SHIPPING.

POST OF LYTTELTON. "Arrived. Yesterday Stella, as., from Dunedin. Rotorua, aa, from Wellington, Pioton and Nelson. Taisros, a.a, from Dunedin. Beoamia, ketch, from Manukau. Sailed. - Yesterday. Taiaroa, a a, for Wellington. Rotorua, as , for Akaroa and Dunedin. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Candidate, barque, from Lon don. Sailed- —Manaponri, for the South. WatUNOXON, Yesterday. Arrived—Hawea, fronrthe South. Bailed—Hawea, tor the North ; Hine nuM, for Lyttelton. . . Dunedin, Yesterday. Arrived —Frey, barquentine, Mau ritius ; Waitarapa, from Sydney via the North. - Sailed—Stella, for the Coast; Mahina pua, for the West Coast; Hauroto, for Sydney ivia the North.

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon,

. Messrs Miles and Co. report upon the live Stock market for the week ending Thursday, 3rd January, as follows:—Addington —The first market for the new year brought forward a large entry of sheep of all descriptions, amongst the fet being two or three lines of magnificent wethers, which, as has been the rule for some time, were knocked down to an exporter’s bid for freezing purposes. . With th-se few exceptions consignmenis showed but little quality, the majority being ewes. The attendance at the early part of the day was rather small, and the opening sales were effected at a shade under prices obtained at last nterket As the sale proceeded, however, the attendance improved, as al;o values, finish with an increase on recent' rates. We quote for the day—mutton at from 2]4d to 3d per lb, according to quality, with in one or two in stances an advance on the latter. Fat cattle A |ood humbe* penned, the quality as a whole bdnfe extremely good, notably a consign ment of steers and heifers from Kaituna estate,* which were brought forward in condi tion which reflects the greatest credit on the producer. We also sold a line of splendid heavy weight steers from the Messrs Hay Bros.’ Pigeon Bay estate. We quote beef at from 18s to ais per xoolbs.—Store Sheep : This season being so particularly moist and favorable to giowth of feed is causing a very active enquiry for store sheep, the demand being more part cularly for forward condi tioned crossbreds, which just now are realisng figures which leave but little margin for pur chasers. Crossbred hoggets are eagerly com peted for, and values sire within a trifle of that of sheep twelvemonths older. In merinos no very huge lines have as. yet come to hand from theStatfoiis, tnt there is every reason to antici pate good rates for sellers this season.—Store Cattle ;: A very limited number came to hand, and those of a very mixed description, and hardly;, enable ns to make quota tions; .we, however, do not notice any advance in prices, and recent rates miy *be taken as barely maintained. The numbers yarded were cattle,ifl pigs, of which-our entries were on account of Kaituna Estate, W. B. Clarkson, J, Robinson, T. Patterson, J. . Brett, J. Jenkins, Arayes, Ranger, and Others. Ashburton—At the Ashburton county saleyards on Monday last a fair entry of stock of aU descriptions was penned, comprising 3607 sheep. 130 cattle, 8 pigs. The sale was well attended, but proved rather dragging, and prices maybe quoted at a shade below Christ church rates. Privately during the week we have sold 950 crossbred ewes at 15s 3d; 500 4-tpoth maiden merino ewes at ns; and also, forfreez’ngpurposes, fat wethers; S9O cross bred wethers at 16s and 16s 3d. \ r ! ■- '

The following is the Christchurch Com Ex change report for the week ending Friday evening, the 4th iust> Thete has been a complete stagnation in the grain market during the past week, holiday making engaging the greater part of the attention of dealers. Trans- have been confined principally to com puting erfers in - hand. The weather still continues so unsettled that the ultimate results of harvest are very problematical. The trops, however, up to the present promise by their apraupince. a bountiful supply of cereals, althongh fa; mere anticipate gathering fully three weeks later. The crop of cocks foot on the Peninsula is exceptionally good; and given good weather thould he highly satisfactory to growers, the E* ibTe opening price being 4d per lb The latest quotations are Wheat: sound milling, 3s lod to 4 s 2d per bushel to.b.; second quality, 3s 3d to 3s 8d ; chick wheat, is lod to 2s per bushel. OaU: Prime milling, 2s id to 2S 2d per bushel f.0.b.; bright short feed, is ndto2s; inferior and discolored, is 8d to is lod per bushel. Bar ley.: First-class malting, 4s to 4s 3d per bushel; second quality, 3s 3d to 3s6d ; feed, is lod to 2s per bushel. Cheese and Butter: to 5d for the former, and 6j£d to yd for the latter, kegs extra.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALE-'. . !v ...Saturday, January 5. Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., at Tatter sall's—Growing crops Mr Thoo. Bullock, at the Arcade, Barrett atreet- Chestnut Mare. Tuesday, January 8. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald /laleyarda—Stock. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. ’ ’ 1 Friday, January 4 Longbeach- Road Board, at Buad Board office, Longbeach t J-. SiTpRDAY, January 5. Wakanai Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a. m. ‘ Monday, January 7- Upper Ashburton Road Board, at Road Board Office Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30. ~ Friday, February 1. Ashburton County Council—it Council Chambers, 11am.

BIRTH.

Dellow—At Mrs Pauling’s, Beach road, the wife of James Dellow, Mayfield, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1884.

From 25,000 to 30,000 acret of land at the back of Pihiamo and Otakeo are to fee offered at the end of February, and a few days subsequently from 10,000 to 15,000 acres will be ofiered for a .lease near Opunake. Bis Excellency the Governor, accotn panted by Major Eccles, A. D C., left Wellington for Lyttelton in the Hinemoa at 330 yesterday afterm on. Lady Jer vois will, it is expected, leave on the 19th inst, and join Sir William at the Bluff, from whence they will visit the West Coast Sounds.

On Christmas day, about 1 a.m., a man named Patrick Crowley was drowned in the Taieri River. He attempted to ford the river, and was washed away. Two men heard him cry for help, but were un able to give him any assistance. The river has been dragged where the man wasdrowneJ, but the body not been recovered yet. The deceased was an old pensioner, and had been working on the Mullocky Gully section of the Ocago Cen tral Railway. An enquity was held at the Bluff on Tuesday, before the Collector of Customs, concerning the disappearance of a passen ger from the steamer Tarawera during the passage from Hobart to the Bluff The evidence went to show that the man in question, John Henry Dallmeyer, had been in charge of a doctor and servant, being of unsound mind, and that he was missed on 30th December. Strict 'search was made, but he could not be found, and it was concluded that he either fell or threw himself overboard.

Mr Cussens’s survey party is busily en gaged on the triangulation survey of the King Country. When they reached Punui river, the first, and most probably only, interference they will meet with was pre sented. A number of Maoris, men and women, collected on the bank of the river. The women commenced by getting hold of one or two of the survey party’s t.-aps and throwing them into the river, the men standing by and laughing while the women continued to struggle for a few minute i. The survey party, however, got all safely across, recovering the swag or two fiist thrown in, and proceeded to Kakapuki, where they camped, and subsequently re erected the first trig station. Mr Frank Edgmond starts with his survey party for Tuhu to-day. A new exemption from serving on a coroner’s jury has just been discovered by a Jewish tradesman in London, He is neither over the age of sixty, nor does he hold any office that would entitle him to refuse to serve; but he entertains a religious scruple. In respect to the des cendants of Aaron, the High Priest, the twenty-first chapter of Leviticus says : “ Neither shall he enter into any house where there is a dead body.” Claiming to be a direct descendant of Aaron, Mr Lewis David Cohen put forward his con scientious objection, and declined to serve. For this he was fined by the coroner, and subsequently the matter came by way of appeal before the City of London Quarter Sessions. It was stated that Mr Cohen’s objection was upheld by the Chief Rabbi, who on the occasion of the Thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales declined to attend the service in St Paul’s on account of de id bodies being interred there. After some consultation the Court remitted the fine, and directed that for the future Mr Cohen should be excused from serving on coroner’s juries in the city. The first meeting of the Council of the Educational Institute of New Zealand was held at Wellington yesterday morning, the following members being present:— Messrs D. White and R. Peathe (Otago), J.Q. Scott and G. Hogben (Christchurch), W. Ward (South Canterbury), J. Young (Wellington), and H. Worthington (Auck land). Mr Worthington was voted to the chair, and on the motion of Mr Hogben it was decided that visitors should be ad mitted to meetings of the Council, and allowed to speak, but not to vote. The following Associates of the Council then took their seats at the table :—Messrs T, S. Foster and J. Baldwin (Christchurch), Watson and Cole (Wellington), and Rev. T, Flavell (Christchurch). The Council then proceeded to consider the rules adopted last year, and after considerable discussion it was decided, on the motion of Mr D. White, that the New Zealand Educational Institute should consist of the branches in Auckland, Thames, Welling ton, Nelson, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Rule 2—“ That the object of the Institute shall be the promotion of the interests of education within the colony of Npw Zealand,” was passed as printed ; as was alep rule f‘That the General Coun cil of the Institute shall consist of mem bers elected by the local associations.” Rule 4 was altered so ato read as follows: —“ That each Association shall be entitled to one representative for the first twenty members, and one for every additional thirty names beyond the first twenty on the roll of fpepjbership.”

Thjck Heads, heayy stomachs, bilious con dition? —Wells’ May Apple Pills—anti-liilious cathartic, $d and is. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. I

A lawn tennis match will be played cn the new ground to-morrow between Ash burton and Christchurch representatives. Mails for the United Kingdom etc, via £‘an Francisco, will close at the local Dost O.bce at ten o’clock to-morrow morning.

Wo are requested to draw attention to Messrs Dimant and Coe’s advertisement, which appears in another column, notify ing their removal into the premises lately occupied by Messrs Orr and Co. Captain Douglas has received a tele gram from the captain of the Kaiapoi Rifle Club, staring that the proposed match must be aga n postponed, as ateam cannot bo got together at Kaiapoi for to morrow.

The following is a return of the patients treated in the Ashburton Hospital for the year 1883;—No of patients in hospital on Ist January, 9 ; admitted during the year, 100; discharged, 92; deaths, 10; patients in hospital on 31 at December, 7 ; treated during the year, 109. Our Elgin correspondent writes annual treat in connection with the Elgin District t-'chool came off on Wednesday last, January 2nd, in the school gro mds. The weather during most of the day was all that could be desiied, but towards evening it turned very chilly and threat ened rain. Long before noon the children began to muster, apparently determined to derive as much pleasure as possible from the occasion. At Ip.m. young and middle-aged were regaled with the usual comestibles, which had been provided in great profusion by the Committee and their good ladies, and to these much earnest and devoted attention was paid. “ Then to pleasure ” An excellent running course had been prepared ; money and toys were awarded to the successful com petitors in the various athletic contests, and from ;he spirited manner in which all the different events were engaged in, it is evident that energy and the desire to excel are not wanting in the youth of Elgin. Three of the principal events were—44oyda boys’ race, A. Butterick (1), S. Scott (2); running high jump, S. Innes (1) S. Kennedy (2), A. Butterick (3); vaulting, S. Kennedy (1), A. Butterick (2) J, Scott (3). The j imping and vault ing were really excellent performances, and few boys of their age could beat the prize winners. Another attack—simul taneous all along the line—was made upon the provisions, but was only partially suc cessful; after half an-hour’s warm engage ment the attacking party retired, if not repulsed, satisfied that they had done their best. An impromptu dance followed the sports, to the strains of the accordian, manipulated by one of the scholars, Master James Scott, who showed very promising proficiency. Lusty cheers we.e given before separating for the Chairman, schoolmaster, ladies, Committee, musi cian, and everybody, and one and all wended their way home evidently well satisfied with the treat of 1881.

According to the local Times, a gro tesque incident oc mrei the other day in a small township not one hundred miles fro Oamaru. A member of one of the learned professions was transacting some professional business at a settler’s house, when in came a young girl, the daughter of one of the settler’s neighbors. Whether under the evil spirits which are said to abound in some country townships, "or whether inspired with a religious aversion to the fascinations of female society, we cannot say, but it is a fact that under some impulse or other the professional person caught the young girl by the shoulders and pushed her out of the house, at which the “ chucker-out ” was himself a mere visitor. By-and-bye the insulted girl’s father came upon the scene, and pulling off his coat he proceeded to cal) the off nsiveprofessional person to account. It may be remarked that on the day in question the professional person wore one of those long button-up coats which in various parts of the world are made to do yeoman’s service by the impecunious. The angry parent, as we have said, pulled off his coat; not so, however, the rouser of his wrath. In fact that worthy took to his heels, and sought refuge first in one place and .then in another. Finally he ran into a neighboring cottage and took shelter coweringly under a convenient bed. The owners of the house mtura’ly objected to this, but i’. was with the great est difficulty that the profe tsional person could be removed from his undignified position. Eventually he was seen making his way towards Pukenri. The episode had its descreditabie features, but it also created some amusement in the neighbor hood where it occurred. Some of course assume that the professional person took to his heels through sheer cowardice, but of course it is possible that he pre ferred to run away sooner than remain and be compelled to take off his coat and thereby expose to the vulgar gaze of an unsympathetic public the unseemly de ficiencies of his wardrobe.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the above was held on Thursday. Present Messrs Mackie (Chairman), Coster, and Osborne. The Clerk’s report was read and adopted. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read from the agent for the N.Z Loan and Mercantile Agency Co, asking that the grass etc be cleared from the footpaths leading to their stores. The work was ordered to be done. From the Mount Hutt Road Board en closing detailed account ofjexpenditure on Boundary road and requesting payment of half the amount. Cheque pissed for L 22 4s.—From the trustee in Mutter’s estate, requesting settlement of account. —From P. Clifford, asking for an exten sion of time on Welsh’s road. Granted. —From R. Taylor, asking for final pay ment for his maintenance contract. The Clerk stated that the amount was on the pay-sheet.—From G. W. Dolamore, stat ing that he was unable to plough the road through Acton on account of deep ruts, atones, etc. It was resolved that the Chairman should arrange for the work being done.—From Mr L. Mangham, offering L2 for the grass on Collins’ road. It was decided to allow the seed to be gathered, providing one-half were re turne I to the Board. The Clerk was in structed to h»ve some of the grass cut.— From the Secretary to the Treasury stat ing that L 564 3s 4d was at the Board’s credit for the purpose of making roads through the village settlement. The money would not be available till plans of the proposed roads had been approved by the Waste Lands Board.— Ordered to be acknowledged.—-From F. Windsor and ’others, asking for a foot path from Sod Town to the township on each side of the road, and stating that a number contemplated asking for the settlement to be declared a township. It was resolved to call a meeting of the vil - age settlers to see what work they want done on the roads through the settlement before making application for the money due by the Government, and submitting plans to the Waste Lands Board. The Chairman to call the meeting on Thurs day next, in the Town Hall, for 5 p.m.— Messrs Blackburn and Oakley wrote ask ing for the formation of Rolleston street to the West Town Belt.—Ordered to be done. —From the Property Tax Commis sioner, enclosing a copy of the Rating Act Amendment Act, 1883.—From Messrs Hdlmejs and Loughrey, re lands taken for roads, and enclosing receipts for L 279 16s 7d. —From the Ashburton County 'Couri oil, reuuesting the Chairman to meet the Council on Saturday, with the Chairman of the Mount Hutt, Upper Ashburton and Mount Somers Boards, to devise a gene ral scheme for the relief of each district from floodwater.—From the same body, asking'the Chairman to attend a meeting of the Committee appointed to consider

the petitions re the separation of the dis* trict. TENDERS. Oa the motion of Mr Coster, seconded by Mr Osborne, the Board (>n committee) considered the question of the tenders accepted by Mr Mann. On resuming it was msoived—“ r l hac the Committee find that by allowing the contractors to pro ceed with the works the Board had already ratified the acceptance of the contracts for reforming the Main Hirer road at 12s fid per chain, and ploughing roads at 9j fid per acre.” FINANCE. It was resolved to re-deposit L 4,000 for twelve months, LI,OOO for six months, and to place the balance to current ac count. MISCELLANEOUS. It was decided that the Chairman should see what could be done to O’Connor’s section to rel eve him of flood water and have the necessary work done. Messrs McLean waited on the Board and asked if they were willing to close a road half a chain wide and give him the opportunity of purchasing the same; the ro id was of no use to any one but himself, it being a road to his own property. Mr Allison, the owner of the adjoining land, had not given his consent, but there was no doubt he would do so as the road was of no use to him.—The Clerk was in structed to write to Mr Allison and ask if he had any objection, and if he had not it was decided to take the necessary steps for closing the road. Mr Allan waited on the Board wi‘h re spect to the gravel pits on the New Zea land and Australian Land Company’s property being in the wrong place, and explained that he had never given any instructions, to the beat of his knowledge, to have the land transferred. Some of the pits were paid for and others not. It was arranged that the Company give instructions to their solicitors to have the proper piece of land transferred to the Board, and the Board to see that instruc tions were given to have the other lands transferred to the Company. Mr Ailan complained about the con tractor on the Pound road burning his fence. The goise had been on the mad for two months, and he had not received notice to move it.—The Clerk stated that he ordered the contractor burn the gorse, as it was on the road and in the way.

The manager of the Aclon Station wrote asking that Mr Harrison be paid the money for fencing the new road. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were passed to the amount of L 409 18s Id, and the meeting adjourned.

ASHBURTON CHEESE.

We have been favored by the Secretary of the Ashburton Cheese Factory with the following report on scwt cheese, shipped by Mr Joseph Clark of this town, in the frozen chamber of the s.s. Catalonia ; and it is a noticeable fact that the cjrrectness of the first report is borne out by advices received from Messrs Bowron Bros, of Jerusalem Chambers, London, which we published a short time ago, to the effect that the consignment sent to them in the same ship and under similar circumstances had been sold at 63s per cwt, and as the twenty tons shipped per Doric and Bticish Queen was placed in chambers of the tem perature mentioned in these reports little doubt need be feared of i:s rea isiug a fairly paying price; Joseph Clark, Esq., Tinwald—Dear Sir, — Our London office has sent us copies of three reports on the Ashburton Company’s cheese. One of these names, 60s to 64s as the value, but this they considered excessive, as four others, independent experts, put the v ry out side value at present as sOs. All agree that transit in the freezing chamber is apt to dam age the cheese, and the best temperature seems to be about sodeg. The report quot ing 60s to 64s is as follows ; —Respecting the New Zealand cheese, which you sent us to re port upon, we find it to be of very fair quality, and should fetch in this market about 60s to 64s per cwt. We should not recommend its being kept in the freezing chamber, which would tend to impoverish the quality, but in a well ventilated part of the ship, away from the engines, the temperature best suited to it being about 6odeg to 6zdeg fahr. We would suggest that each cheese have a linen wrapper, and then be packed in a wooden box similar to American cheese, with which it would have to compete, both in quality and price. It would of course labor under a great disadvantage compared with America, on account of the long time occupied in transit, and it is a matter for the exporters to decide whether it would be worth while to ship it here. A second report says : We have examined the cheese sent by you, and find it to have been rather heated and rank. The shape is suitable, though not quite large enough, the best size being from 6olbs to yolbs. With regard to color, either white or straw :colored sells, but not red, and the flavor should be mild. We believe that the boxes most suitable for packing would be such as the Americans use. We think it would be wrong to freeze cheese, but they should he kept at a temperature of 40deg. to Sodeg The value of the cheese you sent is about 46s per cwt, American cheese good to finest are worth 40s to 64s now. The third says : —We have received the two cases of cheese, and we regret to say we find them frozen, and until they thaw we cannot give you a reliable re port on them as regards quality and flavor. We must inform you that frozen cheese is always damaged. In future shipments care should be taken that such cannot occur : an even temperature of say 4odeg to 4sdeg is quite cool enough for storage during transit. From what we can at present see we think the cheese are well made and a suitable size and weight for this market. The packing is good, and th y have arrived in very fair condition. Yours faithfully, Geo. G. Stead, Managing Director.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Council was held to day in the Council Chambers, when there were present Messrs E. G. Wright, H. Priedlander, J. Lambie, T. Taylor, and Julian Jackson. A letter of apology for his absence was read from the Chairman (Mr W. 0. Walker), and Mr E. G, Wright was voted to the chair. The minutes of the previous meet ing were read and confirmed. chairman’s statement.

The Chairman said that the Returning Officer had reported the election of Mr E. G. Wright to the Council in place of Mr H. T, Winter, resigned. The Geral dine County Council had paid the sum of L 2.404 Os lOi on account of the Bangi tata traffic bridge extension, which, to gether with the t 1,500 previously pair!, makes the amount of L 3.904 Os lOi, cost of said extension on repairing old bridge up to May 31st, 1883, as per account for warded. The Geraldine Council had in formed this Council that in its opinion no necessity now exists for a ferryman at the Lower Rangitata ferry, and refuses to be responsible for any further expense on that account. The present ferryman, as the Council wrote, had offered t® act as ferry man for the north stream for another year without subsidy on condition he has the use of the ferry reserve in this county. The amount of rates collected to date is L 2,863 7s sd, leaving a deficit of LIOO 15s sd. A list for the renewal of slaughtering licenser would be placed be fore the Council at this meeting for sanction. Mr Wright said that the state ment be had just read had been furnished by the Council’sofficerintheusual way,and he (the speaker) might add that the Coun cil would have to settle something as to their future revenue. The overdraft at the Bank had been settled by the pay mjenj; of the Geraldine’ County Council’s share of tfie Rangitata ' bridge, but 1 it would have to be determined* 1 what ’ rate would have to be struck. He would aug : gest that the Clerk be instructed to pre pare for next meeting a statement of assets and liabilities, and the probable expendi ture for tlje epauing year.

ENGINE f R S REPORT. I The following report was then read : i Ashburton-Rakaia Water Supply : During tli-r month of December I staked out in detail, and took the necessary levels over water-races El lower Acton, and Da Chertsey district, each about 7 miles in length, and the works on ( both are in a forward state and should be com pleted in about a fortnight from this date. There are now seven branche of considerable length attached to the K main, which is sup plied from Pudding Hill stream, and as the service in the last two branches formed is still imperfect, it is apparent that any attempt at further distribution from that seurce in the meantime would injuriously affect each of the seven branches referred to. The Home autho rised by the Conucil forDt race in R.S. 28,856 has been completed. The F race has been ex. tended at the lower end through the properties of Messrs Leadley, Madden and Wright. With the exceptions mentioned above, all the mains and branches between the Ashburton and Rakaia rivers have recently been running satis factorily. The Alford station water supply is now in operation, and the works for Ashburton Forks supply are well advanced. Ihe races in the Mount Somers district are running freely, and a small deviation has been made near the tramway reserve to increase the flow and relieve the road crossing at that point. —Ashburton Rangitata Water Supply: During the first two weeks in December the head races got partially filled with a co'lection of slimy vegetable mat ter, which I had cleared away as it was causing overflow in several places. It appeared to me that the owners could not be held responsible for the maintenance of these head races, which are of large size and carry down the supply for the whole system of distributing races, but as a guide for future action I should feel obliged for the Council’s instructions on this point, as also the fixing of the limits of channels to be included in the list of head races. The supply in the Ashburton-Rangitata district has been well maintained during the month and the .only deficiency at present is at the lower end of Q race in the Coldstream district on the two short branches recently formed there. I shall see that some minor improvements are effected to remedy this at once. —Wheatstone Water Sup ply: The clearing of the Lagmhor stream has been finished, and a fall supply is now avail able for all the races in the district. The original supply of No. 2 creek at TinwalJ being insuffirient for the full extent of race passing to the south of Wheatstone. I had the supply augmented by the cutting of a small channel connecting creeks Nos. 1 and 2. This will allow of No. 3 creek'being utilised for the benefit of the ten or twelve settlers on the Railway Reserve sections above Tinyvald, and they are now most anxious that this service should be given them, the expense of which they are prepared to defray. I have gone over the route and taken levels for the purpose, and will arrange with the contractor for the present works to make these small additions on the basis of his contract prices, if the Council so authorise, and as soon as the funds are pro vided. —Water Supply from Ford’s Creek : With reference to the race authorised from this source, I find the best point to lead off the sup ply is about a mile lower down than the Cheese factory, the outlet to be in line of ditch along r fence line, which would connect with a channel 1 which is already available over greater part of [ the distance. —Wheatstone Drainage: With reference to the question of improvement of 1 Ford’s Creek, from R.S. 6803 to Osbor .e’s

road, which has hitherto been in abeyance,_ I have examined the place, and find the object would be best accomplished by enlarging the side drain of the road there. The cost would be about Li2, but as Ford’s road contributes great part of the drainage in time of flood, the Road Board should share the cost of the work.

—Maintenance of Races: It would tend greatly to efficiency if the process of clearing out were undertaken half yearly, say in June and December. During the summer season obstructions arise through vegetable growth which, if cleared away at the end of the year, would render the races more serviceable daring the harvest season.—Wakanui Flat Water

Supply : In accordance with your instructions I have replaced the sluice near (he inlet, so as to serve temporarily till the new works there are undertaken. If these are not to be started soon I would suggest that a small embank ment be formed to connect the sluice with the high ground on either side, at a cost of I 4 or L 5. Regardingtheproposaltosubstitutethe Wa kanui Creek as a source of supply, I have gone over the district and taken the necessary levels over the line which I have traced on the map. There is already a small service initiated over part of the route, but the enlargement required would be such as to be almost tantamount to a new race. I estimate the expense of race, cul verts .and flumes at LBS. exclusive of head works. There is a temporary dam formed of willow stakes, etc., a few chains below the

Town Belt, but some more permanent.arrange ment would be required there, and provision made for scouring out the silt which is con stantly accumulating there, owing to the strong current and clayey nature of the channel. Setting down the cist of headworks at L 25, the total expense would be Luo. Ido not anticipate there would be any questions of land compensation, but the Council would, I pre sume, have to take steps to obtain con trol of the creek over its entire length.— Upper Rangitata Bridge : The decking and bearers of the old portion of the bridge are now getting so decayed as to be unfit for traffic. The renewal of the superstructure would cost about Li,ooo, but it may suffice to renew the planking by small portions at a time, as was

done previous to the completion of the new portion of the bridge. If the Council sanction this arrangement I shall feel obliged by receiv ing instructions as to providing a stock of tim ber for the purpose, and replacing the decking in sections as circumstances may require. WATER SUPPLY. It was resolved that the paragraphs in the Engineer’s report re Ashburton and Rakaia plains and the Ashburton and Rangitata water supplies be referred to the Water Supply Committee for their consideration. Be the Wheatstone supply, it was de cided that the works be authorised, sub ject to the cost being paid in. WHEATSTONE DRAINAGE. It was resolved to forward tha para graph re the above to the Longbeach Road Board, intimating that the Council will carry out the work if the Road Board contribute half the :ost. CLEARING OUT WATER-RACES. The Clerk was instructed to insert a notice in the papers calling the attention of settlers to the necessity of keeping the water-races clear from all obstruction, and refer them to provisions 5, 6 and 7 of water-race by-laws. WAKANUI FLAT WATER SUPPLY, It was resolved that the Council sanc tion the formation of a small embankment as suggested by the Engineer. It was also decided that the Council agree to carry out the works recommended by the Engineer to secure a supply from the Wakanui creek at a cost of LIOO, on con dition that the settlers undertake the total annual charge of maintenance of the addi tional mileage. RANGITATA TRAFFIC BRIDGE. A letter was read, signed by Mr J. Hinkley and other residents in the dis trict, drawing the Council’s attention to the state of the planking of the old part of the Rangitata bridge. It was decided to agree to the suggestion in the Engi neer’s report on this matter, and that the latter be authorised to get what work was necessary carried out, a copy of the para graph to be sent to the Geraldine County Council, with an intimation of the reso lution come to by the Ashburton Council. WATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE. The report of this Committee was read. It stated that the Committee had resolved to offer to Messrs Holmes Bros a new race, to be formed in such a way to suit themselves, subject to the Engineer’s approval; that Messrs Smith and Hunt’s application be not granted ; that Mr Robb’s application be granted, the Council to enlarge upper portion of El tace, out of the balancs of Road Board vote, and applicants to defray balance of cost required, if any, and take chance of the water being sufficient.—The report was adopted. FORMATION OF NEW ROAD BOARD DISTRICT. < The Committee appointed to consider i petitions for and against the formation of < a proposed newdistriot in South ‘Rakaia, < reported that they had examined the peti- < tioua, and had Resolved tp ask the Chair- < man of the South Rakaia Road Board to 1 attend the meeting of the Council.—The ' report was adopted, but the Chairman < f 1 the Board i.ot being present, considers- <

lion of tho petition was postponed till next meeting. NOTICE OF DEPOTAHONF. Mr Jackson moved, in accordance with notice given at last meeting—“ That all deputations to the meetings of this Ooun cil be preceded by tan days’ written notice.”— Mr Eatnbie seconded this, and Mr Wright suggested that the words “ten flays ”be struck out. This was accepted, the motion pased in its amended form. PAYMENTS. The usual monthly accounts were passed for payment, the manager of the Union Bank to be seen re overdraft. Mi.THVEN LIBRARY. The Secretary of the Methven Library Committee wrote asking the Council to pay over the sum of L2OO in accordance with a motion already passed. —Resolved that LIOO be paid, and the balance when the accounts are furnished. lonobbach road board. Messrs Fooks and Sons, the surveyors to the Board, wrote requesting the Coun cil to declare the drain <>n the eastern side of the Wsterton road a public drain under the Public Works Act, 1882 It was also asked that the drain be continued across the angle of the road, opposite Mr Moses’ house, and thence through his land to a natural creek running through the Watarton township, and likewise proclaim it a public drain. The Board would pay the cost of the work, and requested that their surveyor be consulted —lt was re solved to request the Lo igbeaoh Road Board to submit plans, and when this was done the Engineer would put the work in hand on tho receipt of cost. poonokbbper. Tho appointment of Mr McWitliam as poundkeeper for (he Mount Hutt district was sanedored. BANGITaTA FEBLYttAN. The conditions contained in a letter from D. Jackson, re the Rangjtala ferry, were agreed to for a year. SLAUGHTERING LICENSES. It was resolved to renew all the slaughtering licenses in the county subject to the approval of the Inspector. WAKANCI BIVER PROTECTION. A letter was read from Mr Brown, chairman of a public meeting held at Vakanui, forwarding the resolution ar rived at by the meeting. —Referred to the River protection Committee with a request that they will furnish an estimate for the necessary work for the local diversion of the river adjacent to the spot under mined. COMMITTEE VACANCY. Mr Wright was appointed to the vacancy in the Methven Storm Water Committee, caused by the imignation of Mr Winter. HIGH SCHOOL BOARD. Messrs J ickson and Walker were re elected as Council’s representatives on the I High School Board. HOIICES OP MOTION.

Mr Friedlander gave notica to more at 1 next mealing : —Thifc the Government be petitioned t > introduce a Bill during the ' ne .t session of Parliament to prevent the <le lic ition to Ro id Boards or other bodies interested of private roads without the ! consent of such bodies having been pre* viously obtained to the dedication. 1 Mr Friedlander also gave notice to ; move the following :—With a view to a more equitable representation of the ‘ various ridings of this county, the re adjustment of present boundaries of rid ings be considered at next meeting of the > Council. MBXnVBN STORM! WATER. ’ A deputation consisting of. Messrs B. ! Patton and McMillan waited on the i Council for the purpose of explaining the views of those who objected to the report of the Committee re the storm water in ■ the Mount idutt district.—Both gentle men having explained that the natural ‘ fl >w of the water was into the Ashburton, but tbe work c ;rried out by the Council had interfered with this and in conse , quen:e the roads had been damaged, the Chairman said that the Committee would consider what had been said, and the I deputation then withdrew, f TEE PROPOSED KEW DISTRICT. ■ The petition sent in by certain rate ■ payers in South Rakaia in favor of separ t ation and forming a new road district ’ was considered, but as it was doubtful : whether the number of signatures repre sented the ratepayers required by the 4ct, it was resolved to postpone the nutter till next meeting. GERALDINE COUNTV COUNCIL

Mr Bullock moved, and Air Lambia seconded —That the Geraldine County Council be applied to for interest from May ill to January, 1884.”

The Council then adjourned to Friday. Feb. Ist.

THE FLOATING OF THE TRIUMPH

An Auckland telegram dated yesterday at 11.45 p m says:—The Triumph has not yet arrived. Four steamers are now with her in the Gulf towing her up stern foremost, the Waitaki, Glenelg, Rotoma hana, and McGregor. In the floating operations the h itches were battened down, steam got up, and water pumped out, when at high water she floated oft. A gale rising her hawsers parted, and at one time it was feared she would drift on to the Shearer Bock. Men were working up :o the waist in water in the stoke bole, and owing to the list of the vessel it was difficult to pump her. At one time fears were entertained for the lives of all on board, but Mr Fisher, engineer of the Triumph, dived to the door of the compartment of Ho 2, and let the water in, which rendered the Vrssel more stable and equable. The Triumph at last got to the lee of Tiritiri, where desperate efforts were made to keep the water under till the steam tugs signalled for, arrived, and steps oiuld be taken to reduce the water in the sloke hole, which threatened to put out the fires. On the steamers arriving the worst was over. The Triumph is expected in harbor in the morning. All engaged on the wreck deserve great praise for their courage.

The Inquiry.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

Auckland, To-day. The inquiry into the wreck of the Triumph was resumed to-day. The Crown Prosecutor stated that since the Court last sat a new phase of the case had arisen, in the fact of the steamer having been got off the rocks, and brought into the Auckland Harbor. He therefore proposed to re-examine the chief officer of the Triumph in order to have the facts connected with the floating placed upon record.

Thomas Owens, chief officer of the Triumph (re-called), deposed that since the date of the last sitting of the Court he had been employed on board the Triumph assisting in operations to get her off the rocks. As a result of these opera tions the vessel was yesterday got off, and during the night she was brought iuto the harbor, where she now lies. No external aid or apparatus was used to light the ship in the shape of pontoons, lighten or other appliances of that kind. Pumps were employed, but beyond that nothing was done except taking out the cargo and lightening her as much as possible. By Mr Hesketh: I was employed by Mr Fraser, the purchaser of the ship. Capt. Brotherton has not been employed In these operations. Mr Fraser is an iron founder and shipbuilder, and he had tb’e assistance of Gouk, Capt. and others, and' had unlimited command of tugs' and boats. Three pumps were' used—two centrifugal and one' pul|cj meter, the [ ower of which was very great. The pumping had to be kept up nearly all the way into the .harbor, I know wher§ the vessel lies. She was afloat an hour

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1884.



JF, TQU WANT GOOD AND STRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DA VIS’S OHBAPj FURNITURE AND RED j / -piNO MANUFACTORY, bast .street SOUTH, ,-ASHBURTON. laVß'.w.T article Bold at Chris tohard k-SKS&fe l «id -jawaiiteed bee. of tutorial and wolSawnslupp ’ -TJa?: ,-?r • FUN BE A LB •' ] OHUKT A OOMPiSTKLY FIIKSBHBD ,>—»■ rrr T"



Wanted WANTED —COOK for men’s hut; | must be a good baker. .A pply to B. H. Dobson, Lowcliffe, Hinds. 1 2 ANTED Known—That STRAW BERRIES and other Fruit for preserving can now be had cheap at A. W. Randeix’s, East street. 1 4 WANTED Known—That Hayes and Co. are slaughtering 2,000 yards of Madras Muslin wor.h Is 9d at 6d per yard. WANTED Known—r'or Sale, two COTTA' >ES on East Belt. Cheap, easy terms. Apply W. C. Davis or Ward and Sons. 12 1012 WANTED TENDERS—For HAR VESTING bOO Acres of Wheat. Tenders to be in by 12th January. H. T. Winter. 1 17 WANTED Known—A BALL will be held in Mr J. Clark’s Grain Shed, Tinwald, TO-NIGiIT, in aid of School Treat Fund. Tickets, ss. 1 14 WANTED— To hire by the week with the view of purchase, quiet HORSE, must be good in harness; state terms. 46 private box, Post-office, Ashburton. ri HE EWE SHEARING will com- I menue at Coldstream on Thursday, 10th January, 1884. A few extra HANDS wanted. O. H. Dowdino. 1 16 TT'7’ANTED Known—That H. Jambs W has taken over the market garden from E. Ling, Hampstead, and intends carrying on a RETAIL BUSINESS in the Triangle. Vegetables and Fruit sup plied fresh daily. 1 6



WAN lED Known—That W. C. Davis is selling all sizes of Pickle and Preserving JARS, Lorn 4d each, at his pottery yard, Wills street, next Oddfellows’ Hall. 1 13 ANTED Known-That a GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MEETING will be held THIS EVENING, at 8 p.m., in the Temperance Hall, Tinwald. Ad dresses will ba given by the Revs. Scott, Nixon and Mr awle. The public are cordially invited. John Smith, Secre tary. 1 18 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatpical Agent, etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 7600 WANTED Known—That W. C. Davis, next Oddfellows’ Hail, is selling Peas at 6d per peck; broad Beans, dd; new Potatoes, 101 b for Is; also, red and black Currants at 5d per lb, for preserv ing. All other Fruit and Vegetables as cheap. Plenty of new Apples in. 112 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 7s 6d ; men’s half sole and heeling, 4s 6d ; women s do, 3s 6d ; girl’s do, 2 s 6d. Nokes, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 WANTED Known —That in conse quence of the rapid increase of business, John MoisON, Impermeable Bootmaker, has been compelled to get a large stock of Boots of a superior quality in the town in order to meets the demands of his customers, and those who may pur chase from him will find no deception as to price or quality. As J. M. has gained the public trust in the past by doing beat work and fit, combined with neatness and style, he intends even to make greater exertions in the future. Fowler’s Build ings, Tancred street (opposite Arcade), Ashburton. 7 207 WANTED KNOWN—That Mr Dan Lea’s Gymnasium is the only place for real amusement; admittance free. Every kind of amusement to be ob tained on the premises calculated to please the general public—American Bowls, Skittles, Shooting, Boxing, Fencing, Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, etc. Temper ance Drinks, Oigars, etc. Tickets— monthly 2s 6d, for use of Horizontal Bar, Trapeze, Single-sticks, Dumb-bells, Indian Clubs, eta Dan Lea is always at his post to give lessons in Boxing, lesson £1 per month, or according to arrangement. 1344 Special Advertisements.



Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Guardian Office, Wxtt street * STOP THAT COUGH 1 DON’T DELAY.—How can you stop it? Where, s the. Remedy. Bonnington’s PECTORAL OXYMEL OP GARBA GE 'IN or IRISH MOSS (registers 1), can produce more evidence of real merit than any other article for .the purpose. Sold ' everywhere. G Bonninoton, Christchurch. PRINCE ALBERT BOARDING HOUSE AND TEMPERANCE HOTEL C. TRUCKLE begs to return thanks to his friends and the public for their patron age since he had taken over the Prince Albert Boarding House, and trusts by always keeping a good table and accommo dation for boarders and travellers to re ceive a continuance of the same. Private rooms for families. C. TRUCKLE, Prince Albert Boarding House and Tem perance Hotel near Coohson’s Stables, Wills street, Ashburton ; n**t Odd fellows’ Hall, and one minute s walk from the Railway Station. Charges strictly moderate. 944 INTENDING PURCHASERS OP CLOTHING FOB THE SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON Should visit the NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory’s BRANCH, Where they can select from the LARGEST VARIETY OP FASHION ABLE GARMENTS, Manufactured from sound and reliable New Zealand Tweeds. The well-known reputation enjoyed by the Firm of Selling a GENUINE ARTICLE AX WHOLESALE PRICE Has resulted in an increase of Business during the past season, and they can- now boast of having Twenty - One Retail Branches in New Zealand, thus enabling them to increase the Factory produce,, economising both material and labor, and ensuring to their patrons a further benefit in the shape of a still Lower Rate of Wholesale Prices. SHIRTS, UNDERCLOTHING, HATS & CAPS, PORTMANTEAUS, And every requisite at Wholesale Price. Ashburton Branch : BAST STREET.



Special Advertisements. gA TURD AY, JANUARY 6th, 1884 LOOK OUT E. C. Brown & Co’s GREAT PERIODICAL CLEARANCE SALE, OOMMCKOIMO SATURDAY, JANUARY sth, AT FASHION HOUSE, 186, 186, 187, CASHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH.



DIMANT AND COE beg to notify that they are REMOVING Into Shop lately occupied by ORR AND CO. (opposite Union Bank), which they will open on SATURDAY NEXT, JANUARY ssh, with a specially selected Stock of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS, &c VICTORIA HOUSE, Dimant and Coe, Beady Money DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Etc., Corner East and Tancbbd Streets. 9528 J w n> O w c+- o £r. o 2 W ts o rt- o S' O P 8 a g h* s H P 3 Special Advertisement.



MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. Bazaar AND Fancy Fair AT ANDREWES BROS,, East Street South, IS NOW OPEN. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS in great variety.