DAILY MEMORANDA

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc SATURDAY, PKCRMBBR 4 Wakannl Road Board—Monthly meeting at the Board’s office, Moore street, at 11 a.m. Town Hall—Opening of Tinwald Bazaar at 8 o’clock Tuesday, December 7 Ashburton Building Society - Monthly payments due ■ Friday, December 9 Aahbn ton Racing .Club— Annual Race Meeting Monday, December 13 9oroogh Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.30 .

RAILWAY TIME TABLE

Truss Arrive at Ashburton— From Christ fcuroh and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), A. 85 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru. 16.46 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 ym. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5

Leave Ashburton— For Christ •hutch and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.66 a.m., and 6.87 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Booth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, #46 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.6 p.m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the SOth November, 1886, the janns of Subscription to this journal will be la follows, viz.:—

IT PAID IN ADVANCE ! Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d . Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s Gd „ Year .. 4s Od by post, 37s Od tr booked : Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d .. Half-year 16s Od, by post, 21s 6d Year .. 80s Od, by post, 48s Od

Birth Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment); if booked, PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAT RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES, . Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country require to be verified by the signa lers of tha person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows: — For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m A. 30 a.in., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakala, &c. , at 10.30 a. m **For Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangltata, Orari, Winchester, ujd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m dally. „ , for Tlmarn and South, at 10 a. ta. , and 430 p.m., daily. _ , , For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and inrdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Sea view, Seaf eld, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and ■ tnrdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, dally at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapnna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m, dally. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednes fays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl at 10.30 a.m.

mv<l« arrive at the Ashburton Post Christchurch and Rakala at 10.15 '.m., 4.36 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &o« at 10.15 s and ,86 p.m. dally. From Dunedin and intermediate places 5.3° *Kva. daily. tFrou* Temuka andTimarn at 10.40 a.m p 5.30 p.m dally. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 fcm. . _ From Mount Somers, dally at 10.5 * , Sltte From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oeadays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a. m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. dally. , _ , From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Frl days, at 8.30 p.m. From Remington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1886. VILLAGE SETTLEMENT AT WAIMATE.

While we are waiting to see whether the Government really mean to do any thing towards providing facilities for village settlement in the immediate neighborhood of Ashburton, it is u t '• esting to note what is going on in this direction elsewhere. On Monday even ing, we observe, Mr March, the Com missioner charged with this business in Canterbury, met, according to the local paper, about 150 men at Waimate who expressed their readiness, nay eager ness, to take up sections o f land under Village Settlement conditions, but un fortunately it appears that the block now open for that purpose is altogether «Mailable, besides being only of suffi cient area (some 60 acres) to provide for about a tenth of the would-be settlers. The land in question adjoins the Racecourse and is fre quently under water, being liable to flood whenever there is a fresh m the Waimate creek, and Mr March freely admitted its unsuitability but told the meeting that those -who took up the land would have to take the risk with it. Remarking upon the matter, the Timaru Herald saj s: “Mr March admit ted that spots of higher ground might be picked out as sites for building on, but he added that the settlers’ improve ments would be liable to be swept away at any time by a fresh. Such was the bright picture painted by the Government agent, and he then proceeded to say that he would take applications for the sections. In answer io a question as to whether the Government would cut a drain to pre vent flooding, he said that he did not think so. Here then is a short view of the situation ; The Government, but especially the Minister for Lands, is anxious to promote special settlement. The idea has been thrust into notice on all possible occasions. It has been talked of ad nauseam both in and out of Parliament. The laborers and small men must be located on convenient

pitches of excellent land contiguous to markets and to large farms on which occasional employment can be had. We are told that by these means the colony will secure a thriving peasantry, who, in the next generation if not in this, will develop into yeomen. The experiment is to be tried at Waimate, and so land is picked out for the pur pose, and the Government agent comes on to the spot and says—‘Such are the beneficent aims of the State, and I am therefore directed to offer you these sections. It is true that the land is very bad, and that you run a great risk of being flooded out, and that the Govern ment will take no steps to prevent that misfortune. But that is your look out. You go to work with your eyes open, and therefore know what to ex pect. You can either take the land or leave it, but I tell you again that the Government wants special settlement, and this is one of the efforts in that direction.* That is exactly how the matter stands; and now, we ask what a hall be said of the authorities who are guilty of such consumate folly and such palpable contradictions ?” We know for a fact that the unsuitobleness of the land

for settlement was pointed out be fore Mr March visited Waimate, and it woull, we think, have been wise bad it been withdrawn from olTer under Village Settlement conditions, and offered for lease fur grazing purposes without the condition of residence attached, but at the same time we think our Timaru contemporary is unnecessarily severe upon the aulhoriiies. For the fact is that there is absolutely no other Crown land near Waimate available, and in ff-ring this sixty-acre block in five-acre sections the department throws open the only bit of land remaining in its possession. It was a case of Hobson’s choice —that or none. The case, how ever, brings into prominence two facts, viz—first that there is a great demand for land for Village Settlement at Waimate, and second, that Settlement cannot proceed because the Crown has no suitable land, it might be said no land at all to offer. The obvious sequitur, therefore, is that steps should be taken by the Crown to acquire the necessary land, and this we know could be done on exceedingly easy terms. It is to be hoped that on his approaching visit to this provincial district Mr Ballance will endeavor in some way to put matters in train with a view to providing for Village Settlement at Waimate, Ashburton, and other suitable centres.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The meeting of the South R&kaia Road Board, called for Thursday, lapsed for want of a quorum, and was adjourned till Monday next.

The Otago Daily Timet says that an attempt was made by the deputation from the County Council which waited on Sir Julius Vogel on Friday to test the truth of the rumours regarding Mr J. C. Brown’s contem plated elevation to the Council. The Tuapeka Times states that on the Treasurer saying that Mr Brown’s energy was unceasing and he bad always the ear of Ministers, Mr Fraser come forward with the remark that be believed the Government was about to deprive Tuapeka of Mr Brown’s services ; but the Treasurer not seeing the bait (or bearing it, rather), didn’t bite, and so nothing was elicited. A meeting of the Ashburton Hospital Board was held at the County Chambers yesterday afternoon. Present—Messrs W. 0. Walker (Chairman), A, Harrison, D. McLean, and B. Friedlander. Tenders for additions and improvements (two contracts) to the Hospital were opened, and those of Messrs Muir and Beid, £lO7 7s, and J. B. Chapman, £l3l 12a 6d, accepted. It was resolved that Mr Harrison should, in com pany with the architect (Mr Fo fes) ascertain if the list of repairs might conveniently be reduced. A return of patients admitted and discharged during the month was laid upon the table. A letter was read from Mrs Mackay, accepting the appointment of matron to the Hospital. A letter was read from the Christchurch Hospital Board, stating that the Government had decided that all persons remanded from B.M. Courts suffering from delirium tremens should re ceive the necessary curative treatment in hospitals. The Christchurch Board was of opinion that the ordinary Hospitals were not the proper places for the reception of such oases, and asked the Ashburton Board to express its views on the matter. It was resolved that any action taken by the Christ church Board would be endorsed by the Ash burton Board. The monthly accounts were passed for payment. Mr Harrison reported what action be bad taken with regard to a defective drain at the Hospital. The Board signified its approval. As the present was the last occasion on which Mr Friedlander, in consequence of vacating his position as Mayor, would occupy a seat on the Board, a motion was passed expressive of regret at the loss of his services, Mr Friedlander suitably acknowledged the vote, and after the trans action of routine business the Board adjourned.

At the meeting of the County Council yes terday, Mr Leadley, speaking of the work done by the “ unemployed,” now engaged on the Wakanui protective works, said that he never saw a more disgrao°tul exhibition of “ Government stroke” in all his life. One or two men were working, but the others were leaning on their shovel handles looking at them. The work was one which it was im perative should be done, but he thought the Council should adopt a different system, as at present the value of the labor of the un employed was in no wise commensurate with the money the Council was paying them. The Engineer said there was a ganger (whom Mr Leadley said he did not see) in charge of the men. Two or three of the men had been discharged in consequence of having been refractory. One of the members of the Council said that he supposed the best work men were left, but the Engineer promptly assured him that was not the case, “ as the Government had taken oft the best men, and only the refuse were left." In anwer to Mr Wright, the Engineer said that the average earnings of the men were from 2s 6d to 3s per day. Mr Wright said that the Council had spent £92 on work which it had been shown was at the outside not worth more than £4O. This showed the folly of giving men work for which they had no affinity. Mr Leadley thought it was a ease of unwilling ness, rather than of inability. Men whom he had seen working in the streets of Ashburton he saw leaning on the handles of their shovels when ho visited the works, but -when they discovered his presence "they began to shake.” (Laughter.) After some farther oonvetsalioa it was resolved that the Over seer be informed of the statements which had been made in the Council, and that be be asked to furnish an explanation. It was pointed out that such explanation would be only serviceable for future guidance, as the men were all to leave the work on the follow ing day. The Ashburton Fire Brigade has resolved to send a team of live men to the competition to be held in Dunedin in February next The team will hold its first practice at 5 a.m. on Monday, and will be under the tuition of Mr W. E. Dolman.

Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Baaba Ironbark, Sandhurst, in the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25ih June, 1877, my son Alfred, sis years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on the knee. I at once took all pains to secure medical assistance. However, in spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Maogilli vray than an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, in order to save life. At this junction 1 called on Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of the Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the applica tion of the same I bad the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis bad been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied. And I make this solemn declaration, etc-, —Franzßaabe. Declared at Sandhurst, in the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seven teenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven before me, Moritz OobD) J-P.-—(Advt.)

As oui 1 readers are aware, the Ashburton Dramatic Club had arranged to give two per formances on the race nights, the pieces selected being " False Colors ” and “ Leave it to Me." Unfortunately when members who had been selected for the oast were, as sportsman have it, “almost fit,” a letter was received from Christchurch intimating the inability of the two principal lady performers to taka their parts, in consequence of serious indis position. Two l our local men, always good at a pinch, at once entered into the negotiations with Mr Henry Alleyne, hia talented wife, Miss Florence Wade, and other members of the defunct “ Pink Pearl ” Com pany to show in Ashburton on the nights named. From an adveuL-cuient published in another column it will be seen that these negotiation have proved aucesa ul, Miss Wade Mr Alleyne, our genial friend Harry Power and Miss Medway, being announced to appear in the farcical comedy “ All at Sea,” a very amusing piece, brimful of music, dancing and genuine fun. Miss Wade will take the character of a light-hearted, hoydenish, maiden, Mr Alleyne that of her testy and grimpy old nnole; and Mr Power will no doubt make the moat of Queenie’s musical lover, a part which, in the hands of a capable actor like H. P., must produce “ the tears ol mirth.” On the second night a “ grand double bill ” will be presented, the piece* chosen being “ The Bells ” and “ The Bough Diamond.” We hope the enterpris* of the amateur impretsarios will receive

adequate reward. The Tinwald Presbyterian Bazaar was well patronised last evening and to-day. The sale of farm produce in connection with the Bazaar, held at the Arcade to-day by Mr T. Bullock, wafjjvery satisfactory. The annual treat in connection with the Ashton Sunday School took place yesterday in a field kindly lent by Mr Taylor. The weather was all that could be desired, and everything passed off most successfully. A liberal supply of appetising eatables was provided, and a programme of sports for which numerous and well selected prizes were offered, was gone through. Before distri buting the school prizes the Superintendent, Mr T. Taylor, made a few remarks as to the progress of the school 'during the past year. He expressed a hope that parents would send their children regularly to the school and help the teachers in their endeavors. Mr G, Gil mour then distributed the prizes, which con sisted of handsome well-bound volumes. Mr B. Oilmour, the treasurer, read a statement which showed the school to be in a good position financially. Votes of thanks to the ladies, the superintendent, and the teachers brought the proceedings to a close.

Reports recently received in Paris from * Igeria gave an extraordinary account of the state of affairs among the Frenoh military forces in that country. There is an almost complete absence of discipline. Duels are fought daily, and sanguinary fights take place between rival companies of Chasseurs and Zouaves, while foreigners are assaulted by native soldiers.

A rather startling statement was made by Mr Jackson at the meeting of the County Council yesterday. In asking leave to post pone consideration of bis notice of motion with reference to the unemployed question, in order that he might have time to obtain some information of which be was in search, he said that he has ascertained that the landowners in Ashburton county had annually to provide 23,375 free meals for men in search of work, the cost being nearly £ISOO. g Shortly after noon to-day as Dr Tweed was driving down Burnett street a dog rushed out into the road, startling the horse which bolted. Dr Tweed and bis groom were thrown out of the buggy, but not seriously injured. The vehicle was considerably damaged and the horse cut about the knees. Mr T. Bullock sold the priviliges in con nection with the forthcom ng mee'ing of the A Bhburton Bacing Club, at the Arcade to-day, when the following prices were realised: New publican’s booth, Mrs Butler, £9 ; old pub lican's booth, Mrs Butler, £l4 ; confectioner’s booth No 1, Banger, £3 10s; do No 2, Banger, £2 10s ; right of sports, Marsh, £1; yards, Cartan £1 15.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, December 3,

The Thursday half holiday h&s reoeved its q lietua in a resolution of the Drapers’ Early Closing Ausooiation, releasing from • heir engagements those who pledged themselves to closing on Thursday. J. 8. Gibbons has issued a writ against the Union Insurance Oimpany for the recovery of the amount jf his inanrai.ee on the premises lately burned at Onehnnga. The fire formed the subject of an inquiry, and was found to be due to incendiarism.

A n«mber of young men in the Waikato have started for the Teetnlpa goldfields.

The report to the City North Licensing Committee was most unfavor able Seven houses were reported An spent is reported as missing with labilities pat £2OOO Wellington, December 3.

The four sea dons r- ce >tly brought from Auckland Islands by the Hmom >a will ho shipped homo by the Toigarir>, *hich leaves here on the 16th in. t. For their subsistence on the voyage, a large quantity of frozen fish will be taken, and the supply is to be packed in about fifty boxes.

CORN EXCHANGE.

n ho folllowing 13 tie Corn Exchange •vpurt for rhe week ending Friday, December 3rd : In prospect *i .he approaching harvest. >t is ileas’ng to see that the English markets are beginning to show signs of mprovai vslu-’S, wh oh we are advised has been < -consigned by the knowledge that the stacks through ut are generally low. We also have advice? from South Australia -which report th?r their harvest prospects are very much brighter than they were soma months hack. Local reports tlso point to a fair average yield, especially that of the spring sown corn. Wheat supplies are getting visibly smaller, but the attention of buyers i-t not mea -er as it was a few weeks pa.-t> Some i.fjthe mi ters intend sh r ly to only woik half timr* Prime hnet of railing are not pi ntifal and are at last whpk’b prices of Ai 6d 1 1 4i 7d for i earl, and 4a 51 to 4a 6d for Tuacan and Han er’s ; sec • d quality is not so saleable! at 4 s 2J to 4s 3J, but chicken wheat la scarce and firm at Ss 9d to 3s lid.

Oats have experienced a decided drop, feed are offa ing plentifully, at la 10d to gs and the long description* are null, at Is 81 to 9d. There is bat little shipping business, and In-', requirement] are ret t> toted:

Barb y—The best malting lines have all found outlets aa l second quality now • faring is qnila unsaleable— 2s 7d and 2a 8d would be readily accepted. Feed lines like oats have fallen very materially, and 2s 2d is the top value. Beane and peas are not saleable. Grass seeds have but little business passing Potatoes are slowly being got rid of at varions prices, frem 20» and downwards at country stations. Dairy prodace—Batter is very weak, there being no buyers at over Bd. New o eese is coming into the market, but the enquiry is weak, at 4d to 51. The above prices are paid for delivery, f.o.b, Lyttelton, excepting potatoes.

HAMPSTEAD SCHOOL CONCERT.

The concert in aid ul the funds now being raised for the first annual treat of the ohil .Iren attending the Hamps ead public school, which took place last evening at the Odd •e,lows’ Hall, was in every respect a greai success. The Hall was filled to the doors by a highly appreciative audience, and from first to last the programme was not only a thoroughly enjoyable one, but was evidently i* .oroughiy enjoyed. The infant classes wupiad raised seats on the platform, and a healthier, hapi ier, better dressed and better mannered set. o little people it wasnevtr our ot to see. Hampstead may be proud of its rising genera ion, and their excellent training reflected as great credit upon tbeir teachers es their neat appearance did upon themselves and their parents. The chair was taken by Major Steward, M.H.8., who opened the proceedings by a few remarks. The first item on the programme was a pianoforte duet, “ Gaiet6 du Cceur ” (the Misses Otwayl very nicely given, and this was followed by the favorite duet, “ Huntingtower,” rendered by Mr and Mrs Maclean Dunn in a really admirable manner. Then came an " action song ” by Miss Shirtolifla’a well-drilled little pupils, given charmingly, and eliciting for them the heartiest applause; and next Mrs Denshire’s beautifully rendered song, “ Two Wings.” Miss Alcorn (accompanied by her sister on the pianoforte) then gave the pretty lictle song “ Under the Willows,” and Master Hoare succeeded in two senses of the word with a touching recitation, in which he told the pathetic story of a little matobseller. After another “ action song ” by the infant classes, capitally given, Mrs Maine favored be audience with a brilliantly executed f anoforte sole, being succeeded by Miss feoiiugloa, quite a little lassie, who ia possessed of an excellent, voice, and used it remarkably well, too, in the favorite song. “ Our Jack’s come home to-day.” She was deservedly loudly encored, (indeed, almost everybody was, but in this case the audience would take no denial) and repeated the last verse. Miss Barratt’s Bong “ Gates of the West,” which was the next item, was one of the best, it □ot the beet thing of the evening, and Mr Brooks’ song “ The Skipper’s Flag” was, it is needless to say, done full justice. A third “ action song” by the infant classes, and

then the recitation “ After the Battle of Flodden,” creditably given by Master Otway; after which Mrs Denshire, accompanied on the flute by Mr Jameson, gave in exquisite style the very pretty song *• Only Dreams.” Mr McLean Dunn, who followed, fairly brought down the house wbh a humorous “ Story of a Dog,” most amusingly told, and Miss Penlington changed the current from the comic to the pathetic by the simple bat pretty little ditty “ Won’t yoa.bay my pretty flowers,” of which she carried an exceedingly choice basketful, another little lassie (Miss Fowke) playing the accompaniment with much judgment and taste. Then the High* land Fling was nicely danced by Masters Johnnie and Bobbie Moßae, the latter to our mind showing the prettier steps, and bo h being greeted with well-earned plaudits. Miss Alcorn then gave very nicely “ The Christian Martyr,” and was followed by Mr and Mrs Dunn in the good old favorite *' Ye Banks and Braes,” with violin and pianoforte accompaniment (Messrs Wood and Brooks). Then cam" a capital song (Mr Gates) ‘ As the old cook crows the youug ones learn,” and after yet another “ action song” by the little people, and votes of thanks to all the per formers and to the school teachers passed by acclamation, the concert was appropriately brought to an end about ten o’clock by the singing of the National Anthem.

MOUNT SOMERS NEWS

(FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

K meeting of persons interested in the development of the mineral resources in the Mount -Somers district to k place on Tuesday, November 30th, in the local library build ng. Mr Foacho, who had convened the meeting, opened buaineea by explaining Ita o’ ject at fall length. There is » cons de able supply of lime stone, bullding-a one, and coal to be obtained a few inres from the township, and those present wh . were numerous, were de'ired by the speaker to advocate the construction of a fri mw*y, to b c n nectad with the railway line, but worked by horses. Mr E. F. Wright followed op the convener’s remarks by supplying particular information about the present weekly demand for coal alone, which he put down at more than £SO. After considerable dl-cnssion all present, except two persons, signed a memorial to the County 0 n cil, soliciting their assist ance in the matter. The meeting tner> closed. In further explanation of the above, I beg to state that the estimated coat of a tramw -y w-uld be about 13500 If the County 0 >unoil could induce I Government to advance a loan to tha; extent under the *• Government Loans to ’ Local Bodies Act,” the principal and 1 terest at the rate of 5 oer cent would be wip d out in 26 years. Under this scheme, tbe ratepayers of the district are, in esse the pr ject fails, liable to a ra<e amounting to 2$ per cent, on the loan ; but this rate mast not exceed |d in the £ on the value of assessed land. There is very little fear of necessity to trouble the ratepayers with such a rate, as Mr Peaohe’s estate alone would very likely poutr bute more than £3O per annum Tbe traffic from all eouioas would amount to at least 5,000 tons a year; in short, even in the very worst failure, the district wonld not be called upon to cover by a rate more than £9O Other contingent advantages everyone with sense can foresee.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following is the conclusion of oor report of the proceedings of the County Council yesterday:

PROPOSSD JtSONT SCMBES TRAMWAY. The following oetition was received : Mount “ Some's, November, 30, 1886 To the Chairman and members of the Ashbuiton County Council. “ Gentlemen : Wo the undersignedjppo prietors and ratepayers in the Mount Comers • •ad District being strongly of ■pinion that this district and the county gene-al-y would be grestly benefited by r.ho development of its mine-al resources, nd further tbat a t/amw y from the Mount Somers Railway to the C'sl measures on the Stour would enable the ,~oal, lime, and building stone to be w rked to a very large extent and to be supplied to the district at very cheap rates, hereby respec’fu ly request that y. u will take t*-e necessary steps t > obtal ■ a loan of £3soo fr in the Colonial Trea surer under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Aot. 1886 The length of tramway wou d be 8 miles, and the cost baa been estimated by a reliable authority

at £3121, which, with an allowance of 10 per o*i' T for coniug*nci«s, w ul ■ am un • to £3432 Tna ancu 1 ch*rgj on £3600 wou o no, at 5 pe*- o j ut £175. Ac <><-iitog to the abave Act not less than hUf the annual charge must be secured by a rate n't excee ling f I iu the £. We therefore proposed to define-a district benefited by the tram ay. tha capital value of which shall be sboat £30,000. On this amount a rate 6f ra'her less than fd in the £ weald be sufficient to produce half the annual charge; 'he othe half would be nrovlded f >r out of revenue p-”dujed ty the tramway. Toe proposed rating dis trict would -'omprise the freehold land on the souih brnch of the As t bar ton river, above the junction of the proposed tramway and the Mount Somers Railway and the land from thence up the A*h burton Gorge adjacent to and benefited by the. proposed tramway, containing about Ifi 000 acres, capital value, say £31,0 0 Alth >ugh we are obliged by the Act to provide a rating dla riot as security for half the aouual charge we are allow* d t> pay tie whole amount out of revenue derive 1 f om the tram way and cm that there would bo no neuesiity to strike a rate An annual traffic of 5000 tone to begin with would be a very moderate estimate, and this at an average rate of la per ton would pro duce £B3O, Erenßa traffic of 2600 tone,

»t a« average rate of la 6d, would pro* dace £*B7 10 per annum, <<r mure than cat> to al anna*! charge. Tneae chargee ■ ouid not Include haulage for which thoss using the tramway might make nir own arrangements Mr A. E. P ache wid be ia at-endanos to support h a memori .l and to give any luither is* 0 mat on that may be requested. [Here fuiiuw fourteen signatures.] The Uhairmau said as it was u cessary, 1 ■ o;iier tor she appicaiim 10 be oon a dared, tiaf- it ah >uld oe lodged In Wei - • iag on by D c tuber 1, he had written n king application, flu a .tion, however, ad not ouid toe ■■ emcil or the rate payers in’era-ted Ha read the following copy of hia letter : Ashburton, November 29.1889. Sir, I have the honor to «i«kf applies* tiou for a loan of £3500 for the oonatrao cion of a tramway from the Mount Soman Railway Station to the Mount Somers Ooalpu, a distance of eight miles, under the Local Bodies Loans Acts. In your circular of the 14th nit. you state that on this occasion only you popore to consider applications which have not gone through all the stages of approval necessary under the Acts. 1 therefore forward this on behalf of the Ashbarton County Coano i, ia order that the application may be received by you within the time specified. It will receive all attention meanwhile ir-xn the Oouucii, and will be submitted without losi of time t > the ratepayers for i heir approval as prescribed by the Acts, the amount of the lorn applied foe Is £3500. estnua ed cost of woik £3120, * tu ten par cent, of contingencies added £312, matting a total cost of £3432, and tne annual charge, £175, ia proposed to ue secured —one-half c n re . enue do Ivable irocn the undertaking and one*ba!{ on rates.—l have, etc ,

W, 0. WAUtHt

The Hoa the Colonial Treasurer. Mr A. E. Peaohe waited on the Council with reference to the matter, A number of questions were put to him on the sub ject. Ha cald th=ro was a tramway reserve for the greater part of the distance, and he did not anticipate the slightest difficulty with reference to obtaining land for the remainuer cf the way. It was contem plated to establish a lime kiln, which it was thought would furnish considerable traffic. About 20L tons of lime ware need In Christchurch aione every week, and It had been estimated that the Hit Somers lima could oe delivered there at a lowa - rata than that from elsewhere, while the quality was quite as good. There was every ap pa trance of the coal covering on extensive extensive aiea and the tramway would be adjacent to a practically inexhaustible supply of building stone better than any simitar stone yet exposed In Now ZealancL

Mr Wright said he bad need both Malvern a d Mi Somers coal, and he was of opinion that the latter was decidedly the best.

In answer to furtherqneationi,Mr Peaohe s«td that Mt Somers coal could be de li v-red in Ashburton at a much lower rate ban coal from other places. The figures qu t<-d within the memorial were quite m tnia ire mark and there was in his opinion no likeliho>d of the ratepayers vuhm the district proposed to be formed being calud up m to contribute.

I resolved on the motion cf Mr Jackson, seconded by Mr Wright,' “ The chu Council endorse the Chairman’s action iu making application to the Qovernmeal for the loan.”

It was resolved to take the necessary preliminary steps prior to the sanction •>f tbe ratepayers within the proposed district being ob atned a lira eta e tbe Council adjonrned for •n hour. On the Council regaining the following business was transacted ; COMMITTEE. On the motion of Mr Coster, the Council then went into committee of the whole, and on resuming it was reported that the following resolutions had been carried:

“ That the county be divided into three districts for the purpose of water supply and irrigation—lst district to extend from Kahaia to north branch of Ashburton, 2nd district to comprise the country be* tween the north and south branches of the Ashburton, 3rd district to include the country from the south branch of the, \sbburton to the Kangitata, the head* works being quite distinct in each case.” That the salaries of the water rangers, one third of thb Engineer’s salary, one* tenth of the Clerk’s salary and of the office expenses be charged to the three water race districts in proportion to the number of miles of races in each d.strict.” “ That the estimates for the forth* coming year be calculated on the above basis f-r each district, and that the Council at its next meeting by resolution • levy a water charge in each district anffi cient to cover the estimated expenditure in each district.” 60BSE IK BTVBB BEDS. Pursuant to notice, Mr Wright moved— “ That the gorge growing in the river beds within the county be burnt, or other wise cleared away.” After some discussion, the motion was carried, the Chairman and Engineer bp’ng authorised to make arrangements for carrying it into effect. UNEMPLOYED. Mr Jackson obtained leave to postpone his notice of motion with reference to the unemployed question. payments. The nsnal monthly accounts were passed for payment. bobbin’s pobd. The Selwyn County Oonnoll forwarded copies of the fordsmsn’s returns of tnffio at Dobbin’s Ford, and asked if the Ash burton Council Intended continning their subsidy. It was resolved to continue the subsidy for another year. PLANTING COMMUTES.

Messrs Wright, Harper, Coster, and the Chairman were appointed a planting committee, and letters which had been received from Maters Dolan, Gardiner, and McLean on planting business were referred to the committee. GBAVSL FITS. The RangltaU Bnad Board requested the Council to apply to the Government f->r an exchange of one gravel reserve for another, and to apply to have five acres reserved for gravel pita every mile apart on all roads running through Crown lands. It was decided to forward the Road Board’s request to Government. ST FPAGB OF BOAD. The question of the mad in Shepherd's Bush Purvey District, which a public meeting of ratepayers in the Rangitata Road District had decided to olose.and against wh ch proposed a petition bad been received at the previous meet* (rg of the Council, again came op for

consideration The Ohaiamsn of the Ban{itata Poad Board forwarded a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Board on the snl'j *ct. The whole question was, after a pro longed debate,' referred to a committee', consisting of Messrs Jackson, Cotter, and Leadley. F'LLtNO FLAGS. The Hampstead Town Bosrd requested fha Council to appoint within the Town p atriot limits a polling place for liceoslng elections. ’ - ■ ■ > • > *■ V Jt liras i esolved that the matter be con* sidered at a future date, PiiOTfCTIVB WORKS BATB, It was resolved to authorise the Upper Ashburton Road Board to instruct their collector to sue for ontitending mes in the Ashburton Forks Protective District. ASHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL. It was resolved that the Chairman and Mr McLean be re-appointed member! of tb* Aohburtoa High Scb'J-'i Hoard.

fHE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY DECEMBER 4, 1886



MRS MANHIRE, Fancy goods warehouse, Saunders’ Buildings, East street. Ladies' and Children’s Clothing in great ▼ariety. Paper Patterns in stock and Assigned to order Special Lines in Aprons and Pinafores. 9624



MUSIC. MRS A. 0. CLARIDGE is prepared to receive PUPILS for PIANOFORTE •ad ORGAN Terms on Application Cox street, Asbbnrton. 9668 WESTGATE & BATES, (From G. Elliott, Christchurch), IL3HMONGERS AND POULTERERS OYTSTER SALOON, Tancred sire Err, Ashburton. N.B. —We are now receiving daily Fresh Fish of the best quality. 964 F For coughs, colds, bronchi Asthma, Coryza, Influenza, Co sumption, &c. KAY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, Aolaeed, Senega, Squill, Tola, &c with Chlorodyne. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. KAY’S COMPOUND, for Couchs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY'S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, 4c. Con tains Quinine, Iron, &c. COAGULINE. —Cement for Broken Articles. Bold Everywhere. Sole Makers :—KAY BROS., Stock - crt, England. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY The new goods for the SUMMER SEASON ARB NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style 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 shrank Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggings in great variety Bats, compris-ng every new stylo worn Children's Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suits Gentlsmen’s Hosiery, Scarves; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Bags, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bsgs The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N.z, factory, East Stmux,



Wanted. WANTED Known Opening Ball will be bald on 9th December at Temperance Hall, Tiawald. Dancing at 8.30. p.m. A YOUNG GENTLEMAN can obtain comfortable Board and Residence with a small family. Apply Office. 12 t9 TXT ANTED—IO Shearers at once. E. W M. Goodwin, Oraoroft. 12 12 XJtTANTED—A boy who can milk, and make himself generally useful. Apply Guardian Office. 12 18 W.iNTED— A General Servant; re f rence required. Apply t« Mrs Bandell. 12 WAN TED—Teams for breaking np and cross-ploughing. Appl w 0. Sxbachbt. Maronan, 12^26 WANTED KNOWN.—Washing and Mangling done either by the day or dozen. Mangling 2d per dozen. —Mrs Netill, North-* est Belt, Allenton, 880 GvOl> TRICYCLE, named ‘“Bobby Burns,” ne» ; double lamps ; very strong. Only £is ; bargain,—fi. M. Jones. WANTED KNOWN. —That from this date I have reduced joints of Beef and Mutton a halfpenny per lb.— James Tasker. 12*14 WANTED the Public to Inspect a grand assortment of New Season’s Tea and Sugars of all grades, at prices to all classes of purchasers.— Jas. McGregor, Tancred street- FURNITURE —To meet the times, W DaVIS, Cabinetmaker, East street, Ashburton, is now selling Furniture of all kinda cheaper than ever. Chest of Drawers. £1 5s ; r prins; Couches, £1 5a Every other article equally cheap. AH new furniture at second-hand price. 804 JUST OPENED—Choice assortment of New Spring Drees e tuffs, Prints, Millenty, etc. !he cheapest House in town for first class goods. Dressmaking on the premises. H. O. Sbgbrs, Mel ford House. ANTED known that J Heseltine Vt Saddler, &c., Burnett street. Ashburton, and at Tinwald, is hELLING SAODLERY CHEAPER THAN EVER. Large Stock to select from. Reaper and Binder Canvasses made and repaired at lowest prices. Cash paid for Horsehair in any quantity. Note the address Next Bullock’s Arcade, Burnett street, Ashburton. 12J1



Special Advertisements. G HAWKINS, Bootmaker, Tinwald , has just received a good assortment of BOOTS AND SHOPS for the Summer Season, all of which will be soid at prices not to be rubbed out in Ashburton. Karly call solicited 11*96 ANTED KNOWN MRS STRIBLING HAS REMOVED from old premises in Burnett street (next to the Arcade), to the PANAMA BOAKDING-HOUSE, TANCRED STREET (Lately occupied by Mr Lucas). 8°537 WILDING AND LEWIS, T> AREI3TERS AND CIOIIOITORS. Offices: Next “Mail” Office, Burnett st., Mr Wilding will attend the sittings of the Ashburton Courts on Tuesday and Fridays, and may be consulted personally on these days. The firm is now represented in Ash burton by Mr Clayton, an English Solicitor of considerable experience, who will be in daily attendance at the office to receive instructions and confer with ients. *IOBO THAT F. WILDING, Notary Public. Ashburton.



W. F. HANEAFOED, (Burnett street, opposite “ Mail” Office) TINSMITH AND METAL-PLATE WORKER, WISHES to info'm the public of Ashburton an the surrounding districts that he keeps in stock or can MANUFACTURE TO ORDER all de scriptions of TINWARE for FARM or DA ; RY purposes; also, all REPAIRS of any nature promptly.executed in a skilful manner. All go' ds sold at lowest remunerative prices ATh ai, solicited HORSE-HAIR and BEESWAX bought in any quanli j



TO STAND THIS SEASON AT ASHBURTON, And Travel the ■'■unrounding Districts, The Thoroughbred Horse, Kingfisher. For Pedigree see cards Terms —For one mare, £3 3s. A reduction will be made for three or more mares, the property of one owner. First class paddEcks for mares at la per week. Groomage fee, ss, payable at first service. E. COOKSON, Proprietor, 9J736 Livery Stables, Ashburtn. MOUNT SOMERS COAL PIT. COAL CAN NOW BE HAD at the above pit . ♦ FOR JjVIGHT SHILLINGS PER TON, Or in Ashburton at SEVENTEEN SHILLINGS PER TON, By the Truck. FOR CASH O-wLY. E. F, WRIGHT, MESSRS TUCKER AND RESTELL, Agents in Ashburton. o*3l



Victoria House, HOLIDAY SEASON, 1886-87 SECOND ANNUAL GIFT DISTRIBUTION, comprising elegant Works of Art, in Bohemian and Bulgarian Palmed Vases, Glass Water Jugs, and Crystal Flower Stands. Ac GIFT COUPONS now being issued to Purchasers. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, &c. t Corner East and Tancred streets, Ashburton.



Special advertisements. G.L.Beath & Co. £IOOO 0 s 0 D sth ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OP CHRISTMAS GIFTS Friday, November i2th. ON AND AFTER FRIDAY every Customer will re ceive a Ticket with each Purchase, entitling the holder to select any Present of the value stated on the ticket, which will amount to about one-eighth of the purchase money. G. L. BEATH & CO., Argyle House, CABHEL STREET, CHRISTCHURCH.



FOB Eeliable Goods AT MODERATE PRICES, ORR & ALCORN ABE U napproachable. THE PREMIER STOCKS or ASHBURTON, DRAPERY, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES. OAEPBTS (NEW DESIGNS,)



REMOVAL OF THE AST BURTON BRANCH OF H. J. WOOD AND CO. (Late T. F. Farlsy) to FRIED LANDER’S BUILDINGS. WE beg to advise our valued cus tomers, the commercial and general public of Ashburton and sur rounding districts, that, having taken the lease of the large and commodious pre mises, formerly the drapery establishment of Messrs Friedlander Bros., next the com- r, we have opened there with a large and well-assorted stock of BOOKS, COMMERCIAL & GENERAL STATIONERY, ACCOUNT BOOKS, &c., To which is being added on the arrival of every direct steamer the very latest NEW B-!OKS and NEW MUSIC out. Subscribers supplied with English, American, and Continental Newspapers and Magazines immediately on arrival of Mail. Special attention is given to all orders for Bookbinding, Printing, Engraving, and Lithography Specimens on view. Special Discounts allowed to Library and School Committees Catalogues and Lists on application WRITING, PRINTING, * WRAPPING PAPERS IN ANY QUANTITY. Any Book wanted which may be tem porarily out of stock will be immediately procured from our Christchurch Establish ment, the stock of which is one of the largest and best assorted in the colonies ; or from our London Agency by direct mail steamer. H. J. WOOD & GO. ! Booksellers, Stationers, Printers, and Beokbinders, STATIONERS’ HALL, ASHBURTON, Messrs SPENSLEY & CO. having ap po nted us their Agents for Ashburton and Ditrict, we have pleasure in calling atten tion to our large and well assorted stock of Sheet Music, comprising the latest and most popular Songs, Dances, and Piano forte Solos. Teachers and others will find a useful assortment of the most approved Methods and Studies for Pianoforte Prac tice and S.nging. Pianos by celebrated makers, which may be either purchased on the deferred payment system or hired for any length of time. Violins, Cornets, Flutes, Accordions, Corcertinas, Har moniums. ,'rgans, and Brass Instruments f* J, WOOD AND 00,



THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS PUR-1 CHASING ACT, 1885, AND AMENDMENT ACT. THE RAKAIA AND ASHBURTON PORKS RAILWAY DISTRICT. NOTICE is hereby given under the provisions of the 1 istrict Railways Purchasing Act, 1885, and the District Hallways Purchasing Act. 1885, Extension and Amendment Act 1886, that it is my intentio i to mike, on the 4th Uecemhfi, a rate on all Prope-ty within the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway District, as defined in G zette of 17th October, 1878 page 1415, for the year ending 31st March, 1886, as follows : 29,311 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the first class. 26,054 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the second class. 19,541 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on all land comprised in the third class. 13,027 A rate of of a penny in the 100,000 pound on ail land comprised in the fourth class. That such Bate will be payable to the Postmaster at Rakaia on the 11th December next, and that the Rate B ok will be open for inspection at the Post Office, Rakaia, between the hours of £ a.m. and 4 «.m. daily from the 15th tc the 30th November, bi-th inclusive. J. SPERREY, Property Tax Commissioner. Wellington, 12th November, 1886. 11 86



0 STAND THIS SISASON, NETHERBY FARM. ASHBURTON, And visit the surrounding neighborhood, The Thoroughbred Stallion Johnny Faulkner. Pedigree ; He is by St. Albans, out of Impudence, by Peter Wilkins, out of Prudence by Jersey, out of Black Sail by Wanderer, out of Fairy (imp.) (For tabulated pedigree see cards ) Terms : £lO 10a for thoroughbred mares. £5 5s for half-bred mares. Also, the Thoroughbred Stallion By Messenger, out of Kate O’Shane, Will stand at Netherby Farm, and travel he districts of Ashburton, Methven, Mount Somers, and ’ Alford Forest, Terms: £3 10 ; guarantees, £5 ss. Season, Ist January, 1887. Guarantees, Ist July, 1887, AT Houser, 9635 L MARKEY, Propriety t