DAILY MEMORANDA.

Saturday, May 29 Messrs Zouch and Macphorson, at the Central Salerooms—Oil Paintings, etc Mr A. Harrison, at his rooms— Horses,

traps, etc „ Mr X Bullock, at the Arcade— Horses Monday, May 31 Messrs Matson, Cox and Co , at Wakanni Live and Dead stock

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc. Saturday, May 29 Ashburton Racing Club-Meeting at the Club’s room at 8 o’clock , Wakanni Road Board—At Bead Board . Hakavera To*n District-Election of Commissioners Monday, May 31 Borough Council, at Borough Counci Chambers at 7.30 Coldstream Boad Board—election of Members Friday, June 4. Ashburton County Council—At Counci Chambers, 11 a. m.

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton —From Christ js-b 5d

a 'Trains Leave Ashburton— For Chnst huroh and North, at 7.10 Md end 5.37 p.m. (express). For mnearn a aouth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 546 pm. For Mount Somers. 0.5 p.m

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at tho Ashburton Post Office For°Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 10.30 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Bakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m BU For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, H mds, Coldstream, Bangitata, Oran, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10la. m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p- m Tima/nand South, at 10 a.m., and on Weekdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 cun b For Wakanni, Elgin, beaview. Seat eld, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somors, daily at 4.30 p.n. For Mayfield and Ruapuua, on Mon flays and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longheach, •14.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes iays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fn at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the, Ashburton Post 0 From Christchurch and Rakala at 10.15 : .m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.15 s and 4.35 n.m. daily. . From Dunedin'and Intermediate places fit 5 n.m. daily. _ .. From Temuka andTimaru at 10.40 a.m D n 5.30 p.m daily. . , , From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ».m. . , nK I tom Mount Somers, daily at 10.5

From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed aesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a. m. daily. , v ; FromNewlands, on Tuesdays and In days, at 2.30 p.m. From Fiemington on Tuesdays, Thurn days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, MAY 29, 1886. Justices of the Peace.

In the House of Representatives on Thursday afternoon the Minister of Justice said he thought there was very little real dissatisfaction with regard to the “rota of Justices” prescribed by the Justices of the Peace Act 1882, Amend ment Act 1885. Only lour Justices had resigned in consequence of the severity of the Act, and he did not think that was much to complain of. Un fortunately this district has suffered by the resignation of a gentleman, whose professional duties did not allow him to conform to the regulations of the Act, but who otherwise was a most usefuland obliging Commissioner of the Peace, and we are not prepared to regard even this effect of “ Mr 'Pole’s protege” as a matter of small consequence. The fact that a large majority of the Justices have put themselves to considerable personal inconvenience to retain the small dignity they enjoy, is evidence that the distinction of a place on the Commission of the Peace is widely appreciated, but it is no evidence that the common law has been administered better or cheaper under the present system than it was under the Act of 1882. It may be accepted as a rule, almost without exception, that gratuit ous services are neither cheap nor efficient. Affection, ambition, or a love for jobbery may sometimes induce individuals to do a great deal for no apparent recompense, but the Police Court is not a wide field for the grati fication of these sentments, and we fear very few of our Justices derive any real pleasure or self-satisfaction from the discharge of their magisterial duties. But even if every difficulty and incon venience from the Justices’ point of view were removed, there would still remain grave and obvious objections to the present system. A number of gentlemen have been placed upon the Commission of the Peace in recogni tion of political and public services of more or less importance. These services may be eminently creditable in themselves, but their performance is no guarantee that the recipients of the rewards are either intellectually or con stitutionally adapted for the discharge of their judicial functions. The title Justice of the Peace has by practice become a species of civil honor con ferred by successive Governments upon prominent colonists in various parts of the country without any special regard to the legal acumen of the gentleman selected for the distinction. And we see no very serious objection to this practice. Many worthy colonists have derived innocent satisfaction from their right to place J.P. after their signatures, and being, generally, of methodical and business-like habits, they have done good service in taking affidavits and official declarations. A majority of these Justices have no special aptitude lor weighing evidence or determining nice points of law, and, like sensible men, who recognised their defects, th- v made no pretence to undertake Coim work. Now, however, under the Act to which we have referred, each Justice residing within a certain radius of a Courthouse is compelled to attend periodically the sittings of the Court and administer the law to the best of his. ability. “ Justices’ justice ” is, pro verbially, often essentially unjust, and, while we believe this district is excep tionally fortunate in the possession of magistrates of discretion and integrity, we protest most strongly against the duties of a Resident Magistrate being forced upon gentlemen who have 11 neither leisure, inclination nor special 1 1

r.dning lor tlie woik. it Uie eumpui mry clauses, so to speak, of the nc' Act had enabled the Government 0 save sevtral thousand pounds in tL Department of Justice something migh be said on the other side. But as ; matter of fact no material re ranch ment has been made, and even .f thi were a question of economy the systen of taxing a small and special class fo the benefit of the many would still bt highly objectionable.

Since willing the above we have eceived the telegraphed report of tht debate which took place in the Housr last evening upon the Justices of the Peace Bill. A perusal of the report, which is published in another part of this issue, will show that a large part o' the discussion was of a farcica character. Ultimately Sir George Grey’s proposal lor an elective magis tracy was adopted. The new features developed by the discussion and amend ments we will refer to in a later issue. The following is the clause upon which the discussion took place;—“ Subjec to the provisions of ‘The Justices o' the Peace Act, 1882’: Every membei of a Borough, Chairman of a County, Chairman of a Road Board and Chair man of a Town Board shall, respect ively, during his tenure of office, be a Justice of the Peace, in virtue of such office, but, nevertheless, any such Mayoi or Chairman, as aforesaid, may, at any time, be removed from being a Justice by the Governor-in-Council, and, from the date of the notification in the Gazette of such removal, the powers 01 such Mayor or Chairman to act as a Justice of the Peace shall cease and determine.’ ”

The general excitement in connection with the Kimberly goldfields continues and men are leaving all parts of this colony for the New El Dorado.

The racehorse Marmion received injuries in ;he Tally-ho Stoeplecease at the Geraldine Race meeting yesterday which necessitated his destruction.

The following statement of assets and liabilities has been filed in the Ashburton District Court under the Bankruptcy Acts :

Foreman, James, of Ashburton, laborer.—Lia bilities—Kakaia ; William Everett, £2 Pis fid. Ashburton : R. Lancaster, £5 1-ls Id ; 11. Friedlander, £7 15s; James Baker, £2 18s ; Matson, Cox and Co., £2 2s ; W. Marsh, £1 17a ; L. Battery, £1 10s ; W. Norrish, £1 ■is; sundries, 1-ls sd, total, £2O Os. Assets —Tools apparel, £5 ; deficiency, £2l 9s.

staeks of oats belonging to Mr Stewart were burned at Drummond’s farm, North Uakaia, last evening. The grain was insured in the Colonial Ollioo.

'A special meeting of the Ashburton County Council was hold at the Council Chambers to day for the purpose of passing the annual balance sheets as provided by clause 131 of the Counties Act. I’resent Messrs Harper, McLean, Coster, and Jackson. Mr Harper was voted to the chair. The balance sheets were approved of and signed by the Chair man. The meeting then adjourned.

There appears to have been more than one instance of suspicious riding at the recent lieraldine raee meeting. On the first day the Stewards considered it necessary to caution Shoenan with regard to his riding of Master Agnes, and on the second day Mazeugarb com mitted - such a flagrant “ error of judgment ” while riding Borderman in the Hurdle Race that the Stewards had to take notice of the affair. Consideration of this case was post poned.

During the discussion on the Justices of the Peace Bill in the House of Representatives last night, Mr Fhzherbert said he know a Justice who lost a case in Court through a witness not turning up, and next week he sat on the Bench, had the witness brought before him, aud fined him £3 for contempt of Court. Also, in the iiutt district he knew another who could not read or write, and when a constable applied to him to settle an ordinary information, he took the document upside down, and finally said he would confer with the Minister of Justice on the matter.

About twenty more intending passengers by the Triumph, at, route for ;he Kimberley goldfield, have been booked in Christchurch, bringing the total number up to fifty.

The election for five Commissioners for the Hakatoro Town Board has been in progress to-day. Considerable interest has been mani fested in the election, aud the partisans of the various candidates have bean busy all day conveying with horses aud vehicles voters to the polling booth.

The meeting of the Wakanui Road Board to have been held this morning has been ad journed until nest Saturday. At the R.M. Court this morning, before Mr D. Thomas J.P., a first ollender for drunken ness was fined os and costs, with the usual alternative. Frederick Thompson, on a charge of horse stealing, was remanded for eight days.

Enough is already known of the result of the German census, taken on December Ist last, to enable German statisticians and publicists to institute comparisons and draw inference as to the relative growth of popula tion in the various countries of Europe. During the last live years the population 0! Prussia has increased by 3,79 per cent. This is not as high a rate as during the precedin'.; quinquennial period. During the 18 years from 1807 to 1885 the population of Prussia had increased by 17.87 per cent, which givet an annual average increase of 0.918 per cent. The annual rate of increase in Austria- Hungary during the 11 years from 1809 U to 1880 (no later figures are available) war only 0.19, In Italy, the annual increase fo. the decade 1871-1881 was 0.00 per cent. Ii Groat Britain and Ireland, for the deoadi from 1871 to 1881, the annual increase wa> 1.01 per cent. In European Russia, includint Finland and the Don Cossacks, in the li years from 1807 to 1880, the average annua increase was 1.31 per cent.

A number of Ashburton gentlemen have determined to organise a complimentary bene fit to Mrs Rice, the talented wife of Professor A. E. Rice. The arrangements are not yet ecmplete, but it has been decided that the entertainment shall be of a miscellaneous character. A leading feature will be a light comedy in which Mrs Rice will sustain the principal part.

A special meeting of the members of th( Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade was hek at the old Borough Council Chambers las evening. The Captain, Mr G. Scott, oooupic* the chair, and there was a good attendance The new uniforms were distributed, an matnbors expressed themselves as pleasei with the additions to their outfits. A lette was read from the Borough Council, callin, upon the Brigade to make an explanatio with regard to the destruction of the engin shed doors on the occasion of the late fire. / reply to the letter was drafted, and after th transaction of some routine business (In meeting clo*?3j j

Aii a| po.x.mato report, un llio Maori censur 1 shows a decline since the last census of 2041 in the North Island there arc 30,287 Natives ; n the South, 2015 ; total, 41,332. The popu lation in 1881 was—North, 41,012; South, 2001; total, 43,973. The figure s are not quit* jomplete, as the Hawke's Bay returns are not til in, and the Chatham Islands, which last jonsus had a population of 120, are not in cluded. The Native Minister, in laying the report before the House yesterday, said the re turns had been compiled with the utmost care, and were much more accurate than in any pre vious census.

PARLIAMENTARY.

[Per Press association]

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, May 28,

Phe House mat at 2.30.p.m

QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers said a substantial reduction would be made in the cost of government daring the presort

session.—The Government did not se

its way to increase the salaries of th' attendants at Lunatic Asylums.

NEW BiliUS, Sir Julius Vogel gave notice to Intro, uce Bills to borrow one million and t

half for the construction of railways, U regulate borrowing hy local bodies, and to provide for Government loans to local bodies. bit- Robert Stout moved the introduc tion of the Civil Service Reform Bill. .TUSTIOKS OF THE PEACE.

The House went into Committee on the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill.

Mr Hurathouae objected to that portion of clause 2 which provided that Chairmen of Road Boards wore to bo Justices ex officio.

Mr Tole said, as far as his experience of Chairmen of Road Boards went, n one could be fitter, in his opinion, to sit as Justices.

Mr Samuel was surprised at the

Minister of Justice propos'ug that Chali men of Road Boards should sit as Jus tices. He moved that the words ‘ Chairmen of Road Boards” be struck ont.

Several members spoke against the proposal. Mr llolleston said the Minister of Justice would be doi. g wisely by keeping ihe Justiceship to Mayors of Boroughs and Chairmen of Town Boards. Mr Hobbs supported,the proposal. He thought it would raise the tone of Chair men of Road Boards if they were appointed Justices of the Peace. Mr Fdzherbert pointed out that in some cases Justices were app >intod who could not read or write, and instanced a case of this kind which happened in his own district. Bir R. Stout looked upon the appoint ment of Chairmen of Road Boards as 1 Justices as a means of raising the office fn many cases Road Boards were as large as counties. His view of the matter had always been that Justices of the Peace should he elected by the people. Sir George Grey moved —“ That the consideration of this clause be postponed an'il the main question as to whether Justices should be elected was dia posed of.” Mr Tole- said if Sir G. Grey's clauses wore carried he would consent to recon sider the clauses under discussion After further debate, Mr Tole said he had no objection to postpone the clause till Sir Heorge Grey’s elective clauses were disposed of. Mr Beetham suggested that the words, “after the passing of this Act” be inserted after the words “ Chairmen of Road Boards,” so as to provide that future Chairmen of those Boards only sh' aid be appointed Chairmen under the Act. Mr Tole accepted the suggestion. Mr Samuel's amendment to strike out “ Chairmen of Road Boards” was then put, and the words were re'ained on division by 42 to 34. Mr Fulton moved to Insert the words, 1 Chairmen of School Committees” after Chairmen of Road Boards Mr Guinness moved —“That the Chair men ef Licensing Committees be also

Jus’.ices ,! Mr Wakefield moved a further ameud- IU „ U —“ That every elec or of the colony should a’ao be a Justice of the Peace.” Mr O’Callaghm protested against the subject being turned into ridicule. Mr Wakefield denied that he had any idea of turning the matter into ridicule, lie held that electors of the colony were quite as much entitled to the Commission d iha Peace as many who wore appointed by the preseat Government to that position. After furthor discussion, Mr Fulton’s amendment for the inser tiou of “Chairmen of School Committees” ,vaa e H< put and lost by 57 t0;24. Thuse lose at 5.30 p.m,

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. Mr Guinness’ amendment, providing for the Chairmen of Licensing Comm'ttees Oeing appointed Justices, was put and loss by 45 to 20- Mr Macarthur moved—“ That everj member of Education Boards be appointed a Justice.” Lost on the voices,

Mr Samuel moved—“ That Chairmen ol diver Protection Boards.bo also Justices.’ Lost on the voices.

Mr fcieddon moved—“ That Chairmei >i Charitable Aid Boards be appointei Justices.”

Mr Seddon moved —“ That members of both branches of the Legislature should oe Justices, c.o officio," The Chairman (Mr Hamlin) hoped that .uembers would put a stop to the state ol (fairs into which they were drifting. The amendment wai lost.

Mr Fergus moved—“ That in coantier hero there were no Road Boards all uembers of County Councils should bt Justices ” He hoped the Minuter woulc gree to this reasonable proposal Mr Tole said he would accept the amendment, which was agreed to. Mr Bamuel moved—“ That every sucl ppointment shall bo notified in thi * Gazette.”

Agreed to. bir u. Grey moved to add to the damn ‘ that Justices should be elected in roan ier hereinafter provided.” Mr Fergus suggested that progress hi eportud, so that Sir G. Grey could pre jare his elective clauses, of which he ha' notice, and give the House fui information regarding them.

Mr Hursthouse said the Goverumen hould have biought down an Elective Justice of the Peace Bill themselves, anc io< have waited for Sir G. Grey to do it. He was surprised that Government ehoub have adopted such a course. teir K. Btout said it was the duty of i roliticiau to take what he con’d got. Hi* lid not think it wise to attempt too much >r to try to get all at once what he could not obtain. After some further discussion,

Sir George Grey’s amendment was pu md carried by 46 to 33. Maj'.r Atkinson moved, in Clause ' rota of Justices) —“That three milei hall be the distance to which a rota «bal xtend, instead of five miles.”

Agreed to. In clause 5 (Justices exempt fron srvice). M»j >r Atkinson moved'an amendment, tempting members of Parliament frcm ittendanoe. Agreed to.

Mr O'Connor moved an to exempt barristers and so iritors iu otuii practice from attendance. Lost by 46 to 7 A proviso exempting Civil Servants was agreed to, on Major Atkinson’s motion, and the clause was pa aid, as amended.

Mr Tote moved—'‘That the Chairman report progress, and that the Bill be re considered on Tuesday*” Agreed to. RAILWAY REFORM. Mr Richardson moved—“ That a Com mittee, to consist of ten members, be »p pointed to report upon the petition of 7 0 residents of Auckland district and about 5000 residents in other parts of the colony, presented last session, on the system proposed by Samuel Yaile, of Auckland, for the future management o*

New Zealand railways ; the Committee •o consist of M-j >r Atkinson, Messrs Gore, Hatch, Macandrew, Mifchelaon, O’Conor, Ormond, Walker, J. B. Whyte, and the mover.” Agreed to

CHARITABLE TRUSTS. The Charitable Trust Extension Bi was read a second time.

MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS

The use went into Committee on the Municipal Corporations Bil>- And the Honso rose at 12.40 a m.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

[per press association.]

Auckland, May 28, At the sale o! Crown lands to-day the proceeds amounted to £7OOO, Building was spirited, the upset prices in mnay cases being doubled and trebled, , , At a meeting of the City Council the fol lowing resolution was carried;—“That this borough having to provide for the mainten ance of destitute children committed to various homes in this district, claim it as a right that we should have a voice through our representatives upon the district Boards in the committal and supervision of such des titute children.” The resolutio nto be for warded to the Government. The boot strike is practically ended by a > compromise between the manufacturers and operatives’ tariffs of prices. The men sign the tariff arranged by a joint Committee and on Monday resume work in the factories. The hours of working are to be forty-five per week. The boy labor question is settled by allowing one boy .to three and a half men two to seven, three to ten, four to fourteen and so on proportionately. Wellington, May 28. _ Mr G. V. Shannon has forwarded to his Excellency the Governor his resignation as a nominated member of the Central Board of the Government Insurance Association. It is beleived that manufacturing opera tions in connection with the Wellington Woollen Factory will be commenced nex week

Dunedin, May 28. At the City Court, Catherine North, for sly-grog selling at Nenthorne, was fined and coats. Four other cases are being heard. One of the Justices declined to sit later *“ an twelve, saying that business men had otner things to do. .

CRICKET.

Oxford v Australians

[Reuter’s telegrams —copyright] London, May 28.

The cricket match, Australians v an Eleven representing Oxford University, commenced at Oxford yesterday. There was a good attendance of the P al L 10 » though the weather was showery. The wicket was heavy owing to the recent rain. . . The following were the p ayors tor tne Universicj Messrs Brain, Buoklaud, Gibb, Cochrane, Hildyard, Key, P.ge, Gunnie, Rasleigh, Thompson and Whitley. The Australians went first to the wickets, the highest sc ires m»de being- Jones, caught, 28 ; Blackham, tun out, 15. The others collapsed, and the Inn ings closed for 70. The principal bowlers for Oxford were Buckland, four wickets for two runs, and Cochrane. The Oxford team in their first innings were all disposed of for 45. The prin cipal scorers were : —Page ibw, 10 ; Hild yard, c, 12 ; Thompson, not out 11- The bowling of the visitors was dead on the wicket. Spofforih took nine wickets for two runs. The Australians commenced their second innings, and at the close of the day’s play had put together 8 runs for the loss of two wickets.

London, May 28,

The cricket match, Oxford Cniversity v Australians was concluded to day, when the visitors won with 26 runs to spare.

SPORTING.

GERALDINE RACES,

SECOND DAY.

The following events were telegraphed after we went to pr?as last evening:— Railway Stakes, 40 so vs. m'e. Mr Higgot’s Patrician, Git 91b (Dodd) 1 Mr Hammond’s Madonna, 6at 71b (Free) 2 Mr Bradley's Rose and Gold. 6st 121 b (Huxtable) 3 Jack and Melville also ran. Patrician led all the way, and won in a canter by ten lengths. Time—2min 22sec, Toiahsator —£2 17s. Tally-Ho Steeplechase, 75 sova. miles. Mr H. Lunn’s Canard, 12st 31b (Owner) 1 Mr Rutheiford’s Lad, list (Lyford) 2 Marmion also started, but fell. Won easily by a dozen lengths. Time—Cmin 24min. Totalisator —£1 10s 6d. Hack Selling Race, 1G sovs VI Coulter’s Brunnette... ... ••• 1 Mr Duke’s Finance ... ... ••• 2 Mr Murphy’s Duke 3 Consolation Race. Melville, 7st 51b (Price) 1 .tose and Gold, 7st ... (Huxtable) 2 Melville led from start to finish Totalisator—£l Bs.

CORN EXCHANGE

The following is the Corn Exchange report tor the week ending Friday, May 28th: — Considerable activity has been evinced in the wheat market during the past week, partly on account of outside orders on hand and partly for speculative purposes. Prices have ad vance, and the market has closed firm, es pecially Tuscan and Pearl. _ The former is now worth 3s, Bd, and Pearl is close up 3s 7_d. Hunters’, of which there is a large stock in store, has not advanced quite so much, being now worth 3s 5d to 3s 6d; second quality lines range from 2d to 3d less than above prices. Chicken wheat is easily placed at 2s lOd to 3s Id. Oats have maintained the rise noted last week. Hilling are quiet at 2s 2d ; short stout feed are firm at 2s Id to 2s 2Jd ; Danish and Tartarian are asked for by shippers at Is lid to 2s. The Triumph having arranged to take a portion of her cargo from the Blufi, have had the effect of slighly easing the de mand here for oats. Prime malting barley is taken up by maltsters at 3s 2d to 3s 3d, but second quality lines are difficult to place ov.. 2s 8d to 2s 9d; feeding lots are wanted at 2s 2d to 2s 4d. Beans are quiet at 2s lOd to 2s lid Peas are dull.' Prussian Blues are saleable at 3s 8d to 3s lOd, and feed at 2s lOd to 3s Cocksfoot and rye grass are unchanged and only occasional smalt lines can be placed. Potatoes—The difference’ of buyers and sellers views have not yet been assimalated. Numerous sales of small parcels for local con sumption have taken place at very satisfactory prices to growers, but shippers do not see their way (in the face of the depressed state of outside markets) to give high prices askeo (we hear of 50s being asked at country stations,) besides all parties are anxious to well ascertain the condition of pits befort making contracts. We consequently consider it premature to quote shipping parcels. Dairj produce has nothing fresh to note, and prioei are similar to those of last week. Quota tioas above are (01 delivery £,o.b. Bytteltoo.

POLITICAL NEWS.

[by our special correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, May 28. The greater part of the afternoon was taken up by discussion in Committee of the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Bill, by which it is proposed that hereafter the Mayors of Boroughs, Chairmen of Councils, Town Boards, and Bead Boards shall be ipso facto Justices of the Peace. Many members ob jected to Chairmen of Eoad Boards and of i own Boards being necessarily Justices, bat on a division the words were retained. The t* 0 * the Provision of last year respect turner ots ’.f “j* a< ? mits of any Justice whose tu be to stt sending a substitute. The Native Reserve Titles Grants Em powering Bill was passed through Committee with slight amendments.

_ Ia re P^y, to Mr Ivess, the Minister for Public Works stated that the railway fares between Ashburton and Tinwald would be reduced to the rate which formerly obtained. The member for Wakanui has given notice of an amendment in the Counties Act, which proposes t j exempt Town Districts from the control of the County Councils and from liability to county rates.

THE IRISH QUESTION.

[BECXEB —COPYRIGHT.] London, May 27. At a meeting of the Liberal party held to-day Mr Gladstone announced he was prepared to modify those pro posals in the Home Rule measure* which prohibited the retention of Irish members in the House of Commons, provided that the Bill was read a second time. Consideration of the proposals would then be postponed until the autumn session of Parliament. Mr Chamberlain was not present at the meeting. Mr Chamberlain has written a to the papers in which he expresses a hope that the system of mutual con cession and forbearance will have the effect of uniting the Liberal party.

THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION.

Mei,b oufiNEj, May 28. His Excellency the Governor has re ceived a telegram from Lord Granville, Secretary of State for the Colonies, informing him that Her Majesty’s Government have deferred sending a definite reply to the proposal of France regarding the occupation of the Hebrides until they are in receipt of despatches from the various colonial Governments, setting forth their views upon the matter. Lord Granville adds, however, that the French Govern ment has been informed of the probable nature of the reply.

WISE IN TIME.

We pointed out in our last issue that the one great blot on the Financial Statement was that the Government appeared to be content to devise ways and means of meeting the expenditure upon the existing scale, and that there was no evidence of a desire to reduce the departmental expenditure, and thus to enable the reduction ot the burden of taxation. And our opinion as to the gravity of this omission is, we observe, shared in by all those of our contem poraries in all parts of the colony who are not precluded from expressing their opinions by party or other considera tions, while we venture to say that, as regards the ratepayers generally, there is scarcely a dissentient voice. It is, therefore, with a feeling of great relief and satisfaction that our readers will have learned from telegrams already published that Ministers, warned of the danger of running counter to the public desire, have been wise in time, and have intimated their intention of mak ing reforms in the Civil Service which will have the effect of saving during the current financial year from to It is to be inferred from the information which reaches us from Wellington that this important step in the right direction is due to the firm representations of that inner circle of Ministerial supporters who have never wavered in their allegiance to the Liberal party, and whose counsel on this occasion has been permitted to prevail. Had it been otherwise the Ministerial ship would beyond doubt have been on the rocks within at most a week from date, arid in all proba bility we should have seen the session prematurely brought to a close without any work being done, and the country plunged into the vortex of a general election, the cost of which would have more than counter balanced all savings that could be effected by the new House during this year at any rate. That threatened danger has been avoided by the amen ableness of Ministers to the advice of their friends. This is a matter for hearty congratulation. As the “ New Zealand Times” admits, “ It has taken the wind out of the sails of the Oppo sition,” and there is now every proba bility of there being an exceedingly useful session, one remarkable for the amount of good work done, and the absence of party fighting.

Referring to the Civil as we learn that there is an sion abroad among public officers that something like the ten per cent, reduc tion experiment of a few years back is to be repeated, it may serve to assure them to say that we learn on the best authority that no such indiscriminate method is contemplated, and that the saving to be effected is to be brought about by amalgamation of offices,

the dispensing with unnecessary officers, and by reductions in certain * well chosen instances. That there isf • ample room for very considerable saving in these directions has long been admitted, and it can be carried out without indicting the hardship and injustice which must follow from an even all round i eduction affecting underpaid as well as overpaid officers. The method of the step as well as the step itself seems to be such, therefore, as should commend itself to the public; but there remains yet one thing more to be done. Assuming that the Premier is in earnest as to the reforms proposed, ♦ and correct in his anticipation as to the amount of saving which will be ffected thereby, it follows that a farther remission of taxation could this year be made of at least and it will be well for our members in the depressed times to insist that every ounce of the public burden that can be lifted off the shoulders of the people should be so lifted. The saved, or to be saved, by the Civil Service Refoim Bill, should therefore be applied to reducing the imposts on articles of common consumption, or to - relieve improvements on agricultural estates from taxation. This point con ceded, and the projects of the Government will, as a whole, be such as should meet with the cordial approval of the House and of tbe country,^-

THK AHETHURTON GTT A R DIA N. Si>TPßn<Y, MAY 29. 18*6



Wanted- MU^IC. —Mr J. 'I. Brooks, teacher of Pianoforte, Organ, Violin, Hing ing, etc. Pianos tuned. Terms on application. Williams Street, Ashburton. 5 26



WANTED Known- Prof. A. E. Hico will issue Charts at hia office, Town Hail, Ashburton, during next week giving a correct delineation of character. Also, giving a perfect diagaos-is of he u h. Prices for Charts: s', 10s, £1 Is ffi ' hours—Prom 10 a m to (> p in & 40



FOR CASH, White f-ugar, 2Li White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles; 5d ; I.ingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, Gd ; Plaid Vestas, 5d per doz ; Tea, la per lb; Sago, 2id; Tapioca, 21d; Cutting Salmon, Bd'; Venus Nailrod, 5s Gd ; Groats, 9d. — McGregor, Tancred Street t'ttT'ANTJED 999 lovers of the Fine Arts to see the now Premium Pictures, to bn given away to subscribers to the American publications. The Pictures are now on view at the Picture Frame Manu factory of Gates and Son, Burne’t Street, ooDOaite the “ Ashburton Mail” Office. vv 5 22



C)t7ANTED Known—Hayes and Co W have bought the samples of an English Umbrellamanufiicturer, at a large aiscount. Also, a splendid lot of new Dress Materials, very cheap. Como and see them, at Haves and Co.’s, Arcade



\ % J"ANTi£D Known—The Goapel will Vv be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcade Chambexs at 6 30 o.m. (n.v.) Free for all. -No collection. 1 ' ' K COT



IJANTED KNOWN -1 for come at last. -Long looked t __ _____ T. Hoult, having commenced bacon curing, ho is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6 1 per lb at the Factory, Monro at, Ashburton. Figs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered homo at Oue Penny per lb. 11.I 1 . Hoult. __



A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, AUOTIONESrt, STOCK AND FSTATE AGENT AND VALUATOR. SATURDAY SALE at 12 o’clock sharp. —Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Produce and Merchandise. Agent Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company. FOR SALE— For Sale— Double Furrow Plough by Ried and Gray, nearly new. For Sale— Light Spring Cart, cheap. Light Express Cart, in good order ; very For Sals—Cheese Press, bv J. and T. Young , , t For Sale—Morry-go-round ; a heap of money to be made at Races, School Treats, etc ; on view at rooms ; cheap.



PKESENTs ! Presents! We are now giving Presents to the value of 4j in £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards 4 oa Drapery and Midinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the premises. Perfect fit guaranteed. H. D. Segbks, Melford House.



]\ f OJSTHLY ADVERTISER, issued i\jL by Robert Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5a per month, centre spaces 10a ; for longer terms special arrangements can be made ; advertisements should not be later than the 26th ef each month.



W ANTED Known—Wertheim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. # O



Special Advertisements. SERVANTS WANTED. SEVEN GENERAL SERVANTS and one COOK for Ashburton and suburbs. Also, one COOK and one GENERAL SERVANT for the country. Apply to Airs Randall's Registry Office. A. W. RANDELL, FRUITERER, &c., Town Hall, Ashburton. Messrs WHITE, SMITHSON, and RAYMOND, of Tuua.ru, Solicitors, notify that ibeir MrJ. W. WHITE will attend THE ASHHURTON COURTS, and may bo consulted after the arrival of the South Express on Mondays and Thursdays In case Mr White should be prevented from being presen*, one of the firm will attend. MONEY TO LEND upon approved securities. Temporary offices at Quill’s Hotel.



CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL be a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 800,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSACKS, Foil Size and Weight, at 5a 6d per dozen. C, W. TURNER. 340 PerD. H. BROWN. fftO the Ashburton Guards and Voluu i teors.—THE VOOJnTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole o the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squau 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.



HKD HARRISON jgLAOK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion Mouse, 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 very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to bay in „he 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.



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 3,50 u volumes. School requisites of every description kept in stock. Thomas F. Farley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashourton. Branch Shop : Town Hall, Ashburton,



We endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, and Oa LAK C GL: B AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can bo 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 dressmakikgdepartment MI LLINERY DRbSS DEPARTMENT hosiery department MANTLE DEPARTMENT dressmaking department millinbryTbpartment CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT tailoring~department HOUCEHOLD FURNIHINQ DEPT, onial Manufacture from various mils. Including bANKETS. FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ashblrton manufacture. Cash System anb Cash Peices. LACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, RBSSM AKERS,



special advertisements. U OWN INO iN c W O R L\ h ARMAGH STREET,



Christchurch. Portable ilanges Burn Wood and Coal —in Four Sizes, PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN ■Font, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths. 40 per cent. Cheaper than Galvanised



Changed Hands! branch shop, town hall, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H, J. Wood rnd Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY. —Special care is given to a’l orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a tirst clafcs linn for the execution of all Coin missions as described above, clients may roly upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION,



first class work being made a specialty, j LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for al nows papers British and Foreign 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 all orders, all work receiving personal auperintend- DELIYERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may rely upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same romarit 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'iTadesmou’sgeueral requisites. Bookbinding Ok kerb Received. ,T. F. Farley, BOOK S ELLER, STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Ashburton.



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. The new goods for the WINTER SEASON ARE NOW OPENED OUT. Tho Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Stylo and Patterns in Mon’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men’s [and Suits, newest styles. Trousers and trousers and Vests manufactured of Now Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and l eggings in groat variety Hats, compris'ng every new stylo worn Children's Jersey Suits, .Children s Men of-VVar Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford, Regatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags. The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING M ACHINE. Time Payments. N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY, East Street.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SON WISH to intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work efficiently, are now In a position to meet the demands or the public with a fir t -class article at prices to suit the times. Every C. 'flption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whitechapela from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S. —Special attention paid to Repainting and Rotrimming. YIOTOBIAN STEAM IKON WOBKS AND _ „ GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J, R. S. & SON, while-thanking the public for their past liberal support in this department, beg to Intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now in a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work._ Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds or 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. 8 416 Victoria House. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. TVTOW SHOWING. a Splendid Assortment of the famous “ LION ” brand iN (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 Knicker 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 noon MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PRICES. Our Stock of General Draporv, Boots, etc., is unsurpassed for Value. DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOOT IMPORTERS, East and Tancted Streets, Ashburton.



pjONTINUAT lON OF THI UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Mesers Friedlander Bros’ stock of Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £sooq AND BE W Oil R having purchased the above STOCK at a largo reduction from Cost Price, is still giving it away at



Unheard-of prices, His great object being to turn it Into cash, no matter sacrifice



ANDREW ORR [A. Caki>.] R. M. Cutbbertson, BA.RRISTEJR AND SOLICITOR. Afkicks— J £ AVELOOK STR EE T



(lately occupied by Mr Branson). 287 NOTICE. IT is requested that all ACCOUNTS owing “ The Ashburton Guardian Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, bo Paid at once to Mk B. Hughes, whoso receipt alone will bo a sufficient discharge. CHAS. W. PURNELL, ra 11 Chairman. STORAGE at Tinwald at lowest current Ratos, apply, 4 053 FRIEDLANDER BROS