SHIPPING.

POET OF I-YTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday, Koranui, 8.8., from Dunedin and limatu. ~ , , Wairarapa, 5,«., from Auckland ana U. Cameron, schooner, from Foxton. Sailed. Yk.stk.kd AY Koranui, a s., for Welling'on and West Coast porta. Kawatiri, a.a., for Westport. Wairarapa, a.a., for Melbourne via the South and Hobart, SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Sailed —Penguin, for the South. Wellington, Yesterday. Sailed—Stella, for Napier and Portland Island. Du.'Edin Yesterday. Arrived—Te Anau, from the Bluff. Sailed—Enterprise, for Napier; Wanga nui, for Hokitika; Rotorua, for the North.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon. Mr E. G. Staveley (for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company Limited), reports on the Tinwald live stock market under date December 2nd; —Sheep— An average entry of fat aid stores. Most of the pens were cleared at full values, as per quotations, which refer to sho n sheep un’ess otherwise stated: —Fat crossbred ewes 13s, wethers 14s, forward merino wethers 7s id, do in wool 11s 3d, f. t two-tooth cross-bred 13s sd, store do ns 3d, two and four tooth mixed crossb eds ns 9J and 12 -, S.M. tnerino wethers in wool 93 6d, do ewe.; 10s 2d, and, aged ewes ys, merino ewes in the wool, with large percentage of crossbred 1 mbs, 12s 9!. Cattle—A fair number y rded, and for lines of good stores a decided improvement s valu s, and more inquiry. Be t was scantily supplied, and prices denoted no improvement. Fat cows and heifers made L 4 10s, L 5 5 s an( l L 6 2S 6d; 18 months’ mixed cattle 453 and 50s, two-year-old steers L 3 7s 6d and i 3 xos.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, December 5 MrTbos. Bullock, at ti e Arcade, Burnett street —Bankrupt Stock Saturday, December 6 Messrs Matson, Cox and Go., at Tatter sail’s—Horses and Sundries Mr Alfred Harrison, at his Saleroom Furniture, Game Fowls, etc. Tuesday, December 9. Messrs Matson, Cox and Ox, at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Exo. This Evening St Andrew’s Church, Tinwald—Anniver sary Festival Town Hall—Gospel Address, at 8 o’clock Thursday, December 4 Loyal Orange Lodge—Monthly Meeting, in the new Orange Hall, at 7.30 p.m. Saturday, December 6. Afakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Monday, December 8 Borough Council, at Borough Council ; Chambers, at 7. Tuesday, December 16 St. Stephen’s Church —Garden Party in .the. Parsonage grounds Fbiday, December 26. Loyal Orange Lodge—Concert and Ball in the Town Hall Friday, January 6 isnburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1884. Belgian Immigration.

It is some months ago since we first learnt that a Committee had been formed in Belgium for the purpose of promoting the emigration to New Zea land of the surplus population of that overcrowded country. The guiding spirit in this movement was a M. de Harven, who has written a book on this colony, and has otherwise done his best to make his fellow countrymen acquainted with our resources. This gentleman was very fitly chosen as a delegate from the Committee to pay us a visit, and he arrived here by the last San Francisco mail steamer. He has certainly had no cause to complain of the want of attention paid to him since his arrival. Not only has the Govern ment placed at his disposal all possible means of gaining information, but the Chambers of Commerce in the different cities have willingly lent their assis tance. M, de Harven was in Christ church yesterday, and at the meeting held there he explained the objects of his mission. So far as we can make out, no distinct scheme of emigration has been formulated by the Belgian Com mittee, and indeed the delegate said • that his visit was simply for the purpose ■ of-making enquiries so as to be able to report to head-quarters. The argument used by M. de Harven is that by encouraging the settlement of the surplus population of Belgium in this colony, the benefit to each country would be mutual. We scarcely think, however, that he entirely succeeded in i proving his case. That it would be an 1 excellent thing for' Belgium to find in 1 New Zealand a haven of refuge for * those of her people who cannot find employment in their own country may be admitted, but unfortunately it is not easy to see what advantage we should gain, especially as we have no guaran tee that these new immigrants will make satisfactory colonists. The fact that the population of Belgium num bers 491 to the square mile is in itself proof that the inhabitants are prepared to put up with any inconvenience rather than leave their native land, and when an exodus does take place we may be certain that it will not be the better class who will emigrate. We have already suffered more than enough through this colony being regarded at Home as an excellent place whereto to send those patriots who “ leave their country for their country’s good,” nor have we any faith in special settlement schemes, such as it seems M. de Harven is endeavoring to promote. At the same lime, if the Belgian Go vernment defray the expense of sending these people out here, and if they are provided with sufficient capital to take up land, we cannot well object to their coming ; but we fail to see why they should receive special consideration at our hands. There is one portion of the delegate’s remarks at the Chamber of Commerce yesterday which we fear will horrify the unco-guid, of whom there is more than a fair sprinkling in the colony. M. de Harven pointed out that though his countrymen were reli gious they enjoyed their glass of beer and a dance alter church on Sundays, and he seemed to be quite alive to the difficulty of assimilating these customs to those in vogue in New Zealand. Indeed, everything seems to point to the conclusion that if the surplus popu lation of Belgium is to find a home here they will have to form a community apart, and as this is by no means in accord with English ’ views of colo nisation we have considerable doubts' as to the benefit the colony as a whole will receive from the carrying out of the scheme. Still, M. de Harven, as an intelligent stranger, is deserving of all the courtesy we can show him, and for this reason we are sony that he has not escaped the clutches of that modern journalistic abomination, the inter viewer. A representative of our con temporary, the Lyctclfon Times, scent ing “copy” from afar, paid a visit to the Belgian delegate yesterday, and he duly chronicles the result of the meet ing in that journal this morning. This sort of thing, however, wants practice, and the Christchurch gentleman, judg ing from this specimen of his skill, is evidently a novice in the art. At all events M. de Harven does not seem to have vouchsafed much special information to the reporter, and save for ih? mention of one or two little matters as for instance that the representative of the limes was able to converse in French, apd that a bottle of Bass was partaken of “ to help on the narrative ” —the article might easily have been written without an interview at all. Whether the meagreness of that “ nar- , rative ” is due to the strength of the ale or to the fact that the French of the reporter was that of “ Stratford atte-Bow,” we cannot say, but we hope that this gigantic failure 111 the inter viewing business will prevent a repeti tion of a similar experiment.

In the Wellington Divorce Court Moncktoa v Monckton was hoard. This was a petition for dissolution of marriage on the part of the wife, Emma Monckton. Petitioner depo-ed : [ am the wife of Charles Henry Monckton, photographer, and was married to him in Auckland on November 23, 1881, when I was twelve years and two mouths old. Mrs Lynch li -ed with us after the marriage. 1 had been previously living with Mrs Lynch, and Monckton had been cohabiting with her. I w.s forced into marriage by threats and persuasion. Monckto . said

he would turn me and Mrs Lynch (two sisters) out into the streets if I did not many him. Mrs Lynch also persuaded mb to marry him My sister passed for my mother at the'marriage, and my age was stated to be 15 years. My mother was dead at the time, and my faher was imbecile. I did not occupy the same room as my husband that night. Mrs Lynch dd. (Witness described in detail her movements for some months after the marriage, resulting in her escaping from her husband.) I declined to go back to my husband because I hated him. He was recently sentenced to a term of imprison ment for making a false declaration under the Marriage Act. Alice Baxter alias Lynch alias Howell, was next called. She refused to answer whether she was the sister of petitioner or not. His Honor warned her that she might bo punishi d for contempt of Court if she declined to answer reasonable questions. Witness said she could not swear to what she did not know. She went on to say that to the bes f of her belief petitioner was her sister. Mr D. C. Cooper was the only other wit ness examined, and he gave evidence as to Lynch and Monckton having been sen tenced for making a false declaration. This was the petitioner’s case, and the matter was then adjourned for argument before his Honor as to the question of legal cruelty. —ln the case of Grey v. Grey, heard in camera, the hearing was adjourned to enable the evidence of the respondent to be taken by commission in Melbourne. —In Morris v. Morris a rule nisi was granted. Captain Kennedy, of the Hauroto, has been appointed to the position of Union Company’s shore captain at Wellington, and in consequence several changes have been made in the Company’s commands. Captain Anderson leaves the Rotorua to take charge of the Hauroto, and is suc ceeded by Captain Neville of the Wanaka. Captain Allman will be transferred from the Omapere to the command of the Pen guin, and Captain Smith of the Taiaroa will take the Omapere. Two new masters have been appointed to fid the vacancies caused by these changes. Mr Russell, late chief officer of the Omapere, has been promoted to the command of the Wanaka, ai d Mr Holmes, chief officer of the Oma-

pere, will assume command of the Taia roa. Captain Wheeler, of the Wakatipu, has been so seriously indisposed for some time past that he finds it necessary to retire from active service for two or three months, meantime Mr Thomson, late chief officer of the Wakatipu, will take temporary command of the steamer. Mr A. H. Rosa, M. H. R , was re-elected

Chairman of the Otago Harbor Board yesterday. At the usual meeting the fol lowing motion was carried: —“That thd thanks of the Board be given to the mem bers of both Houses who rendered such valuable assistance in the passage of the Board’s Bills through the House.” John Miller, engine man at Tapoer’s sawmill, Longbush, couthland, was killed among the machinery there yesterday. No one saw the accident, but it is sup posed that ho was putting tbe belt on a pulley when he got caught. His body was brought to the hospital, when it was found that his injuries were very severe, his shoulder being smashed, his ribs broken, and his lungs ruptured. Miller leaves a wife and one child. The Customs revenue for the colony for November amounted to L 95,397, and for the corresponding nmntb last year L 106,402. The following are the amounts collected at the principal ports :—Auck land, L 19,761; Wellington, L 16,543 ;

Lyttelton, L 14,778 ; Dunedin, L‘25,453. Beer duty, L 4,784 ; ditto for the corres ponding month last year, L 4 780. The principal amounts in this tax collected for the month were :—Auckland, L 1,013 ; Wellington, L 435 ; Christchurch, L 1,024; Dunedin, L 1,059

The steamer Ringarooma, with Ciiiar-

ini’s Circus and Company on board, went ashore on a mud bank near Pioton, but she was expected to float off last night. The arrangements for carrying out a direct service with Great Britain have now beau satisfac orily settled, and the first steamers will leave Great Britain and

New Zealand respectively on December

20th. The postal difficulty which existed with the Home authiritles respecting the

despatch of letters lias beau adjusted Mr Stout’s absence from Wellington will extend over some weeks. Sir Julius Vogel will leave for the Hot Springs in a fortnight. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, before his Worship the Mayor and Mr T. Bullock, J.P., Daniel Davis and Charles Faulkner were charged with cruelty to their horses by working them with sore shoulders. The accused ad-

mitted the offence, and the Bench, bavin;

examined the horses, fined Davis 40s and costs, and Faulkner 10s and costs.—John Murphy was charged with causing two horses, his property, to be worked with sore shoulders. The accused pleaded guilty and was fined 20s and costs.

At a meeting of Auckland cricketers to consider the question of the illegality of the voting of several delegates of clubs at the late meeting, when it was decided not to send a team south, a resolution was carried overruling the objection and attaining the previous decision of the Cricket Association.

As the result of Dr Grabham’a inquiry into the differences of the Napier Hospi tal staff, Dr Fisher has been requested to resign, and two nurses have been dis missed.

The following sentences were passed a die Napier .-Supremo Court yesterday

Thos. Slater, for forgery, eighteen months’ hard labor ; Henry Douglas, for larceny, with three previous convictions recorded against him, eighteen months’ hard labor; Karaiters, for horse stealing, two years’ hard labo-. In the case of William Wilson, charged with perjury in connection with [the recent assault cases at Tarawera, the jury were discharged after being locked up five hours, in con seqi o ice of the foreman being seized with an epilep ic fit. There was no sign of the jury agreeing at the time. A new trial is ordered for Taursday. Mails for the Cnitod Kingdom, etc., via San Francisco, will close at Ashburton on Saturday morning.

August Flower. —The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than /■ per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects ; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heartburn, waterbrash, gnawing and burning pains at the pit of the stomach, yellow skin, coated tongue and dis agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up of food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuable medicine lias cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve yai>. K costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, C 4. [A'jv'i'.

Take Hop Hillers three lime., a day, and you wilUlnuc no doctors' bills lo pay. Sec.— Aliyr.l Don't Die in tue House, “ Kouugh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack? rabbits, gophers. The N.Z, Drug Co., General Agents. I

The annual picnic of the Waterton Sun day School took place on Friday Isst, when over 170 wore present. The parents and children were conveyed in vehicles to Longbeach, whore the gardens were thrown open for the occasion through the kindness of Mr Grigg. The children were mustered under the superintendence of Messrs Donaldson, Houston, Smith and Miss Dawkins, and were warm y welcomed b> Mrs Grigg, who was untiring in her exertions throughout the clay to mako everyone comfortable and happy. The children at once engaged themselves in rowing on the lake, walking through the flower garden and the fern house, the lat ter being much admired both by old and young. At mid-day a most substantial repast was partaken of by all, Mrs Donald son being must active in her exertions in this direction. Games were then heartily gone into, consisting of cricket, racing, etc, for which excellent prizes were given to the successful competitors. In the afternoon all again partook of an excel lent service of tea and cake, after which MrGriggmadeafew felicetous remarks and distributed the prizes to the children,every one of whom received a volume. Thesuper intendent, MrDonaldson, then read the re port which showed the school to be in a very flourishing condition, there being 57 children on the roll, with an average at tendance of 41 during the year, and eight efficient teachers. The balance-sheet of the finances was satisfactory, throe hearty cheers being given for Mr and Mrs Grigg and family, and also to their teachers, after which they all returned home highly delighted with their day’s enjoyment in every respect. A squad of the Ashburton Rifle Volun teers will proceed to the butts to-morrow morning, in charge of Corporal Dunn, to complete class-firing. The Ashburton ■ aledonian Society an nounce in this issue that they will hold their annual sports meeting on Boxing Day. The programme s a very attractive one, and we have no'doubt that the ener getic Secretary, Mr Charles Reid, assisted by his enthusiastic directors, will make the usual success of this popular gather -1 iug.

We have been requested to direct the attention of our readers to an advertise ment in another column where the pupils of the Borough School invite their friends and well-wishers to meet them in the Oddfellows’ Hall on Tuesday evening next. From past experience we have no doubt this invitation will be eagerly ac cepted. Great preparations have been going on among the juveniles for some weeks past, and hey hope to outstrip their former attempts, which were much appreciated. The programme, which is a lengthy one, embraces piano solos, recita tions, infants’ motions, dancing, drill in fancy costume, juvenile drill by juvenile commanders, the whole to conclude with a caricature of Continental education, giving a sketch of Haarlem College under “ Fritz Hagersohlamer 1/udshenhafen,” the Dutch dominie.

Tha regular monthly meeting of the Loyal Orange Lodge will be held at the Orange Hall to-morrow at 7 p.m.

To-morrow the New Zsaland Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. will hold an im portant clearing safe at Methven. At the same time the usual privileges in connec tion with the Methven Races and Spoj ta will be sold by auction, We are pleased to notice that the Rail way Department has taken steps to fill up the depression near the rails opposite the Tiuwald station. This will enable drays to load at the spot direct into trucks, a convenience which will be appreciated by farmers during the forthcoming grain season.

This evening a meeting of holders of property abutting on Aitken street will be held at the Mail office, to protest against the character of the street formation in that locality.

The Rev A. H. Burton will deliver a gospel address in he Town Hall this evening at 7 30 o’clock.

Letters for Duncan AlcMillan and Timothy Sugrue are lying unclaimed at the Ashburton Post Office, having been received during the month of October from places beyond the colony. Christmas presents free of charge.—Last year we are informed that over 9,000 presents were given away curing December and the

early part of January by H. K. May .& Co., The Hall, Christchurch. This year they are doing the same, and this is how they do it : Every customer is presented with a ticket equal to io per cent, on the amount spent by them, so that if you spend Dio you can choose

anything up to Li, if L 5 is spent a 10s present will be given, if L 3 a 6s present, if .u.l a 2s present, but if you only spend One Shilling you will get something. And every time you come dun g this month of December and up to January the 6th you will get a pre sent. If you do not wish to spend a lot of money in one day’s shopping you can get ) our tickets for what you have spent, and so on each time you come, and then get one ready handsome thing equal in value to all the tickets you holJ.— [Advt.]

SOUTH RAKAIA NOTES.

(ITItOJI ODll OWN Cokp.ESI’ONDENI'). On Saturday evening the Salvation Army from Ashburton stormed Kakaia, much to the annoyance of many, but to the amusement of the larrikins and others. The band took its stand opposite the Bank of New Zealand, and after making a hideous noise, singing (!) i.nd loud prayers, an adjournment was made to the Oddfellows’ Hall, where another portion of the program me was gone through. From tho stand taken by the Army no doubt it was thought that the manager of the big institution required special atten tions, but I think ha is too far gone, as he actually laughed and seemed to enjoy it. On Sunday similar services were gone through to full houses, but no recruits wore gained. However, we are not quite given up, as we are to be stormed again, and no doubt with the same good results, viz., driving all the stray horses and cattle away from the township with the noise and music.

The weather lately has been really like summer, and the growth is tremendous. Shearing is general and the wool turning out well.

The Sports Committee have approved of the hotae and athletic events pro posed, subscriptions are coining in pretty well, and the publican’s booth, right of sports and refreshment booth, kindly sold by Mr Thomas,.re ilissd L 23. Ihe publi can’s booth was bought by Mr Rowse, of Methvon, against our two local hotel keepers.

A COMPENSATION CASE.

('by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. A very spirited discussion took place in tho City Council last night on the *idoy compensation claim. fcidey originally claimed L4OO as compensation for land taken in connection with the Silverstream water-race. The Council thought the claim exorbitant, and though they did not demur to allowing a fair valuation, they could not entertain tho application fur such an amount. In consequence of tho claim not being made in time, Sidey bad no legal standing, and his applicati m was ignored by tho Council. During last sessi n a clause was introduced into tho Public Works Act with the object of making tho claim valid,' and aoplication was renewed last evening. Tho clause referred to is supposed to have been in iroduj’d by a Dunedin luomber, and tho Council were loud in their denunciation of his conduct. Tho upshot of the dis cussion was that it was resolved to si.t the naatfcer to the bottom, and tyith this object a deputation was appointed to wait on tho Premier,

SOUTH RAKAIA SCHOOL COM MITTEE.

The usual monthly meeting of the above was held in the Library on Monday even ing. Present —Messrs Hardy (chairman), Broadbent, Haslett, Fletcher and Oxley. file master reported the attendance for the last m -nth, 130.6 ; last week, 140 9 ; highest attendance, 144; No. on roll, 186. There were still a number of children who should be in attendance, but the accom modation was not sufficient oven for the present number. The gymnastic appara tus requires repairs, and the pump is again out of order. The Chairman reported the reason why certain of the children did not attend school, and it was decided to leave the matter alone for the present.

The master was instructed to write to the Drill Instructor re repairs to the gym nasium, and Mr Breadbent was requested to see to the pump. On the motion of Mr Hardy, seconded by Mr Oxley, the Chairman was requested to write to the Board of Education and ask for either a side school or some con sideraole additions to the present build-

It was decided to close the school for Christmas holidays on Wednesday, Dec. 24th, and to re-open on Wednesday, Jan. 21st.

It was resolved that on the opening day the children should have a picnic, when a number of prizes would be given for races etc. Inspector Edge reported as follows : The enrolment is about the same as it was last year, but the attendance of far too many of those whose names appear on the registrar is still very irregular. The accommodation afforded is certainly the most iuconvenien; of any school of the same size in my district, the greater part of the floor aaace in the main room being taken up with forms, desks, etc. The organisation, discipline, and order were, as on former occasions, quite as satisfac tory as could reasonably f.be expected. The two boys present in the Sixth Stan dard failed utterly in arithmetic, but their other work was good and quite equal to the average, generally speaking. The children presented in the Fifth, Fourth and Third Standards were well prepared for examination. In the Second Standard there were far too many failures in arithmetic. Standard I. and the pre paratory classes acquitted themselves very creditably. In most cases the exercise books were clean and carefully written. The examination showed the following re sult;—Percentage passed, 70 ; percentage of roll No. presented, 52; below Standard I, 60. The report was considered satisfactory, taking into consideration the bad accom modation and the irregular attendance of some of the scholars. A vote of thanks was passed to the teachers for the pains they had taken with the children. Accounts amounting to Ll 7 19s 8d were passed for payment, and the meeting ad journed.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

PROM NEW ZEALAND TO GREAT BRITAIN IN THREE WEEKS.

To the Editor.

Sir, —I believe that the quickest voyage on record from this colony to England was accomplished a few months since, in thirty-seven days, via the Strait of Magel lan. How then is it to be accomplished in three weeks. A few remarks bearing more or less upon this subject will I think prove of interest to many of your readers. That the canal now in progress through the Isthmus of Panama will be successfully completed within some three or four years would appear to admit of very little doubt. The amount of money expended upon the the work—the most stupendous undertaking of modern times—will not now admit of its being abandoned. We have recently been informed that the Cunard s.s. Oregon left Queenstown and completed the crip to New York and back —a distance of 5,701 miles—in 12 days 21 hours 34 minutes. The time occu pied in discharging cargo, lauding passen gers, mails, etc, and in coaling for h r return trip, evidently cannot be included. If my estimate as to the relative distances is correct, Wellington via Panama is about threa times. as far from Plymouth as New York is from Queenstown. And as a calmer sea and liner weather may reasonably be expected when crossing the Pacific, than is usually experienced in the Atlantic, the only difference in this respect as regards time will be decidedly in favor of the voyage to and from New Zealand. It would appear that just now the attention of a very large number of people in the United Kingdom is drawn towarda.this colony, and as soon as the canal is open for traffic there ia every probability of a very large number of people visiting our shores from Europe' Who can doubt but that a very large proportion will remain, and be the means of inducing many of their friends to fol low. If my views are sound, the prob ability is that the colony will make far more rapid strides ia the future than in the past. The frozen meat trade ia with out doubt greatly aiding in making this colony better known to the British public. The population of Great Britain ia in creasing at such a rapid rate, and this colony is fast becoming so favorably known to them, that a large secession to our population is almost certain to fol-

low upon the opening of the canal What person taking a thoroughly com

prehensive

view of the subject can

possibly doubt but that the voyage will be accomplished withiu the time named, immediately upon the opening o t the canal?" It would almost appear as if the great steamship companies of England have been striving who can build the most powerful vessel. We have been re cently informed that the Cunard Oom p my have launched a vessel constructed of steel of 8,000 tons burden and 12,000 horse power ! She is expected to cross the Atlantic in six days ! Supposing it to be possible for the voyage to New Zea land t > be accomplished within the time mentioned, it will be interesting to en quire what effect it would have upon this colony ? It will be apparent to every thinking person that a largo portion of our moat accessible lands would soon be materially increased in value, and that our population would quickly become much more numerous. And it is almost certain that a further decline would take place in the value of most of the rural lands throughout Great Britain, because it is an undoubted fact that the great de preciation in the value of country land there is mainly owing to the opening of the Suez Canal; and to the immensely powerful steamers which have been con structed of late years, enabling the pro ductions from nearly all parts of the globe to be landed in England at a com paratively small cost, and thereby reducing the value of English farm produce, and as an inevitable result, much of the agri cultural laud of England has been reduced in value at least one-third. I believe I might venture to say about one-half in numerous cases. No doubt the great railway system extending so rapidly in many parts of the globe, and by means of wide.i productions of all kinds are cheaply brought to ports of shipment, have done quite as much to reduce the value of rural lands throughout England as the upeuiug of the Suez Canal, and the building of j those powerful steamers uow constantly traversing the ocean to nearly every great commercial port on the face of the globe. And, indeed, I nan see no reason why 1 travelling oa the ocean should not ap- i

proximate atill more closely to the speed attained on the land by means of rail trays. We have just been informed that “an unprecedented rate of -speed at sea has been obtained from the new Ounardec Umbria in a trial trip down the Olyde. She attained a maximum of twenty-four miles an hour.” Twenty years since, some twelve or fifteen miles per hoar would nave been considered fast steam-' ing. Who will venture to say whafc the next ten years will produce ? In a calm sea why not thirty miles per hour. It was Stephenson, the great engineer, who stated, before a Committee of the House of Commons, that he ibought it quite pos sible that a speed of thirty miles per hour could be obtained upon a railway. It is, 1 believe, no unusual thing now for an express train to travel at the rate of a mile in one minute. I repeat the ques tion—Why not thirty miles per hour, when steaming over such an unruffled ocean as the Pacific ? If possible, then the rising generation will probably see the voyage from England to New Zealand ac complished in about eighteen days, or even less.—l am, etc.

J. 6. Williams, Mount Somers.

SPORTING.

THE AUCKLAND CUP. (by telegraph ) Auckland, To-day. Vanguard, Oudeis, Eskatos and Liver pool were scratched for the Auckland Oup at 10 49 this morning. Lady Evelyn is also scratched. WELLINGTON RACES. [by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day. The following amounts were paid over by the Wellington Racing Club:—Mr Pilbrow, L 156 ; Mr Tancred, L 123 ; Mr Hors ford, LBS ; Mr Campion, L 52 ; Mr Alexander, L 47 ; Mr Parkes, L 4 4; Mr Prosser, L3B ; Mr J. Yallauce, L 23 ; Mr F. Hill, L 23. Several amounts under L2O bring the total to L 624. The Wellington Jockey Club paid over the following amounts:— Mr H. Redwood, L 16 6; Mr O’Brien, L 9 9; Mr P. Hill, L 76; Mr Pilbrow, L 57. Other sums under L2O bring the total to L 428.

C.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

The following are the weights for the Midsummer Handicap. 1U -i. 1L

st. lb. at. lb. Tasman ... 9 7 Siesta ... 7 4 Vanguard ...96 Capt Webster 7 3 Lady £mma 810 Eskatos ... 7 3 July ... 8 8 Tim Whiffler 7 0 Nonsense ... 8 7 Sirßedivere 612 JohnnyFaulk- Lady Evelyn 6 12 ner ... 8 6 The Poet ... 610 Salvage ... 8 4 Water King 610 Turquoise ... 8 4 Leon ... 6 9 Sou’wester 8 0 Mokoia ... 6 9 Taiaroa ... 712 Wapiti ... 6 7 Nelson ... 7 10 Dime ... 6 0 Fusilier ... 7 6 Leodogran ...60 Trenton ... 7 6 Puck ... 6 0 Liverpool ... 7 6 Oranmer ... 6 0 Ike 7 4 D.J.G. AUTUMN MEETING.' The following nominations for the D.J.G. Autumn Meeting were received last night : Hurdles, of 100 eovs.—Borderman, Rocket, Moody, Mokoreta, Marmion, Master Agnes, The Lad, Glenara, Little John, Trapper, Ravens wood, Conundrum, Linwood, Helensdale, Gang-awa’. Publicans’ Handicap, of 100 aovu.— July, Water. King, Tim Whiffler, Billy, Talebearer, Fusilier, Charmer, Rubina, Ike, Puck, Nelson, Wapiti, Son’-wester, Taiaroa, Ouida, Rubezahl, Mokoia, Lady Emma, Matanaka, Lady Evelyn, Oudeis, Warwick, Take Miss, Deception, Hazard, Vanguard, Liverpool, Viking and Fur* trader.

Ciiy Stakes Handicap of 200 sovs, fet two year-olds—Success, Solitude, Wai-iti colt, Banian, Strenuous, Tasmania, Tigec Tim, Stoneyhurst, Everton Lad, Captain Cook, Lady Gertrude, Spade Guinea, Cheap Jack, Filly by Grand Flaneur— Scraps, Jealousy, Wizard and Manches ter.

Bracelet Handicap, of 100 sovs—Tim Whiffler, Tasman, Johnny Faulkner, Rn bina, Billy, Puck, Rubezahl Matanaka, Mokoia, Kingask,. Conundrum, Van guard, Oudeis, Liverppol, Molly Bawn, Duchess of Albany and Wizard. Steeplechase, of 130 sovs—Border man, Rocket, Moody, Makoreta, Marmion, The J.ad, Glenara, Donald, Ravenswood, Linwood, Helensdale and Little John.

Hopeful Stakes, of 120 sovs, for two and three-year-alds.—Success, Solitude, Water King, Wai-iti colt, Hanlan, Strenu ous, Fusilier, Talebearer, Charmer, Tas mania, Marion, Russley, Tiger Tim, Cap tain Cook, Everton Lady Gertrude, Lady Evelyn, Mokoia, Rubezahl, Spade Guinea, Scraps filly, Cheap Jack, Decep tion, Jealousy, Wizard, Manchester, Vi king and Duchess of Albany, Flying Handicap, of 100 sovs.—Water King, Tim Whiffler, Fusilier, Charmer, Talebearer, Borderman, Rubina, Billy, Ike, Marion, Nelson, Wapiti, Sou’-wester, Taiaroa, Captain Webster, Ouida, Lady Evelyn, Rubezahl, Mokoia, Matanaka, Kingask,' Warwick, Ta e Miss, Don Joed, Vanguard, Oudeis, Liverpool, Molly Bawn, Viking, Furtrader, Duchess of Albany and Hazard.

CABLE NEWS.

-ATtST FROM EUROPE. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT, ] |A Bonus. London, December 1. The South Australian Land Mort* gage and Agency Company will in January next return to the shareholders L 5 pet share on the paid up capital. The Oriental Bank. A call of Lio per share will be made in the Oriental Bank estate in January, and another of Ll 5 during the year. The liquidator estimates that the creditors will receive 19s in the Federation. In the House of Lords to-day, Lord Derby announced that amendments proposed by the Imperial Government in the draft Bill to constitute a Federal Council for Australasia had been sub mitted to the colonies, and an early reply was expected. The Redistribution of Seats Bill. Mr Gladstone introduced the Redis tribution of Seats Bill in the House o| Commons to-day. The provisions of the measure are as follows :—Boroughs with a population of under 15,000 will be merged in counties. Those under 50,000 wil return single members, while larger boroughs will be divided into single member wardships. The num ber of members for the metropolis will be increased by thirty-seven, Liverpool by six, Birmingham and Glasgow by four, and Manchester by -three, while the City of London will be reduced by two. On the whole England gains six members, Scotland twelve, and Ireland and Wales are unchanged. The Pre mier announced that after the Bill had been read a second time, Parliament would be adjourned until February next. * Monetary and OommerciaL

Consols have advanced to ioi£& New Zealand securities remain at ls|t quotations. Adelaide wheat, ex store, is unchanged at 35s 6d, and New Zea|

®®THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1884.



Wanted. W ANTED Work—By strong, energetic young man. Undeniable character. Apply to Alfred Harrison. { YTT ANTED—One or two gentlemen's \ V Washing. Address K.J.. Office of this Paper. 12 2335 VTT \NTED A Man accost.'in dto u ■ * * of scythe to mow seedling go sc F At. Foster, Win-low. 12 223' •- TKO man Orok. for me '■ hu l ; must be a good baker 0 H. Dowmso, Coldstream, Hinds, 12 2234 WANTED Known—House and Shop with every convenience, in Bur nett street, next to Bullock’s Arcade, to let, cheap. 12 2233 WANTED Known—H. C. Segers' is the Cheapest House in town for First-class Drapery and Millinery. Every thing marked with a small profit. Sealy’s Buildings, East street. WANTED Known— A. Orr is selling for cash at the following reduced prices :—Tea, rare value, per box 14s 6.1 ; tea, per lb Is 3d, extra quality; L.B. sugar, per lb 3d ; currants, per lb s£d ; raisins, per lb 6d ; tapioca, per lb 3d, fine white ; sago, par lb 3d ; sperms, per lb 7d; sauce, per bottle Gd ; rice, beat Japan, 3d. 11 20GG WANTED Known White crystal Sugar, 501 b Flour, 4s 9J ; Oysters, Gd ; Salmon, 8d ; Biscuits. 3d ; a good family tea, Is Gd. J. McGregor, Tancred street. WANTED Known—Fresh Flounders are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. Ail orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W.<A Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, ; etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical [ companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above, i Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c VY/"ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V? That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to . wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s Gd; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1272 TTTANTED Known—That Jones and YV Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s butchers shop, East street, are now offer ing Pig Peed, Chick Wheat, Horse Feed, etc., etc,, etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the town. All goods delivered free of charge in town. 4 752 SOMETHING worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. O. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One ’ trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made up ; repairs and alterations j carefully attended to. 10 1952 WANTED Known—The undersigned beg to notify to their customers 1 and the public generally that they have Removed into the premises adjoining Mr Taylor, Baker, East street. By strict ! attention to business and making a good article, they hope to merit the continu ance of public patronage, Foweb aSD McEwbn, Bootmakers, East street, Ash -1 barton. 10 1973



Special Advertisements. NEW BOOKS. NEW FANCY GOODS. NEW STATIONERY. NEW TOYS. PRIZE BOOKS, Etc. QHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CARDS of Nav Zealand Scenery. A beautiful assortment of goods suitable for presents. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., EAST STREET, SOUTH, Ashburton. REDUCTIONS. REDUCTIONS The Undersigned have For Sale at Reduced Prices : Timber. Timber, Timber. Coal. Coal. Coal. Firewood. Firewood. Firewood. Stakes. Stakes. Stakes. Posts. Posts. Posts. Hurdles. Hurdles. Hurdles. Inspection invi.ted. MACPHERSON, FILMS R AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER & COAL MERCHANTS, East street. W. H. COLLINS, Manager, Ashburton. TVTE'V BOOKS! NEW BOOKS!! iX EW BOOKS ! and CHRISTMAS CARDS Now in. Popular Encyclopedia (14 vols); Colo nies and Dependencies, by T. S. Cotton ; Local Government, by M. D. Chalmers ; Treasury of Sciences, Biographical, Work shop Appliances, Systematic Mineralogy, Electricity and Magnetism, Strength o; Material ; Vanity Fair, by Thackery ; The Newcoraes ; English Men of Leiters — Bacon, Cowper, Die ena, Defoe; Journal of the Plague Year, Plays from Moliere, The Prince Micharelli; Pedigree of Man, ny Hoeckel ; India, the Law and the People, by Caird ; ‘. Albert on Banking ; The Assommoir, by i mile Zola ; Medi eval History, by Chambers ; Cassell's Family Magazine, Irish Pleasantry aim Fun, English Scenery (0 vole), Countries of the World (6 vois), peoples of the World (4 vols). All Round the World (2 vols), The Book of Health, Family Phy sician ; Animal Life, by Wright; The Technical Educator, Popular Educator, Men of the Time, Family Herald (half year vol), How the Poor Live. Thomas F. Farley, I BOOKSELLER, ASHBURTON.



jyMESTIC PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Stbket, near Lancaster’s butchery. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 HAVING procured the moat suitable appliances for carrying out Funerals IN TOWN OR COUNTRY, The Undersigned beg to notify that they are prepared to supply EVERY REQUISITE in a style hitherto UNSURPASSED IN ASHBURTON, AT THE MOST REASONABLE TERMS, J, Meech & Co. All persons in want of really GOOD AND SERVICEABLE FURNITURE Suitable to the most limited incomes, or Those in good positions cannot do better inspect J. M. & Co.’s stock " before going eleewhem, as they intend CLEARING THE WHOLE of it at once REGARDLESS OF COST, to fhake room for NEW SHIPMENTS of Eng lish an American FURNITURE ahoftly to arrive. Houses supplied with every require ment of household use. Venetian Blinds, etc. J. MEECH & CO., Ashburton. A. Tapper, SAW MILLER TIMBER, AND IRON MERCHANT, East street, Ashburton, Has decided to Sell Ope His Largo Stock of TIMBER ( BUILDING GATE* & IRON I MATERIALS FENCING WIRE, &s. at greatly Reduced Prices, As he is retiring from business, therefore ANY REASONABLE OFFER Fill NOT BE REFUSED. Stodk must be eleacigi off by P-jcember Slat. H. W. BARRETT, 153? M^ger.



• Special Advertisements. U J HKiiUA M WATCHES Fr; m £5 10a. ATCHMAKERS ch ~ ch -



CHEAP STATIONERY FOR THE PEOPLE. Superfine note paper, 5.5 per ream Cream laid envelopes, 6s per 1' 03 Foolscap (unequalled value), la per quire CHEAP BOOKS. Standard works by various authors. CHRISTMAS CARDS. Beautifully Colored Now Zealand Scenery From 3d and upwards. TOYS, FANCY GOODS, Ac., In great variety from Id and upwards. B. Sevan, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, Etc., (Next shop to Quill’s Hotel).



25 Branches New Open 25 THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGH.L T WEEDS. The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Skirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



DAVIS’S Cheap Clearing Sale NOW ON. £ s. d Bedroom furnished complete for 6 6 0 Chest of 5 drawers, for ...2 0 0 Suites in Leather, for ... ... 14 0 0 Suites in Hair, for ... ... 14 0 0 Every other article equally cheap. Must be Sold to make room for our CONSTANT MANUFACTURE OF FURNITURE of all kinds. W. DAVIS, Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer, EAST STRSE'C SOU 1? . Ashburton 9 1729



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



1884. Victoria House. 1885. £ s, Drk PRING AND SUMMER SEASON. Prints, Dress Stuffs, Costumes, Trimmings, Fancy Ties Hosiery, Millinery, Men’s, Boys’, and Youths’ Clothing, Shirts (assorted), Hats, Ac., Ac., Of newest designs, super-esceilent makes, and durability, selected and offered for the especial sreil and worthily recommending Victoria House as pre-eminent for variety, quality, liberality, and incomparable value. Ladies’, Men’s, and Children’s BOOTS, &c., at “ call again ’’ prices. Patterns of Rosljn, Mosgeil, and Eaiapoi TWE aDS received weekly, from which Men s Youths’, and Boys’ Garments are promptly made to measure, fit, finish, and fashion perfect. Charges strict.y reasonable. Dimant and Coe. ReadyoMottey Drapers, Clothiers, &o, East and Tancred streets, in premises lately occupied by Orr and 00.



Special Advertisements. NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. NEW TWEEDS ! SUMMER SUITS. Perfect Fit Guaranteed in the latest or any style that may bo required. Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, E have much pleasure in announcing to our friends and patrons, and all who may fool interested in the general ogress of our times that we have just coivod a splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coalings, Sergos, etc., etc., of the beat pialiiy and latest designs—suitable for the season we are now entering. All Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICES. Dimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer's SEWING M A CHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply ( f Machine extras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANCRED STRESTS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181