RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton —From Christ church and the North, at 10.15 a.in. (express), 1.35 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.tn. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 p.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 a.m. .

Trains Leave Ashburton —For Christ 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, S4a p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follows ;

For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey 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. dail;# For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and r 4.3o p.m daily. For Timaru and South, at 10 a. zn., and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaview, Scafield, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapana, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, »t 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes lays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive la I the,. Ashburton Post Office— . From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10. lo ,m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.15 & and 4.35 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at B.S 01 '>.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m np 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 A.m. from Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 a.m. From Mayfield and Ruapuna, or. W ed uesdaye and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a. m. daily. . . From Newlands, on Tuesdays and f n days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1886. THE IRISH QUESTION.

The intense feeling which has been evoked amongst the people of Ulster and the other loyalists in Ireland by Mr Gladstone’s Home Rule proposals shows how little likely those proposals would be, if carried into law, to promote the peace and prosperity ol Ireland. Ulster ol itself contains a large popula tion, and is the most prosperous part of Ireland. It is so because its inhabitants have for a long time past shown themselves obedient to the law and have relrained from giving them selves up to the wiles of the hired agitators who have obtained such a hold upon the people in other parts of the country. The people of L ister know full well what consideration or meicy they might expect

from ;i Parnellite Parliament. They have a lively collection of the frightful atrocities committed upon their ancestors by tire predecessors of the Irish Nationalists, when the latter temporarily gained the upper hand, and they find the same spirit pervading the utterances and actions of the Nationalists of the present day as for merly heralded those atrocities. When we see eminent men of opposite political opinions, like Lord Randolph Churchill and Mr Chamberlain, publicly declaring that the people of Ulster would be justified in forcibly resisting the authority of a Parnellite Parliament silting in Dublin, we may take it for granted that the danger jis neither light nor imaginary. Lord Salisbury, in a speech delivered in March last said— I “ The Protestants of Ulster are prepar ! ing themselves for the worst. They j believe that great dangers are impend ! ing, and they are preparing to resist them. cheers.) You have heard Mr Morley denouncing as the most tlagitious action of his experience, the effort of my noble friend—-an effort, I believe, brilliantly successful —to rouse them to a sense of the terrible unprecedented dangers that hang over them at this moment. (Loud cheers.) Do not judge your Ulster friends too harshly, you who are safe and comfort able here. (Hear, hear.) In the mere matter of right, after all. if it is right that Ireland should be allowed to se cede from the larger community of the United Kingdom, it is equally right Ulster should be allowed to secede from the larger community of Ireland, (Hear, hear.) Tut, remember, that what to us are mere distant tales of things that are read in a newspaper, and thrown over and forgot, are to them terrible realities. It is proposed here to adopt a system of policy which will hand them over, bound hand and foot, to their hereditary enemies, and we know by experience what that means.’ The loyal Catholics and Protestants in other parts of Ireland have likewise to be considered. We saw, by what took place at Dublin, Cork and elsewhere on the occasion of the Prince of Wales’s visit to Ireland, that while the Nationalists have in their ranks the bulk of the population in certain districts, there are in the same districts powerful bodies of Loyalists capable of making themselves felt. Yet it may safely be asserted that in a Parnellite Parliament in Dublin these Loyalists would be no more represented than theyare by the Parnellite members now at Westminster. Nor should the tights of property holders be disregarded. To the excited mind of an Irish peasant of Nationalist tendencies, a landlord may be a person to be shot I down without mercy, and his proptrtx confiscated for the benefit of Ins tenants, while every person who during his life time, choses to have dealings with him to the detriment of the Nationalists ought to be boy cotted and ruined, but impaitial observes will look at the matter in a different light. There are good land lords as well as bad landlords in Ireland; and if there are hard landlords there are likewise bad and dishonest tenants. As a writer in the Nineteenth Century justly observes, the refusal to pay rent may be patriotic, but it is also profitable. Kents may be excessive in

some localities, and it may be proper to adjust them by Slate inteiference; but the landlord is entitled to be protected in his ownership of the soil, -and the law should enable him to recover what is justly due to him. Now, the Par ndlites boasts that one of their objects is to destroy landlordism, root and branch; in other words, to deprive the landlords of their rights in the soil and transfer them to the tenants. As Sir George Grey tersely pul it the other day, the only effect of Mr Gladstone’s Land Purchase scheme would be to change the landlords. Home Rule, itself, as developed by Mr Gladstone, means the vesting of all political power in Ireland in the least intelligent, least law-abiding, and least loyal section of the community; while the loyal, educa ted, and propertied classes would he completely at thejmercy of the others. It is, therefore, not surprising to find that not a single irishman of real note is supporting Mr Gladstone’s proposals. The probable ultimate result of Home Rule to the Empire must be gathered from a perusal of the speeches of the Nationalist leaders before imprison ment had taught them caution, and of the tirades against the British Empire which for years past have appeared in the Nationalist newspapers published in Ireland and the United States. To the conviction that the most serious consequences would occur in this direction it Home Rule were granted, must be attributed thedefcction of Lord llartington, Mr Chamberlain, Mr Gos chen, Mr |ohn Bright,sir Hum y James, and Mr Trevelyan from Mr Gladstone’s siandard. Only the strung conscious ness of impending peril to the State could have induced such men to secede from the leader of the Liberal parly, and it docs credit to the public spirit that they should be willing t o sacrifice office and all parly considerations when the public safety demands it. Mean while, and although the Nationalist leaders are supposed to have passed the word (or outrage to cease lest the passage of the Home Rule Bill should be imperilled, many districts are still in a stale of wild disorder. On March 12 last the Grand Jury of the county of Kerry thought it its duty to pass a resolution drawing tire attention of Government to the social state of that country. The re solution said—“ Crimes of serious character extensively prevail. Murders, assaults with firearms, the maiming „of individuals, intimidation, boycotting, night attacks on dwellings, raids for arms, incendiary fires, mutilation and stealing of cattle, Kc., and the number of such cases reported to the Consta bulary lias almost doubled as compared with the corresponding period of last year, while the perpetrators of about 97 per cent, of them remain unde tected. We desire to record our con viction that unless the power of the law be speedily re-asserted, and the societies whence these outrages ema nate be dissolved, what remains of security for life and property will assuredly be at an end, and we believe that unless a general measure for the suppression of crime be adopted, steps should immediately be taken to deai specially with the disturbed districts.” Similar reports come from other districts. And ii is to the instigators and perpe trators of these outrages that Mr Glad stone proposes to commit the government of Ireland !

Messrs J. C. Duncan and W. B. Moss wore the only candidates nominated as Borouyn Auditors to-day, and were declared duly elected.

The Ashburton hounds met at Laghmor .yesterday. As is usual on the Queen s Birthday fixture there was a very large held, and an immense concourse of spectators. The hounds threw oil' shortly after noon, but some time elapsed before they settled down to a business-like hare. Ultimately the right sort of game was found, and a very pretty run from the Westerlield r ad to Tinwald fol lowed. The hunting and riding was of the usual holiday description, but as Lire regular followers appeared determined to give their town friends an opportunity to onj y the outing, tlie utmost good humor prevailed, and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all. The Master, Mr Matthew idtitt, and the Deputy-Master, Mr T. E. Upton, were both oir, and relaxed the usual rigor of their discipline to meet the exigencies of the cir cumstances and the day. We regret to learn that during the day Mr Bunting dislocated his elbow. The injured limb was at once attended to by Dr Leahy, and the sufferer is not likely to experience much inconvenience from the accident. The annual meeting of the subscribers to the Chertsey I'ubiic Library took place on Saturday evening. The attendance was limited, but great interest was evinced by those present in the welfare of tire institution. Mr J. Weils was elected Chairman, and Messrs Todd and I’atterson were re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Mr H. Striugfeliow was appointed to act as Co- Librarian with Mr Todd. Messrs Dowuie, Childs, and McDowell were appointed a sub committee to see to necessary improvements to the grounds and and repairs to tiro building. A selection of books was then submitted to the meeting by the sub Committee appointed at a former meeting. The selection was approved, and a discussion then took place as to the ad visablencss of entrusting the order to a local bookseller or obtaining the books from town. Ultimately it was decided to instruct the Secretary to send the order to Messrs Whit combe and Tombs, of Christchurch. The consignment ordered is of the value of about Tl 7. A vote of thanks to the retiring Chairman, Mr W, Btraohan, closed the pro-

ceedings

A concert organised by the committee of the Ashburton County Hunt Club was given in the Oddfellows’ id till last evening. The attendance was not very large, but the front seats were comfortably tilled, and the audience was a thoroughly appreciative one. The programme opened with a pianoforte duet, “ Pass Redouble,” by Misses Kidd and IShury, which the performers interpreted with their usual taste aud delicacy of execution. Coptain Cotton’s “ Forty Alinutes ” was received with rapturous applause, aud was undeniably re-demauded. Mrs Crisp and Mr W. G. Itees followed with items which merited the marks of appreciation they received, aud Miss Kidd’s pleasing voice was heard to advantage in “ Here’s a Health to Merry Scotland.” “The King’s Highway,” by Mr Atkinson, and “A Little Mountain Lad,” pleasantly rendered by Miss Guinness, closed the first part of the programme. The second part opened with another duet by Misses Kidd aud Shury, which was quite as successful as the young ladies’ first perform ance. “ The MeyneU Hunt,” by Captain Cotton, was, of course, re-demanded, and the popular sportsman good-naturedly responded !to the call. Mrs Denshire was heard to ad vantage in ‘•’Waiting Angels,” and acceded to a well-merited encore. Songs by Mrs Crisp, Mr W. G. Rees and Mr Atkinson followed, and .Mr T. E. Upton,, the gonial Deputy- Master of the Hunt, closed the programme with “ John Peel.” The last item was re ceived with uproarious applause, but the sporting enthusiam of the audience did not reach its zenith until Captain Cotton stepped forward and announced that Dr P.oss’s horses had won the two principal events at the Dunedin Birthday Mooting. The news of the popular medico's victories was received with loud aud prolonged applause, and a call for ■* three uhoers for the doctor ” met with an enthusiastic response. During the even ing Madame Rice, very graciously, contributed several items, and for each received a most imperative encore. The concert was followed by a daaae, which was well attended. —l-Iri \

THE SPECIAL SETTLEMENT CLAUSES.

The following article, dealing with the above important subject, appeared in our .ocal contemporary this morning: The question opened up by the mem ber lot Waimate on Friday afternoon is one ot the greatest possible interest to the people of tins provincial district, as a few words of explanation will suffice to show. Canterbury is in a stagnant stale so tar as set dement is concerned, and the causes for this slate oi things are not iar to seek. They are simply that those wno wou'd willingly lake up holdings are not able to ob tain them unless at a pi ice altogether beyond their value, and under condi tions unsuited to their requirements. All the best agiieullural laud nas long aeo been bought from the Crown or, what has practically the same effect, the keys to it have been bought, and future purchasers effectually blocked from access to roads and streams. There, however, remains a large quan tity of land ot second class quality which, if only it could be obtained in sufficient areas and at a reasonable puce with easy terms of payment, would, we are persuaded, be rcadi.y taken up to tue advantage ot the settlers themselves and to the country generally. I'iie land to vvhicu we retel ls to be found m different parts ot the provincial district on the runs ol pastoral tenants of the Crown, and con sists of country adapted for what wc will term pastoial fanners j that is to say, farmers whose operations would be mainly pastoral, yet partly agricultural; farmers whose chief dependence wouid be their Hocks of sheep, but who also would always have a larger or smaller proportion of their holdings under the plough. Land of this kind, situated for the most part at considerable eleva tion, can not be profitably divided into 200 or goo or even 500 acre allotments, but would require to be held m areas of from 1000 to 2000 acres according to situation an J quality. Tut il it could be obtained in blocks of tins size, such holding would support a settler and his family in comfort. now, not withstand ing that the land may be under pastoral lease, any person who chooses may under the Canterbury Land Regulations lake it up for cash, but must pay down L2 per acre, and there are very fewper sons indeed able to find so large a sum as from L2OOO to L4OOO, wh.le those who are able to do so, certainly would not, seeing that the land is not worth more than half the money. .But, in addition to the difficulty of finding ready cash to so large an amount, there is the further difficulty that if the land be sold on deterred payment the total price is raised by 25 per cent., i.e., to 50s per acre, and even then under this system the area of each lidding is restricted to the altogether insufficient hunt ot 320 acres. An attempt to meet these difficulties was made last session by Mi Steward, who carried in the House the addition of clauses to the Bill which provided that in the case of second class land, certified to be such by tire Survevor-Ceneral, the Governor might, by proclamation, declare it open for sale on deferred payment, at any price from 10s to gos per acre, and in blocks of any size (not exceeding 2 000 acres), named m the proclamation. Those clauses were thrown out in the Upper House, and Mr Steward then made the discoveiy that nearly all he desired to accomplish might be effected in another way, viz., under the special settlement clauses. Clauses 162 and 163 of the Act give power to the Governor to set apart, out of any “ rural lands,” such blocks as he may think lit as special settlements, under such conditions as to price, area of holding, and terms of payment as he may think lit, the only limitations being tnat the price shall not be less than 20s per acre, and that not more than one hundred thousand acres shall be so set apart in any one year. Hence it fol lows that if the term “ rural land” applies to lands under pastoral lease, then, notwithstanding such lease the land could be offered for sale on de terred payment in the area de.dred, at a total capital cost of one pound per acre, payable in instalments extending over a series of years. Mr Steward's conten tion was that the term “ rural lands” does so apply, and when it is remem bered that clause 85 enacts that all lands of the Grown shall be divided into three clauses, viz. ; (1) town land ; (2) suburban land; (g) rural laud, being lands not reserved lor towns or villages, or other public purposes, it is clear to any one who understands the English language that this is the case. Now, it is important to remember that these provisions are no new thing. T hey did not appear in the Act of 1885 for the first time, but are to all intents and pur poses identical with those of clause gS of the Land Act, 1577, and clauses 24 and 25 of “ T he Land Act Amend ment Act, 1579.” Further, it should be borne in mind that the influence ol the pastoral tenants of the Crown, obtained for them under the Act of 1877, an extension of their leasts then obtained to expire in 1880 for 10 years, and it must be held that when only two years later the power was given (sections 24 and 25, Act of 18S7) to declare special settlements on “any rural lands,” Parliament gave that power of exten sion, and that from that date the lease or licenses have been held subject to this right on the part of the Grown. Now, it appears that all this was set out by Mr Steward at the close of last session, in a memorandum to Ministers, and the object of his question on Friday was to ascertain (1) Whether Ministers had taken the opinion of the law advisers as to whether the Crown possessed the powers alleged, and (2) if so, whether Ministers proposed to exerciser that power by opening up blocks for application under the con ditions we have indicated in Canterbury and Otago, The reply of Mr Ballance was as to the first question, that the advice had been taken, and was con firmatory of Mr Steward’s contention, and as to the second, that Ministers were not clear as to whether Parliament intended to confer such a power, and, therefore, were not sure as to their duty in the matter. He would “recommend the hon. gentleman to submit the matter to the Waste Lands Committee.” This is, verily, a most lame aud im potent conclusion j for the merest tyro in parliamentary practice knows first that neither the Waste Lands Com

mitlee nor any other Committee of the House of Representatives has any

power to report . upon a matter not referred to it by direct resolution of the House] and, second, that even were this matter so referred, the Committee would

inevitably report that it is not its func tion to interpret the law as it stands, much less to say what Parliament in tended when the law was passed nine years ago. The fact is, the question has been simply shirked, and it would have been more manly to say at once that Ministers did not intend to exercise the powers by law conferred upon them. It is, however, well that the public should know that the law confers these powers upon the administrators of tin public estate, and it must be neld both that the law intends what it expresses, and that what is expressed is intended to be acted upon. Had Mr Bal'ance suggested that the Waste Lands Board should be asked to indicate whether any blocks could be advantageously opened up under these conditions, and if so in what areas and on what terms as to price and payment, we could have understood it ; but to suggest the reference of the matter to the Waste Land] Committee of the House is simply shuffling, and wholly unsatisfac tory on the part of a Government which professes to be in earnest for the promotion of the profitable settlement of the colony. As the matter stands, we would recommend those persons who are anxious to take up land in the areas and under the terms we have mentioned--and we know that there are such —to approach the Waste Land Board with a request that it will recom mend the opening up under the condi tions desired, of such blocks as may be indicated by the memorialists ; and is necessary, that petitions should be ad dressed to Parliament to the like effect- One thing is clear, namely, that the law provides for the land being thus upened up, and no Government can long refuse to pul the law into opera tion, it there be anything like an earnest demand on the part of the people.

WELLINGTON NEWS.

(q-Rn.u oun OWN correspondent.)

Wellington, May 21

There is a remarkable dearth of political news and a scarcity of even the usual lobby rumors. It may be looked upon as a recoil from the abnormal activity of last session. There is a most determined opposition to be expected from a very large number of members if the Government endeavor to bounce immoderately ; in fact, I have heard that it is contemplated by some to move at an early date in the direction of a redaction of current expenditure, Mr Bryce’s banquet on Saturday was a great success, and the most thoroughly repre sentative one as yet known in the colony. He made an excellent speech, as did also Sir M. O’Korke, who spoke in the very highest terms of Mr Bryce. A very large number of members of both Houses were present. The levee this morning at Government House was largely attended by members of both Houses, civil servants, and representa tive citizens. There were also present Capt. Lang, of the Kussian warship Vestrix and his aide-de-camp, who is a cousin of Da lon Mictach, well-known in this colony. The Vestrix is from Launceston, bound fer Japan. The captain of the Japanese man-of-war, his commander and interpreter were also present. Mho leaves at noon to-day. There have been at the instance of Sir Judus Vogel, communi cations between Dr Hector and the scientist who accompanies the ship in, reference to the establishment of a commerce in connection with the woollen factory established in Japan, but the scientist alleges the northern parts of the country are too cold to produce tine wools, whilst the southern portions are more valu able for other purposes. A great demand for woollen clothing has arisen in Japan, the people having been hitherto clad in cotton and silk. It is rumored that Mr Bryce will be included in the Birthday honors.

SPORTING.

DU.Mi. DIM RAGS'. SFOJND DaY,— May 24. HANDICAP I] EItPL”S, of SO BOVS. Two mdos.

Messrs Hobbs’ Bordennan, list s'b (Mazengarn) 1 Mr Greener’s Trapper, lOat s!b

(‘Jot toe) 2 Mr Stephenson's Peter Flat, Sat Tib 3 Moody and May boy also ran. Won b} tea lengths Time, 4mia IGsec. Totali aaur, LI 15s. Birthday Handicap, of 150 so vs. One mile and a quarter.

Mr Hathorn’a Spado Guinea, 7st (Huxtable) 1

Mr Stead’s Marion, 0.-t ... (Ladings) 2 M tssrs Hobba’ Jack. Sit (Loughliu) 3

Hermitage and i)on Jose also ran. Won easily by a length and a half. Time, 2min 20,iiec. Totalisator, inside, L2 19a ; ouuide, L2 14s Novel Face, of 80 sovs. One mile. Mr A. Drake’s Revolver, 7st 12ib

(White) 1 Mr Rivers’ Cheap Jack, 6J 101 b ... 2 Mr Mokarakara, Bst Sib (Stratford) 3

Cathedral, Gaiters, Ironsides, Dutch man, Shamrocit, and Princess Alice also ran. Won by a head. Time, Imin 53|sec. Totalisator, L 3 14s, Winter Handicap Trot, of 75 sovs. Two miles. Mr W. H. laggart'a Wakatu, 253eca start, won, boating sixteen others. Divi dend, L2 10a.

St Cl uk Welter Handicap, of 100 sovs, Seven furlongs.

Mr A, Hathorn’a Take Miss, Oat slb (Rudi gs) 1 Mr Sherwiu’s Quibble, Oat 51b (Stratford) 2 Mr Brown’s Molly Bawn, Oat 12ib (Cotton) 3

Miss Cook, Sweetbriar, and Iris also ran. Molly Eawn cut out the running for four furlongs, whoa Quibble took the lead and held it till entering the straight, when Take Miss came through and won by half a length after a desperate race home. Time, Imin STisec. Dividend, L 3 2s 6d. Hack Race, of 15 sovs. Half a mile. Cheap Jack beat seven others. Time, oliseo. Totalisator, L2 19a. Consolation Handicap, of 50 sovs. One mile Mr Sherwin’s Meteor, 7st 7'b... ... 1 Mr Sherwin’s Quibble, Bst 21b (Stratford) 2 Mr Rivers’ Don Jose ... ... ... 3 Garibaldi, Jack, Foul Play, and Cone zan also ran. This race was run in the d«rk, Meteor winning by two lengths. Dividend, L 3 16s.

HEATHCOTE RACES.

[from our own correspondent.]

The Birthday Meeting of the Heathcote Racing Club was held yesterday. The weather was most enjoyable, ahd the at tendance was very good. The following are the results of the principal events ; MAIDEN PLATE. Sankey 1 Master Guy ... ... 2 Malvina 3 Won easily by a length and a half. handicap hurdle race. Tres Sec 1 lady Eva 2 Won with ridiculous ease.

BIRTHDAY handicap, Kingask ... ... ... 1 Rose and Gold ... 2 Master Agnes 3 Won by a head ; half a length between second and third.

PUBLIC OPINION.

[This column is open for the free discussion of all matters of interest in the Ashburton County* but we ore in no way identified with the opinions expressed by corrcs-pondenta.]

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —1 notice a wonderful alteration in the tone of your Southland correspondent’s last letter. According to D. E., at one time Southland was a land flowing with milk and honey, “The soil was splendid, the crops luxuriant and the weather delightful.* 1 Now we find “ there has been some bad weather, the crops have been a failure, and the price of land has come down considerably,” Your correspondent might have gone further, and told your readers that a large proportion of the Canterbury farmers and others who were induced to go South have been ruined.

That Southland will grow oats and grass in some places is no doubt true; but that it is what D. E. and others have represented it to be, “ a good country for farmers,” is not borne out by recent events. We hnd from D.E.’s last letter that stock and implements are almost unsaleable, and we lately had a gentleman in Ashburton who informed us tuat tne farmers in Southland intended to take up arms to resist the just demands of their creditors.

But about the stripper. D, E. has put bis foot in it woefully ibis time. In his former letter he insinuated that the New Zealand implement was far behind some other make. Now he xefers me to my own letter—which is no answer. Why does he not own up : that he knew of no other stripper? He says “he used one of the latest make each season, but saw no improvement.’* Does he think the only thing worthy of the name of improve ment was the aleration he thought of ? Grass strippers were first made (so far as I know) about ten years ago, and the firm with which I am connected have made five or six differ ent patterns in that time. Perhaps It will bo satisfaction to your correspondent to know that last season their eyes were opened. Whether D. E. had anything to do with it I am unable to to say, but they made a stripper v*ith “ one coarse riddle, and a contrivance to elevate everything on to the riddie.” D. E. may have been the first man or the last man to think of the plan, but the fact remains that “ with one coarse riddle, etc.,” less seed can be saved than by the ordinary stripper. It was the opinion of some people that the contrivance would save lime, but 1 think your correspondent was alone in the opinion that it would save more seed. We made and sold eight strippers with the riddling attachment, whilst we sold several dozens without it. The attachment was removabie, and ail of them were removed, and most of them re turned to us. We are therefore in a position to supply your correspondent with coarse riddles and elevating coutrivances at less than cost price.—Yours, Ac.,

James Keie,

MAGISTERIAL.

RESIDENT MA( I -TRAji* COURT

AbHJB ult i uyi To'Diy

(B-fore Mr H. C. S. Baddeley, R.M.)

drunkenness.

William Armstrong was fined 5s and costa for drunkenness.

AL.I-.EGED ILLEGAL RESCUE. William and James Clark were charged with having illegally rescued certain horses from the iaw iu i custody of the pouedkeeper. Mr Wilding conducted the prosecution, and Mr Crisp appeared for the defendants. Mr Crisp applied for an adjournment, submitting that the summons was only served on the previous day, and that sufficient time had not been allowed for the preparation of the de lence. Mr Wilding opposed the application, and a prolonged argument between counsel endued. L Uimateiy (he application was granted, and the case adjourned until Tuesday next without costs.

THREATEXIXG LAXOCAGE. li. Meaclam was charged with having used threatening and abusive language towards Isaac Ihompson, and with having obstructed a public thoroughfare, contrary to sub-section If, section 102, of the Public Works Act.— Wilding,appeared for the complainant, and Mr bite for the defendant.—lsaac Ihompson, the complainant, said that on the day mentioned in the information he was driving a dray on the Wakanui road, when he met the defendant driving a traction engine. Witness stopped the horses attached to his dray, and the defendant stopped the traction engine. Defendant was on tne wrong side of the road, and witness could only pass the engine at considerable risk. It was moon light at the time, and witness called out, “ re y° u fellows blocking up the road alto gether ?” Defendant replied, “ Yes,” and witness then suggested that the engine should be moved to permit the dray to pass. De fendant retorted that he would like to see the man who would move the engine until he had taken in a supply of water. Witness then attempted to pass, and, as he was doing so, steam was .blown from the engine, and the horses attached to the.dray turned round and attempted to bolt. A man who was accom panying witness complained of defendant's conduct, and the latter said he would like to see anyone attempt to pass the engine ; he would knock his brains out with the poker. Vv itness then went on foot ,to ascertain what position the engine was occupying on the road. Ihe defendant used very obscene lan guage, and appeared much excited. Witness was unable to pass the engine until defendant had completed tilling the boiler, and moved on. Defendant might have permitted witness to pass without any danger or inconvenience to himself. \\ itness was delayed fifteen or twenty minutes. By Mr White—Witness had a medium memory. He would not swear as to the exact time he was detained. He was previously on good terms with the defendant, but had a disagreement with him two years ago with respect to an account. There were about four or five feet between the engine and the side of the culvert on witness’s right side, and about sixteen feet on the other side. Witness did not like to pass on the wrong side; he always observed the rale of the road. Witness could have crossed on hia right side by passing through the water race. The engine was stationary when witness reached it. Ha could have passed safely on his wrong side. Witness did not know that other persons had passed the dray while in the same position.—This witness was further cross-examined at great length by Mr White. —John Thompson, a brother of the com plainant, who was present at the time .of the commission ofj the alleged offences, generally corroborated the evidence of the previous witness.—W. Chambers also gave corrobora tive evidence.—This concluded the complain ant’s case, and Mr White asked that the in- be dismissed. After argu ment between counsel, the Bench determined to hear the evidence for the defence.—.Robert Meaclam, .the defendant, said he he had stopped the engine on the road as described by complainant. While there several vehicles passed the engine. The complainant came up at the head of three drays, and demanded that witness should move his engine. Witness replied that there was plenty of room to pass, and that he could not move the engine until the boiler was filled. Complainant tried to drive across the engine hose, and witness stopped the horses and turned them back, and said he would knock the horses down if another attempt was made to cross the hose, home one then called out he (the speaker) would come down and kick witness into the ditch. Witness replied that be would not soil his hands with such a hound, but would knock his head off with the poker. Shortly after witness moved the engine. It was necessary in moving to blow off steam. Witness was at the culvert about five or sis minutes; not longer. He used none of the ooscene language attributed to him. Witness was not on good terms with the complainant, and the latter had threatened to “ have it out of him.”—This witness was cross examined by Mr Wilding.—James Ibell cor loborated the evidence of the previous wit ness.—William Meaclam also gave evidence. —This was the defendant’s case.—The Magis trate did not think either of the cases had been proved, and dismissed both informations v.'ithout costs.

BREACH OP BYLAWS. Frank a lad of about fifteen, was charged with being absent from his dray and uorses, so as not to retain due control over the same. A fine of 10s and costs was in dicted. The Court then rose.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAT 25, 1886.



A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, AUCTIONEER, STOCK AND KSTATE 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— -For Sale—Doable Plough by Ried and Gray, nearly new. For Sale —Light Spring Cart, cheap. Light Express Cart, in good order ; very cheap For Sale—Cheese Press, bv J. and T. Young For Sale—Merry-go-round ; a neap or money to be made at Races, School Treats, etc ; on view at rooms ; cheap. BED HARRISON-



[A Gaud.] R. M. Cutlibertson, BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR, Oirxoas—H ATELOCK STREET (lately occnpied by Mr Branson). 287 notice” Mr f. brooke-smith, a.s.a., will give Lessons in Drawing and Painting, both Oil and Water Colors. Pupils received at the Studio, or waited on at their own houses. Evening Classes will also be formed for tuition in Sepia, ladigo, and Indian Ink Painting, Drawing, Bookkeeping, and Shorthand. All particulars and prospectuses to be obtained from Mr T. F. Farley stationer. Paintings on view at the shops of Messrs Farley and Jones, M 10 B LACK, BBaTTIE & COMPANY, Criterion Bouse, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally in the Ashburton District that we have now received vary large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present Season. The advantages which wo possess in being able to buy in the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of our buyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business AT LOWEST PRICES. We endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, aud out Stock ig so



LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can ba sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, In each of which an immense Variety of moat Novel and Fashionable Goods will be found DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT millinery DEPARTMENT DReSS department hosiery department MANTLE DEPARTMENT dressmaking department MILLINERY "DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT -HOUOEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. OLOnial Manupactukb from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OP ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. Cash System and Cash Prices. BLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, DRESSMAKERS, and MILLINERS



Wanted. WANTED —A six or seven roomed house, furnished or unfurnished, wed situated. Apply Udakihan Office. WANTED Known—Hayes and (Jo have bought the samples of an English Umbrella manufacturer, at a large aiscount. Also, a splendid lot of new Dress Materials, very cheap. Come and see them, at Hayes axp Co.’s, Arcade ANTED Known—The Gospel will be preached every Lord's Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at 0.00 p.m. (d v.) Free for all. No collection. 5 (51)7 WJ ANTED VV for ci KNOWN —Long looked come at last, T. Moult, having commenced bacon curing, he is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at (5 1 per lb at the Factory, Moore st, Ashburton, Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and doiivere i homo at Due Penny per lb. P. Houli’. _____ PREsENTci ! Presents ! Wo are now giving Presents to the value of 4o in the £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards on Drapery amt Millinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the premises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— H, C. tEOEKS, Melford Mouse. ONTHEY ADVERTISER, issued by Rob but Elston, ’Theatrical Agent and Rill Poster ; terms--40 inch space 5s per month, Ctmtre spaces 10s ; for longer terms special arrangements can be made ; advertisements should nut be iater than the 20th ef each month. 700 \\T ANTED Known—Wertheim ISew- Vv ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashbux ton. 9 97



STOUAGEat Tituvald at lowest current Ratos, apply, 4 053 FRirDLANDER BROS. S?>ecial Advertisements, CANTERBURY MILLS, ASiiBU ETON. I WILL be a BUYER of UR WAR Oh of 300,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORN SACKS, Full Sis© and Weight, at 5s 6d oer dozen. C, W. TURNER. 340 Per D. H. BROWN. Australian me r c a n ti l e UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The only Company in Canterbury WHICH DU) NOT RAISE RATES 33J PER cent on Country Rises. We ar.: vow, as we have been for THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING RISKS PER CENT. OFF TARIFF. W, B. MOSS, Agent tot Ashburton District. September 22, ISSS. 9 915



ASHBOUTON HIGH SCHOOL BOARD. fTjENDERS are invited by the Board of J_ Governors of the Ashburton High School for the lease of Reserve No. 1120 containing 136 acres, more or less. The Reserve is divided into four blocks, and will bo let for a period of 14 years. Tenders for the whole or for separate flocks will be received at the Ashburton County Council i thee, where conditions of lease may bo seen, up to 4 p.in. of TUESDAY, June 22ml proximo. J. E, BUCHANAN, Secretary. IT'OR SALK—J'.S. IS*7 and part 1 f.H> Jj (adjoining Mr J. Ward’s) with eight zoomed house and etc 1 am prepared to accept a very low price for this eligible property. T. BULLOCK mO the Ashburton Guards and Voluu- I leers.—THE VOi-U-STEER KED BOOK, containing the whole o the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squai ./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. F. FARLEY. School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be 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 3,501) volumes. School requisites of every description kept in stock. Thomas E. Earley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shoo: Town Hail AJUmo..,.



Special advertisements. \N h| ll KO W N 1:< O N W O ii, K S ARMAGH STIIEIT, Ohristehuroh, Portable lianges Guru Wood and Coal—in Four Sizes.



PAINTED CORRUGATED IKON IN w onr, Ki'i', Six and Seven Font Lengths. 40 per cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 198 b Clumped Mauds! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN lIALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK A- STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. .1. Wood ami Co, i t Christchurch, hae been purcbtveTi by me, alia at a price con sidurably below original o<‘at; this will give my tnsny patrons an opportunity of ob laining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY".—-Special care is Oven to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements will; a first claps iirm for the execution of aii Com missions as described above, clients may roly upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTIO N , tirst class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and ioroign included), Public UommiUooa receiving liberal con cessions. .



PRINTING. This branch is being fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of all orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence. DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may roly upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers a Roly de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remars applies to Homo 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 ITadesuieu’sgeueral requisites. Bookbinding Oudeiis Received. BOOKSELLER. STA riONEK, PRINTER A NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, AsHUUKTON. NE W ZE A 1.. AN 1) Ci LOT 11 1N G FACTORY. “ rjlLlE NEW GOODS FOR THE i WINTER SEASON NOW OPS NED OUT. The Stock" is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED



j IN THE T »\VN, 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 Now Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Loggings in groat variety flats, compris'ng every now style worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suits Gentlemen's Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford, Kegatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags . The celebrated WERTUEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY, East Stkket.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SOM to Cj o Pa hho of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, , avl fh°i alne “-TEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the nnKH«. Jhfv? fi 1 work e&ciently, are now in a position to meet the demands of the public with a fir it-class article at prices to suit the times. Every e,. t.ption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapels from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S. Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND general shoeing forge. w hlla thanking the public for their past liberal support in arc nnwT meD *° nt,^ma t o that, having procured fim-class Machinery, they are now in a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. is £ iven to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of lt f a * la M 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 ANN 0 UNCEMENT. Assortment of the famous “ LION ” brand V t GO w°. S ’ m f Mea , s P1 »ln and Fancy Tweed Suits, Trousers, WhK£ Xr S V W f a erproo / , and Overcoat., Cord Riding Pants, Printed and White Moles, Boy s Knicker and Beaconsfield Sac Suits, etc., etc and finl S h«d°Jn /h amOUI i ting f iri Valu ° to over £4OO, are Manufacturers’ Samples, cut fffLd if 6 “,A he J noat perfect atyle ' Pur chased at a heavy Discount, and are offered at a slight advance upon MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PRICES Our Stock of General Drapery. Boots, etc., is unsurpassed for Value' DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOUT IMPORTERS East and Tailored Streets, Ashburton. ’



UAT lON OF T UK UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Mcaora Friodlandor Bros’ stock of Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMO LN TING TO A HOC I 1 £sooq AND HEW OUR having purchased the above STOCK at a largo reduction from Cost Price, is still giving it away at Unheard-of prices, His grout object being to turn it into cash, no matter at what sacrifice ANDREW OUR



NOTI 0 E. IT is req nested that all ACCOUNTS owinf' " The Ash urti n Ohaiiihan Company, Limited,” up to 30lh -pinl. In' Paid at ni'L'i' to Mu !t. nh w receipt alone will bo a sullicient dHoharco. CUAS. W, PUUNCLL, m II Chair mm.



The draw in connection with thel second meeting of the Ashbunon Coursing Club bees peetpoaafl uaUI ttus eyeoieg.