up at New Plymouth yesterday. A few days ago Seabtook and Arnott, builders, got three judgments against the Education Board for arrears for the erection of school buildings, for which cheques had been given five months ago. Besides this, they are owed by the Board L 320, some of it having been owing twenty months. All this work was pub licly tendered for, and 75 per cent was to be paid in progress payments, of which the contractors received nothing. For several days attemots were made to put th« bailiffs in the Education Board offi;es, and take possession of the books and stationeiy, but without avail, and yesterday the bailiff walked into the State School, and now a man is in possession, the children being sent home early in the afternoon. The contractors waited upon Sir Osborne Gibbes, the reapresentative of the Government sent to the coast on this matter, and he says that he could not promise the debts would be liquidated be fore Parliament met, and then they would probably have to waiu another five months. Besides all this, these con tractors now have contracts in hand for the Board amounting to LGOO. At the Wesleyan Conference yesterday afternoon, the annual report of the N.Z. Wesleyan Committee was read by W. Tinsley, and adopted. The thanks of the Conference were presented to the Rev John Crump for his services as Editor, and the Rev W. J. Williams was ap pointed Editor for this year. The Com mittee was thanked and re-appointed. It was decided to change the name of the paper to the 2T.Z. Methodist, and the Committee was recommended to take steps for the weekly issue of the paper. At tne evening sitting reports of the Com mittee on the draft of the Book of Discip line, and district meeting recommenda tions on the basis of the Methodist Union, were presented and adopted. The R-v Mr Oliver was appointed to deliver the next Conference lecture, the subject to be “ Inspiration.” The following ministers and laymen were elected to the position of representatives to the next general Conference to be held next November in Christchurch : —Ministers—President and Secretary ex officio. Revs Reid, Berry, Bavin, Oliver, Kirkwilliam, Lewis and Lae ; Laymen—Messrs Buddie, Hobbs, Moxham, J. Manchester, G. Peryraan, Prime, Harris, King and J. L. Wilson. Theological Institution affairs were re viewed, and the balance-sheet toad and adopted. The Revs Bavin, Reid, Cairn, Watkins and Taylor were appointed lec turers on theology, hermeneutics, eccle siastical history, mental and moral science. The question of probationers who have resigned having unfulfiled liabilities for College training was considered, but no resolutions were adopted, the consi lera .ion of the matter being postponed till to day. The form of agreement to be signed by all students entering the College in future was agreed to. The Conference is expected to close to-day. Thai weakness and lassitude so frequent in fast-growing children may be easily remedied by a few doses of Hop Bitters. Read,— Advt.] Thick Heads, heavy stomachs, bilious con ditions —Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-bilious cathartic. 5d and is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. i

SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS.

Plemington. The election of a School Committee for tho Flomington district took place on Monday evening. At a meeting of the old Committee, the Chairman reported that the accounts could not bo considered, as tho auditor had not returned thorn, it was reported that tho balance in hand amounted to L 3 7a, but when other items were settled there would be only left a balance of 2a. Mr Williamson, the mas ter, who was in attendance, mentioned that it would be necessary to explain the contents of the report of the recent ex amination- He accounted for tho average by the fact that seven months had only elapsed since tho previous examination, and this, along with bad attendances, ac counted for the per centage of passes, which ha considered was very fair. Ho remarked that ho felt thankful to tho' e who were satisfied with the report, but to the dissatisfied ones he would tender his compliments. At the annual meeting of the householders held afterwards, the election was held, and the following /entlemen elected the new Committee for fhe ensuing year;—Messrs H. Anderson,

W. Fleming, J. Dunn, J. M. Smith, S Andersen, R. Anderson, J Cowan. The defeated candidates were - Messrs Hol land, Dacres and Hugonin. it the meet ing of the newly-elected Committee Mr Dunn was unanimously elected Chairman. It was decided to hold the regular meet ings on the first Wednesday in each month. The proceedings were then brought to a close. Methven. The annual meeting of householders was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening, lhe2Bth inat. Mr H. Hitchcock i was voted to the chair, and read the re port of the out-going Committee. The report was adopted. The election of the Committee for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. Twenty-six householders were nominated, but the old Committee, consisting of the following, was re elected: Messrs D. Quinn, E. Drew, R. Patton, J. 0. McMillan, G. Pocock, W. Morgan, H. Hitchcock. Winslow. A public meeting of householders at Winslow was held in the schoolroom on Monday evening last, when there was a large attendance, Mr J. A. Fountains ) being voted to the chair. Having read the advertisement calling the meeting he asked those present-to proceed with the e’ection of seven householders to serve on the Committee for the ensuing year. The folio -ring were the successful candi dates:—Messrs E. Lovitt, P. Grace, W. Revell, W. Harris, H, Rainey, and J. McLeod. After a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting terminated. ■ At a meeting of the newly-elected Com mittee held after the public meeting Mr J. A. Fountaine was voted Chairman. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Lovitt for the energetic manner in which he had served on the Committee for the last year. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting adjourned to Saturday, February 19th, at 7 30. Springburn. Owing to the bad weather there was a very poor attendance at the Springburn annual meeting of householders, held on Monday evening, for the purpose of elect ing a new Committee. Before the elec tion, the Chairman laid on the table a statement of last year’s receipts and ex penditure, being a brief statement of how the money was spent, and showing a bal ance of L 7 to their credit. The following gcntl ’men were duly elected anew Coramit teefor the ensuing year:—Messrs B. Eds, J. Johnstone, C. Morrison, D. Kellas, T. E. Mcßae, W. Fergus, and L. McGregor. At a subsequent meeting of the Commit tee, Mr E. Mcllae was chosen chair man. Mr Fergus was appointed care taker. The mejting then adjourned to the first Monday of February. i South Rakaia. The annual meeting of householders in the educational district of South Rakaia i was held in the schoolroom on Monday i evening. There was a fair attendance, and the Chairman of the outgoing Com mittee occupied the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman read a report of the work done by the Committee during the past year. He said the attend ance at the school had increased from 110 ( to 130. The school had been examined , by the Inspector in November. Seventy , children had been presented for examina ’ tion, of whom fifty had passed. The ac , counts, which are still in the hands of the auditor, he was unable to bring before the ! meeting. The sura of LlO Is 2d had been saved from the incidental fund. The voting for members for the new Com mittee resuited in the election of Messrs Hardy, Chambers, Haslett, SVindsor, Fletcher, Broadbent, and Oxley. Mr Hardy was afterwards elected chairman.

SIR GEORGE GREY’S ADDRESS AT AUCKLAND.

At the Auckland Choral Hall meeting, addressed by Sir George Grey, among those on the platform were Mr Smith, JVf. P. for Tynemouth, a Liberal, and his son, Mr Justice Gillies, and members of the Upper and Lower Houses of the General Assembly. Sir George Grey, who was received with loud and repeated applause, said he had been asked to address them that night upon an important measure, and that was on the duties of the working classes to wards one another. He had been re quested, indeed, to advise them what steps they should take to maintain their rights and secure their prosperity for the future. What he would tell them was that the population ef New Zealand was so scattered, and the centres of population were so fir apart, that it was almost im possible for the working classes to make their power felt, and the only manner in which they could act was by correspon dence between the centre bodies in each town. Christchurch was now moving in a similar direction to the Auckland Society, and he might say that it was suggested that he (Sir G. Gre>) should take some part in the movement, and visit the different parts of the colony, and see central bodies or ganised for the purpose of corresponding with each other, but he did not feel it to be his duty to do that. Perhaps he might be successful if he entered upon the task. He felt that it was not -just that ha should get any support from them except what they considered wasabsolutely right. They should be free to cast him off if they thought fit, and he on his part should be free to adopt any line of action he might consider proper ; therefore it was better that they should act for themselves and form their own bodies. They should train up the men to public life Their children were getting a good education, and they should look to the rising generation to supply men from their own body to watch over the interests and welfare of those from whom they had sprang. He did not wish them to think that he looked coldly upon die matter, because he thought it was a matter of great import ance. However well off they might be at the present moment, it was apparent as population increases he'avier trials wi 1 fall upon the laboring classes. Abolish one evil and another would take its place. They could not attribute these misfortunes to the carelessness of wealth. The work ing classes nuat look to themselves for their protection in this direction, and by watching for the rise of each misfortune at its first origin to prevent its growth, and thus avoid penalties so heavy as to be in tolerable. He thought i was their duty to make their voices heard, and their meetings should bind themselves together for the return of men who would watch over their interests, and to whom they could address themselves in every difli culty that occurred by correspondence. Working men might make up for the wide intervals that separated them from each other, and in one co-operate body sea that their rights were protected and their pros pects in life were as good and bright as possible. To that they were entitled. In regard to the federation and annexation question, they trembled on the verge of a precipice. They had a long speech on the subject the other night, but he thought little was said on that occasion to give them an idea of what was taking place, or where they stood as residents in a British colony under a Government and Ministry whom they had appointed. They had not given their Ministers power to inter fere in the concerns of other countries Supposing it was intended to deprive you of your constitution and to join you to a State in which a vast mass of the people would bo a colored population having votes and with whom if you

were joined your own power would bo lost, whilst you would have to obey laws mado by persona of different origin. civiiivßion, habits, and customs from your own. Supposing it were intended to do that, and the Queen were to send out lette s patent, and was to select two gen tlemen from each colony without consult ing you, and order them to assemble at some distant place, where your presence could not watch them, to conduct their proceedings in secret, and then to send home a recommendation to Parliament as to the kind of law that should be trade to fetter you in that respect, and that the Qnoen in doing that broke her word pledged to you when she assented to your Constitution Act. you would not revolt, but the beginning of differences with Great Britain would be laid which could not be removed hereafter. Then an officer would be sent out by the Queen with no power but that which the Queen gives him. and that is only a power en joyed under an '.ct of Parliament, the Constitution Act. If he came out here and the e was his position for the pur pose of appointing delegates in that way, and sending them to such a Conference, why that was a breach of his duty to his sovereign and to the people of this col ny. As he was rather a weak speaker, he re quested Mr W. L Rees to read the com mission given to the delegates. The document was read as requested. Sir George Grey then proceeded. No law could be made but by their own Legislature there; except by their own re presentatives chosen by them for such a purpose, but they had gentlemen going to another colony and recommending the passing of an Act which their representa tives had never seen, and of which they knew nothing. Only one of their repre sentatives had seen that Act, the member for Egraont. The other gentlemen was no representative at all. If that Act were to become law the prospect was gloomy in the extreme. They would have seen that that Act reached England. Approval of it had been expressed by gentlemen who were totally ignorant of what its pro visions would be. That Act was likely to become law when our Legislature met, and unless some way was open to stop the movement that was going on they would be fettered by its provisions. It might become law before they could see what it was, and have an opportunity of speaking upon the subject. He would try to make clear to the •; some things the law would do. Iti the first place a Federal Council was to sit in Tasmania with great power. How were they to know what was to be done in Tasmania ? How could our Press or our public meet ings influence them ? This federal law did not say our representatives were to be elected by the people, but appointed by the Legislature. Would it not be right, he asked, that those gentlemen should go forth as delegates of the people ? He questioned the right of the Legislature to send forth gen lemen to fetter their liber ties in a distant place, ’t was said the power of the Council was limited, but he pointed out that they could pass laws on any important subject they pleased which would be on them for all time, if two colonies, by a majority of their respective Houses, required them so to do. They knew that no Government question of this kind was settled without an appeal to the country, but this Council was em powered to deal with all matters of im portance to us. Then they know the Governor could only assent or dissent to laws on the advice of his Ministry, that being the Queen in this respect. But by this Fedora* hm Act it was entitled to give powers to a distant Government which they did not allow their own Go vernment. When a law was passed it was almost impossible to get it rescinded, and why, he asked, should an important law be passed without their being con sulted 1 ') his federal body sitting without reporters were led astray by surrounding circumstances, • expecting that they were going there to do something, and ending by actually not knowing what they were doing. One gentleman, the Governor of Western Au-tralia, said he had not the right to append his name to the docu ment, and refused to do so. He knew his duty, while the others like a flock of sheep, followed in the wake of the one who jumped the fence. Now it has been determined to make this Act a Govern ment question, and without consulting the people they had pledged them selves to do all they could to have the measure made law. [Further extracts from the proceedings of the Convention Conference were then read by Mr Rees.] The Government was bound to do its utmost to get effect given to these resolu tions They should have gone as fres men, open to argument, and should not have pledged themselves at a'l. So on one hand they were federated to Great Britain, free to think and say as we pleased ; but it was said that we have no weight, and that no attention is paid to what we may say, but the people of N’ew Zealand, he held, had no reason to threaten in their relation with Great Britain but to reason. What would they do about the coal depots to be established here, the convict ques tion, defence, fisheries, etc? They shouid answer that New Zealand can defend its own coal depots, and that where France annexes and establishes each little island as a coal depot it simply weakens itself, and that as we grow we could conquer each little place in turn. So far as the defence was concerned we were willing to join with the British communities in establishing a navy, if necessary. These colonies could not interfere with the nations of the earth regarding fishing grounds. In an eloquent and forcible peroration Sir George sad—“ We do not want a great Federal Executive Govern ment; let us spend our own money in de veloping our own resources ; let us work to make ourselves one Anglo-Saxon people, an important nation, without troubling others or submitting ourselves direct'y or indirectly to their distant rule. *’ uoud and enthusiastic applause greeted he conclusion of the speech.

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.

[by telegraph ] Wellington, To-day. At the Wesleyan Conference this morn ing the consideration of cases of the pro bationers who have resigned during the year and have be.n received into the Episcopalian Church, leaving amounts due for collegiate training unpaid «as received. The following resolution was unanimously passed —“ That the secretary of the Conference be instructed to apply to the former probationers for the Wes leyan ministry who have lately been re ceived into the Anglican Church for pay ment of sums owing by them on account of their training, and that he be further instructed—should such application fail in any case—to call the attention of the .Diocese and Synod, in the bounds of which they reside, to the impropriety of receiv ing as candidates for holy orders men who have not honorably discharged their existing financial obligations to a sister church.” A vote of thanks was pre sented to the President for his services in connection with the Tararua fund. Revs Carr, Simmonds, Baumbar, McNiooll, and C. Griffen were appointed dis trict Sunday school secretaries. It was decided unanimously ac the next General Conference to constitute a New Zealand Independent and separate Conference on the basis of the Methodist Union Com mittee’s report. The President announced to the Conference that the late Rev John Warren had bequeathed UIOO to the Supernumerary Fund. The usual votes of thanks having been passed, the journal was read, and the eleventh New Zealand Conference closed its session.

ASHBURTON A. AND P. ASSOCIA TION.

The Committee meeting of the above Association, held this afternoon in Bul lock’s Arcade Chambers, was fairly at tended. Mr J. Hunt, Vice-President, was in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and con firmed. APOLOGY. Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R., wrote apologising for his inability to attend, owing to the Lyttelton Harbor Board meeting to-day. He was in favor of hold ing the ram and ewe fair. THE HAM AND EWE FAIR. Mr T. Bullock said that several farmers had told him that they thought a ram and ewe fair should be held here. Ash burton was an excellent district and would suit many people better than either Timaru or Christchurch. He was of opinion that a reaper and binder trial should not take place this year, as it was rather late in the season. He would move that it is advisable to hold a ram and ewe fair at Ashburton during the coming season under the auspices of the Society. Mr J. Carter spoke strongly in favor of Mr Bullock’s motion, saying that many sales would be made here if the show was held. He would second the motion. Mr H. Friedlander supported the pro posal, and was of opinion that the fair should be held prior to the Christchurch one. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Friedlander moved, and Mr Carter seconded, that the fair take place about March 12th, and after some conversation it was carried unanimously. The following C nr uiu.ee was appointed to carry out the arrangements far the fair:. Messrs Dudley, Hunt, Miller and Oliver. REAPER AND BINDER TRIAL. After a conversational discussion, during which the opinion was expressed that it was rather late in the season, Mr Harrison said that ho thought the farmers would be benefited by the trial being made, and if the Christchurch trial did rot taka place till next week he did not see that we were very late. Mr Hunt supported Mr Harrison’s sug gestion, and thought that the makers of the machines should subscribe for the prizes. Mr Bullock agreed with the principle of having a trial, and would bo in favor of giving substantial prizes. The Associa tion had, however, not enough money for this at present, and he thought that it should be postponed till next year, espe cially as the farmers could not spare time to attend. Mr Gilmour moved—“ That a reaper and binder trial be held in Ashburton this year.” Mr Harrison seconded this. Mr Jameson said he was not in favor of trials being held all over the country. His idea was that the Christchurch So ciety should be asked to institute trials, to take place in different localities This would give the prizes some real value, which they had not under the present ar rangements. The motion on being put to the meet ing was declared lost. NEW MEMBER. Mr J. W. Sawle was elected a member of the Association. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of L 139 13s 5d i were passed for payment, and the meet ing adjourned.

SPORTING.

♦ WELLINGTON AUTUMN MEETING The following acceptances have been received for the first day’s racing : FLYING STAKES. Mischief I Sir George Minerva | Witiora Consul | Orlando HO HOLE HANDICAP. Clarence I Loch Lomond Orient | Scrutineer STEWARTS’ HANDICAP. Salvage Vanguard St George Minerva Norma..by Administrator Mischief was scratched for the Welling* ton Cup at five minutes past nine last evening. Wellington, To-day. Miss Juau was scratched for the Wel lington Gup at 1.45 p in. It is considered doubtful if Welcome Jack will start.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[kEUTLr’s TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] The Wine Duties. London, Jan. 29. A communication has been addressed by the Spanish Government to the English Government with a view of ob taining a further concession on Spanish wines imported into Great Britain. More Gold for Australia. It is expected that an additional sum of 1,400,000 in gold will shortly be withdrawn from the Bank of England for Australia. Monetary and Commercial. Consols have declined yk, and are quoted to-day at New Zealand securities remain as follows:—Five ,per cent. 10-40 Loan, 105 ; Five per cent. 1889 Loan, ; Four and a half per cent. 1879-1904 Loan, ioij£ ; Four per cent. Inscribed Stock, xoo. The market rate of discount has fallen to 2%i, and the Bank rate to 3 per cent. Breadstuffs are unchanged. Adelaide wheat, ex store, 445; New Zealand ditto, 36s to 425. Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 31s. Australian tallow, fair average quality—Beef, 39s 6d; mutton, 42s 6d. The Emperor of Germany. Berlin, Jan. 29. The Emperor William has recovered from his recent indisposition. The Simla- London, Jan. 30. The statement that the disabled ship Simla was being safely towed to Graves end proved to be erroneous. A Banquet. At a banquet given last evening by the London Chamber of Commerce, at which the colonial Agents-General were present, in responding to the toast of “The Colonies,” Sir Arthur Blythe, Agent-General for South Australia, said that he rejoiced at the increasing inter est in the colonies which was now dis played throughout the Mother Country, and he emphatically affirmed the un wavering loyalty of the colonies to the Imperial authority.

AUSTRALIAN.

[kEUTEb’s TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] The Victorian Wheat Crops. Mblhourne, Yesterday. The reporter of the Austtalasian who visited the agricultural districts says no damage has been done to the wheat crops by the inclement weather which of late has been experienced. The Wool Sales. At the wool sale this week Messrs Goldsborough and Co. (Limited) sold 1,101 bales at excellent prices. Greasy wools realised up to nd, and scoured

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 81, 1884.



W. C. Page BEG 3 to announce to the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has commenced business as GROCER, &c., IN EAST STREET, near S. Hardley’s. W. C. Page having purchased his stock for cash, and being determined to sell for cash, will be able to supply Groceries, etc., with a small margin'd profit, thereby enabling the cash purchaser to obtain the benefit derivable therefrom. 1 174 PATTERN DEPOT. MRS HODGE, DRESSMAKER, Begs to intimate to the Ladies of Ash burton and surrounding districts that she has .Removed From Tancred street to EAST STREET, near Mr S. Hardley’s, where she hopes to meet with a continu ance of support from the Ladies. Mbs Hodge intends to pay special at tention to the Dressmaking Department, and trusts that she will meet the tastes of the Ladies in the future as in the past. Ladies'Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. Registry office for Female Servants. . 1 173 Stock •pOR PRIVATE SALE, O fiTAA Merino WETHERS, 2,4, and AltlUU 6 tooth, and full mouthed 7000 Merino EWES 2500 Merino WETHERS Southdown RAM LAMBS 28 Southdown RAMS, 4-tooth We refer intending purchasers to Messrs Newton and Sons’ report of sale of South down Wethers of the 2lst Dec.; Messrs Miles and Co.’s of 11th Jan., when this class of sheep in both instances topped the market, and we therefore strongly re commend Farmers and others to secure the above. For particulars, apply to 1 115 FRIEDLANDER BROS. ODDFELLOWS’ HALL, ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY Ist, At Eight p.m. Grand Theatrical and Musical Enter tain - ment in a : d of the Ashburton Cricket Club, The Screaming Farce, “WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH.” Roars of Laughter. Concluding with a BALL. Admission to entertainment—3s, 2s, and Is ; to ball, 2s 6d. 1 185 Coide everybody.



Wanted WANTED A Bachelor requires Lodgings in or near Ashburton. Address C.R., at this office. 1 195 WANTED— Private Board and Lodg ings for a lady and gentleman, for sor 6 weeks. Apply to J. S. Post Office, Ashburton. 1 192 ANTED— Pa-chasers of Boots and V\ Shoes to call and inspect our stock of New Goods. The price and quality will please.— Orr & Co. 1 136 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor h la 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED Known—Eor Sale, two COTTAGES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. 0. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED Known—Clearing Out Sum mer Stock. Great bargains now on. Costumes, 3r lid ; Prints, 3|d ; Sateens, 7£d. Millinery almost given away. Come and see. 11. C. Segebs, Sealy’s New Buildings, East street. 1 186 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. 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 a best prunellas from 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women a do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2a 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107



Special Advertisements. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wist street lO a c A .2 o -3 .2 a - S D p o <D o *6 O CQ 2 O 5 o CD (Q <D O S “ ° s gsß <! * P 3 w O a? , ~ *>S® !*♦ ~ rfj w ev-‘ ~ T 3 - H.g 15* <1 t« S 3 od” fc -COo j* CC _ -2 r! fi ■£ a ■j ■ i-w <J P 3 03 O g rt .2 3 o <D ft - “ N t oS ZS W P 3 a P rrt § g Cw eg § ps S . H-i g*a ◄ S ■+» II P a a a o »J fd CO P 5 ft STATIONERY (commercial, 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 Oases, 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’a 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. Andrewes Bros. , Booksellers and Stationers, East street South, Ashburton.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO mm TO DAVIS'S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUT H, ASHBURTON. fjIVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed beat of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED sl INTENDING PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOR 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 onjoyod 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 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.



Special Advertisements. A S HI 0 N HOUSE 185, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH. E. C. Brown & Go’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, PREVIOUS TO STOCK-TAKING. FOR ONE MONTH COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY sth -1 The Entiro 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 chapes and shades in Beaded Spanish and Eidelweias Lace Goods, ex quisitely matched and stylish. Splendid Selection at from 20 to 50 per cent reduction. 100 dozen Untrimmed Straw Hats in end loss 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 QUANTIFY 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 mHE NEW ZEALAND GRAIN 1 X AGENCY AND MERCANTILE COMPANY, LIMITED. Reapers & Binders. We have now Landing, ex Oamaru, at Poit Lyttelton, SAMUELSON & 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 baud during the Harvest at our Ho id Office and Branches. Binding Twine. We have now FOR SALE 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.



At the Court this morning, before Messrs R. Alcorn and T. Bullock, J. P. 'a, James George was brought up charged with disorderly conduct at Hakaia. Two further charges of having used obscene language and of resisting Constable Hil liard while in the execution of his duty were proved, and tho accused was sent to gaol for fourteen days. Two first offen ders were subsequently dealt with sum marily. August Flower.— The most miserable beings in the world arc those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afilicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual coslivencss, palpitation of the heart, heartburn, watcrbra<h, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coaled tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and gel a bottle of august llower. This valuab’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 6d a bottle. Sample ottles, 6d. —[Advt.]