SHIPPING.

FORT OF LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Letterfourie, barque, from Newcastle. Notero, barque, from Newcastle. Orest' of the Wave, schooner, from Timara. Aorangi, sjk, from London via Port Chalmers. ' BL and U. Cameron, schooner, from Wellington. . Yesterday. QRmnu, B.a, for Sydney and Newcastle. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. - Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed— Stormbird, for the outh. Wklungton, Yesterday. Arrived—6. M. Tucker, barque, from Newcastle; Wakatu, from Kaikoura and Lyttelton. Sailed—Ringarooma, for Melbourne via the South and Hobart; Orawaiti, for Westport; Koranui, for Nelson and West pert; Wakatu, fur Kaikoura and Lyttel ton ; Hawea, forPicton and Nelson. Dunedin, Yesterday. ; Sailed Port, brig, for Adelaide ; Wanaka, for the North ; Omnpere, for Auckland. „ - , Bluff, Yesterday. : Arrived—Te Anau, ttpp. ajelboutne via .ggpglJtS HAJ, f J- : - j

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AR<STION«ALB-. Saturday , Mat 24. Hr Thos. Bullock,, at the Arcade, Burnett ; j street—Town Properties and Sundries! Messrs Mataoh;-Oox aVd Co., at Tatter sail’s—Live and Dead Stock Tuesday, Mat 27. Mataen, Got and Co., at the Tinwald ■ a-nwrfw tea* yi.-junn' MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc This Evening. mp “ ny,At Monday,-?.May 26.1: .. - ■ L0.0.T. —fnniversary Tea Meeting in St Chambers, at 7.30. Saturday ,' Mat 31. Town Hall—Catholic Church Bazaar . K V/Oi'i S'BiD'Ak, foiri/ jA I " Ashburton County Council — 11 Council Saturday, June 7 WAanuir 'Rwl Road Board ' office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mmls-olose at the Ashburton Post Olfics and North at 6 a. m. l&SOittsm., and 5 p.m,y daily/ Pot Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. in. Mid 6 .iii'f]* Pot Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, , o«*i*eaini Oirari, Winche -ter, andtSeraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. ;fnx Tflwnlp/jt-6- tin.’ and 10 a.in., BW and South, at 5 a. m., 10 daily; ■• Por Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, p.m. Pot Wakanni, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, . «ad Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. -' Por ifount Somers, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m. °° ■ Tuesdays and Satur > For Aahtoa,. W»torton andLongbeach, - at 430[p.:m-dailyl • • For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at'43o p. in. Por Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri-

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, MAY 20, 1884. Female Education.

Nothing has shown the rapidity with which what are called “ liberal ” ideas have spread during recent years more plainly than a cable message that came to us the other day, to the effect that the University of Oxford has decided to confer degrees on women. The theory of government at the present day appears to be that any demand made by a section of the community, however absurd it may be, has only to be persisted in and at last it will be granted. The battle for 5“ women’s rights ” has been hardly fought, but the fact that the most Conservative institu tion in the world has had to lower its flag is proof that the victory has been won by the “ shrieking sisterhood.” One cannot help wondering if the dream of the Poet Laureate is near its fulfilment, and whether the present generation at Oxford will live to see their

... old halls . . . change their sex and flaunt With prudes for proctors, dowagers for deans, And sweet girl graduates with their golden hair.

There can be no doubt, that when the agitation for the higher education of women started there was real ground for complaint. Twenty years ago it was considered sufficient that girls should be taught what are known as “ accomplishments.” They must learn to strum on the piano, obtain a smat tering knowledge of one or two foreign languages, be initiated in the mysteries of fancy needlework, and, in short, prepare themselves for what was re garded as the highest ambition of a woman’s life, namely, marriage. We should. be sorry to assert that the nature of that ambition has greatly changed, but it was unfortunately dis covered that in the civilised portion of the universe the female population far outnumbered the males. The prob lem therefore had to be faced as to what was to be done by the redundant six per cent, as the balance of womankind was rather ungallantly termed, unless Mormon or Mahomedan institutions were adopted, which, it need scarcely be said, was en tirely out of the question. Then the cry arose for the emancipation of wo men, and the world learnt for the first time that for centuries tyrant man had been holding the weaker sex in thral dom. The agitation went through the phases incident to all novel theories. First it was ridiculed, then taken up by one or two members of Parliament in search of a “cry,” and at last the wo men have got their own way, as they always will do if they persevere, and henceforth they will reap the reward for having been carefully stuffed with knowledge, by being allowed to write BA. or M.A. after their names. What they will do with this privilege now they have obtained it is not so easy to determine. A se is not of much use to a man unless he intends to become a parson er a school master, while to a woman it is still more a superfluity. The majority of the male sex have a decided aversion to « clever ” women, “ blue-stockings,” as they were called in days that were earlier, when the genus was not so common as it is now. It is to be feared that the reaction agamst the « accomplishment ” theory has carried us too far in the contrary direction, and if the higher education of girls is to be continued the next generation will find that womanhood has lost all its charm and much of its usefulness. Mr Herbert Spencer, who is cer tainly a philosopher of the “ advanced school, has entered his protest against the present system of female education. He argues that in order to secure the survival of the fittest, it is the physical rather than the mental qualities in womep that should be developed. Un questionably the appearance of a healthy girl, who has lived an outdoor life, is more pleasant to the eye than is the typical student, with bent back, shallow chest, and sallow complexion. All things considered, we scarcely think that the ability to tell the igoo rant what is the exact meaning of the quantification of the predicate, or to discourse learnedly upon the doctrine of the enclitic De t useful as such ac complishments may be in their way, compensate us for the loss of those quali ties which in old times were considered to be characteristic of womankind. It may, and indeed is, argued that the ob ject of the new school is to make women altogether* independent of men, and if this idea gains strength there may be established in the future a colony similar to that of the Princess Ida, where male society was so thoroughly unknown that the cockcrow which called the learned damsels to early chapel was done by an accomplished hen. The only thing is that if such a view came to be embraced universally, the over-population of the world, which to some philosophers is a matter of grave concern, would soon crowd itself into space. However, the present gene ration has the consolation of knowing that the residue of stupid women, whose chief merit is that they make good wives and kindly mothers, is so vast that it is not likely to be exhausted for many years to come.

Don’t DIE in the House.—“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flics, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers, 7J£di The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or ceuaterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and in every way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or ‘‘Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters, 11 such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what | their style or name is, and especially those ! with the word “ Hop ” or ‘Hops” in their name dr in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Be ware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the w> He label, and Dr .Soule’s name blown in tli glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and ch,.nists are warned against dealing in im ta lmas or counterfeit '

At a meeting of tho committee of the newly-formed Philharmonic Society held last evening, the names of Messrs S. S. Rov?ns, 0. W. Purnell, D. Thomas and W. Martin were added to the committee, and Mr Craighead was elected in place of Mr W. E. Dolman, who had resigned. The rules, as revised, were considered and adopted. It is intended to produce “ The Messiah,” and the first practice of the members of the Society, which was well attended, took place last evening in St. Stephen’s Schoolroom. A requisition has, we understand, been in course of signature- during the past few days, asking Mr Alfred Saunders to come forward and contest the seat for Ashburton. We are able to state, upon the best possible authority, that Mr Saunders will not accede to the request, should it be made.

To night Miss Carry Ne'son will make her bow to an Ashburton audience in the Town Hall. This lady has met with con siderable success during her tour of the and we hope to have to chroaiole a crowded house this evening. The second of the series of sixpenny winter entertainments takes place this evening at St.- Stephen’s Schoolroom. The programme as arranged is a very good one, and should draw a good house notwithstanding the weather. The foot race arranged between Kenny and Betts some time ago will take place at the Sports ground to-morrow afternoon at 3 o’clock.

An accident happened in Burnett street last evening to a -son of Mr Robert Cullen, of this town. It appears that the youngster was riding behind a dray when he somehow slipped off and in falling caught his leg, breaking the limb. Tho fracture was a simple one and was atten ded to by Dr Ross. The patient is pro greasing as favorably as can be expected. Another accident is reported to have occurred on Saturday in one of the paddocks bo’onging to Mr Mayo. _ A boy fell off tho water cart of a threshing ma chine and the horse shying the wheels passed over the body of the youth. For tunately no limbs were broken, although some severe bruises were inflicted. The Government received a telegram last evening from Colonel Roberts at Opu -ake, that 320 natives, headed by Titokowaru,arrived at theOpunakabridge yesterday, en route to the monthly rosat ing at Parihaka, and were turned back. Titokowaru said, “ What are the road made for 1 The Govern ■ ent said they were for tho Europeans and Maoris, and that there was to be one law for both races. Now, to-day you (meaning the messenger) and the Colonel stop the Maoris. Now be sure and not to hide my words from* the Government ” After delivering those few words Titokowaru, accompanied by the other natives, re turned to Oeo, a small settlement not f*r distant from Opunake.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, limited, have received the following cable from London, dated 17th May, 1884 : —Wool: The sales pro gress firmly. Competition by both Home and foreign buyers is active. Up to date 156,000 bales have boon sold. 1 allow : Australian mutton tallow has declined 6d per cwt since last report. A deputation of Battlers waited on the Hon Mr Mitohelson at Auckland yester day, re the damage to property on the Kaipara lino through sparks from the railway locomotives. It appears that it arises from the use of lucal coal. Mr Mitchelsen promised to see what could be done to remedy the evil complained of. Considerable anxiety is felt as to the safety of the barque Ooorang, which left Port Chalmers for the Bluff on April ,26th, and has not yet arrived there. The damage resulting from the Puke kohe railway accident is estimate 1 at 1.1,000. Nine trucks were more or less damaged. At a moating of the New Zealand foot ball team Mr W. Y. Millton was elected captain, and Messrs Millton, O’Connor, Robertson, Webb and Sleigh a Match Committee. A fatal accident occurred at Mosgiel bush on Saturday night, whereby Henry Sicks, a settlor, lost his life. The de ceased had been into town with his spring cart, and returned home about 6.30 p.m. As hia horse was warm ho went behind it to throw a bag over its back. The animal struck out hia hind leg, kicking the de ceased with great force in the abdomen Dr MoOaw was at once in attendance, but as the injury was fatal he could do no thing. Sicks lingered till 9.15 on Sun day morning, when he died. Deceased leaves a widow and nine children. The skeleton of a human being was found at ten o’clock on Saturday night in the Clutha River, about eight miles above Beaumont Ferry, by men working on the Excelsior dredge. The matter was reported to Sub-Inspector Moore, of Lawrence, who has proceeded to Beau mont with a view of having the body identified.

A telegram in last evening'* Dunedin Herald says:—“At four o’clock this morning the Kaitangata coal mine was discovered to bo again on fire. This time it is feared that the conflagration is of a most serious character, but at present it is impossible to ascertain either the exact location or the extent of the fire. It is known, however, that that portion of the mine in which the new engine has lately been erected is burning, and it is supposed that the heating of the engine chimney is the cause. The pi's are all closed up and work entirely suspended, while not a truck load of coal is at present available for delivery. One man had a narrow escape from suffocation.” A case of accidental poisoning has oc curred in Christchurch. A man named Foster purchased some boor at the Car.ton Hotel, the beer being put into a bottle provided by the barman. After partaking of the beer Foster became ill, and for some days was in a critical state. He is now able to ga‘about, and will probably re cover moderate health, but will always be more or less a sufferer. It appears the bottle in which the beer was put had pre viously contained oxalic acid. It had been obtained in the usual way from a dealer in old bottles.

Dyspepsia, biliousness, nervousness and miscrablencss all cured with IJop Bitters. See —[A DVT.] Robust and blooming health in Hop Bitters, and no family can afford to be without them. Read,—[A dvt.] Holloways Pills.—Nervous Debility. No part of the human machine requires more watching than the nervous system—upon it hangs health and life itself. These pills arc the best regulators and strengthened of the nerves, and the safest general purifiers. Nau sea, headache, giddiness, numbness, and men tal apathy yield to them. They dispatch in a summary manner those distressing dyspeptic symptoms, stomachic pains, fulness at the pit of the stomach, abdominal distension, and over come both capricious appetites and confined bowels—the commonly accompanying signs of defective or deranged nervous power, Hollo way’s Pills are particularly recommended to persons of studious and sedentary habits, who gradually sink into a nervous and debilitated state, unless some such restorative be occa sionally taken. —[Advt,] “ German Syrup.”—No other medicine in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup. In three years two million foOr hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free 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, fid. Three doses will relieve any case.—[Advt.J

The Ohristchurch City Oouncil will prose cute the proprietors of the Free Thought Hall for using the hall as a p'ace of enter tainment without a license. T he proprietor* refused to take out a license.

The enquiry into the loss of the Lech Fyne was held yesterday at Lyttelton. The evidence of the Chairman of the Underwriters’Association and the Harbor Master went to show that the vessel left Lyttelton in excellent trim and with suffi cient freeboard. She had 1600 tons of wheat, which was insured by Roberts, "Paxton and Co. for L 16.000, which was the full value of the cargo, o.i.f. and profit. She had 26 tons less cargo than on her last voyage. The evidence of tyro stevedores was to the affect that on one side she was under Plitnsoll’s mark, and on the other awash of it, also that several truce loads of cargo wese dumped into her after going into the stream and the Marine Surveyor had left. The Marine Surveyor had been subpoenaed but was out ot the colony. The evidence is to be forwarded to the Board of Trade, Lon don. •

From an article publ shed in this morn ing’s Timxru Herald, dealing with the re signation of the member for Ashburton, that journal says:—’ Mr E. G. Wright belonged essentially to the “ hard labor gang.' He was always at work. In eypry important question before the House, he deemed it his business at least to go into the matter sufficiently deeply to ascertain whether he could do any good by going farther ; and if he thought he ceuld, he never rested until he had done everything that it was possible for him to do. Ho was one of those members

—the rarest type of all, perhaps—who re semble the Arabs described by Palgravo, in his travels in Central Arabia, whose zeal instead of cooling with time, only grows hotter and hotter the longer they pursue an object. If it took him weeks or months to. follow up an enquiry or to urge a measure, through all the stages of question, notice of motion, motion, com mittee, prolonged and numerous sittings, examination of witnesses and papers, pre paration of evidence, report, motion for adoption of report, and final action thereupon, it made no difference to him. He went ‘trough it all as steadily and persistently and unwearyingly and un compromisingly as an auger goes through a thick, tough, knotted baulk of timber ; and it was only towards the end of the business that the House fully disoerued how entirely in earnest he was. . . . . Some of the moat successful of our public men have attained success solely by their faculty of never letting it be felt that they were wiser than those they were working with. Mr Wright .was lacking in that faculty, as most very ener getic men are, and ha suffered accordingly. But with it all ho exercised an undeniable influence in the House ; and the time was assuredly at hand when he would have filled a very important place there. He was one of the most capable among the younger generation of New Zealand poli ticians; high principled and disinterested, without being quixotic or eccentric; broad-minded and reasonable, but at the

some time clear-sighted and concentrated; exceptionally active and laborious ; inde pendent in his opinions and perfectly fearless ia the expression of them; coura geous without being overbearing; and honorably ambitious without any tendency towards selfish methods of attaining pro minence. It is not a little to the shame of Major \tkinson as a leader that ho studioudy discouraged the well-grounded pretensions of such a man as this,—as he has those of every man of ability in his party—and blasted his career by a ( mean intrigue." The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop. Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the coun'-ry had expressed the merits of IT. B„ and in every way trying to induce sulering invalids to u e their, stuff instead, expecting to make money en the credit and good name of H. B. Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or ‘'Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pre'ended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with the word “Hop” or “Hops” in their' name or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them. _ Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in the glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against dealing in imita tions or counterfeits.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

London, May 7- ■ The Oriental Bank Corporation has despatched a special steamer to Mauritius to close the agencies in that island. The British shareholders in the Oriental Bank have determined to form themselves into a Defence Committee to protect their in terests. London, May 11. Earl Rosabery will preside at the ban quet to be given on 22nd to Sir H. Loch, the Governor of Victoria, prior to hie leaving England. The steamer Bulli, belonging to the Belli Coal Company, N.S. W., whilst on her first voyage, bound from Glasgow to Sydney, went ashore at Capetown, and has since become a total wreck..

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Melbourne, May 13. The Presbyterian Assembly has been siting to consider the application of the Scots Church fora bill to enable it to leave the Presbyterian Church of Victoria. The Assembly decided vigorously to oppose the bill. The trial of Henry Morgan for the murder of the little girl Margaret Nolan at Panmuro, near Warrnambool, in No vember last, was concluded on Saturday, when the prisoner was condemned to death. - By the Parramatta, which arrived yes terday, a considerable number of Indian rpilitary officers have come to Australia to spend their leave. A welcome rainfall has occurred in all parts of Victoria. A glove fight took place on Saturday night in Athletic Hall, Bourke street. It was stopped by the police on the ground of its brutality. “ Forget-me-not ” has been withdrawn at the Princess, after a very successful run. Miss Ward is now pi -ying there in the “ Queen’s Favorite " Miss Melville is doing a splendid business with “ Car men a* the Bijou. Money is turned away every night. M* BB Jeffreys Lewis opens at the Royal this week in ” Mr John Radcliffe, the eminent English flute player, is giving concerts, assisted by Madame Pauline Rita. The Railway Commissioners are taking steps to have all the passenger trains su. * plied with continuous brakes. Saunders and Bolitho’a automatic vacuum brake is to be fitted on tfle overland express trains. k movement is on foot to present a testimonial to the Rev Dr Bromby. The fellmongers are agitating for an ex port duty to be Paced on sheepskins. The Mayor gave a quarterly luncheon on Friday, at which' the Premier end Minister for Defence were present. The guests included officers of the French war ship Duohaffaut, now in dock here, Mr O. Fisher ( vlayor of Wellington), and many other visitor®.

Sydney, May 13. A great number of men continue un employed, despite the efforts of Govern ment to provide work for them. Maay of the number seem disinclined to accept their offers, preferring to receive charit able aid. It is understood that Government in tend to convert the Wolverine into a training ship. Dr Mutfay, Retain Catholic Bishop of Maitland, has received a letter from Arch bishop Moran stating he will leave for Australia in July. Bishop Barry presided at a meeting of the Blue Ribbon Mission last night, and spoke in favor of the movement. Over 3,000 have donned the ribbon since the arrival of Booth. Encouraging reports continue to be re ceived from t’ e country regarding the break up of the drought. Adelaide, May 13. The Commission appointed to report on the means of relieving the destitute has held several sifctinys. Mr Reed, the Chair man, made a proposal that compulsory weekly payments should be made by all young men between seventeen and twenty five, in order .to ensure against sickness an i old age. The journeymen bakers went out on strike ou Saturday, but no public incon venience ensued. The City Oeunoil has adopted the re port of the Town Hall Committee, recom mending it to consider any proposition for holding sacred concerts er organ re citals in the Town Hall on Sunday after noons. The erection of the new Parliament Houses is proceeding rapidly, and it is probable that the last session of the pre sent Parliament will be held in the new Chamber.

THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND.

Tho Hoq Major Atkinson addressed * public meating of tho oitiqsns last night in the Theatre Royal. The Mayor (Mr W. R. Waddle) presided. There was a crowded attendance. Among those pre* sent were the Hon E. Mitchelaon, Sir F. Whitaker, sereral members of the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly, and a large number of leading citizens. The members of the Auckland Trades and Labor Council were present on the plat form by invitation of the Premier. The Premier, on coming forward, was jwell received. He said it was thirty-one years since he had landed in Auckland for the first time, end he noticed vast, changes and progress. Owing to the colony having been settled from several centres, it was difficult to elicit public opinion, if it existed, and he had come to. Auckland to ascertain what publio opinion was here. It was desirable that their pub lic men should address the people on the great publio questionsofthe day, and it was for the publio to give careful consideration to the policies laid before them. # Referring to finance, he said the country was tho roughly sound, and better able to" bear its. burdens thsn before the borrowing policy was initiated in 1870 Omitting educa tion, which now came out of taxation instead of out of their pockets directly, the taxation was 2a 10d per head'less than in 1870. As to the railway tariff, the Government were not prepared to go on continuing the deficit that was accruing, and therefore raised the tariff, and took the consequences,, and were prepared for them. It showed the difficulties of party Government when some members of a party said they could not longer support the Government on this matter, though agreeing with their general policy. The so called leader of the Opposition, Mr Montgomery, thought he saw an opening to •jsct the Government, but he was leader only in name. They knew, and ho (the speaker) knew that the only possible leader who could lead an Opposition in the Assembly was their representative for the City East, Sir Goo. - Grey. Mr Mont gomery proposed insular separation, but that, apart from being impracticable, would be ruinous to both. With separa tion tho eonstruo ion of the North trunk railway would be impossible. The Min ister for Publio Works had . examined the several routes, and the Govern ment wou'd be prepared to make pro posals at the approaching session with the object of pushing through the North Island trunk line. It was neces sary to deal with the native lands which would be improved by the construction of the trunk railway, otherwise these lands would fall into tho hands of speculators. They intended to put an end to the pur chase or lease of native lands by private parties. The natives would be allowed to dispose of it through tho various Crown Land Boards. If necessary, the natives would have seats ou such Boards. The Orosrn would have the right to purchase such lands where desirable. At present, when the natives sold blocks of lands tho money had all gone. The Government proposed that a largo majority of a tribe should decide as to selling land, and that the natives should only receive a small portion of the procseds in hash and thereat in annuities. The present pro ceedings in connection with the purchase, of native lands, were a disgrace to civilisa tion, and private parties were reaping a reward which properly belonged to the State. Ho then referred* to the questions of Federation, of colored labor, and of a Protectorate over certain South Sea Islands, in order to the development of our colonial trace. With regard to tho continuance of the San Francisco mail service, he understood there was great uneasiness in Auckland. The American Government refused to pay anything to wards the service as yet. The Home Go vernment now intended to send all letters not specially addressed via the San Fran cisco route, by the first opportunity. New South Wales had arranged with Victoria, under certain conditions, to send letters alternately by the Orient and P. and 0 lines. If these new mangoments re adied in New South Wales withdrawing from the San Francisco service it would involve an increased cost to New Zealand.- With regard to the subsidy of L 32,000 a year, the service cost very little at pre sent, but increased cost was a of grave consideration Notwithstanding its cost they should strain every nerve to maintain a service, and ho would be very sorry to sse it fall through. With-regard to the prospects of the next session he was not going ta prophesy. He would be a wise man who could do so, but this much-he would say. If members would 1 tfot go on with the business the country would be pqt to the expense of two ses sions in the year instead of one. He hoped the Assembly would see its way iu a short session to accomplish the neces sary business of the country, and tlius avoid the expense which otherwise would be inevitable. The elections could take place earlier in the year, so that no great loss of time would be incurred in ascer taining the feelings of the country on larger questions submitted to it. Of course this was a matter entirely in the hands of thp fjouse, but he thought it right to make known to the country the opinions of the Government on the sub j ot; and as Parliament was only two years old he hoped the House would see the wisdom of not putting the country to the exoonsa of J;wo sessions in one yesr. There was another question he desired to refer to, that of national insurance. It was a mistaken idea to think the Govern ment were hostile to the Friendly Socie ties. On tho contrary, they desired to foster them. Ho had received the pro posals of the Auckland Friendly Socie ties, and thought them on the whole very reasonable, and the Government woum see their way to comply with moat of them. It was the desire, by his scheme < f national insurance, to r«n er paupe ism an impossibility in this colony. He then

referred to immigration, and the neces sity cf keeping up a stream «■£ people of the right sort to entile on the. lands of the colony and establish local industries. As to the question tf protec tion and free trade, it would come in time ; but he would not refer to it now. He referred to the question 6f the Oiril Service reorganisation, and the extension of the franchise to women. The Premier, in conc'nsion, thanked the audience for a fair and patient hearing. There had been a little badinage and pleasantry by way of interruption, but he did not think tbe won* of them for that. In reply to questions, the Premier said ' as soon as the Asembly agreed upon a route for the North Island trunk line, the Government would be prepared to proceed et once to raise the' million loan for its construction. He was donbtfnl it it would.be advisable to make the Waste Lands Boards elective. He was favorab’e to altering the Licensing Act so as to give every adult in the distriet, male and fe male, the right of voting for the election of members of the Licensing. Committees. He was not in favor of a member of the Assembly join? back to his constituents on accepting office. 11 only led to useless expense. If they insisted on perpetual elections they -would soon hare only rich men *u the House. Oaptain D. H. McKenzie moved, and Mr John London seconded, a vote of thanks to Major Atkinson for his ad-, drees On a show of hands being taken," the vote of thanks waa carried by a large major! y. Major Atkinson’s speech lasted two hoars, and the questioning one hour, the meeting: breaking up at eleven o’clock, with cheers for the Premier* and also, lor Sir Oaorge Grey.

FIRE AT THE SPREAD EAGLE.

The Inquest. - An enquiry was held at the Courbhodse this morning, before H. C. S. Beddsley, Esq., R.M., ann a jury,' into the origin of the fire, fay which the Spread,Basle Hotel was’ destroy ed on April x9tb. Mr S. W. Alcora n Was chosen foreman of the jury. Mr Wilding -appeared. to : watch -the pro ceedings on ’behalf of the mortgagees of the property and Mr Tiseh. PhilipTisch, nowTWidsntat'ATonside. Christchurch, said the S&read Eagle Hotel was built nine yean ago, and was his pro perty at the time -of the fire. Joseph Baldwin was the licensee, the witness having given np the business two yean ago. The house at. .that time,was insured by his lawyer; the furniture was ipot, in sured. He had insured thsfuraiture since in the Standard'dfice, OhHstohiueb. He did so in Januarylast; the ’ amounts were L 270 on furniture, L3O on piano, and LSO on stock-in-trade. These amounts were arrived at from a valuation made £4 years, ego by Me Harrison, adotidhoetof Ashburton. At that; time Yinsen paid witness L 340 in cash foe the stock and furniture. Washer subsequently pur chased from Yinsen for L4OO. Washer became bankrupt in January, and witness distrained for Ll2O rent, and took over the furniture in satisfaction of the claim. There was no stock. • He effected the ln snrance a few days afterwards. Some of tjm furniture had b*eh in the house since it was built. A claim was msde npon the Standard Insurance Company for : the furniture mid stock destroyed by the fire. The amount of the claim was. rased upon Harrison’s .valuation and that made fey the bailiff Witness. was at the hotel u December last, but did not go .over the whole of the house-He aaw'ebiiee of the furniture now claimed for. There Were 18 yards of cocob-nut matting in the Com mercial room, for which witness had paid 6s per yard. The claim of L2O for mat ting and sundries lying about tfaehSuse was not excessive; The total value of furniture and stock at the time of the fire was L 369 2s, of this L 8 worth was saved; and the net loss was L 351 2s. The claim 'produced ’was made up by his solicitor from his verbal statements, he was hot •sufficiently familiar with English to check it. Six chair*, a table and -two*cofiw were saved, which he valued at LB. Thw insurance of L3OO was on the furniture,- which witness had taken in satisfaction of the claim for Ll2O. It had been prefe viously insured for the same Had nothing to do with the insurance of the house. There was a mortgage on it for L4OO, it qpst L 1,400. Tho mort gagee insured the house for * LBOD. - Witness paid' the premium for insurance ‘ to the mortgagee (Mr W. R. Mitchell). It amounted, to LlB a year. The house was let for LIBO a year. Vinson paid hie. rent regularly. Washer paid -the first half year, but ■ afterwards became bank rupt. Baldwin paid no rent, bat wee theta as fc tenante There was mme .stock loaf by fire thab claimed for. * Witnesl was in Ashburton when the fire occurred.

1 but had beau at the hotel the previous, day. Mrs' Baldwin and her children re turned to Ashburton with him. Baldwin and a man named Roberts remained at the hotel Baldwin was to .hare left, seven days before, but delayed doing so,, and 1 witness took Mrs Baldwin and- the ' children down, as they had no other . means of leaving. - Their wearing ap i parel was packed up, but not their forni*. ■ > ture. The' kitchen was a leaa-to attne , back of the hotel The ceiling .was about six feet from the top :of -the fire-plaoe, ’ which contained an ordinary cookl ing range. The ceiling was match lined, the chimney ' ’ brick. The business had recently been very poor. The neighborhood is not so thickly popu lated as the town'vof Ashburton. The nearest residence is a quarter of a mile from the house.. There are two acres of very inferior land attached to the hotel The railways have diverted ,much of the business from the house. A much smaller, place would now meet the requirements of the district. Witness could task* money in the house, and thought any other man that stuck., to the business could do so.—To Mt Wilding : Yinseu paid LIBO a year rent and paid the insutv ance. Witness received upwards of from the Standard Brewery Co, on ac count of Yinsan. Yitren made the place . pay after the railways ware opened.' Hughes was trustee in Washer 1 * estate, and it was arranged :that witness should take furniture, for amount of diig, " When Washer became' bankrupt Baldwin I was authorised to carry on the business for witness, and afterwards to hev* a lease. At the time of the fire nojice had been given Baldwin io . leave. He had then occupied the house as tenant tot abqut tfyres mqnths. Baldwin had a oontragt for carrying- the • mail, which necessitated. his frequent ab sence from t‘ie house, and on thn account he was not a satisfactory tenant.- Witness intended to take the hotel* again himself. The property saved was not removed until it had been inspected by tlje police. Th* claim for loss was very hurriedly prepared by his solicitors. ’ He had no fish to cla|nj( for more than he had actually loet. r dasher had the stopk insured for MOO this policy ?as transferred to vitueea, and when it ran out in .January lasthe to; insured it for LSO only. Additions>tothe' building made by the direction of the 1 police six or seven yean ago cost upwards i of L4OO. There were 27 rooms in (he - house. To the Police : Did not know that he bad to make a claim for insurance before be censulted his solicitor. Was worth L 26,000 seven years ago bat . had lost a. large sum of- money. Did .ot think he had been bankrupt. [At this stage Mr Wilding object, dto? the cross-examination of Sergeant -Felton, which he said displayed indecent animus, and he advised Mr Tisoh not to answer any question in refctence to his previous history.]

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY* HAY 20, 1884.



Sv uGi sA* • BOi ' :40S9S6>' ■ BNU I N E ROTHERHAM’S ENGLISH LEVERS from £5 10a. Gendin* Waltham Levers, from £3 10a. ildlwiteh6e.jgtf»ranteedtw(> years. Special attention, to repairs, which are a«siv«teeftftlrelswtobntba iT G. ADAMS & CO, 'Practical English Watchmakers, 1 246 High street, Christchurch, Opposite City Hotel. 5 969 Ijuj-. ETMaker, ■ lIP HOLST ERE R & SHQP'JPITTEB, Waxanui Road (near Post Office), Begs to thank his customers for past favors and to ann-mnce that he is now prepared to execute orders fy? all clsasei of suites of furnitureHir tapestry, repp, velvet, leather and horse hair, and to salt •very ftp*. .isEitehituro nipholsteied and polished. Mattresses le-mada and car pets re-laid. the country dill do well to pay J. A. P.’s establish ment a visit beforO.pdrchasiog elsewhere. All work entrusted to him will be faith fully carried onk, and bis prices will defy competition.., .. ■: >; ,• !'-■ ,£i • s Ade&fer 1- *■ •' - Walter Gee’s Venetian Blinds J. B. Mansfield, Monumental Mason cohokcted ox “ REASONS LE TERMS. Af- A P 0 L O G Y. . \> a promised some time ago to supply tile public with foil particulars of our new stock winter goods ; but since a closer examination.has been made, we find the variety so much greater than we antici pated that with the limited space at enr clu4>o would be int practicable.f -WeTmay, however, state that ; Oau'Sdrhr op : " : FANCY COATINGS ■: sLas*ri> : TWEEDS ‘5 From tfe Home Markets : SU KPASSES j,Akythino Wb H vb i Hitherto Received. %•. * To enconrage Colonial Manufacture*, tod «aseeie’?d r keeping Colonial wealth ■ within the colony ai far as that can be done by the efforts of a single firm, we 1 have received a fine selection of TWEELS from Eaiapot and, Oaraaru ; also a splen did'assortment of MO GIEL TWEEDS, manufactured only for the bespoke trade. As these goods have been awarded highest honors at the Sydney and Melbourne Ex hibitions, they require no further recom mendation at our hands. lb* success which we have already achieved in Ashburton, and the reputation we now enjoy for accurately fitting the human figwa, will be a-sufficient guaran tee that (style, fit, and other essentia.s . -can always be relied on. Craighead’ and co., -■ v CLOTHIERS, TAffCfiljiP ASHBUBIOJI,



Wanted f FIENTH Anniversary Star of the East jl_ Lodge, No. 62. \T7 ANTED—Boy to milk and make * » himself useful. Apply J. H. Raine, Maronan, Hinds. 5 921 WANTED— A General Servant; one that can cook well. Apply to Mrs G. Jameson, Tanored street. B Sll ITT ANTED— Tenders to Feed off 140 W acres Turnips. Particulars apply, John Coyle, Upper Rangitata. S 788 WANTED —A gocd general Servant, none but a thoroughly experienced girl need apply. A boy ia kept. Enquire this office. 5 97b WANTED Tenders for Raising, Sorting and putting in bags, 5 to 8 tons of potatoes. Tenders to bo in by ■Thursday, May 22. Apply, X,” Post "Office, Ashburton. 5 979 T T‘7'ANTED, immediately Every one V\ to read Hayes asd Co..’s adver tisement. 4 748 'ICKETS, Is 6d, may be had every where. WTTXANTED—Every one that was untuc- YV cessful in Hayes and Go ’s art union to read advertisement. 4 749 THE Anniversary Tea Meeting will be held in the Church of England Schoolroom bn Monday, May 26th. WANTED to purchase Good Lard in any quanti y>; alee, Sound, Small Pickling Onions. Apply, **. E. Poyntz, Novelty Emporium and Provision Store. 5 758 rpBA on the Table at 6 p.m. .NTED Known—Best Rice, Sd ; Sago, 4d; Tapioca, 5d ; Fiemingtorr Factory Cheese, 6Jd per . lb.—J. Me Gregor, Tancrod street, opposite the Arcade. 4 640 MAY 26, Temperance cheer at the Church of England School. WANTED Known—The cheapest house in town to boyMillinory, Dolmans, Jackets, Dress Stuffs, etc., is H. C. Segens’s, Sealy’s buildings, East street. First-class goods marked with a small profit New goods now open. 2 234 M AY 26/ the oldest Lodge in Ashbur ton will eat, drink and bo merry. \ I/ANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, yv Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton, Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Order? by post or telegram promptly attended to. 7600 OOD Tea at the Good Templar enter ic'’ tainment. r ANTED Known —For sale cheap, a Three and Four-Roomed House, Half Acre of Land ; two frontages, initiated, on East Belt, near Wakanui road. Terms easy. Also, 6 Acres in English grass, with county water race through it. Apply W. C. Datis, next Oddfellows’ Ball, Ashburton. 8 765 OODSO N G S- Gobd Readings. Good Speakers. ■ ■ TTTANTED Known—That Jones and VV Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s sutchers shop, East street, are now.offer ng Pig Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, jto., etc , etc., cheaper and of a better slass thaa any other in the tjwn. All coeds delivered free of charge ifi town. 4 752 G 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 ?s €d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women a do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2s 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107



VETERINARY SHOEING FORGE. WANTED Known— W. T. Kingston (late with J. R. Steel, Blacksmith) begs to announce to the public of Ash* burton and surrounding district that he has commenced business in a new shop erected on the Wakanui road, next C. Ray, Engineer; Millwright, etc. (nearly opposite Central Hotel), and trusts to re ceive a fair share of public patronage. All •hoeing done in bis usual style, and guaranteed the best workmanship. Re pairs neatly executed. Estimates given for builders’ ironwork. 3 552 Special Advertisements. COMMERCIAL Stationery, Account Books, ' Presents, &c, A. M. JONES, East Street. 11 123 Roberts, paxton & co. ABB CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT ■' BEANS BARLEY PEiS OATS COOKSFOOT AND RYE GRASS SEED. They, supply farmers with the best quality Large Oornsacks, at the lowest market rates, and will ma'<e liberal Advances against Grain placed in their hands for shipment to London or else where. ROBERTS, PAXTON & Co. Late P. Cunningham and Co’s offices, Corner of Manchester and Lichfield Sts.. Christchurch. 3 623 Meech and Co. DO not, as a rule, care to blow about the Excellence of their Goods, but when they find that they can offer induce ments which no other house in Ashburton can possibly do, they feel justified in rushing into print to let the general public kn >w that they will be studying their own interests by purchasing from the makers. MEECH AND CO., CABINET MAKERS, » UPHOLSTERERS, / UNDERTAKERS, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Being supplied, with the latest improved Machinery, they are able to turn out Fur niture, &c., in all the newest designs, and at prices which defy competition. Farmers and others wishing to make their homes comfortable should pay this Firm a visit, and they will find that MEECH AND CO. can supply every Household requisite at prices which, to meet the times, will really surprise them. Brackets and all other k.oda of Cutting done f or the trade. 2 375



Special Advertisement gTATIONERT, Commercial, Plain, and Fancy. ACCOUNT BOOKS PRIZE BOOKS SCHOOL BOOKS & REQUISITES supplied) TOYS & FANCY GOODS. Andrewes Bros., BeeusELtißS, SiAweNana, Ao. ,{ ASHBURTON.



MPORTANT. The undersigned is now landing PRIMS NrtWC4STLB COAL for household purposes. ;Alb« en hand, BEST NATIVE COAL ARE BLACK PINJE KIRKWOOD. Building Timber nt Prices to suit the Times. ALPS BUS HAYES, Coal and Timber Merchant. WILLIAM COLLIN'S, Manager. INTENDIN'* PURCHASERS OF CLOTHING FOB THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Cloth mg 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 bj the Pirn of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AT WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, ann they can new boast of having Twenty-one Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce, economising both material and labor, ana ensuring to their pstroqs a further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Bate of Wholesale Price SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : BAST STREET.



GRAIN SEASON 1884. mHF NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND JL MERCANTILE AGENCY COM PANY (LIMITED). Capital ..£3,000,600. Reserve Fund £210,000. iUKAIA, OHERTSEY, ■ AND METHYEN AGENCIES. Ma 0. W. TURNER, the Company's Local Agent, will be in regular attend ance at CHERTSEY: ON TUESDAYS, from II a.m. till 2 p.ra. METHVEN: ON THURSDAYS, from 12 till 4 p.m. RAKAIA: At all times-during the week. Every information as to Cost and Arrangements for SHIPPING GRAI can be obtained on application te C, W. Turner, AGENT, 2 868 Rakaia, Ohertsey, and Methven.



F YOU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DAVIS’S JHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOUTH, ASHBURTON. fjIYEP.Y article Sold at Christchurch jk Pkiobs and beat of ■material and ■workmanship. “ funerals CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY PtTKN'ISHRD - riIHE ROSIER FANNING MILL -A- AND GRAIN SEPARATORS. The most complete, most effective, most economical winnower in the world. Will dress wheat, oats, barley, beans, peas and ryegrass, taking beth sorrel and clover from the grass, and thus rendering all grass seed fit for the export market. IHE CHAFFER— An attachment for use in cleaning grain or seed that is very foul with straw, chaff, etc., ensuring regularity in feeding, and taking the place of the spiked roller used in some machines. This attachment is very simple and cannot get out of order. One of the above machines may be seen working at the stores of the under signpd. F. fERRDfAjr.