stalment of the loaf , - m . 'rtfa to 1877,812 One effect of limit ; a ’b’ ex penditure of the loan of 1882 to about one million a year, was not, I think, foreseen when the Act was passed. For example, to exactly spend L 1,000,000 per r annum on public woiks, with only L 1,000,000 per annum in c sh available, would under a> y circumstances be next doer to impossible, and in the case of railways it is altogether impossible. The works may be roughly divided in three viz (1) Formation and bridges, (2) material for permanent way, and (3) plate-laying a r d stations, and each of these items absorb nearly a third of the total amount. If, therefore, the forma tion on most of the lines be done during the first year, it would be necessary that the whole of. the work in the country should be stopped during the second year, in order to pay daring that year for the rails, and sleepers, and thus provide for the laying of the rails and the making of the stations during the third year. If, however, the workjin the country be con tinued during, the second year, it is evi dent that the rate of expenditure origin aUyfproposed must be overrun, and this in fact has to some extent occurred. The Government have, therefore, whenever circumstances appeared to justify such a '.course, ventured to slightly exceed the authority directly given by Parliament in ordering rails and roliirg-strck, so as to prevent the work standing still longer than was absolutely necessary, and this action on the part of Government will explain to hon. members how it comes to pahs that the expenditure and liabilities together exceed the vote by the sum of L 261,596. I may inform the Committee that there is material to the value of about. L 300,000, consisting of rolling stock not set up, and rails either in the hinds of the Government, on the sea or being made to order of the Agent-General. I desire to call the attention of the Com mittee to these facts, because 1 think no Government‘should exceed the votes of Parliament in committing the country to expenditure or liabilities without . the attention of Parliament being specially called to it. It will be for Parliament to determine ‘if the action of the -Govern ment in thus exceedin' the vote by 'liabilities' for material for future use was justifiable; Had we not acted as we have ‘ done, one of two things must have hap pened; either come L 260,000 less must 'have ■ been spent on works on the line, thus rendering the depression still greater : than at present, or rails and rolling stock to'thfit amount must have remained un ordered,'to the great delay of the works generally in the future. In the Public •Works Statement made in 1882, it was ’'pointed but that a large expenditure would be required for works upo i the opened lines, and it was proposed to allocate a large Sum out of (he balance of the five million loan for this purpose. The sum available has, 1 regret to say, s been fvand quite inadequate to meet the r necessary expenditure. Belying upon • that proposal as being sufficient to meet the requirements of the public service, no farther direct provision was made in the •ehedule to the Three Million Loan Act for 'the necessary improvement to the open lines which the increasing traffic is perpetually demandingj such, for instance, as in enaaed rolling stock, further station ac commodation, heavier rails, sidings, and water supply. It is true that a large ■ portion of this expenditure might under tha Loan Act, 1882, he charged upon the - lino named in the schedule, but this mode of -charging does not appear satisfactory to the Government, and no provision has been made for a number of the open lines qpon-which a large expend!'ure has been found necessary. At any rate it is Clearly a .question which requires the .apodal consideration of Parliament. Under the authority of the votes of Par liament, liabilities have been incurred and • 'expenditure made upon the open lines during the two years since the 31st March 1882, to the extent of L 830,000. Of this L 460,000 has been charged against the fi»e million * loan, leaving L 370,00), which is at present charged under section 4 of the Act of last year •to the loan account, and'for which further ■ways and meant will have to be provided, or the amount will have to become a per manent charge against the loan. It_ will be necessary also to make' some provision - for further expenditure - upon open lines, which cannot be possibly avoided. 1 fear that ijum of not less than L 1,000,000 .will'be required to be expended annually upon the open lines, bssides all charges for renewal,, maintenance, and repairs, which are of course charged against the receipts, if the railways are to keep pace With the increasing traffic. TBX FUTURE. Under ordinary circumstances, Mr Hamlin j it would now be my duty to submit for the considera tion of the Committee the proposed ex i penditure of the ordinary revenue for the current year, and then-to ask Iheatten jion of hon. members to the-estimated re venue with Which it was intended to meet snob expenditure, but as matters siuua ... this House I have only to ask the Com mittee to grant sufficient supplies to carry ; on the public service until the meeting of the new Parliament, and to make tem porary prevision for the -deficit of last year, and snob further provision for public works as may be required until the new Parliament shall have decided now the expenditure upon open lines is to be ultimately pfiarged. I do not propose to pek the' Cammittee to consider estimates Of expenditure out of the - Consolidated JPnnd or of the Public Fund, but to ob tain the necessary authority for expendi ture by an amendment of the Public Revenues Act, which will extend, the ap propriations of last year, with such few - as may be necessary, Until the . end - of August next I shall ask the - authority of Parliament ta issue L 150,000 deficiency bills,'to provide foe the deficit ■ft the Consolidated Fund to the 31st ,28ttieh- last These bills will be in addi- the L 400,000 at present autho rised to be raised in temporary aid of the jewftae,’’ I .may.here say that 1 am of 3urimon, from the experience of last year, of defioit bills are scarcely to carry on the public service of incurring serious diffi- Tfceeia - difficulties -arise chiefly 'to pay, at certain periods sums for interest -and before the consolidated re ' «jaeq»nplatad sufficiently to S^^^weoftiary'payment. The re-. ftSwPwiirowwi '**'fwwgnlarly from customs especially from the ■SKBBt!sSS'’-faw>-wM<ih-la collected only once propose, therefore, aa'the Property Jauc-i.: be ■ oolleoted within- the ' to ask for farther deficiency bills ' to MMbßhSSß&H'iit' 150,000. Withthis addi of way* and means, and ii toigrant authority to fte deficit in' last -there will be m B all necessary payment! the new Parliament. the ..Public 1 Worki there was an uu of L 877.912, but of thi in the handso vifej >hon/ members who follow thi know, advances outatand included in -balance in band available fo* expenditure -advances vary iron HffiSßfty.'tiiae fiom L 60,000 to LSOO.OOO daring Apr l and Ma; ' amounting t ffaiMflilf 61 - 1 tfia* jWying- the unexpende 'fbi l fond bn' tfiolstjune ba ainodnt L299,7S

i July and. August will be less per month than the expenditure for the months of i .Ap-il and May. The expenditure for April and May, though large, would have been gradually tapered off month by i month until the floating of the next mil lion of tl e three million loan, but owing to the largo expenditure which has been found necessary during the last two years upon the open lines, and the action which sleepers, and rolling stock, so as to expe the Government Las taken in ordering rails, dite the works, it will be necessary to ob tain some temporary aid for the Public Works Fund, until, as I have said, the new ’ Parliament has determined hoW the expenditure upon the open lines is to be charged, and until the raising of the third million of the three million loan. A table showing, amongst other things, the expenditure and liabilities of each vote authorised by the schedule of the Loan Act of 1882 will be published with this Statement. This table will, I think, enable hon. membe s clearly to understand the position of the fund. I shall ask the House to permit" the issue of deficiency bills to the extent of LIOO.OOO This will be sufficient until about the beginning of September. Sim e the three million loan was authorised, the expenditure out of the Public Works Fund has been, for 1882-83, L 897,037. La-t year it was L 1,409,588, making a total ex pegditure for the two years upon public works of L 2,306,625. But this amount includes L 154,127 advanced for pur chasing rails for the open lines, which will be repaid hy the working rail ways department, as soon as the rails arrive and are handed over. The not expenditure for the two yearslwas there fore L 2,152,498, or an annual average expenditure for the two years of L 1,076,249, inclusive of L 106.398 ex pended under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act; so that the average expenditure' a little exceeds the one million a year, which the Government estimated the colony might safely spend ; and this expenditure would have been L 260,000 less if the Government had not taken upon themselves, as I have already pointed out, to order sleepers, rails, and rolling stock, in anticipation of the re quirements of the current year. CAUSES OF THE DEPRESSION. And now, Mr Hamlin, 1 would like to say a few words about the depression which prevails in the colony. Ln the first place it does not arise, to any appre ciable extent, either from defective law or errors of administration on the part of the Government. It does not arise from the withdrawal of capital, or from the dis trust of capitalists ; there is no sign of such distrust to be found anywhere, so far asl know. Capital Can now be obtained in any amount, and upon reasonable terms, tor any undertaking whici will give a fair return for the outlay incured. Capi tal has not, as a matter of fact, been driven from our shores, either by our system of direct taxation or by the nature of our land laws, or by any other cause. Far more capital has flowed into the ''colony during the last three years than in any period of our history, b’or does the depression arise from the largo amount of interest we have to pay upon our public debt and private borrowings. We can, I cm satisfied, pay with ease all the interest we have undertaken to pay, because the employment of the borrowed capital has enabled, and is enabling, us to produce far more than the share our sleeping partners draw in tho way of interest, and this must be evident to auy one who will look at the amount of our exports, and remember that this is the surplus after our population has supplied itself with all the chief necessaries of life, and especially when the enormous direct advantage to the producers which accrues from our railways is considered, a saving to the community of *at least two millions per annum. The present de pression, is traceable ultimately to three causes. , I irst the habits of extravagance, arising out of the wonderful prosperity which, with only slight and tem porary checks, we have enjoyed for tha last thirteen years, habits which our' general circumstances never justified us in indulging, if indeed any circumstances could be their justifica tion. This extravagance is a response to the unbecoming folly now recognised as an evil and successfully combatted. Se condly, the class of distributors and middlemen is far too numerous in propor tion to our population, 'i here are,' no doubt, too many mercht nts, traders and agents; numbers of these are trading upon capital borrowed on terms at which it is impossible for them to do business upon a sound basis, and the consequence is they interfere and ruin the legitimate tusiness of the responsible merchant and trader. It is generally admitted by all competent authorities that in the year 1882 over-importation of goods, to the value of at least one million sterling, had taken place, and I find upon enquiry that the stocks in the warehouses were equal in value in Deo., 1883, tothose in "'Vcamber, 1882, so that the relief which was hoped for last year in the rt duction of blocks has not occurred. Thirdly, the low prices which have obtained during the last year for your chief articles —wool and grain. It is said that wool and grain are never low in price at the same time, and this is no donbt true'as a general rule, but unfortunately this has not proved true during the last year. The loss to our spending power upon these two articles of export has been, I estimate, not less than half a million sterling. I myself believe that had wool and grain been at anything like an average price we should have had no deficit in our Consoli dated Revenue to provide for. These causes sufficiently account for the want of confidence in our immediate pros pects, and for the condition of trade in some districts of our colony. The real circumstances 'do not justify this lack of confidence, but there can be no doubt that the present depression is an unfortunate fact, and that we cannot hope fora return of prosperity until confidence is again'restored.. As I have on several occasions pointed out, the action of Parlia ment and the Government has, to a cer tain extent, intensified the depression, by the determination which we arrived at two wears ago, to limit to a moderate extent ;ha expenditure of borrowed money. As hon. members will have seen from state ments which I have just made, tho Go vernment have not arbitrarily curtailed tha expenditure by a hard and fast line, but have endeavored to make reduction as little felt as possible, by increasing the expenditure during the current year to the full extent of the limits imposed by Par-

iiqment. How depression is to ba speedily overcome, is a question of great importance to all of. us. I confess at once that I see no royal road by which we can be relieved from present dullness. The only remedies are to live well within our means, to increase as largely as pos sible the number of producers by settle ment on lands of a class of persons able imd willing to cultivate them, by en couraging the consumption of local pro ducts and manufactures, to believe in our selves, and to resolutely set our faces against the expenditure by public moneys from revenue or loan upon purposes un necessary or unproductive, while at the same time we steadily push on our public works. If we determine, as 1 believe we shall, to follow such a course as this, then bur prosperity is, 1 venture to say, already assured. Had it fallen to my lot, Sir, to have submitted a complete Budget for the current year, my proposals would not have necessitated my asking Parliament for any increased taxation for purposes of carrying on the services of the year, as I saw.my way to make both ends meet, with a margin for contingencies, by means of reductions under proposals for reform of tho Uiril

Service which Government have had under '■on-i-10-ation, hy aavii ga which would have been effected under our Hospital and Charitable Aid prop, is its, and by the savings upon other votes to which we should have asked the sanction of the House. In conclusion, Mr Mamin, I would point out that within six months after the Hall Government took office, which it did in October 1579, the Govern ment had to face a deficit of one million sterling upon the ordinary revenue. This, as I have often said, arose chiefly from the falling off in the land revenue, upon which we had been relying. Tha Government at once set to work to face the deficit. In the first place It excluded the Land Fund altogether, as a source from which the ordinary expenditure might be met, charging against it only the cost of iis ad ministration, and the charges to wlrch it was locally liable, and salting apart the balance for local works, and to their separate use it has been applied .ev.r since. The deficit ol one million for the period ending March, 1880, had to be met by a permanent loan, and the expenditure of the following year balances with the revenue, by means of a very large reduction in expenditure, and considerable increase in taxation. At that time, for some years preceding and for two years subsequently, a large portion of the charge for Armed Con stabulary was borne upon loan. Our five million 5 per cent loan had been sold in December 1879 at L97£, with the option of converting into a 4 per cent loan at Ll2O. la other words, our 4 per cent stock then sold for LBIJ. This sale was undoubtedly at the time a most successful one, and certainly repre sented our credit in its moat favorable light. In 1881 there was a small deficit in the Consolidated Fund ; in 1882 there was a surplus of L 203,000, and the oppor tunity was therefore taken in that year of transferring the cha 1 ge of L75,0U0, then paid out of loan for Constabulary, to the Consolidated Fund, and taxes were re duced to tha extent of about LUO, 000. lit 1883 there was a surplus of L 35,000 not withstanding the large reduction of taxa tion which took place in 1882, and the fact that the Consolidated Fund was charged for the first time with the whole cost of the Armed Constabulary, an addi tional charge amounting to about L 75,000. In 1884, we have to face a deficit of L 152.000. This has arisen from the falling off in the railway receipts to the extent of L 56.000, and in the Customs duties of L 123,000. Upou looking at the circumstances under which the Esti mates of 1882 ware made, I can not say I believe either Estimate was more than might' have been reasonably expected. The deficit is to be regretted, but it is not certainly a matter about which we should feel any anxiety. It can be provided for without burdening any class of the community. Moreover, our credit never stood higher than it does in London at the present time. Our last L 1,000,000 four per bent, loan is realising no less than LIOO 6s 6d per cent. We have, Sir, as far as my judgment'goes, nothing in our present circumstances to dishearten us—nothing, Sir, but what should nerve ua to renew our exertions with certainty that groat prosperity, will agrin reward our efforts. Meanwhile periods of pressure may be on the whole beneficial to the community by forcing at tention of the colony to our affairs, public and private, prudence in our specu lations,- and bettor organisation in our industries and our administrate ?. Waste is more or less an incident of all human work which the greatest skill, sagacity, and prudence cannot who'ly ter minate, and the tendency in times of excessive confidence is to neglect the attempt. It is generally admitted that but for this fact our large colonial enterprises of the last fourteen years would have been a more signal success. If the country and Legislature are capable of profiting by the uses of adversity, our future progress as a people will more than compensate in its increased stability for whatever it may sacrifice in swift ness.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold'durselves responsible for ih opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

To the. Editor. Sir, —As my name has been brojght very prominently before the Ashburton public in connection with the Borough School, and as Mr St Hill asserts that it is out of consideration to me that the correspondence is kept back, 1 wish to say that I do not fear the* strictest in vestigation, either with regard to corres pondence or Inspector’s report.—«l am, etc., A. J. H ARB AND, Head Mistaess Ashburton Borough School. June 21, 1884. To the Editor. Sir,— There is nothing which creates suspicion or excites ( curiosity so much as an attempt to conceal, and hence one may pardon much of “ Householder’s ” indig nation in last night’s, issue on the School Committee scandal. In cases like the one under notice little good is gained by secrecy, while much bitterness and ill feeling are engendered. The matter, too, assumes a serious aspect when it is stated that the head mistress is under notice of dismissal, and if this statement is correct, it appears to me the sooner the whole de tails are laid before the parents the better will it be for all parties concerned. Re ferring to the letter Signed by Mr St Hill, it is possible he is better versed in jour nalistic practices and enterprise than most people ; but at the risk of being deemed presumptuous and meddlesome, I venture to hint that the newspaper which will put before its readers so much of the so-called correspondence as immediately bears upon the delinquencies or otherwise of Miss Hatband will earn the gratitude of all those who desire fairplay, and who hold strong views on what some people choose to call “ a hole-and-corner business.” It would also be a practical carrying out of the motto incorporated in your leader heading which (I am told) is by interpre tation, “ The truth is mighty, let it pre vail,” and Would, at the same time, dispel o” confirm some ugly rumors which have gained credence in the Borough, In the meantime, dispassionate persons will de lay taking up cudgels on behalf of any of the parties Concerned until the facts are brought to light. Then let us throw our selves into the bieach, and go in vigo.- ously for—

The cause that lacks assistance, And the wrongs that need resistance. I am, etc., Ohas. Dixon. , To the Editor. Sib, —Would you allow mo,' through your columns, to ask “Householder" whether hia sweeping charge of injustice against the School Committee does not strike him aa being rather premature. The only ground ha haa for condemning the Committee ia the secrecy of our action in regard to the bead mistress He will see, I think, that provHed that action was justifiable, a private communication to Mias Harband was the only considerate course that could be adopted. But of the justice of opr decision, “Householder” is not as yet in a position to judge. He haa seen none of the documents ; he is ignorant of the grounds upon which our conclusions were forced. Granted that the absence of publicity looks suspicious, still that is all; and “Householder” might very well, have contented himself with demanding and insisting upon the ( publication of all papers. Until then, 1

think, he should withhold his judgment. F-r my part, if Miss Harband desires it, I hope that all correspondence will be made pubi cas soon as possible, as I am s itisfied th t whether the householders en dorse our conclusions or not, they will admit that those conclusions wore arrived at honestly and without bias.—l am, etc., B. a. Scott, Ashburton, J me 21, 1884.

SPOETING.

PLUMPTON PARK RACES. The following are tho handicaps for the Plumptou Park races. The acceptances close at 8 p. m, Wednesday, June 25, at the Shades, Ohristchuich. Handicap Hurdles ; 2 mile?. st lb st lb The Lad ... 11 7 Karaitiana... 9 10 Andy ... 11 5 Totara Coit 9 6 Kosciusko ... 10 12 Nellie ... 9 5 Bordeaux (late Secretary ... 9 3 Schmoozar) 9 12 Templeton Plate ; 1 mile. Rubina ... 912 Wee Roddie 7 5 Kingask ... 9 6 Supplejack... 610 Hulderness 810 Shuffle the Pilgrimage... 8 9 Brogue ... 6 0 Rebecca ... 712 Plompion Park Cup ; l£ miles. Pubina ... 9 8 Pretender... 7 9 Kingask ... 9 3 Wee Roddie 7 7 Whitbach ... 810 Supplejack 7 0 llolderness 8 8 Secretary ... 6 0 Pilgrimage... 8 5 Kate ... 6 0 Selling Plate; | miles. Pretender ... 9 0 Kate ... 7 6 Lady Helen 810 Shuffle the Supplejack 8 5 Brogue ... 7 6 Whalebone Belmontine Dick ... 712 (late White- Floss ... 710 foot) ... 7 0 Gondola ... 7 10 Fan 6 10 Handicap Time Trot; 3 miles. Cook Robin sor Bob ... 45secs Billy ... 30secs Mabel ... 50secs Warrior ... SOsecs Little Nancy 50iecs Never-mind- Tommy ... 50aecs her ... 35.eca Brownie ... 50,iecs Jimmy ... 45iecs Raddle ... 55s9cs OreepingJack 45?eos Spot ... Sosocs Bess ... 45aeca GERALDINE STEEPLECHASES. Tho following are the acceptances and entries for the Geraldine Steeplechase meeting : Gang Forward Handicap. st lb st lb The Agent... 12 12 Hard Times 10 3 Barbary ... 10 12 Ben H. ... 10 0 Mustard ... 10 7 Tallt-Ho Handicap. The Agent... 12 9 Karaitiana... 10 6 Barbary ... 11 5 Moody ... 10 4 Magic ... 11 0 Ben H. ... 10 0 The Lad ... 10 12 Encore ... 10 0 Mustard ... 10 9 Cameo ... 10 0 Maiden Steeplechase. Magic Little Dick Karaitiaua Dandy J Andy Silenus Satellite Orraidale Hunnington Hunt Club Cup. Woodstock 1 Silenus Fawn j Cameo

CRICKET.

THE AUSTRALIANS IN,ENGLAND. [rbutiif’s telegrams—copyright.] London, June 20. The Australian team commenced a match to-day at Manchester against an Eleven of tne North of England. There was a very large attendar ce of spectators, and splendid weather. The Australians went in first, and all were disposed of for 92. The bowling of the Home team was oxcelleat, and dead on the wicket. The highest scorer was Giffen, o, 19. When the stumps were drawn for the day the Home team had lost six wickets for 187 runs [Received June 21, 1.15 p.m ] / London, June 20 The North of England Team which is new playing against the Australians at Manchester is composed as follows ; Messrs Docker, Hornby, Barlow, Barnes, Bates, Briggs, Grassland, Peato, Sherwin, Shrewsbury, and Ulyett. In the first innings the Home team at the close of to-day’s play, the score showed—Hornby, o, 94; Barnes, b 67- ‘ j

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[eKUTKR’s T«LKOn*M9—COPYRIGHT. 1 The Reform Bill. London, June 20. The Franchise Reform Bill was under consideration in the House of Com mons last night, and passed through Committee. English Troopslin Egypt. The Marquis of Hartington was questioned last night regarding the military available for service in Egypt, and the possibility of successfully opposing the projected advance into Egypt proper of rebel Arabs. In reply, the Secretary of State for War declared that the British troops now in that country would, in conjunction with the Egyptian National Army, be sufficient to defend Upper Egypt against any attack from the Soudan. Lord Hartington further announced that General Stephenson, who now commands the British troops in Egypt, has also direction of any operations that may be made by the combined forces. The Oriental Bank. An official liquidator has been ap pointed to wind up the affairs of the Oriental Bank Corporation, j French Annexation. Paris, June 19. It is announced that the French Go vernment has formally annexed the Slate of Cambodia, situated north west of Cochin China, and hitherto under a French protectorate. [Received June 21, 1.16 p.m.] A Loan Floated. London, June 19. The Canadian Government loan of five millions sterling, bearing interest at the rate of 3 Yz per cent per annum, has been successfully floated here. The total tenders amounted to L 5,600,000. Tenders at 91 will receive 60 per cent of the allotment, and those above that price will receive in full. Shipping. Arrived at Plymouth Steamship Rome from Melbourne (May 6). [Received June 21, 116 p.m.] Monetary and Commercial. London, June 19. Consols remain at ex div. The Bank rate of discount is 2 per cent; and the market rate, 1 per cent. The Bank reserve is now Lr 5,900,000, an increase of L 600,000 during the week. The proportion of reserve to liabilities is 47 per cent. New Zea land securities are at last quotations. The markets for colonial breadstuff's and tallow are without quotable change.

AUSTRALIAN.

(eedtbr’s telegrams —copyright. ) A Silver Discovery. Sydskt, Yesterday. Valuable deposits of silver have been discovered at Silverton, 800 miles from Sydney.

TELEGRAMS.

[PKB FBUS- ASSOCIATION.] The Weather. Wellington, To-day. The weather has now cleared up. No damage whatever is reported from the recent continuous rain. - Return of the Members- It is understood that a large number of the northern members will leave by the steamer to-morrow, and those from the South on Monday. Newspaper Interprise. T ho Evening Post is published in an en larged form this evening.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY. JUNE 21, 1884.



That husband of mine is three times the mai he was before he began using “Wells’ Health I-tenewer.” Druggists. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 2 “ Hucuu-Paiba.” —Quick, complete cure, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. Druggists. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 2 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 ot 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 ot the country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and in every way trying to induce suHering 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. All 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 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 blowiv in the glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and chemists are warned against dealing in imita tions or counterfeits.



Lost. GAME ASTRAY a Black DOG with white points. Unless claimed within seven days will be sold. Apply at Jones and Bradshaw’s store, Tin wald. 6 1181 CJTRAYED About 250 Crossbred SHEEP from a paddock on road at back of the Racecourse. Any person giving infermation of them to the under signed will be rewarded. 6 1187 T. BULLOCK. Public Notices; O W READY. MAPS of the Town of Ashburton and Suburbs, showing sub-divisions up to date may be obtained at our offices. Mounted, 22a 6d ; unmounted, 16s. FOoKS & SON. 5 995 Licensed Surveyors. mHE NEW ZEALAND MEAT PRB JL SERVING COMPANY, Washdyke, Desire to intimate that the Works will be CLOSED for the Season at the end of this month, and that the Manager will attend the sales on the 17th and 24th instant, for the purpose of purchasing any suitable sheep. 6 1142 BEST Rubber Stamp Manufactory in New Zealand.—Stamps of any size and for any purpose made by Leonard Pozzi, Gunsmith, and ten years practical Sewing Machinist. Mathematical, Musi cal Instruments, Electric Batteries, and Musical Boxes, etc., repaired. 138 Glou cester street, opposite Theatre Royal, Christchurch. 5 9do WE, the Undersigned, having pur chased the Book Debts of E. 0. Prvbblb, of Ashburton, butcher, have placed the same in the hands of Mr W. H. Gdndrt for immediate Collection, and his receipt only will be sufficient dis eharge. , All accounts must be paid at once. DAVID THOMAS, OCTAVIUS DIGBY. 19th May, 1884. 5 970 Music. Herr weiss, pianist, late of the Willmott Company, takes engagements for Theatrical shows, Con certs, Balls and Private Parties, Terms moderate, Address, Post Office, Lauris ton, South Rakaia. 6 1139 4 SH BURTON PERMANENT BUILDING & INVESTMENT SOCIETY. The above Society pays Interest at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum for De posits at Call, 0 per cent, per annum for three months, and 7 per cent, per annum if fixed tor 0 months or over j ward, Manager, Office Au-acio Chambeis, Burnett street. n l MR SIDNEY WOLF, From the Royal Academy of Music, London, PROFESSOR OF SINGING and PIANOFORTE, Cox Street, Ashburton. Singing Class for Ladies and Gentlemen at the Oddfellows’ Hall every Thursday Evening at 8 o’clock. Terms—One Guinea per quarter. 4 60 Government Notice. THE PUBLIC TRUST. OFFICE OF NEW ZEALAND. Atention is directed to the provisions of the Acta establishing this Office, and to the advantages placed thereby within easy each of every colonist. Subject to such provisions, the State offers to every per ron I.—About to make his or her Will or Codicil. 2. —Intending to provide for Wife and Children or others by deed of Settlement. 3.—Settling Property by way of Mar riage Settlement. 4.—Desiring to renounce the Trusts of Will, having been appointed Executor or Trustee under the same. s.—Having acted as Trustee, Executor or Administrator, wishing to be relieved oi the burthen of Trustee hip or Adminis tration, the option of us i ig the State ma •.hinory, and gives an absolute guarantee against loss of funds by fraud, peculation, or dishonesty. Every information may bo obtained fv»m ALBANDER LEAN, Agent at Christchurch; Of from R. 0. HAMERTON, Public Trustee Wellington, 12tb Mat. 1883.



Entertainments. T OWN HAL THIS EVENING. L. GRAND DISSOLVING VIEWS ENTERTAINMENT, Conai-stinET of Views of London, Con'inerf" of Europe, Egypt, and a complete hi-tory of the Kelly Gang. For particulars see day bills. Prices of admission, 3s, 2s, and la. 6 1165 fpOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. TUESDAY and W- DNESDAY NEXT, June 24th and 25th. Fred w7Millis, MONARCH VENTRILOQUIST, in his celebrated and original entertain ment, entitled — WHIMSICALITIES OF THE WHIMSICAL, or “The Laugh that Lasts Two Hours." Popular pr'rcs Reserved sea 1 a, 3s; back seats, 2s Doocs open at 7.30 ; commence at 8. Carriages may be ordered for 10.15. 0. MACDONALD, 6 1185 Agent. For Sale. FOR SALE —A Four-Horse portable Engine, in good working order. Can be seen at Mr T. H, Zouoh’s Store, “Vest street, where all information can be obtained. 6 1149 Potatoes. F)R SALE, in large or small quanti ties, good BLUE DERWENT POTATOES, GEORGE JAMESON, 5 913 . West street. s OUTH L A N FOR SALE, To close a : Trustee’s account. D. FOR SALE, A first-class FARM, consisting of 914 acres of land, on the celebrated Ben Moore Flat. The land is in good heart, principally in grass, and is subdivided into seven paddocks, and a railway line is laid out on the property, placing it within an easy distance of a port. F. FERRIMAN, 6 1112 Ashburton. O R S E. OK ACRES good LAND, situate Two miles from the Ashbur ton Post Office, securely fenced and well-watered; being Lot 9, Messrs Tailored and Alien’s land. For particulars apply to GEORGE JAMESON, Ashburton ; or to MESSRS MILES & CO., 1146 Christchurch. Tenders. TENDERS Wanted for LEASE of Ashburton Caledonian Grounds for one year, from Ist July, 1884. Tenders williplose on 28ch June. Con ditions can bo Ha& by applying to CHAS. REID, 6 1186 Secretary. r|l 0 TENDERER S. WANTED TENDERS for Cropping 500 acres, more or less, in blocks of any size. Part of it is suitable for wheat or oats, the remainder is splendid oat land, some of it having been broken up twice for turnips, without any grain crop been taken off it. D. CAMERON (dunes), 6 1168 Methven, rE EDUCATION BOARD OF THE DISTRICT OF NORTH CANTERBURY. TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the Erection of New Closets and Repairs to Fences at the Ashburton School. Plans and specifications can be seen at the office of Mr J. Ward, Ashburtbn, and endorsed tenders, addressed to the. Chai rman of the Education Board, will be re ceived not later than FRIDA IT, the 27th inst., at 3 p.m. The Board does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. EVERARD O, PARR, Architect to the Board. Christchurch,’lßlh June, 1884. 6 1179 Election Notices. Electoral district of ASHBURTON. In pursuance of The Regulation of Elections Act, 1831, I Walter Martin, Returning Officer for the Electoral Dis trict of Ashburton, do hereby give notice that, by virtue of a writ bearing date the sixth day of June, 1884, under the hand of the Clerk of the Writs, an Election will be held for the return of ONE quali fied Person to serve as MEMBER for the said Electoral District; and that the Nomination of Candidates will take place at the Resident Magistrate's Courthouse, Ashburton, at noon, on the twenty-fifth day of June, 1884; and that the Poll ( f necessary), will be taken at the several! pulling places of the said district on the second day of July, 1884 The following are the Polling Places for the Electoral District of Ashburton : Resident Magistrate’s Courthouse, Ash burton (principal) Road Board Office, Methven Road Board Office, Mount Somers Schoolhouse, Alford Forest Schoolhouse, tvreenstreet Schoolhouse, Hinds Schoolhouse, Lismore WALTER MARTIN, Returning Officer. Dated this 9th day of June, 1884, at Ashburton. 6 1126 rpO THE ELECTORS *- OP ASHBURTON. Gentlemen, —Owing to the resignation of E. G. Wright, Esq., as member for this district, I purpose offering myself as a Candidate, and will take the op portunity of Addressing you at the vari ous centres at as early a date as possible. Yours faithfully, 6 966 J. OAXHOART WASON.



Railway Notices. ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section). GERALDINE RACING CLUB’S STEEPLKCH4.SE MEETING, At Orari, 26th June, 1884. Saturday Return Tickets io Orari will be issued o a 25th inst ,at Ashburton, Timaru, and intermediate stations, and will be available for return on day of issue. FREDK. BACK, Traffic Manager. District Traffic Manager’s Office, Christchurch, 19th June, 1884. 6 lies Stock Sales. A K A I A Stock Sales. The undersigned will hold regular SALES of all classes of STOCK, etc., etc., at South Bakaia, on the under mentioned dates, the Ist and 3rd THURS DAY in each month ; THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COMPANY LIMITED. 0. W. TURNER, Agent. Matson, Cox & Co. L. OXLEY, RaVaia Agent. To Let. mo BE LET, —Four hundred Acres of J_ Stubble Land, in one or more lota ; also, Tussock Lind. Apply to Mr Jamb son, or Dr Trkvoh. 6 1132 fpO LET—The Premises in Havelock X street, known as the Suffolk .Butchery, with Plant and Fixtures. The undersigned will be glad, on Mrs Martin’s behalf, to receive tenders for Leasing the above for 7 years, on or before Saturday, the 28th June. J. Ward & Son, Arcade Chambers. 6 1192 P A RMS T O L E T. The undersigned has several eligible PROPERTIES TO LET in the Ashbur ton district. GEORGE JAMESON, 5 1049 Ashburton, Auctions. SATURDAY, JUNE 28. LAND FOR CROPPING. TO FARMERS, CON! RAOTORS, AND OTHERS. 15L.0 ACRES TO LET IN ONE CROP. MR T. BULLOCK has received in structions from the Hon. John McLian, To Let, by Public Auction at the Arcade, on Saturday, June 28, About 1500 acres FOR ONE CROP, On the Lagmhor Estate, in Blocks from 42 to 250 Acres. This land fronts the Hinds river, and is some of the be it in the County. Mr Donald McLean will show it to in tending purchasers. Plans can be seen at the office cf the undersigned. Sale at 1 o’clock. T. BULLOCK, 6 1158 * Auctioneer. FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 1884. MESSRS MATSON, UOX & 00. . have received instructions from holder of bill of sale, to sell by Public Auction,' at the FARM OF MR ROBERT ANDERSON, FLBMINGTON, ON FRIDAY, JUNE 27, At 12 o’clock, The following LITE AND DEAD STOCK, Yiz 0 Draught HORSES 2 DRAYS a REAPERS and BINDERS, Mo- Oormick HARNESS COWS, YOUNG STOCK TRAP, H'TRSE and HARNESS PLOUGHS, BAR- OWS, and a large number of miscellaneous articles No reserve. Sale at 12 sharp. 6 1189 MATSON, COX & CO., SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Freehold Section, At Hampstaad. FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION. MR T. BULLOCK has received in structions from Mr A. Betts, to Soil by Public Auction, at the Arcade, on Saturday, June 28th, LOT 41, Church street, Hampstead, together with a HOUSE thereon It is a really good locality, being near the Beach road, and the land is of first class quality for garden purposes. Inspection invited. Terms at sale. Sale at 12 30 o’clock. T. BULLOCK, 6 1191 Auctioneer. SATURDAY, 28th JDNE. ONE ACRE OF Freehold Land, Together with Cottage thereon, for sale by order of the Mortgagee. MR T. BULLOCK has received in structions to Sell by Public Auction, at'the Arcade, Burnett street, ou Satur ay, June 28, Lots 42 and 43, each containing half acre, fronting Princes street, and known as part of Mrs McLean’s Block, on which is erected a dwell ing-house, and now in the occupa tion of Mr Ibell. There is also a stable erected on the premises. Intending purchasers are invited to in spect this property and attend the sale. Terms, of payment liberal Sale at 12.30. T. BULLOCK, 0 1190 Auctioneer.



Business jjl I W W -A L D. Boots. Boots. G HEAT REDUCTIONS. C. HAWK T NS having reduced his prices to such an extent, he is new offer* ' ing good serviceable BOOTS, at prices which cannot bo competed with in Ash* burton. Como and Judge for yoUisG , a- C. HAWKINS, Boot and Shoemaker, Tinwald. 6 116 JOHN FOWL BR, Corn and Chaff Store, . Tancbed stbbkt. J. F. has always on hand Seed Oats, Feed Oats,,Crushed Oats Oaten Chaff, Straw Chaff, Chick Whekt Barley, Potatoes, Carrots, Flour Oatmeal, Cheese, Bran, Sharps And general produce. Tea, Sugar, Candles, Soap, Salt, by the hag or box. - Grain bought and sold on commission. All goods delivered to any part of the town at prices that will defy competition. Note address : ; J. FOWLER, ' 6 1082 . The old stand, Tancred street. 0 M O N O P O L *T. TO HOUSEHOLDERS AND OTHERS dll who wish to save 25 per cent, in their meat account. ' ’ E. Lancaster Having reduced his staff about £lO per week, he intends shifting his principal Branch of Business to the READY-MONEY MEAT MART, where, for cash, he intends selling meat cheaper than ever. Prompt monthly customers waited on and supplied at cash prices. All joints marked in plain figures. No deception ; 16 ounces to the lb. , Money saved is money earned these critics! times. . . * 5 1071 R. LANCASTER. N EW BOOKS NOW IN. English Poetesses, Young Ireland (by Duffey), Greater Britain (by Sir O.Dilke), Essays by George Elliot, Life and Tiines of the Right Hon, John Bright, Lie. of the Right Bon. W. E. Gladstone, the Book of Health, the Family Physician, Greater. London, Buckles' History of Civilisstion in England, Chambers* Medieval History, Life and Works, of ; St. Paul (beautifully illustrated), the Treasure Island, Saunders’ Domestic Birds, Cutting Tools, Linear Drawing, the Present Trqth (by Spurgeon), Great Names in European ■ History, British Scenery (in 6 vols), Countries of the World (6 vols), Scottish Life and Character, Scottish Characteris tics, the Denominational Reason Why, Trade Manuals, Lost Israel Found, Works by W. Clarke Russel, A Short History of Our Own Times (by McCarthy), the-Land and the Book, Brighter Britain, Druggists General Receipt Book, Highland Clear anceßj the Gun: Its Development, Life o Garibaldi, Memoir of W. and. R Chambers, Gilbert on Banking. Thomas R Farley, BOOKSELLER & STATIONER,; Saunders’ Buildings, East St., Ashburton y lOTORIA HOUSE. A HEAVY STOCK OF NEW & DURABLE WINTER GOODS IN DRAPERY, CLOTHING, Boots, &c., to select from. Sterling Value ! Popular Prices 4 J The Shilling Tabus still the Attraction Dimant and Coe, Ready-Money Drapers, Clothiers, &c, (Late J. Orr and Co). East and Tancbed Stbbets, Ashburton, 5289 ANEW DkPARTURE.—Why is my new Fruit and Italian Warehouse like a ri/er? Because it becomes do ded now an 1 again .with new Goods, »*• meet the steadily increas ing demands. 1 y good; but that’s not the answe -. Tty again. Becaus : “ Shops come and shops may go, but this goes on for ever.” Very good indeed; but still taat’s not the answer. Here it is then—Because it has a bank on e ther side. I trust the intelligent and discerning public will mark, learn, and ' inwardly digest the following part of thisadver-' tisement. The enquiry is still made—Where can we procure good tea ? I answer again—Use . Nelson Moate and Co.’s pure blended teas, and you will derive much pleasure and Satis- I faction. Why ? Because that firm thoroughly, understands the tea. trade. Mr Nelson‘is a tea. taster of life-long experience, and his blends of pure Indian and other teas give universal satisfaction. Tty them I I am wholesale and retail-agent for Ashburton, and these teas bf the different kinds and prices, can, at all times, be procured at my shop in packages, boxes and half-chests. My stock now embraces nearly every article in die gro ceiy and Italian trades, and family orders I can now deliver anywhere in Ashburton and neighborhood. I shall be supplied with the various fruits in season, as usual, and. while heartily thanking all my customers l.respect fully solicit their continued patronage. I assure them and the general public that I shall strive to deserve the preference they may give me by studying their interests—as well as. my own.—H, M. CARSON. h APOLOGY. U e promised some time ago to supply the public with full particulars of our new stock of winter goods ; but since a closer examination baa been made, we find the variety so much greater than we antici pated that with thr limited space, at., our command such a course would be im practicable. We may, however, state that : Ouk Supply op • : FANCY COATINGS - - : and • : TWEEDS j : From tfe Hoke Markets • : SURPASSES ; : Anything We Hate • : Hitherto Received. j 4 * To encourage Colonial Manufactures, and assist in keeping Colonial wealth within the colony as far as that can be done by the efforts of a single firm, we have received a fine selection of TWEEDS from Kaiapoi and Oamaru ; also a splen did assortment of MOSGIEL 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 farther recom mendation at our hands. The success which we have already achieved in Ashburton, and the reputation we now enjoy for accurately fitting the human figure, will be a sufficient guaran tee that style, in, and other essentials can always be relied on. CRAIGHEAd’AND CO., OLOTSII R S, TANORBD STREET, ASHB URTOSt,