SHIPPING.

POUT OP LYTTELTON. Sailed. Yesterday. Wakata, as., for Kaikoura add Wel lington. Examiner, barque, for New Plymouth. SHIPPING TELEGRAMS. \ , Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived— Pelham, from Oamatu; Sarah W. Hunt, from Lyttelton. Sailed —Manapoqri, from the Sooth; IBurmleOj <lOl6 Xaipara, for Lyttelton. /Wnlukqton, Yesterday. Arrived —Rotonaahana, from Melbourne ’ and*thwSoothrHa«roto, from the South; Wanaka, from tha North; Grafton, from Greymouth and Nelson. Sailed—Wanaka, for Lyttelton; St. Hilda, for Westport; Charles Edward, for Nelson and West Coast; Eotomabana, for Auckland and West Coast; Hauroto, for Sydney. ________

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, Junk 24. Matson, Cox and Co., at the Tinwald Baley ards —Stock.. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Eio. This Evening. fiWs Entertain ment, at 8 prm." J Monday, Juki 23. Borough Connell;-'at Borbhgh Council Chambers, at 7.30. Friday, July 4. Ashburton -County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. * Saturday, July f> K Wakanni Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalesbit. SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 1884.

A Court of revision was held by Mr Baddeley, R.M., on Wednesday, for the purpose of hearing any objections there might be to the County Electoral Roll. No objectors put in an appearance and the roll was duly signed. The attendance of the public at the Town Hall was so poor last evening, owing, no doubt, to the wretched weather that prevailed, that the dissolving view entertainment did not come off It will, however, be given to-night. At the Police Court this morning, be fore Thomas Bullock, Esq., J.P., two first offenders were fined 20s for \runken ness.

Last evening Mr 0. 0. Fooks’s resi dence on the Alford Forest road narrowly escaped destruction by fire. It appears that while seated at dinner the attention of the family was attracted by a noise, which they at first thought was produced by a train crossing the Ashburton bridge, but upon opening the door into the hall it was discovered that the bed-room oppo site was in flames. An attempt was speedily made to extinguish the fire, but this seeming hopeless the room was closed and every effort directed to removing the furniture and valuables from other parts of the House to a place of safety. When this was nearly completed Mr Fooka opened the door of the burning room and was not a little surprised to find that the flames had somewhat abated, the lining of the room evidently not being of a very inflammable nature. Renewed efforts were at once made to subdue the fire, and by a copious application of water the danger was averted. Mr Fooks’s loss will reach about L6O, but this is fully covered by insurance in the South British, North British and Mercantile Insurance Companies. We have |to] acknowledge the receipt from Mr Farley, the local agent, of a copy of Mr Alfred Cox’s work “ Recollections.” The volume is admirably got up, and re flects great credit on the publishers, Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs, of Christ church. We intend reviewing the book at length in a future issue. A letter has been received by the Wel lington Cricket Association from Mr Conway, of Sydney, in which he states that a team of' English cricketers purpose visiting the colonies during next season, and, if suitable terms can be made with the principal towns of New Zealand, they will play a series of matches in this colony. The proposed terms are the same as those which were made with Shaw’s team when they visited the colony two years ago. The letter mentioned one contingency which may occur to prevent the Englishmen coming here. This is, the possibility of the Australian team now in England calling here on their way back and playing through New Zealand. In this case Mr Conway thinks it would not be advisable that the visit should be paid.

At the Auckland Crown Lands Board meeting Mr Toie. chairman, called the attention of members to a surveyor’s blander of remarkable character. A cer tain piece of land at Whmgarei, eighty nine acres, had been offered for sale at the upset price of L 43, but it fetched Ll2O. The surveyor’s report on it was that it contained “a few kauri trees.” This sale was made the subject of com ment, as it was said the amount received was not commensurate with the value. of the land, as it contained a quantity of valuable timber. Mr Houston wrote re specting certain reports that he had pur chased at an unfair advantage. The Assistant-Surveyor-Oeneral had made en quiries, and found, according to McLeod’s report, that the timber on the land was worth more than the money paid for it, and ha had told the surveyors who had furnished the report that thoy could not be again employed under the Govern ment. The Chairman said this was the first case of the kind that had come under his notice as a Government officer.

No tidings have yet been received of Mr Downs, the Deputy Returning Officer for the East Coast, who left last Sunday for Mahia. Constable Transon was sent in search, and returned this afternoon without any traces. It is now generally believed that the poor fellow is lost. The Deputy Returning Officer at Mohaka was also nearly drowned. Ho was swept off his horse and under the bridge. A native passing threw him a rope and saved him. News from Napier states that the Nga ruroro has broken through at its old mouth, and has done further damage to the railway line there. It is asserted that it is evident that some permanent works will have to be undertaken to prevent further encroachments in future. More than half of the beach between the sea and the lagoon has been washed away. Furious galea have prevailed at Gis borne the last few nights, and early yes terday morning the black buoy on Pin nacle or Luna Rock, fixed three years ago by Captain Crisp, broke adrift, and was found on the beach. Yesterday morning one beacon at (lie entrance to the harbor was also swept away. The greatest nourishing tonic, appetizer, strengthencr, and curative on earth—Hop Bit ters. See.—Advt.

No one can be sick if the stomach, blood, liver, and kidneys are well. 'Top Bitters keep them well. Notice.—[Advt.] “ Rough on Rats.”—Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insects, skunks, jack-rabbits, gophers. Druggists. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 2

Coughs. Colds, Bronchitis etc., are quickly cured by using Baxter’s “Lung Preserver/’ This old-established medicine is pleasant to the palate, and highly extolled by members of the medical and clerical profession. Read ad vertisement.

"German Syrup.” —No other medicine’in the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup, In three years two million four hundred thou sand small bottles of this medicine were dis tributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re sult hafe been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d, Regular size 3s. 6d. Three doses will relieve any case.— [Advt.J

A rather exciting occurrence took place in the neighborhood of the Dunedin wharves late on Thursday night—a totally naked man boarding the barque Neptune and behaving in a very eccentric manner. The master of the vessel sent for a policeman, who recognised the man as a lunatic named Wm, Dougherty who was com itted to the Asylum only two days ago. Dougherty was quickly dressed and taken back to the Asylum, apparently none the worse for his escapade. His clothes were found in a bundle lying near the jetty. The liabilities in the estate of Mathe* son Bros , well-known crockery dealers* are—Unsecured creditors, L 8,055 5s 6d 5 secured creditors, L 253. The assets are L 6.105 13s Bd, leading a deficiency of L 949 12s Id.

The suit of Grey v. Grey for nullity of marriage has been discontinued by the petitioner, it being understood that she is unable to substantiate her charges. The Woolston Licensing Committee have deferred the renewal of the license of the Heathoote Hotel for a week, to allow arrangements for a transfer from Mrs George to Mr Goughian to be com pleted, the difficulty with Vincent and Co. having been arranged. Bowron Bros., leather dressers, of Christchurch, were sued for L2O damages by a professional glovemaker whom they had engaged at Home, they not haying the necessary machinery for glove-making, and consequently dismissing him. Judg ment was given for plaintiff.

Henry Herbert Hunt has been com mitted at Christchurch for trial for for gory-

At the adjourned meeting of George Turnbull’s creditors Mr Perrier stated the Banc of New Zealand was prepared to accept 1.4,000 as their proportion of the amount due by Turnbull. It was resolved that Mr Turnbull’s offer at L 5,500 be ac cepted for the assets, as previously stated, and the assignee be requested to arrive at a settlement with the Bank and New Zealand Loan Company on the basis offered by Mr Ferrier. Mr Perrier then moved that the assignee be requested to carefully investigate any oases of apparent preference, and be authorised to obtain legal opinion on the facts, and, if advised to do so, to bring a test case into Court. None of the other creditors voted on the resolution, which was declared carried.

The most vexing problem of the day is how to dress well on a small income. This can he solved by paying a visit to H. E. May and Co., of Christchurch. They are now selling the balance of a very large purchase made from the trustees in the estate of Messrs Hudson, Ridley and Co. at actual landed cost, kindly read their advertisement which appears in our columns. See the goods at the prices there mentioned, and you will be more than satisfied that they are far below the ordinary trade rices.—[Advt.] Holloway’s Pills.—The sudden changes, frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system, Holloway’s Pills extract from the Wood all noxiou? matters, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the bowels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkable effective, especially when aided by friction ol the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be re-established, —Advt.

The Bad and Worthless are never imitated or counterfeited. Thin is es pecially true of a family medicine, and it is. positive proof that the remedy imitated is of the highest value. As soon as it has been tested and proved by the whole world that Hop Bitters was the purest,' best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in which the press and the people of the country had expressed the merits of H. 8., and in every way trying to induce suffering invalids to use their stuff instead, expecting to make money on the credit and good name of H. B Many others started nostrums put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names in which the word “ Hop ” or ’‘Hops ” were used in a way to induce people to believe they were the same as Hop Bitters. All such pretended remedies or cures, no matter what their style or name is, and especially those with the word “Hop” or -‘Hops” in their name or in any way connected with them or their name, are imitations or counterfeits. Be ware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the w> ; te label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in th glass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and ch .mists are warned against dealing in im ta tions or counterfeit-*

ELECTION ITEMS.

+ Mr F. J. Garrick has definitely resolved [ to accede to the request of his friends that he should become a candidate tor the St Albans seat. Captain Russell contests the Hawke’s Bay seat with Mr Sutton. Mr Tanner will fight Waipawa against Mr Smith. Mr Ormond is the only candidate yet 1 announced for Napier, but it is expected Mr Sheehan or Mr Buchanan will contest the seat with him. Mr J. Whitely King, journalist, con tests New Plymouth against Mr Thomas Kelly. Mr Charles Johnston seeks re-election for Te Aro electorate. Mr Alfred Rhodes intends standing for Gladstone at the coming election. [by telegraph.] Christchurch, To-day. Mr J. A. Williams, of Halswell, an nounces his intention to contest the Avon . seat with Mr Leonard Harper. Blenheim, To-day. Mr Dodson offers himself for re-election for Wairau, for which seat the names of Mr Joseph Ward, Mr George Henderson, Mr A. P.‘Seymour, and Mr John Tucker Robinson are freely mentioned as candi dates . For Picton it is said that the ex-mam her, Mr Eyes, Mr W. F. Ferry, and Mr A. P. Seymour are likely to coma forward against Mr Conolly.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Friday, June 20, The Legislative Council met, but no business was done, and the Council ad journed till to-morrow, then to take the question of Supply, if sent up from the House- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Friday, June 20. The House met at 2.30. BILLS. The following private Bills were read a second time :—Perpetual Trustees and Agency Companies, and New Zealand Companies (counter) Empowering Bill, questions. In reply to questions, Ministers said that the Government would not facilitate the carrying of measures to interfere with the duration of Parliament. —That the Government could not under the cir cumstances give facilities for passing a Bill this session for re-adjusting the West Coast education district. The discussion which followed tfyis ended in a motion for adjournment, which was uega? tlved. The Hon Majar Atkinson gave notice ; that he would ask at rising that the House s t again to-morrow.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLIt. I The House went into Committee of { Supply. I The Financial Statement was read. i In reply to Mr Richardson, < The Hon. Mr Mitchblson raid it was 1 not intended to make any Public Works I Statement. • Mr J. W. Thomson criticised the State- ] ment adversely. 1 The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 i adjournment. | EVENING SITTING, The House resumed at 7.30. In Supply, Mr Darqavillb spoke against the Statement, which he thought was de ficient in straightforwardness, and he argued that h was purposely made obscure in order that the Treasurer might be able to mystify his successor, whose appoint ment he knew could not be long delayed. Mr Richardson argued that further data was necessary before the route of the North Island Railway was decided upon. Mr Bathgate contended that Govern ment were mainly responsible for the de pressed state of the colony. Governments did not exist for the borrowing of money, but for the prosperity and happiness of the community as a whole. They had the masses of unemployed men in their midst, and a total absence of enterprise, etc. The bad system of taxation, loading joint stock companies, was one of the causes of their stagnation. The oppor tunity was now afforded for the country at large to show that this delinquent Go vernment would not go unpunished for its misdeeds. - The motion for reporting progress was then put and carried. Ths House adjourned at 9.35 till 11 o’clock to-morrow. [bt telegraph.] Saturday, June 21, The House met at 11 a. m. THE WALKER CASE. Major Atkinson moved that the House go into Supply. Sir G. Grey moved as an amendment— “ That the opinion of the law officers of the Crown should be taken as to the action of the Waste Lands Board of Canterbury in the case of Albert Walker.” The amendment was negatived after discussion, the Government saying the case would be brought before the Supreme Court. STEAMER DETAINED. The Premier announced that the Wakatipu would be detained until Tues day for the convenience of the Southern members. questions. la reply to Mr Shrimski, The Premier said the Government were advised by the law officers that they had no power to bring the Otago dummy ism cases before the Supreme Court. In reply to Sir George Grey, as to whether the Government would also assist the kauri gum diggers to bring their wrongs before the Supreme Court, The Hon. Mr Rolleston pointed out that the system of leasing gum lands had been established by Sir George Grey himself when Superintendent in 1876. Thp hon. member’s conduct in this raat ; ter had been never honest or upright. Sir G. Grey moved that these words be taken down. •Negatived on the voices. Mr McKenzie blamed Mr Rolleston for re-appointing the members of the Otago Waste Lands Board. Mr J.jGrben defended the action of the Board and of the Minister of Lands. ;• Mr Fish condemned both. The discussion was continued by Messrs M. W. Green, Shrimski, Holmes, Fite ! Gerald, Fi lton, and Seddon until the adjournment at one o’clock until 2.30.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

(by TELEGRAPH ) Wellington, Yesterday. The following Statement was delivered by the Eton Major Atkinson in the Souse of Representatives this evening : Mr Hamlin, The task which I have before me this evening is comparatively a light one, as I have only to submit for the consideration of the Committee, the financial results of last year, and ask for the grant of a sufficient supply to carry on the Public Service until a new Par liament can meet for the despatch of busi ness, which I hope it will do in within two months from the present time. 1 desire at the outset to ass ire hon. members that the financial difficulties with which we have had to cope during the current year are by no means of so serious a nature as some seem disposed to think. 1 am satisfied that there is nothing in the difficulties of our financial position to make us doubt our ability to meet ani overcome them without placing any un due burden upon the taxpayers of the colony, it has been my pleasing duty for the last two years to announce a satisfac tory surplus at the end of each financial peri >d, but I regret to say that the seri ous depression under which Now Zealand, in common with a large part of the civilised world, has bean suffering for some time past, has caused a considerable falling off in some items of our revenue, and has thus transformed into a deficiency, the small estimated surplus of L 8,295, with which I hoped to have, ended the year. ORDINARY REVENUE ACCOUNT, 1883-84.

In the Statement I had the honor to make to the Committee last year I esti mated the total for the financial year ending the 31st March, 1884 as L 3,661,496. Of this amount L 1.645,694 was required for interest 4 and sinkingj fund and for the Civil list and other charges under permanent Acts, and L 2,015,802 for the services for which annual provision is made by Parliament. The sums voted on the Supplementary Estimates have increased, the amount of the annual appropriations to L 2,040,369. This sum therefore, with the estimated charges under permanent Acts amounting as I have just stated to L 1,645,694 gave L 3,686,054 as the total appropriation for the year. The total actual expenditure on this account during the year proved to be L 3,681,320, being'L4,734 less than the estimated amount. The payments under permanent Acts were Lfio6 in excess of the estimate, and those under the votes of the year were L 6,241 within the amount authorised. These are the net results. Hon. members will find on looking into the Appropriation Account already laid before Parliament that in some cases the votes were exceeded, and that in others the amounts authorised were not all ex pended. Eliminating the imprest ad vances outstanding at the close of the jear, which the law requires the Trea sury to include in the Appropriation Ac count, but which do net form part of the final expenditure of the year, the pay ments in excess of the votes of Parlia ment amounted to L 27,862, to which, however, should be added L 7,266 for ser vices unprovided for, making the cotal of unauthorised expenditure L 35,128 chargeable against the LIOO,OOO provided for this purpose by the Public Revenues Act. On the other hand the unexpended balances of votes amounted to L 40,389. As information relating to the so-called unauthorised expenditure and unexpended balances has already been laid before Parliament, it is unnecessary for me to refer to them further. During the year 1882-83 the total expenditure out of the ordinary revenue amounted to L 3,638,334, as agaiqst L 3,681,320 expended last year ; the expenditure of 1883-84 being therefore greater than that of 1882-83 by about u 43,000. It will be see i i

from the table which will be found 1 appended to this Statement, when pub- r lished, that the classes of expenditure j mainly accountable for this increase are t education L 12,200, and railways L 53,700; t but a saving of L 39,200 was effected in < the Constabulary aud Defence services. ’ The liabilities of this account on the 31st ’ March, 1884, were estimated at L 166,757, i being L 9,773 less than the amount out- I standing on the Slat March, 1883. Par ticulars of these liabilities have already been laid before Parliament for the pur pose of enabling hon. members to compare the liabilities outstanding at the close of the last financial year with the liabilities of the three previous years. The present mode of treating liabilities having new been four years in existence 1 have had a comparative table prepared which will accompany this statement when pub lished. The ordinary revenue of the year 1883-84, that is the revenue exclusive of the receipts from land vales, was estimated in the Financial Statement of 1883 at L 3,573,800. The subsequent increase, however, in the Property Tax of one fat thing in the pound brought up the estimate to L 3,658,800. The actual amount of ordinary revenue received and brought to account by the Treasury J during the year was L 3,493,669, being thus L 166.141 under the estimated amount. The usual comparative return of the esti mated and actual receipts will be laid before hon. members. It will be seen that the main branches of revenue in which the estimated receipts have not been realised are Customs and railways. In Customs the amount received was L 123,313 short of the estimated amount, which was L 1,520,000. In railways the amount esti mated to be received was L 1,020,000, but the amount brought to account proved to be L 963.109, being thus L 56.831 under the estimate. I have already stated to the Committee that the total expenditure of the ordinary revenue of the Consoli dated Fund during the year J 883-84 was L 3 681,320, and that the 'revenue amounted to L 3,493,659. To the latter sum I add, however, the balance at credit of the account at the beginning of the year, L 35,549, making the total receipts L 3,529,208. Hon. members will thus see that the position of the Consolida f ed Fund for the financial year ending the 31st March last resulted in a deficit of L 162,112. X may perhaps here be per mitted, Mr Hairlin, to point out the great difficulty of making an accurate estimate of revenue. Experience teaches us that a very slight alteration in the price of either wool or grain very materially affects our income. In some years when our staple products sell at a good price ws suddenly find an overflowing Treasury ; on the other hand when prices are low we And ourselves face to face with that unpleasant fact for a Treasurer a deficit. In so small a country as this is we shall always be subject to sadden rises or falls within certain limits in our revenue, and we must from time to time expect to have , to face a deficit, unless we are prepared, . in our annual budgets, to leave a much wider margin of surplus than seems to me hardly possible or necessary; for a I largo surplus, in my experience, generally r means pressing demands for greater ex penditure. It also means that more money has been takqn out of the pockets of the tax-payers than was necessary for . the services of the year, and this 1 have always endeavored to avoid doing, holding as 1 do the belief that no Government is justified in collecting more.money than is sufficient to carry out the services voted by Parliament. > L\ND FUND ACCOUNT, 1883-84. The amount to be expended during the year out of the money derived from sales i of land was estimated at L 238,162, of which L :6,6 0 was for payments under • rotas for the services of the year. The actual expenditure was L 23.662, or LSOO more than the estimated amount. The expenditure under permanent acts was L 34,843, and under the votes of the 1 year L 203.819. The moneys handed over to local bodies for expenditure on road making, from moneys derived from lands sold on deferred payments, was L 23,358 There was also paid to local bodies daring I the year L 45.446, for rates under the Crown and Native Lands Eating Act 1882, making a total of L 63,804 handed i over to local bodies to be expended by t them. The expenditure in respect of the r Crown Lauds Survey and other depart ‘ meats amounted to L 165,373, being . L 3,190 within the amount estimated. The " amount transferable, under section 4of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, to the main roads account in the Pub- I lie Works Fund, on account of the trana ( actions of the year 1882-83, was found- to be L75 ; 203, but no transfer was made t during the year 1883-84, the necessity for , doing so not having arisen. The liabilities outstanding on 31st March, 1884, on this account amounted to L 33,677, exclusive of ' the sum of L 75.233 transferable to the , main roads account. In respect to the trans actions of the year 1882-83, the estimated revenue during the year from sale* of land was L 275,600, the actual receipts proved to be L 232,545, being L 43,055 under the estimated amount. ■ The re venue derived from the cash sales of land was L 163,783, and from sales on deferred payments (.68,787- jTo the revenue I add the ba’ance with which we began the year, L 86,564, making the total receipts L319.J09. Deducting from this amount the expenditure, amounting to 1,238,663, which includes the sum of 1,68,804 paid to local bodies, ws get a balance at the close of the year of L 86.447, subject to the charge of L 75.203 transferable to the main roads account. THE PUBLIC DEBT. On the 31st March, 1884, the gross public debt of the colony amounted to L 32,367,710, .and the accrued sinking fund to L 2,792,808 ; the net public debt was, therefore. L 29,574,902. Of this sum, however, there remained unex pended, L8?7,912. In the Financial Statement, which I made in 1813, I in formed the Committee, that when the amount represented by Imperial guaran tee on other debentures amounting to L 733,300 temporarily taken up out of the moneys at credit of the Public Works Fund, and which was not, there fore, ineluied in the public debt of the colony, had been raised, the net debt would amount to L 28,503,581. During the past fyear L 599.399 of the sum mentioned haq been raised, leaving *L124,000 unraised,'which I accordingly deluct and get L 28,384,581. During the year there has also been raised the second L 1,000,000 of the loan of three millions authorised in 1882, together with L 250,000 authorised by the Colonial Inscribed Stock Loan Act 1882. The debt has further bsen increased, to the extant' probacly of L 161,300, by the con version, to which I shall presently return, of a large amount of and 5 cent 5-30 debentures, into 4 per cent Inscribed Stocx, at the Beak of England. The reduction in the rata of interest in respect of this part of the debt has, how ever, caused a large annual saving. These Increases of the public debt, amounting to L 1,411,300, added to L 28,384,581, give a total of 1.29,793,881. From this sum, however, 1 deduct the sinking funds accrued during the year, estimated at L 220,979, leaving L 20,574.903, which I have already stated, represents the net public debt of the colony on 31st March, i 1884.

LOAN OF ONE MILLION' RAISED IN JANUARY. Last year 1 na-i occasion to congratulate the Oommittee on the unprecedented suc cess which had attended the negotiation of the instalment of the loan of three millions authorised iu 18S2. That loan, as hou members are aware, was offered to the public through the Bank of England iu the form of a 4 par coot Inscribed Stock, at a minimum of L9B 10s. The average price at which it was placed being

L9B 12s sd. The second instalment of one . million was raised in January of this - year. Sir P. G. July an and SirF. D. Bell acted as ageu'3, and the loan was ?offered ‘ to the public in the same form as on former occasion, and at same minimum, L9B 10s. Tenders received at the Bank of England were 607 in number, amounting in the’ aggregate to L 6.073,000, at prices varying from the minimum of L9B 10s to Llool6s6i. The average price obtained whs LIOO 6s 6d, being no ksi than LI 14s Id in advance of the price obtained for the first million. There is therefore still greater room for congratulation on the present occasion of this renewed***- ; pression of confidence in the resources of the colony, and at the prospect which the state of our credit affords of our being • able, if we continue to manage our affairs with prudence, to obtain the necessary - loans f«r our public works upon very : favorable terms. Papers relating to the negotiation of the loan|will, as usual, be laid before Parliament at an early date..

COLONIAL INSCRIBED STOCK. As I have already stated,|fche loan an-. thorlsed by the Colonial Inscribed Stock - Loan Act 1882, v.as raised last year. It was taken up by the Postmaster-General at par, as an investment on account of the Post Office Savings Bank, and it bears in terest at the rate of 6 per cent. , per annum. The proceeds were, in accordance witli the Act, paid into the Public Works Fund. It was found whan preparations were,being made for offering the (stonkto the public, that the Act would require amendment in certain directions to render it workable, and it was proposed to offer the stock through the medium of the Post Office. The whole of the loan has been temporarily taken up by the .Post master-General, unti 1 the Act can'be' amended, and a fa o-- le opportunity arises for disposing of the stock to the ’ public. •

CONVERSION OF DEBENTURES.. -,,. f Last year, in adverting to the Treasury Bills, amounting to L 1.832,000, ex pended on the 31st December, 1832, for debentures having a currency of three years, issued under the Treasury Bills ' Acts of 1879 and 1880, to be afterwards converted into four per cent, inscribed stock, I stated, with reference to the

proposed conversion, that circumstances had not proved sufficiently, fayorablelfor e successful operation, but that the Govern ment intended to inscribe the debentures

as soon as a' fitting opportunity offered. The desired opportunity presented itself... lest year, and under the wise end skilful management of Sir P. Julyan and Sijr P, D. Bell, the stock agents under the Act of 1877, the operation has been carried to e successful issue. It was not, however, restricted to the conversion of the de bentures for L 1,832,000. Hob: members who are familiar with the form and 'cur rency of debentures, will recollect .that e portion of them was issued with a cur rency of thirty years, redeemable at the pleasure of the Government in any year after the fifth year from the date of iesne, • on the Government giving six months’ notice by advertisement of its intention to pay them off. The Government had long contemplated the conversion of these 530 debentures amounting to L 7,250,000, the five years from date of issue having expired, and the stock agents were empowered to convert them, and were only waiting for a favorable oppor tunity to do so. They determined, there fore, to combine in one large operation the two classes of debentures, amounting in all to L9,082,000 f hot, however, by the compulsory celling in of the - 6-30 debentures, but by giving to the holders the option of conversfea on certain terms. Accordingly, in September 1883,. an an nouncement was made public through the Bank of England that up to the 30th No vember, applications for conversion would be received in respect of the following debentures, viz..—L 6,000,030 4£ per cent 5-30 debentures, ai LlO3 of stock for every LIOO in debentures; X 1,250,000 '5 per cent. 5-30 debentures, at LlO3 10s of stock ; and L 1,832,000 5 per cent, at LIOO of stock. The result of this invitation was that the following debentures ware brought in and converted, namelyL3;os3,o 4) 4& per cent. 6-30 debentures, L 503,700 6 per cent. 5-30 debentures,’ ' and L 1,832,000 5 per cent debentures, making a total of L 5,388,700. con verted out of L 9,082.000. Full accounts have not yet been received from the stock agents, but it is calculated that after setting aaida a sufficient sum by way of sinking fund to cover the increase of debt arising from the conversion, a sum of about L 28,000 will be annually saved to the colony by the redaction of the rate of interest, a result which I think the Oom» mittee will agree with me may fairly be characterised as highly satisfactory. I may inform the Committee that the whole of the debentures for L 1,832,000 were held on behalf of the sinking funds of New Zealand loans, the Post Office Sayings Bank, the Government Insurance Department, the Public Works, and other funds, .and that the right to place imme diately L 500,000 of the 4 per cent In scribed Stock on the London market vu reserved when the proposed conversion was announced, n undertaking having been given not to sell the balance -before the third instalment of the three million loan was raised. I may farther state that the Government received from the Agent- General advice by cable of the sale of stock to that amount on favorable terms. ■ PUBLIC worxs. For the year ending 31st March last Parliament voted out of the Pablic Works Fund L 2,014,767, exclusive of the vote foe land purchase, L 77.000. The actual expenditure was L 1,277,710, exclusive of the expenditure for laud purchases amounting to L 24,480, and alto exclusive of the expenditure un ter the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, amount ing to L 106,395, for which, as hon. mem bers know, no vote is taken in the annual appropriation. Ihe chief items of expea- . ditqre were Railways, Lfi61,846 ; roads, L 222,243; public buildings, L 164,375; im migration, L 107,041, and other services, L 123.202. A return of this expenditure will be found in a table annexed to this . Statement. The liabilities Outstanding at the end of the year, exclusive of those for land purchased, amounted to L 997,443, which, added to the sum expended (L 1,278,710), gives a total of 111,216,153, as against L 2,014,767 voted for the year. In speaking of the expenditure ont of the Public Works Fuad, and the liabilities - outstanding at and of the year, I have ex cluded both the expenditure and liabili ties in respect of land purchases and also those incurred under the Hoads and ■ Bridges Construction Act, The land pur chase liabilities on the 31st March last, as

shown by the return laid upon the table of the House according to law, amounted to L 235,400, as against L 509,299 shown at the conclusion of the previous year ; but as hon. members are aware only L 200,000 was set apart under the Three _ Million Loan Act, 1882, for purchase of* native land, the House having approved of the abandonment of such of the proposed purchases as the Go vernment did not think it desirable to proceed with. Of this L200,00Q, L 56,400 has been spent ijp to the 31st March last, and it is estimated that by abandoning such purchases as I hare re ferred to, the balance of L 143.600 will be sufficient to cover the liabilities. Of L 350,203 standing to the credit of the fund available under the Roads and Bridges Oonstruction Aot, L108,30S has bean expanded. Of this L 89.496 was on account of main roads, and Ll€,9 f on . account of district roads. The liabilities outstanding on the main roads'-account, . are L 160,483, and upon the district.road account L 43.777. The balspoe of' the Public Works ' Fund * remaining unex pended on the-31st March last, including the balance of L 389,000 of the secondin'

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JUNE 21. 18S1.



ROTHERHAM’S ENGLISH LEVERS . from £5 10s. . Genuine Waltham Jjevers, from £3 10s. patches guaranteed two yeara.^ _ r -attention to repairs, which* are' goaranteed twelve months. “ G. ADAMS & CO, tactical English Watchmakers, 246 High . - ‘ ? ■ahfeefci Christchurch', Opposite City Hotel. " r>cf ' 6 969 Com Crushed. s- . s ■ ; -'■ TO FARMERS. AND OTHERS. HAYING leased that large Grain Store from Mr T. Bullock, I am pre pared to STORE GRAIN and other pro dace $t lo.west profitable,rates. CHAFF FOR SALE. 8 529 T, H. ZOUOH. 0 E. R. S. Bean, It now landing a splendid Cargo of the best Newcastle COAL. Agent for the celebrated Hartley Coal. Oats, Bran. Sharps, Chick Wheat, Crushed Oats, Oaten Straw Chaff, Straw Chaff, Stakes, Post and Rails, Strainers, Fire wood, Wire, etc., etc. ; =tc-, for sale at the very lowest prices. R. S. BEAN, Ashbstton ' Coal and* Firewood Depot, West stebet. 6 1147 A QRICULTURAL MACHINE SHOP. Charles Ray, WAKANDI ROAD, ASHBURTON, EshINEXB, Millweight, Rkapek and Binder Expket. All kinds of Machinery repaired with despatch, and on reasonable terms. Ex tras of all kinds; orders taken v for the latest improved reapers and binders, and the best jtwine. Sewing machines re paired.'* 10 800 JQOMESTIO PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge "DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, Begs to intimate tc the Ladies of Ash bnrton and surrounding districts that they will find a .great saving of time and ma terial by Cutting their Dresses and Chil dren’s apparel horn the above Patterns, which are Universally used. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest* notice. Resistrv office for Female Servants. * * 1 173



JL>« JJtliVOi j (Late ofBAKKB Bros.) gUILDER, CABINET-MAKER, ' .' AOTJ -.■ ' UNDERTAKER. Corner of Peter and, Williams street 1 In premises recently occupied by W. R. Dunn. 6 1122 SiPECiAJL Terms and Special Prices will be allowed to PURCHASERS OF PIANOS ''■'M'-'t ;l ', •’ fi £6O UPWARDS :?/ "■ J . 808 THB NEXT TWO - MONTHS, One of the Finest Stocks (second to ... IV. .. ■ ' » - none) in the Colony to select from. 200 PIANOS TO SELECT FROM . BY VARIOUS MAKERS, including all the principal and Continen tal manufacturers, - Brinsmead and Sons, Erard, Collard and Collard, Broadwood, Lipp and Sohn, Playel, Bord, the Leipriger model, Dres dUn modei and many others. Milner & Thompson Ashbctexon, H M. TONES, Aobkt.



Wanted WANTED— A respectable Women to cook for three bachelors. Apply, Office of this Paper. 6 1195 WANTED to Purchase—49 or 50 Pigeons. Apply, Office of this Paper. 6 1194 WANTED Known —That fresh Fruit and Vegetables can always be obtained at Mrs James’s, Baker’s Build ings, Havelock street. Home-cured Bacon and Hams on sale. . 6 1183 WJ ANTED TO LET Six-roomed W House, corner of the East Belt and Moore street, at a low rental. Apply to W. H. Gdndrt. 6 1177 WANTED Known—Flemington Fac tory Oheese, 6£d ; Best Bice, (3d ; Best White Sago, id; Tapioca, 5d ; Bis cuits, 4d; White Crystal Sugar, 4jd.— J. MoGbeGob’s, Tancred street, opposite' the Arcade. 4 640 WANTED Known—The cheapest house in town to buy Millinery, Dolmans, Jackets, Dress Stuffs, etc., is H. 0. Segers’s, Sealy’s buildings, East street. First-class goods marked with a small profit. . New goods now open. 2 234 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, eta, Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton' should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 c WANTED at once, 600 customers. Hayes and Co. having bought 600 pairs of sample boots are determined to clear them at startling prices. Chil dren’sE.S., Is per pair; ladies’ kid E.S. ,3s lid per pair. B. & Co. have also a grand lot of boys’ and men’s boots at prices that will astonish all. 4 749 XT7'ANTED Known—That Jones and VV Bradshaw, next Mr Lancaster’s butchers shop, East street, are now offer ing Pig, Feed, Chick Wheat, Horse Peed, etc., etc., etc., cheaper and of a better class than any other in the tcwn. All goods delivered free of charge in town, 4 752 W ANTED —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 fid ; women s do, 3s fid ; girl’s do, 2s fid. Noees, Leicester Boot Warehouse, Burnett street. 12 1107 VETERINARY SHOEING FORGE. WANTED Known— W. T. Kingston (late with J. R. Steel, Blacksmith) begs to announce to the public of Ash burton and surrounding district that he has commenced business in a new shop erected on the Wakanui road, next C. Rqy, Engineer, Millwright, etc. (nearly opposite Central Hotel), and trusts to re ceive a-fair share of public patronage. All shoeing done in his usual style, and guaranteed the best workmanship. Re pairs neatly executed. Estimates given for builders’ ironwork. 3 662 Special Advertisements. fllflß Undersigned is prepared to OUT JL CHAFF in any quantities at the lowest rate. Orders left with R. S. Bean, Coal Merchant, or at the machine where working will be punctually at tended to. 6 1042 A. FOSSE. J~MPO R lANT. The undersigned is now landing PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL for household purposes. Also on hand, BEST NATIVE COAL AND BLACK PINE FIREWOOD. Building Timber at Prices to suit the Tiines. alpheus”hayes, Coal and Timber Merchant. WILLIAM COLLINS, Manager. DRAPERY DEPOT. Mrs GL Compton, DRAPER, Etc., Moore street, Opposite FriedlanSer Bros., BEGS to announce to the Ladies of Ash burton and surrounding districts that she has commenced business as DRAPER., and invites a call to inspect her NEW STOCK, which is being sold cheap for CASH. 6 1138 R OBERTS, PAXTON & CO. ABE CASH PURCHASERS OF WHEAT BEANS BARLEY PEAS OATS . COCKSFOOT AND RYE GRASS SEED. They supply farmers with the best quality Large Cornsacks, at the lowest market rates, and will make liberal Cash Advances against Grain placed in their hands for shipment to London or else where. ROBERTS, PAXTON & Co. Late P. Cunningham and G.A. offices, Corner of Manchester and Lichfield Sts.. Christchurch. 3 623 INTER SEASON. THE NEW~~ ZEALAND I Clothing Factory Are how Showing NEW MANUFACTURES FOR THIS SEASON. A Splendid Variety of Garments manu factured from the OEIEBRATED MOSGIEL TWEEDS. Patrons are specially requested to inspect this season’s OVERCOATS, SAC SUITS, TROUSERS, TROUSERS & VESTS, And bur Grand Variety of CHILDREN’S and BOY’S CLOTHING, Every Description of Hosiery, Hats, Shirts, etc., at WHOLESALE PRICES. A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLE SALE PRICE. 23 BRANCHES NOW OPEN. Ashburton Branch : BAST STREET. NEW ZIBALAJfD OLOTHINJG FACTORY.



Special Advertisements. gTATIONBRY. Commercial, Plain, and Fancy. ACCOUNT BOOKS PRIZE BOOKS SCHOOL BOOKS & REQUISITES (School Committees supplied) TOYS & FANCY GOODS. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &0., ASHBURTON. NoSi J. A. Persson CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER & SHOP-FITTER, Wakandi Road (near Post Office), Begs to thank his customers for past favors and to announce that he is now prepared to execute orders for all classes of suites of furniture in tapestry, repp, velvet, leather and horse hair, and to suit every one. Furniture upholsteied and polished. Mattresses le-mada and car pets re-laid. People from the country j will do well to pay J. A. P. ’s establish ment a visit before purchasing elsewhere. All work entrusted to him will be faith - fully carried out, and his prices will defy competition. Agent for Walter Gee's Venetian Blinds J. B. Mansfield, Monumental Mason FUNERALS CONDUCTED ON REASONALB TERMS. J. BALLANTYNE & CO., HAVE now OPENED UP Extensive Shipments of NEW WINTER DRAPERY. A large Choice and Magnificent assort ment in all the Departments, bought under Special Advantages from the manufacturers. All GOODS Marked at LOW PRICES, as their rule is to CLEAR OUT THE STOCK EVERY SEASON. J. B. and Co. are Manufacturers of MENS’ YOUTHS’, and BOYS’ CLOTH ING, an industry which they have lately commenced on the premises, and which has proved a great success, the cut and workmanship of all garments being under special inspection. Also, MANUFACTURERS OP HATS AND CAPS of every description. Is off every £ Discount for Cash. DUNSTABLE HOUSE, Christchurch. 5 1008 I F YOU WANT GOOD AND .TRONG FURNITURE, GO TO DA v IS’S CHEAP FURNITURE AND BED DING MANUFACTORY, EAST STREET SOU TH, ASHBURTON. JJWEP.Y article Sold at, Christchurch -B-I Prices and guaranteed best of material and workmanship. FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED «1 CIPECIAL INDUCEMENT O THESE HARD TIMES. Money Saved is Money Gained All who wish to buy to advantage and save money are specially asked to read over this advertisement, call and see the goods at the price ; and we feel sure you will be satisfied that they are by far the cheapest you have ever been shown. NO WONDER, THE GOODS ARB BEING SOLD AT ACTUAL LANDED COST Thus effecting a saving of both the Warehousemen’s and Retailers’ profit. Be wise, Shop in time, And thus secure Genuine Bargains. «b A T T H E » BANKRUPT SALE. White and Brown Huckaback Towelling only 7£d Brown Table Linen, splendid value, 2s, now Is 5Jd Brown Turkish Towels, now 6£d Strong Cotton Tick, 6£d, now 4f d Russia Crash for Hound Towels, 6£d, now 4|d Fine All-wool Flannel for ladies’ wear. Hid Heavy All-wool Welsh for Men’s wear, 12fd Good Oxford Shirtings, 6£d, now 3fd Splendid Wincey Shirting, B£d, now sjd Honeycomb Counterpanes, 6a lid, now 4s 9d * Grey Selisia Lining, only 3 d 2yds wide Floor Cloth, down again, 2a lid Ribbons, all widths and colors, 2d and 4£d Ladies’ dark colored Hose, from s£d Children’s Stay Bands, 2s 6d, now only Is Cheaper than ever, Fingering Wool, 2s , 3£d lb Fancy Check Dress Stuffs, 7£d, now 3id Splendid value, Costume Cloth, Is, now B|d Black Ribbon Velvets, wove edge, at quarter price Ladies’ Corsets, very cheap, only Is 6d Men’s Flannel Shirts and Drawers, only 2s lid Good strong Shirt for working man, Is 4*d Men’s Woven Cardigan Jackets, only 4s lid Men’s Lambs’-wool Socks, strong, now 7£d Men’s Lambs’wool Drawers, only 3s 1-la Large variety of Men’s Overcoats, from 21s Men’s and Boys’ Clothing 'at London prices H. E. MAY & CO., THE HALL, CHRISTCHURCH. 6 1014



* PIANO TUNING. HERR OTTO SCHWEERS has arrived. Custo mers only waited upon. Orders sent to H. J. Weeks, Music Seller, Tancred street. 6 1173 Coal and Firewood. A. TAPPER, ■Oegs to say that he has added COAL AND FIREWOOD to his Timber and Iron Business, and is now Landing a consignment of Newcastle COAL, and is open to receive orders for the same. • J. C. DUNCAN, Manager. Office : Old Bank of New Zealand. 6 1193