COMMERCIAL

:,■ 2j* Ci h o*S i ea s*r S*3bta^£ r Sb£JP 0, 2 B . m°"ket « 03os? U^ts of f t,or ary 7th:— SS /jF *^d,lf 6,ar .ndance, far- S *?* *3 v u tt S' ,ed in harvest l^ ia * ZZi btr yarded for the light on than usual weie P??i«cfe j, ~ and only a few JJp and »- good stamp, the class “®r dcr ,d were entered, conse -9r •** ale was experienced. Out J 4 orward only eight were sold. s, Ll 7 lostoLiS 10s; ditto ,14 to Ll 6; light harness horses ,ie sale for this class was extremely .hose that were sold were of an in* • jcription, and only realised from L.2 to jundjries : Second-hand gig and harness, 10a} second-hand drays, Ll 3 and L4IOS, wording to condition. Before the usual horse «ale I Offered Mr Maddem’s property near the Woollen Factory’s Buildings, Alford Forest toad, Being lots 38 and 39, fenced and planted, each containing 1 rood 39 perches, together with cottage of three rooms, small stable, etc , thereon. Biddings for which were extremely languid, there appearing to be few persons de- I sirous of investing in this claes of property just oow, except at a sacrifice to the seller. The highest bid which could be obtained was Ll7B cash, at which figure it was sold.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction sales. ' Tvxbday, Fbbeuabt 10. Messrs Matson, Cox and Cx, at the TinweM Saleyards—Stock Mr Thoa. Bollock, at the Tinwald Sale yards—Lease of Land MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Exo. > This Evening Towh Hall—Walking Contest 1 Monday, lebbuaut 9 isnburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11a.m. . Thksdat, Febeuaby 10. Town Hall—Mr Walker’s address to tbe Electors, at 8 o’clock " Monday, Febboaby 16. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7. SO Tuesday, M abc a 3. Tinwald School Committee Monthly Meeting in the Schoolroom Fbidav, March 6. Lonbgeach Road Board at Road Board Office. Satoboay, March 7. /Yakanui Road Board, at Road Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalbit MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1885.

The New Zealand Siiippiug Company’s a s. Aorangi is announced co leave Lyttel ton fur London, via Wellington, on Wed nesday at noon. Amongst the passengers already booked by Air George Jameson, the local agent, are Mrs A. Craighead and Mr Jacob Eiz, of Ashburton. Mr Clarke, of Tinwald, has pur chased the well-known Ayrshire bull Sir Redmond, from Mr K. B. Fergu son, of (Biueattin. Mr Clarke owns the famous cow Maggie Warnock, and intends using his purchase on her progeny. Mr Ferguson has purchased Young Baron from Me&sr. Cargill and Anderson. Mr Thoa. Bullock, J.P., presided at the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, and fined a first offender for drunkenness 10s, with the alternative of twelve hours’ imprisonment. John Jor dan, charged with a similar offence was remanded until 16th instant, in the mean time to be sent to Addington for meaical treatment.

Mr Baxter, the County Engineer, has directed the attention of the County Council to the accumulation of straw in several of tbe water-races. The occupiers re p maible for the obstructions will be prosecuted if they are not at once re-

moved. What was advertised as a six hours “ Go-as-you-please ” contest, but really only occupied five hours and forty minutes in deciaon, was commenced at the Town Hall at twenty minutes past four c n Saturday afternoon. Three prizas of L 7, L 3 and LI Is, were offered, and the contest attracted three competitors, D. Livingstone, A. Fosse and J. Johns. The first named pedestrian has an Eng lish reputation as a long distance runner ; Fosse has usually taken a prominent pare in our local athletic gatherings, and Johns in the same sphere has shown him self possessed of indominable pluck and considerable endurance. The course—3o laps to the mile —was well defined anu suitably prepared, but the sharpness of the turns much inconvenienced the run ners. There was not a large attendance at any time during the evening The three men ran together for the first hour, and at 5.20 p.m. had covered 9 miles 1 lap. The following are the suc ceeding records:—6.2o p.m. (2 hours), Livingstone, 18 miles 15 laps ; Fosse, 18 miles 8 laps ; Johns, 15 miles 28 laps. 7.20 p.m. (3 hours), Fosse, 2G miles 29 laps; Livingstone, 20 miles 12 laps ; Johns, 20 miles 23 laps. 8.20 p.m, (4 hours), Livingtone, 32 miles ; Fosse, 31 miles 27 laps ; Johns, 26 miles 7 laps. 920 p.m. (5 hours), Livingstone, 39 miles; Fosse, 38miles ; Johns, 31 miles 10 laps. 10 p.m. (5 hours and 4 minutes), Livingstone, 43 miles 6 lapi Fosse, 42 miles 24 laps ; Johns, 36 mil e 6 laps. None of the competitors appeared much distressed at the finish, but Johns, who had not trained for the event, suf fered severely from blistered feet, and his courage in continuing the contest under very adverse circumstances was a matter of general comment. The “ suggestion ” book at the Public Library is being rapidly ti led with advice to the Committee. Several subscribers have evidently taken considerable pains to ascertain andlienote the tithe of works which would be generally acceptable to the reading public. The result of their exertions will, no doubt, be a valuable guide to the Committee in making their selection of new books. It will, of course, be impossible, and would be injudicious, for the Committee to give effect to all the suggestions made. Even the gentleman suggesting the acquisition of the whole oi Captain Marryat’s novels, will probably have to accept literature of a less sensa tional character, and the gentlemen who desire a billiard table, a box of cigars, a spitton, a cribbage board, a pack of cards, and a few easy chairs will, we apprehend, have, for the present, to prosecute their studies without these very agreeable accompaniments. A typographical error occurred in a local which appeared in Saturday’s issue in re ference to the dimensions of the new Presbyterian Church at Mayfield, Bangi tata. The size should be 20 x 33 feet, instead of 17 x 19 feet as stated. The estimated cost of the building is L3OO.

Mr E. G. Wright has been elected by t ie County Council representative for the Ashburt- n County in theLyttelton Harbor Board. Mr A. H. Shury and a party of anglers caught a number of very fine trout in the Ashburton river early this morning, three of which weighed near y 61bs each. Mr H. T. Winter has resigned his seat upon the Ashburton Domain Board. The County Council have recommended Mr Donald M'Lean to fill the vacancy.

A meeting of the Mount Somers School Committee was held in the schoolhouse on Wednesday evening last. Present—Messrs D. Macfarlane (Chairman), flood. Price, Brown, Harvey, Oarleton and Edson. The minutes of the previous meeting hav ing been read and confirmed, some discussion took place as to whether or not the schoolmaster should act as secretary as heretofore. It was ultimately re solved to appoint Mr D. McFarlane setre tary, he having kindly consented to act. Messrs Macfarlane and flood were ap pointed the visiting committee for the month. The master reported that the at tendance of some of the children were very irregular. The Committee expressed themselves as anxious that parents should send their children as regularly as possible in order to give the master an opportunity to obtain favorable results. After the transaction of a quantity of routine business and passing the accounts, the Committee adjourned until Wednesday, March 4th.

The upual monthly sitting of the Dis trict Court will be held at 10 a.m. to morrow. The following is the cause list : —Orders for costs—John Scnmegeour (Mr Russell), G. A. Vincent -(Mr Crisp). Orders for discharge—John Scrimegeour (Mr Russell), C. W. Ireland (Mr Bran son), G. A. Vincent (Mr Crisp), Thomas Trevurza (Mr Crisp). Public examina tions—J. A. Persson (Mr Branson), W, Broker (Mr Crisp).

Messrs George Jameson and John Orr have been appointed members of the Ashburton High School Board in place of Messrs C. P. Cox and 3. Saun ders, resignei.

Owing to pressure on our space we are compelled to hold over our notice of the reaper and binder exhibition, a large number of telegrams and other matter. | Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.—Coughs, Influenza.—The soothing properties of these medicaments render them well worthy of trial in all diseases of the respiratory organs. In common colds and influenza the pills, taken internally, and the ointment rubbed over the chest and throat, are exceedingly efficacious. When influenza is epidemic, this treatment is the easiest, safest, and surest. Holloway,s pills purify the blood, remove all obstacles to its free circulation through the lungs, relieve the over-gorged air tubes, and render respira tion free, without reducing the strength, irrita ting the nerves, or depressing the spirits ; such are the ready means of saving suffering when anyone is afflicted with colds, coughs, bron qlutjs, &nd other chest complaints, by which so many persons are ;>eriously and permanently afflicted in most countries.

Indigestion and Liver Complaints,—For these complaints Baxters Compound Quinine Pills have proved a specific, acting powerfully on the liver and mildly on the stomach, hold everywhere, or post free from J. Baxter, Qhenjistj Cluistchurch. for i; j ox stamps.

THE CROPS.

Winchmore, Dromore, and Lauriston.

That part of the Upper Ashburton Read Board lying north of he Ashburton river presents a great variety of soils, and consequently a great variety of crops Near the river the land is of very high char acter, and has long been famed for luxuri ant grass and abundant crops of cereals Further removed from the river the soil is lighter, but still, particularly with a humid season, it has yielded excellent re turns of grass, roots, and grain. Leaving Ashburton by the Winchmore road Mr Donald Williamson’s “ homestead ” farm is the first holding of any magnitude to attract attention. This year Mr William son has about 80 acres sown with wheat, and while bearing in mind the many onntiful crops we have seen harvested from this magnificent estate, we think this year will be it the record. It cannot go leas that 50 bushels to the acre. Forty acres of oa f s on the same estate will yield at least 70 bushels to the acre. Mr Harrison’s crops adjoining look re markably well, but owing to the absence of the proprietor we have been unable to obtain particulars of the acreage, which, however, is small. Mr Reatell’s small holding is chiefi) devoted to grazing dairy stock, but room has been found for a small paddock of oats, which will give quite a phenomenal yield—we should estimate fully 90 bushels to the acre Messrs Digby Bros have about 100 acres of wheat and a small patch of oats. Both cereals will reach 50 bushels to the acre. Mr Robert Miller appears Independent of the weather and every other element that affects the crops of other farmers — his are alwavs a success. This year he has about 100 acres each in wheat and oats, both of exceptional promise, and a crop of barley—a cereal the yield of which is always difficult to esti mate—is certainly the best in the dis trict. The Winchmore Estate—Mr Hart’s—owes its favorable reputation more to the energetic and judicious management of Mr Matthew Stitt than •o any particular merit of its own, but still it comprises much really first-class land, and the lighter portions have had the advantage of intelligent culture. This year the crops consist of about 1,100 acres of wheat, 300 of oats, and 1.000 of tur nips. The wheat will run 35 bushels to the acre, the oats 40, and the turnips are a good crop. Messrs Pocock Bros, have 1,300 acres in wheat, and 200 each in oats and barley, all g.iod crops. Messrs Capon Bros, have about 250 acres in wheat, which the owners expect to yield 30 bushels to the acre. Their oats, about 200 acres, are also a very fair crop, but a small plot of barley is not so promising. Mr James Lemon has a fair crop of oats. Mr Houston has about 450 acres in wheat which will yield fully 20 bushels to the acre, and the oats and barley on the same farm are average crops. Mr Daniel Brick has 200 acres in wheat, 200 in oats, and 100 in barley, which should yield about 30, 35, and 25 bushels per acre respec tively. Mr O’Grady has something over

200 acres in wheat and 30 acres in oats. The former crop will equal and the latter considerably exceed the average for the

district. There are 540 acres of wheat and 350 acres of oats growing on the farm recently occupied by Mr J. T. Brown. The wheat is a comparatively poor crop, but the oats are very good, and about 4,000 bushels of rye grass seed have been secured this year from the farm., Mr Wilkinson has good crops of both wheat and oats. Mr Nicholas Welsh has for a time turned his attention to sheep, and has found it, we understand, a more profitable venture than the production of grain, Messrs Angus and R. McDonald have nice crops and Mr Copeland has a fair one of wheat— about 400 acres—which should nearly

reach 30 bushels to the acre. Mr Collins has 200 acres of wheat looking very well, and Mr Mangham’a crops—nearly

500 acres of wheat and 100 acres of oats —are above the average. -Mr Sawle'a farm, rear Ashburton, is growing fair crops of wheat and oats. Mr Kemp’s 250 acres of wheat should run about 15 bushels to the acre, and double that acreage in oats will yield much better. Some of Mr R Campbell’s crop was self sown, merely ploughed in after last year’s disastrous hailstorm, and consequently the yield, although probably remunera tive, will not be large. Mr McDowall followed the same system of agriculture with part of his wheat, ut the 1,000

acres he has promise fully 15 bushels to the acre. Mr Ledgerwood has a very fair

crop of wheat and the same of oats. Our estimates for this‘division last year were—ll,2oo acres wheat, 17 bushels per acre, 190,100 bushels ; 1,000 acres oats, 29 bushe’s per acre, 46,400 bushels ; 210 ores barley, 27 bushels pet acre, 5,670 bushels. This year’s crops wa do not consider quite so good generally, but no portion of the district has suffered as last year from hail, and without further dis cussing the details we may give the fol lowing as our estimate, procured from the information we h ive collected : acres wheat, 20 bushels per acre, 180,000 bushels ; 4,000 acres oats, 30 bushels per acre, 120,000 bushels ; 600 acres barley, 17 bushels per acre, 10,200 bushels.

CHAMPION BOAT RACE.

Sydney, Feb. 7.

A sculling match for LSOO a side took place this afternoon over the champion course, Paramatta river, between Edward Hanlan and Thomas Clifford. Heavy ra>n fell before the race was commenced, and t! e water consequently was smooth. The race resulted in an easy victory for Hanlan by fully eight lengths. He led from the start to finish, and was never asked to pull. Clifford rowed gamely throughout,

but without affect. Time, 22min ssec,

ACCIDENTS.

Oamaru, Yesterday,

A narrow escape from a serious accident happened at the railway crossing on Satur day evening. As the ballast train from the South was coming up to the crossing, a buggy, with five persons in it, drove on to the line, and before the driver could do anything in order to clear the line, the engine struck the buggy, throwing the occupants out, but fortunately clear of the line, so that beyond a few cuts and bruises no injury was done. Had any of the occupants of the trap been thrown on to the line, the result of course would have been serious. The watchman had gone home previous to the train passing, so that there was no one to warn the driver of his danger.

Dunedin, Yesterday. Mr Wm. Bridgman, of Glen Tannery, and ex-Mayor of Caveraham, had a nar row escape from death on the railway line ou Saturday forenoon. He was making a short cut to the railway station along the line, when the II a.m. in train came up behind him. The engine driver whistled long and loud, but Mr Bridg man was absorbed in thougnt. The train was at his heels before he knew any thing about it. He made a spring, but was too late, and the cowcatcher knocked him off the line. Happily the speed was slow, and when the guard picked him up he had only got a slight scalp wound, in addition to a very severe fright. A boy named Samuel Cooper, son of William Cooper, carpenter, aged thirteen, was drowned while bathing in the-surf at St Glair on Satmd y afternoon. There were numbers bathing, but nobody saw him drown, and his clothes being found on *he beach led to the knowledge that ho was mining. He could not swim. 1 ; '

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The adjourned monthly meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held to day. Present—Messrs Walker (Cnair man), Coster, McLean, Jackson, Taylor, and Harper The inmates of the last meeting were read and confirmed, and a statement of the business done by the Chairman, the duties of the water rangers, and six copies of the Lyttelton Harbor Board’s annual statement of accounts were laid on the table. The business done by the Chair man since last meeting was approved of.

chairman’s statement. The Chairman said, —Owing to no quorum being present at the meeting to have been held last Friday, the Clerk called an adjourned meeting to-day. The Council will have to elect some person at this meeting to represent the Council under the Lyttelton Harbor Board Act, 1882. Six copies of that body’s accounts for the year 1834 have been received and are placed on the table for the information of the members of this Council. Messrs Dudley and Northey have forwarded a copy of Mr Webster’s report on the Waka nui protective works, who has visited and reported- at their request on the works, and Messrs Harper and Co have also written to the Council on the same sub ject. The Mount Somers Road Board has recommended what works should be undertaken in regard to the Main Hoad, Ashburton Gorge vote lately granted by the Government, and they also suggest chat the Council take the necessary steps

to change a main road in tceir district. The Geraldine County Council has again written to the Council on the matter of the erection of the proposed stock bridge adjacent to the railway bridge over the Rangitata, the consideration of which subject has been postponed by this Coun cil. Mr Rolleaton has also communicated with this Council on the necessity of the erection of such a bridge. The Long beach Road Board has brought under the Council’s notice the necessity there exists of better drainage of the Wheatstone dis trict. The late Council voted L 350 to wards this and other works for the im proving of the drainage of the district on condition the inhabitants interested con tributed the sura of LIOO towards the cost. That Road Board states that the road between Winslow and Hinds rail-

way station requires attention, it being especially bad in wet weather, and re quests the Council to have it formed and metalled in a similar manner to other main roads in the County. The amount of rates paid to the Council’s credit is L 4470 4s Bd. The Government Insur ance Commissioner has remitted the grant of LI,OOO for the Aahbur'on Forks Protective Works District. The Wakanul Protective Works Com mittee held a meeting during the month, and will report to this meeting of the Council. The Conference between the Borou >h and Courity Councils re the erection of traffic bridge across the Ash burton river has also met and will bring up a report to-day. engineer's report. This report was read as follows : Itakaia Plains Water Supply ; Some further additions have been made during last month to the weir at Pudding Hill, and I shalpcall ten ders in a few days for the pile driving con nected ■ ith the additional work required there.

The ironwork for securing the base of the floodgate will also be fixed at the same time. The additional work at Mount Harding, autho rised by the Council, has been finished, as has also the enlarging of D race near Methven, so far as this can be done by scooping. This latter operation, however, could not be continued without partially turning off the water, and so causing the supply at the lower end to be too intermittent. The balance of the work is

therefore being done by manual labor, thus oc cupying a little longer time than would other wise have been the case. As it is a consider able extra supp'y has been let on already, and the remaining work will be finished in three days Harvest work is now general, and a good deal of inattention is being exhibited by many of the occupiers in the way of allow ing small accumulations of straw and other minor obstructions to impede the flow in the races. It will be necessary to bring some

cases for prosecution if this state of things con tinues longer.—Barrhill and Kakaia Branch Race: I had prepared the specifications, £x., for this race with the view of calling tenders, but find the owners interested are either un willing to defray the cost, or wish the work postponed till the end of harvest. The Rakaia Road Board has decided to pay for two only of the seven crossings required in connection with the village and township supply to suit the two lines of races as laid out, so that altogether it seems quite futile to attempt to put that work in hand at present.—Flood Channel, Cairn-- brae : The contract for this work has been carried out since last meeting of Council, as has also the shifting of the test channel there, and the extension at upper end of C2 race on south side of railway.—Wakanui Protective Works.—The additions and repairs sanctioned by Council will be completed in a few days Ashburton Forks Protective Works : These are all in a fairly efficient state, but a small addi tional groin is necessary above the Winchmore road at Mr Doherty’s property.—Ashburton- Rangitata Water Supply : The upper dis tricts are well supplied, but during the last fortnight the tussock grass, more espe cially the under-growth, has accumulated largely over all the uncultivated portion of that large district, and it has beeen n cessary to put men over the unoccupied sections to have a clearance made. There was some trouble last autumn in that district from the same cause.

Road, Blackford to Redcliff: As requested, I

have written the Surveyor-General on this sub ject. A section of the work might be com menced as soon as funds come to hand. I

will go in a few days to Black Mountain to ar range as to what further work can be done there.—Proposed Traffic Bridge, Ashburton : I now beg to lay before you plan of this bridge (including foot bridge) as agreed toby the con ference of County and Borough Councils. I have also prepared specifications for the wor’ , which I now submit, so that you may consider the conditions thereof, and fix the amount of sureties which the contractors are required to find for the due fulfilment of the contract. I prepared plans for the approaches also, but, it may not be necessary to consider those in the meantime. I shall feel obliged by receiving in structions from the Council as to the steps to be taken for putting the work in hand. You are aware that the Hon Minister of Public Works has expressed assent to the proposed scheme, so that the way seems clear for . invit ing tenders for next meeting of Council. OBSTRUCTED WATER-RACES.

' It was resolved that the rangers be in structed to use the utmost vigilance in maintaining an efficient water supply, and that the ratepayers be requested on their part to neglect no reasonable means of assisting towards the same end, and the Engineer be instructed to report to the Chairman at once any cases requiring prosecution. BARRHILL AND RAKAIA BRANCH RACE. It was resolved to postpone this work until after next meeting of the Council. ASHBURTON FORKS PROTECT.VB WORKS. The consideratibn of the additional groin at Winchmore was postponed. ASHB URTON-RANGITATA WATER SUPPLY. The Enginser was directed to have ne glected water-races in the ftangitata dis trict cleared and to recover the cost of the work from occupiers.

WAKANUI PROTECTIVE WORKS. The Wakanui Protective Works Committee submitted the following report :—“ We have inspected the works and are satisfied that the bulwark, though fsettled down in places owing to the heavy scour caused by the fresh just occurred, seems able to cope with the river. There is no doubt that, but for its existence, much damage would have been caused to the lands liable to be flooded. The repairs mentioned in the Engineer’s last report necessary to make good those points where the bulwark had > been lowered through scour, to replace the twisted pipes, and to strengthen the places moat exposed by railway iron, amounting, according to estimate, to LSO,

were therefore sanctioned. The gror u adjacent to the bulwark appear to act quite as effectively as can be desired, and the willows have wade great growth. The

effect of the groins in collection of silt has been so marked that the Comm ttee would recommend that the .Engineer be in structed to construct at least three or four similar groins so projecting from the face of the big bulwark, so as to create points for the collection of silt where now the scour is greatest. Though satisfied ihat the bulwark is sufficiently strong to resist the weight of flood water, still the Committee considers it advisable that the groins should be add -d, as without doubt they will further tend to make it secure. They also recommend that willow plant ing next season should be continued at all /available points.” The report was adopted but the ques tion of present expenditure postponed.

local government. Mr Jackson moved the following reso lution of which he had given notice — “ That a committee be appointed consist ing of Messrs Walker, Megson, Coster, and the mover, to draw up a petition to Parliament, stating the wishes of the rate payers that there should be only one rating body; that the Chairman of the Road Borrds should constitute the Coun cil, and that such Council should exercise all executive power. as fully as at present under the Counties Act save and except the power to rate.” Mr Jackson said he thought a Council constituted as he pro posed would meet with the approval of a large.majority of the ratepayers. It was repotted that it was the intention of the Government to introduce a bill next session to amend the constitution of County Councils, and an expression of opinion from the be given weight in the proposed bill, Mr Coster seconded the resolution. Mr Harper said the resolution had taken him by am prise He deprecated hasty action upon such an important question, and suegested that it would be wiser to first see the bill affecting Councils proposed by the Government. The notice of the resolution should have been given in writing to the members of the Council.

Mr Jackaou obtained leave to postpone his resolution until next meeting of the Council. ACCOUNTS, Accounts amounting to L 536 13i lOd were passed for payment. LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD.

The Chairman propose—“ That Me E. G. Wright represent the Council on the Lyttelton Harbor Board.” Mr Walker, in making the proposal, highly eulogised the services rendered to the County by Wright, and the intelligence he had brought to bear upon the business of the Harbor Board. Mr Jackson seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. MESSRS DUDLEY AND NORTHEY's CLAIM. A letter was read from Messrs Dudley and Northey, asking the attention of the Council to the damage sustained by their property from water diverted thereto by the Wakanui protective works. The writers encloied a written opinion from Mr Webster, civil engineer, to the effect that the work had prejudicially affected their property.. A letter was also read from Messrs Harper and Co., solicitors, on the same subject, and intimating that their clients—Messrs Dudley and Nor theyr—were anxious to settle the matter in an amicable manner. The Engineer reported that the tem porary dam and other works in connection with the Wakanui protection had actually benefitted the complainants. It was resolved that the Engineer’s opinion be communicated to Messrs Dun ley and Northey and Messrs Harper and Co, - with the following remarks;—(a) Messrs Dudley and Northey must expect to lose land in time of Hood like all pur chasers of river bed property ; (b; Messrs Dudley and Northey were invited at the time the Wakanui settlers agreed to com bine for river protection to take a similar course but declined; (c) Mr Webster’s re port makes it evident that the dangerous point in the south bank which affects Messrs Dudley and Northey’s property is at the northern end of it i.g., above all works undertaken by the Council. OOSBf SPONDENCE.

The following correspondence was read: —(1) From Mr Joseph Ward, secretary to the Ashburton Domain Board, stating that Mr H. T. Winter had resigned his seat upon the Board. —lt was resolved to suggest Mr D. McLean to the Govern ment to fill the vacancy.—(2) From the Mount Somers Road Board, requesting the Council to take the necessary steps to have the road from R. S. 7854 to reserve IGO9 proclaimed a main road in lieu of the road from reserve 1605 to reserve 1609. It was resolved that the Mount Somers Road Board be informed that a portion of the road sought to be made a main road is already a main road, and the remaining portion up to reserve 2027, the point where it joins the Alford Forest main road, will be applied to be proclaimed a main road.—(3) From the Mount Somers Road Board, forwarding a recommenda tion for the expenditure in the district of a Jgrant of LBIO under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. —lt was re solved to expend the amount on the Ash burton Gorge road as recommended by the Board. — (4) From the Geraldine County Council, in reference to the addi tion of a foot and stock bridge to the Rangitata railway bridge.—(s) From Mr W. Rolleston on the same subject.—lt was resolved—“ That this Council regrets that it is unable to entertain the idea of

contributing towards the proposed bridge. —(6) From Messrs Gould and Cameron, asking the attention of the Engineer to the storm water channel between Spring held and Methven, and to the water-race supplying Messrs Devery, Power, John stone, and others—Mr Baxter reported that the Council had hitherto refused to undertake the general maintenance of the hood channel, and recommended that the Council should alter the location of F race so as to suit the parties concerned.—lt was resolved to send a copy of the Engi neer’s report to Messrs Gould and Cameron.—(7) From Mr George Ged dings, protesting against fords being put across Ford’s road,—On the sugges tion of the Engineer it was resolved to give all possible relief to Mr Geddings by improving the race on Ford’s rpad near Mr Joseph Ward’s sections. —(8) From the Longbeach Road Board, drawing at tention to the necessity for the better drainage of the Wheatstone district.—The Clerk was directed to remind the Board that an expenditure of L 350 on the work had been authorised on condition of the ratepayers affected subscribing LIOO. —(9) From the same directing attention to the bad condition of the Main South road, be tween Winslow and the bridge.—Re ferred to the Clerk to explain to the Board that grants were made for first formation only.—(10) From Mr D. Jackson, offering to act as ferry man at Baling in return for having use of the bridge reserve. Offer accepted.—(ll), From Messrs Vincent and Co., applying for a refund of Ll 4 8s 3d, being the value of thirty weeks of the license of the Wheatsheaf Hotel during which the house had been closed.—Referred to the Licen sing Committee for their opinion.

TRAFFIC BRIDGE. The Committee appointed to confer with a Committee from the Borough Council in reference to the construction of the Ashburton traffic bridge submitted their report. The report stated that in addition to the Government vote a sum of L 2,000 or L 3,000 would be required to wards the coat of the bridge. The Com mittee suggested that one-half the amount required be charged to county funds, and one-half to the Road Boards adjacent, viz , Wakanui, Lougbeach and Upper /Ashburton, and the town district of Tin-

wald. But as the Road Boards interested were not in snob a financial position at pre sent as to be asked for a contribution, the estimated proportion due from each Board

should be taken into consideration in any future county expenditure, and in that manner to be charged to them. The Com mittee believed that the amount required could be obtained as a loan, repayable as the Council wished up to ten years by in* stalmenta, so that no appreciable burden or increase of vote would be necessary in any one year.

On the motion of (he Chairman, se conded by Mr McLean, the report was adopted. It was resolved that the Engineer be instructed to forward plans to the Govern* meat Engineer, and invite tenders imme diately they have been approved by that officer.

It was resolved that the Bridge Com*

ittee report to the next meeting of the Council on the matter of providing the balance of money required for the oon* struction of the bridge. BAEAIA aOKGK KOAD. It was resolved that Llls, granted by the Government, be expended on the Rakaia Gorge road. SEPARATION. A petition was received from a number of ratepayers praying for separation from the Mount Somers Road Board district. It was referred to Messrs Taylor,'McLean, and Jackson to report upon. STOKM-WATKB, WINOHMOBB. A letter was read from the Upper Ash burton Road Board requesting protection to the storm-water channel at Wiuobmore. The request was not entertained. SLAU6UTGBINO LICENSES. Slaughtering licenses were granted to Messrs Brake and Bland, PLANTATIONS. . On the motion of Mr Coster, seconded by Mr Taylor, Messrs Harper, Walker and the mover were appointed a com mittee to consider the working of the Forest. Trees Planting Management Act, to report to next meeting. NOTICE OP MOTION. Mr Harper gave notice that at next meeting he would move—“ T at, in the opinion of this Councel, it is desirable to let the maintenance of the water-racea. within the County by tender from year to year. ” ADJOURNMENT. The Council then adjourned until Fri day, 27 th February.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Auckland, Yesterday. The City of Sydney arrived at tea this forenoon. She left San Francisco on the afternoon of January 18th and bad plea sant weather. The last forty-eight hours strong S.E. winds and rough sea.

AMERICAN SUMMARY. San Fbancmco, January I*. George Augustus Sala lectured in Boston on “ Sketches from all Countries,” on January 7th and 9th. He is engaged to iecture in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania,, and New Zealand, under the management of Frank Bowden. Wright Levoi, a lawyer, was hanged in San Francisco on January 16th for the murder of Nicholas Skerritt, a capitalist. He strangled his victim to death. Congress refused a pension of 30dols. a month to the widow of Commander Delong of the Jeannette fame. i-'culyer Colfax, Vice-President of the United States with Grant during his first term of Presidency, died suddenly at Manikato, Manniato. Captain Phelan, dynamiter, one of O’Donovan Rosas’s- gang, was stabbed in the latter’s office in New fork on January 9th by Richard Stuart. Phelan was severely bnt not fatally hurt. He be* lieves he was deliberately entrapped into the office to be murdered, because it was thought he blabbed too much to newspaper reporters in the country. Phelan was in Hull in 1883, and the police there were notified by those of Newcastle . of. his arrival. He was carefully watched. He there met Carey and other Irishmen of the same dynamite stripe as himself. The espionage, however, was so close that he had to leave without accomplishing any thing. He had the audacity to visit the chief constable of Hull and complain of the surveillance, and threatened to complain to Sir Vernon Harconrt unless it was re moved. Papers in his possession would show Phelan to have been an officer in the United States Volunteer force, and also a New York police officer. A New York despatch of 17th says,, although Phelan is improved he is not out of danger. His wife and daughter are at either side of his cot to minister to his wants. He. is very weak, and not permitted to talk for any length of time. Mrs Phelan says be will make a statement to the public as soon ss he is well which will strike terror to’ the hearts of Rossa and his constituents.' . Lord Garmoyle, defendant in the For fescue breach of promise case, arrived in San Francisco on January 6th, from China. He met with an accident on the trip, and was temporarily crippled. A few San Francisco papers had been ex ceedingly discourteous in alluding to Gar moylo.

An improbable story was set afloat by despatches on January 7th, to the effect that English detectives have obtained evidence that a powerful society of dyna miters exists within the boundaries of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and that the society is directly responsible for the recent explosions and assassinations ip Great Britain. While Irish-Americans scoff at the idea, a Greensburg correspon dent says it is certain there has been some thing in the wind in this county for some time past of an unusually exciting nature. Mrs Herman Adler, better known as Lenora Simonson, the prima donna, died in San Francisco, December 27th, of peri tonitis. Her father, M. Simonaen, ar rived in San Francisco the day before bis daughter’s death. He is quite wild with grief.

A schema was matured by certain Irish* Americans whereby 20,000 responsible persons in the United States will agrep to pay Sdols per annum each towards a fond for the payment for the Irish members of Parliament so long as constitutional me* thods, as conducted by Parnell, are main? tained. Moody, the reyivallpt, opened services in Richmond, Va., on January 0. Some hostility was felt towards him, because he was charged ' with the aspersions of the names of Lee and Jackson, Confederate generals. He published a card in denial, and declared he always looked upon the generals named as the highest types of Christians and soldiers. Lord Randolph Churchill will return to England from India via ’Frisco. The papers are full of General Grant’s affairs, owing to his trouble through bor* rowing 160,000d01s from Vanderbilt. Grace Harding Hammond, the daughter of Belle Boyd, known daring the Con federate ?aS a rebel spy, was married ip Texas to Bay Charteris, a young Eng lishman who claims to be the Earl of Linwood. ‘ British business men are complaining almut the Australian-Amerioan mall ser vice. During December seven steamers were slow, the steamers taking the mails to New York were beaten by other vessels sailing on the same day. Lengthy depositions are being taken in the libel case of Sarah Althea Hill venae the ’Frisco Alta, growing oat of a divorce case. Wm. Neilson appears to be the principal deponent. In reply to lawyer Sonderback, before Notary Knox on the 17th January, the witness gave an elabo rate narration of bis life, to the effect that no finding was ever found against him in a court of last resort, but there was a finding against him in a lower court, which was re versed by a higher court. The circum stances connected with bis prosecution in Victoria, Australia, for forgery, were re lated by the witness with much emotien*

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1885.



Amalgamation. ORR & CO. AND ROBERT ALCORN. The business carried on for some years by John Orr, and known as Orr and Co., Importers of Hardware, Drapery and Genera! Merchandise, and that carried on by Bober t Alcorn, os General Merchant, has been AMALGAMATED and will in future be carried on under the style of ORB & ALCORN, Ini the premises hitherto occupied by Orr and Co. The premises in Saunders’s Buildings, occupied by Robert Alcorn, will for the present be kept open and where goods will be Sold at the Lowest Prices for Cash, but the Offices of the new firm wili be at Oft and Go’s Buildings on and after Monday, the 16th instant. The Motto of the new firm will be small profits, small advertisements, large stocks and a large turnover. John Obb] [Robert Alcorn 088 AND AIiCOBN, Importers of Hardware, Drapery and General Merchandise. 2 199 ISS CARSO TEACHER OF MUSIC, 'Wishes to announce that she has Removed to the bouse formeriy occupied by Mr A. Ootids opposite the Parsonage. New term for Pupils begins 2nd February. A few vacancies. Terms on application. 1 138 Special Advertisements.



VALENTINES. VALENTINE t?—A Very Artistic * Assortment. Inspection Invited. CHEAP STATIONERY. Superfine notepaper ... 5s per ream Cream-laid envelopes ... 6s per 1000 Foolscap, exceptional value Is per quire B ©"OK S. Books by various authors, and some of the latest editions. Toys and Fancy Goods incredibly cheap, to clear out surplus stock. B. Bevan/ STATIONER, BOOKSELLER, Ac. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, . (Next Shop to Qoiira Hotel.) SBLtiING OFF FANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS, STATIONERY, Ac. Most be sold—even if at a loss Ya l eITt ineq ALBNriNED To Suit every body “at prices that cannot be beaten. Andrewes Bros., BookselliEbs, Statiomehs, Ac., i Ashburton.



Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER JAMES McGREGOR’S, Takobsd Street. Sogers—’English Out Loaf, 5d per lb Best White Crystal, 3|d per lb Best Snowdrop, 4d per lb (Reductions by the mat) Teas, Is 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12s 6d per box Canterbury Cakes, 10d each. Bice, 01 Mirsd Biscuits, 6d Lunch Biscuits, 3d : Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d K«w Figs, Is per box Best Sago, 3d 2)«v Muscatels, Is 6d Ovstera, 6d Cairn’s Marmalade, 8d Peacock's Jams, 6id Herrings, 7d KpHafr Marmalade, 9d Salmon, 8d Cheese, 6d per Hj English Pickles, B<l Other ii'itn ie< equally cheap. JAMKS McQREGOH, 'faulted Street. 12 2342



Wanted. WANTKD— Situation by a competent hand, to feed or drive a threshing machine. Apply to William Bradshaw, Tinwald. 2 200 VST ANTED—Board and Lodging for a \V Girl, age 10 years, during the present term at the High School. Apply, stating terms, to Mr Herring, Alford House. 2 207 TT7AN IED Known That persons wish * ' ing to purchase Cheap Groceries would do well to look at J. McGregor’s advertisment in another column. TTT ANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is V> lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at 6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2s 3d, Shirting at 4£d, Towels 3£d, 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Calicoes Is 4d. Andrew Obr’s Cheap Sale 2 185 GLORIOUS NEWS—Monster Clear ing Sale:—Ladies’ Kid Boots 6s 6d, Girls’, Infants Is, Men’s Elastic side, 8s 6d, Men’s Watertights 9s 6d, {Blucher Boots 6a 6d, Canvas Slippers 2s Gd. A. Orb’s Cheap Sale. 2 186 WANTED Known—That R, Lanoas ter starts the new year entirely on his own account with a very light handi cap, which will enable him to sell meat cheaper than ever. With quality, clean liness and civility combined —defies com petition. So rally round to the Ready- Money Moa i - Mart, Bulb ck’s Arcade 1 2 TAT ANTED Known—Fresh Flounders » » are daily despatched direct from oar 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



WANTED Known — Boots ! Boots I That Hayes and Co. are Clearing a few desperate lines of Boots, etc., to wit, Ladies’ Leather, 4s 6d; Men’s Shooters, Pegged, 10s; Men’s Elastic sides, 9s, and a lot of odd lines that must be cleared at once. 7 1278 WANTED Known Removed.— Jones and Bradshaw, Corn and Chaff Dealt ra, have removed to the lalrge premises in Havelock street near’y oppo site Mr A. Harrison’s auction rooms (lately occupied by Messrs Robinson and Townsend), where they will be better able to comply with the demands of their trade. Jones and Bradshaw. WANTED Known.—We are not to be beaten ! Good straw hats, 4£d, 6d, 9d ; black Cashmere, double width, 1s 3d; print costumes, 2s 9d ; white calico, 2s 6d per doz ; a lot of infants’ white and colored satin and merino hats and hoods, Is to 3s 6d— usual price, 4s 6d to' 12s 6d. H. C. Seders, tealya’ Buildings, East Street. 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 SOMETHING worth knowing.—F. F. CLAYTON, Practical Tailor, pro fessed Coat and Habit Maker, is next Jones and Bradshaw’s, East street. F. F. C. is too well known as a master of his profession to need further comment. One trial will prove it Gentlemen’s own ma terial made up ; repairs and alterations carefully attended to. 10 1952 WANTED Known—O. Hawkin’s, of Tinwald, having decided to com pete with either Christchurch or Ashbur ton, in price and quality of Boots, will, Ist January, 1885, Sell for Cash Only, at the following reduced rates Men’s Harvest Bluchers, tips and nailed, 6s 9d; Shooter Boots, 10s 3d; Women’s Strong Lace Boots, 8s 6d ; Leather Elastic, 9s 6d; Children’s all reduced from Is per pair. Motto—“ Small Pro fits and Quick Returns.” O. Haw in’s, Boot and Shoemaker. 12 2393 WANTED Known—J. Mbeoh & Co., are still Selling On and not Selling Off at saleroom prices. J. M. and Co’s Furniture is made for use as well as ornament and not for auction sales. The best materials are used, being specially (elected, and combined with good workmanship, all goods aro guaran teed of the beat quality, and at the very lowest prices. East and Burnett street, Ashburton. 12 23<2



Special Advertisements. Dimant and Coe, RE authorised LOCAL AGENTS for Singer’s SEWING M A 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 TANCRED O Kf\ BALES of OORNSAOKS to M%J\J arrive ex ship Atlantigue (now due), size 48 x 26£, 2£. Apply, at once, to HAYES & CO., STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181 Cornsacks, 11 Arcade, Ashburton.



nnO my readers and the reading public. I Just to hand.—New Books.—Black Poodle, by Anstey; Our Oi.d Nobility ; The Cuckoo Clock, by Mrs Molesworth ; We Two, by Edna Doyal; Poverty, by Platt; I Say No, by Wilkie Collins; John Bull’s Womankind, by author of John Bull and his Island; The Jilt, by Charles Reade; Good Stories of Man and other Animals, by Charles Reade; Vesteged, by Geo F. Gumming; Pages in Waiting, by Edmund Yates; Notes on Ingersoll, by Rev L. A. Lambert, Roman Catholic Jesuit; My Own Child, by Florence Marryatt; Life, Opinions, and Table Talk of Dr Johnson; American Society Novels; Inspiration; A Clerical Lympucium; Bos- ] well’s Life of Johnson ; Magna Charts Stories; Taming Down without Banting ; Money and Mechanism of Exchange, by |S. Jevons; John Holdsworth’s Chief Mate; My Watch Below, by W. C. Rus sel; The Wonder of Nature; Death Shot, by Reed; How to live upon Is per Week; Stories of Waterloo; Secrets of Success ; Uow to Read Character ; Christmas Number of Goodward’s Ohrystal Stories Longman's Magazine; The Book of the Beginnings, by R. H. Newton; Mistletoe Bough; 160 Illustrated London Graphics, latest copies, to be sold cheap »t Thomas F. Farley’s, PRINTER, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, PAUNDKBfi' BpIIiDINOS, ASHBUfiTON.



Special Advertisements- NOTICE TO CONSUMERS OF COAL. THE undersigned are now landing, ex s.s Hauroto, the Best Newcastle Coal Imported for the season A TRIAL SOLICITED They have also added to their stocks of Building Materials the following lines, viz, Y.D.L Timber and Palings Kauri Timber, Flooring and Lining Roofing Iron, Doors and Sashes Lime, Cement, Fencing Materials, &c., And every requisite for the trade. MACPHERSON, FILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), SAWMILLERS, TIMBER, COAL, AND FIREWOOD MERCHANTS. East street, Ashburton.



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



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



f>E DENNIS O’CONNELL, •*-* BANKRUPT, Of Manchester street, Christ church, and Lyttelton, CLOTHIER AND DRAPER. Marked price of Stock, £2,424 Actual Cost, £l,BlB Sold for £954. NOTICE OF BANKRUPTCY. In Bankruptcy. In the Estate of Dennis O’Con nell, of Christchurch and Lyttel ton, Draper. Tenders are invited for the pun chase, either separately or other wise, of the stock, fittings, and hook debts of the business in Manchester street, Christchurch, and also in Lyttelton. The stock consists of clothing and general drapery, and _is mostly new, the business having been carried on only since May last. It will be on view on and after Monday next, and the stock sheets can be inspected on the premises, Manchester street. Tenders will be received by the undersigned until 10 a.m. on Monday, Ist December. E. O. LATTER, Official Assignee. Christchurch, 21st Nov., 1884. ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER. Official Assignee’s Office. December, 1884. Messrs H. E. May and Co., Gentlemen, —I have the plea sure to inform you that your tenders for the purchase of stocks in Christchurch and Lyttelton have been accepted, viz— Christchurch ... £1602 18 0 Lyttelton ... £315 7 0 £lBlB 5 0 At 10/6d in the £, being £954 9s. Yours faithfully, E. O, LATTER. Official Assignee. Mr White will deliver the stocks. Notice of Lalb to the Public. This stock, which really repre sents a retail value of £2,424, was bought by us of the Official Assignee for £954, so that if we get one-half O’Connell’s price R will pay us handsomely, and that is all we want. We think you are convinced that out sales are thoroughly genuine, and always worth a visit, especially if saving money is an object SALE COMMENCES SATURDAY, January 10. Terms Cash—Nodiscounts or abatements of any kind. H. E. May & Co



Victoria House. Season sale commencing onjanuary igth, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLy. REMARKABLE REALITIES* GLARING REDUCTIONS!! _£SrFor Convincing proof and Special Prices Soa Windows'^ Dimant and Coe, BBADY-MONBY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, fc, Id premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,, Coco East and Taucred streets, ASHBURTON,