The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MAY 24, 1886. THE LAND ASSOCIATIONS BILL

We 'are indebted to the member for Wakanui for an advance copy of “ The Land Associations Bill,” a measure diafted by the executive of the Colonial Land Association, and designed, we presume, with the object of effecting a I reduction in the mortgage rates of inte rest. We need hardly say that the os tensible object of the proposed measure I has our entire and cordial sympathy; I we believe that the present high rales I of interest form one of the most serious j impediments to the development of j our agricultural resources ; but we are by no means satisfied that the passage of the Bill introduced by Mr Ivess would remove, or materially lessen, the difficul ties which beset our small cultivators. The framers of the Bill appear to have lost sight of fhe fact that the price of money, like the price of any other commercial commodity, is governed by the inflexible laws of supply and de mand. If a would-be mortgagor has I unquestionable security to ofier, he will J have little difficulty in obtaining money j at seven or even six percent. —the rates contemplated by the framers of the Bill; but, il on the other hand, the security he has to offer is inadequate he will have to pay ten, fifteen, or twenty per cent., and accept the

accommodation as a favor. However, we have previously discussed this aspect of the question at considerable length, and this evening propose to take, only a hurried glance at the Bill now before us, in which the views and proposals of a large section of the “cheap money” agitators are embodied. We may ' say candidly, at once, that the wording and general tenor of the Bill are, in our opinion, most perplexing : from the preamble to the schedules it abounds in technical phraseology which will be wholly in comprehensible to a large majority of the persons intended to be benefited by the measure. (The full title pro posed for the Bill is “An Act to facilitate the Issue of Mortgage Deben tures and Annuity Bonds by Land owners, and to enable Societies and Associations of Persons engaged in Agricultural and Pastoral Pursuits to buy, sell, or otherwise deal with Mort gage Debentures and Securities affect ing Land and its object, as we have already stated, is to enable landowners and others “to raise money with facility upon the security of their landed property.” The Bill is intended to extend and apply to all societies and associations now or hereafter incor porated or registered, and carrying on business under “ The Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1577,” but it is specially provided that “ No associ ation shall lie entitled to avai 1 itself of this Act unless at least three-fourths of its membets shall be actively en gaged in agricultural or pastoral pur suits at the time of making application to issue or dispose of debentures, whether ‘ preference’ or ‘ general,’ on behalf of any shareholder or the association.” Some question might arise as to what would constitute an active engagement in agricultural or pastoral pursuits, but as none but bona fide landowners would be likely to seek to avail themselves of the provisions of the Act, the point is not an impor tant one. The Bill is framed on the presumption that the Property Tax valuation represents the actual realis able worth of the land to which it refers. This presumption is notoriously fallacious, and some more reliable method of valuation would be one of the first demands to follow the adoption of the Bill. Repeated reference is made to the “ English Agent,” an officer to be entrusted with very large discretionary powers in the disposal of debentures and other securities, but it is not at alt clear who this agent is to be. The Agent is to remit the pro ceeds of all debentures sold in Europe or elsewheie to the Colonial Treasurer, and the Treasurer shall be deemed to be in possession of the proceeds upon the receipt of telegraphic or other information concerning the amount of money obtained by the sale, and shall be liable to the payment of interest thereon in case of any avoidable delay in carry : ing out certain provisions as to invest ment. Indeed, the Association, the English agent, the Registrar, and the Colonial Treasurer, are mixed up in such an extraordinary manner that it is next to impossible to define the duties of each. Clause 42 of the Bill p>o vides that “ the payment of such charge as agreed upon, and where no default in payment shall occur, shall sbsolve the mortgagor from liability or risk in respect to interest payable on such first-mortgage debenture, not with standing any default on the part of the association, the directors of which shall be liable to the bond or deben ture-holder in respect to the interest or other annual charge payable thereon ; ” and again, “ where the association shall fail to pay the interest lawfully payable on any preference bond or debenture,

the association’s claim in respect thereto shall cease and determine, and the holder thereof may thereupon enforce payment direct from the landowner in accordance with the stipulations con tained on the bond or debenture.” Here, surely, is some anomaly. The firs I

part of the clause purports to relieve th e mortgagor of all liability or risk, not withstanding default by the association, and the second part provides that when

the association shall fail to pay interest the mortgagee may enforce payment direct from the mortgagor. Several other features in the Bill, which we think open to serious objec tion, we shall refer to on another occasion. In the meantime we wish to express our appreciation ofthe energy and public-spirited enterprise with which the members of the Colonial

Land Association, and particularly their Secretary, Mr J. H. Newyln, have approached this difficult and important question. Although wc are unable to applaud the result of their labours, we heartily commend the motives with which they have under taken their herculean task.

THE MIDLAND RAILWAY.

A rumor is current in Wellington to the effect that a strong party is being organised (or the purpose of attacking the Midland llailway proposals. One o£ the local paper 8 sa y S : —“ Mr G. F. Kichardson’s motion for information on the subject of the land se 1 apart for the company, and the discussion which was started thereon was, to speak in racing parlance, merely preliminary canters. The motion was defeated, but the supporters of it were well satisfied with their perform ance, because it tended to damage the interests of the Company. Sir George Grey, however, overshot the mark in his speeches, for in hi 3 eager desire to attack the Government ho re ferred to the laud agreed to be given to the Company as a princely estate. Since the debate specific stops have been taken to organise a party to oppose the Bill relating to the concessions to the Company, and also to damauo tho Company by other, if less direct, means. Sir George Grey’s Coloured Labour Bill is, we understand, a onc-act drama to be performed, the prologue of which was enacted on Thursday. The Bill is intended to proven l the introduction into the colony by the Company of Chinese, Coolie, or other colored labor, and no doubt the mover will find sympathisers in this aim, even amongst those who are favorable to the construction of the lino by tho company. It will bo a popular ' working man’s cry, and will probably bring about a severe party struggle. We are informed that it is tho intention of the opponents of the construction of the line to have all their speeches on the subject printed in pamphlet form, and circulated broadcast at Homo, with a view, if possible, to anni hilate tho Company, if their efforts to throw out the Government Bill are unsuccessful. may be taken for granted that tha Midland llailway question is to be one of the biggest fights we shall see on the iioor of tho House this session.”

To-day is tho sixty-ninth anniversary of the birth of Her Majesty the (Juoen. The day has been observed as a close holiday throughout the colony. In this district the volunteers parade at 11 a.m, and a largo meet of the Ashburton hounds at Laghmor during tho afternoon, have been the chief attractions. This evening the Hunt Club concert and ball at tho Oddfellow’s Hall are expected to attract large attendances.

Although the turnip crop throughout tho county is anything but a success, still patches are mot with hero and there of excellent quality, Mr McKay, of Willowby, seems to bo one of the lucky growers, for if quality of the crop may ba gauged by tho four specimens shown on Saturday at Messrs Scaly Bros.’ shop—and he says ho has a paddock of similar ones—he has been ex tremely fortunate. Of tho four turnips shown one weighs Utilbs, another ’Joilbs, and the two others about 2libs each. They look excellent, and to all appearance are as sound as a bell. They are of the purple-top Aber deen and Greystoue varietio-s, ami were grown from seed supplied by -Messrs Sealy Bros.

In connection with the general shaking of the Mormon nest in Utah, large laud frauds are said to have been discovered, in which no less a person than Brigham \oung himself played a considerable part. If reports be true, ho resorted to the expedient ot building a four-roomed house on runners, hauling it to tho centre of a section of land, with one room on each quarter-section. Ho then put

four men in the house to sleep one in each room—and the next day entered the requisite pre-emptive claims at tho land office. By this means he seems to have secured tho greater part of what is described as tho beautiful Cache Valley, but at the _same time to have opened a way to the United Btates Government to dispose of some part of tho Mormon question.

At Taupo, in Auckland province, a new storekeeper recently started business, and undersold the old identities. They wore naturally jealous, and memorialised the Government to order the new man to remove from tho Govermeut land where he was located. The result did not moot their views. An edict was issued, says the correspondent of the " Auckland Nows,’’ commanding the removal of all hawkers and traders, except the individual complained of, who was the only one who paid his license. Hr Grabham is evidently not a believer in the general use of alcohol in medical treat ment. Inferring to the small consumption of liquor in the New Zealand Lunatic Asylums, he says;—“ The authorities of some of our colonial hospitals might well take a hint from these figures, for feeble and help less lunatics might be supposed to require alcoholic stimulants equally with the majority ot hospital patients. lam perfectly satisfied, however, from experience in both alcoblJßc and non-alcoholio treatment, that they culler nothing from tho comparative deprivation in this respect which they undergo in our asylums.’’

Steps are being taken to convene a public meeting in Temuka to discuss the necessary precautions to protect the town and suburbs from the threatening incursions of the river During recent freshes tho water has made serious inroads upon the low-lying lands, and it is urged that immediate steps should be

taken to prevent any increase or recurrence of such damage. A requisition is being got up for presentation to the Town Board calling upon them to take action in the matter.

Mr T. B. Hannaford, of Auckland, has pre pared a petition for presentation to Parlia ment praying it to make such alterations in tho Gaming and Lotteries Act as will enable him to carry out an indefinite number of matrimonial lotlterios. Tho funeral of the late Mr H. B. Lance took place on Saturday at tho Riccarton Church yard. There was a very large attend ance of the personal friends of the deceased and those with whom he was connected in various ways.

A contemporary says the things our Judges do not know arc something amazing. One of them asked some time ago, “ Who is Corney Grain ? Another enquired wha horse-chauiing meant. Lord Coleridge con fessed that he had never seen a snow-capped mountain. Decently Rfr Justice Butt, sitting in the Divorce Court, had to send for a Prayer Book in order to make sure that a man could not marry his wife’s niece ; his ignorance justifying the Northern miner who married his deceased's wife sister, not know ing any better. Lately Mr Justice Denman announced to an amazed Court that a foreigner might become naturalised in Eng land°by a payment of three half-crowns. The veal fee is about six guineas.

The “ Times,” a determined opponent of Mr Gladstone’s Home Rule proposals, declares that the English Premier’s, speech introduce ing his Bill, was without a parallel in out Parliamentary annals. In its mastery of complicated details and its command of dialectical and rhetorical resources it was uot only marvellous as the work of a man in his seventy-seventh year, but was lifted out of the region of political commonplaces by a spirit of elevated purpose and a tone of sell imposed conviction,

This iB how an American paper refers ot Mr Murphy’s Temperance work in Cleveland —The efforts o£ Frank Murphy, the Tem perance apostle bleached 19,000 noses in Cleveland. A line of men on the sidewalk in that city formerly looked like a torchlight procession.

The New Zealand Shipping Company is in receipt of a cablegram, dated London 20th inat., advising the following information : Arrived on the 19 inst., Cingalese, from Lyttelton, all well. Loading—Waitangi, for Auckland ; Orari, for Wellington.

""a petition addressed to the House of Representatives is in course of signature throughout the colony, praying Parliament to make some reduction in the rates of railway

freight charged forj racehorses and steeple chasers. A copy of the petition has been sent to the Secretary of the Ashburton Kacing Club for signatures. Owners are reminded that nominations for the second meeting of the Ashburton Coursing Club close this evening at the Central Hotel, a S o’clock. Professor Rico gave his promised entertain-

ment to a small audience at the Town Hall on

Saturday evening. The mind-reading experi raants were entirely successful, and were heartily applauded. A number of sleight-of hand performances, and other exhibi tions, were simply marvellous, and we have no hesitation in saying that the Professor is facih' pri iict’/i.s in his particular art. Madame Rice added very materially to the evening’s amusement by contributing several instrumental and vocal items in a manner which was thoroughly appreciated by the audience. Professor Rice has determined to give a second entertainment at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, when we trust the performance will attract an audience commensurate with its merit.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

Auckland, May 22

The schooner Orpheus has been liid on for Port Derby, Kimnorly Goldfields, and has taken as carg > a number of ready-made boast a, constructed by the Auckland Tim ber Co.

The groat unpa : d are on strike. Every Justice asked to-day to ait for the Justice absent, whose turn it waa on the roll to d" so, refused, and after waiting an hour the case had to be adjourned. One of the soliiiora atatid that through the turn affairs hid taken the Minister of Justice should be communicated with at one ■.

New Plymouth, May 22

An enquiry into the wreck of the Star of the Mersey waa held last evening at the Custom House. Captain Christain says ha left Kaipara on Wednesday, and on Thursday, at 330 p m., the ship sprang a leak, and, notwithstanding all hia efforts, he found at midnight aha had made 2ft of water. Kept on pumping, but finding at 4 in the miming the water had m creased to Gft, he made for the laud. At 9 yesterday morning brought up off the end of the breakwater. The water was then over the between deck beams, tie let go anchors and hoisted signals of distress. The Harbor-Master came aboard and took him and the crew off, and the vessel parted her cables as soon as they left and went ashore. The cause of the leak was, the captain says, one of the butts starting. The decision come to was that no blame waa attached to any one A large portion of her cargo, consisting of baulks and flitch kauri timber has been recovered and wi 1 be sold shortly. Ther > was 130,000 feet timber on board, which waa Insured In the New Zealand office for £550. the freight being insured for £2OO in the same office

BANQUET TO MR BRYCE

The Banquet to Mr Bryce took place at Wellington on Saturday. About MO guests were present, including some two score ladies. The Mayor was in the chair. Messrs Stout and Ballance represented the Ministry, and besides these the two Speakers, Major Atkin son, Colonal Whitmore, Colonel Brett, Mr Uolleston, and a large number of members of both Houses, were present. After the usual and loyal patriotic toasts had been honored the Mayor proposed the health of the guest of the day. Mr Bryce, who was received with great enthusiasm responded at some length. After adverting to the presence of the ladies as par ticularly appropriate when the honor of public men was concerned, ho said he was grateful for the presence there that day of members of tho Ministry and political opponents, and he paid a graceful compliment to the Pre mier’s broad and sympathetic cast of mind. Ho said he was advised from the first by able lawyers that his opponent had no possible ground of defence by law, and as he knew in his own heart he had never slaughtered women and children, he believed he had right and conscience on his side ; yet there was one point—one only—on which danger lay. The colonists of New Zealand had been charged with treating the Natives unjustly, and knowing there was a prejudice in some quarters defence was solely conducted from the Exeter Hall point of view. Sir John Horst tried to impress on the jury that the Native history of New Zealand was “one tragedy,’’ and this was the view that by some people had been persistently urged in Eng land, and in placesjhad found belief. If they really had treated the Natives like that they certainly would deserve the execration of their countrymen at Home, but actually there was no instance in all history of a subject race being treated with the same kindness and generosity as in our own ease. Mr Bryce, in support of his statement, alluded to the ad vantages possessed by the at soma length. He had two things to be proud of— the reception and confidence shown in him by the colonists, and the knowledge that while the defence relied on the prejudices of certain classes in England, and particularly in London, he had put his trust in the justice of an English Judge and jury, and it had not failed him. He desired distinctly and openly to avow that he did not believe one word of the story with which Dr. Eeatherston's name had been connected, and he was satisfied he had never said anything of the sort. In con clusion, he would say that the welcome he had received since his return to New Zealand, and the gathering that day, showed that the fame of its public men was dear to the colony.

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIANS v. SURREY,

(KEUIEK’s lELEGKAMS —COPYIUGHI.) London, May 21.

The cricket match Australians v. Surrey was resumed ou the Oval to-day. The weather was splendid, and the attendance of the public very largo, Tho wicket was lively, and tho bowling of the Home team was dead ou the wicket. The Australians continued their innings, and were all dis posed of for 82, the only score of note, in addition to those already telegraphed being made by Trambla, who was bowled for 13 Lohmanu took six wickets for four runs. Being 89 behind their oppo nents, the Australians followed on with their second innings, and at the close of the day’s play had put together 171 runs fi r the loss of nine wickets- Principal scores :

Bonner, bowled 34 Blackman, caught 43 Gitfen, not out 43 Ihe visitors were entertained laat nlghl by the Home team

London, May 22

The cricket match, Australians v. Surrey, was concluded on the Oral to day, the Home team winning with three wickets to spare. The weather was showery, and there was only a moderate attendance. The wicket played rather heavily, owing to the rain. The Australian team, wha. on Friday evening had nine wickets down for 171, went again to the wickets but only aided one to the total before the last wicket fell. G. G. Jones did good service on the Surrey side, taking live wickets for three ruus. After a short interval, Surrey again went to the wicket, and scored 87 for the loss of seven wickets, thus winning with three wickets and three runs to spare. The principal scores in this innings were:— Abel, run out ••• 13 Maurice Read bowled ... 14 Roller, bowler,,. 19 Evans did most excution in bowling, taking three wickets for three rum.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

AN IRATE WOR-HIPPrcR. Dunedin, To day

At First Church yesterday Pastor Gibb in his sermon made reference to the Page of Chelsea in ternn which aroused the indignation of a lady worshipper and on the clergyman hunting at lunatics, she llcurisbed her umbrella at him, and bounced out of the church. DEATH.

J. T. Goodman, one of the oldest officers of the city corporation died yes terday after a short illness. IN LIQUIDATION,

The Mutual Agency Company has gone into Liquidation.

GOVERNMENT INSURANCE

There is groat discontent at the action of the Government Insurance Association, re-closing of the industrial branch.

FATAL ACCIDENT. Auckland, To-day. Thomas Robertson was killed at Fergu son’s battery, Te Aroha, through a piece of machinery falling on him.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN RACES,

Dunedin, Saturday. The following results were telegraphed after we went to press on Saturday. Provincial Handicap, of 200 sovs, with sweepstakec of 5 sovs ; second horse, sovs. One mile and a half. Mr G. G. Stead’s b m Marrnion, 4y r s, 7st 121 b ... ... (Jackson) 1 Mr A. Hathorne’s b m Take Miss,

Gst 91b 2 Mr J. Rivers’ br g Don Jose, Tat 21b... 3 Hermitage (7st 91b), Qu bble (7st 71b), and Ep cure (list) also started. Totalisator, £3 4s and £2 19a. Handicap Trot, of 75 sovs. Three

Mr D. O’Brien’s Erin, OSsecs (Owner) 1 Mr Taylor’s Narrow Gauge, 50secs ... 2 Mr Stewart’s Polly, oOsecs ... ... 3 Totalisator, £3 17s and £3 15s. Selling Race, of 50 sovs. One mile

and a distance, Mr M. Sherwin's b g Mokarakara, £2O (White) 1

Mr Kennedy’s Foul Play, £lO ... 2 Mr Goodman’s Teddy ... ... ... 3 Cathedral, Andy, Leopard, Iris, and Martyrdom also ran. Totalisator, £2 3s Gd. Tradesmen's Handicap, of 100 sovs ; second horse, 10 sovs. One mile. Mr G. G. Stead's b ra Marmion. 9st 31b, includ ng 71b penalty ...(Rulings) 1 Mr Hathorne’s ch g Spade Guinea, 7st lOlb ... _ 2 Mr Sherwin’s bg Quibble, Bst 31b ... 3 Meteor (7st 101 b), Don Jose (7st 91b), Garibaldi (7st 31b), Revolver (7st), Cheap Jack (Grit 101 b), Factory Girl (Get lOib), Miss Cook (Gst 91b), and Dutchman (Gst) also started. Totalisator, £2 13s Gd.

NEW HEBRIDIES.

Status Quo Ante

[recteh’s telegrams— copyright J London, M y 21

Her Majesty’s Government has sent a definite reply to France stating as the colonies are opposed to the cession of the New Hebrides the stains quo ante must be maintained.

BANKRUPTCY.

The following statemant of assets and liabilities has been filed :—McAvey, Michael, of Methven, contractor. —Liabilities—Christ- church : P. Tisch, £l3 19s lOd; Baldwin £5. Ashburton : Mitchell and Turner, £3 10s ; It. Lancaster, £l2 ; William Anderson, £8 ; G. Kidd, £5 12s ; T. Quill. £1 12s ; A. Turner, £l3. Mount Somers ; W. S. Peter, £75; John Hood, £2O; James Carlton, £lO 10s. Alford Forest: Mcßae, £7 10s. Methven : B. Pat on, £3 5s ; William Bowse, £l. Spread Eagle: Campbell, £7. Hinds; Patrick Duffy, £2O; Peter Currie, £33 ; Miller, £1 11s. Springfield: James John stone, £lO. Tinwald: Biggs and Eeid, £lO 10s ; total, £332 2s lOd. Assets—Furni ture, £2 ; plough and 2 scoops, £1 10s (no land or interest in land, tenant at will, to Union Bank, of 13 acres 3 roods) ; total, £3 10s ; deficiency, £328 12s lOd.

AFFAIRS IN GREECE.

Peace or War ?

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT. 1 Athens, May 21

M. Stephanopulo, who belongs to the Peace Party, has been elected President of the Greek Chamber ..of Deputies. The Provisional Ministry formed by M. Papamichalopoulos has resigned. M. Tricoupis is engaged in the formation of a Cabinet. Advices from the frontier state that serious fighting has recently taken place be tween the Greek and Turkish outposts.

THE COLONIAL EXHIBITION.

Royal Inspection.

[rkuter’s xklbgkams—copyright,t London, May 21.

Her Majesty the Queen, accom panied by the Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice, visited the Colonial Courts of the Exhibition to-day. Sir Cunliffe Owen was in attendance, and Messrs Berry and Bosisto conducted Her Majesty through the Victorian Court; Sir A Stuart explaining the exhibits in the New South Wales section. Sir Arthur Blyth and Sir William Davenport the exhibits in the South Australian and Sir Francis Dillon Bell those in the New Zealand Court.

A RUSSIAN WARSHIP AT WEELINGTON.

fPBH IRSSB ASSOCIATION, 1

Wellington, May 20-

The Russian warship Yestrix, Captain Waldennar Lang, arrived in the harbor (from Launceston) at noon to-day. She left this day week, and had fine weather, with fair winds, on the passage down. When she left Launceston, she did not intend to call at any New Zealand port, but a slight accident to her anchor neces sitated her coming here, and Captain Lang states that, now being in New Zealand waters, he will probably call at Auckland before taking his departure for Japan. Her crew numbers 170 men, exclusive of officers, who number 16. The following is a list of her principal officers : Cap tain, Waldemar Lang; commander, A. Baronoff; lieutenants, Y. Zararemy, V. Sarnanaky, and A. Gorahcoff; Paymaster Lieutenant, Bsron M. Volcken. The Yestrix is the first Hussion warship that has visited our port, and she will be thrown open to the public on Tuesday afternoon. She remains here for five or six days. This afternoon Colonel Whit more, accompanied by Captain Coleman, visited the vessel, as also did the officers of the Japanese warship, Taukuba. The officers of the Russian warship subse quently visited the Tsnkuba, To-morrow, at 8.30 a.m„ the Yestrix will salute the English flag, and at 10.30 fire a salute Id honor of Her Majesty's Jubllss,

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

VOLUNTEER PARADE.

To-day, in response to a corps order, the two companies of Ashburton Volun teers mustered at a quarter to eleven at the drill eh d, with a twr-fold cbj-.c; in vit\v. Firstly, to pay the cua omary military honors to the Sovereign of the Empire and Generalissimo of all the Forces—Her Gracious Majesty Queen V ctoria ; and, secondly, to attend a regulation inspection parade ordered by the officer commanding the district— Colonel Bailey. At the appointed hour th» men fell in on their markers in the driilshed, aui about 50 of the senior pany were present, and 25 of the Guard*. All the coo mi-aioned officers attended, and Captain D uolas, the senior officer, commanded. To suit the short number of members of the Guards present, the Rifles were formed into two companies the first commanded by Lr.eu tenaut Dolman and the second by Lieu tenant Fooks, the,four sergeants—Hayes, Nelson, McDonald, and Dunn—and Bugler Savage, acting as guides arid mark ers ; and Capta n Northey in command of the Guards, with Lieutenant i.eatell and Color-Sergeant Moss as guides, and two Sergeants of that company as markers, — Sergeants Leahy and Galea. After the usual preliminaries at the abed, the battalion was put through a few battalion movements, and after Captain Northey had exercised the men in the menU'l, Fooks in the firing, and Lisutentant Dolman in the bayom t exi raise, the men were supplied Wita three rounds each of ammunition (blank cartridge), and a/eu de joie was fired in honor of the Qaaen, This done, cheers wore given for Her MajeJy, the band playing meanwhile the National Anthem,” while those of the large crowd of spectators who knew and their loyal duty, stood, as every loyal jecta hould stand when the National An them is played, with uncovered head. The battalion then formed fours and marched through the town, the band under (Band master Hosken) led in the order of march by Coldr-Sergeant Hayes, heading the battalion. Opposite the shop of Mr Murray, watchmaker, the order to halt was given, and Captain Douglas, acting co’onel for the time being announced that on Sunday week there would be a Church parade, which he expected the members of both companies to attend. The men were then dismissed. The “ soldier’s service ” will on on Sun day in the Wesleyan Church

AMUSING.

A young lady being asked if there wa - e many beautiful women in the place, innocently replied, “Oh no, there are only six of us at present.” The Japanese say, “ A man takes a drink, then the drink takas a drink, and next the drink take ihe man.” Evidently the Japanese “ have been there.” A drnnken parishioner was admonished by his parson. “ I can. go into the village,” concluded the latter, “and come home again without getting drunk.” “ A.h, minister, but I’m sae popular,” was the apologetic reply. “ That broth’s noguid,” said a grumb ling youngster at the dinne ■ table In a Scotch farm “ Weel, weal,” says the mother, a quiet sort of body, “if ye don’t tak’ yer broth you’ll no get ony beef, an’ if ye tak’ yer broth you’ll no need ony ” ’“ Yon will lose your pocket handker chief,” said one of bis friends to George Coleman, whom he met walking up the Haymarket. “ Not if y n will pass on,” replied Coleman, as he stood still for a moment and waited fur his friend to go by. A young Parisian lady, after being relieved of a tormenting tooth, laid down ten francs in payment. Looking at the fee contemptnousiy, the dentist asked if that was for his servant. “ No, sir,” responded madame, with a sweet smile, “It la for both of yon.” Smith keeps a savage dog on his premises, and near its kennel a board is displayed with the warning in large letters, “Beware of the dog.” “I suppose, ’ said Jones, pointing to the warning, “ you have painted that sign in large letters, so that ‘he who runs may read ’? ” “ No,” said Smith, “ but that he who reads may run.”

VICARIOUS GENEROSITY.

“ A lady of quaiuy,' a peeress to wit, sent her bucler to a well-known physician, a man who, were we at liberty to mention his name, would be generally recognised as one of the busiest men In London, with the request that the patient might be ex amined and prescribed for, gratuitous y. of course. “My good man,” said the phy sycian, “ as you are my lady’s butler, you are not a suitable parson to be treated at the hospital where I see poor patients for nothing ; in my own consulting-room, my time is too valuable ; here Is a guinea, go and see my junior colleague, Dr. , he is not so busy as I am, and will be able to advise you for that fee.” Her lady ship, it is interesting and Instructive to learn, repaid the guinea next morning. The moral Is plain. The profession as a whole does so much charitable work, that many people seem to expect that every member is to give his time and labor at any time and any place, and to any extent which may be most convenient to the patient or his friends. Quite a large enough proportion of the people who go to hospitals have no right to gratuitous advice, and it is asking rather too much of even the most patient and long-suffer ing to expect that a still more well to-do class, too fastidious to go to hospitals, should be allowed to invade private con sulting-rooms during the morning Impure, which ars dedicated to remunerative Ufcir. No other profession has such claims made on it. If the butler had been in some legal difficulty, would the family lawyer have been expected to advise him gratia I We trow not. —“British Medical Journal.”

THE PARENTAL “DON'T”.

Some parents are continually checking their children. Others, again, seem to have hardly will enough to chide or deny them anything. A little work which has reached us, and which bears the above title, seeks to instruct fathers and mothers how to steer a middle course between these difficulties and to ensure a successful future to their ,offspring. Success, in the words of the author, implies more than financial distinction. There must be true and equal develop ment of the physical, mental, moral, spiritual, and commercial side of life in order to deserve the term. His advice to this purpose Is on the whole very sensible, and is given in a terse but inter esting style, which renders the papers agreebly readable as well as Instructive. We note with satisfaction that.he dissents from the present high-pressure system of school education, and wonld rather train the mind of childhood than fill it. Physical exercise receives due attention. Pratical hints on the teaching of morals and religion are not wanting. A some what lengthy section is devoted to home hygiene and the rearing of infants. The observations contained in this chapter are well considered and accurate. We could wish that all parents were equally clear In their understanding of the value of milk alone as an article of infant diet, on the injurious effects of close, hot rooms, long and heavy clothing, empirical sedative remedies, overcrowding, and drainage de ficiencies, We do not doubt that readers of this pamphlet will learn from it some points o{ use in the training of children which they don't know at “Lancet,’ 1

THIS ASHBDKTOM DUAKDIAN, MONDAY, MAY 24, 1886.



OF THE UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Mosers Friedlander Bros’ stock of , Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £sooq ANDREW ORK having purchased the above STOCK at a largo reduction from Cost Price, is still giving it away at Unheard-of pr Hlb great object being to turn it Into cash, no matter at what sacrifice ANDREW ORR HAKATERB TOWN DISTRICT. FIRST ELECTION OF COMMIS SIONERS. THE following Nominations have been received: GEORGE WILLIAM ANDREWS BENJAMIN CARTER JOHN CALDICOTT PETER FAWCEIT BARTHOLOMEW HUGHES FRANCIS THOMAS MAYO WILLIAM WTNSBURY WHITE A POLL for the election of Five of the above will be held on SATURDAY, May 29th, at the Hampstead Schoolhouse, com mencing at 9 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. CHAS. C. FOOKS, Returning Officer. MR - ?'' G. THOMAS, SURGEON-DENTIST, Will VISIT ASHBURTON ON



WANTED Known—Hayes and Co have bought tho samples of an English Umbrella manufacturer, at a large discount. Also, a splendid lot of new Dress Materials, very cheap. Como and see them, at Hayes and Co.’s, Arcade WANTED— Tenders for TRIMMING and STUBBING 100 chains of Gorse, Singletree Estate, Alford Forest. Tenders to be in by 22nd May, 1886. M 10 MaTkSON, COXA CO. WANTED Known —The Gospel will be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at 6.30 o.m. (d.v.) Free for all. No collection. F v ' 5 697 WANTED KNOWN—Long looked for come at last. T. Moult, having commenced bacon curing, he is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6.1 per lb at the Factory, Moore at, Ashburton. Pigs cured in any quantity > dried, smoked aud delivered home at ' One Penny per lb. T. Moult. PRESENTS ! Presents ! We are now giving Presents to the value of Is in the 5 £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards on Drapery and Millinery, etc. For description of ' Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the premises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— H. O. Segers, Melford House. Monthly advertiser, issued by Robert Elston, 'Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5s per month, centre spaces 10s ; for longer terms special arrangements can bo made ; advertisements should not be later than the 26th ef each mocth. 760 WANTED Known—Werthoim Bow ing Machines can be had on Time j Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. , ' 2 276 CjTCRAGE at Tiuwald at lowest current Jo Rates, apply, s 4 653 FRIEDLANDER BROS. Special Advertisements. - CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. 1 T WILL be a BUYER of UPWARDS JL of 300,000 Bushels r MILLING WHEAT [ THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of ! OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE, ) CORNSACKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5s 6d per dozen. C. W. TURNER, 340 PerD. H. BROWN. USTRALIAN M,E RC A NITLE UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The only Company in Canterbury , which did not Raise Rates per ■ cent on Country Risks, ! We arc now, as we have been for THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING RISKS * PER CENT. OFF TARIFF. ' W. B. MOSS, Agent ioi Ashburton District. September 22, 1886. 9 615 ASHBURTON HIGH “SCHOOL BOARD. f RENDERS are invited by the Board of JL 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 be let for a period of 14 years. Tenders for the whole or for separate blocks will be received at the Ashburton County Council office, where conditions of lease may be seen, up to 4 p.m. of TUESDAY, June 22nd proximo. J. E. BUCHANAN, Secretary. JWOR SALE—T.S. 197 and part 196 F (adjoining Mr J. Ward’s) with eight zoomed bouse and etc. I am prepared to accept a very low price for this eligible property. T. BULLOCK TO the Ashburton Guards and Volun teers.—THE VOLUNTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole o the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squat, 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. F AR L E Y. School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be derived i 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 3,600 < volumes. School requisites of every description kept in stock, Thomas F. Farley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders' Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop • Town Sail, Ashburton, |



WEDNESDAY, 261 h INSTANT, And may be consulted at Quill’s Hotel. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTICE TO OCCUPIERS. ASHBURTON-R AK AIA WATER SUPPLY. BACES will be CLOSED for purposes of overhaul as follows : E Race and all branches for 4 days from 25th May. C and D P.aces and all branches for 4 days from 2nd June. A, B, and F Races and all branches for four days from 9th June. By order. WILLIAM BAXTER, County Engineer. 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, Indigo, 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 JgLACK, BEaTTIK & COMPANY, Criterion House, 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 the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of cur buyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business at lowest prices. \VQ endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, and our Stock is so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of onr Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable Goods will be found DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY~DEPARTMENT DRbSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DERARTMENT dressmaking""department millineryTepartmbnt CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUOEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. oloniai Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBLRTON MANUFACTURE. Cash System and Cash Prices. BLACK. BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, PRBSSMAJLERS, and MILLINERS



Victoria Mouse. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. \ ~VTOW SHOWING, a Splendid Assortment of the famous “ LION ” brand jN (Victorian) GOODS, in Men’s Plain and Fancy Tweed Suita, Trousers, Trousers and Vests, Waterproof and Overcoats, Cord Hiding Pants, Primed and 1 White Moles, Hoy’s Quicker and Boacousfield Sac Suits, etc., etc. 1 These Goods, amounting in value to over £4OO, are Manufacturers’ Samples, cut i and finished in the moat perfect stylo. Purchasei at a heavy Discount, and are offered at a slight advance upon MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PKlCttb. Our Stock of General Drapery, Boots, etc., la unsurpassed for Value. DIMANT A ND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOuT IMPORTERS, East and Tancrod Streets, Ashburton. Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. R. STEEL & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on tholt work efficiently, are now in a position to meet tho demands of the public with a fir t-class article at prices to suit the times. Every e, rtptlon 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 Rotrimming. VICTORIAN STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support in this department, beg to intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, they are now in a position to undertake ail kinds of Engineering work. Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds of Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Wanted. Special advertisements.



pjROWN I2ON WORK S ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Hanges Burn Wood and Coal—ln Four Sizes. PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths, 40 per cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988 Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY. —Special care is given to all orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may rely upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and Foreign included), Public Committees 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 rely upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same remark applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purchasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Links Always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and Tradesmen's general requisites. Bookbinding Orders Received. r. F. Farley, BOOKSELLER, STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Ashburton. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. J mliE NEW GOODS FOR THE i J, WINTER SEASON 1 ARE 1 NOW OPENED OUT. i The Stock is < THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED c IN THE TOWN, ‘ And the variety of Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing 1 leaves nothing to be desired. ' Thousands of Men’s and Boys' Suits, c newest styles. Trousers and Trousers s and Vests manufactured of New r Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggings s in great variety a Hats, compris'ng every new style worn s Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Mon- t of-War Suits c Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford, a Regatta and White Shirts r, Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags. The celebrated WERTHBIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments. si N.Z. CLOTHING FACTORY, p East Street. a



T OWN -tl A L L. WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 26, 1886. j Reappearance of Professor A K. and Mrs Rice, in their grand Hyporian ptr formanco. Mind reading, music and magic, science and fun. Ask your friends about this unrivalled entertainment. Charts issued at Commercial Hotel dur ing Tuesday and Wednesday. Price one guinea. NOTICE. IT is req nested that all ACCOUNTS owing “ The Ashburton Guardian Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, ho Paid at once to Mr B. Hughes, whose receipt alone will be a suldcient Prices as usual. discharge. OHAS. W. PURNELL, Chairman. m 11