DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Et«. Thuesdat, July 15 fotage Hall— Quadrille Aiaerobly at 8 •'•look

Saturday, July 17 ertsey Farmers Le«gne —Meeting et Ohertsey Hotel at 8 u'clnoz Monday, Jotr 26 Borough Council, »t Borough Council Chambers at 7.?0 Friday, Arausr 6. Ashburton County Council— At Oonnoii Chambers. 11 a.m. —_

BAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Tatm Abmvk a* Abhbbbtoh— From Christ- M d the North, at 10.16 (express). _ _ -a 710 p.m. From Titneru, From Dunedin and South, 5.27 pfm; (express). From Mount Somers, 10.6

**T»iisg Lbatb Abhbubtok—For Christ ehnrAendNorth, at 7.10 10.66 a.m.. and 687 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and SSSth Vas a.m. (express). For Timaru. p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.8 p.m.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and alter the 30th June, 1886.■ tarns of Subscription to this journal bo M follows, via.:— . IF PAID IK IDVANOa . . Per Quarter.. 6a 63, by P<»‘. *} rK &i. _ eM i2a 6d, by post, 18a 6d ” fair 7 .. 24s Od by post, 37s Od ” if booked : Par Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10« 9d r “ sTii 16a oa, by post, ais 6d " Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od

N. B. The "'^ n “ mZm B*BA*aBMXNTS TOi B® MAT JSff&li SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THS OLD BATES.

Birth, Marriage, and Death No „ t i | B, *; U JfaSp/Say ST«nt ££A s i{ b * eksd ’ Jsssss^^ '&S~*£ssssj:~

MAIL NOTICES.

K«}lb close at the Ashburton Post Office

For°Christcharch and North at 6 a.m o,fcUtream ? Rangitata, Orari, Winoheater, %«d Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Teen aka, at 10 a. m. and 4.30 p.m

"% xhnajra and South, at 10 a. a., and i ‘SfSiJSU on Weaiwld.,. .nd For^Vfli^n Elgin, »d Kyle i on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Somers, dally at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon iavs and Thursdays, at 4,30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. tit j For Flomington, on Mondays, Wednes iays, and Fridays, at 4.30 p. m. For Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fr at 10.30 a.m.

mr.n. arrive at the ; Ashburton Post Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 * OhOTto'ey, Ae. at 10.15 t. and and Intermediate places

daily, » 1 rent Temnka and Tlmarn at 10.40 a.m a 5.30 p.m daily. , , From Groenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 ~ . 10 B From Mount Somers, dally at lo.e

From Mayfield and Rnapana, on Wed aesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long ssth at 10 a.m. daily. , « , From Newlands, on Tuesdays and F *ys, at 2.30 p.m. ™. From Fleming ton on Tuesdays, Thun, ays, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL

BABBIT NUISANCE, NOTICE Is hereby given that the iSheep and Rabbit Inspector having reported that the rabbits in this county 1 are on the increase, owners of property are notified that the Rabbit Act will be strictly enforced by the Inspector unless immediate steps are taken to destroy the pest. The attention of landowners is called to the following clauses of the Rabbit j Act; — Clause No. B.—Any Inspector may I serve or caused to be served upon any I one or more of the owners of any private I land on which he believes there are I rabbits, a notice in writing In the form or 1 Ito the effect set forth in schedule A, 1 I hereto requiring the immediate destruc -1 tlon of the rabbits on snoh land. I danse 9lf immediately upon the I service of snob notice snoh one or mote lof the owners njon whom the same is I served do not commence to do all such I acts, deeds, matters, and things ns in the I opinion of the Inspector may bo necessary I to destroy the rabbits on the land men ( tioned In snob notice in the shortest time I possible, and having so commenced do not I continue snoh action until such rabbits are I destroyed, each of the owners npon whom I snob notice has been served shall be 1 liable to a penalty of not leas than one I pound nor more that twenty pounds. I Clause 10. —After the expiration of one I month from the date of a conviction under a I the last preceding section, if there shall 7 I still, la the opinion of the Inspector, be I rabbits on the land mentioned in such •f I notice, each or any one or more of the 7 I owners npon whom the notice referred to I in the preceding section has been served I shall be liable to a further penalty of not {less than five pounds nor more than I twenty pounds, and so on for each suc { ceeding period of one month during - I which there shall still, in the opinion of I the Inspector, be rabbits on snoh land. -> I Clause 11.—If any owner shall negleci | or fail to comply with any notice ai

aforesaid to destroy rabbits, then, In ad dition to or in lien of proceedings for the ' recovery of a penalty as aforesaid, any Inspector or any person authorized bv an Inspector may enter upon the private land mentioned in snob notice, and use all sto > means, and take all such measures, and do and perform all and every such acts o things as to him may appear proper or i. necessary to be done to ins >re the destruc j tlon of the rabbits npon the private land | mentioned in such notice, aud shall have I tree right of ingress, egress, and regress i into, over, and across such private lana I for such peri das may in his opinion be I necessary f»r destroying such rabbits. I By Order. I F, MtINWABItfG. I Ciork. | Ashburton, July Bth, 1886 +7 265

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1886. District Railways Purchase.

A reference to our Parliamentary colunms this evening will show that Major Steward has been honorably acquitted of the very grave charges levelled against him by the report of the District Railways Purchase Com mittee. Acquainted as we were with the complete history of the transaction which formed the subject of the Com mittee’s enquiry we never anticipated any other result, but it will be satis factory to the many personal and pa itica ! friends of the member for.Wai mate to reflect that the acquittal was made by a full and unanimous House. Not even the framers of the report ventured to say one word in support of their extraordinary conclusions, and the Premier’s resolution affirming that Major Steward had been guilty of no corrupt motive was received with evi dent approval and satisfaction. The members of the Committee have made an egregious blunder, a blunder which it it difficult to explain and impossible to excuse, but we have no desire to add to the odium which has been cast upon their heads by the resolution of the House. Some, doubtless, erred in ignorance, some, setting aside any judicial capacity they may have, allowed political animosity jto over-rule their sense of justice, and others were even more culpable; the issues were a dama ging report, entirely unsupported by evidence or facts, a seven days’ wonder, the complete humiliation of the accu sers and the triumphant acquittal of the accused. So far as Major Steward and Sir Julius Vogel are concerned the resolution adoptedj by the House yes terday afternoon is an ample vindi cation of their political purity and per sonal integrity, but the concluding portion of the resolution, which affirms that the House “ desires to express its opinion that the members of the Legislature should not act as paid agents, or receive any remuneration for negotiating any transaction in which the Government is directly or indirectly a party, either as buyer or seller,” appearr strained and uncalled for. Many of the members of our Legislature are engaged in trades and professions and, while we fully approve of the provisions of Disqualification Act* we fail to see why their business operations suould be subject to additional re strictions. Par exonple, it would have been an extreme hardship if Major Steward, who, in the course of business, had been entrusted with the sale of certain railway debentures, had been compelled to forego the well and honestly-earned fruit of his labor simply because the Government deemed it ex pedient in the interests of the colony to become the purchaser of those de bentures. The colony lost nothing by Major Steward’s intervention, indeed there is reason to believe that it gained a good deal, and had the Government or the sellers, during the progress of the negotiations, attempted to dispense with the services of the intervening agent they would have been guilty of gross commercial turpitude, which would not have relieved the sellers of their lia bility to pay commission.

In the Hoase of Representatives last evening on the motion f ,r goin.’Jint > Com' mlttee of Supply, Mr Pearson moved : r ‘ (1) That in the opinion of this House, the contributions from the different local authorities for Hospitals and Charitable Aid should bo raised by a tax on prop rty without any exemptions, and that the Government should collect and pay i uch tax to the several districts entitled to the same ; (2) that the Government be re quested to give effect by Bill to the fore going resolution.” The resolutions were opposed by the Government, but having been amended, at the instance of Mr Ivess by the insertion of a danse exem[ t : ng properties valued under £6OO, were carried.on the casting vote of the speaker, I

The i.maudmenta made by the Legiala tive Council in the East and West Oiast Railway Construction Act Amendment Bill were agreed to by the House o! Representatives yesterday afternoon, and the Midland Railway is now safely bejoijd thoattaoks of its Parliamentary opponents

The Workmen a Wages Extension TJill, which provides for the payment of w.iges In cole or bank notes, not cheque*, was read a second time in the House of Representatives last evening.

Mr McKerrow has presented his annual report upon the Crown Lands of the eolony. continued low prices for agricultural and pastoral pro duce, there had been a greater! area of | Crown lands disposed of during the I twelve months ended March 31, 1886, I than during the previous year. The jin crease has been mainly in land taken up on the settlement'ounditlon, and in this class the number of settlers is greater than last year or the’average number of former years. The revenue from cash land sales has been steadily decreasing for several years, and it Is a matter for surprise that

it h«s not diminished even to a greater degree than it has done, seeing that tacitly it has become to|dls pose of the best land on settlements con ditions, selling for inferior land or odd patches to complete freehold pro perties.

The Christchurch Caledonian Society has determined to offer its medal to Mr Moßae, ol Wairoa, for the indomitable pluck be manifested during the recent eruptions. At the B.M. Court this morning, before Mr B. Alcorn, J.P., James Finn, for having been drunk and having resisted Constable Latimer in the execution ol his duty, was fined 5s and costs on each charge, with the; alternative of 24 hours imprisonment.

The Champion Stake of. the South Canter, bury Coursing Club was run (or yesterday, and won by Moonbeam, the runner up being Symphony. Wo understand that the winner is a full sister to Mr M. Digby’s Bide-a-wee.

At an ordinary meeting of the Geraldine County Council yesterday plans and report of the proposed irrigation scheme were received from the Ashburton County Council. It was resolved “ that the Geraldine County Council thank the Ashburton County Council for the plans and report of proposed irrigation scheme in Ashburton County, and congratu late the County upon the completeness and economy of the scheme.”

The Ashburton hounds met at Mr Cor bett’s, Ashburton Forks, yesterday afternoon. There was a large muster of followers and epectators, but the sport was very poor.

The annual ball in connection with the Star of Ashburton L.0.L., No. 23, took place in the .Orange Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a very large attendance, excellent music was provided by Mrs Claridge and Mr H. Gates, and the gathering was most enjoyable.

A most successful entertainment took place at the Ashburton Presbyterian Church last evening. The church was comfortably filled by a large gathering of young people, for whom the meeting was specially {intended, and their parents and others connected with the congregation both from town and country. Tho tea, which was, provided by the liberality of the esteemedjipastor of the church, was on a plan new to Ashburton, and was highly appreciated by those who partook of it. After the tea there were reci tations and hymnsj given by the /scholars of the Sabbath School and the£minister’s Bible Class, which were rendered in a manner very creditable to the young performers, and received with marks jof hearty approval from the audience. After an address by the minister, in which he earnestly besought parents to help tho Sabbath School teachers in,their arduous and importantjwork, and impressed tho groat importance of family worship, a most pleasant evening came to a close.

At a meeting held at Auckland, rr Hokianga specral settlement, some of tribe intending settlers, who had inspected the land, said tho Motukaraka land was indif ferent, but the land known as the Onehunga Endowment was good. The general opinion is that 20 acres is too little for a family. A resolution was carried approving of the Hon J. Ballanoe’s scheme.

A party of Natives, searching at Wairoa, found on the hill above the township the ruins of a whare, in which the remains of ten Maoris were found.

A most singular accident occurred to a farmer in the Kaiapoi district on Monday last. While in the act of bailing up one of his cows, preparatory to milking her, she turned suddenly restive and rushed at him open mouthed. He unfortunately retreated in his haste into a corner of the shed, where she pinned him. As he had no means of escape or weapon bo was compelled to stand and face her. Instead of using her horns in tho usual way, the cow caught bold of the man’s hand, and, despite his exertions, chewed it up to such an extent that he was obliged to seek speedy medical assistance. On arriving at the doctor’s house the hand was Hound so badly crushed that it is more than likely that two of the fingers will have to' be amputated.

The civil sittings of the Supreme Court at Christchurch lo Lc rather protracted. In one case—Su_'e .sen V .lie—a claim foe damages through fu'j from defen dant’s to plaintiff’s land at Litti > River, the hearing occupied two'dr vs, and then the jury, being equally divided in opinion, were locked up all night. Yesterday morning they were discharged, as they could not agree, and the case was to have been tried over again to-day. The case of Knight v. Dr Symes was rather peculiar. The plaintiff, a dairyman, claimed heavy damages alleging, that defendant, a medical practitioner, had stated that the bad water drunk by the dairyman’s oows poisoned the milk, and was the cause of the prevalence of diarrhoea at New Brighton, a suburb of Christchurch. The dairyman complained that he lost his customers in consequence, For the defence the making of the statements was denied, and for a further defence it was alleged that, if theywere made at all, they were made by defendant fond fide, as a medical practitioner in the discharge of his duty as such, and in no way to prejudice the sale of plaintiff’s .milk. The latter was the substantial defence relied upon, and the jury gave a verdict for defendant.

There is no news of the missing man, A. Levy, who recently disappeared from Wel lington. The police authorities in Sydney have been communicated with to ascertain if ha is on board the Haurote, but no reply has been received.

In the Petrel case, Mendoza, the second mate, was discharged, and the Magistrate deferred bis decision in the case of the captain |(Beid) and tbs mate (Foley) until Friday.jaSa ■MM

Last evening a very sooceaulul entertain ment in connection with the Gospel Temperance Society was held in the Library, Waterloo. Mr W. Harding presided, and opened the mee' mg with prayer. Temper ance addresses were delivered by the Chairman and Mr G. Andrews, and songs, readings, and recitations were given by the following:—Miss Williams,, Miss E, Timms, Messrs Antrobus, B. Gilmour, Dunn, Dakers, Osborne, and Wheeler. Hearty votes ot thanks to the performers and to the Chair man were carried by acclamation, and the singing of the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable gathering to a close. Daring :he evening' several new names were added to the roll ot members.

At a moating ol the Charitable Aid Board at Obriatohuroh yesterday morning, the mas ter ol the Burnham Industrial School alaimed £385, for the maintenance of indi gent children daring the past three months. A similar claim was received from St Mary’s Industrial School at Nelson. The Board appeared to think that it should not be called upon to pay the amounts, especially as it had

no control over the institutions in question, and decided to make application to the Government on the subject.

Mrßoohfort, Government Engineer, Kai ivri, near Wanganui, states that on July 7 he saw a column ot steam rising from Buapebu in the early morning. Towards evening he observed smoke from the same mountain. The Natives in the vicinity are .alarmed, after the recent Tarawera eruptions. The Wanganui Dairy Factory Company will show over £3OO profit for the season.

AUCTIONEERS’ MEETING.

CmasxciiDKOH, July 14 A large meeting of auctioneers was held here to-day, when several clauses of Mr Seddon’c Auctioneers Bill were objected to, and It was decided to ask Sir J. Vogel and Mr Holmes to endeavor to have the Bill postponed till the auctioneers had time to formulate their views on the subject. The Driving of S'ock Bill, requiring drivers to know all the brand?, I e*o., of all stock in a drove, was also objected to as unworkable.

THE DISTRICT RAILWAYS AFFAIR.

(VROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT

Wellington, July 10. The debate on the question of the report of the District Railways Purchase Committee, which it was feared would be of a long and acrimonious character, collapsed in a somewhat unexpected manner. Mr Peacock made a personal explanation in reference to his action in connection with the sale of Rotorua debentures, which was thoroughly satis factory to the House. Major Steward then rose, and, la a long, eloquent, and manly speech, explained his action from first to last, sitting down amidst the applause and evident sympathy of a large majority of the House. He explained the charge made against him by the Com mittee, by alleging that some of its members were presumably unconsciously biassed by their antagonism not to him but to another who was implicated. Sir K. Stout then rose, and in a very few words, uttered in exceedingly good tas*e, proposed a resolution which he hoped would meet with unanimous approval The resolution was to the effect that Major Steward had acted in a perfectly ■ traightforward manner, but that It was Inadvisable that any member of Parlia ment should in future 'ake part in such negotiations wi'h the Governmsnt, Tne general feeling of the lobbyltes is one of sympathy for Major Steward, and Srhile moat admit that his action was indiscreet, none are found to say that in view of his past aiblemlshed|character any suspicion of corruption attaches itself to hit action. Sir R. Stout’s resolution was passed wit'.out a dissenting voice, and a general feeling of relief was expressed.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

HAKATERE v HAMPSTEAD.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —As Mr Andrews has thought fit to use my name in his communication, kindly permit mo to say a few words in reply. I have not tho time to notice any thing further than some of the grosser misstatements. Tho first one is “the two poor creatures, &c.” Mr Mayo sug gested at the first meeting that there was no need to employ a e'erk, and Mr Andrews ejaculated “hear, hear.” Nobody else said anything, although I quite ap proved of the suggestion. My reason for leaving the Board was not on account of the ( hairmanship, as I told Mr Mayo at tho first meeting that had the office been unanimously offered to me, I should only have accepted it till such time as the Board had got in working order Mr Andrews heard this. Tho clerkship, I am thankful to say, I do not require. Tho allusion to Mr Carter is characteristic of Mr Andrews. In his letter of resigna tion, Mr Carter simply said he resigned. I asked the Chairman if any reason had bo> n given privately, and ho replied in the negative, but suggested that Mr Carter might want to take contracts from the Board. Mr Carter may got his living by pick and shovel, but he is none the worse for that, he has shown by his action that he respects obligations. The trio remain ing on the Board are oaten up with inauffer able egotism, and utterly without a sense of tho fitness of things. Mr Andrews has been very ready at making suggestions. Permit me to make one Is it decent that when you sit as a School Committee you should send down to the Board the name of a Committeeman’s relation as suitable for tho post of mistress. On the Town Board you simply do whatever tho Chairman orders It was this disgusting exhibition df sycopbdnatic adhesion, that finally drpve me away.—Yours, &c., W« White.

ADDINGTON LIVE STOCK MARKET.

At the Addington Saleyards yesterday there was a large attendance, bat very little animation in the demand.

Cattle. —Rather above the average supply of thej,last few seeks was yat led, but the proportion of prime beef was small. First-class animals sold welt at full rates, bat the ordinary desoripton dragged somewhat, and last week’s prica were iu some instances barely maintained, Steers sold £5 15s up to £9 9s, and a very grand one sold at the exceptions! price of £l3 10a, to Messrs Hopkins and 00. Best beef was worth fully £l, ordinary about 17s to 18s per 1001 b, some being sold at even lower figures Stores showed no change compared with recent markets.

Sheep.—The market was over-supplied and the Bales opened very dull, and, though prices picked up a little as the day wont on, the only descriptions which nearly maintained last week’s values were the best lines of shop sheep. Buyers for freezing were very lethargic biddeis and some small good lines for this trade were sold at a drop (f la 6d a head from late quotations. O dinary mutton was also -eoidedly weaker, and the price has once more 'elapsed to the quota tion of IJd to lAd pet lb. Very few good sheep were yarded. Stores may be said to have been unrepresented.— Tims mwsm

PARLIAMENTARY.

LSGISL \TIVK COUNCIL

Wkdkhsdat, July 14,

The Council met at 2 SO p.m. 1 '1 he Ho" J. A. H. Menzies presented a petition in favour of the repeal of the Contagious Disi s.se» Act. The Public Service Reform Bill was received from the Lower House, and read a first time. Tee amendments made by the House in the Police Force Bill were agreed to without discnasi m. 1 The Hon P. Buckley moved—“ That ihe amendments made by the House in the Charitable Trusts Extension Bill be I agreed to.” 1 The motion was agreed to 1 The Hon P. Buckley moved the second 1 reading of the Destitute Parsons Act j Amendment Bill.” I The second reading was agreed to. 1 The Municipal Ooporations Bill was I further considered In Committee. Several I amendments were agreed to, and progress I reported. I The Council adjourned at sto next day.

HOUSE-OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday July 14 j AFTERNOON SITTING. The Council met at 2.3CLp m THIRD READINGS. The Wellington and Manawatn Railway Company’s Additional Capital and Deben tures Validation Bill was read a third time and passed. The Govermnent’Loana lo'Looal Bodies Bill was reported from Committee, read a third time and passed.

QUESTIONS. Mr Taylor asked the Government if they intend, during this session, to amend the Land Transfer Act, in the direction of reducing the fees aliowad to brokers, and fixing solicitors’ fees under the Act on the same scale as those allowed to brokers, in order that the present charges in connection with the transfer of land may be reduced. 1 The Hon Sir R. Stout said this matter was discussed when the Land Transfer Act was before the House hut year, but the House did not see fit to make any I alteiation in that, duecion. I Mr Cowan asked the Premier if, in I making future additions to the Legislative Council, he will bear in mind the d<- 1 tioiency of representation that the district of Southland has in that branch cl the Legislature. The Hon Sir R. Stout agree '• ‘hat the ] lacce district of Southland had not re 1 ceived sufficient attention in this respect, but in any future appointments the Cabinet would consider the clai r-s of that district. I Dr Newman asked the Govarnm nt if they have any papers dea’ing with the I proposed purchase of the German interests in Samoa. The Hon Sir R, Stout said the papers received had already been laid on the table. new bills The Hon Sir R. Stout introduced the Pn d o Bodies Leaiebolda Bill. The lion W. J, M Larnacb introduce' a Bill to reduce the export duty on gold WEST COAST RAILWAY. The East and West Coast Railway Construction Act Amendment Bill was received from the 1 egisiativa Conned, with \erbal amendments, which ware agreed to ORDER OF BUSINESS. Major Atkinson asked wether the Pn mier would state definitely when the discussion on the Public Works State ment and Representation question would The Hon ?>r R. Stout said the Loan Bill would probably be brought do*n on Monday or Tuesday next, aud the ,Public Works dissuasion could then take place. He would give an opportunity for dis cussing the Representation question on Friday. ' DISTRICT RAILWAYS.

Before the ntxt order was called on,

Mt Peacock made a personal explana tion with reference to the report of the Committee on the District Railways Par chasing Bill. He said that owing to his name having been brought into the matter by the Premier, most injurious telegrams had been circulated stating that he (Mr Peacock) was equally blamed with Major Steward. Ho explained that he in no way used his influence in favor of the Act of last year. He neither spoke, lobbied, nor voted for it, nor did he act in consonance with any other members In snpporting it. As regarded the Rotorua Railway, with whlych he was connected, the Company managing it wished to sell their debentures, bnt had no idea that the Government would bny them. At this time the company received a telegram from Mr Steward. They did not know that gentleman. Mr Steward had said that he had, previous to this, conversed with a gentleman as to selling tho?e debentures, but he found that that gentleman was not a Director of 'he Com pany. The Company did not know but that Mr Steward was acting for a priyat Company, and they continued to believe tint ; but Mr Steward referred to Sir J. Yogel. He (Mt Peacock) had expressed an opinion that if the Government was to be the purchaser, no intermediary wa necessary. The Directors, however thought differently. It wauld be seen fr m the evidence that he had taken up that stand. Had he thought for one moment that his name was to v ' = ■ ' rward, he should have take- -. re clearly

explain hla position. As it was, he did not lay stress upon hia individual opinion, and he read a telegram from the Chairman of Directors (Dr Campbell), stating that tK writer remembered Mr Peacock’s objection to Mr Steward acting until the Board had applied, bat that h*d been over-ruled. Mr Peacock, in conclusion, hoped he had shown to the House that there was no ground for suspicion against him. Mr Steward taid he was glad this oppor tunity had come, for he did not wish hia worst enemy more pain and suffering than he had passed through since the Com mittee’s report was received. He was utterly astonished at that report. He conld not have imagined that such charges would be made against him. In what he had done, he considered he had never in fringed the ruler of the House. He pro ceeded to make a statement of the facts of the case, and said that one evening before the last session had concluded, when the Act had pasted both Houses, he received a telegram from the Secretary to the Waimate Company asking him to offer the Company's debentures to the Government Insurance Association, and he then wrote to Sir J. Vogel asking him whether the Association would purchase them. Sir J. Vogel promised to lay it before the Association, and ho (Mr Ste ward) then went to Auckland. When in Auckland it occurred to him that, if the Duntroon and Hakatermea debentures were added, the total amount would coma to £IOO,OOO which amount could bettor be dealt with. He accordingly wrote to the liquidator of the Company. Not receiving a reply from the Association, j he applied to the Bank cf New Zealand. He found first, then, that the deben tures would be better dealt with under the Inscription of Slock Act, and he wrote asking If Plr J* put them under the Act It would thus be seen that he had no intention of making money by the transaction. He came to Wellington and found that the debentures could not be sent to the House at all. Sir J. Vogel told him that the Government were prepared to buy thedebentu.es, and asked him whether he (Sir J. Vogel) had authority from one Company. Meanwhile, he might sar. he bad written, asking the

Botorua Company ♦» <fl fcieir debenuroa also. Ha went across <o uiatralia after ward;, and on his retuftn fo a 1 d tba‘ several damaging stories were going abmt to the effect that ho ha 1 received large sums for the negotiation for the sale of the deben tures. He did n t think it was worth while to contradict those reports Mem bers who knew him knew that if ho was interested in a Bill he would not

have taken any active pa t in its pas* gage Whit enprised him was that it should be supposed that he could pot himself in such a position as that of which he was accused in a finding that was admittedly against the evidence. He was asked now to prove a negative, and that he thought be could prove. He aent his wife Home in Map !ait, intending to follow her. Wou'd anyone think he would be capable of doing this under false pretences? Ho read a telegram from the Secretary to the Waimate Company, who said the report of the Committee had stunned him, and stating that Mr Hteward had not been asked to sell the debentures until the Act was passed. He (Mr Steward) had never given cause to any hon gentleman to hold personal enmity against him, but he was afraid a party fte'lng to some extent bad coloured the report, and that members were, per haps, uncoDßcions ; y biassed by the reports that wonkl teud t° injure others more then himself. He had admitted in evidence that he was anxious for the Act to pass, I and had got the Waimate line re-inaerted in the schedule. Ha had always done hta best to get Bills passed that he took op, and had left no stone unturned to assist such measures. It was only an act of justice to the settlers, having the Waimate line inserted in the schedule, and it was just to the Government also. So long as ha held a seat in the House he should act in the interests of his con— | rtituents. He had beard It. stated that he and Sir J. Vogel were in collusion In this transaction. Sir J. Vogel could speak for himself ; hot as for him, he would have died before he woo’d enter into such a transaction. It would be better, perhaps, for him to have with* drawn when the Government expressed its willingness to buy the debentures. Ho thought the Committee had come to a conclusion not justified by the evidence, and be asked the House to throw aside all party cons deration and not make him a scapegoat, and not to sacrifice him in the hope of casting a slur on the Government. His conscience entirely acquitted him of the charge brought against him, a charge which was a foul one to lay at the door i of any man without evidence to snbstan* tiate it. The Hon Slrß Stout thought it would be fitting that this matter should be passed over in silence, and be intended to move a motion which he hoped the House irould agree to unanimously. He would »sk the H' use to say whether Messrs 8t wa d and Peacock had not acted honor ably in retard to the purchase o( the dis trict railway debentures, and that there was no charge whatever against seemed to him that Mr Steward, owing# to having p*oduced private letters before the Committee, which he was not asked to produce, was not conscious of having acted improperly In any way. He thought it would be better, however, that they should lay down soma rules for the guid ance of members in matters of this kind. He hoped there would be no acrimonious debate on the question, but would be approached calmly and dispassionately. He, therefore, moved the following resolu tion —“ Tha*, while it appears there was no corrupt motive on the purt of Major steward, whose action in relation lo the matter in question has been open snd atra r gitforward, the H 'Use desires to express its opinion that the members of the Legislature should not act as paid agents, or receive any remuneration for regotiating any transaction in which the Government is direedy or indirectly a party, ei her as buyer or seller.” The motion was carried on the voices, without dissent, and the matter then dropped.

SECOND READINGS. The Fisheries Conservation Act Amend ment Bill wasre’.d a second time. The Hon J. A. Tole moved the second reeding of the First Offenders Probation Bill, which was brought in to permit con ditional release of first cffeaders for pro bation of good conduct. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment EVENING SITTING The House resumed at 7 30. The Workmen's Wajfes Act 1884 Ex tension Bill, the object of which was to destroy the truck system, and enforce payment in coin or in bank notes to artisans or laborers engaged on work to be paid for by day or piece, was next considered, debate was read a second time. Sir Jnlias Vogel announced that Government had received acable regarding the exhibition, which said a meeting of the commissioners had been held at which a resolution was passed that the aspersions on the New Zealand Court were utterly unjustifiable and nnfair, the court being th most attractive and representative so fa” as the exhibits admitted. The best assurance was that no snch comments had appeared in English papers. HOSPITAL ANE CHARITABLE AID. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mt Pearson moved that con tributions for hospital and charitable aid should be raised by a tax on property without any exemptions, Government to collect and pay it over ; also that Govern ment be requested to bring in a bill to that effect.

After someTdiscussion the motion was carried. Me Ivors moved an amendment that the ordinary property tax exemption should be*allowed. —Carried. The resolution as amended was then put—Ayes 25, Noes 25. The Speaker said he would give his vote with the ayes, on the ground that to his mind the question of charitable aid had not for some time been on a satisfac tory footing, and this resolution might tend to an improved state of things. The resolution was carried, and ths House rose at 1.15 a. m.

CRICKET.

THE AUSTRALIANS AT HOUR [eeutee’s TELEGRAMS -copyright ] London, July 12. The Australians cricketers commenced a match to day at Sheffield against eleven of Yorkshire, composed as follows :—Bon M. B. Hawke, Bates. Emmet HaU. Hunter, Lee. Peate, Peel, Ulyett, Preston and Wade. The weather was fine and the attendance enormous. An excellent wicket was pitched, and the groopd was in first-rate order. The visitors went first to the wickets, the innings dosing for a total of 276. The highest individual scores were ; Jones (bowled), 26 ; Tremble (bowled), 45; Palmer (run out), 94; Spofforth (not out), 37. When stumps were drawn for the day, the Home team had made 42 without the loss of a wicket, London, July 13.

The cricket match, Australians v Yorkshire, was resumed to-dsy, at Sheffield. The weather was fine again,, and the attendance enormous. Great interest was taken in the contest The Home team, with 42 for no wieketa down, continued their first innings, which I closed for 158, Bates being the highest scorer (67, caught) The Home team being 117 behind the Australians, followed pn wMi their second innings, making a tetter stand, their score at the dose of ibi)' li-i’j p'-a; 1 231 with seven wickets down. The highest scorers were Rates (bowled) 44, Preston bowled 37. ,

JFT tt AtHiiUli I'OJN aUAKDiAM, THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1886



Wanted. ANTED —A strong Ddoald Mactabxane, B Forest. WANTED Known— daily in town or si to meet the times. 0 Wst. Grkensladb, Allot McFarlane’s Stores, pun to. Sale To-morrow (Saturda; sensation of the day. J lucky glass jar of peas i next the Arcade. ANTED CASH.—VV White Crystal, 3d ; 6d ; Lingfish, 4d ; best Plaid Vestas, 6d per doa Sago,2Jd; Tapioca, 2sd; 8d ; Venus Nailrod, 5s 6( J, McGregor, Tancred ! WANTED KNOW, for come at 1 having commenced bao able to supply a real goo at 6d per lb at the Fai Ashburton. Pigs oared dried, smoked and del One Penny pet lb. T. 1 ! TKT ANTED 999 love* W to see the new P to be given away to si American publications, now on view at the Picti factory of Gates and Eoi to milk, attend hot D Known— commence 1



SERVANTS WANTED. iEVEN GENERAL SERVANTS and CODE "for Ashburton and Idbnrbs. Also, one COOK and one GENERAL SERVANT for the country. Apply to Mrs Randall s Registry A. W. RANDBLL, FRUITERER, &0., Town Hall, Ashbnrton. jgLACK, BEATTIE * COMPANY, Criterion House, 201. 203. 205, High street, OHRISTOHU ROH. We have the pleasure to advise our Outomers and the residents generally lathe Ashburton District that we have ew received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS the Present Season. The advantages which we poetess in being able to buy in Jhe Bestßritish Markets, and the thorough experience of our buyer, enables of business „ at lowest prices. We endeavour to give our Customers teat value proourble, whatever P r,ce * hey may wish to purchase Good * • t * * nd “SbSd WELL-assorted hat the most varied wants can bo tup lied. We append a list of our Depart tents, In each of which an Immense fcrlety of most Novel and Fashionable (will be found. DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DRbSS department* hosiery department MANTLE DEPARTMENT rbssmaxin millinery department CLOTHING DEPARTMENT DBROLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT lOUSEHOLD FURNISHING iai Manufacture from various Mills Including ___ NKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF bhblrton manufacture. Jash Swiem an® Cash Prices. \CK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE TAILORS, :SBMAKERB f and MILLINERS



Special Advertisements. LIVERPOOL AND LONDON AND GLOBE; INSURANCE COMPANY. THE Report states ihtt the Fire Pre mium Income for 1885, after deducting the sums paid for reinsuring surplus risks, amounted to £1,252,385, and the Claims to £700,750. The Account, after providing for expenses, shows, without the additional interest, a surplus of £1€0,353. The Profit and Loss Account leaves a balance of £666,331. Of this Amount, £350,000 has been carried to Reserve, which now amounts to £1,860,000 J. WARD AND SON, J 7286 Agents for Ashburton. Trees- Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR SALK all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinos Insignia, Austriaca, Maritima, and Macrooarpa, by tens of thousands; other kinds In proportion. All kinds of cabbage plants, etc, on sal*. Ail orders by post or otherwise shall receive my best attention. N.B.—Gentlemen’s Gartens tastefully laid out All kinds of planting done by contract. JAMES PORTER, CLIFTON NURSERY, 4 75 Allenton, Ashburton.



Baylis and Co. {FAMILY GROCERS, THE CRITERION OF PRICE AND QUALITY. SAUNDERS’ BUILT IN'GS.



CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL bb a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 800,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSAOKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5s 6d pec dozen. 0, W. TURNER,! 340 Per J. H. BROWN.



Victoria Horn -RE-ORGANISATION OF REDUCING STOCK Retiring from the fancy dress, hats, and •f the traie. PHENOMENAL VALUE now bein? ffiven, and 20th NEXT DIMANT AND C( GENERAL DRAPER OLOrEI East and Tancroi streets, Asl Victorian Steam Can J. R. STEEL & WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton a having obtained STEAM POWER and oth carrying on tholi work efficiently, are now in a poslti public with a fir * class article at prices to suit the tin Every CJ'f'.ption of Carriages and Traps made Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechapels from ;



Special advertii i PKO WjN non ARMAGH BTI Ohrlstohnro Portable JB Bans Wood and Goal PAINTED OORRUG IN Foor, Fire, Six and Save 40 per oent. Cheaper tl Iron. Notic ISHAVE disposed of : Ashburton to MESSES 11. J. Wi OF CHRISTO E In thanking the Pnbll and District for their li accorded to me during t carried on business hen pleaiare in oolioiting a their favor on behalf successors, who will mai of their well-known STATIONER’S 1 t THOS. ] In reference to the aba fully request the Public ol District, and all Mends a Mr Farley, to favor ue wit of their commands, and w give at all times the value m onr line of Business. An additional stock Stationary, of superior qo new Books, to the value c speedily forwarded from « depot. The latest new Books will be to hand by every from London. Subscribers supplied at o prices