COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday afternoon,

The following is the Christchurch Corn Ex change report for the week ending Friday, 27th instant;—A moderate amount of business has taken place during the week in cereals, and transactions generally have been confined to trade lines for home consumption. Wheat is not at all eagerly sought after for shipment, even at the low prices now ruling. Most lines coming in show more or less the effect of the weather, and militate against active busin-ss. Oats continue much in the same sta e a- last week although first-class lines of bright mi 1- ing could be easily placed at top rates. Some litt’e stir is now made in bailey, and good lines are read ly taken up at below quotations, while local buyers, being sanguine of securing what they require, are not willing to advance on these rates. Grass seeds are still in good re quest, and prices are well maintained. Cocks foot is if anything firmer, and holders are not inclined to part, unless at a slight advance on cm-ren* prices. Dairy produce has been in no way affected since last writing. Quotations for the week are as under, vfz;—Wheat Sound milling, 2s 6d to 2s gd ; fowl wheat, is qd to 2s. Oals—Milling, is lod; bright short feed, is gd; discolored and long feed, is 6d to is Bd, f.o.b. Bailey—Prime malting, 3s 6d to 4s; fair to medium, 3s to 3s 3d; feeding, is gd to 2s, Christchurch. Grass Seeds— Clean farmers’ parcels of rye, 2s 6d to 3s ; machine dressed, 3s gd to 4s ; cooksfoot, bright heavy, 3 Sjjd; discolored, 2tl to f.o.b. Dairy Produce—Flitter, 6Ad to yd; cheese, 4,Ad per lb. ' _____

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. TUkjdat, March 31 Messrs Mateon, Cox and C i. , at the Ashburton Saleyards—Stock MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, Etc. Friday, March 27. lidburton County Council —At Council Chambers, 11 a. m. Somerset Lodge—Monthly Meeting, in the Masonic Hall, at 7-30 Hinds Schoolroom— Concert and Dance , Saturday, March 28. Ashbttrton Caledonian Society—Annual Meeting, at the “ Lyttleton Times office, at 7 30 Monday,. March 30. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7-30 Arcade Chambers —Star of Ashburton, U.A.0.D., at 8 o’clock 'Wednesday, Apeil 1 Orange Hall—Star of the East, I. O. G..T., meeting at 8 o’clock Friday. April 3 Oddfellows’ Hall—Biptist Church Anni versary Tea Meeting Town Uall—“ Messiah,” at 8 o’clock Saturday, April 4 A r aknnui Bead Board, at Koad Board office, Moore street, at 10.30 a.m. Friday, Ap il 10. Lonbgeacb Road Board at Road Board Office. Tuesday, Apbil 14. St Stephen’s Schoolroom —Tea and Concert Ashburton Sohqol Committee—Monthly Meeting, in Ihe Schoolroom, at 7.30 Wbdne-d.iy, April 16 Tihwald Annual Races Friday, Ap il 17 Masonic Hall—Concert, at 8 o’clock Wednesday, April 29 Ashburton Racing Club—Autumn Meet ing ■

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows :-r* For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, <fcc., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, *nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. Jfor Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.. For Timam and South, at 0 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. ForGreenatreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. _ For Mount Somers, on Tuesdays and aturdaya, at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. For Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at C a.m. For Abhtsn, Waterton and Longbeach, tt 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes days, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Howlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 10.30 a.m. MhOb arrive at the Ashburton Po-t From. Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 *.m.j 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 a,m. and 4.35 p.m. daily. x , From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5. S'"* mb. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m. »i. 30 p.m., and 8 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet and Ashburton Forks, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 in. For Mount' Somers and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. and 430 p.m., and on Wednesdays *t 5 p.m’. From Mayfield, on Tuesdays and Satur days, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, . Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From ’Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, and Kyle on-Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sat nr aye, at 4 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1885. Land Mortgage Debentures.

In compliance with a promise made some time ago, that if feasible a scheme would be devised for granting loans to farmers at a cheap rate by some method; which would utilise the guar antee ot the colony, the Colonial Trea surer has sketched in outline what lie considers would be possible and ad visable for the State to do in this direction. He draws attention to the factfthat an interested opposition is to be expected from the loan institutions, which have hitherto out of dear money been able to declare dividends ot an extraordinary magnitude dividends which no farmer or, in fact, any other individual can hope to make from his ordinary business. To disarm, as far as may be this opposition, the Colonial Treasurer suggests that *the Govern ment guarantee should be made avail able for loans each of a limited and small amount only, thus not directly interfering with the business done by the companies with the larger borrowers, although indirectly, no doubt, if money be by any means cheapened for the smaller it can hardly fail to fall for the larger borrowers. If the farmers and others interested in measures calculated to benefit the farming community desire to assist the Trea surer m his endeavor to give the much needed relief, they must apply them selves to the matter earnestly, for they will encounter much opposition, in and out of Parliament, from those interested in a continuance of the present state of things. In country constituencies there should be little hesitation, and the hands of the representatives of such districts would be enormously strengthened in their support to the Treasurer if by public meetings and petitions the wish of the electors wtire plainly set forth. It may be hoped that town constituencies will consider that, as their well-being is inseparable from the fortunes of the country, they will see fit also to assist. Possibly, a false issue may be raised—“ If the small farmer is to be helped by state guarantee, why not the small trader, who is also a victim of dear money ?” With this, and the relation the scheme bears to the State Bank proposals, we must deal on another occasion. Our present space precludes us from doiiig more than directing attention to the vital importance of the subject.

The nominations received by the Ash burton Facing Club for the Autumn Meeting are published in another part of this issue. In number, they must be very satisfactory to the Club, as they con-

siderably exceed those of last year. . The Handicap H urdle Race shows an increase of two, the Autumn Handicap five, the Flying Handicap' five, the Grand Stand Handicap five ; and although there is a slight falling off in the local races, they are fairly well filled, with the exception of the Novel Race, which has attracted only two nominations. Cur cablegrams this evening in refer ence to the Afghan frontier question are still of a very disquieting nature. Eng land is mobilising h-r Indian army, and a force of 25,000 men w 11 shortly occupy the Bolan Pass, under General Sir Fredk. Roberts. The ominous silence existing on the part of ■ Russia suggests that nothing less than an actual vi et arrnis argument will settle the matter. ' The Grand Lodge of New Zealand, jT.O.G.T., opens in Ashburton on April 7, the sessions being held in the Orange Hall, Burnett street. We are indebted to the Grand Worthy Secretary, Dune din, for the following list of Grand Lodge officers, district representatives and dis tinguished members of.the Grand Lodge, who have intimated their intention of being present at the Grand Lodge sittings: —-G, W.C.T., S Harding, Waipnkurau ; G.W. Or, K, Sando, Timaru; G W.Y.T.,' R. Neil, Blue Spur;G.W.S., D. C. Cameron, Dunedin ; G. W.T., W. Carr, Dunedin; P.G.W.C.T., .1. A. Efford, Addington; G.S.JT., B. 0.- Robbins, Hnwera. Representatives and visitors: Bros. J. M’lnch’an, Purakanui ; J. M'Neil, Alexandra south ; J. Stead, In vercargill ; J. Young, Christchurch ; W. Watson, Welwyn ; J. W. Sawle, Green-: dale ; R. Evans, Rangiora; G. H. Patrick, Geraldine ; T. Potts, Hokitika ; William Walter, Greymouth ; Israel Pickard, Nelson ; W. T. Sherwood, Blen heim ; A. J. Bennett, Wellington ; D. Eyre, Wanganui ; G. LiddeTs, Hastings, Hawke's 13 ty ; S. Capper, Waipnkurau; J, A. D. Adams, Dunedin ; J. W, Jago, Dunedin. Footballers are reminded of the scratch match to take place in the Domain Ground to-morrow at 4 p.m. sharp. All players are invited to take part. Hop Bitters gives good digestion, active_ liver, 'good circulation and buoyant spirits. Get the only genuine American’s Go’s. Reid. “ Rough on Rats.” —Clears out rats, mice, roaches, flies, Ants, bed-bugs, beetles, insect?, skunks, jack rabbits, gophers. Druggists, The N.Z. i ■ > " Go.. General (Agents, 2 Tic-Doloureux, Toothache, or any other neuralgic pain speediiy yields to Baxter’s Anti Neuralgic Pills. “German Syrur,”— 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 jree of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs, Pneumonia and other diseases of the throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The re- 1 suit has been that Druggists in every town and / i village in civilised countries are recc mmending I it to their customers. Go to your Druggist 1 and ask what they know about it. Sample '< Bottles fid. Regular size 3s. fid. Three ] doses will relieve any case.— [Advt.J <

The usual monthly m etin' of the Som rsot Lodge takes pl?c ) this evening,

at the Masonic El all. In additi >n to the ordinary business, the installation and investiture of the W.M and < fiicora of Ihe Lodge will be performed by the .D.G. M. The Rev James Gumming, Inspector to the North Canterbury Education Board, die 1 in .Dunedin yesterday. He had only been confined to- hia bed for three days at, hia hotel, but had not been in good health for a one time past.

A concert and dance will be held at the Hinds schoolroom, this evening. Mr Sid ney Wolf will act as m isical director. The Lyttelton Harbor Board have d;- cided that the import whasfage charge shall, in future, only be levied on general merchandise, and no charge made for re sh pment on goods that have paid inward wharfage. Tiny intend to represent to the Government that the Railway De partment’s charges for loading and tran shipping goods are still too hi,h and out of all proportion to the trade of the port.

The Rev E. A, Scott, incumbent of Ashburton, has loft at our effici a stito ment 1 f accounts in connection wMi the Sick an I Needy Fund of St Stephens’ Church, which shows a debit balance of L 8 2s 6d. The charitably da posed feel ing inclined to contribute their mite to wards liquidating this debt, which was contracted for supplying groceries, drap ory and csal.to the needy during last white", can do so at thiaotEcs, where a subscription list now lies. The bulk of our repent of the proceed ings of tho County Council compels us to hold uv.t auctioneers’ reports of the ram and ewe fair.

A man named John Rooney met with an accident at Rakaia yesterday whilst driving a horse and dray to the Acton Station. It appears that hia foot caught in some loose wire, which caused him to fall, and before he could rec >ver himself tho dray passed over him, breaking his leg just above the knee. Ho was ad mitted to the Hospital hero early this morning.

Mails for Europe and Amarici via San Francisco will close at the local Rost Office at 10 a rn. to-morrow. The usual supplementary mail will be m»da up for despatch by the evening express

A. meeting of the Orescent Footb 11 Club will bo held this evening in tho Domain Pavilion, for the purpose of arranging a aeries of matches for tho season. __ Holloway’s Pills. —The sudden changes frequent fogs, and pervading dampness sorely impede the vital functions and conduce to ill health. The remedy for these disasters lies in some purifying medicine, like these Pills, which is competent to grapple with the mis chief at its source, and stamp it out without fretting the nerves or weakening the system, Holloway’s Pills extract from the blood all noxious matters, regulate the action of every disordered organ, stimulate the liver and kidneys, and relax the hovels. In curing chest complaints these Pills are remarkable effective, especially when aided by friction of the Ointment on its walls. This double treat ment will ensure a certain, steady, and bene ficent progress, and sound health will soon be re-established. —Ad vt.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT

ASHBUR lON— To-day.

(Before H. O. S. Baddeley, Esq , R. M ) Drunkenness. —Lawrence Keeao was fi led 10s and costs, with the usu tl alter native.

Vagrancy. —Daniel Ryan was chargsd wit'i having no lawful visible mean# ot support. The evidence of Consta olvs Beddek, Feill and Smart having been taken, the accused was ordered to be im prisoned for throe months. CIVIL CASES. Beid and Gray v Thos. Holmes, claim ;L2G Gs lOd, judgment summons. —Mr ■Branson for plaintiffs.—An order was made for the payment of the claim by in stalments of L 3 per month, or in default three months’ imprisonment Barns v Marsh, claim L 25 ss.—Mr Wilding for plain'iff, Mr Branson for defendant.—This was a claim for wages at 20s per week as a journeyman baker. The defendant denied having engaged the plaintiff at any wages, as he considered him incapable of hard work or fit to dis charge the ordinary duties of a baker.— His Worship said that the wages were not high, an I ho consideied the plaintiff entitled to the amount claimed, and judgment would be given for the amount claimed with c istr. A. Orr v J. Stribbling, claim L 9 Ds Id. —Judgment by default for the amount claimed and coats. Larceny.— James Millar was charged with hiving stolen a meerschaum pipe, value the property of J. H Stone, at Methven. —Mr Branson appeared for the accused. —Constable Neills id he arrested the accused at Roxburgh. When the warrant was read to the accused, he slid “ that was the pipe he gave Gi for.” Ac cused said a man named Ford had seen him gi-'o the money to another named K. Croker, working with Mcorohead’a thieshing machine —G. W. Milner, land lord of the Central Hotel, said the ar oused h-d offered witness a pipe. Witnesi remarked that the pipe was a very like one and was beautifully colored. Ac cused said he would make a present of the pipe to witness if he would accept it. Witness replied that he would buy it, as it was a valuable one. Did not hoar anything mentioned by accused as to the length of jlirae he had had the pipe—(Ser geant Felton hero informed the Bench that the statement made by witness was con trary to that givon’by him to the police.) Janies H. Stone, a tobao onist residing at Mothven, said the pipe produced was his property. Ho lent the pipe to a man named O’Meara. O’Meara went across to Patton’s Hotel wioh the pipe, but shortly afterwards lost it.—F. O’Meara a cook, said he borrowed a pipe from the last witness, but could not remember where he went with it. Witness was under the impression that he laid the pipe down on the Üble of the hotel.—By Mr Bran son : Witness did not “ moat decidedly " sell the pipe to a man named Ford.— Robert Botirke said ho remembered O’Meara alias “ Old Frank ” coming to Patton’s Hotel with the pipe producid. Witness filled the pipe and passed it down to a man named M mson to hive a smoko. Witness was drinking, and so w re all the others present. Did not remember see ing Stone, nor did witness sea “ Old Frank ” sell the pipe. Saw Manson hand the pipe to accused, who smoked it.—By Mr Brans m : Did not know Thomis Ford. Saw the pipe given to the accused by Manson. For the defence Mr Branson called Thomas Ford, who said he was a cook working at a threshing machine. Wit ness saw accused go up to Croker and give him some money. Witness saw Oroker offering the pipe produced fir sale, and the accused gave him some money for it. This was on the morning following the day upon which witness and some others had bean driakmg. Croker was under the influence cf liquor and O’Meara was very drunk.—The Bench said it was very disgusting to deal with cases of this charade 1 ". It appeared from the evidence that the whole party were drunk together There was, howsver, no evidence against the accused, who would be discharged.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ord nary monthly meeting of the I‘hhutton County Council was hold at he Conned Chambers to-day. Present — tlessrs Walker (Chairman), Jackson, tlegson, McLean, Coster, Taylor and darper. ROUTINE. The minutes of the last ordinary and ipec'al meetings wore read and confirmed. l;ho business done by the Chairman since ast mcetinz was approved of, and the Water Rangers’ reports and diaries and a list of outstanding rate) were laid on the table. chairman’s statement. The Chairman stated: — After last sitting of the Council I found it necessary to go to Wellington along with the Engineer, in order to see the Minister of Public Works with reference to his objection to the Engineer’s plans for ihe Ashburton traffic bridge. The Mayor of Ashburton accom panied us, and with his assistance the Minister expressed himself finally satis fied with the proposed plans on certain conditions embodied in a let‘er which will be placed before the Council to-day. I have also discussed the proposd of Go vernment to retain control of thoßikaia Gorge bridge, charging cost on the Coun ties of Ashburton and Selwyn with the Chairman of the Selwyn County. We both agreed to recommend to our respec tive Councils to urge Government to hand over the control to one County or the other, and he expressed his willing ness that the control should be given fb tho Ashburton County, so long as they have an Engineer. We both agreed that in any case the approaches on both sides of the river should be placed in a thorough state of repair at once, and the balancejof the special fund should be banded over for the maintenance of the work. Since lost meeting I called tot tenders for lease of the additional citlle yard site and received two, of these I accepted the tender of the Saloyards Com pany, the terras being as follows: for the first five years free of rent on condition that three sides of the reserve are planted with forest trees by the Company, the second seven years at 8s per acre, anc

the third seven years at 10s per acre. The Treasury has paid to the Council’s credit LL2S 4s 41 as rates on Crown lands The Government has proclaimed the Tinwald Town Board District in the Ashburton Riding, and has re-gazetted the Upper Ashbur on Riding. This pro clamation came into force on the Ist inst. The special order re formation of the Anama Road Board will come before the Council this sitting. Mr Brake will kindly act as Returning Officer and Clerk to that Board, and also will allow the poll, if required, and the meetings of the • Board to be held at his house. The Chief Surveyor has objected to the [ descriptions of the new boundaries of ; the Mount Somers and Mount Hutt p Road Districts contained in the special order passed last meeting and has sup plied fresh descriptions, which will have to be embodied in the special order by a resolution passed' at this meeting. By letter from the Surveyor-General to be read to-day, the Council will see that it 1 will be satisfactory to the Government if the C luncil will expend the vote of L3OO in the road from Blackford to Redcliff so as to make the road as fairly passable as > the vote will admit of. Although the i financial year does not expire until the end of this m >nth, and as there will be no further payments made this month, I am in a position to put before the Council a few statements n expenditure during the past year, wh : ch will no doubt be of i interest. I find that the cost of the maintenarce of the watqr-raoes for the year is L 732 7s as follows—general ex* pemes, L 372 7s 51; rangers’ salaries, i L 359 19s 7d. Kates collected up to date

amount to L 4 454 17s 41, which has cost L 99 12 4 91 to collect, being per centl There is Hie sura of L 524 4s 7d still out standing from the total aura of rates, 1.5,250 13s lOd; partic liars will be placed

> on the table. The expenditure on the r Wakanui protective works has up to the is end t f this month amounted to L 1,551 18s Id, and the Ashburton Forks protec e five works to JLB97 Is 8d for this year, d but there was previously expended L3l 1- 10s 61, leaving a balance available of L7l - 7s 10J, i S KALEYARDS RESERVE. e In reply to Mr Megson, the Chairman , explained the conditions upon which the e Base of the additional saleyarda reserve was offered by auction. METRVEN POUND. t A letter was road from Mr 0. W. Pur nell, solicitor to the Coundil, advis : ng 3 that the Impounding Act, 1884, deprived , the Council inter alia of its right to main t tain public pounds within the jurisdiction, b of Road Boards. The writer therefore 1 stated that the license he had been a directed ' to prepare in respect to the 1 Mothven pound would be in-operative. engineers’ report. i The Engineer’s report was as fol lows : 9 Traffic Bridge, Ashburton: I will feel . obliged by receiving instructions as .to inviting . tenders for this bridge. As requested by the , Council, I have made provision in the con tract for the addit’on of two. or three recesses 26ft by 10ft on upper side of bridge, if they should be considered necessary. I have also 3 amended the clause as to the suretyship in ac cordance with relative minute of last Council 5 meeting. —Plains. Water Supply : Tenders will ■ be placed before you to-day for the pile driving ) at weir, Pudding Hill, the boulder work of ■ which is already partly completed, and the re , mainder will be put in hand as soon as the piles are driven. The sum voted for the works ( will include the formation of a nibble groin a , short distance above the dam, which will have ; the effect of directing the normal supply of the stream more towards the sluice at outlet, and so render unnecessary the minor deviations of chan -1 nel, which have lobe made from time to time. 1 As the water will have'to be turned off for a few days for* the purpose o( getting in the iron sill at waste weir, the occupiers supplied from that source will have an opportunity of clearing the races during that time, and most of them are sadly in want of if. I would, therefore, sug gest that the work referred to be done from 9th to 12th April inclusive. The wideding of creek at Drayton could be done, at the same time. You will observe from Chapman’s let ,fer that he agrees to defray half the cost of same. At present there is but little prospect of a supply for the proposed race near River road from Bafrhill to Rakaia, even if the owners interested contribute the necessary funds, but I anticipate that when the races are thoroughly overhauled there wifl be a small surplus available. Meantime, the owners in Rakaja township, and suburban allotments do not propose to pay for the road crossing con nected with that part of the scheme, and the Road Board will defray'the cost of the crossings only.—Wakanni Elat Water Supply: These races have been running satisfactorily during .the month, Mr Baxter applies for a branch through" his properF. This could be best ar ranged, by leading the present race straight across the road, as it le .ves Mr McGirr’s sec- ' lion, and thus obviate the most objectionable bend which the original races made by the 1 settlers followed at that point. The owners ! interested will pay lot race, and i road| crossing.—Ashburton-Rangitata Water ( Supply: TendersJjwill bo laid before you to- 1 day lor the maintenance for one year or three ( years alternatively for the distribuiing races, j fords, etc, for that section of the district situ ated to the west of the railway line. I have provided for tile addition to the contract of the J corresponding races below the riding in the * Longbeach district if the Council should think 1 this necessary. No part of the Wheatstone 1 water supply is included in the contract. — d Wakanui Protective Works : The contractor is t now encaged finishing the end of the bulwaik t and making up subsidence of fascine work, all J of which will be finished next week. If the v Council should authorise the putting of the p two groins in (acc of bulwark as recommended n by the Committee, I shall see that the work is q undertaken at once. For securing the river banks generally 1 should recommend that ten ders he called at next meeting for the supply 6 of 20,u00 willow slakes to be delivered about P the middle of May, I need hardly advert to tl

thegre.it advantage which will accrue to the districts affected by start’ng the willow plant ing as early as possible. Main roads : I have prepared specilicati ins for two contracts of these roads, but at your request have deferred calling tenders till next meeting, the latter to suit local contractors in t e upper districts who have yet scarcely finished harvest operations.—Blackford and Redcliff Roads : As recommended by the Surveyor-General, I shall divide the work so that the road may, if possible, be ren lered passabl over the entire ength, out of the Government grant of 1.300. I shall mark off one" section of the work next week and call tenders for next meeting—New Road District: —I have prepared a plan shew i g the boundaries of proposed Auaraa Road Distiict, and also the Allenton boundaries of Mount Somers Road District, cons quent on the proposed severance.

ASHBURTON ROAD BRIDGE. The following letter from the Minister of Public Works was read ; “Public Works Department, Wellington, March 7th, 1885. “Tho Chairman Ashburton County Council “ Sir, —With reference to the arrange ment cime to in this matter at the inter view the deputation from your Council had with me to-day ; I have now the honor to inform you that in assenting on their representations to the plan which the Engineer of the County has submitted of the bridge, and for the construction of which the sum of Li 7,000 by way of sub sidy is available, it must bo distinctly understood that the Oouncd must take the whole responsibility, not only of the proper construction and due maintenance of the bridge, but also of any claims for any damage or injury whatsoever which may occur during its construction or at any time thereafter. It is deemed neces sary that a clear understanding should be put on record on these points, inasmuch asft o Eugtneer-in-Chief does not approve of the design of tbejjridge, and of which opinion on his part ycur Council are well aware. I shall feel obliged by your Council intimating to me their concur rence in these terms, regarding their responsibility in the matter, by letter at an early date. “ I have, etc,, “Edward Richardson, tf Minister for Public Works.”

Mr Megaoa suggested that the Borough Council should bear a share of the respon sibility. The Chairman had no doubt that the Borough would join in the guarantee, as suggested by Mr Megson. On the motion of *he Chairman, se c >nded by Mr Harper, it was resolved that a letter should be addressed to the Minister for Public Works, agreeing to the conditions set out in his letter. The question of calling for tenders for the construction of the bridge was de ferred. PLAINS WATER S PPLY. The Engineer’s proposal to shut off water was approved of. A letter was read from Mr Edward Chapman, calling atten tion to the necessity of widening the race at Drayton, and it was resolved to under take the work required. BARR BIEL RACE. The consideration of the Engineer’s re port in reference to the proposed recs near River road, from Barrh'll to Bakaia, was postponed until next meeting of the Council. WAKANUI FLAT WATER SUPPLY. The suggestions made by the Engineer in respect to the Wakanui Flat water supply were approved of. ASfiBURTON-RA v GITATA WATER SUPPLY The action of the Engineer in respect to the shburtoa-Rangicata water supply was approved of. WAKANUI PROTECTIVE WOBKS. Consideration of the first paragraph of the Engineers’ report with regard- to the ■Wakanui Protective Works was deferred. It was resolved to postpone calling for tenders for willow stakes until next meet-, ing. MAIN ROADS The ! ction of the Engineer was ap proved of. BLACKFORD AND REDCLIPF ROADS. A letter was read from the Surveyor- General, stating that it would be satisfac tory to "the Government if the Council would expend the vote of L3OO so as to make the above roads as fairly passable •as possible.—lt was resolved to csll for tenders for the work for next meeting. AVATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE. The teport of the Water Supply Com nrttee was read and approved of. PLANTATIONS COMMITTEE.

Mr Coster submitted the following re port by the Plantations Committee, viz : The Committee appointed by the Council to consider the. Forest* Trees Planting Encouragement Acts, and recommend to the Government suggestions thereon met on 27th March, 1835, at 10 30 a.m,, and report as follows :—“ That inasmuch as the Plantation Acts were passed for the encouragement of the plantation of forest trees, this Committee recommsnd that to further this object this Council pass a re solution the Government to alter the regulations in such, way as to dispense with the double .inspec tion of plantations, so that the insppc ing officer may be able to grant a certificate after one inspection if he is thoroughly satisfied that the conditions of the Act have been complied with. On the motion of Mr Coster, seconded by Mr Megaon, the report was adopted. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to L 429 15s Id were passed for payment. CORRESPONDENCE.

The following correspondence was read: —(1) From the Selwyn County Council, to the effect that that body were of opin ion that the maintenance of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge should be entrusted to one of the adj icent County Councils, and not assigned to the Public Works Department. —lt was resolved— “That the Council agrees with the views of thd Selwyn County Council, that control of the Rakaia Gorge Bridge should be placed in the hands of one of the Councils respon sible for the cost of maintenance ; se condly, that before the proposed new ar rangement is gievn effect to, that the bridge and approaches be inspected and placed in a satisfactory state of repair ; thirdly, that the balance of special rote be handed over to the two Counties for the purpose of maintenance; fourthly, that ia the event of the Government agreeing to the above proposals, the Ash burton County Council is willing, if the Selwyn County Council wishes it, to un dertake the control of the bridge and ap proaches; the Government to be informed of this resolution.'’—(9) From Mr 0. W. Purnell, solicitor to the Council, stating that the Chief Surveyor had objected to the description of the new boundaries of the Mount Hutt and Mount Somers Road Districts contained in the special order passed at the last meeting of the Council and had supplied fresh descriptions, which he wished to be substituted. Mr Purnell added that he was unable to discover , any material difference between the descriptions given in the special order and those furnished by the Chief Surveyor, but as the Act made the Chief Surveyor the final arbiter he feared the Council had no option but to amend the special order.—A resolution amending the special order was adopted.—(3) From the Long beach Road Board, calling attention to the bad state of the main road between Winslow and Hinds.—The Engineer was directed to report to next meeting as to the condition of the road from Winslow to the Uangftata ferry, and a part of the Beach road near the Wakanui protective works.—(4) From the Public Works De partment, enclosing a copy of schedule of main roads under the “Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882.”—(5) From Mr 0. W, Parnell, solicitor to the Council, enclosing draft agreement for lease of part of reserve 1,261 from the Council to the Saleyards Company,tand stating that

the Saleyards Company had fpaid off part of the mortgage upon the County Sale yards lease, and had arranged with the

Building Society that the present mort gage should be discharged and two fresh mortgages taken for a smaller amount. The parlies required the Council’s consent tothe fresh mortgages.-—Resolved that the Council should give its consent to the fresh mortgages. —(6) From Mr George Willera stating that the A«hbarton«river was ea-* croaching upon his# section; Dio. 20327, near the Woollen Factory-buildings, and roqnesting the Council-to take aome-ipro- t tective measures. —.The- was I directed to examine the point-referred, to, and act if urgent. POUNDS It was resolved that the Road.Bo&rds within the county be .informed that Pounds in their districts are under their jurisdiction, according to the Im pounding Act, 1834 —The Ohainnanwas authorised to confer with the;llayor of Ashburton in reference to the 'Ashburton Pound. ANAMA AND MOUNT BOMERB ROAD BOABD, The special order in,-respect to these Road Board districts was Japproved-of. SLAUGHTER LICENSE. A license to slaughter small .and large cattle on R. S. 16124,-was granted to Ur J. felringfellow. • ■-, _ . DEFECTIVE GHOSTING, TISWAIiD,^ It was resolved—“ That the* 'bridge-' south < f -TinWald railway station;' : o?er the stormwater channel be ctoaed tetn* porarily at once, and -tbat_ the Govern ment be requested to replace tbsctomiag, failing that the bridge bore moved.” ;^At :i a later this resolution wasamendedl] WAKANUI PROTECTIVE - -* 1 i The Wakanui Protective Worka"C6in mittee reported as follows “ The Com mittee for the Wakanui Protective Worts report that in company with, the. Eng ineer they visited the works last Satur day, and are glad to. be able to give a satisfactory account "of the jriver;.., ..The. - works have been still further strengthened by deposits of silt, and they urge the con- • struction of two groins projecting from and connected with .the'"big "bulwark, which they hope will secure the -whole length of the work, and .probably-Tender unnecessary fuither expenditure -In that direction. They took particular npticeof the state of the river above the dam.constructed by■ the; contra are of opinion that now are' slit - and the barrier rendered;:free.to 'the action of the river, Mr Dudley ought to be satisfied!; what|work , waa -, done r there was necessary. for ■ bulwark, and the Committees does not c insider that any h.jiiry willba caused.to Mr Dudley.” . , : yyj r ; On the motion': of, the ■ Chairman, ; seconded by Mr Mdgsdb, the report was adopted. . , - ■/ _ It was resolved that the Engineer "be instructed to undertake the two" groins, the Government to be asked.-, refund the amount expended upon’rails,! ; ,' ..* ashSueton ,‘ .. t . Letters were read from 'th j. and Wakanui Road Boards, 'protesting against the rate prop osed fo bo levied ia . respect to the Ashburton road bridge.': . A desultory disc issmn endued, on the subject of the letters/ Ur Harper'pointed out that the question-might be dealt with later, but to avert the expiry of the vote it was necessary tVca’l for tenders-for the construction of the.bridge at once. - -He moved—“ That tenders be called for at one Mr Megson seconded the resolu tion. . - • , • ■' Messrs Coster .and Jackson as repre senting remote ridings, opposed the reso lution. They did not wish to prevent the construction of the,«bridge,' but 'obj jectod to their ridingabeing taxed 'for the - purpose. ~ ' ‘ '■' - 1 The Chairman, in a few trenchant-, re marks, expressed his regret and; astonish-- T ment at the narrow-minded opposition potf' forth by the and -Wakanui Road Boards. Mr Harper expressed his concurrence: with the remarks that had fallen from the Chairman. • ’ r The resolution was carried. V PLANTATION INSPECTION. A letter was read from Mr.J. Porter -in . reference to the'inspection of plantations, and it Was resolved—“.-That the planta tions planted by J. -Politer be inspected after they are filled up; Potter to plant in May if he choose. "’ EASTER HQLIDAV^. 1 ; It was decided to close the 'Council’s Offi res from Thursday, 2nd April, -4o -. Wednesday, 9th April. _ . - TUB ENGINEER. ‘

It was resolved tojretain the Engineer . at his preset salary until the completion . of t'-e Ro d bridge; half his'salary 'to be debited to the bridge account I LOCAL OPTION EJECTION. , : . It was resolved to appoiatMrXJ. Brad dell prodding officer to. superintend the : forthcoming local.option election ; should Mr Braddell be unable to apt, the Chair man to appoint a substitute. UNPAID BATES.’ 1 It was resolved to ihsfruct the Council's • solicitor to sue foi all-outstanding rates. dbpbctite bridge, ''Ta»tVAtp; ;i iU ‘ The resolution adopted in reference to the bridge at Tinwald was amended to' read as follows “ That the bridge aouth of the Tinwald railway station, over storm water channel, be closed temporarily- at once. . ■ - -• • - dog coi.i. tßsr ; It was resolved to again communicate with the Tinwald Town Board in respect to the issue of dog collars. - j » NEXT MBBXIPG- • > It was resolved that th j next meeting J> of the Council should be held cot Friday, Ist May. fi.ilii DOG RFOISTR »TloUf{ k‘ M It was resolved that all owners of dogs not registered by th« 15th April-be pro-- j secuted, and that the police be requested to give effect to the resolution. TENDERS. -i‘. ■ 7 ' The tender of Kprman and B-addley (L 63 10b) for driving piles at Podding. ■ Hill, and that of E. Fawcett (L* 4 per _ month for 12 months) for the maintenaitcb- r ' of water-racis, were accepted. The Council then adjourned. " < 5 •

THE CHILD BEATING CASE.

Dcnkdin, Last Night... i At the Police Court to-day the charges - against the Flemings were resumed. ~ ther evidence was taken: in the : charge against the fathet of assaaltingtha aon - by tying him to a bedpost and whipping him. r -i - Dr Fergoson’s evidence was that the whipping must have been a very smart one. The bruises remained from the 13ih to the 20th. . i ■ ‘ ' The Bench said they> had a doubt ■ whether they could deal summarilywith the case, and said they would give their decision to-morrow, j Carrie Fleming, the stepmother, was then charged with maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Isabella Fleming, five years old, on the Bth icstapt. . ; > The little girl, who called the step mother Miss Connon, was examined briefly, and said she was beaten with a whip by the accused. : The other children gave _ evidence, and it appeared that the littlegirl was whipped in the same way as the boy had been, All her clothes were taken off, and she was then laid face downwards on the bed, and beaten with the cartwhip; She was beaten for wetting the bed, and the boy stated that he had* tried to dry the sheet at the fire to save his sister getting the beating. i he doctor said the little child’s body was covered with bruises, old and new. There was no danger of permanent injury from them, but any beating which had been it* dieted on them mast have been

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 1885.



I\HE AS&BDRTON 'COUNTY STOCK AND SALEYARDri - COMPANY (Limited), Is prepared to Dip Sheep IN large rr email l(>ta at the following scale of charges : For the Brat SCO sheep, one penny each For the second SCO sheep, one half penny each. For't be second 1,000 sheep, one farthing each For flocks of over 2,000 special arrange ments will bo made. The ma‘erial used will bo charged for in addition lo the ahove. ■■ GEORGE JAMESON, 3 207 Secretary. Groceries CHEAPER THAN EVER AT james McGregor’s, lakcred Street. Sugars—English Cut Loaf R, l per lb Best White Crysts.., 3Ad per lb Best Snowdrop, 4i per lb (Reductions by the as 1 ) Teas, la 3d, Is 6d, 2s, 2s 6d, and 2a 9d Box Tea from 12s fid per box Canterbury Cakes, lOd each, Rice, Sd Mixed Biscuits, fid Lunch Biscuits, 3d Currants, 61 Raisins, 7d New Figs,,ls per brx Beat Sago, 3d New Muscatels, la-fid Ousters, GJ Calru’a Marmalade, 3d Peacock’s Jams, C|d Herrings, 7d Keillor’s Marmalade, 9<l Salmon, 8d Cheese, fid per Ifc. English Pickl. a, 8d Other articles equally cheap. - JAMES McGREGOR, Tancred Street. 12 2342



Wanted. WANTED Ouo or two Rooms', fur nished or unfurnished, clo'e to town. Apply office of this paper. 3 455) WANTED —A respectable Woman as Housekeeper for two bachelors. Apply office of this paper. 3 451 WANTED Known—A in East street. Enquire LOR. Baker. To Let, T.lTay -3 439



\\T ANTED Known—Before buying] Tj Dress Materials, Ulsters, Jackets, Dolmans, Millinery, etc , call and inspect our stock. The cheapest first-class Drapery and Millinery Establishment in Ashburton —H. C. j-EOEES, ealya’ Buildings, East Street. Gr BEAT Reductions for Cash at Jones and Hradshaw’s —Good oaten sheaf chsff from 50s per ton, Is Cd per bag ; prime oat straw chaff 35s per ton, 9d per bag; new oatmeal 4s per bag ; good ch.eese 5d per lb ; Hour, bran, sharps, and chickwheat at very cheap rates. TncyANTED Known—Wertheim Sew \\ ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton 2 276 GLOBIOUS NEWS. Andrew Orr will give away on Saturday 100 pairs men’s boots at Gi 9J ; GO pairs can vas slippers at. 2s 6d ; 30 pairs cricketing boots at Ca G 1 ; 100 pairsKaiapoi trousers at 11s Gd —every article at half-price. 2 237 TjIJANTED Known —Fresh Flounders » * are daily despatched direct from our own boat, now fishing at Lake Elles mere. Delivery guaranteed within eight hours from time of catching. All orders received at my shop will bo immediately executed on arrival of the train. W. O. Page, East street, Ashburton. 11 2151



TT7" ANTED Known—Boots ! Boots 1 V V 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 ANTED Known—Umbrellas at Is lid, six doz Buttons for Is, China Matting at6d, Ladies’ Hose at 6d, Cor sets at 2a 3d, Shirting at 4£l, Towels 36 inch Oilcloth 9d, Camisoles Is 4d. WANTED KNOWN— Robert Elston, Bill Poster, Theatrical Agent, etc., Town Ball, Ashburton. Theatrical companies and others visiting Ashburton should communicate with the above. Orders by post or telegram promptly Special Advertisements. mOWLE’S pennyroyal and steel pills for JL . females quickly correct all irregulari ties and relieve the distressing symptoms so prevalent with the sex. Boxes Is l£d and 2s 9d, of all chemists. Prepared only by B. T. Towle, chemist, Nottingham, Eng land. Wholesale of all the wholesale houses —Beware of imitations. 1 12 Amirew Orb’s Cheap Sale 2 185 attended to. 760



■QOMESTIO PATTERN DEPOT Mrs Hodge DRAPER AND DRESSRIAKER, East Street, near Lancaster’s butcherj Ladies’ Dressesand Underclothing mad at the shortest notice. REGISTRY OFFICE For Female Servants. 7 141 SELLING OFF B’ANCY GOODS, TOYS, BOOKS STATIONhRY, &c. Must he sold —even if at a loss -,aa To Suit everybody at prices that cannc be beaten. Andrewes Bros., Booksellers, Stationers, &c., Ashburton. Dimant and Coe, ARE authorised LOCAL AGENT for Singer’s SEWING M A CHINES, and are prepared to receiv PAYMENTS and afford all information in connection therewith. Treadle and Hand Machines on Time Payments. A supply if Machine estras on hand. CORNER EAST AND TANCiiBD STREETS, ASHBURTON. 11 2181



R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran B. Bev.n R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R Reran H. Reran B. Reran H. Reran R Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Raran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran ft. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran BOOKSELLER AMD STATIONER. Cut ery, Jewellery, Concertinas, and Fancy Goods Dealer. SEVAN Young Ladies’ Journals (Mar, No ) for Is 3d. Subscribers wanted. Country stores supplied at special rates, saundeks’ building Next Quili’aHotel. R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran R. Reran Read, mauk. learn and INWARDLY DIGEST, and to accomplish the aboro feat, risit my estab lishment, and lighten your inward gloom by appeasing your appetite for the beauti ful by inspecting the most delightfully ARTISTIC EASTER CARDS ! ever imported into Ashburton (direct from Home). You are then at liberty to in spect the contents of a large case of books personally selected, and just received. I be'iare it was Lord vVolseley who said (he happens to be the most popular man of the day, and one mint sques-za a little popularity into advertisements), “ A man who aspires to great heights should read incessantly, and never forget his news papers;’ and I say the same ! Read ! Real ! Read ! When both you and my self will be cmsiderably benefited. Not. having room to give a detailed list of the contents of my shelve l , 1 can only finish by saying—Come and see f6r j ourselves, and if you are disappointed coma again.— Nothing like Perseverance !



Thomas F. Farley’s, BOOKSELLER, AND STATIONER, Saundkrs' Buildings, Fast St., Ashbubton.



Special Advertisements.



T F HE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE > ire Insurance Co. f; We have much pleasure in informing the public of Ashburton that MeS'RS WILDING, LEWIS & CASTGILL have been appointed AGEISTS for the above Company in the Ashburton Dis trict. P t v '1 i r I t All risk* taken at lowest current rates. LEWIS & GOULD, 3 328 General Agents for Canterbury. TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. 1 TO FA.RMERS and Others about to Build—Buy your timber from the Producers at first cost and Save Money. To Housekeepers who wish to have the satisfaction of burning Good Coal— We are now landing, n e.s. Tekapo, PRIME NEWCASTLE COAL, which will bo sold at Lowest Rates. Every Requisite for the Building Trade kept in Stoct, and Building supplied throughout. *** Farmers would do well to call and obtain quotations. MACPHERSON, PILMER AND CO. (late A. Hayes), i TIMBER, COAL & WOOD MERCHANTS, East street, Ashburton. I " “ 25 Branches Now Open 25 i the new” Zealand! ; Clothing Factory i Are now Showing : NEWEST STYLES ‘ in [ SPRING & SUMMER CLOTHING, j Manufactured i from the renowned Wear Resisting MOSGIEL TWEEDS j The fit and workmanship of every gar ment is undoubtedly unsurpassed, while » the large production and increased busi- J ness enables the proprietors to offer 1 special advantages as to price. Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Clothing in every variety at Wholesale Prices. SL’.rla, Hats, Hosiery, Blankets, Rugs, Portmanteaux, and every requisite at o WHOLESALE PRICES. y Note the address - NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING e FACTORY, 2 EAST STREET, Ashburton ' 25 Branches Now Open 25 :o Davis's Surplus stock of furniture Now selling off at HALF PRICE. Must be sold to make room for NEW STOCK. Parties about to Furnish will - SAVE 50 Per Cent. BY PUCHASING AT W. DAVIS’S 3 FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, EAST STREET SOUTH, 0 Ashburton 9 1729



UTUMN AND WINTER. Are now showing their NEW SEASON’S GOODS, Which are well worth your inspection. They comprise the Newest and Best of every kind of MILLINERY, DRAPER?, UNDER CLOTBING 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 personally by the proprietor in the most economical way, thus saving the immense cost of an Extravagant Establishment with manager, sub-manager and an expensive stafi ; therefore we will not allow any house or company to undersell us. So if they should advertise or make a special lead pr draw of any particular article, wo will give you the same at their price or lower, guaranteeing, taking things all round, our Value will be found by far the beat. 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. Season sale commencing on January igxh, & continuing FOR FIVE WEEKS ONLY. REMARKABLE REALITIES ! GLARING REDUCTIONS ! ! Convincing proof and Special Pricis See Windows'&Sv Dimant and|Coe, READY-MONEY DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ac., In premises lately occupied by Orr and Co,, Corn [East and Taucred alro ASHBURTON,



Special A-dverbiseraonti. All WiTil RUSSIA.-At the pre sent juncture it would be difficult for any one esc pt a prophet of the highest rank to say whether or not the present negotiations between England and Russia will lead to a general European war, or whether they will end in smoke. The absence of full information as to what is transpiring between the two countries may indicate that the political breeze is blowing harmlessly past ; or, it may be the awful silence which generally precedes a stojm. In either case, we ought to be prepared for the worst. If a general war breaks out the price of nearly every article of commerce • will rise. Among other emmoditiea wool and labor will go up Now is the time, therefore, to lay in a stock of clothing, before the general ad y nee begins. In order that we may not be caught napping we have just purchased a Splendid Assortment of Winter Tweeds and other materials necessary to a well equipped tailoring establishment, wh eh we are prepared to offer at unusually low prices for cash. Regarding slyle and fit, it is almost needless for us to repeat what everybody knows, viz , that by our scien tific mode of catting, and the care exer cised by us in fitting the figure, a mis-fit is an impossibility.— Ciiaioiibad and Co., Merchant Jailors, Tancred street



A other unfortunate. —Again we must draw the attention of our readers to the fact that a .£2,424 stock of Clotning and General Dra pery, in the estate of Dennis O’Connell, tra ding in Lyttelton and Cristchurch, now bank rupt, was purchased by H. E. May & Co., of the Hall, High street, for £954, or only a little over one-third of its value. 11. E. M. and Co. are now selling it at half the marked price, which surely ought to seenre a speedy clearance,