DAILY MEMORANDA.

Saturday, Way 29 Messrs Zouch and Macpherson, at the Central Salerooms—Oil Paintings, etc Mr A. Harrison, at hia rooms— Horses,

traps, etc Mr T. Bullock, at the Art-ado—Horses

Monday, May 31 Messrs Matson, Cox and Co , at Wakauui —Live and Dead stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc. Saturday, May £9 Ashburton Racing Club—Meeting at the Club’s room at 8 o’clock Wakanul Road Board—At Road Board off* > ~,, ~ , Hakatere Town District—Election of Commissioners Monday, May 31 B rough Council, at Borough- Council Chambers at 7.30 C> Idatream Road Board—Election o Members

Friday, Junk 4. Asnburton County Council —At Counci Chambers, 11 a.m. _____

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton— From Christ church and'the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.35 p.m., "and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 0.-7 p.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.0 B Leave Ashburton— For Chnst huroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., end 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and aouth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 845 p.m. For Mount Somers. 5.5 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows : For Christchurch and North at o a.m 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertseyßakaia, &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 Jaily. for Tinra-m and South, at 10 a.m., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greonstreetj on Weanesdaya ana Saturdays, at 10.45 a. m. For Wakanui, Elgin, boaview, Seafaeid, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.00 p.m For May held and Ruapuna, on M on days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. _ For Ashton, Watorvou and Longoeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. , For Flemington, on Mondays, Weanes 4ays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m.

Hf-aMa arrive at Afshburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 .m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 s and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at '\m. daily, Froiu Temuka and Tiuiaru at 10.40 a. m np 5.30 p.m daily. m om Greenstreet, Wednesdays and days, at 10 a. in. Mgb Mount Somers, daily at 10.5

From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a,m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurt. days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1886. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The Financial Statement delivered by Sir Julius Vogel on Tuesday evening is neither a brilliant nor a sensational production, but it is, undoubtedly, the most able dissertation on the fiscal policy of the Government we have yet had from the Colonial Treasurer. The budgets delivered by Major Atkinson arc preserved in the memories of the few people who read them as marvels of arithmetical intricacy and literary ambiguity; the budgets delivered by the present Treasurer, and particularly the budget delivered on Tuesday even ing, will long be remembered as the clearest and most gracefully expressed expositions of Colonial finance we have ever received at the hands of any Minister. Perhaps Major Atkinson is quite as good a financier as Sir J. Vogel, but the unfailing courage, indomitable energy, social tact, and literary ability of the latter statesman give him a pres tige and influence the like of which his predecessor in office can never attain. But the mere possession of sufficient literary ability and buoyancy of tem perament to clothe unpalatable facts in graceful and cheerful language, will hardly satisfy the thousands of over burdened taxpayers who are wearily waiting the development of the new era of prosperity promised by the Colonial Treasurer. The country is absolutely in extremis ; we have lived on the past and future until those sources of supply are almost exhausted; and we must now jface the grim neces sity of supporting ourselves, in the pre sent, by our own unaided efforts. The Colonial Treasurer has shown no serious disposition to meet this neces sity ; but, to do him justice, he fa been perfectly honest about ,lhe financial position of the country, and has, in a great measure, thrown the onus of future action upon the House. He tells us that no additional taxation is necessary ; on the contrary, he can do with less, and proposes to reduce the Property Tax by one-sixteenth of

penny, but, at the same time, we are told it may be as well to hold the dc ti ck of ISB3-4, a sum of 1.150,000, in suspense. The Treasurer is averse, he tells us, to permanently funding this deficit, but proposes to “ provide for it by transferring it to five years’ deben tures.” This system of “ providing” for debt is by no means a new one; it prevails in this country to a truly extraordinary extent, W; have all heard of the typical coloms' who after signing a promissory note for the amount of his indebtedness to a trades man, exclaimed “ Thank God, that’s paid." Sir Julius Vogel expresses himself with more delicacy, hut much

to the same effect when, alluding to these five years’ debentures, he says, “ They can be taken up and extin quished as circumstances justify such a course.” We dare say the grateful debtor renewed the promissory note he gave in discharge of his obligation to tire tradesman, and our past experience leads us to believe that when these five years’ debentures mature they, too, will be tenewed or, possibly, per manently added to the national debt. And this is how we relieve ourselves of taxation ! Perhaps the weakest pait of the Statement is that in which the Treasurer “ entreats ” members to increase the salaries ol a “ very few” ‘old and well tried officers.” The question of departmental expenditure we shall return to on another occasion, but, in the meantime, we have no hesitation in predicting that the country and, we believe, the House, will imperatively demand some sub stantial retrenchment in the Civil Service expenditure during the present session. When the country is groan ing under an almost insupportable burden of debt and depression, when public works are well nigh suspended, and our principal industries paralysed, the proposal to increase certain salaries, be the recipients ever so worthy, is simply monstrous. We trust tne gentlemen representing this part of the country in the House will not permit their general sympathy with the Government of the day to prevent them demanding, and demand ing firmly, that every effort shall be made to reduce the present and future burdens of the people, It has been shown over and over again that j reductions amounting to 1.50,000 or L 60,000 in our Civil List expenditure, might be effected without inflicting injustice upon any individual. A reduc tion to this extent, at least, is de manded, and it the demand be disregarded, it may be enforced in a manner which would materially dis turb the equanimity and calculations of the Ministry.

RABBIT NUISANCE ACT

A correspondent, whose letter ap peared in our last issue, is very naturally, irritated by the wilful destruc tion of certain domesticated rabbits, we presume,,his properly. We have no desire to excuse the person or persons who have been guilty of this wanton piece of cruelty, but it may be as well that our correspondent, and others at present ignorant of the law on the subject, should know that the keep ing of even domesticated rabbits is an offence against The Rabbit Nuisance Act, iSSa, as amended by the Act of last session. The Inspector, or any person authorised by an Inspetcor may, serve notice on an owner to destroy such rabbits, and any owner who may neglect to comply with the terms of the notice will be liable to a penalty of J~2 o. The Act also gives power to the Inspector to undertake the work of destruction, at the cost of the owner, in cases where the latter has failed to take the steps demanded. It was generally expected that the Amendment Act, which simply repeals a clause of the original Act which exempted do mesticated rabbits from its operation, would remain a dead letter in this pan of the colony. But an Inspector is now stationed in Ashburton with ex press instructions to enforce the Act in its entirety. This means that rabbits may no longer be kept in cages or otherwise retained as domesticated animals, Owners must either hand their pets over to the commissariat de partments of their establishments, or af ford them more distinguished obsequies in appropriate parts of their allot ments.

At the R.M. Court this morning Charle Smithel, arrested at Kaikoura, was brought up charged with wife desertion, ana remanded until to-morrow.

His Excellency the Governor has received a cable message that her Majesty has conferred on the Premier the dignity of Knight Com aador of St. Michael and St. George.

The obituary column in the “ Times ” of March 23 has been pronounced to be the most extraordinary one ever published in one news paper, the number of deaths advertised being 81, of which number 11 represented a total of 3133 years or an average of 78 years each.

A meeting of householders was held at Barrhill schoolroom on Wednesday evening, when the following gentlemen wore duly elected as members of the Barr Hill School Committee for the ensuing year :—Messrs D. Hurst, S. Hurst, H. Jaques, J. Blain, G Blackmorc, 11. Mills and C. S. Mackie. A meeting of the Committee was held subse quently, when Mr C. S. Mackie was appointed Chairman of the Committee, and Mr D. Hurst Treasurer.

There was a fairly numerous attendance at the Addington stock market yesterday. In sheep a tolerably brisk demand was experi enced for crossbred wethers of good quality, especially for those suitable for freezing, for which purpose a considerable number were purchased. Second-rate and medium quality were not much in demand, still, on the whole, late quotations were fairly well upheld, and little, if any, alteration can be reported. Prime crossbreds sold at from Its t 0 10s 6d; medium, at from 6s to Bs. In merinos only one or two pens of inferior quality were on oiler, and prices ranged from 3s Od to 5s 3d. The average price of mutton was IJd per lb. Not many lines of store sheep were penned, and very few sales took place, the principal being crossbred wethers in forward condition, at 5s and 17s 2d, and cull crossbred ewes at 2s 3d and 2s 6d. The prices of cattle and pigs were unchanged.

Sir Alexander Stuart was interviewed A New York while on his way to England on the subject of laying a submarine cable be tween Australia and San Francisco. The “ New York Mail ” thus reports his answer: “We are trying to form a plan with the assistance of this Government, the Hawaiian and New South Wales, for that purpose. X called uponjthe.President at the capital the other day, and unfolded to him and some members of his Cabinet the desire of my Government. The plan proposed is for the three Governments mentioned to lay the cable by advancing the money, 10,000,000 dollars. This sum will be sufficient, and the Governments must agree to pay 5 per cent, on this capital annually to keep the cable up. If the o per cent makes a big surplus, then that sum to be devoted to buying a new cable. It will only require a payment of several hundred thousand dollars. The Hawaiian Government have already passed a Bill for that purpose. The cable will touch there. The outlook somewhat fcyarabie."

A number of the parishioners and friends of the Rev H. C. M. Watson, who has recently returned to Ohristohurch from a visit to Europe, welcomed him last evening at a cor| vorsazione.

His Excellency the Governor has received a cablegram that Her Majesty has conferred on the Premier, thcHon]Mr Stout, the dignify of Knight Commander of St Michael and St George.

Professor Bice fgave |a third entertainment at the Town Hall last evening. There was a fair atendanco. The entertainment passed off very well, the mind reading tests being in each instance successful. Musical selections contributed by Mrs Rice, and an exhibition of legerdemain and clairvoyancy went to make up a very enjoyable programme.

In the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon Urn Premier told Mr Dargaville that the census returns would bo completed and published some time next month. He added that, when they were out, some hon members would bo very considerably aston ished, and perhaps disappointed.

A public meeting of citizens was held at Invercargill last night on the New Hebrides question. The following resolutions were passed : —•' That, in the interests of civilisa tion and commerce, this meeting protests against the proposed annexation of the New Hebrides Group by France.” “ That, in the opinion of this meeting, the Government of the Colony should unite with the Govern ments of the Australian Colonies in urging upon the Imperial Government the de strabilily of placing the New Hebrides under the protection of the British llag.” Copies of the ordered to be forwarded to the Premier, and the thanks of the meeting were accorded to Sir George Grey for the action he has taken in regard to the Now Hebrides question.

A special meeting of the Winslow School Committee was held in the Schoolroom on Saturday evening, for the purpose of electing a Chairman in the place of Mr foster, resigned. Present—Messrs Hayman, Grace, Drennan, Mclvor, and Bellamy. On the motion of Mr Grace, seconded by Mr Bel lamy Mr Drennan was elected Chairman. Mr foster was elected Secretary and Trea surer, It was resolved to request the Board of Education to enlarge the,Winslow School District, subject to the approval of the WiHowby School Committee, so that it might include B.S. 15688. The members of the Committee expressed regret that Mr foster should have resigned the Chairmanship, and hoped that, if the district were extended as proposed, Mr foster would be induced to again occupy the chair.

Forty-three nominations have been received for the Dunedin Champagne stakes of 1887.

A very large meeting of persons to consider the advisableness or otherwise of leaving for the Kimberley Goldlioids was held at the Corn Exchange, Christchurch, last night. A quantity of information was .given to the meeting by gentlemen who hud been ap pointed at a previous meeting, and it was announced that were sullicient inducement offered the owner would lay on the steamer Triumph for Derby. It was stated that the steamer could iind accommodation for 100 horses and 000 or 600 passengers, and that she would sail about the eud of June.

A certain M.H.lt,, who (says the "Tuapeka Times”) is in the habit of travelling pretty regularly on a certain Otago railway, some how—-no doubt through his olliciousness— got at loggerheads with the guard. The guard,.by way ,of exorcising hi* authority, insistedmpon the hon. traveller showing his pass every time he travelled over the line. The latter got somewhat weary of eternally displaying his railway medal, and one day when the carriage was pretty full he felt rather annoyed that the guard should insist upon him showing his tickotjlike an ordinary traveller. "My face is my ticket, sir,” he replied. "Then,” quietly exclaimed the guard, “ I have strict instructions to punch all tickets.”

An extraordinary defence was set up at the Sydney Police Court by a man named Michael Desmond, who was sued by his wife for main tenance. Desmond stated that he had been sentenced to death by Sir James Martin, which sentence was commuted to imprisonment for life. After serving 13 years his exemplary conduct gained him his release, and he pleaded that having been sentenced to death, he was dead to the world and had no wife. He as serted that so rare a legal point had never been submitted to any judge or magistrate, and that nocourt.in the world had jurisdiction in such a case. The magistrate declined, however, to regard Desmond as a dead man, seeing that sentence of .death had not been carried out, and ordered him to pay os weekly for the support of his wife.

*_Judgment was given in the Court of Appeal at Wellington yesterday morning, in re Ell v. Harper, from the decision of Mr Justice Johnston, refusing to adjudicate Ell a bank rupt. In his Honor’s view, payment into Court, after execution, rendered it impos sible for him to say the petitioner’s debt ex ceeded £SO at the time of the hearing of the petition. The Court was of opinion that His Honor was wrong in so deciding, but as it was contended that the respondent was en titled to oppose the petition on other equi table grounds, and that he was interfered with in so doing, the Court refused to ajudi cate him a bankrupt, and directed that the Judge in the Court below should re-hear and adjudicate upon the whole matter, the debtor being at liberty to go into evidence at any point which has not been decided, Mr Jellicoe, on behalf of the debtor, applied for leave to appeal at the Privy Council in the matter, and His Honor the Chief Justice de sired that the application should be renewed later on.

The committee of the Christchurch Presby ;ery have drafted a series of resolutions in eply to the Priemier’s letter, rr the New

Hebrides. They submit that the Presby terian Church has never allowed self interest to stand in the way of any real public good,

as is shown by their attitude with regard to national education ; they fail to recognise that France has any ciaim to annex the New Hebrides and do not believe such annexation would be a public good but are convinced annexation would jeopardise the missionaries work, and believe the natives themselves would not be willing to trust their future destinies to France, cessation of the deporta tion of criminals to the Southern Seas being made a reason for the cession to France of

these islands. They believe the time is not far distant when no European nation will be allowed to cause a moral nuisance at the door of the Australasian Colonies. But while not wishing to furnish a ra/wtn belli, they consider that a firm diplomatic front is more likely to maintain peace than any temporary policy. As to the ownership cf the Pacino Islands, the committee desires to thank Mr Stout for his courtesy and consideration ; but hopes Government will unite with the great majority of the Australasian people in pro testing against the annexation of the New Hebrides by France, and also against the deportation of reoidivistes to an island or islands in the Pacific. I

A concert was given in the Hinds school-1 room on Friday evening in aid of the State and Sunday schools fund. Mr A. Gibson pre sided, and there was a very good attendance. Items were contributed by the following per formers : ilesdames Manning and Bailey, Miss Manning, Messrs Manning, Philip, Norrish, Mutton, Rich and Broom. At the conclusion of the programme, votes of thanks were accorded to the performers and to the ladies, who had provided refreshments. The concert was followed by a dance, and the whole entertainment was one of the most successful yet held at Hinds.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

A special meeting of the B >ard took ic.tt on Wednesday May 25 li Present —Messrs Bruce, G. Cole, J. Brown and W. T Lill. CHAIRMAN. On the motion of Mr Lill, seconded by Mr Cole, Mr Bruce was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. board's solicitors. It was resolved that Messrs Wilding and Caygill be appointed the Bjard’s Sodcitors In the case of Bennett v W.tkanui Hoad Board. STORM WATER LEADLKY’s ROAD. A petition was received calling the attention of the Board to the unsatisfac tory condition of Leadley’sand Butterick's drain, and asking the Board to under take certain works as a preventative to further loss.

Messrs S. Wright and N. Fitzgerald interviewed the Biard >n support of the petition. After considerable discussion in which it was pointed out that all drains were under the control of ihe County Council, and Mr Brown moved, Mr Cola seconded, it was carried : —“That as the public drains and water courses in the district have been placed wholly under the control I the County Council by the Public Works Act, of 1882,[the Beard must de cline to interfere further ihan is necessary for the protection of the District Roads." It was aiso resolved, “That on account of the complaints made to the Board by Messrs Corbett an 1 Fizgeia’d, the drain leading’from Leadley’s road to the creek bo temporarily stopped, with the consent of the County C mncil, in order to lessen the risk of damage likely to be done by storm water to the public road and to Messrs Corbett and F; zgeraid’s proper ties’’ “That if the Wakanui creak is a public watercourse the B >ard would re commend to the County Council that a storm channel from Butterick’s road along Stanley Rea* t» Wakanui Creek he made In order to relieve Lead ley’s and Butterrik’a drain” :— ‘ That a copy of foregoing resolutions and the petition received be at once forwarded to the County Council." The B >ard then adjourned the meeting to Saturday May 29m at 11 a.m.

A SERIOUS CHARGE.

Alleged Murder.

Gisborne, Miy 26,

The hearing of the charge of murder against William Rowland commenced on Tuesday and c mcluded jesterday. Ac cused was committed for trial. The evi dence showed that deceased and accused quarrelled over a partnership contract on the night previous to the murde-. Early next morning a Maori heard the report of a gun, and accused came to him and said a European was mad and shooting at him. The Native saw a man come nut of the white all bleeding and go away in the direction of an hotel. Accused re ported the affair to the police, and on making enquiries they arrested him. De ceased shortly before he died eworo on oath that he was stirring porridge for breakfast, when the accused shot him. Accused told the police deceased (Neave) had been brooding abrnt money and shot himself, and tried to kill him (-ceased) with an axe. The medical evidence proved that the wound had not been self inflicted, and further evidence showed that deceased was a quiet, s her and in dustrious man, with no sign of mental delusion. His life was insured for L3OO, and he had L2OO on de; imt. which he left to his mother in England.

COPPER COMPANY.

Nelson, May 27-

In the Champion Copper Company, a proposal to raise L15.C03 by the iasne of preferential shares, to erect more roasting kilns and pay liabilities, the security being the mine, etc, and unpaid capital ot the Comp my, was unanimously approved.

HOME MARKETS.

The N.Z, Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, has received the following cablegram from London, dated May 25th, 1886 :

Wool—There has been considerable private enquiry. The sales comprise about 8500 bales. 8000 bales have been taken for export. The Continental demand is good, but the Home trade are purchasing sparingly. There is an active demand on French account, but German demand is moderate. Short staple merino greasy is in demand, and has advanced id to Id per lb. Scoured has advanced Id to J per lb since close of last sales. (Other descriptions unchanged, Merino generally is in demand, but crossbred is neglected. The Antwerp sales opened on 19th inst. at an average advance of about 15 per cent, on last sales’ closing rates. They progress fairly well. Wheat—Market quiet. Prices have been higher since we last telegraphed, but have declined. Adelaide wheat is worth 36s fid, New Zealand (average) 33s fid, and New Zealand long-berried 31s fid per 19filbs. Victorian wheat, to arrive, iron ship, is worth c.i.f., 31s 3d per 480 lbs, February-March bill of lading. Reports respecting the growing crops here are unfavorable ; they are back ward, and prospects are uncertain. Conti nental crops, generally, are good, and fair reports of American crop reach us. Tallow—Market has an upward tendency. There is a good trade demand for the better sorts. Good mutton and beef tallows are worth respectively 23s fid and 21s fid per cwt.

Leather—Market tirm. Best sides are worth Hid per lb. Frozen Meat—Market has a hardening tendency. Scotch mutton, weighing per car case 65 to 701bs, is worth 9d per lb, and New Zealand of similar weight sjjd per lb ; prime New Zealand lamb 7d per lb.

THE HOME RULE QUESTION.

Expected Compromise.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT.] London, May 26.

Mr Gladstone has called a meeting of the Liberal Party for to-morrow, when it is expected he will announce that a compromise has been arrived at in order to meet the dissentient views of some members of his party.

It is announced that Mr Gladstone’s visit to the Queen ft Windsor had not any special political significance, but was merely of a formal nature.

SPANISH AFFAIRS.

Don Carlos Again.

(REUTER —COPYRIGHT,

London, May 25.

The infant heir to the Spanish Throne has been christened Alphonso. Don Carlos has issued a manifesto to the effect that he will not renounce bis right to the Throne of Spain.

POLITICAL NEWS.

[BY oub special correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, May 26.

The Financial Statement, which was brought down so suddenly last evening, has been, as a raat‘er of course, very largely dis cussed, and so far as I can learn the general opinion appears to be that it is one of Sir Julius Vogel’s best efforts, if not his best. The situation was an exceedingly difficult one, but the Statement cleverly avoids giving openings for attack in all effects but one. The omission is that there is no serious effort at retrenchment in departmental expen diture, and there is not the least donbt it will be taken advantage of. No hostile motion has been tabled as yet, but there can be little doubt that some motion affirming the neces sity for a reduction in the departmental expenditure will be forthcoming at an early date, and many members who are otherwise firm supporters of the Government will find it an exceedingly difficult thing to vote against it.

This morning the Canterbury members held a meeting and appointed a deputation to wait on Ministers and ask for the fullest information possible as to the exact terms of the concessions required by the contractors for the Midland Railway, and also as to when the Enabling Bill will be brought down; the deputation to report at an adjourned meeting to be held probably on Friday. It is under stood that full particulars will be received via Brindisi to-morrow.

It is rumored that Mr Stout is included in the birthday honors, but that the names of the new K.C.M.G.’s, etc., will not be gazetted until Coronation Day. This afternoon in the House of Represen tatives, in reply to questions, Government stated that they had not yet decided whether they would bring in a Bill relating to the registration of electors this session, or whether the matter would be left over until next session. Also, in reply to Mr Fergus, that some lands had ben opened in Canterbury under the small farms system, but that effect to these provisions of the Land Act could not be given until the expiration of the present pastoral leases in 1890. Mr Guinness’s motion re extending railway free passes to children attending schools other than State schools has just been carried against the Government by 39 to 25. Sir G. Grey’s Limitation of Votes Bill was read a second time on the voice,. and the Law Practitioners’ Bill by the casting vote of the Speaker, the voting being 34 to 34.

The Hawkers and Pedlars’ Bill and Auc tioneers’ Bill were postponed till Wednesday. The Natives Reserves Titles Grants Em powering Bill was read a second time. The debate on the Native Equitable Owners’ Bill was adjourned, and the House at 5.30 pan. adjourned till to-morrow.

ASHBURTON COURSING CLUB.

The second meeting of the Ashburton Coursing Club was held at Laghmor yester day. The weather was most enjoyable and hares were plentiful, but the entries were poor and the attendance was limited to gentlemen immediately interested in the sport. Mr D. M. Ross, of Timarn, again officiated as judge, and his decisions gave en tire satisfaction. Mr J, Porter was eminently successful with the slips, and the other officials did their utmost to make the meeting a success. The first pair of dogs was in the slips at 9.30 a.m., and the card was run through by 2 p.m. At the conclusion of the sport, Mr D. M. Ross, the judge, presented Mr Mahoney, the winner of the all-aged stakes, with a very handsome silver bracelet. Cheers were given for the judge and slipper, and the greatest cordiality prevailed.

All-Aged Stake,

Mr M. Mahoney’s f d Tit Bit (Mnscat — Nancy) beat Mr M. Digby’s w b d Le Grand {Le Loup—Tell Tale.) Mr M. Digby’s fwd Abercorn (Champagne Charlie—Marigold) beat Mr T. Alexander’s f d Forest Lad (Champagne Charlie—Lady Bird.) Final. Mr M. Mahoney’s f d Tit Bit (Muscat — Nancy) beat Mr M. Digby’s fwd Abercom (Champagne Charlie—Marigold) and won the stake. Running.—Tit Bit secured the first turn, and had rather the better of a good give and take coarse. Abercorn showed the way to Forest Lad, and won easily. Final—Aber corn was tbe quickest from the slips, but the hare favored Tit Bit, and the southern dog scored the first tarn. A capital course fol lowed, bat Tit Bit ending with a brilliant kil. won amidst great excitement. Poppy Stakes. Mr A. McLeod’s b w fa Verger (Hotspnr— Rosey) beat Mr H. Milner’s b d Handy Andy (Brian Boru—Fly.) Mr H. Milner’s f b Lady Bird (Crichopo Linn—Una) beat Mr M. Digby’s fwd M.D (Abercorn —Zoebeda.) Mr T. Alexander’s f w b Highland Mary (Champagne Charlie—Bonnie Scotland) beat Mr H. Milner’s f d Yorkshire Lad (Fore'S Lad—Fly.)

First Ties, Lady Bird beat Verger Highland Mary a bye. Final.

Mr T. Alexander’s f w b Highland Mary (Champagne Charlie—Bonnie Scotland) beat Mr H. Milner’s £ b Lady Bird (Forest Lad— Fly) and won the stake. Banning.—Verger took the first tom, and holding possession throughout won easily. M.I). led Ladybird to the her by a length, but the bitch then got in, and working very cleverly had won well when the bare escaped. Yorkshire Lad led Highland Mary from slips, and took the first few points. The bitch then took possession and won handsomely First ties—Verger was the quicker from slips, but Ladybird gave her the go-bye, and secured the first turn. Verger again got in for a couple, but Lady Bird was always the faster, and won with something to spare. Highland Mary ran a bye. Final-Highland Mary secured tne first turn by a length, and held her place for two more. Lady Bird then scored a few points, but her opponent ending with a clever kill won.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

[PER press association.]^^.

Auckland, May 26. A number of the Auckland bootmakers on strike are going South. An extraordinary meeting of the share holders of the New Zealand Smelting Company confirmed the resolutions to wind np. The Chairman said he regretted the unsatisfactory results of the Company’s operations, both on account of the shareholders who had lost their money, and on account of the Thames goldfields. Henare Kaihau, of Waitnkn, a near rela tive to Tawfaiao, left by the Hawea for Wellington. He proposed to negotiate with the Government in reference to various affairs in which Tawbaio is interested. If a satis factory conclusion is come to he will send a telegram to Tawhiao, who will then proceed to Wellington.

Kaikoura, May 26. Kincaid and Otley Pell’s (Kekeranga) sheep have been declared clean. There are only two infected flocks in the district now. One is practically clean, and the other is in the hands of the Sheep Department. A strange point has been raised by Mr McLean in a Babbit nuisance case. For the defence, he urged that Clause 17 of the Larceny Act. No. 2, making it an offence to kill rabbits was sufficient reason to refrain from destroy ing them, although the Babbit Act makes it penal not to kill them, the one Act clashing with the other

Wellington, May 26-

At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce it was decided to represent to the Govern ment the desirableness of passing a law whereby persons accused of offences against the city by-laws and trivial police regulations may, if they do not dispute the charge, pay the fine prescribed for such offence without the necessity of attending a hearing at the Magistrate’s Court.

SjThe local Artillery parade to morrow mom. ing to Are a salute in honor of the .Czar’a coronation. *

Invercargill, May 26. A train was in collision with some cattle on the Bluff line lost evening, and three trucks in the centre of a long train were thrown off. The passengers were brought on to Invercargill on the fore part of the train which fortunately kept the line, and all es caped with a severe shaking. The line was cleared daring the night, and traffic was re sumed.

THE AfcHJiDitrOM GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1886.



Wanted. WANTED —Hoard and residence by three gentlemen. Apply, statin" terms, to XY Z , “Guardian” office. 5 6 WAISTtID KNOWN—Direct Cable- Froth Fish and Itabbita Dally, also Pig’s Heads, Smoked Fish and Oysters always on hand. Geokgb Cates. 5 G ANTED 901) lovers of the Fine Aria to sqo the now Premium Picture?, to be given away to subscribers to the American publications. Tiie Pictures are now on view at the Picture Frame Manu factory of Gates and Son, Burnett Street, opposite the “ Ashburton Mail” Office. 5 22



A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, AUCTIONEER, STOCK AND ESTATE AGENT AND VALUATOR. SATURDAY SALE at 12 o’clock sharp. —Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Produce and Merchandise. Agent Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. FOR SAL E Foi Sale— Double Furrow Plough by Ried and Gray, nearly new. For Sale —Light Spring Cart, cheap. Light Express Cart, in good order ; very cheap For Sals—Cheese Press, bv J. and T. Young For Sale—Merry-go-ronnd ; a heap of money to be made at Races, School Treats, etc ; on view at rooms ; cheap. BED HARRISON jgLACK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion Mouse, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH.



VjrrANTF’.D Known—Hayes ami (Jo * * have bought tbo samples of au English Umbrella manufacturer, at a largo discount. Also, a splendid lot of new I'ress Materials, very cheap. Como and see them, at Co.'s, Arcade



STO'AiSTkD Known—The Gospel will YV he preached every Lord's Day evening in the Arcido Chambers at ti lit) p.m. (d.v.) Free for all. Ko collection 5 (197



We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally to the Ashburton District that we have now received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to bay in the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of cur buyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR GASH SYSTKM of business AT LOWEST PRICES. We endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, and our Stock is so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable Goods will be found DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT dressmaking department millinery department DReSS department HOSIERY DEPARTMENT mantle derartment DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUOEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. oeonial Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. Cash System and Cash Prices. BLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HODSE, TAILOUS, D&ESBM^KEKS,j fc A>o MILLINERS



CASH.—White Sugar, 2id ; J White Crystal, dd ; Sperm Candles; 5d ; Lingfisb, 4d ; best Lobsters, Gd ; Plaid Vestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, Is per lb; Sago, 2.U1; Tapioca, 2id; Cutting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nailrod, ds Gd ; Groats, 9d. — McGregok, Tancrod Street. T ANTED KNOWN—Long looked for come at last. T. Hoult, having commenced bacon curing, ho is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at G 1 per lb at the Factory, Moore st, Ashburton. Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. P. Hoplt.



FKESENTti ! Presents ! Wo are now giving Presents to the vaino of 4a in the £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards (on Drapery and Millinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the premises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— H. 0. Seoers, Melford House.



Monthly advertiser, issued by Robert Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch apace 5s per month, centre spaces 10s ; for longer terms special arrangements can be made ; advertisements should not be later than the 20th ef each month. 7(50 \Jin r ANTED Known—Wertheim ISew- V V ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the Now Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 270 STORAGE at Tinwald at lowest current Rates, apply, 4 053 FRIEDLANDER BROS. Special Advertisements.



MESSRS WHITE, SMITHSON, and RAYMOND, of Tiuam, Solicitors, notify that their Mr W. WHITE will attend THE ASHBURTON COURTS, and may be consulted after the arrival of the Soutti Express on Mondays and Thursdays Incase Mr White should be prevented from being piesent, one of the firm will attend. MONEY TO LEND upon approved securities. Temporary offices at Quill’s Hotel. "CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. JWILL he a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 800,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSACKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5s 6d per dozen.



340 C. W. TURNER. Per D. H. BROWN, Australian mercantile UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The only Company in Canterbury WHICH DID NOT RAISE RATES 33£ PER cent on Country Rises. We aru vow, as we have been for THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING RISKS PER CENT. OFF TARIFF-. W. B. MOSS, Agent rot Ashburton District. September 22, 1885. 9 Gls O the Ashburton Guards and Volun teers.—THE VOLUNTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole o the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squat .'/ill, Bayonet Drill, infantry Drill, Etc, NOW IN. The above should be perused by all Volunteers and will be found useful to those intending to compete for Govern ment appointments. This book being difficult to procure all intending purchasers had better apply at once to T. E. EARLE Y. School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to bo derived from purchasing their prize books from me, as I am now offering prize books at, very reasonable prices, in fact, at Christ church prices, and no carriage to pay, whilst my stock consists of about 3,500 volumes. School requisites of every description Thomas F. Farley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop : Town Hall, Ashburton. kept in stock



Special advertisements. .;> 'B . *' WHI mmm R o w N 130 N WO RK S ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Ranges Burn Wood and Or.nl—ln Four Sizes. PAINTED CORRUGATED I'ION IN Wour, Six and Seven Feet Lengths. 4fi per cent. Cheaper Iron. than Galvanised 10 1988 Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many natrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY. —Special cr.ro is given to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed.



MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first clats firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may rely upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book net in a'oek will bo procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and boreign included), Public Committees receiving liberal con cessions. . PRINTING. This branch is b*'ing fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of ail orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence. —— DELIVERY OF NEW SPA PEPS, Customers may roly upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remarK applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purchasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Lines Always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and Tradesmen's general requisites. Bookbinding Okdeks Received. ,T. F. Farley, BOOKSELLER. STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Ashbukton.



NEW ZEALAND CJLOTHING FACTORY. mHE NEW GOODS FOR THE I WINTER SEASON AUK NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Stylo and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands 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 Loggings in groat variety Hats, comprismg every new stylo worn Children's Jersey Suits, Children’s Mon of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford, Regatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags. The celebrated WEHTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTOR ST, East Street,



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL. & SON TTtTTSH to intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, W 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-olaea article at prices to suit the times. Every e. ’J'.ption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whitechapels from £25, Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimmlng. 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 p aition 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. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Victoria House. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. "VTOW SHOWING, a Splendid Assortment of the famous i( LION biaud JJM (Victorian) GOODS, in Men’s Plain and Fancy Tweed Suits, Trousers, Trousers and Vests, Waterproof and Overcoats, Cord Riding Pants, Printed and White Moles, Boy's Kuicker and Beaconsfield Sac Suits, etc., etc. These Goods, amounting in value to over £4OO, are Manufacturers’ Samples, cut and finished in the most perfect style. Purchased at a heavy Discount, and are offered at a slight advance upon MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PBIOES, Our Stock of General Drapery, Boots, etc., is unsurpassed for Value. DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOOT IMPORTERS, and Tftocred Streets, Askbortoa,



O N TIN DAT lON OF THE UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Mesora Friedlander Bros’ stock of Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £sooq ANDKPJVV OKU having purchased the* above STOCK at a largo reduction from Coat Price, ia still giving It away at Unheard-of prices, Hi« great object being to turn it into cash, no matter at what sacrifice ANDREW OUR



[A Caiid.J R, M. Cutlibertson, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR. Tfficks —H AVEL O 0 K STR EE T (lately occupied by Mr Branson). 287 N O T ICE. Mr f. BROOivti-sMim, a.s.a., will give Lessons in Drawing and Fainting, both Oil and Water Colors Pupils received at the Studio, or waited on at their own houses. Evening Claeses will also be formed for tuition in Sepia, Indigo, and Indian Ink Painting, Drawing, Bookkeeping, and Shorthand. All particulars and prospectuses to be ibtained from MrT. F. Earley Stationer. Paintings on view at the shops of Messrs Farley and J nies, M 10 TUNING. OUR Mr O. Thompson, who has just returned from Europe, holding cer tificates from Messrs John Brinsmoad and Sons, L Midon, and Messrs Gebtiidor Knako Munster F. W., Prussia, is now in Ashburton. Clients will be waited upon. Orders for tuning and repairing promptly executed. MILNER AND THOMPSON. 5 2 H. M. JONES, Agent.



N O T I 0 E. IT la req seated that all ACCOUNTS owing “ The Ashburton Guakdiah Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, be Paid at once to Mu B. Hughes, whose receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. CHAS. W. PURNELL, m 11 Chairman.