DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALF.B. Tub-day, March 24 F Messrs Matson, Cox and 0)., at the tl Tinwald Saleyarda- stock Thursday, March 26 Messrs Miles and Co , at the Tinwald \ Yards-Sheep Messrs M>tson, C x and Co., at the P Tinwald Yards—Sheep ' MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, V to. I WEDNKarAY, March 25 Aahburton Building and Investment So ciety—Annual Meeting, Arcade chain- i . bers, at 3 o’clock < Oddfellows’ Hall—Miss Wa d and Com- . pany, at 8 o’clock Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0.G.T,, . meeting at 8 o’clock Thursday, March 26 Tinwald Saleyarda—Annual Kara and Ewe Fair Friday, March 27. 4snburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11a.m. Binds Schoolroom —Concert and Banco Saturday, March 28. Ashburton Caledonian Society—Annual Meeting, at the “ Lyttleton Times ” office, at 7.30 . - Monday, March 30. Borough Council, at Borough Otunoil Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock Friday. April 3 Oddfellows’ Hall—Baptist Church Anni Ternary Tea Meeting Town Hall—" Messiah,” at 8 o’clock Saturday, April 4 /Takanui Bead Board, at Boad Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Friday, Aphid 10. Lonbgeaoh Koad Board at Boad Board Office. Tuesday, April 14. Ashburton School Committee —Monthly Meeting, in the Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wednesday, April 15 Tinwald Annual Baces Friday, Ap il 17 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Baoing Club—Autumn Meet-

MAIL NOTICES.

close at the Ashburton Post Office follow*; — For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &0., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hina*, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.tn. daily. Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Tima/u and South, at 6 a. m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 For Wakanul, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a. xn. For Koun A Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 6 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, **For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a,m. arrive at the Ashburton Port Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 Am., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.36 p-ha. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 6.3° *>,m. daily. ' Frau* Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. in. tKdO p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. For Mount Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m,, and on Wednesdays •t 6 p.m. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and isatur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long boach at 10 a.m. doily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat o lays, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1885. "Neither a Protectionist nor a Free Trader.”

Whatever political opinions he may hold it is hardly possible for any reader to peruse Sir Julius Vogel’s speech to the electors of Christchurch North, delivered last week, without a feeling of thankful satisfaction at its tone and spirit, and at the total absence of every low personal accusation, of any party injustice, or of the deplorable class prejudices which have too often dis figured the speeches of our public men. In these respects the speejji of the Colo nial Treasurer is a model one, and offers an example which we hope will not be lost sight of by some of our other politicians. But perhaps Sir Julius Vogel is entitled to less credit for the moderation and temper of all his speeches when we look closely into his utterances and see how pliant his views are upon every subject, how they veer round to meet every occasion and every transpiring circumstance; how prone he is to take a middle view of every question ; whilst his fine rolling sentences will often bear no definite construction on either side of the sub ject upon which he is speaking. His first very faint approval of the West Coast railway addressed to a North Island constituency has hardened and enlarged in every subsequent speech, until it has now almost reached the views of a Christchurch audience. On the other hand, his strong, clear and decided views on Education expressed at Ashburton, grow weaker at each public utterance, and are now so far changed as to suggest, even to himself, another appeal to the electors upon that important question, whilst on the subjects of Free Trade and Protection his ambiguity surpasses even that of Sir George Grey, a politician who succeeded in making both parties claim him as their champion. The “Big low candidate ” himself could not utter a more confused statement upon this subject than Sir Julius Vogel’s last. Following as it does so closely after his clear, sensible and logical remarks on Federation, the change of sty'e is striking, and one cannot fail to see that on this subject the Colonial Treasurer has drawn on more feeble minds than his own both for his arguments and his facts. Like most other Protectionists, Sir Julius Vogel begins by disclaiming the name. He says —“ As regards the questions of Protection and Free Trade, I am in favor neither of one nor the other.” It would have been quite as clear if he

had said, “ I am a Protectionist and I “ am not a Protectionist.” He then de parts from the general tenor of his speech, and obtains “ laughter and applause ” Ly misrepresenting the “im porters,” as asking to be altogether exempted from customs duties, A misrepresention, by the way, that Mr Chrystall takes care to make embarassingly plain to the speaker on the following day at a deputation. When a population of half a million has to pay interest on more than thirty millions of borrowed money, there can be no two opinions as to the necessity -« of customs duties. The distinct and wide difference between Free Traders and Protectionists in reference to cus _ toms duties is this—should those duties be imposed so as to obtain as much revenue as must be had with the least possible cost to the consumer, or should the cost of articles of general con sumption be greatly increased to the consumers, without producing any revenue to the State, in order that the high price so forced upon the consumer for the imported article should bolster up factories conducted under circum stances so unnatural, unwise, or ui favorable, as to be unable to command their home market on their own merits? - In other words, should the price of a _ hard pressed farmer’s or laborer’s tools, comforts and raiment be enormously raised to him in order that a few me chanics may be kept in town without being obliged to share the farmers’ hardships, to produce goods at a price , not low enough to command a natural , market protected only by the cost of i transit ? Again, shall we all stand or i fall together; shall we all share alike ' in any reduction of earnings, which 1 altered circumstances may render un- j avoidable ; or shall we try to bolster - t up a few individuals at the expense of j the great bulk of the community ? a Every effort has been made by an in- v terested minority in most countries to 8 hide this sipiple issue, and to induce " the least informed portion of each com munity to believe that what favors the few is beneficial to the whole; but it j p is really marvellous that a speaker ofloi Sir Julius Vogel’s intelligence and e ' experience should risk his own reputa- tion so far as to attempt to make any R audience believe that any duty b£ that the State may impose would ra be paid by anyone but the tin G< fortunate consumer. The importer, if he knows his business, will send for his goods to England, America, Ger many, Fiance or any country where he dir can procure them cheapest, the manu facturer neither knowing nor caring I* 15 whether a duty has to b<. paid on them or not; that concerns the consumer pr i, alone, and every farthing of duty must J cte

be paid by him and by no one else. There can be no doubt or misunder standing on that matter ; but what we want to bear carefully in mind is that if a duty be put on an article that will prevent it from being imported, the duty will still be paid by the consumer, although it will not contribute anything to the public revenue, but go either to enrich the protected producer or manu facturer, or, what would be still worse for the community, induce him to em ploy his own labor and that of others in some unprofitable direction. In this way the community may be im poverished tro any extent by import duties, without contributing a penny to the public revenue. In the extreme sense of the words there can be no Free Trade when customs duties are levied at all; but that is not the politi cal sense of the words, either in Eng land or this colony. If customs duties are so placed as to be paid by the consumer to the Government, on articles actually imported, he is only submitting to a neces sary evil, and an evil that will be limited by the exigencies of the Govern ment. But, if in addition to that bur den, he has to pay an artificial price for articles taxed but not imported, there is no limit to the evil, the consumer may be victimised to any extent, and the Government be none the richer for the extortion. This line between the two courses is distinct enough, but none are so blind as those who will not see.- The electors of New Zealand make a great mistake when they en courage their public men to trim on this and other important public ques tions, and cheer those most lustily who throw the least light on subjects deeply affecting the welfare of the community.

The Government have decided to re open the works on the Waiau road to provide work far the moat needy of the unemployed. . At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning Mr Robert Alcorn, J.P., dealt with the following offenders :—Thomas Norman was charged under the Police Offences Act with having created a dis turbance in the Salvation Army barracks du'ing service It appeared from the evidence that the accused, with others, had made a noise during i he service of the Army last Sunday, and on being very properly remonstrated with by the Cap tain replied in an insolent manner and otherwise disturbed the proceedings. The accused was fined 10s and costs, with the alternative of twenty.four hours’ impris onment — A first offender, for drunken ness. was fined 5s and costs with the al ternative of twelve hours’ imprisonment. Daniel Hyan, charged under the Police Offences Act with vagrancy was remanded until Friday next. Mr Gudsell reports on the water races on Saturday last as follows : —Dobbin’s Ford to Kyle, all dry ; Kyle to Seafield, three running, three dry ; Seafield to Seaview, four running, two dry. Miss Genevieve Ward and Mr W, H. Vernon, supported by a very superior company, will open at the Oddfellows’ Sail, to morrow evening, with “ Forget ma-Not.” On Thursday evening “Nance Oldfield ” will be produced. We hope that Ashburton play-goers will show their appreciation of this talented company. The Borough Oouncil have recom mended the Railway Department to run the excursion from Ashburton to Christ church and Lyttelton on Wednesday, April Bth, Should the recommendation be acted upon, the day selected will be proclaimed a public holiday in Ashbur ton.

No practice of the Ashburton Orches tral Society will take place until after the production of “ The Messiah ” by the Ashburton Choral Society on Good Fri day.

We again remind intending exhibitors that applications for space in Jthe New Zealand Industrial Exhibition must be made to Mr 0. Braddell, Secretary to the iooal Committee, not later than noon on Monday next. The annual tea and concert in connec tion with b the Star of Alethven Lodge, 1.0. G. T., will be held in the Methven schoolroom, on Friday, 27th inst. The annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Ashburton Permanent Building and Investment Society will be held in the Arcade Chambers, Burnett street, to-morrow at 4 p.m. Mr Joshua Tucker having withdrawn his candidature, Mr Thomas Quill has been declared duly elected to fill the seat in the Borough Council vacated by Mr William Leggatt. In connection with the fete to be held in Christchurch on Friday next in aid of the Andalusian Relief Fund, the Railway Department announce that Saturday re turn tickets to Christchurch will be issued at Ashburton, Waikari, and intermediate stations on the 27th inst., and will be available for return up to and including 30th inst. The North Canterbury Board of Educa tion having deo!ared the election of the Winslow School Committee, held on 27th January, null and void, a meeting of householders will be held in the district schoolroom on Wednesday, Bth April, for the purpose of electing seven householders to form the Committee. At the inquest held on the body of the late Mr John Bennett, yeiterday, the jury returned a va/diot of “ Accidental death,” adding a rider referring to the condition of the road. A full report ap pears in another c >lumn. “Madam, may 1 kiss these beautiful children V inquired Uncle Dick Oglesby, as he leaned over the front gate. “ Cer tainly, sir ; there is ho possible objection. ” “ They are lovely darlings,” said Uncle Dick, after ho had finished the eleventh. “I have seldom seen more beautiful babies. Are they all yours, marm V The lady blushed deeply. “Of course they are—the sweet little treasures ! From whom else, marm, could they have in herited these limpid eyes, these rosy cheeks, these profuse curls, these comely figures, and these musical voices.” The

iadv contijijied blushing. “ By-the-bye, inarm,” said Ucole Dick, “ may I bother you to tell your estimable husband that Richard J. Oglesby, Republican candidate for Governor, called upon him this even-

ing ?" “ Alas, good sir,” quoth the lady, I have no husband !” “ But these chil dren, madam you surely aF e not a widow ?” “ 1 feared you were mistaken, sir, when you came up. These are not my children. This is an orphan asylum!” —Chicago Neios.

Indigestion and Liver Complaints.—For these complaints Baxter’s Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver aftd mildly on the stomach, bold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Chemist, Christchurch, for 19 or 44 stamps.

Don't Die in’the House, “ Romigh on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jack rabbits, gophers. The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. * 1

draw

A'.other unfortunate.—Again we niu.. the attention of our readers to the fact that a ,£2,424 stock pf Clothing and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Copnell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurcb, now bank-

rupt, was purchased by H. E. May a Co., of the Hall, High stiee', for or only a little over one-third of its value. H. E. M.

and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to secnre a speedy clearance.

The funeral of the late Mr John Ben nett will leave Wakanui, at 1 p.m. to morrow. Members of the Star of Ash burton Loyal Orange Lodge are requested, by advertisement, to attend the funeral. There should be great joy among the dairymaids, for a French scientist claims to have discovered anew and expeditious method of making butter, which is thus described ;—“The milk or cream is placed in an isolated vessel, and by means of two electrodes immersed in the liquid an electric current is established and kept up until the entire segregation of the par-

tides of butter has been effected. A dynamo-electric machine of 40 elements is said to be sufficient to get the butter out of 45 quarts of cream or milk in five minutes.”

It is not often we hear anything of the mission at New Norcia, in West Austra lia ; but Lady Broome, who has just visited it, speaks of the work which is being done there, in her Letters to Guy,” in very enthusiastic terms. “It is impossible,” she says, “ to imagine any thing more devoted than the life these good fathers lead, or more encouraging than the result of their mission work of about thirty-five years. Perseverance, kindness, and infinite patience have worked a change like a miracle. One saw the result of it all during the long pleasant day spent in visiting schools and workshops, going into the neat comfort able cottages, and finally sitting down to watch a capital game of cricket between the natives and the lay brothers, pxoat of whom were Spaniards or of Spanish des cent.”

A North Island exchange says : —Those whose names are not on the roll should see to it at once. It is not impossible that there may be a dissolution next ses sion, and it is the duty of every elector to have his name on the roll, so that he may exercise his vote when necessary. The publicans of Melbourne are at tempting to boycot the Age because of its utterances on the drink question.

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIA TION’S ANNUAL MEETING.

Wellington, Last Night.

The following are the various amounts of money won by the different corps which attended the meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association : Thames Rangers, L 100; Wellington Navals, LB7 : Auckland Artillery, LB2 ; Wanganui City Rifles, L 56 ; Victoria Rifles (Auckland), Lf>4 ; Port Chalmers Artillery, L 5 3; Wanganui Rifles, L4O ; Blenheim Rifles, L 32 ; Maa terton Rifles, L 2 6, Alexandra Cavalry (Wanganui), L2O ; Wellington Artillery, Ll 7 ; Blenheim Navals, Ll 5 ; Nap.er Artillery, Ll 5 ; Waikari Rifles (Otago), Ll2 ; Stoke Rifles (Nelson) Ll2; Taranaki Rifles, Ll2 ; North unedin Rifles, Lll ; Christchurch Artillery, LI I ; Wanganui Navals, Lll ; Timaru Navals, LlO; Oamaru Rifles, L 9 ; Napier Rifles, L 9 ; Punedin Guards, L 9; Wellington Guards, L 7 ; Spring Creek Rifles (Blenheim), L 6 ; Waiuku Cavalry, L 5 ; hames Navals, L 4; Waimea Rifles (Nelson), L 4; civilians L 4; Dunedin Artiilety, L 4 ; Auckland Guards, L 3 ; Nelson Rifles, L 3 ; Nelson Navals, L2 ; Wellington City Rifles, L2 ; Greytown Rifles, L2 ; Nelson Artillery, LI ; Port Chalmers Navals, Li ; Grey mouth Rifles, LI.

The amounts won by the various Volun teer districts were as follows:—Welling ton, L 144 ; Auckland, L 139 ; Wanganui, L 127 ; Thames, LlO5 ; Port Chalmers, L 6 4; Dunedin, Lsl 10s ; Blenheim, L3O; Napier, L 2 4; Nelson, L 2 2; Taranaki, Ll2 ; Christchurch, Lll; Timaru, LlO ; Oamaru, L 9 ; Waiuku, L 5 ; Greymouth, LI.

Thera were 150 rifle and 93 carbine re presentatives at the meeting, and not withstanding It was a generally admitted fact that the rifle is superior to the car bine, the latter arm has carried off L 340 as against L4OB by the rifles, which is in deed most creditable in proportion to their number.

EUROPEAN ITEMS.

(By Telegraph from Auckland).

“Age” and “Argos” Specials,

London, March 14.

The Agent-General for New Zealand has written a letter to the Melbourne Argus with reference to remarks made in Meloourne by Mr Froude respecting the Australian Agents-Geueral and their fit ness to act as Parliamentary representa tives of the colonies in Britain.' Bir F. L). Bell declares that none of the present Agents-General have met Mr Froude. London, March 15.

A statement made in the Pall Mall Gazette on the 9th inst., that the British Government in order to propitiate Prince Bismarck had conceded the Huon Gulf and territory to the north of it to Germany has been confirmed.

London, March 18.

Lord Derby has telegraphed to the Go vernor of Victoria that it was never pro posed that the decision that the frontier between British and German territory in JNew Guinea should be fixed at the Bth degree of south latitude should apply in land.

A CURIOUS CASE.

Wblli gxon, Last Night. At the Supreme Court to-day, the suit of Littlejohn v Mulligan, claim L 250 damages, for alleged infringement of patent rights, was heard. Mr Shaw ap peared tor the plaintiff, and Mr Stafford for the defendant. Mr Shaw opened the case for plaintiff He said the case was one of some peculiarity, and not altogether free from difficulty. The plaintiff was a well-known jeweller and watchmaker in Wellington, and sought to restrain the de

fendant from selling watches bearing plaintiff’s name. It was admitted that defendant did sell a watch bearing plain tiff’s name, and plaintiff proposed to prove that the watch sold by defendant was of vastly inferior quality to any which Mr Littlejohn would allow to go out of his shop. Evidence was called, proving that defendant had in his possession watches bearing plaintiff's name, which had not been made by Littlejohn, Plaintiff said the result of selling such watches bearing the name of his firm would ruin his busi ness. Defendant, who came out recently from England, said that since his return he had had auction sales of watches and jewellery in Auckland and Wellington. Mr Stafford, for the defence, called no witnesses, but said he would like to be heard on the question of law In Chambers, riis Honor did not apprehend any diffi culty in dealing with the case. He ex pressed an opinion that the reputation of Messrs Lit lejohn and Son had not been injured in the in reference to the matter. The case was not one iqt heavy damages. Ihe case was then re served for further considerat on.

THE FATAL ACCIDENT, RIVER ROAD.

An inquest was held yesterday al Wakanui, before Mr H. Friedlander

J.P., coroner and a jury of whom Mr J. Protheroe was chosen foreman upon the body of John Bennett, the unfortunate victim of the accident referred to in yes terday’s issue. The jury having viewed the body the following evidence was taken •. —

Robert Bennett, a nephew of deceased, said that he had seen the latter at about eight o’clock on Saturday evening. He (the deceased) was then driving a horse and dray. He left Trevorton about half-

past eight, with the intention of return 1 ing to his own residence. He was alone and appeared sleepy. Witness had not seen him again alive.—To the jury ; Wit ness did not think, if the road had been good, the deceased would have met with the accident. The horse was strange to deceased, but perfectly quiet. John Parker, a farm laborer in the em ploy of Mrs Gibson, said that shortly alter nine o’clock on Sunday morning, while riding from Wakanui to Ashburton, his attention was attracted to a horse and dray lying capsized in a broach across the River roa >. Witness, on closer inspec tion, noticed a man lying underneath the dray, and communicated with Mr Wake lin and then with the polios.—To the jury . The horse and dray had apparently fallen 8 or 10ft. Thera was no rail or guard in front of the breach. Witness considered the road dangerous. Andrew Leatham, farmer, said that he had accompanied Henry Wakelin to the ttiver road on Sunday morning, and had there noticed a horse and dray overturned with the deceased lying on bis iace with a portion of the dray across his shoulders. Witness had assisted to remove deceased, and the body was then taken charge of by the police. The road where ihe accident occurred had beau In a dangerous condi tion for some time. The road had been closed up previous to the protective works, now in course, beiug undertaken' by the County Council. He understood cnat the barricade bad been removed by a contractor. —To the coroner : Witness some time ago had direotedjjthe attention of the Chairman of the Wakanui Road Board to the dangerous condition of the road.—To the jury : The road could be used with safety during daylight by pass ing by the river bed. Henry Wakelin, laborer, said that he had accompanied tha last witness on Sun day morning to the scene of the accident. He corroborated the evidence of the last witness. —To jury: Witness had lived in the neighborhood for about twelve months, A barricade had been erected in front of the dangerous part of the road some time ago, but it had been washed away and not since restored. A fence at the entrance of the road had also been removed. Witness considered the road very dangerous, and while in its preaerft condition thought it should be closed against traffic. Robert Bennett, contractor, resident in Trevorton, a brother of the deceased, said that the deceased was fifty-six years of age. Witness had been in the company of deceased m Ashburton on Saturday.— To the jury: Witness bad seen deceased alive last at about half past seven on Saturday evening, when he left witness to obtain some bread to take home. The jury having retired, returned with the following verdict--r-“ That John Ben nett met with his death by the dray in which he was driving falling over an em bankment on the River road." The jury added as a rider to their ver dict—“ That the River road in its present condition is highly dangerous, and this jury are strongly of opinion that the Wakanui Road Board should have taken some steps to guard against accident.’' The Coroner was requested by the jury to forward a copy of the rider to the Chairman of the Wakanui Road Board.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Mblboubne, March 18, The Premier has been for some time communicating with the Governments of other colonies in reference to a united Australian contingent for the autumn campaign in the Soudan. Mr Service states that they are inclined to deter

making a definite proposal until in pos session of further information from the

Agent-Generals relative to interviews be tween them and the Imperial authorities, which so far have been only briefly re ported by cable. A special meeting of the Gabinet was held yesterday, to discuss matters con nected with the defences of the colony, but. it is not considered advisable to make the decision known.

At a meeting of the Royal Society on Thursday night, Mr Ellery retired after President for 20 years. He is suc ceeded by Professor Kermbt. A farewell breakfast was given to Mr James Munro, the temperance reformer, previous to his departure for Europe. An action, Louis Barnard v the Victor ian Club, was heard on Thursday. It appears that some time ago a case was brought by a man named Milan against two Adelaide bookmakers, charging them with defrauding him. This being con sidered proved, the men were dismissed from the Club, In the course of investi gations it was shown that Barnard and summers had attempted to induce Milne to withdraw the charge, and the Olub fined them each LSO. Barnard refused to pay, and consequently the Committee al tered the sentence to dismissal from the Olub. The case has not yet been de cided.

A Government Gazette publishes statis tics of Melbourne and the suburbs. The estimated population of the district within a radius of ten miles from the post office is 322,690, being an increase of over 18,000 since 1883.

The Victorian Government have practi cally selected Major-General Downes as Secretary of the Defeaoe Force, but the appointment will not be made till next week.

Works are rapidly proceeding at the Heads to strengthen. Point Nepean. The erection of a fresh battery, is also pro ceeding, together with a fresh fort in the South Channel. The Austrian cruiser Saida arrived in the Bay yesterday. She turns out to be a training ship, and her voyage is alto gether of a peaceful character—an endea vor to introduce commerce between the Colonies and Austria. She proposes to visit New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and Singapore, gathering information at these places.

Sydney, March 18. George Augustus Sala, the eminent journalist, arrived in Sydney on Friday and met with an enthusiastic reception at the Town Hall. In response to the toast of his health, Mr Sala stated that in writing about the Colonies he should en deavor to tell truth under all circum stances, without treading on people’s corns. He will deliver his first lectures in Melbourne.

General Soratohley has offered his ser vices to assist in devising the best means foe the defence of the harbor. Ample arrangements have been made for torpedo defence, and the officers of the Naval Bri gade have been empowered to accept the serv.cea ot men desirous of joining this branch of the force.

Applications are still being made for j_ \r„i lin *anr force. Par

enrolment. iu

yatUQQt opened last. nii;ht, A. speech wai> ftii'.te by Mr Dailey in defence <d th rtbudin Expedition. An amendment was moved to the address, alleging the ills gality of the-despatch of troops. Ulti mately the debate was adjourned,

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meet,ng < f the Borough Coun. c,l wa« held at the Council Chamber, Library Buildings, last meeting for the purpose of confirming a resolution passed at a previous meeting, levying a rate of Is m tbe £, andfor other business. Present—flia Worship the Mayor, and Ors Thomas, Nelson, Jameson, A. On, Bird, Harrison, J. Orr, and Sealy. MAYOa's SJTAXEMBKT. The Mayor stated the special purpose for which the meeting had been called, ana that some other routine bus!* ness would be brought before the Coun cil.

THE BATE. , Or Jameson moved tbe confirmation of the resolution authorising the striking of a rate of la in the £ on all rateable pro* perty within the Borough. The motion was seconded by Or Thomas and carried.

Thomas, A. Orr, and Jameson verb appointed to sign the rate book. •

reserves. Mr E. G. Crisp wrote asking for the transfer of the lease held by Mr James Jameson of Borough reserve, from the latter gentleman to Mr H. 0. Segers. The Council consented to the transfer.

HORSE POSTS. - . .Mr Geo Jameson obtained leave to eri ct a horse post at his subject to the Engineers’ approval. t EXCURSION TO CHRISTCHURCH. The Mayor said that he had been re quested by the Bail wry Traffic Manager, Mr F. Back, to suggest a suitable day for runnl.ig an excursion train from Ashbur ton t > Christchurch and Lyttelton, vHa haci o .nsulted a number of residsntj in the town, but found that they were not unanimous as to the best day for the ex* cursion. He had, however, suggested that the 7th or Bth April would be a suit able day, provided one of the large steamers were in Lyttelton at that time.

After a prolonged desultory discus sion it was resolved to approve of the sug gestion made by the Mayor, to the effect that the Bth of A pril would be a suitable day for the excursion, aud to proclaim the day decided upon as a public holiday. WORKS.

Cr Bird brought before the Council the fact that several works were at present on finished, and that (he Engineer wished to be instructed as to which he should go on with'first. Cr Bird moved that Havelock

street should be taken in hand at once.

■ Cr Sealy seconded motion. It was a work that had been sanctioned last year, and should not be longer delayed. The motion was carried. , Bv-nvws.; Cr Jameson said that the By-Laws Com mittee had been instructed to consider

and report on the Borough By-Laws. The Committee had met, but had found that

to consider and report upoa the whole of the by-laws would be a r work of some magnitude. He now came to the Conn-

ell asking for farther and more definite instructions. He pointed out that many of the by-laws were quite unworkable and useless, and the whole wanted consolidat ing. Cr Harrison said that he was prepared to undertake a great deal, bot.tbe revision of the by-laws was rather much to ask of the Committee.

Cr Thomas said that however the work was done it was imperative that it should be done. At present a coach and six or a whole team of bullocks could be driven through their by-laws. Cr John Orr thought the by-laws of some “model ” borough—if there existed such a thing in the colony—should be pro cured as a guide. -

The Mayor said that their largest cities had encountered no less formidable diffi-

culties than they had In reference to this matter. It might be wise to obtain copies of all the Borough by-laws in .force, with a view to comparison. -

Gr Jameson suggested that all the by* laws should be re-arranged and re-printed. The Engineer had a set of revised building by-laws ready for submission to the Conn* oil.

Or A. Orr thought, that before deter* mining to reprint the by-laws they should ascertain the probable cost,' He under stood that in the first instance the print ing had cost L3O • Gr Thomas thought the work should be done at any cost, but that three council lor’s might first revise the by-laws and then submit them for the approval of their solicitor.

Gr Sealy would, be sorty to sea the whole by-laws put under revision again. The Mayor said he understood the mat ter referred to the By-laws Oommittee was the building by-laws. He understood also that that the Engineer was in posses sion of a set of by-laws regarding building that might be suitable. Or J. Orr said there were .only the, building bylaws and those relating to cattle that required amending, and the By-laws Oommittee might easily take these matters in hand. The Mayor thought those referring to carriers might very well be improved. The By-laws Oommittee were asked to devote their attention to the three classes of by-laws above referred to. FIRE BRIGADE COMMITTEE. Gr Harrison reported that the Fire Brigade Committee were making progress in the organisation of the new Brigade. THE i-IBRAEY. On the suggestion of Or Sealy the at tention of the Library Committee was called to the necessity of more desk and sitting accommodation in the Library, The Council then adjourned.

THE SOUDAN CAMPAIGN.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS—COPSEIGHT.]

5t London, March 23. Reuter’s special correspondent with Ir General Graham’s army, telegraphs p under date midnight, March 22, that a the British troops under command of e Major-General M'Neill, formed a t zareeba at a point about six miles along the road to Tamai. The posi ® tion had only been occupied for g 0 short time, when it was attacked by a large force of Arabs, numbering fully 3 4,000. They made a violent onslaught , on the zareeba, and the fighting, which , was of the most desperate character, lasted about twenty minutes,after which time the enemy were repulsed with a loss estimated at over 1,000, The British casualties are given' as five officers and 51 rank and file killed, and 176 wounded. Later. Further intelligence to hand from Suakim respecting the engagement yesterday between the rebels and the British troops under Major-General M‘Nei!l at the zareeba on the road to Tamai, states that the British loss was not so great as at first reported. The British casualties are now set down at two officers, twenty-four rank and file killed, and thirty-tkree wounded. (iieceived March Si, 12.45 p.m.) Cairo, March 23. Lord Wolseley, with the principal members bf his staff, piOceeds from Korti to Dongola to-morrow.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MARCS 24, 1885.



»Pg NOTICE TO - ADVERTISERS.



Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 8 p.m., with the number of insertion, written plainly on the copy, otherwise they will be inserted until counter manded, and charged accordingly. Re place Advertisements must be supplied Hie day previous to that on which they are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 3,30 p.m., but will be charged double rates. , „ . All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. AH advertisements and business rett-.i s wo bo addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to Th;e Editor.



Wanted. \\ WANTED Known—The Orchestral VV Society’s Ordinary Practice is Postponed umil after the production of the Messiah, J. Purchase, Hon. Sec 3 436 \JSTaN’!’ED —A Situation in a Coal and V Timber Yarn or Grain Store, by a person who thoroughly understands book keeping ; willing to make himself gener ally useful. Address C,F., office of this paper. 3 421 \\T ANTKD—A - toward for the Ash- VV burton Cluk> i ply, stating re muneration required, to the Secretary on or before Wednesday, the 25th instant J J. Robertson, Secretary. 3 419 WANTED Known—Furnished apart ments for two ladies or two gentlemen, with or without Board. Apply Office of this Paper. 3 412 TTTANTED Known—Before buying VV Dress Materials, Dialers, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc., call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. 0. Seders, ' ealys’ Buildings, East Street. /"T RE AT Reductions for Cash at Jones V3T and Tradshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 50s per ton, Is fid per bag ; pime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag ; new oatmeal 4s per bag; good cheese 5d per lb ; ffour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew \\ ing Ma ing Machines can be had on Tima Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 Glorious news. Andrew orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at fis 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s fid ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at fis fid ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11s fid—every article at half-price. 2 237 TAT ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders » v are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will be immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151



Mb J, XVE3S begs to inform his debtors, .and all persons desirous of transacting any business with him, that he will be in attendance at his Office. Barnett street, every TUESDAY and SATURDAY. Office hour* : 10 a.m. to Gp.ca. 2 188 IIHE ASH BURTON COUNTY STOCK AND SALEYARDs COMPANY (Limited), Is prepared to " Dip Sheep IN large or small lots at the following scale of charges : For the first 500 sheep, one penny each For the second 500 sheep, one half penny each , Forjttaeseoond 1,000 sheep, one farthing each For flocks of over 2.000 special arrange ments will be made. The material used nil! be charged for in addition to the above. GEORGE JAMESON, 3 807 Secretary Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, Tancbed Street. Sagan—English Cut Loaf K d per lb Beat White Crystal, Sid per lb Best Snowdrop, dd per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2a, 2s 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, 8d Ifind Biseufts, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d j Currants, 0 '■ Raisins, 7d New Figs. Is r-er hex Beat Sago, 3d Stir Mcscatelf, 1» 6d Oysters, 6d ■ ■ Uairu b mui maiede, 8d Peacock’s Jama, 6£d Herrings, 7d KeilJer’a Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per jji Eng!-ah Piikles, 8d 'Other aVtlv!■*- <.~ cheap. James a”ui o n, Tancrcd trvet 12 2348 '



WfAUTKD Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V\ That Hates and 00. 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 bo cleared at once. 7 T 978 WANTED Known—Umbrellas at is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£d, Towels 3£d, 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles 1s 4d. a k dbew Obb’s Cheap Sale. 2 185 WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical 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 Special Advertisements.



PATTiSRN DEPOT. Mrs Hodgf* DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East >''Thbet, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dreesesand Underclothing made at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 SELLING OFF B’ANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATION RY, Ac. pSf Must be sold—even if at a loss To fait everybody at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, Ac., Ashburton. JDimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING MA OHINES, and are prepared to receive PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply of Machine extras on hand. CORNER* EAST AND TANORED STREETS, ASHBURTON, j 11 2181 R, Bevan BOOKSELLER JR. Bevan R. Bevan and R. Bevan R. Bevan STATIONER, k, Bevan R. Bev.*n ■ - R. Bevan



R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan K, Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bavan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Sevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan Out ery, Jewellery, Cor.cor tinas, and Fancy Goods Dealer. BEVAN Young Ladies’ Journals (Feb. No ) for Is 3d. Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates. SAUNDERS’ BUILDING Nexi Quilt’s Hotel. R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R, Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan R. Bevan Ft. Bevan Read, make, leak in and IWWARDLi DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, find lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the ipost delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, a ! 'd just received, i be ieve it was Lord Woleeley who paid (he happens to be the most popular man of the day, and one min t sque-.-ze a little popularity into advertisements), “ \ man who aspires great heights shou d read incessantly, and never forget his news papers;’ and I say the same! Read! Read ! Read ! When both you au<i my self will be cjnsiderably benefited, Wot having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish, by saying—Come and see for yourselves, and if you are disappoin'ed come again.?— like Perseverance !



Thomas F- Farley's, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, Saunders' Buiudinos, East Sr., Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. rpHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes-rs WILDING, LEWIS & CA STGILL have been appointed AGENTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. All risk?, taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. TO FARMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost aud Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal — Wo are now landing, ex u.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Bates.



Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in StooK, and Building supplied throughout. Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FIRMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), TIMBER, COAL & WOOD merch ANTS, East street, Ashburton. 25 Branches Now Open 25 THE NEW~ ZEALAND Clothing Factory Are now Showing NEWEST STYLES in SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, Manufactured j from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while the large production anjfl 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. Sh’-tts, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at WHOLESALE PRICES. ' Note the address— NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, EAST STREET, Ashburton 25 Branches Now Open 25



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



|IEBRD ARY LIST. 47 Men’s Tweed Kao Suite, 27a 6d, now 17a 6d. 37 Boys’ and Youths’ Trouser Suite, 20s, now 12s 6d. 34 Pairs Men’s Trousers and Vests, a Bargain, 10s lid. Small Boys’ Tunic Suits, cheap, 6a lid. 50 Dozen Men’s Socks, 6Jd. 75 Dozen Men’s Merino Socks, B|d. Men’s Hard Felt Hats, New Goods, 6s 6d, now la lid, 200 Dozen Turkey Bed Handkerchiefs, 3|d.



H. E. May & Co., THE HALL-



Victoria House. SEASON SALE COMMENCING ON JANUARY IGxh, & CONTINUING FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES*! GLARING REDUCTIONS !! Convincing proof and Special Prices See Windows"*^ Dimant and |Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co>, Coro £Eaat and Tanored site ASHBURTON,



Special Advertisements,



WAR WITH RUSSIA—At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one exc pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will lead to a general European war, or whe! her they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past ; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a storm. In either crsy, we ought to be prepared for the worsi. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce will rise. Among other commodities wool and labor will go up. Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a stock of clothing, before the general ad vance begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, which we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding style and fit, it is almost needless for ns to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of cutting, and the care exer cised by us in fitting the figure, a mis-fit is an impossibility.— Craighead and Co., Merchant Tailors, Tanered street.



Wells’ “Rough on Corns.” | Ask for Wells’ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunons, The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. I August Flower.—The most miserable beings in the world are those suffering from dyspepsia and liver complaint. More than 75 per cent of the people are afflicted with these two diseases and their effects; such as sour stomach, sick headache, habitual costiveness, palpitation of the heart, heartburn, waterbrash, and burning pains at the pit of the gnawi.£ toneme and dis stomach, yellow skin, cua..« agreeable taste in the mouth, coming up 01 food after eating, low spirits, etc. Go to your druggist and get a bottle of august flower. This valuable medicine has cured thousands and thousands of sufferers, and is known in all civilised countries. Two doses will relieve you. It costs only 3s 6d a bottle. Sample bottles, 6d,—[Advt,



Hop Bitters gives good digestion, active liver, good circulation and buoyant spirits. Get the only genuine American’s Go’s. Keadi Skinny Men.—“ Wells’ Health Renewer restores health and vigor, cutss dyspepsia, im potence, debility. The N.Z, Dnjg Co* General Agents.' ,