DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Exo Tuesday, August 24 * ' Ashburton Hunt Club—Annual Steeple chases Wednesday, August, 25 Town Hall —Druids anniversary enter tainment at 8 o’clock Friday, August 27 Dramatic Society—Meeting in the Town all at 8 o’clock Tuesday, August 31. St Stephen’s Schoolroom —Concost at 8 o’clock

Friday, September 3 Ashburton County Council—At Council Chambers, 11 a.m. Monday, Sfptpmber 6 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7-30

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

‘ Trains Arrive at Ashburton— From Ohrist huroh and the North, at 10.15 a.m, (express), 4.35 p.ra., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a .tn. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 ti.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 Trains Leave Ashburton— For Christ church and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, •46 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th June, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz.:— if paid in advance : Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od by post, 37s Od if booked : Per Quarter.. 7a 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 16a Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od N. B. The above in so fab as regards sdb- OBIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE will Dot affect old ■-übsoribers, with whom prkvioubliY existing ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MAINTAINED. Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid lo the time of insertion, 2s _6d each (stam may be sent as payment); if booked, PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAY RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES, Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent foripublication from the country require to be verified by the signa of ths person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

MWlia close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: —

For Christchurch and North at 6 am 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. ForTemuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m daily. For Tlmarn and South, at 10 a. ta. , and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and turdays, at 10.45 a,m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, nd on Todays, Thursdays, and •tnrdaya, at 6.30 a.m« For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuua, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes lays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 .m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 s and ■35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places 5.3 01 *\ra. daily, »Vro«i Temnka and Tima.ru at 10.40 a. m p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 *>m. From Mayfield and Rnapuna, on Wed aesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a,m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri ys, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurb ays, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalbit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1886. Home Rule for Wales.

We learn from the mail news pub lished yesterday that circulars are being distributed in Wales demanding home rule, free education, abolition of land lordism, and disestablishment of the Church. It is impossible at this dis tance from the scene of the agitation, and with the very meagre information at our disposal, to say how far the matter of these circulars represents the feeling of the people, but we have before us a copy of a manifesto pre pared early last month by the Com mittee of the Welsh Land Association

for issue to the electors, which may throw some light upon the pres ml movement. The document sets forth that it is clear that if the farmers, laborers, and servants are to be saved from ruin, rents must be reduced at least 50 per cent. Landlords have, with a few noble exceptions, been ap pealed to in vain to come to the rescue of tenants, asserting that supply and demand must govern allfarming Lansac tions. “We claim” says the mani'esto, “ the abolition of those one-sided land laws, which are a disgrace to civilisalio 1 , and the enactment by Pailiameit of a statute which will grant equal justice to loyal Welsh farmers as already pos sessed by our Irishfibrethren.” As in Ireland, Welsh fr-fours have to deal with landlords or agents of other

nationalities, and out of sympathy with the people. “We have no hope of justice at the-hands of many landlords, and it is for you, by your votes, to say whether it shall be reform or ruin. Allow no question, however grave, to stand between you and the welfare of our country, by insisting on all candi dates for Parliament that they shall if returned vote for the Welsh Land Bill when presented, which is intended to check the ravages of excessive renting which threatens to 'annihilate the best of all our industries. Working men of Great Britain, is for you to say whether our once happy homes shall be restored by converting our fields into their former activity by restoring to the land thousands of unwillingly idle men divorced from the soil by the rack renting of the inheri'ance of the children I of men.” I

Last week we published some extracts taken from a report of ajsermon delivered in Belfast by the Rev. Dr Hanna, having special reference to the recent riots and bloodshed in that city, and we now t‘ke from the same source, the Belfast letlcr an extract from another sermon, delivered by the Archdeacon of Connor, referring to the same terrible occurrencer. The Archdeacon is reported to have said : —“ They had f< r some time prayed that the course of deliberation in the Parlia ment might be so ordered that civil and religious liberty might be preserved— hat their present connection with Kngluul might continue, and were bound to regard the issue of the struggle in Parliament as an answer to their prayer. And when they observed the means by which this Issue had been tffactsd, they were still more convinced that it was so, for men had been led to break ties of long-stand ing, to refuse obedience to the parlia mentary leader In whom they bad Jong;

confidence, and vote with those to whoae views on political matters they had been long opposed. It wai their duty then, to offer praise to Him to whom they had addressed prayer ; and still farther to continue their prayer, for the state matters could not be considered ns settled* Efforts would no doubt be again made to effect the object of separating the countries, and ether changes in the laws

would assuredly bo attempted. They could not trust men ; let them trust the Lord their God, and while they acted each day under his guidance, as far as they saw the light of truth, let them leave the Issue iu His hands, who alone was perfect in counsel, and to whom was committed all power." He then asked the congrega tion to stand up and join with him in repeating the thanksgiving for “ Peace and deliverance frbm our enemies,” wh'ch they did with much heartiness.

The San Francisco mail was delivered in Ashburton to-day.

An error occurred in the advertisement appearing in our last issue relative to the annual election of three Borough Councillors. Instead of " nominations close on Wednesday, August 31,” read “nominations close on Tuesday, August 31."

At the meeting of the Borough Council last evening Cr Roberts drew attention to B lake wbioh existed at the corner of Grigg and Cameron streets, and wbioh was a source of great inconvenience to pedestrians on dark nights. The Works Committee was instruo'ed to have the matter attended to.

Daring the passage of the s.s. Alameda from San Francisco to Auckland a Chinese fire man fell dead. His body was embalmed according to custom and landed at Honolulu, to be sent back to San Francisco, whence it will be returned to the Flowery Land. The Alameda refused cargo at San Francisco this trip. She took to Sydney 1000 tons of flour, wheat, and bacon.

A verdict of “ Accidental death ” was re turned at the inquest on Peter Grant, who was killed on the railway at Feliohet Bay, near Dunedin. The evidence showed that he was standing on the platform of the carriage before starting from Peliohot Bay. No one saw him fall, but the body was afterwards discovered with the head nearly severed from the body. A young man named Wm. Porter was drowned in the Arawata River during the flood at Jackson’s body was found after four days search, and was buried at Jackson’s Bay. Ho had come over from Otago via Haaat Pass.

The recent fresh in the Ashburton river having damaged to a slight extent portion of the fence around one ol the Borough Council Reserves in the river bed, when the question of repairing came up at last night’s meeting of the Council Cr Sealy advocated using willow stakes as posts, which would take root and thus not be liable to be carried away by the river. The Council decid’d to act on Cr Sealy’s suggestion, if it be possible to obtain suitable willow posts. It is understooi that the agent of the New Zealand Government at San Francisco, Mr Charles R. Buckland, has sent a communica tion to Sir J. Vogel, pointing out that the San Francisco mail service can bo considerably shortened.

At the meeting of the Borough Council last evening, a letter was read from Mr W. C. Walker M.H.R. in which he regretted that a second attempt to secure the separation of Ashburton Borough and County from the North Canterbury district, for the purposes of charitable aid had failed. He added that several districts were in a similar position to Ashburton, and expressed his conviction that separation would be obtained next ses' sion; if not, the administration of the Aet would break down—The Council expressed its regret at the failure of the attempt to secure separation jbut also its recognition of the endeavors of the Ashburton Representatives to that end. A cordial vote of thanks to Mr Walker for his untiring efforts in the matter was unanimously accorded.

By a printers error which appeared in our last issue in the article on “Bible Beading in Schools ” contributed to us, the writer Is made to refer to our issue of August 7,188 G, whereas the correct date is August 7 1885.

Mr David Mackenzie, for many years secretary of the Geraldine Eaoing Club, died about three o’clock on Sunday morning. He has been in ill health for some time past.

Aljthe Divorce Court at Wellington yester day, Ellen Jones, wife of William Michael Angelo Jones, music teacher, late of Oamaru and Dunedin, applied for a decree absolute, and also for an order for the custody of two children. The decree was granted. In the case Webb v Webb, the wife’s petition'for a decree absolute was granted. In the case Sawkins v Hawkins, the wife's petition for divorce on the ground of adultery on the part of the husband, a decree ni»/ was granted. Fred. Mayew, second schoolmaster of the New Plymouth Central School, was arrested on Saturday night on a warranf’from Blen heim, charged with embezzling £G6 of the capitation fund of the Spring Creek Eifles, Blenheim, of which corps ho was once captain. He was brought up at the Police Court yesterday morning, and remanded till Wednesday.

Several claims for damages on account o:

the recent Goods were received by the Dunedin City Council last night and referred to the Works Committee. More are expected.

The following fotball team has been chosen to play for Otago, against Canterbury Full back, E. Austin; three-quarter-backs, O. Bee, W. Ross, A. Wedderspoon, half-backs, B. Fraser, J. B. Thomson; forwards, James Allan, W. Gibson, T. Henderson, A. W. Morris W. McFarlane, R. Mill, W. Strong, F. Twi name, H. Treseder. The team averages over twelve stone, and is thought to be a good one, though one or two players are omitted who it was concluded would be in the team.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

The Weather. Wellington, August 24. It is still raining and more heavily than usual. Thera baa only been one da> without rain (his month and not th ee that cmld be cdiel fine. No damage I'as been reported, but the streets of the town are in a tearful condition and great complaints are levelled against the city authorities. libel. l{o;s, August 24. A libel action has been taken against the Hokitika Evening Guardian proprietor 1 for alleged false and malicious statements to Stewart Davson and Co, Dunedin whereby it was stated plaintiff’s news paper, the Itoss Advocate and Guardian had ceased publication. The plaintiff claims £SOO damages. Fire. Christchurch, August 24.

Last night Andrew Savage’s horse at Pigeon Bay was borne i down. It was insured for £250 in the SoU.h Brtlsh. The cause is unknown.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondent'.

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

TO TBS EDITOR. Sir, —As in the case of Holloway’s Pills, Cockle’s Pills, and other patent nostrums, new puffs continually meet our eye in the public prints, so it is with the nostrum of “ Bible Beading in Schools.” In to-day’s Mail a contributor monopolies almost two entire columns in commending his ware— Bible Reading. I hope, Sir, you charged at least two guineas for this advertisement. I have no desire to enter into the religious controversy provoked by your contributor, nor would you print (me it I did: but. Sir, with your kind permission, I would beg leave to notice briefly one or two points in your con tributor’s thesis.

Inprimis, your contributor no more settles the difficulty than hundreds of others have done before him, as to what Bible is to form

the text book in schools. In fact he creates a new difficulty, all his own, as he appears to

favor the use of a Bible, I venture to say not one in a hundred of us ever heard of before —the old Vulgate translated in, the 4th century hy Jerome, under Damascus, who* ever he was. I wonder how many of us understand ourselves or could teach our children the language of that old 11th oentuury translation ? The rest of your contributor’s two column article being on a level in point of common sense with the foregoing, I might well stop here for there is really nothing in it but an olla podrida of innumerable old and cold hashes indifferently re-cooked with a plenti ful sprinkling of such items as “godless," “ infidel,” “ freethinker,” &o. But one might ask, from what source has this advocate for Bible Beading in Schools drawn the inspira tion that it is either commendable or just to attack with epithets, offensive by implication, one-twentieth of the community (the propor tion he seems to reckon Freethinkers bear to the rest of the community) in the columns of a newspaper, in which be might know full well they could not by any possibility be permitted to defend themselves ? It is plain he knows nothing accurately about Free thinkers’ tfiSe'B Ot un beliefs, and just;as little what proportion they constitute of the people of these colonies. If the whole truth were known it would, perhaps, be found that there are more Freethinkers here than is generally supposed.

It is implied, if not asserted, that it is our legislators who exclude the Bible from St at 3 schools. We need not go beyond New Zealand to find that such is not the case. 1 cannot say how many of oar M.H.R.'b obtained theic seats on the express condition that they would support our National System of Educa tion ; but it is well known in Canterbury how one of our most eminent statesmen was rejected at the hustings when the constituency discovered his proclivities tended in an opposite direction. In conclusion, let me advise your contri* butor to re-oonsider one or two of his own aphorisms. “It .is not pleasant ... to agitate a question on which friends disagree." Then why agitate ? “ Others are disposed to let matters alone for the sake of peace.” Then why be a disturber of the peace? ‘‘Blessed are the peacemakers.” Can any fact in history be more conclusively estab lished than that wherever the Bible is brought in peace goes out? The present writer is but one of many in these colonies who can re member their own schooldays in Bible-reading schools in Great Britain. The remembrance comes with a sense of time misspent and a firm resolve to give their children something of practical utility to them during their school age. It will be time enough for the m to read the Bible when they can do it critically, or, perhaps, when the Doctors of Divinity have come to agree about its meaning.—I am, &0.. G. August 17,1886.

CHEAP MONEY.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —The publication of Mr Kolleston’s remarks gives us about the first outside opinion that we, who do not read Hansard, have had an opportunity of learning. Many members seem to have voted for Mr Maoandrew’s Bill as a “ safe thing,” knowing very well that they could then appear before their constituents as friends of the cheap money scheme, although they were quite aware that the Bill would not become Jaw, It almost seems as if the pretty Public Advances on Land Bill were introduced to keep out the measure meant to help mort gagors, which Mr Maoandrew's Bill did not attempt to do. The farmers must judge their members more by what they accomplish and less by what they advocate.—l am, Ac. A.G.

ASHBURTON COURSING CLUB

Nominations for the final meeting of the Ashburton Coursing Club were re ceived last evening. The draw took place immediately after the entries closed, with the following resells : Laobm ik Ccp ; first dog, £ls; second dog, £5 ; third dog, £3

Mr Cl. Pallor’s bwb Bohemian Girl, by Champagne Charlie— Semaphore, moo's Mr J. W. Mill’s f b Mias Taylor, by Tarabm—Miss Hid ley. Mr W. H Porter’s (na) bwb Princess Charlotte, by Champagne Charlie—Papanoi, meets Mr H, Tasker’s bdl d Knrero, by Waipa—Psyche. Mr D. M. Boss’s bwb Marora, by Totara— Sunbeam, meets Mr F, Alex ander’s f d First Lord, by Champagne Charlie—Lady Bird Puppy Stakes ; first dog, £lO ; second dug, £4

Mr D. M. Ross’ f d Rockwood 11, by Sir Hercules—Lady Rockwood, meets Mr W. Jackson's (ns) w b d Oommasie 11, by Ohrichope Linn—R< fl ction. Mr H. Milner’s bdl d Tearing-Young- Fallow, by Forest Lad—Brinnle, meets Mr D. M, Ross’s w bdi d Highwayman, by Hurlingham—Harmony.

Mr H. Taaket’a b w d Yorkshire Lad, by Forest Lad—Marigold If, meets Mr J. Kingsley’s f b Bonnie Lass, by Cham pagne Charlie—Bonnie Scotland. Mr K. S. i*. Bell’s r w b Belgravia, by Wizard—Homily, a bye. The first pair of dogs will be in the slips at Tinwald at am. on Wednesday.

HORSE MARKET.

Mr T. Bullock reports for the fort night ending Saturday, August 21; On account of the Inclemency of the weather, fewer horses have been brought forward for sale than for soma time past, and thoso entered were only of a medium stamp, no first-class draughts being offered. Medium draughts, rather light, realised £l2 to £ls ; light harness horses, •>f a good stamp, £lO 10a to £l2 ; inferior, £6 to £8 ; a fairly good upstanding har ness horse brought £l2, and another, suitable for a town carrier, £9 10a; hacks, inferior, £1 15a to £5 15a. Sundries.—A spring dray, in good order, fetched £l6 10a ; sot of harness, £4 st; harrows, £3 17s 6d, Land, etc—On Saturday, 14th inst., I sold 131 acres near Tinwald, being R.S. 1997, 20366, andothorg, at £7 15i per acre. Also, throe lots at the Hinds, viz., lot 70, containing acre, £ls 5a ; lots 71 and 72, each {i-aore, at £ll 5a each, and privately 1 e fid lot 47, containing i-acre, on the East Town Balt, for £3O.

RUSSIA AND ENGLAND

Two Denials. [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.] London, August 22. M. de Giers, Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs, has expressed h»s pain ful surprise at the Farl of Rosebery’s accusation that the Russian action res pecting Batoum was violating the exist ing treaty. j The Russian official press deny that Port Lazareff has been occupied by Russia,

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council w»s held at the Council Chambers, Baring Square west, last evening. Present —The Mayor and Crs Williamson, Roberts, Harrison, Craighead, Bird, and Sesly. An apology was read for the absence of Or Oayglll.

mayor’s statement.

The Mayor said the debit balance at the Bank was £1163 8s sd. The amounts re ceived since last meeting were Bent of Pound, on account, £2 6s ; earth, £1 ; culverts,'los ; Library account. 15a ; doe licenses, 10a; rates, 1885, 9s ; 1886, £123 3*.

RETURN, Returns of amount» received for dog licenses and of snbacritiona to the Library were laid on the table, CORRESPONDENCE. Letters were received (1) From the Assistant Railway Engineer, stating that the Council’s application regarding level ling railway reserve and planting portion of same would receive consideration. (2) From the United Charitable Aid Board, acknowledging receipt of O /unoil’s con tribution. (3) From the same, with re gard to a resident of Ashunrton who is in indigent circumstances. (4) From Mr W. 0. Walker, M.H.R., regretting the failure of another attempt by him to ob tain the separation of Ashburton from the North Canterbury Charitable Aid District. He believed, however, that if an effort were made next session it would be successful.—The letter was received, and on the motion of Cr Sealy, a cordial v- te of thanks was passed to Mr Walker for his efiorts to obtain separation, (5) Prom Mrs Morris, attention to the bad state of the road near the Westerfield Bakery.—The matter had been attended to. (6) From Mr B, Lancaster, drawing tbe Council's atten tion to the necessity dhatj existed for a few loads of shingle on the road opposite his butchery in Barnett street.—Referred to the Works Committee. engineers' report

The Engineers reportad as follows

Side channels and street crossings : Owing to there not being a quorum at the meet ing of the Works Committee we are un able to report on the side channels and etreet crossings referred to them by the Council. River protection : There has

been a considerable fresh in the river for

the last few days. The groins and fences at the rear of the Old Men’s Home have not suffered from the fresh, but some damage has been done to the fence along the river bank of the plantation reserve below the bridge. As the water goes d iwa we will have the necessary repairs attended to. The labor gang has been employed in platt’ng trees and willow stakes, gene al maintenance, patching roads, etc , with shingle, attending to water supply, etc. Owing to the late heavy ralna there are several bad places on both the roada and footpaths that want patching. We.are having them attended to.

» XTKNSION OF TIME An extension of time for a fortnight was granted to the Works Committee to report on matters referred to them at a previous meeting. A. like extension was granted the Library Committee. WESTERN FIRE BRIGADE Or Harrison referred to a circular which Councillors had received from the Western Fire Brigade, asking assistance to reduce their overdraft. Ho moved that ihe matter bo referred to the Coun cil’s Fire Brigade Committee. The Mayor point d out that the matte'" had not come officially before the Council. Ho had not rcoived a circilar. Gr Brd also stated that he had received no circular. If the Brigade applied to ti e Council he would be pre pared to give the matter favorable con side 'atlon, but it was not for the Council to fake tho initiative. Some diicussion took place, but the matter ultimately dropped. LEAVE OP ABSENCE. Leave cf absence for two months was grunted to Cr Roberts. JMALQAMAT ON OF OFFICES. It was decided to invite applications for Ihe ombined offices of Ponndkeeper, Raoger, and Inspector of Nuisances. PAYMENTS. Accounts amounting to £124 10s 7d wore passed for payment, and the Council sdjmrned.

KIMBERLEY.

Conflicting Reports. Invercargill, August 23. An Invercargill resident who left for Kimberley writes from Sydney that he his been told on the best authority that the field is very rich. Persons on tbe diggings writing to friends warn them not to give any extracts to the public, as it might induce a great rush.

[Per s.s. Wairarapa at the Bluff] Sydney, August 17. le Morning Herald has received r from its correspondent, dated Jt .from a place in Cambridge Gulf » (np ICimKftrlAr aKmif 10H itiUar fn

The Morning Herald has received a letter from its correspondent, dated July 12th,from a place in Cambridge Gulf en route for Kimberley, about 100 miles from the diggings He gives Information obtained from returning diggers and others. They say that food of all descrip tions is unobtainable on the diggings. The Blacks are troublesome, and it is reported they have murdered three dig gers while at work. 'I ha reported finds of gold have been greatly exaggerated. They say the journey to the diggings occupies two mouths, the trades being through rough country. Nothing can bo done until the rain sets in in December.

THE BULGARIAN REVOLUTION

Triumph of Russian Diplomacy

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.] , Constantinople, August 23. A proclamation has been issued by the Provisional Government ot Bulgaira which invokes the protection of the Czar for the people of that country. London, August 23, The Times this morning, in a leading article on the coup d'etat in Bulgaria, says it regards the deposition of Prince Alexander as a triumph of Russian diplomacy and a reverse to the English Berlin, August 23 The semi-official Berlin Post, the organ of Prince Bismarck, in an article to-day, expresses the opinion that the deposition of Prince Alexander solves the situation in Eastern Europe, which had become one of danger. Austria,

Germany and Turkey, it slates, acqui esce in the Prince’s deposition. The Post further maintains that the event frustrates England’s hope that the solution of the Eastern question would be secured by a duel between Austria and Russia, and without sacrifice on her part, Sr Petersburg, August 23.

The newspaper Novosii to-day, re ferring to the Bulgarian crisis, statrs that it is probable that Russia will j pursue a course cf direct intervention ■ with a view to the establishment of a new regime in Bulgaria.

PRESBYTERIAN SOIREE.

The annual soiree In connection with the Springbnrn and Alford Forest Bra rtf'* terian Church was held in the Spring burn Schoolroom on Friday evenlrg. In spite of the inclement natnre of the weather, the master was very satisfactory, m< ra than ICO people being present. The Chairman the Her D. McNeill, In his opening remarKs, referred to the en couraging advance made in the welfare of the Charch in the district. As an evid ence of this prosperiiy, he mentioned the fact that since he came to the district, aboat 15 months ago, £47 had been paid off the debt on the Charch- Reserve paddock reducing that debt from £BO to £33. The New Zealand Loan and Mer cantile Agency Company had also generously offered to give a. farther sum of £lO as soon as the erection of a charch building should be commenced on the land. Be was pleased tu see assembled so many of his congregation, of which bf far the greater number had waded through mire and mud In order to be present. Later in the evening the Rev Mr McNeill delivered an address on the “ Modern Ball.” He said, as a church man, be 1 1 ongly objected to dancing on the ground th.t It was net conducive bat opposed t > religions devotion. The Rev A. Blake,- who was warmly received, also addressed the meeting. Ha said that what Mr MoLetll bad stated in reference to the debt on the Springbnrn Charch land showed that through the times were depressed yet the Church in the Springburo and Alford Forest District was buoyant, and he was sure that the day was not far distant where the erection of a Church would be commenced. What bad been done would encourage the people h? put their shoulder to the wheel and do more. Mr Blake said the chief hindrances to Church work were Infidelity and In difference-infidelity in the form of science had struck heavy blows at religious faith and had tried to subject it to the logic of arithmetical reasoning, bnt infidelity bed failed to convince mankind that It wee anything be’tct than a fraud, delusion, and a snare. The speaker said an old infidel once endeavoured to get a lad to write on his slats “God is no where,” tut the boy wrote ~f3o d is nowhere,” and I science had ott-n tried to make divine truths appear untruthful and had jMt as rign lly failed. 'the rusting wheels of indiff erer ca had a’s < done much to retard lie progress of Christ anity. Opposition might be mot and argued down, but the mass who s : mply acquesced in what was said and who would say “yes” to any thing, con’d net su’cetsfully e grappled with, and was as hard to be pierced ss (he adamantine rock. Mr Blake expressly touched upon the necessity of training children in Christian principles by the home firrsde and round the family heaith. It was a duty to mothers to guide the footsteps of their children into the paths o f peoca and the wars of righteous ness.

A pleasing ceremony of the evening wag a presentation to Mr James Price, of s Good Rega'ia in recognition of his valuable grrtniu us service t as organist of the Springbnrn Chu cb. Mr Price, in a forcible and failing speech, thanked the donors for their kind appreciston of his services, and for the honor they had done him. An enjoyable tea was provided by tba following ladies ;—Mesdamea McGragcr, Mcßae, Morrison, Polsoe, Rutherford, Stephens, and tho Misses Syme. The following ladies and gentlemen ern'ributed to the harmony of the meet ing, viz : -Mias Fymo. Mi?a A. Price, and Messrs Brooks, J. Price, 0. Morrison, Purvis, A, W. Smith, Vinton and Brough. Votes of thanks were unanimously carried to the ladies providing the taa tables ; to the Erv Mr Blake for hla instructive tdiresa; and to aii who had contributed.to the soccers of the entertain ment. The benediction was then pro* □ounced by the Chairman and the people dispersed to their various homes The sum realised by the entertainment was n ->arly £9.

ADDITIONAL MAIL NEWS.

London, July 31. Eight thousand Orangemen paraded hi Glasgow recjn’ly. They subsequently held a mass meeting. A resolution was adopted declaring that, if necessary, they would establish an armed Union of-the Irish and their English and Colonial bre hreo, jand resist to the death tha separation of England and Ireland. The Queen has received at St George's Hail, Windsor, ninety natives of Ceylon, Africa, Guinea, Hong Kotg and Cyprus. The natives were arrayed in native costumes, many of them pictu resque. The Indians bowed to tin ground before their Queen and Empress, and offered presents of go l d and silver, which the Queen and Empress touched and returned. Recitations, singing and war dances wound np a miscellaneous entertainment, all of which gratified the natives and highly am need her Majesty. In view of tbe results of the English elections the Pope requested a congrega tion extraordinary on ecclesiastical affaire' to examine attentively the whole Irish question, in order that he might deter mine. upon tbe coarse to be panned bjT the Irish clergy in certain contingencies.

RUSSIA AND TDREJEY. A London despatch from Sophia states that the collection of war stores and anrs and drilling of troops are going on with renewed activity. Military preparations are also progressing on the Servian line of frontier. The situation in both oo no tries indicates unceitiinty as to the duration of peace. Reports from Montenegrin sources show that Turkish forces In Albania are receiving reinforcements, the intention apparent y being to bring the garrison up to a war footing. The necessity of supporting Turkey against further Russian enroachments in univer sally assumed. Sebastopol and other Black Sea porta are now protected by electric apparatus placed In the sea to destroy torpedo boats; The construction of the apparatus, which Is the work cf American engineers, has been kept a secret.

SHOOTING NIAGARA RAPJDS IN A TUB, The New York Correspondent of the Standard 'gives the following account of the shooting of Niagara Rapids :—“A man named Carlisle D Graham, a cooper, of British birth, resolved on the day ha heard of Captain Webb’s death to attempt to pass through the rapids of Niagara. He succeeded in his rash enterprise on Sun day. The only precedent is the escape of the steamer Maid of the Mist from the Sheriff’s pursuit In 1861 by shooting the Rapids below the Falls. Graham built a barrel 7ft high, the bottom having a diameter of 23in ; 2ft below top diameter was 33:n. The staves composing the barrel p ere of oak 2Jln thick, and they

were bound together by thirty four iron hoop*. This curious vessel was ballasted that it would cw.'m upright. It had a manhole in the top. A sack inside for the body was stayed with abort ropes. The con;S3 of the barrel was very erratic, as may be Imagined. After it waa submerged it was rcarcely ever upright, and was dashed about with tremendous violence, but escaped being driven upon rocks oc being detained in the whirlpool, where Graham even ventured to open the man hole. Whan hia dangerous journey was over he emerged dizzy but unharmed. He declare a his belief that he can go over (befalls themselves with safety. Bat an hour after his release, having recovered from his exhaustion, graham thus told hia story—l was that rattled with getting off la a hurry {that 1 didn’t ping the air bole, and when 1 tried to do |t afterward#

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 18S6



SERVANTS wanted. SEVEN GENERAL SERVANTS and one COOK for Ashburton and suburbs. Also, one COOK and one GENERAL SERVANT for the country. Apply to Mrs Randall’s Registry ffice. A. W. RANDBLL, FRUITERER, &c., Town Hall, Ashburton. JgLAOK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 2C3, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally !q the Ashburton District that we have ow received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS



tho Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to buy in „he Beat British Markets, and the thorough experience of onr buyer, enables ns to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of bnsinesa AT LOWEST P p lo ES. We endeavour tcglve our Oustomerfl best value procur b le, whatever Prices hey may wish to purcha'-e Goods at, and Stock ts so LARGS AND WELL-ASSORTED * hat the most varied wants can bo snp-



plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of moat Novel and Fashionable will bo found DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT {DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DBeSS DEPARTMENT



Special Advertisements. Towle’s p.<:nn y i»oy» l and STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so pre valent with the sex. Boxes Is lid and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. Prepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co.. Lincoln, England, Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations.



CENTRAL HOTEL, JW. MoRAE having taken the above , Hotel, solicits a share of patronage from the people of Ashburton and sur rounding districts. Beat Brands of Wine’s Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling—Feeds, One Shilling. Horses and Buggies to let on hire at prices to meet the times. For the convenience of travellers hansom cab will meet all trains.



MR S. B. SEYMOUR, jgURGEON-DKNTIST, OF CHRISTCHURCH, WILL VISIT ASHBURTON ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 26th, And may be consulted at MR KAMNITZER’S, CHEMIST. Visitors are requested to call early In the 8469 day.



Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR SALE all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinos Insignia, Austrians, Maritima, and Macrocarpa, by tens of thonsands; other kinds in proportion. All kinds of cabbage plants, etc, on sale. All orders by post or otherwise shall receive my best attention. N.B.—Gentlemen’s Gardens tastefully laid out. All kinds of planting done by contract. •TAMES PORTRR, CLIFTON NURSERY, j 4 75 Allenton, Ashburton.



HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTI E DBRARTMBNT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT househodlltjrnishing Manufacture from various M Ts Including t LANKBTS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. Cash S'S-Stem an* la>h Prjczs, BLACK, BEAT Uii & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE TAILORS, B BBAOR and AJILLINER



CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL bk a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 300,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE CORNSACKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5a 6d per dozen*. . O. W. TURNER. 340 H. BROWN.



TOjrE HAVE FOR SALE— T PRIME SEED WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY Some of the above lots have boon grown in the Timaru district. PIO FEED~~FOR SALE In any quantity. Just Landed— All kinds of CLOVER SEED 43, choice quality. RYEGRASS and COCKSFOOT for bale. FRIEDLAHDIjR BROS



Victoria House. EE - ORGANISATION OP BUSINESS. REDUCING STOCK RETIRING from the FANCY DRESS, HATS, and MANTLE EPARTMENTS of the trade. PHENOMENAL VALUE now being given, and to be obtained until AUGUST 20th NEXT. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS CLOTHIERS, &0., East and Tnncred streets, Ashburton.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now In a position to meet the demands of the public with a fir t-olaaa article at prices to suit the times. Every Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapeia from £26, Buggies from £3O. P.S,—Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrlmmlng. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support In this department, beg to Intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now In a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, Including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, and every description of Agricultural Implements. ■jrwoa ■— ESTIMATES given for Contractors aud Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, r6s.



Wanted. WANTED TO LET Comfortable Cottage, situated In Burnett street, lately occupied by Mr Calder; Immediate possession. Albert Bobbrtb, West Street. 8 512 WANTED Known—Hayes and Co. will commence their Great Gift Sale To-morrow (Saturday) The greatest sensation of the day. Look out for the lucky glass jar of peas iu their window next the Arcade. WANTED CASH.—-White Sugar, White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Lingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d ; Plaid Vestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, Is per lb; Sago, 2Jd; Tapioca, 2)d; Cutting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nailrod, 5s 6d ; Groats, 9d. J. McGregor, Tancrod Street.



WANTED Known -That Gates and Son, Barnett Street, are prepared to execute orders for all kinds of Household Repairs, Household Requisites, Picture Frames, cheap Bookbinding. Venetian ai d other blinds at the lowest possible cost. 5 22 ANTED KNOWN—Long looked for come at last. T. Honlt, having commenced bacon curing, he Is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6d per lb at the Factory, Moore at. Ashburton. Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. T. Hodi.t. 7 WAWED“KNo WN—W here can the most Drapery bo bouebt for your rrnney ■ —At H. C Shgbrs, Aielford House. Two shillings worth of handsome presents given for every 10s spent. Fresh presents in. See window. Ladies’ own dress materials made up ; style and fit guaranteed.



Special advertisements. tWMS WffilM c ROWN RON WORN ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Ranges Burn Wood and Goal—ln Four Sices. PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Biz and Seven Feet Lengths. 40 pec cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988



Notice. I HAVE disposed ofjtny Business in Ashburton to MESSES H. J. WOOD & CO., OF CHPISTOHURCH. In thanking the Public of Ashburton and District for their liberal patronage accorded to me during the years 1 have carried on business here, 1 have much pleasure in soliciting a continuance of their favor on behalf of my worthy successors, who will make this a branch of their well-known STATIONER’S HALL. THOS. F. FARLEY.



In reference to the above, we respect fully request the Public of Ashburton and District, and ail Mends and customers ef Mr Farley, to favor us with a continuance of their commands, and wo guarantee to give at all times the value in New Zealand In our line of Business. An additional stock of Commercial Stationary, of superior quality, and latest new Books, to the value of £IOOO, will be speedily forwarded from our Christchurch depot. The latest new Books and Magazine will be to hand by every direct steamer j from London. I Subscribers supplied at our Christchurch I prices Any Book out of stock will bo imme diately procured from our Christchurch establishment. ii. j. wood"AND CO., STATIONERS' HALL. All book debts to be paid to H, J. Wood and Co. THOS. F. FABLE if.



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING 1 FACTOR The new goods for the WINTER SEASON AKB NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And tho variety of Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to bo desired. j



' ITiousands of Men’s and Boys’ Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Beggings in great variety Hats, compnVng every new stylo worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suits fientlemon’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts I’ugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags Tho celebrated WERTHf'TM SEWINGI MACHINE. Time Payments, . N.Z, CLOTH INC Fi OIOBST, |Eabx Stbbbt, ,



POUT UF TIMAKU. ARRIVALS - from Newcastle, with best quality COAL. GLEANER, brigantine, from Auckland, with cargo of Kauri TIMBER. TUCKER AND RESTELL. 4th,iAu 1836. J 8407



J. Ballantyne & Co. A bolding an J-MMBNSE QLEARING gALE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, On account of ALTERATION IN PABTNERSHIP. See Circular. DUNSTABLE HOUSE, CHRISTCHURCH, t n 227



DUNCAN & CRAWSHAW,! (namely, J. C. Duncan and John ! Crawshaw) REFERRING lo their former adrer tisement, beg nnw to intimate that they have secured the Royal Saleyards, in Moore Street, where they will hold their OPENING SALE on SATURDAY, 28ih August, 1886, and as, judging from the entries now rolling in freely, consisting of horses, cattle, pigs, poultry, produce, general merchandise, aid a special line, part of a bankrupt’s stock, comprising MEN’S & BOYS CLOTHING CARPETS, DRESS STUFFS, BLANKETS, LADIES’ ULSTERS, TWEEDS, a gigantic day’s werk is before ns. The Sale will commence at half-past II sharp, at which hoar the public are Invited to a snrok of luncheon by way ofj a refresher. Fe lug that it is foreign to our natures to be otherwise than s ralghtforward in our transactions, and as we can assure prompt settlement, we have no hesitation in inviting the pnbl c to place their busi ness in our hands. DUNCAN & CRAWSHAW, §6510 Auct : oneers. FOR COUGHS, COLD'S Bronchitis Asthma, Coryza, Influetzt, Con sumption, &c, KAY’S COMPOUND OP LINSEED, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &c., with Ohlorodyno. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Golds, and Chest Complaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’S TIG PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, &c. Con cerns Quinine, Iron, &o. COAGULINE. —Cement for Broken Articles, Sold Everywhere. [ Sole Makers:—KAY BROS,, Stock port, England,



There was no business at the Resident Magistrates’ Court this morning. Druids anniversary August 25th. Dramatic entertainment—Race tqf a Widow.—(A£f|