DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Tuesday, February 17. Messrs Mateon, Cox and Ox, at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock Saturday, February 21. Mr Thos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett street—-Property and Sundries MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. ‘ • To-Mbßßow. . Reaper and Binder trial, in Mr Mullins paedock, Wakanui road 6t John’s Lodge—Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, at 7 30 Monday, February 16. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 Friday, February 27. Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Tuesday, Marcs 3. Tinwald School Committee Monthly Meeting in the Schoolroom Friday, Ma; ch 6. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Saturday, March 7. Wakanui Road Board, at Hoad Board office, Moore street, at 10 30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1885.

The Canterbury Saloyards Company have declared a dividend equ il to 14 per cant, for the past year. The Ashburton School Committee have determined to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act. We are authorised to stale that there is no foundation for a rumor that has been current for some days to the effect that Mr John Grigg, M. El. R., intended shortly to resign his seat in Parliament. Instead of the usual weekly service at the Wesleyan Church to-night the Rev C. H. Standage will give an account of the proceedings of the recent Dunedin Conference.

It has been suggested, in anticipation of the railway excursion from Christ church to Ashburton, that the Sports ground should be utilised for the purpose of affording amusement to ,the excursion ists and that a charge should be made for admission. We understand, however, that a meeting will be held of those in terested, and it is probable ihat the Domain will be used as a picnic ground, free of charge of any kind, and that a band of music and such sports as are possible will be held for the entertainment of the visitors. Timaru has been popu larised by these excursions and the people there have provided amusements of all kinds free of charge, and we are Bure the people of this town will not be outdone. adjourned annual meeting of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the old Council Chambers last evening. Mr Walter Dolman occupied the chair, and there was a good attend ance of members of the Brigade. A statement of accounts was submitted showing that the receipts, including bal ance from the previous year, had been Llls and the expenditure LII2, leaving a balance of L 3 The other business was of a routine and private character. Mr Walker, M.EL R. for Ashburton, addressed a public meeting at the Town Hall last evening. He was accorded a most enthusiastic reception, listened to with attention throughout his address, and received a unan mous vote of thanks and confidence.

Mr Herring, of the Alford Estate, has sent us the following particulars of ther mometer variations during the past few days:—On Friday, the 6th instant, the ♦ hermometer rose from 45deg fahe to 144 deg ; Saturday, the 7th instant, from 60-ieg to 148 deg (it stood at 146 deg at noon and rose 2deg more at 2 15 pm); Sunday, the Bth instant, 50deg to 139ieg; Monday, the 9th instant, sldeg to 134 deg. A complaint has reached us as to the offensive nature of the language made use of on several occasions by persona loitering at the, corner of East and Bur nett streets. We would remind the offen ders that on conviction they are liable to imprisonment without the option of a fine.

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, before MrT. Bullock, J. F., Charles Frazer, charged with larceny, was remanded until Friday next.

The cricket match between the Ash burton and Geraldine clubs, arranged for to-day, did not take place as the repre sentatives of the latter club failed to put in an appearance.

The Salvation Army announce that they will “ open fire ” in Methven on Sunday next.

We condense the following items of news from telegrams received :—John Cosgrave, an Auckland dr.per, has filed his schedule; liabilities, L 8,757 ; assets, L 6,000. —Mr Booth, the temperance ad vocate, closed his Auckland mission on Monday evening.—The body of John Buckett, a gumdigger, has been found in the Northern Wairoa river.—The Hon Mr Ballance left Auckland for the Thames to day.—Mr McArthur, M. H.R. for Mana watu, addressed his constituents at pal raerston North on Monday evening. He

stated he would not vote against the pre sent Ministry on their past policy, but would hold himself free on the local go vernment question.—The Shaw, Savill and Albion Company’s steamer lonic arrived at Wellington from Napier yes. terday morning. She sails for London on Sunday. —Large bush fires are raging all round the Carterton district.—Ten ders for the supply of the Wellington Woollen Company's machinery arrived

by the San Francisco mail. Probably one will be accepted, and an order for the plant be sent Home by Saturday’s mail.—There were 53 applications for the Secretaryship of the Westport Harbor Board. Mr Greenland, late of the Public Works Office, Qreymouth, was appointed.—ln consequence of the recent report about the contamination of the Silvorstream reservoir, the Dunedin City Council have provided their reservoir-

keeper with a boat and a gnn, so that he may prevent birds settling on the water. Tbs Council are considering the advisa bility oT' erecting public abattoirs.— A ship supposed to bo'the Mataura was at the Wellington heads this afternoon. ! “My mother drove the paralysis and neural gia all out of her system with Hop Bitters.’- Ed. Oswego Sun, See. —[Advt.J The Bad and Worthless £re never imitated or counterfeited. This is es pecially'true'of a family medicine, and it is positive proof that tjie -remedy imitated is of the highest value. As ’ soon 7 as 'it 'pas been ,

tested and proved by the whole world that Hop j Bitters was the purest, best, and most valuable family medicine on earth, many imitations sprung up and began to steal the notices in i which the press and the people of tire country “xoressed the merits of H. 8., and in i very" way to inducc suderi,i fi invali , ds to use their stuff expecting jo make money cm .credit ana g«ad name C. “*

Many others started nostrum,- put up in simi lar style to H. 8., with variously devised names i,O which the word “ Hop ” or “liops 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 ijame is. and especially those with the Word ,l flop ” op “ Mops ” in their name or in any way connected with them or their pane, are imitations or counterfeits. Beware of them. Touch none of them. Use nothing but genuine American Hop Bitters, with a bunch or cluster of green Hops on the white label, and Dr Soule’s name blown in the ijlass. Trust nothing else. Druggists and :hemisi3 arc warned against dealing to imita lions counterfeits,

At the R.M. Court yesterday afternoon, before Mr H. 0. S. Baddeley, RM., Charles McDonald was charged under the Police Offences Act, 1884, with having ill-treated a horse on Januaty 3rd, at Al ford Forest.—Mr Wilding appeared for accused. Edward Ede, the complainant, and James Miller, gave evidence as to the ill-treatment of the horse, from which it appeared that it had been merely of an ordinary character, and not calling for any special comment. 1 1 reply to Mr Wilding, Ede admitted that he had laid

the charge solely for the purpose of grati fying spite —The Bench dismissed the clikrge, and ordered Ede to pay L2 Is costs,—William Price and fvanhoe Price, lads of six and four years respec tively, were charged with maliciously destroying a beehive, the property of G. J. F. Lublow.—Accused pleaded guilty, and were cautioned and discharged. We are informed by Mr Gudsell, the mail carrier, that yesterday one water race, between Dobbin’s Ford and Kyle, was running, and four were dry ; between Kyle and Seafield three were running and three dry ; between Seafield and Seaview four wore running and one was dry. The members of the Lyttelton Harbor Board already elected are the following : The Hon J. T. Peacock and Mr C, W, Turner (Canterbury Chamber of Com merce) ; the Hon E. Richardson, CM.”, and Mr R, Westenra (Selwyn County Council) ; Mr E. G. Wright (Ashburton County Council); Messrs Robert Allan and F. Graham (Christchurch) ; Mr W. While, jun (Sydenham); Captain T. McOlatchie and Mr A. Chalmers, Mayor of Lyttelton ex officio (Lyttelton) ; Mr H. Allwright (Government); and Mr C. R. Blakiston (St Albans) From Ashley and Akaroa the returns have not been made, but probably the former members—Messrs M. Dixon and W. B. Tosswill—will be re-elected

Tic-Do!oureux, Toothache, or any other neuralgic pain speedily yields to Baxter’s Anti- Neuralgic Pills. Catarrh of the Bladder.—Stinging

.rotation, inflammation, all kidney and similar complaints, cured by “ Buchu-paiba,” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3

BOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

The ordinary meeting of the above Com mittee was hold last evening in the Borough school. Present Messrs Wil liamson, Thomas, Tucker, A. Orr, John Orr, Collins and S. W. Alcorn. CLERK AND TREASURER Mr Charles Braddell was appointed Clerk and Treasurer, and, with the Chair man, was authorised to tign cheques. CORRESPONDENCE The fo’lowing correspondence was read: -(1) From Mr Gilboy resigning his posi tion of third master.—(2) From the Board of Education re requisites for the side school.—(3) From the same, stating that the Board did not object to receive Mr Gilboy’a resignation, so pb to take effect upon the Bth instant.—(4) From the same, enclosing the names of the members nominated for election on the Board.— (5) From the Killinchey, Courtenay and Ktrwee districts, recommending the elec tion of Mr Anson on the Board.—(6) Fiom the Secretary of the Educational Institute, asking the Committee to grant the usual two days holiday, in order to allow the masters an opp rtunity of at tending the yearly meeting of the Insti tute. —(7) From the manager of the Union Bank, in reference to the signing of cheques. EDUCATION BOARD EX. CXION.

Mr Thomas moved, Mr Collins se conded, and it was carried—“ That this Committee nominate Messrs Montgomery, Anson and Booth as members of the Board.” M'STER’s report. The Master’s report was read as follows: —‘‘ I beg to submit my report on the school for the rast week. Attendance Main school, 323.7 ; side school, 122 3 ; total, 446. Roll number—Main school, 427; side school, 150. Teachers—The teachers all returned to their duties on 26th January, except Mr Sterling, who

is ill and under the treatment of a doctor.

His place was taken by Mr Wilkinson. Mr Gilboy left on Monday morning last to take charge of the Catholic School, in this town, his place has not been fillel. Requis ites —The mistress of the side school asked me to draw the attention of the Commit tee to the necessity of a dividing fence between the boys’ and girls’ play-ground, also to the want of the usual swings and gymnastics appliances for the children. In the main school the black boards re quire thorough painting, as many of them will hardly show chalk marks.” Mr Tho-.ras thought that steps should be taken to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Education Act, as he was aware

that a number of children absented themselves from school. He moved a resolution to that effect, which was se conded by Mr John Orr and carried. SIDE SCHOOL. Mr Thonas drew the attention of the Committee to the crowded state of the side school. A$ one of the Visiting Com mittee, he inspected the school and found that the infant children were so numer ous that no sitting room could be found for them. Such being the case it was impossible to instruct the children in the Standards. He moved—“ That the Board of Education be urged to erect an addi tional room for the infants of the side school. "

Mr Andrew Orr seconded the resolution, and it was carried. ASSISTANT TEACHER. It was resolved —*' Ihat the Board be requested to authorise the Committee to advertise for $n assistant teacher, in the place of Mr Gilboy, resigned” MISCELLANEOUS It was decided to obtain the requisites applied for by tha mistress of the Side School, and also to have the black boards re painted. The Master’s report was then adopted. inspector's report.

Mr S. W, Alcorn said that he had found that the reply to the Inspector’s report, sent in by the head master, had only been foi warded to the Board of Education by Mr Ward since the election of the new Committee. Such being the case, the present Committee should have had the report to deal with. Lika other actions of the old Committee and its Secretary,

they had evidently determined to suppress the master’s reply, aud deal with it as they wished. He would move—“ That the Board be asked to return the master’s reply, wijth the inspector’s report, before dealing’ with thfe mattoy.” Mr I’honaas said JVlr Alcorn wa§ evi dently cavilling at something -the ipld Committee had dona, and which was en tirely foreign to the present Committee. The old Committee were asked to deal with the report and the master’s reply, and according to their minutes had done so, and left the matter entirely in the hands of the Bdardi'and no doubt as soon as the lattey had considered the same their reply would be forthcoming, to gether with the document?. {Messrs Andrew On and Tucker con curred with the view taken by Mr Thomas.

“ t -«lrmaa thought the Committee V 1 V , . M Inspectors’ could do nothing unu, ... ' •-«« report headmaster’s reply were Deio.„ them. Mr John Orr said the Board should be asked to make all convenient despatch with their reply. It wia decided to write to the Board, and state that the Committee wore anxioUa to have the mister’s reply, etc , and the Board’s decision thereon forwarded at a? early a date as possible. I ACIutNTS. After passing accounts for payment the Committee adjourned, j

MR W. C. WALKER, M.H.R. AT THE TOWN HALL.

Last evening Mr Walker, M.H.R., addressed a meeting of his constituents at the Town Hall. The attendance, owing probably to the influences referred *o by the Chairman in introducing Mr Walker, was not large, but the hall was fairly well filled. His Worship tHe Mayor (Mr R. Friedlander) occupied the chair.

The Chairman said that they were all aware of the object for which they had mat. Re was sorry to see a much smaller attendance than he had anticipated, but probably harvest operations had prevented many electors availing themselves of the opportunity to hear Mr Walker’s account of hia stewardship, and others, doubtless, had such implicit confidence in their member that they had not troubled to attend. He (the Chairman) would not detain them with a long speech, but at once introduce Mr Walker. Mr Walker, who was received with loud applause, said that he had met them that evening to endeavor to lay before them an account of the proceedings of the last session of Parliament; to explain the position he had taken in respect to them, and to submit his views as to the present

position and future proposals of the Go vernment. When he last met them in that hall the Atkinson Government was in power ; but the general elections had gone against that administration, and feeling that they were not strong enough to meet Parliament they announced their resignation a few days after the newly elected representatives assembled in Wei lington. By adopting this course they had, no doubt, occasioned considerable em barrassment to those members who had been returned pledged to oppose them. He would tell them how. The old Opposition was not in such a position as to be able at once to step into the place of the rearing Ministry The new Parlia ment included a number of prominent gentlemen who hai occupied places in previous assemblies, but had taken no part in recent political affairs. Of these latter some ware recognised as necessary

and component parts of any new Ministry. It was almost impossible to realise, and quite impossible to adequately describe the difficulties presented by these circum stances, but they had been compelled to overcome them as best they could. Sir Julius Vogel agreed, and prevailed upon a number of his followers also to agree, that Mr Stout should be Premier. Certain members who in the former Parliament had followed other Opposition leaders, were fully justified in demanding that those leaders should occupy seats in the new Cabinet. Thus the first Ministry succeeding that of Major Atkinson was formed. Personally he had no hesitation in following its lead. He thought that the older leaders referred to were entitled to the consideration they receive J, but it was soon found that a majority of the House did not acquiesce in this view. They would recollect that he had had the honor

of seconding the Address in Reply. Ho did so with every feeling of loyalty to the Ministry he was supporting, and he felt that this loyalty was consistent with the pledges he had given during his election campaign. They would remember that ho had at that time mentioned the names of the gentlemen who subsequently held seats in the Cabinet, as likely to bo found in that position Many cir cumstances acted adversely to the new Ministry, In the first p'ace, they end the ; r supporters were pearly all representatives from the Southern Island. This, in itself, placed them in an unfortu nate position, as it is almost impossible for any Ministry so situated to fairly repre sent the colony at large, and besides jt has a tendency to reanimate the old provincial feeling, which was to be strongly depre cated. He need hardly recount the cir cumstances of the defeat of the first Stout-Vogel Ministry. That event was followed by the reausclatation of the At kinson Government. TfielifeofthatMinis try was even shorter than that of its prede cessor, as members returned pledged to assist in ousting Major Atkinson could not possibly support a Ministry of which he was found at the head. A very trying period followed, during which many attempts were male to form a coalition Ministry. They, however, were not sue cssai'ul, and he thought it fortunate that such had been the case, for ha considered it wise that Major Atkinson should re-' main out of office for at least some time to come yet. The electors had clearly indi cated a wish in that direction, and he also thought that when the time came, as come undoubtedly it would, when Major

Atkinson returned to office, ha would do so with a much higher reputation than he could have dona if the attempts to form a coalition had been successful. He (Mr Walker) thought there was nothing they should value more highly than the character of their public men, and even if opposed to the views of some of their older politicians, they should jealously guard their reputation. The Ministers now in office, he thought, were on the whole satisfactory to the colony, they should at least bo satisfactory to Canterbury and that particular district, as at the general election Canterbury, almost unanimously, had pronounced in favor of a combination of the character

now in office. They had placed the pubiio business upon a much more practical foot ing, and as far as they had been able had enacted legislation of a useful character. Another advantage enjoyed by Canterbury in the New Parliament was that having returned members holding similar opin ions upon many of the great questions of t e day, their representatives had acted more in unison than they had ever done before. He did not for one moment wish

to lower colonial politics to the level of petty' provincial jealousies He strongly deprecated such a cpurae, but in the past they had seen the evils resulting from dissensions among the representa tives from their Provincial District, The principal measures brought forward by the Government last session wera-»

the West Coast Harbor Bills, the West and East Coast Railways Bill, the Dis trict Railways Bill, and the appointment of a Commission to determine the route of the proposed trunk line through the North Island. All of these were of a useful character, and although one—the District Railways Bill—had been thrown out by the Upper House, much good

would result from their introduction. The West Coast Harbor Bills would create a perfect revolution in an important part of their colonial trade. They had hitherto sent from the country annually hundreds : cf thousands of pounds for coal, while de posits of ■ ijpneral of a much, better quality existed cl°? e at Ijaud...- Iphe object of these Bills was to place the West Coast harbors under the control of bodies able to raise sufficient money to make them attractive to. commerce, and then, instead o f sending a vast amount of money from the colony, they would no doubt at tract much additional trade to their shores. Ttys East and West Coast railway, which 'had recently made an important advance towards seining practical shape would make ah almost incalculable difference tp this part of the oology. Thp population attracted by the prosperity following the operations of the West Coast Herb >r Bills would - dntaaud for supplies, which, originate a.. --M bo drawn

without the railway, wou.v. from Australia, but with the railway would come to Canterbury. Another re sult of the railway would be an increased attention to the devetopement of their minerals. The output of gold particu larly would be considerably greater tb;ir> , it hac been for many years These BilL had not, of course, been passed withouf / opposition. Soma people had said that j they were paying too dearly for the fd* J

vantages sought, on the otherhand other* contended that the East and and West Coast railway scheme would delude people

into taking up an affair whioh.would bring ruin to themselves and discredit to the colony. It was impossible,.-that both these contentions could be correct, ancl, for himself, he believed that neither was. Wi hout the concession of land no Com pany could be induced to the. construction of the railway, and without the railway very little of the land pro posed to be conceded would be occupied Their lands must be occupied to become

remunerative to the State. It was quite beside the question to say that the colony should retain these particular lands for settlement. He (the speaker) had already said that the District Railways Bill had been thrown out by the Upper House. This Bill dealt with a question which the Government had approached with an earnest desire to settle. Both sides of the House were agreed as to the gravity of the difficulties besetting it. One of these

difficulties was that the district railways were not all precisely on the same footing. Some were prosperous and others were in a financial state which he had almost called discreditable. This difficulty was the one which induced the Upper House to reject the bill, but the Government, with a view to settle ihe matter as far as pos sible, prevailed upon the House to autho rise them to negotiate during the recess with the companies for the purchase of the lines ; any proposals in that direc tion to be submitted to Parliament daring

the next session. It was hoped that in this way a better understanding would be established between the ratepayers and the companies until Parliament met, when some measure of a more permanent character would probably be adopted. The railway in which his 'hearers were immediately interested was undoubtedly a source of some grievance, but others entailed much greater hardships upon those affected hardships which were almost incredible. Some of the lands in those localities were liable to pay annually 6s 8d per acre—a tax that rendered settle ment torany great extent impossible. He sincerely hoped that next session they

would settle- the question once and for all. The route of the North Trunk Railway had been determined upon by means of a a Committee in an eminently satisfactory manner. Even those dissatisfied with the recommendation of the Committee were compelled to admit that the ques tion had been dealt with by a thoroughly impartial tribunal. The Government had undertaken to push this work on, and iu the course of a few years the railway would be completed and much of the ad joining land settled. That would mean a greater addition to the wealth of the

colony than was generally realised. The North Island contained a much larger variety of resources than did the South Island. The productions of the latter were comparatively few, chiefly wool, grain, and dairy produce ; but there was not an an industry or production existing in Europe which might not be brought to a successful conclusion in the North Island. The North Island, in all pro bability, presented facilities for the maintenance of a much larger popula tion than did the South. *The prosecution

of the railway would do much to rem >ve what remained of the “ native difficulty.” The Ministry had been compelled to con fine themselves merely to the treatment of practical questions which they found staring them in the face. They had pro bably felt that they had not sufficient time to do everything. Anpngat the questions deferred was that of railway management; but they had - made an nouncements that led, the House to be lieve that this important matter was in

good hands. They had also given promise of improved land administration, and he had no hesitation in saying that the cost of their Railway and Land Departments would next year show a considerable re duction. He need not say that every mea sure had not been satisfactory to every member of the House ; but they had re? ceived such support as indicated the ap proval of a large section of the Opposition, Major A kinson and Mr Bryce had on occasions supported the Government in a

manner that showed they were both gen tlemen far above feelings of petty jealousy and rivalry. They had shown themselves large-minded men, who thought more of the benefit and ultimate advancement of the State than of the gratification of their own private views. He (Mr Walker) was sorry to state that the whole of the Op-

position hai not displayed the same gener ous spirit. The two members who had most embarrassed the Government were Canterbury men. It was at no time pleasant to him to speak unfavorably of the sayings and doings of men behind their backs ; but to him it was strange that these two men should have beeu Canterbury members It was strange that the only extended and adverse

criticism of the Ministry bad been made by a Canterbury member —Mr Wakefield, at Leeston. It wan stranger still that that gentleman had received a unanimous vote of confidence, as if Mr Wakefield was right, the rest of Oanter buty was essentially wrong. It was, he thought, Lord Beaconsfield who had said that the best critics were usually unsuc cessful authors Mr'Wakefield was an

eminent critic, but whether a successful politician or otherwise it was not for the speaker to say.. Two questions had, dur ing the session been treated perhaps hardly with the attention they deserved, so far aa long speeches and parliamentary consideration were concerned. He re ferred to annexation and confederation. Since the prorogation of Parliairient these

questions had assumed larger dimensions, but still they had not attracted any very considerable amount of public attention, He thought that in these matters their leaders in the House hqld views far in ad vance of a large part of their followers,, and ceplainly In advance of nipe-tentha of the electors, ife had thought jt a’tpange while listening to eloquent and patriotic

speeches in support of these proposals, th°t great indifference existed in regard to the questions, both in Parliament and among the people. The leaders must re cognise that before doing anything in the direction they advocate they must edu cate the people towards it. When the

q lestion was taken up it should be ap proached with a full recognition of its im portance, Ha was aware that the Premier looked forward with confidence to the time when universal confederation would result in navies and armies and the pomp and circumstance of war becoming things of the past. He (Mr Walker) had heard

similar aspirations expressed when a boy', at the time of the great Exhibition. Philanthropists .averred even than that the of war had gone, but since that periodno year Wd passed withoutaome part of the world being disturbed by war, and

unless things very muoh changed, so it it would remain. Undoubtedly, the existence of other nationalities in the Southern seas would involve this colony in .European disturbances. When such misfortunes arose the question of defence would have to be promptly and earnestly considered. This question of defence suggested the other one, of their ]?olun-

teer force. The present Parliament had shown a disposition to do something to batter the statqs of the Vpluqteers. Qreat injustice had been,done to the Volunteers of England and nf this oolopj. Parlia ments had treated the question as one of “teat importance, and one upon which -- o , '’ ■ “ ,rr ‘e<iditqco should be no considerama 1»t ---iucurrod. The Minister to whose aoyc- ,

ment this matter belonged had promised to give it his attention during the recess, i i-i he (Mr Walker) trusted that their Vo lt uteers would shortly be placed upon a much more satisfactory footing. A most im portant consideration for this part of the colony was their railway administration j

he might say that their existence almost depended upon it. If the change cf Government had resulted in an improve* ment; in this matter, the constituencies wouldrapprove of the part their members had .'filled in securing that change. He cottld venture to put some guarantee before them that such an improvement would be effected. The present Minister for Public

Works had been returned as an opponent of . the Atkinson GoTOi^Wefit > T, ffitta^ttßiK“ , ‘' his speeches .delivered 'before hiaassump tion of office, it was bvidont that lie was aware of tße and hindrances to traffic that then eriqted Since he had filled hia present position he- - must have learned much more, and what he felt six months ago must be felt much i

more strongly now. He. (Mr Walker)" could give them no better illustration of the Minister’s determination in thia matter < than by reading’an extract, from, his Public Works Statement. It ran as follows: “ I have been of the opinion, ever siuee our first railways were opened, that-such a system of management aa at present prevails could not produce satisfactory .re* 5 suits ; and aa each year has passed o/i tSa£ k opinion has been strengthened. And, if

anything was wanted to convince me that - a great change was wanted, the short time I have held office has afforded me ample proof that it cannot be made coo soon. It is a matter of the deepest regret to me that, owing to the late pjriod of the year, the Government have come to the conchy ' sion that it will be impossible to carry through a Bill thia session creating Bosnia

of Management, which would be respon sible for the working of our railways ; and, did I not feel convinced that the Govern ment and the House were determined to take thia course at the earliest date pos-- sible, I should not have consented to take office. The House will understand that, in saying this, I mean no disrespect. I feel bound to state these .opinions, because 1 should otherwise accept a false position. Whilst 1 believe that, strong Boards' are necessary to guide and control the manage ment, both in the Middle Island and the Auckland district, I find myself, with multifarious other duties to perform, vir-. tually standing in the position of the two Boards. I will do the beat 1 can, but 1 must not pretend to think that, unaided, I can reform the railway system as it re quires to be reformei.” Ho words of the - speaker could be stronger than these, and to do the Minister for Public Works justice, he (Mr Walker) believed that it was bis intention to give them offset. Great departmental -changes could not be carried out in a single' day. Daring the last few weoM , *lßr Richardson had shown his determination to do something. He bad lowered the.. tariff in respect to grain, and bad given the people opportunities to travel at greatly reduced fares, and he had an nounced it as his intention to give such - opportunities so long as the people showed a disposition to take advantage of them. It was therefore clearly his policy to carry out as far as possible the views - expressed in the Public Works Statement. He (Mr Walker) would like to refer to one or two subjects touched upon by the . Premier iu his recent address to his con stituents at Dunedin. The moat impor tant question of local Government was one of particular moment to a district like this—one endeavoring to make the best possible me of the measures at its disposal and to apply the present machinery pro vided by the Government as advantage? oqsly as possible. Since the present Go vernment took office local government had been a prominent question and would, no doubt, form a strong point in the pro- : gramme of next session. The Premier had said:—“ What “is our. position ? We have now 69 boroughs, 48 town districts or little boroughs, 63 counties, road boards in counties, and 803 road districts in the colony. We haye also harbor boards, river boards, domain boardsj edu cation hoards, school committees, and all : sorts of things in this colony, yet every one, from Auckland to Stewart’s Island, says that our local government system ic imperfect. What, shen, do I proposa l Well, gentlenfen, I propose that there shall be no rnde carvipg and patting of existing institutions, bat ths| we take existing institutions as they are, and. shall utilise them- I would not disturb the road district, I would not disturb the counties, and ' I would not disturb the? boroughs. I would continue the riding 1 in a county or a road district as a local government unit, outside of boroughs bn town districts, but 1 would try and make the ridings, the counties, and road dis* iricts coterminous if possible. But I do not believe that the colony ahbnla have all its institutions exactly alike—of one pattern. That is the Chinese system.. . , . . I would let them have' different institutions in'Auckland to what they have in Otago, if it pleasedi them— for example, the oonnty system might suit Auckland, and the road board system might suit Otago; or the road boardey#- tem migh*- suit Auckland, and thecounty system might suit Otago. All that "the colony cares for is that the Ideal: system is well managed, that the - roads are Welt looked after, and that local institutions are properly managed.” On that baairfae (Mr Walker) cordially supported the pro posals of the Premie'*. The system might be expanded with much profit .to the colonists. The Premier had not'been ySry' cleat in his proposals' BeanbgnfpiU) Hospital and Charitable Aidj“ but iwH ap peared to point to the constitution of large districts. Ho (Mr Walker) had seen in the past, tfio failure of such a system, and he would regret -to see it again adopted. It had in a great measure wrought about Abolition’, a .Staff which the Premier and several other pro minent politicians grieviously lamented. The outlying districts would strenuously oppose any amalgamation with centres of population. It had been shown that they were far better apart and allowed to man| age their own affairs. He trusted that the Government! would not “attempt ’itq force so qriqatUral a ‘nbion.' “For" mailjr years this question had bepn neglected'. Each cjistrict had been Igft to do qr leave alone as they* chose, " The Provihiial Government of Canterbury bad main tained their expenditure out of the vincial Treasury, and ■ had left cit a legacy to the General Governments Other districts had, however, reproached Canterbury with receiving a larger amount of charitable aid than any other

provincial district. The administration of obarit ible aid in their midst had bean un doubtedly generous, and he thought it not improbable that they, had supported, many claimants from other parts of the colony. If the charitable Institutions were generally banded over to the iocat bodies they would/ he thought, be mote

economically, and efficiently manege#/ There should be no insidious distinctions betwgep different localities. , ISTith to the Ministry’s views tasatibn',-utev had from the first acknowledged their preference for a land tax over a property tax. This was one of the questions upon

which he distinctly differed,! with many others, from the leaders, of the House, lint it was not sufficient to justify;him in withdrawing his aupport frpm them. ,The preference ,■ had; been announced be fore the’ general ’election _ and their assumption of office- Speaking'at Dunedin in reference to the question Mr Stoat if ad said—“ I oapnot'dsaiwiiffi H»a

questioq of af I shoqld Jilfe to##. I must deal with it on epma other 009^- sipa. Lgt me only aay thisj fhat: not see any chance of this Parliament getting passed a land tax such. as I lieve ought to be passedthe maidnjty of *n«t it. - J h6D€k. j.OW»

the House is - - - . . ever, to see the Property tax so lalterea as to make it, at all events, a land and what may be termed a money or capital tax. How that will be accomplished it is diffi cult dr impossible for rop to say. We yjU make an effort to accomplish it, and Id

fHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1885.



Wanted. WANTED Good General Servant. Applj, at once, office of this paper. 2 219 ITT ANT HD— Situation by a competent »V hand, to feed or drive a threshing machine. Apply to William Bkadshaw, Tinwald. 2 200



ANTED—Board and Lodging for a >y .Girl, age 10 years, during the present term at the High School. Apply, xtating terms, t« Mr Hkjuuno, Alford House. 2 2< >7



WANTED Known—Umbrellas at, Is lie*, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d,’Shirting at 4£l, Towels 3£d, 30-inoh Oilcloth 9J, Calicoes Is 41. Andrew Oer’s Cheap Sale, 2 185



GLORIOUS NEWS—Monster Clear ing Sale:—Ladies’ Kid Boots 6s 6d, Girls’, Infants la, Men’s Elastic side, 8s 6d, Men’s Wstertights 9s 61, jßlucher Boots 6d, Canvaa Slippers 2a 61. A. Okr’s Cheap Sale. 2 186



\ t/"ANTED Known—'l hat 11. Lascas yV tkb starts the new year entirely on his own account with a very light handi cap, which will enab’e him to sell meat cheaper than ever. With qnalny, clean liness and civility combined—defies com petition. So rally round to the Ready- Money Mea 1- Mart, Built ck’s Arcade 1 2 V\' ANTED Known—Fresh * » are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lalte Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. Ail orders received at my shop will bo immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151



FOR EYE/ MR AND THROAT DISEASES. DR SOHWARZBAOH, M.D., may be Consulted at the Clarendon Hotel (private - rooms), Chri-tchuroh, from 16th February, for about One Month. Daring hie recent stay in Europe, Dr S. was again employed in ravishing the prin cipal Ophthalmic Hospitals, and making himself thoroughly acquainted with all the modern knowledge in regard to Dia sees of the Eye, Ear and Throat. 2 215 NEW TWEEDS 1 | NEW TWEEDS ! BUMMER SUMMER SUITS. | SUITS. Perfect Fit Guaranteed in the latest or any style that may be required. Craighead & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, WE have much pleasure ia announcing to our friends and patrons, and all who may feel interested in the general ogteoa of our times that we have jnst coived a splendid assortment of Tweeds, Coatings, Serges, etc., etc., of the best quality and latest designs—suitable for the season we,are now entering. Alt Goods Supplied at LOWEST CASH PRICE CRAIGHEAD & CO., Tancred street, Ashburton. IMPORTANT NOTICE or Amalgamation. ORR & CO. AND ROBERT ALCORN. The business carried on for some years by John Orr, and known as Orr and Co., Importers of Hardware, Drapery and General Merchandise, and that carried on by Robert Alcorn, as General Merchant has b£en AMALGAMATED and will in future be carried on under the style of ORR & ALCORN, In the premises hitherto occupied by Orr and Co, The premises in Saunders’s Buildings, occupied by Robert Alcorn, will for the present be kept open and where goods will be- Sold at the Lowest Prices for Cash, but the Offices of the new firm will be at Orr and Co’s Buildings on and after Monday, the 16th instant. The Motto of the new firm will be small profits, email advertisements, large stocks and a large turnover. John Orb] £Robeex Arcorn ORR AND AIiCORN, Importers of Hardware, Drapery and General Merchandise. 2 199 MISS CARSON, TE '.CHER OF MUSIC, Wishes to announce that she has Removed to the bouse formerly occupied by Mr A. Curtis, opposite the Parsonage. New term for Pupils begins 2nd February. A few. vacancies. . Terms on application. Ashburton permanent building & investment SOCIETY. The abov e Society pays Interest at the ■cate of 5 per cos*, per annum for De posit* at Call, per,«onL per annum for three months, and 6£ per cant, per annum If fixed tor 6 months or over j ward, Manager. ‘ Office; —Area o Chambers, Burnet •treat VALENTINES. Y ALENTINE S—A Very Artistic Assortment. Inspection Invited. CHEAP STATIONERY. Superfine notepaper ... 5s per ream Cream-laid envelopes ... 6s per 1000 Foolscap, exceptional vsluo Is per quire BOOKS.



tTf ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V T That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278



WANTED Known Removed Jones and Bradshaw, Corn and Chaff Deal, rs, have removed to the large premises in Havelock street near'y oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), where they will be better able to comply with the demands of their trade. Jones and tEAdshaw.



WANTED Known. —We are not to be beaten ! Good straw hats, 6d, 9a ; black Cashmere, double width, Is 3d; print costumes, 2s dd ; white calico, 2s 6d per doz: a lot of infants’ white and colored satin and merino hats and hoods, la to 3s 6i— usual price, 4s 6d to 12a 6d. H. C. trEGERS, ealya’ Buildings, East i- treet.



WAN TiiD KNOWN—Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatpicai. Agent, etc.. Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. .Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760



SOMETHIN' G worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Goat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. C. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made up ; repairs and alterations carefully attended to. 10 195 U



WANTED Known—O. Hawkin’s, of Tinwald, having decided to com pete with either Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and quility of Boots, will, Ist January, 1885, Sell for Cash Only, at the following reduced rates : —Men’s darvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 6s 9d ; Shooter Boots, 10s 3d; Women’s Strong Lace Boots, 8a 6d ; Leather Elastic, 9s 6d ; Children's all reduced from la per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns. ” C. Haw in’s, doot and Shoemaker. 12 2393



WANTED Known—J, Mbbch & Co., are still Selling On and not Selling OiF at saleroom prices. J. M. and Go’s Furniture is made for use as well as ornament and not for auction salts. The best materials are used, being specially selected, and combined with good workmanship, all goods are guaran teed of the best quality, and at the very lowest prices. East and Burnett street, Ashburton. 12 2322 Special Advertisements.



Dimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A OHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection ♦herewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply of Machine estras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TASCRED STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 21S1



Cornsacks. rtftTA BALESof CORNSACKS to AitJKJ arrive ex ship Atlantigue (now due), size 48 x 26£, 2£. Apply, at once, to HAYES & 00„ i 1 Arcade, Ashburton,



mO my readers and the reading public. i Just to hand.—New Books.—Black Poodle, by Anstey ; Our Old Nobility ; The Cuckoo Clock, by Mrs Molesworth ; We Two, fay Edna Doyal; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, by Wilkie Collins; John Bull's Womankind, by author of John Bull a,ad his Island; The Jilt, by Charles Heude; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reads; Vesteged, by Geo F. Cumming; Pages ia Waiting, by Edmund Yates; Notes on'lpgersQlJ, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Homan Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatjb; Life, Opinions, and Table Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; inspiration; AGleripal Lympocium; Boa well’s Life of Johnson > IVXagna Charts Stories; Taming Down without Banting; Money and Mechanism of Exchange, by S, Jevons; John Holdaworth’s Chief] Mate; My Watch Below, by W. 0. Bus- ‘ sal; The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot,; by Reed; How to live upon la per Week; j Stories of Waterloo; Secrets of Success ; tlosr t° Read Character; Christmas Number of Good ward’s Chrystal Stories ; Longman s Magagipe; The Book of the Beginnings, by R. H- Nekton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated London Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap at ; Thomas F. Farley’s, PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, Saunders’ Buupxiraft, Ashburton.



Books by rations author*, and sotn® of the latest editions, • Toys and Fancy Goods incredibly cheap, to clear out surplus stock. H. Sevan, ' BTiTIONER, BOOKSELLER, &c. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, (Next Shop to Qaill'a Hotel.) JELLING OFF FANCY POODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONERY, &c. Blast‘be sold- even if at a loss A’ L eITt I N E of albn rin e s To Suit everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andiewes Bros., HoOKBBXil£l'.H, -IATIONERS, &0., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements- NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. RE undersigned are now landing, ex 0.0 £1 ChU&U lUv Best N ewcastle Coal Imported for the season A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, y.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Bashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, <So., And every requisite for the trade. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. SAWMIC.LERS, TIMBER. COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. East street, Ashburton. s.s Hauroto, the (late A. Hayes),



25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production and increased busi ness enables the proprietors to offer special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. Shirts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. Note the address — NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, BAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



Davis’s gURPLUS STOCK OF FURNITURE Now selling off at HALF-PRICE. Mast be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will SAYE 50 Pea Cent. BY PUOHaSING AT W. DAVIS’S FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, Ashburton 9 1729



E DENNIS O’CONNELL, BANKRUPT, Of Manchester street, Christ church, and Lyttelton, CuurOii| buu i^yHciiuU) CLOTHIER AND DRAPER. Marked price of Stock, £2,424 Actual Cost, £l,BlB .actum v>ubi, x-i,oxo Sold for NOTICE OF BANKRUPTCY. In Bankruptcy. In the Estate of Dennis O’Con nell, of Christchurch and Lyttel ton, Draper. Tenders are invited for the pur chase, either separately or other wise, of the stock, fittings, and book debts of the business in Manchester street, Christchurch, and also in Lyttelton. The stock consists of clothing and general drapery, and is mostly new, the business having been carried on only since May last. It will be on view on and after Monday next, and the stock sheets can be inspected on the premises, Manchester street. Tenders will be received by the undersigned until 10 a.in. on Monday, Ist December. E. 0. LATTER, Official Assignee. Christchurch, 21st Nov., 1884. ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER. Official Assignee’s Office, December, 1884. Messrs H. E. May and Co,, Gentlemen, —I have the plea sure to inform you that your tenders for the purchase of stocks in Christchurch and Lyttelton have been accepted, viz— Christchurch ... £1502 18 0 Lyttelton ... £315 7 0 £lBlB 5 0 At 10/6d in the £, being £954 9s. Yours faithfully, E. 0, LATTER. Mr White will deliver the stocks. Notice of bA&v ioijje Public. This stock, which really repre sents a retail value of £2,424, was bought by us of the Official Assignee for £954, so that if we get one half O’Connell’s price it will pay us handsomely, and that is all We want. We think you are convinced that oxip sales are thoroughly genuine, And aly/ays worth a visit, especially if saying money is an object SALE COMMENCES SATURDAY, January 10. Tjarros Cash—Nodiscounts or abatements of any kind. Official Assignee. H. E. May & Co



Victoria House. Season sale commencing on January ig?#, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY REMARKABLE REALITIES! GLARING REDUCTIONS!! jPii"Foi Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows"®-^ Dimant and Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, A.: , In premises lately occupied by On and Go., Corn East and Tanorod streets, I ASHBURTON.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’3, Takcbed Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf, 5d per lb Best White Crystal, 3|d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb • (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d 2s, 2s 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, -3d Mixed Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 01 Raisins, 7d New Figs, Is per bcx Best Sago, 3d Few Muscatels, Is 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, Gjtd Herrings, 7d Keiller’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English PiokUs, 8d Other articles equally cheap. James McGregor, i Tancred Street, 12 2342