COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Tuesday afternoon,

Messrs Matson, Cox and Co. report upon the live stock market for the Ashburton district, for the week ending April 2 l th, as follows: On Tuesday we held our usual weekly sale of sheep, cattle, and pigs at the Ashburton Yards. Our catalogue for the day’s transaction was a very large one, comprising over 3.°°° ® llee P’ f ifihead of cattle, and 19 pig*- The whole of the lines were sold at satisfactory puces. Our entries were from Bucheidtch, Primmer, John Gardner. McLean Bros, C. Miller, A. Jackson, W. H. Rule, R. Hampton, W. Bennett, A. Protheroe, George Cole, W. F. Allan, . Herring, W. Brown, N. Welsh, W. Orant, J. Gligg. Marriott. National Mortgage Co J. Ciossen, Annett Bros, S. Knox, W. J. hart, T. Wilson, C. Fawcett, Hepburn , and our principal sales were—7B crossbred wethers at I 2S. 21 merino wethers at «, 4° mermo ! wethers at 6s lod, 42 merino wethers at 6s 9 , 32 crossbred wethers at I is 6d, 38 ditto at I is, iq do at ns 6d, 196 merino ewes at 2s ?d,13» crossbred lambs at 6s 1 id, 174 crossbied lambs-at 6s 6d, 258 ditto at 8s gd, 120 cross bred twes at 10s 4d, 211 merino ewes at 2s 4d, 343 merino ewes at 2s 6d, 145 crossbred lambs at ?s Bd, 215 merino ewes at 3s 6d, 218 ditto at 4s, 159 ditto at 2s yd, 114 two-tooth at I2s 6d, 228 crossbred lambs at 6s Bd, 110 m rino wethers at is id, 16 ditto at is, 3 Lincoln rams at Li ?s 6d, 3 ditto at Li sf> 4 Border-Leicester rams at 2>£gs, 3 Lincoln rams at Lx 6s, 2 at Ll 6s, 2 bacon pigs at L2 7s 6d, 3 ditto at L2, 6 stubblers at Li 4s, 7 ditto at Li is, 1 sow L 3,2 Berkshire sows at L2 4s, I pure bred Berkshire boar Li iS j , 1 fat cow L 4 2s 6d, 3 fat heifers at 1 3 12s 6d, 1 store L2, 4 steers at L2 13s, 2 store steers at L2 2s 6d, 2 store steers at L2 2s 6d, I ditto at 14s fid, I springer L 8 2s fid. TTig following is the Christchurch Corn Ex change report for the week ending Friday, the Ist inst : The weather during the past week has been favorable for threshing operations, but the grain is not coming in m the best of condition, and little prime wheat is coming forward, buyers’ and sellers’ views on the value not agreeing, sellers considering they are en titled to an increased price on the expectation of war, while buyer hold that any advance in value would be purely of a speculative nature. Growers arc storing lar ely on their own ac count, especially prime sound lines. Many North Island orders have lately been trans ferred to the South to be executed on account of the superior condition of the grain over that of North Canterbury. Undoubtedly, the cables coming to hand have a hardening ten dency-among sellers, but buyers do not re spond, hence little business is being transacted. Large quantities of second quality are coming forward, but buyers are shy, and to force it would mean to accept chickfeed pri es. Oats —Prime, raiding, and bright short feed find ready sale, but inferior and discolored a e ne glected. Barley—Brewers and malsters have lair stocks, and are not eager to purchase. Feed is dull oh account of th ■ low price of oats and chickwheat. Beans and peas main tain only a fair enquiry except for Prussian blues (true to name), which are sought after. Rye grass seed season may be considered past until the spring ; at the same time, any good farmers’ lines meet with a demand. Cocks foot is wedk, several lines having changed hands at a slight decline on last week’s ques tion, Potatoes have a brisk demand, owing to late cables from Sydney, but doubts are enter tained as to whether the rise will be main tained, The following are the quotations for the week, viz:—Wheat ; Prime milling, 2s lod ; second quality, 2s to 2s fid ; chick feed, is gd to 2s, f.o.b. Oats: Prime milling, is lod ; bright short feed, is gd ; discolored and inferior, is 4d to is fid, f.o.b. Barley—Prime malting, 3s 6d to 3s 9I; second quality, 2s fid to 3s 3d; feed, is gd to as, Christchurch, Beans and Peas—Beans : 2s fid to 2s gd. Peas : Prussian blues, 3s fid; feed, 2s 3d to 2s fid f.o.b. Rye Grass : Clean farmers’ lots, 2s gd to 3s; machine dressed, 3s gd to 4s, f.o.b. Cocksfoot, 3%d to 3% f.0.b., Lyttel ton. Potatoes—Derwents, 32s fid to 355, country station-.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, May 2 Mr Tbos. Bullock, at the Arcade, Burnett itreet—Land, etc. Tuesday, May 5 Messrs Matson, Cox and 0 >., at the Tinwald Saleyarda—Stock Wednesday, May 6 Mr Thos. Bullock, at Alford Forest— Farm and Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Em Fkiday, May 1 ishburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a.m. Lonbgeach Boad Board at Road Board Office. Oddfellows’ Hall—Phrenological Lecture, at 8 p.m. Saxdxday, May 2. /Takanul Road Board, at Koad Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Tuesday, Mat 5 Ashburton Permanent Building anJ In vestment Society—Subscriptions due Wednesday, May 6 Orange Hall—Star of the East, 1.0.G.T., meeting at 8 o’clock Monday, May 11. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers—Star of Ashburton, U. A.0.D., at 8 o’clock

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian must be sent in not later than 3 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 the day previous to that on which are to be inserted. Special notices can be received up to 8.30 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 ood faith. All advertisements and business iett is »o bo addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor.-

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1885.

Fifteen tenders were received by the j County Council to-day for the constru-- J tion of the Ashburton Road Bridge; that j of Mr J. W. Thomas at L 8,164 6s was j accepted. This amount does not include the cost of approaches and of 'superinten- I dence, estimated at LSO'J and L 450 res- j pectively. A football match was played on the Domain ground yeatetday afternoon be- j tween the Borough and High School Clubs. The scores were :—High School. 11 points (4 disputed) ; Borough School, nil. The Borough team was weakened by the unavoidable absence of four players whose places were filled by substitutes The Fish Bros played well for the High School, and A. Jamieson, H. Priaton and R. Hepburn did good service for the Borough. The Rev T. J. Willis is expected to arrive in Ashburton co-roorrow, and will preach next Sunday morning and evening at the Willowby Wesleyan Church, The folio wing are the Ashburton Hos pital returns for the month of April : In Hospital Ist of month, 9 ; admitted, 9 ; discharged, 8 ; remaining in Hospital on 30th, 10. The Master cf the Ashburton Hospital desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of old linen and flowers from Mesdames Crisp and Lea, parcel of cloth* ing from Mr J. Orr, and a quantity of shelving from Messrs Tucker and Rostell.

Mr Daniel Brick offers a reward of L 59 for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons who wilfully set fire to his stacks of wheat, the loss of which was announced in our last issue. The annual meeting of parishioners of the Longbeach and Mount Somers paro chial district will be held in the Temper ance Hall, Tinwald, on Tuesday next at 2.30 p.m.

The County Council have issued 844 dog licenses for the current year. Mr C. Braddell has accepted the office of presiding officer at the Local Option Vote, to be taken In the Ashburton Couoty this month. It transpired at a meeting of the County Council held to-day that the northern ap proach to the Rangitata road bridge is in very bad order. The Engineer repre sented that the ropd at this point was absolutely dangerous. A discussion en sued as to the necessary repairs and as to whether the Council or the Ranyitata Road Board should pay the cost. Mr

Harper urged the Council to undertpke the work, and during the course of his remarks said “The Rangitata Road Board, to which I have the honor to be long, meets about twice a year. It met a few days ago; I was not present at the meeting, and probably It will not meet again for six mouths. " It was ultimately determined to refer the matter to the Chairman of the Council and the Chair man of the Rangitata Road Board to arrange.

“ H.M.S. Pinafore” was repeated at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening by the Choral and Orchestral Societies. There was a large audience, and the opera wont much better than on the previous even ing. Mrs Wolf as Josephine, excellent as she was at the first production, acted and sang with most buoyancy, and achieved a more complete and well de served success. In the trio with Sir J oseph Porter and Captain Corcoran, Mrs Wolf was partlcula ly successful, and the charming manner in which she sustained her part won for her a perfect ovation. None of the artistes who have pleased the Ashburton public have raised more enthu siasm than did Mrs Wolf last night, and we trust this accomplished lady may be come less of a stranger to Ashburton audiences. Buttercup has seldom been better represented than by Mrs Hodge, and although this lady was suffering from a slight cold, her rendering of the music was pleasing and her acting vigorous and faithful to the authors’ conception. Miss B. Moss as Cousin Hebe and the ladies of the chorus sung with more confidence and contributed very much to the success of the piece. The most marked improve ment, however, was in the representation of the male characters. Mr J. W. Jones commenced rather nervously, but soon overcame that little difficulty, and gave a really excellent interpretation of the part of Sir Joseph Porter, and his efforts were most heartily recognised by the audience. Mr Rose made a very popular Captain Corcoran, and he thoroughly deserved the repeated applause with which he was greeted Messrs Stepheuson and Thomas maintained their reputations as Ralph Raobstraw and the Boatswain respectively, and Mr A. Books added very much to his ; indeed, the latter gentleman’s Dick Dead eye was a most meritorious impersonation of a difficult and unthankful part. The song introduced by Mr Bavan was again redemanced. The rest of the male chorus displayed considerable progress, and the orchestra was markedly more successful. Mr Wolf conducted with hie usual ability, and is entitled to the thanks of both Societies and of the music-loving public for his indefatigable efforts in the produc tion of the opera. No one can appreciate so thorough'y as the parformars the tact, perseverance and patience displayed by the conductor throughout the rehearsals, but the result he has attained has been most pleasing to the public, and we trust his efforts will be widely and substantially recognised. A great deal of latitude is very properly extended to amateurs when they volunteer to provide public enter tainment, but as far as possible they should bo oblivious to amusing incidents occurring in the audience. We trust that during the winter months the Chflral and Orchestral Societies will appear in public a little more frequently.

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

Letters for James Chambers, J. G Ounliffa, W. Grice (2), and John Rae are lying unclaimed at the Ashburton Post Office, having been received from places bsyond the colony during the month of March, 1885.

The revision of the Bible having been completed in England, in all probability the complete work will reach the colony some time this month. The local book sellers, no doubt, will be able to supply orders.

The annual meeting of the Temperance Society connected with St Stephen’s Church will bo held this evening in the schoolroom at half past seven o’clock. J. McFarlane, of Ashburton, has ar ranged to run a match against O’Loughlin at Reefton for 200yda, L 25 a aide, on Saturday, 9ih inst. Messrs Friedlander Bros, have dis posed of their ironmongery, and glassware departments of their business to Mr H. Zander, who has been for a number of years so well 1 and favorably kuown as chief clerk in the employ of the firm, Mr Zander’s busi ness announcement appears incur present issue, and from his well known knowledge lof the particular branches he has pur -1 chased, his future success seems well I assured.

Thompson’s Diorama of the Soudan War and Nile Expedition was again ex hibited at the Town Hall last evening, to a moderately filled house. The views were received with the same interest, and prizss were again distributed amongst the audience. To night the Diorama will be exhibited at the Town Hall, Rakaia. The County Council have determined to apply for grants under the Roads and Bidges Construction Act for the forma tion, etc, of the Winslow-Rangitata road,

and of the River road, Wakanui. From this date daily mails will be des patched between Ashburton and Mount Somers.

The County Council have decided to undertake the maintenance of all water races in the County, and to levy a water rate for the cost of the work. We have to remind out readers that to night the Rev J. W. Dunn, of Glasgow, will deliver his lecture entitled, “Faces we meet, and how to read them,” at the Oddfellows’ Hall. Mr Dunn has been highly spoken of by the northern press as a lecturer and physiognomist, and as the lecture will be free to all there should be a large audience The ordinary andfannual meeting of the Wakanui Road B iard wi 1 take place to morrow.

The defence works at Lyttelton are ap proaching completio 1. The pract’ce gun at Officers Point was to be mounted to day. Tlie 64 pounder at the middle bluff will soon be mounted, and, weather

permitting, the 7-ton gun will be mounted at Battery Point in a few days. It is stated that the Government intend es stabliahing two more batteries, one on Ripa Island and the other on the south west side of C»mp Bay, both to be armed with 8-inch breech loading guns.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

ASHBURTON— To-day. (Before H. 0. S. Baddeley, Eaq., R.M. POLICE CASES. Dkunkenness — James Hume was charged with having been drunk, and was fined 5a and costs, with the alternative of 24 hours’ imprisonment.— Wm, Knigln was charged with having been drunk on the Wakanui road, and was fined 20s and (osts, with the alternative of 48 hours imprisonment.—James H. Sutton, for drunkenness, and being illegally on premises, was fined 60s and costs, with the alternative of 7 days’ imprisonment. Vagrancy. —Peter and Margaret John son were brought up, on remand, charged with having no visible lawful means of support.—Constable Neil said that in consequence of certain complaints made, he proceeded to Rangitata and found both the accused asleep in an empty stable The accused said they had previously slept in a straw stack on Mr E. G. Wright’s property. The female prisoner was partly drunk when arrested by witness. —Constable Bourko said that he had seen both accused in Temuka some two years ago, and they appeared to be leading an idle and peripatetic existence They were well-known to the police.—ln reply to the Bench, accused said they had always acted honestly and had earned money lately. His Worship said they had evidently been loading a vagrant’s life, and would be sent to gaol for one month with hard labor.

Tapper v Healy, claim LI 18s CJ.— Judgment by default for the amounl claimed and coats.

Bakerv Tweton, claim LI 12slOd No appearance of either plaintiff or dofen dant.

Oit and Alcorn v Shearer and Scarlet, claim L 59 11s lOd. —Mr Purnell for the plaintiff).—The first defendant had con fessed to judgment. —John Orr, one of the plaintiff), proved the liability of the defendant Scarlet, and judgment was given for the amount claimed and costs. Meech v Parkin, claim L 7 13s 4d.— Mr Crisp for the plaintiff—Judgment by default for the amount claimed and costs,

Tapper v Ryel, claim 13s—Judgmen for the amount claimed and costs.

Lake v Inder, claim L 3 15s.—Mr Bran son for the defendant.—This was a chim for wages,—ln reply to Mi Branson plaintiff stated that he filed his schedule some 18 months ago, and had not re ceived his discharge —His Woiship said an undischarged bankrupt could not sue, and therefore Jip ropat non-suit ?Lintiff, without costs.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, April 25. The fitting up of the P. and O. steuner Massilla is being rapidly proceeded vith. It is believed that th,e command will be given to a naval officer, and that a trow of 170 men will be placed oa board. The Lusitania -vill be pushed forward nsxt week.

The Cabinet is fully alive to defensive preparations, and no effort is being spared to place the batteries in an efficient state. Daily drills are hold of all arms. The small rainfall has reduced the supply ip Botany dams to a month’s re quirements, In thjs serious state of affairs efforts will bo made to hasten on the tem porary supply from the Nepean. Haitian takes with him a number of valuable presents, as well as the goodwill of all colonists.

Mr Gala’s lectures have not been largely attended.

The Zealandia difficulty was made worse by lfy.e engineers, except the chief engi neer, leaving the ship on the ground that the crow engagadVas incompetent. The captpin and agents were determined pp to the last moment not to give way if pos sible.

Puusbane, April 25. Mr M‘Donald Pa'teraon has accepted tha Postmaster-Generalship with a peat in the Council The Swedish barque Beatrice, which loft Newcastle for Valparaiso, put iii here, having encountered a terrific hum cane. Melbourne, April 25.

Mr Highest was elected for Manderang. Mr Gaunson, who has been hqw defeated in eight contents, lost hia deposit, Messrs Goldsbrough and Co show net profits for the year of L 31,000. The Governor has given great satisfac tion to working classes by attending the eight hours’ demonstration,

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held at the Council Chambers, to-day. Present —Messrs VV. C. Walker (in the c 'air), Joseph Megson, Donald McLean, Julian Jackson, 0. J. Harper and E. S. Coster-

ROUTINE. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed The Rangers’ diaries were laid on the table, and the business done by the Chairman since last meeting was approved of. chairman’s statement.

The Chairman said—ln consequence of the Chief Surveyor disapproving of the description of the boundaries of the pro posed new road district of Anama, the Council will have to pass a resolution at this meeting adopting the description of the boundaries of that district as required by the Chief Surveyor, I have written to the Government-requesting it to gazette the postponement of the Mount Somers Road Board election for a month, so as to avoid the necessity of holding two elec tions in such a short space of time. Mr Braddell has written to say that ho will act as Presiding Officer at the local option pol to be taken this month. Sergeant Felton has informed me that he will do his best to enforce the registration of dogs in this County, and that the constables have been instructed to prosecute all owners of un registered dogs. The number of dogs re gistered is 84*—Ranger No 1 (Mr Morri son) has registered out of this number 141 dogs, and Ranger No 2 (Mr Craighead), 186 ; the balance bping registered at this office. The Rangitata Road Board has replied to the Council’s question as to how much that body would be willing to con tribute towards the proposed Hinds flood water channel estimated by the Engineer at L 75. A letter from the Longbeach Road Board, referring to drainage of

Ford’s Greek will bo placed before the Council- The Wakanui Road Board has requested the Council to make immediate arrangements to have the River road re constructed where extraordinary damage has been none. I have informed that body that the Council is advised that n? responsibility as regards this road has been incurred by the Council, and though gazetted a main road the Council has never applied for a grant under the Act, and so exercised no control or acquired any responsibility. The Engineer will report on this road. The Selwyn County Council has furnished copies of resolutions passed by it with reference to the control of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge, and also asks for this Council’s views as to the intro duction of sparrow hawks into the the country with the object of abating the small birds nuisance. A petition has been received from certain ratepayers as to the division of the present Longbeach Road Board district, and the formation of a new Road Board to be called the Hinds Road Board. This petition will be placed before the Council at this meeting. The Committee appointod'to propose a petition to Parliament re local Government has nget, and will present its report. I have -igned an agreement furnished by the Government re the vote for L 7.000 for the Ashburton traffic bridge. This agree ment embodies what the Minister said in his letter to the Council on the 7th March last. A copy has been kept in the office and can be seen if required by any of the members. The auditor has audited the six months and yearly accounts which are placed on the table. The Council will have to hold its annual meeting after this one, as provided in the Counties Act, 1876 The Town Clerk states that the Ashburton Borough Council will take into cons deration the question of taking over the Ashburton pound at the meeting on May 11. The acceptance of a tender, at last meeting of Council, for the mainte nance of the water-races for the part o‘ the County between the Ashburton and Rangitata rivers renders it necessary that the Council should consider the whole question of a water rate, especially as the Council has accepted the principle of a water rare as a portion of the year’s ex tended revenue. The contract already let for maintenance to the south of the river Ashburton comprises miles of race, at an annual coat of Ll6B and in justice to the ratepayers north of the Ashburton either that sum should be raised by a special rate or the races north of the Ashburton should bo treated in a similar manner. Ca culated on the scale, the races in the rest of the County would cost about LSOO to maintain. I am of opinion, therefore, that the Council should as soon as possible, determine if the con tract let last meeting is to remain an ex ception to the general scheme, is to be treated accordingly; or whether the whole County should have its races maintained in the same manner. In either case the Council should lose no time in raising by water rate, under the provisions of the bye-laws, a sum sufficient to defray all the expenses connected with the system, and I trust that the Council will take it into consideration at this meeting, so as to free the general finance of what has al ready been recognised as a special charge. BALANCE SHEETS. The balance sheets for the six months and for tho twelve months ending March 31 last, duly audifel by the Provincial Auditor, wore laid >. n the table. engineer’s report. The Engineer’s report was read as fol lows : Main Roads: I have prepared plans, sec tions, etc, for a further extension of work on the Ashburton Gorge road, also a contract for the balance to be expended on road Alford Forest to Mount Hutt, and another section of the former could be let say two months hence, under the ißth clause of the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, the Council has to

provide funds funds equal to 25 per cent ol

cost of above.—Main Road, Winslow to Lower Rangitata: As requested, I have inspected this portion of the south road. The section between Winslow and Hinds, in length six miles or thereby, has apparently been formed at one time, but so irregularly and irrespective of drainage, that the work seems to have been of little benefit. Natural hollows, in-

stead of having been made up, had been made deeper by scooping, and so form so many re ceptacles for floodwater on the line of traffic. This portion would require to be re-formed and grated with suitable fords, put in at [intervals so that the water would not lodge on any portion gf the road —and for 2 '/ z miles to the south of Winslow the road should be shingled— For a short' distance south of Hinds railway station the road has been formed and gravelled, but for the remainder of the distance to the Rmgitata river (seven miles) nothing whatever has been done. Even the track which has been formed by vehicles (as sketched on map) I is a long way oft the authorised road line ; one result being that the fords at crossings of water races are not utilised, and races, etc., are damaged in consequence. As there is really ne road in that portion of the district, the fcrmatigu, at least, of the seven miles referred to ought to te done, and the traffic put on to the proper line. If the Council contemplate applying for a grant under the Roads ijnd Bridges Construction Act for this portion of the Main South road between Winslow and Rangitata, it will be necessary that the plans, sections, etc., be prepared and forwarded to Wellington as soon as possible. —River road, Wakanui : The breach in this road caused by the encroachment of the river, extends to 16 chains or thereby. I estimate the restoring of road across the branch on its present line, and to the original level' with a formation width gf 30 feet at about LBO, but with an inclination into the river-bed at either end, the cost might pjobably be reduced to about L 35. The pro tective work;; do not interfere with the line of road in any way, ijnd the small embankment from lower end of bulwark can easily be added on the line which may seem most desirable to prev nt backwater, and so ‘ave the road formation, if the Road Board should place it at the lower level. I under stood, a month Ot two ago, the Road Board tyas taking steps to restore the road but if the Council should row desire to assume control of that section of it, it woul 1 be necessary in the first place to obtain a grant under the Act for the amount required. Assuming the cost to be LBO, it is probable, judging from [proper;

tionate allocations granted hit erto, that not more than one-tenth part would be given, and this would practically render, the application useless.—Road, Blackford to Redcliffe : Ten ders will he placed before you to-day for the first section of this road. Another section could follow in a month or two, as the Council may decide. Some deviations will have to be made through Blackford property, but the owners will agree to th s, so long as equal ex changes of area are given. Black Mountain Track: I have again visited this bridle path, and would recommend that any balance al o cated for it, be expended for maintenance pur poses by the tenant as occasion may arise. I should not entertain any proposal to put In shoots or culverts there, because I am satisfied they would almost immediately become in ope rative.—Flood Channel, Cairnbrae : For the sake of connection it will be necessary to extend the channel about twelve chains beyond the present termination, and I have arranged for this being done. — Plains Water Supply : The repairs at sluices at Pudding Hill have been effected during the month, and improvements of Chapman’s Creek have also been made. The E races above Barrhill have been well cleared out, but seve ral sections lower down the plains have not been overhauled to the same extent. This was no doubt due to the fact of a partial supply from D main being kept up during the time appointed for the clearing of these races, and this lends me again to suggest the propriety of shutting the water entirely off each alternate race, say for four days, and commencing the annual clearing in about ten days hence. If occupiers do not commence the work within two days of the appointed time, it must be done by the Council at their expense. —Waka- nui Flat Wafer Supply ; Some minor improve ments have been effected in the mains in this disliict, and there is now a full supply for all the branches.—Ashburton-Rangitata Water Supply : The contractor for maintenance is now employed in clearing waterways, and mak ing good the more defective portions of races, etc, and will shortly be prepared to undertake a general overhaul. Meantime in many places there is no access provided for passing a vehicle with tools, scoop, etc, and occupiers must be called upon to remedy this. I have marked off the race proposed for the Ashburton Borough endowment near the Hinds on the line indicated on the map. The race applied for by Mr Edgar might be taken out of Q race near South road, as shown on map. The length would be fully two miles.—Wakanui Protective Works: The making up of the bulwark has now been com pleted as well as the erection of two groins in face of it as authorised by Council. The.third small groin which was proposed should, how ever, be added, after which, I consider the whole would be fairly secure. The question of willow planting, which the Council post poned till this meeting, will now come up for consideration.—Flood Drain, Tinwald ; The small bridge to the south of Tinwald is now blocked,, and it can be shifted to proposed new site as soon as the Council may direct. —Upper Rangitata Bridge : The decking planks and bearers of the old portion of the bridge are fast decaying, and some renewals have just been made, but all the old deck is now getting quite unsafe. The north approach and fencing are a'so inefficient. —Traffic Bridge, Ashbur ton ; Tenders for this bridge will be laid before you to-day. In connection with this question it will be for the Council to decide whether the three recesses (or passing places) originally proposed are to be adopted. For this bridge I should be inclined to recommend them. MAIN ROADS

It was resolved that the Engineer be Instructed to prepare plans, etc., for mak; ing application under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, for the main road between Winslow snd Ealing. The Clerk was directed to inform the Long beach Road Board of this resolution. RIVtfR ROAD, WA'sANUI. On the motion of Mr Megson, seconded by Mr MoL'ean, it was resolved—“ That the amount of LBO for repairing extraor dinary damage to the River road be ap plied for under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act.” The Clerk was directed to inform the Wakanui Road Board of this resolution. ROAD. BLACKFORD TO REDCLIFFB.

The Engineer’s report upon the Black ford- Redd iffa road was agreed to. PLAINS WATER STPPLY. On the motion cf Mr Coster, seconded by Mr Megson, it was resolved—“ That it is desirable that the water races throughout the Oonnty should be cleaned by contracts to be let by this Council, and that the water rata to be raised be the amount necessary for this purpose and for payment of rangers’ salaries and con tingencies. ASHBURTON-RANGITATA WATER SUPPLY. It was resolved that the Water Supply Committee confer with the Engineer as to the size and conditions of gates to be erected in fences crossing water races. WILLOW PLANTING.

It was resolved to postpone willow planting till next month. FLOOD DRAIN BRIDGE, TINWALD.

On the motion of Mr UcLean, seconded by Mr Harper, it was resolved—“ That the flood drain bridge, Tinwald, be moved to the original crossing near the Ashburton bridge." EAHGITATA ROAD BRIDGE.

It was resolved That the Engi neer prepare an estimate of what is ne cessary as to repairs, etc*, required by the Rangit&ta road bridge, and that the same be forwarded to the Geraldine County Council.” Mr Harper called attention to the bad condition of the nonhern approach to the bridge, and after discussion, it was le solved—“ That the matter of clearing the approach from boulders be left in the hands of the Chairman to refer to the Chairman of the Rangitata Road Board.” WATER RACES. On the motion of Mr Taylor, seconded by Mr Coster, it was resolved—“ That the water be shut off and the races be cleared out where necessary, as proposed by the Engineer.” LOC AL GOVERNMENT. The Committee appointed to prepare a petition to Paliament re local Government reported as follows :—That in considera-

tion of the fact that the Government are preparing locjl Government measures for early presentation to Parliament, the Committee bag to recommend the Council to submit their views in the first place to Government with the hope that their views may, to some extent at all events, be included in the Government proposals. The main point which the Committee be lieve the ratepayers are most anxious to see settled- is that there should be only one rating body. This would, in their opinion, be secured by the provisions of the Amendment Act, 1882, which, under certain conditions, enable a County C uncil of Road Board Chairmen to be constituted As the law at present stands such a Council h»s very limited, indeed no executive powers, and the Committee considers that it all executive powers save and except that of levying a rate other than special, were granted to a Council so eonstituted the amendm mt mainly desired would be obtained. The Committee therefore beg to recommend the to Council forvard to Government the above proposal, believing that it will meet the requirements ot this part of the colony,

Mr Jackson moved thas the report be adopted. Mr Megson seconded the motion

Mr Harper protested against t,he report on the grounds that a County Council composed of Chairmen of Road Boards without the power to rate would t, O a useless body, unable to carry on the of the County, and added that he though the day was fast approaching when some of the Road Boards would be glad to merge int) the County Council. TJie Boards at present were not able to main tain efficient' officers, and consequently their work was not properly performed. By the Boards uniting with the Council, all questions as to the responsibility of certain roads snd bridges would be set at rest and the work of the district per formed under the efficient management of

the Council’s officers. He therefore felt called upon to protest against any report which endangered the present position of the Council, a body which had done ao

much good work in the past and would, he had no donbt, continue to do equally good work In the future. The motion for the adoption of the re* port was put and carried. WATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE. The report of the Water Supply Cord* inittee was read and adopted. ASHBURTON ROAD BKICGB. Leave was given to Mr Megson tc post pone his motion—“ That the balance of money to complete the Ashburton road bridge be paid out of the County funds"— for a month. ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly accounts amounting to L 528 18a lOd were passed for payment. REMISSION 07 HATES. [ Mr{ Patterson waited upon the Council I and applied for a remission of rates in I consideration of the damage his property I had sustained by the erection of the I Wakanui protective works,—Mr Patter* I son's application was referred to the Pro* I teotive Works Committee to {report upon. I CORRESPONDENCE. I The following correspondence was read: I —(I) From the Chairman of the Pangitata I Road Board, calling the attention of the I Council to the small proportion of County I expenditure hitherto made iu the Rang!* I tata .district, and asking whether the I Council thought it fair that the Board ' I ah mid be called upon to pay any portion I of the L 75 required for the storm water I diversion. —On the motion of Mr Harper, seconded by Mr Taylor, it was resolved— “ That the Council provide one half the I cost of the storm water diversion, on the ; I understanding that the Road Board don , I tribute the other half; the work to be ! I dona under the supervision of the Conn* I oil.”—(2) From the Winslow Cemetery : I Board, applying for a grant of L2O to the s I funds of the Board.—lt was resolved— I I “ That the Council regret that the Geme s 1 tery Board funds are exhausted."—(3) i I From Mr A. J. Huston, requiring the r I Council to clear out the Toi Toi drain.— r I The Engineer reported that the water ' I supply at Waterloo was taken out of this ® I drain, and was given on the distinct 0 I undertanding that the portion of the drain e I referred to should be kept clear and main* L . I tained by the ratepayers benefited by the n I supply. The Engineer recommended that if d I this undertaking were not carried out the f- 1 supply should be cut off and led down the ie I gorse fence drain. It was resolved— n 1 “ That the ratepayers who agreed to keep t" I the channel clear be communicated with;" 5r I —(4) Prom Mr 0, W. Purnell, the Conn* • 16 I oil’s solicitor, enclosing a draft resolution I amending the description of the Auama er I road district. —The resolution was adopted id Ihy the Oonncil. (5) From the Mount re I Somers Road Board, stating that the ist I poundkeeper had not effected the re* ig I quired repairs to the Mount Somers sg pound, and requesting the Oonncil to ir- I compel f he defaulter to perform the work. >re I It was resolved to pay L 5 due the pound* 3n I keeper for salary, to the Board, either to f r I hand to the poundkseper or to execute the required repairs.—(6) From the 3 I Longbeach Road Board referring to I widening of Ford’s creek from Je Mr W. Anderson’s to the sea, I and stating that the ratepayers interested 1( j had assented to the Board’s proposal.— jn I The Engineer was instructed to see the le I Longbeach Road Board surveyor on the I matter.—(7) From the Wakanui Road ° I Board, requesting the Council to recon- I struct part of the River Road where ex- S( j traordmary damage has been done.—(B) at I Fiom the Selwyu County Council asking ir . I the Ashburton Council to co-operate in D . I the introduction of sparrow-hawks with a g 3 I view to the abatement of the small birds I nuisance. —lt was resolved that this I Council does not feel itself sufficiently well informed on the matter to cooper ate. —(9) From the Selwyn County Conn* l£. oil agreeing to the Ashburton Council’s proposals in respect to the control and maintenance of the Rakaia Gorge bridge. NEW ROAD DISTRICT. A petition was read from ratepayers of BS the Longbeach Road District praying the )( j Council to constitute a new Road district, j to be called The Hin is Road District.— The petition was referred to a Committee, l( j consisting of Messrs Coster, McLean and } Jackson, to report upon to next meeting. LICENSE, WHEATSHEAF HOTEL.

Oa the recommendation of the Licen sing Committee of the Ashburton district it was resolved to remit to Messrs Vin cent and Go Ll 4 8s 3d,fthe proportionate value of the license during the time the house was closed.

ASHBURTON ROAD BRIDOE. . Fifteen tenders were received for the construction of the Ashburton Road Bridge. That of Mr J. W. .Thomas at. L 8,164 6s was accepted. The Chairman explained that in addi tion to the amount of the accepted tender LSOO would be required for approaches r etc., and about L 450 for Engineer’s and Inspector’s salary. Mr Coster presented a petition from ratepayers in the Bakaia district, praying to be exempt from bearing any part of the cost of the bridge, and moved that the prayer of the petition be acceded to. Mr Jackson seconded the motion, which on' being put to the Council was lost. ASHBURTON RIFLES. The Chairman said he had been re quested to invite the members of the Council to become honorary members of the Ashburton Rifle Corps. TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted : —Alford Forest and Rakaia Gorge road ; Mr W. MoOlymont, LIOO 16s 8d ; Black ford road : Mr R- Harvey, L 129 15s ; Ashburton Gorge road: Messrs Forbes and Christie, L 122 9s Bd. CLERICAL ASStSTANOS.

Tbe Clerk was instructed to obtain clerical assistance for the preparation of rolls. ADJOURNMENT. The Council than adjourned till Jan&s.

THE ZEALANDIA DISPUTE.

Auckland, Last Night The Zealandia has 108 through passen gers, among whom is Lord Macdonald! Nothing is known as to the state of things respecting the Seamen’s Union dispute? The Union expected some of their repre sentatives as passengers on board, and chartered a steamer to take the officers to visit the Zealandia, but were not allowed to go alongside the ship, which remains in the stream, and allows no one on board without a written order from the agents' A large body of seamen were on the wharf, watohipg if seamen or firemen were being shipped, and the police were on the alert in case of disturbance. Auckland cargo was only booked on condition that shippers undertook to put it on board, as the Lumper’s Union refuse to handle cargo. (By Telegraph.) Auckland, To-day. A representative of the Sydney See* men’s Union was on Board the Zealandia as a passenger. The captain discovered that he was tampering with the grew, and placed him under arrest, and would not allow him to land here till immediately before the departure of the vessel, which took place at 6.30 a. m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1885.



HAVE FOR SALS CHEAP. WOOLPACKS, full weights FENCING W1BJ? Noa. 8 and 9, at less thanoi: LINSEED, colonial BARBED WIRE, from L 27 10a to LSP a ton TURNIP & RAPE SEEDS, all descrip. tions, guaranteed to grow OATS & CHAFF, large stock, low prices ENGLISH & OTHER CLOVERS MATSON, COX AND CO. JJR F. G. T H O M A S, SURGEON DENTIST, will visit Ashburton on y t jj May, and cosy be contused at Quill’s HoteU 4 652 Cadbury’s Cocoa, HE PUREST AND BEST. Should be Used by Everyone, ON SALE AT ORR AND ALCORNS, Ashburton Agents. To Arrive, a Grand Assortment of Cadbury’s Fancy Goods, comprising— FANCY CHOCOLATES, CHOCOLATE I C{lt3 Etc. I . ORR AND ALCORNS. 4 GOS



Wanted. TT7ANTED —To Let Gorae Cutting. . VV p. M. Fcster, Winslow. 4 656 WANTED —Board and Lodging, by a , single gentleman. Apply, Box 4, Post Office. 5 671 WANTED —A correspondent for the * Guardian, at Mount Somers. 1 Apply to the Manager. ] WANTED —Purchaser for a Piano, by ( Cramer ; very cheap ; in first-class order. Apply, S.F. 13., Hinds. 4 572 \KT ANTED Known—Before buying V t Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton H. 0. Sbgers, t ealys’Buildings, East Street. Gr HEAT Reductions for Cash at Joses and Fradshaw’s. —Good oaten sheaf chaff from 5Qs per ton, Is 6d per bag ; prime 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. TT7"ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew- VV ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the Now Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 Glorious news. Andrew Obr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at 6s 9d ; 60 pairs can vas slippers at 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at 6b 6d ; 100 pairs Kaiapoi trousers at 11s 6d—every article at half-price. _____ 2 237 TT7’ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 r V f That Hates and Co. are Clearing I a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to . wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s i Shooters, Pegged, 10s ; Men’s Elastic i sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 j UTANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is VV lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China t Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor t sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£d, Towels 3£d, : 36-inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles 1c 4d. - Andrew Orr’s Cheap Sale. 2 185 WANTED KNOWN —Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, L etc., Town Hall, Ashburton. Theatrical ] companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. , Orders by post or telegram promptly attended to. 760 f ■——■■■— i Special Advertisements. t MRS KENNEDY & MISS CAMERON, 1 ill DRESSMAKERS, Compton’s Buildings, Moore street, 1 Ashburton,



o N.B.—Registry Office for male r- vants. 4 537 i- )r 2S 3, rs d ie d L o >» l >> Money. SEVERAL sums of Money to Lend on freehold serurity, at current rates of interest. Principals only dealt with. 3 428 OH AS. W. PUHNELL. PATTERN DEPOT. Mrs Hodge, DRAPER AND DRESSMAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butchery. Ladies’ Dresses and Underclothing made at the shortest notice. ,t REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 1413 6 SELLING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONaRY, Ac. Must be sold—even if at a loss To Suit everybody at prices that cannot , be beaten. i Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., > Ashburton i Canterbury Mills. rpO FARMERS AND OTHERS. CORN SACKS, [ - size and weights* At lowest current rates, 3 292 O. W. TURNER. GKICULTURAL Machine Shop, WAKANCI ROAD. CHARLES RAY Repairs Engines, Combines, Chaff-cutters, Reapers and Binders, and all classes of macninory. Special attention given to- Bicycles, Tricycles and Sowing Macb.inea- Lawn Mowers repaired, sharpened and adjusted. Model work. General repairs. ■ 3 384 Read, mark, learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the above feat, visit my estab lishment, and lighten yoner inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting' the most delightfully ARTISTIC EAS.TER 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, and just received. I be’ieve it Lord Wolseley who said , (he happens be the mos t popular man ; of the day, one must squeeze a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspir ea great heights should read! incessantly, and never forget his news- ■ papery an d I aay the same I Read ! ! i 1 Read ! Whdn both you and my- j self -win be considerably benefited. Not; h /wing room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelves, I can only finish r by saying—Come and see for yourselves, | and if-you are disappointed come again.— Nothing like Perseverance! Thomas F. Farley’s, | BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER, 1 Saunders’ Buildings, East St., j Ashburton. {



Special Advertisements. rjiHE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE Fire Insurance Co. We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that Mes-ks WILDING, LbWIS & CAfGILL hare 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 TO FARMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first coat and Sava Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, ex s.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stock, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes). TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MERCH ANTS, East street, Ashburton.



(JIHB NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory CONTRACTORS o Uij New Zealand Government RaFe ways. Post Offices, Volunteer Corps, &c. &c. Ac. Are now prepared to enter into contracts for the supply of NAVAL AND MILITARY UNIFORMS in any quantities, the organisation of the Factory being specially adapted for turning out large supplies in the most inexpensive and expeditious manner, ARMY AND NAVY CONTRACTORS Estimates and drawings supplied on the shortest notice. Head Offices and Factory— DOWLING STREET, DUNEDIN. NOTE -Measures for all uniforms may bo entrusted to the Manager of the N. Z. Clothing Factory branches in the follow ing centres, viz:— Dunedin Invercargill Oamaru Waitnate Timaru Ashburton Nelson Hokitika Greymouth Reefton Wellington Masterton Christchurch Wanganui Lyttelton Hawera Palmerston N. New Plymouth Napier Waipawa Hastings Gisborne Thames Auckland OTICE TO FARMERS. WOOD, SINCLAIR & CO., Millers and Grain Merchants, High street, Christchurch, Are Cash Purchasers of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Beans, Peas, Potatoes, Rye and Cocksfoot Grass Seeds at highest current rates. To farmers desirous of holding their grain we are prepared to offer special facilities for storage. In addition to our large brick granary we have erected a large iron warehouse. This, with the stores lately occupied by Messrs A. Moore and Co. and now leased to us, enables us to offer to farmers extra facilities for the storage and classification of grain at nominal rates. Wo are prepared to make liberal cash advances on grain sent in for storage, or will ship same under advance on grower’s account or otherwise, as may bo arranged. 3 454.



UTUMN AND WINTER Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth yo inspection. They comprise the Newest and I Best of every kind of MILLINERY, DRAPERY, UNDER i CLOTHING FOR INFANTS, GIRLS & LADIES. MERCERY. MEN’S, BOYS’, & YOUTHS’ 'COLONIAL, VICTORIAN, AND ENGLISH CLOTHING, At the Lowest Possible Cash Price, If you will trouble to think for a minute, we feel sure you will be convinced that the way our business is conducted must insure you the best pro curable for money. WE IMPORT DIRECT From the Best Manufacturers WE SELL FOR CASH Avoiding all bad debts WE BUY CHIEFLY FOR CASH, Securing all Cash Discounts Our Business is managed by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense cost of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and an expensive staff; therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or make a special lead or draw of any particular article, we will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the best. Country Orders sent by post will receive special attention, and be sent free of carriage (by rail) to ANY PART OF CANTERBURY. H. E. May & Co., H.E. May & Co., THE HALL.



Victoria House. JS^EW SEASON’S ADVERTISEMENT & INTIMATION BE FINE ART GOODS, CREWEL SILKS, INGRAIN COTTONS, TRANFER PATTERNS, &c,, To appear in our Next. DIMANT & COE, General Drapers, QlotMers, &c.. East and Tancred Streets, Ashburton.



Special Advertisements. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT JAMES McGREGOR’S, I'ancred Street. Sugars —English Cut Loaf K< l per lb Beat White Crysta., S£d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, la 3d, la 6d, 2s, 2a 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12a 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each. Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, 61 Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs, la per bcx Best Sago, 3d New Muscatels, la 6d Oysters, 6d Cairn's Marmalade, 8d Peacock’s Jams, 6£d Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per lb English Pickles, 8d Other articles equally cheap. JAMES McGREGOR, ancred Street. 12 2342



Balmy sleep, good digestion, _ rich blood, elastic step and cheerfulness in American Co.’s Hop Bitters. Read and believe. Skinny Men.— “Wells’ Healthßenewer resides health and vigor, cures dyspepsia, im potei- C) debility. The N.Z. Drug Cq. Genera Agents; " ‘ ■ 1 . Anothw unfortunate.— Again we must draw the attentiq. 0 f our readers to the fact that a stock of Clqtlphg and General' Dra, 1 pery, in the e* a te q[ Dennis O'Connell, tra, ding in Lyttelton anc j Cristchurch, now bank, nipt, was pnrchasU by jf, E. May & Co., of the Hall, High strw for or only a little over one-third v j ts value. H. E. M. and Co. are now selling > Jjalf the marked price, which surely ought > 0 secnre a speedy clearance* *