DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Saturday, June 18 Mt T, Bullock, at the Arcade —Horses Messrs Zonch and Maopherson, at the

Central Salerooms—Produce, etc Mt A.fHarriaon, at his rooms—Produce and Sundries

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc. Tuesday, June 22 Orange Hall —Public meeting at 8 o’clock Thursday, June 24 Oddfellows’ Hall—Masonic Ball Monday, June 28 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.30 Friday, July 2. Ashburton County Council —At Council Chambers, lla.ro. Saturday, July 3. Wakanul Road Board—At Boad Board office __

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton —From Christ church and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.3 .' p.m., nd 7.10 p.m. From Tiraaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 0.27 pjn. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 a ™*BAiNs Leave Ashburton— For Christ church and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and South, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 4-45 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 30th 1886, the terms o! Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz.;—

IF PAID IN ADVANCE : Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9s 6d Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d ” Year .. 24s Od by post, 37s Od IF BOOKED :

Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d Half-year 15s od, by post, 21s 6d ” year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od

N. B. The above in so far as regards sub scriptions paid IN advance will not afiect old subscribers, with whom previously existing arrangements will be maintained.

Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each (stamps may be sent as payment); if boeked, Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent forpublication from the country districts, require to be verified by the signa ture of the person sending the notice.

MAIL NOTICES.

yuflw close at the Ashburton Post Office follows s For Christchurch and North at 6 a.n. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertaoy Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a. m and 5 p.m. daily. , , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Rinds, CJoLdfitream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, wd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. duly. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p m dally, for Timam and South, at 10 a. m., and 430 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.45 a.m. For Wakanui, Elgin, beaview, beafaeld, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and •Saturdays, at 6.30 a. m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Buapuna, on Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Flemington, on Mondays, Wednes Wyh.-Uid Fridays, at 4.30 p.m. For Re^^SSfe^ 11 Tuesdays and Fri

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 .m., 435 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Cherlsey, &c. at 10.15 s : and 435 p.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places 5.3° -xm. daily. •From Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. m np 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 *.m. From Mount Somers, daily at 10.5 Mu. From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed uesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a. ra. daily. From Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, ihurs days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1886. Toner v Herring.

The result of the case Toner v. Herring, heard at the Tiraaru session of the Supreme Court on Wednesday last, provides abundant food for reflection, and furnishes some interesting and instructive lessons. We have no fault to find with the ver dict ; it was fully sustained by the evi dence submitted to the jury, and the learned judge interpreted the mysteri ous law of libel with his accustomed clearness and impartiality. But at the same time we feet sure that a very large majority of the people of this county, in fact every one who has an acquain tance with the real merits of the case, would have been better pleased if the result had been different. It is im possible to excuse the tone of the letter written by Mr Herring to the “ Press ” newspaper —the letter upon which the action for libel was founded—but were we at liberty to refer to all the attend ant circumstances we should have little difficulty in showing that the author was more sinned against than sinning, and had he elected to adopt a less honorable and independent course he might have escaped the penalty he is now suffering. But quite apart from this feature of the case Mr Herring is entitled to a considerable measure of credit for the courageous and public manner in which he has attacked a monstrous social evil. We know no thing of the domestic condition of the plaintiff Toner, and we have no desire to impugn his integrity, but it is within our own knowledge that every word Mr Herring has written in respect to the morality and surroundings of a large class of our fellow colonists is absolutely correct. This is not a matter fori jgargument; it is really beyond dispute, and if anyone has a lingering doubt on the subject let him make a personal inspection or pro secute a few enquiries at the nearest police station. It must not be sup posed we are attempting to defend the course adopted by Mr Herring, we : celieve he was guilty of a serious error <

of judgment, but it was one of those , [ errors which are committed by genuine, single-hearted and philanthropic re formers —men who seek beneficent ends by any honorable means that come to hand. Mr Herring is impulsive and just a little inclined to be ♦severely critical; his standard of morality is beyond the grasp of ordinary mortals, and many ol his aspirations are doomed to disappointment. But as a colonist, as an upright and generous man, he is without a superior in this country, and

we trust the lessons he.has received— the lessons of patience andjmoderation —will not damp the ardour he has dis played in the prosecution of h»s great undertakings. Constable Bourke has probably learned something from the remarks made by the learned Judge, and has intelligence enough to profit by his knowledge. Mr Baddeley, who inflicted the sentence upon Toner in the lower Court, has doubtless watched the recent proceedings with

considerable interest, but, so lar as we

understand the matter, the additiona

evidence elicited in the higher Coun

places his decision beyond criticism. The public generally have again pressed upon their attention the facts that we must never assume that which is in-

capable of proof, and that the only thing certain about litigation is its un certainty. Let them ponder on these truisms, and join with us in hoping that the epidemic of libel actions which has afflicted this part of the country for some years has now run its course.

An assistant mistress for the Ashton school is wanted.

This evening—Meeting of Committees, Ashburton Racing Club and Ashburton Hunt Club, at 8 o’clock. Mr Collins’ sale at Chertsey has been post poned until Wednesday June 23. An advertisement referring to the sale appears in this issue. . , .

We notice that Woodroffo’s Glass Blowing Exhibition will open in Ashburton on Thurs day next. The exhibition is said to be a wonderful and interesting one, and has attracted large audiences elsewhere.

Yesterday afternoon a very pleasing cere mony took place at the Ashburton school. Miss Harband, the headmistress, has resigned her position here in order to enter upon a more responsible sphere of duty at the West Christchurch school, and as she will be leav ing Ashburton in a few days, her fellow teachers and the pupils at the school deter mined to bestow upon her some token of their esteem prior to her departure. This token took the form of a very handsome writing desk, which was presented to the recipient yesterday afternoon by Mr J. C. Duncan, the Chairman of the School Committee. In making the presentation Mr Duncan expressed the regard which was felt for Miss Harband by all who knew her, and their regret at her approaching departure.

The first of a series of sixpenny entertain ments to be given in St Stephen’s school room during the winter months took place last evening. Owing to a large number of counter-attractions there was only a small audience, and several ladies and gentlemen who had promised to assist were prevented from attending. The Rev Mr Ottway pre-

sided, and during the evening gave a most interesting and instructive description of a

ride from Napier to the Hot Lakes—the scene of the recent volcanic eruptions. Vocal and instrumental items were rendered by Mesdames Crisp and Claridge, Misses Gates and Orr, and Messrs Gates and Orr. The entertainment was a most pleasant one, and as even more attractive programmes are pro mised for the remainder of the series, we ex pect to see these gatherings grow in popularity.

An " Ingleside” meeting, in connection with the Ashburton Caledonian Society, was hold at the Oddfellows’ Hall last evening. There was a very large attendance, composed of members of the Society, their families, and lady friends, and the proceedings, which were characterised by Scotch hospitality and good humour, passed off with the greatest eclat. Mr Donald McLean, the President of the Society, delegated the duty of organisation to a fellow clansman, Mr Mac Lean Dunn, and that gentleman was eminently successful in the discharge of his trust. Mr Charles Eeid acted as M.C., and arranged popular and national dances, which were followed up with much ivr it by the younger members of the audience. Miss Kidd presided at the piano, and appropriate songs wore rendered by Mrs Dunn, Misses Dick and Kidd, and Messrs Craighead (2), Dunn and Kneen. The Society’s piper. Mr A. McKay* delighted his countrymen with the “pipes” and violin, and national dances were tastefully executed by Messrs Gallie (Timaru) and Maoqueon (Ashburton). Messrs Steven and Duncan Macqueen also contributed pipe music, and Mr J. C. Duncan, the Secretary, and several prominent directors of the Society, were indefatigable in their efforts to make a success of the gathering. The “Ingleside” broke np shortly before midnight, and we venture to say every member of the large company was delighted with the enter tainment provided.

No clue what ever has been found by the Melbourne police to the discovery of the murder of James Lane, the corn-store dealer, who was so mysteriously murdered within half-a-dozen yards from the street in Colling, wood on Saturday night, May 28. A suit of old clothes was found on a vacant block, which was thought might have been thrown away by the murderer, but the owner was afterwards discovered, and he explained that having got work, he had bought now clothes, and, being ashamed to take his old ones to his boarding-house, had changed suits in the dark at the spot referred to. At tho inquest only formal evidence was taken, and an adjournment was made for a fortnight to allow the police to make inquiries.

A Washington correspondent has picked up a bit of interesting information regarding cigarette smoking. It appears that a great many boys are applying to be apprenticed to the navy, and, according to Major Histon, the commander of the marine barracks at Washington, the first question asked when they come up for examination is, whether they smoke. They usually answer in the negative. The thumb and fore-finger of the right hand are then examined, and in the majority of oases, are stainedj yellow from cigarettes. As soon as this tell-tale mark is discovered, the boy is examined by a surgeon for evidences of heart-disease, and the result is that one-fifth of all the boys who apply, are rejected on account of cigarette smoking*

Victoria is admittedly the home of Aus tralasian manufactures, and, so, far, there has been no noteworthy check to the dc velopment of this important branch of the I national resources. Mr F Stuart at a recent meeting of the Victorian Chamber of Mann, facturer’s said: “ We have'made solid progress in'the industrial arts, and are cultivating manufactures with earnestness and success.” During the last five years the number of fac tories has increased 30 per cent., the number of hands employed, and the value of build ings and machinery, by 50 per cent. There are now in the Colony about 3,000 factoiies, turning jout 120 different .kinds of produc tions, with a capital value of nearly £11,000,000, employing 50,000 hands, and paying over £5,000,00# per annum in wages. It is estimated that the value of manufactured goods in Victoria in 1885 reached fully £20,000,000.

The 'New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, has received the following cablegram from its ,London office, dated 16lh June, 1886 :—The wool sales opened with spirit to-day. Greasy merino and line greasy crossbred have advanced Id to lld per lb ; clothing and combing, washed, 2d to 2|d per pb ; and scoured, 21d to 3d per lb on the closing rates of last series. For coarse greasy crossbred the market is firmer. The attendance of both Home and I foreign buyers is good, and competition by I both is active. Foreign buyers are operating with confidence. The sales comprise about 325,000 bales, and the opening catalogue con tained 13,000 bales ; 27,000 bales have been sent direct to the manufactureing districts.

In the Legislature Council yesterday afternoon a motion by the Hon J. Bathgate embodying lengthly resolutions having for their object the recommendation that the Council advise the Government to take away from the banks the privilege of issuing payer currency, and establishing a State Bank of Issue was carried.

A meeting will be held in the Temperance Hall, Tinwald, on Monday evening to discuss Town Board affiairs and to consider the advisableness of dissolving the Town District-

At the E.M. Court this morning, before Mr K. Alcorn, J.P., W.|F. Thompson was brought up on remand charged with horsestealing. Ob the application of the police the accused was discharged from custody, owing to the difficulty experienced by the prosecution in collecting evidence.

ERUPTION OF TARAWERA

[per press association.]

Wellington, June 18 The Government have decided to have a survey made of a road from Rotorua via Mohaka, Rewa Rewa, to Rotorua and Galatea, The Maori sufferers by the late eruptions are to" be employed upon the construction of the road.

Roxorua, Jane 18, Messrs Hean and Duthie, of the National Bank, feft for Tauranga thla morning. The former was terribly punished by the Rotomahana expo dition, but has now recovered. The parly would never have ; cached Rotomahana after crossing the mud glacier, and getting to the bed of clinkers covered with a thick layer of ash, but for Me Mcßae’s self devotion in stripping off his shirt, notwithstanding the hard frost, and forming sandals of it for the bare feet of the party. On the return journey Moan was revived at intervals with stimulants, or he could not have got through. The sole task for the party being carried for emergencies, Mr Mcßae, in falling back on Rotorua, again made for a cache above Kaiterlna, where in one of his journeys from Wairoa since the eruption he had a keg of whisky in the mud for emergency cases. Mere the party got revivers for the remainder of the journey. Lord Clanmorris telegraphed up from Auckland *o Mr Boscowen, of the Sur veyor-General’s Department, Wellington, who proceeded from Rotorua on a sketch ing tour to the scene of the volcanic eruptions this morning, asking if he could accompany him. Mr Boscowen, after a view of the country from Rotorua, advised Lord Clanmorris not to come In the Puarenga Gorge, at the head of the water-race of the Rotorua waterworks, a boiling spring started to-day in the river, underneath a larg ej block of rock on the eastern side of the river. Mr Malfrov Inspecting Engineer, just returned from a visit to the works, informs me (he spring is boiling with considerable v 1 I ? , l e !™’ J . aDd , the water in the rive • is slightly discolored and whitish. Mr Mcßae has received a telcgi.nn from Auckland stating that his case re insurance of the Wairoa Hotel, will be considered at a meeting of the directors of the Union Insurance Company. Though possibly no concession can be made for loss by volcanic eruption as forming a precedent, the residents here sympathise with Mcßae in his losses, and would be glad to see some consideration extended to him. Mr Mcßae despatched a party of men to-day with ten horses and tackle, *° ® xt , rlcata the waggon and dray em bedded at the flat at Tikitapu Lake. 1 hey succeded in getting the dray out, but failed m removing the waggon. The party despair now of getting it out, and state the track round the lake is now certain death to anyone attempting it The of wife Eru, one of the Tuhourangi survivors, died to-day from nervous shock and exposure on the morning of the earthquake. She had been previously in Kotorua Hospital for cheat complaint. Some half-dozen others are ill from the shock, and one got an arm broken by a stone falling in the eruption. A sharp shock of earthquake occurred between two and three this afternoon, and there have been earth tremors all Jay, It has been suggested that the G vern ment snould take over the ruined country as a reserve, and give the Tuhonrangi a block of Crown lands instead, TheTe Ngae Natives fear the land is ruined for purposes of cultivation, but they have land oj the Mokoia and at A mhoa in reserve. Possibly after the present scire baa passed away they will go back to Mokoia Ihe Natives at Whakarewarewa will also receive some aid, as their cultivations at likitapu Lake are all burled in mud, A suggestion has been made that the Government should make a series of small experiments with seeds on the sand or mud on the different blocks, in order to save the settlers and Natives alike throw ing time and labor away. Mr Johnston, the Government Agent, at the request of Kepa, is furnishing further supplies to tho Tuhourangi sur vivors. The latter are unwilling to sot about building a new settlement till all the tangi ceremonies with tho hap us to come in have been performed, in accord ance with Native etiquette. Te Heuhou Natives told Mr Wilcox, a Native interpreter today that some short time before the eruption Tongariro was in violent notion. If this statement was correct, it is strange the incident has not been reported by Europeans of the district.

A party went out to Eotomahana to day. Mr Dansey, the officer at the tele graph station, Eotorua, who went, reports that tho mud is hardening like cement. He took a horse within two miles of the back of tho Pink Terrace, and got up easily. He believes the volcanoes are exhausting themselves, and in a week or two visitors will be able to go down to Eotomahana and inspect the fumaroles, only steam being thrown up. The volcano has formed cones, and there was water or liquid mud around the ] f lg e , as well as what appeared two acrei pf water at the upper end of the lake. When the steam cloud lifted it was potf .ly placid. The extreme southern volca jis the only one active so far as reg- rds throwing up stones, mud, &o. The others In the lake are simply steaming. The sites of the Pink and White Ten. ces and Devil’s holes, oving to tho str an, could not be seen. They oouldaee the Tr* j wera ranges distinctly, but the force of tho earthquake had been great, aj Mr Dansey saw huge pinnacles of rock had been thrown down from the cliff on the Pink Terraco side of tho track.

Tc-day Wahanga appeared tolerably quiet. The volcanoes were only throwing up columns of smoke at intervals. The Uuawhia coats were going pretty con stantly, and long wreaths of smoke showed they were throwing up steam or dust clouds. Wreaths of smoke were over the groat cleft In the peak of Tarawera proper, and the cones have been throwing up slender columns at intervals, judging from the bank of steam clonds.

At the present time of writing (9.40 p.m.) all is pretty quiet along the volcanic chain save at the Terrace.

Late*, A somewhat sharp shock of earthquake has occurred, and earth tremors are almost continuous.

Christchurch, Juno IS. Professor Hutton has decided to visit the Tarawera district on his own account to make investigations into the recent volcanic disturbances.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION ]

Auckland, June 18. The schooner Waipouri, which arrived to-day from Gisborne, iost one of her crew named Wm. Barr in a gale off White Island, Bay of Plenty, on Wednes day,

Wellington, Juno 18. At the adjourned meeting of the Cook Licensing Committee the renewal of the licenses for the Prince of Wales, the Amy and Navy, and the Clyde Quay Hotels was refused. The publicans intend to test the legality of the refusal in the { Supreme Court

Dunedin, June 18,

The report of tho Directors of the Waimea Plains Railway states that the profit for tho year ending March was £2O Js 4d, as against £4O the previous year. Ilia Directors agreed as a compro mise to sell the linj to the Government at a price equal to £IIO,OOO, conditionally j on the Company foregoing half tho amount of rates for four years. I

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Friday, June 18. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. STATE BANK OF ISSUE,

Mr Bathgate moved to the effect that the Council advise the Government to take away from the banks the privilege of issuing paper currency, and to establish a Mate Bank of Issuer. Mr Bathgate spoke at great length, aud used generally the same arguments employed by him last session when he brought in his bi.l for the establishment of a State Bank of Issue. The whole system, he remarked, of permitting banks to issue paper currency was pernicious and if a panic occurred the holders of notes would sulf sr. Shares in the banks of the Colony were held principally by capitalists in England, who cared not a dot for the colony. He hoped the Council would agree with his motion, and t if the Government were advised to bring in a bill having for its object the issue of paper currency, com mercial, pastoral, and agricultural pursuits would flourish, and the people generally would be gainers The motion was agreed to on a division —Ayes 12, noes 11. BILLS. Several Bills were read a first time and the Council adjourned to Tuesday.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday June 18. The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE NEW HEBRIDES. The Premier said he had just received the following telegram from the Agent- General :—“ French landing and h dating flag created strong sensation, coming so soon after Freycinet's assurance. Articles condemning action appeared in to-day's pap rV Will telegraph again soon.” He therefore thought the House should post pone the discussion on the question till they saw what action the English Go vernment took in the matter. If the House desired It, he was prepared to go on with the discussion, but ho should ad vise further dtlay. BILLS, The Municipal Corporations Bill was read a third time and passed.

The Justices of the Peace Act Amend ment Bill was read a third time and passed. COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY. The House went into Committee of supply. The Imprest Supply Bill, for £350,000, was passed through all its stages. IN COMMITTEE.

The House wont into Committee oh the Parcels Post Bill, which was reported, read a third time and passed. The House went into Committae on the Gold Export Duty Abolition Bill, which was reported with verbal amendments, and ordered to be considered on Monday. EAST AND WEST COAST EAILW .Y. . Sic Julias Vogel moved the seemd reading of the East ai d West Coas and Nelson Bailway and BaTways Construc tion Act Amendment Bit! Mr Richardson expressed his belief that there was only just enough land available for the company’s blocks, and none for the Government. Mr Sutten and Mr Folleston brought forward certain objections they had to the Bill, and the bebata was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Mr Montgomery then resumed the de bate on the Now Hebrides question. Ho urged that they should psas a ro olution to the effect that Great Britain should Ire a asly object to the occu' a ion of the

islands by Franc. Mr Ormond did not agree with either Sir George Grey’s or Mr McKenzie's motions, and proposed a third, insisting on the stoppage of convlctiam, and fai ing the declaration of a protectorate by Great Britain, an agreement be made Po main tain the dependence of all the islands.

Mr Stewart th- u.ht Great Britain should occupy all the nnoccupied territory in the Southern Pacific, and the sooner the labor traffic was put down the better, Mr Wakefield was of opinion there was no particular feeling in the country about the matter. He wanted to know if members thought England ought to go to war about these islands. The resolutions before the House could not possib’y have any effect now. Sir Julius Vogel said it was quite im possible to frame any resolution expressive of the opinion of the people of the colony. The House was not In a position to deal with the question in its present threatening aspect. He would move the adjournment of the debate till to-morrow, and from day to day till it seemed desirable to proceed with it. Major Atkinson seconded the motion, which was agreed to LAND FOR SETTLEMENT.

Mr Ivess resumed the debate on the second reading of the Land for Settle ment Bill, which he supported on the ground that It would enable small farmers to earn their living more cheaply. In committee he would propose the addition of a clause (enabling holders of small farms to bring their land under the Act’s provisions. He strongly condemned land monopoly. Mr J. C. Buckland said the Bill aimed at compulsorily taking land from one class of people to give it to another. As It was, land was unsaleable In New Zealand, and there was no need conse quently for fuch a measure. He spoke at length against it, and concluded by moving that it be read that day six months.

Mr Joyce advocated a progressive tax as a solution of the land question, and Mr Harper thought the compulsory sale of land must lead to jobbery, but he was In favor of a system of voluntary repurchase. Messrs Duncan and Moss supported, and Mr O’Oonnor opposed the Bill.

®At 1 a m. Mr Thomsoa moved the ad journment of the debate, and the House rone.

CRICKET

3 THE AUSTRALIANS AT HOME, [redter’s telegrams—copyright.] > London’, June 17. i The cricket match, Australians versus Gentlemen of England, commenced at Kensington Oval to dsy. The weather was cold and Inclement, but the attend ance of the public was good. The following are the names of the Gentlemen players :—Hon M. B. Hawke, Messrs G. Kemp. G. Topen, A. Turner, W. G. Grace, C. E. Horner, M. Lucas, W, H. Patterson, N. W. Reid, W. E. Roller, and A; F. Kemp. The home team went in first, and remained at the wickets all day, and nearly all making double figures. Grace p’syed a splendid innings for 148, during which he only gave one chance. When the stumps were drawn at the conclusion of the day’s play the Gentle men had scored 350 with the loss of only five wickets. i Following are the detailed scores : Grace, c ... ... ... 148 , Patterson, o 44 Lucas o 8 ' Reld.c 34 | Hawke, c ... ... ... 56 1 Roller; not out ... ... 33 j Kemp, not out ... ... 15 [ Sundries... 12 .

Five wickets down for 360 London, June 18,

la the cricket match Australians v. Gentlemen of England, the latter in their first inning scored! J I t M.

POLITICAL NEWS.

[from our own correspondent.]

Wellington, Jane 18.

In the House this afternoon the Muni cipal Corporations Bill and Justices of the Peace Bill were read a third time and passed. An Imprest Supply Bill for £25,000 was introduced and passed through all its stages. The Gold Duties Abolition passed through Committee and was reported with an amendment.

The debate on the second reading of the Midland Railway Bill commenced, but was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. The Pacific Islands adjourned debate stands first on the Order Paper for the evening sitting, but is not unlikely to bo postponed, the Government having sug gested this coarse m view of recent tele grams.

At the evening sitting, Pir R. Stout made his annual Educational Statement, which was of an exceedingly able and interesting nature. The debate on .the Pacific Islands resolutions was then resumed, and is now (9.55 p.m.) pro ceeding.

CHRISTCHURCH ITEMS.

Christchurch, June 18. At. a meeting to-day convened by the Mayor it was resolved to take steps to re suscitate the Benevolent Association, and a Committee was appointed to interview the Charitable Aid Board on the subject. Alexander McPhail, who bad been sm ployed for eight mouths as gardener and coachman by Mr J. W. Baker, chief sur veyor, was committed f< r trial to day, charged with stealing a quantity of valu able books aud other articles worth £3O in all. This afternoon 805 forfeited shares in the Southern Cross Petroleum Company were sold by auction at prices varying from 3d to |d per share.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE WAKANUI MILL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As I am the person specially in terested in the Wakanui Mill, I cannot allow yoar report of the meeting held on the 16th inst. re river encroachment to pass unchallenged. Much to my sur prise, instead of business re river encroach ment, special notice was called to the mill race, which formed the sole topic of the evening. Had the convener of the meet ing (Mr S. Brown) confined himself to river encroachment instead of meddling with the mill race there is no doubt ho would not have received the support ho did Whether it is through ignorance or to further his own ends by throwing dust in the eyes of the public I will leave it with those who voted with him. Re ferring to Mr E. Thomas, and bis asser tion re my having received ”£4O for bringing water in,” I deny the truth of the statement, and challenge him to prove it and produce the said ratepayer lam willing to subscribe to any charitable institution the sum of £2 on Mr E. Thomas produc ing said ratepayer, providing he will for feit a similar amount on the non-productien of same.

Alexander Pbotheboe. Ashburton, June 17, 1886.

[Gur correspondent evidently intends to challenge the statements made by various speakers at the meeting, not our reporter’s account of those statements. Ed G.]

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE.

[From the Mail.]

The Government are to be congratu lated upon having brought down proposals which will greatly facilitate the finance of local bodies, and which go far to solve the most difficult branch of the local government problem. Their “ Local Bodies Loan Bill” con solidates and focuses the provisions relating to borrowing now scattered up and down the Statute Book, in various parts or sections of various Acts and Ordinances. It enables County Coun cils, Road Boards, and Municipalities, et hoc genus »mne t to see at a glance the limits of their powers and privileges, while the twin measure, “ The Govern ment loans to Local Bodies Bill,” enables the attainment of loans for public purposes at far cheaper rates than have ever hitherto been possible. Under this Bill, which has been greeted with approval on all sides of the House, money may be lent by the Colonial Treasurer for the construction, renewal, or extension of roads, bridges, tram ways, irrigation works, drainage works, wharves and public school buildings, to any local authority duly empowered to raise money for such purpose or pur poses, either in one sum or in instal ments spread over successive years. Advances may also be given on account of any loan agreed to be made, such advances bearing interest at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum. On the first sum of the loan being paid over, the local body borrowing is to give to the Treasurer debentures of 26 years currency, bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent., or the debt may be inscribed without issue of debentures. The amount of the debt is to be extinguished by the payment of an annual sinking fund of 2 per cent, of moneys to be annually voted by liament for that purpose. The cost of I money borrowed by the local bodies for public works will thus be 5 per cent, per annum, including the repayment of the principal sum. These terms are distinctly more favorable than any hitherto offered, and will greatly I facilitate the carrying out of local public works. Parliament is to fix from 1 year to year the total sum which is to be spent by local authorities, but failing the passing of a resolu tion in that behalf, then the maximum for the year is to be In the event of the applications to borrow aggregating a larger sum than this, then the various applications are to be granted pro rata , subject, however, to precedence in respect of loans required to meet cases of “ extraordinary damage,” as when a public work has

, been destroyed by flood, tempest, or accident. Provided that the applicants comply with the terms of the Act, and show sufficient security, allocation 'may be refused, save only on the ground of there being insufficient available funds at the Treasurer’s disposal. Loans may be secured partly on a public work or endowment and partly on a special rate, or wholly upon the special rate, it being provided that in every case the special rate shall represent at least one

accident.

half of the annual liability of the-local

authority in respect to loan. All the details of the Bill to give effect to these

cardinal principles appear to be very carefully worked out, and the measure

promises to be an exceed ngly useful

and satisfactory one. *

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1886



MUSIC— Mk j. u. of Pianoforte, Oq ing, etc. Pianos turn application. Williams S 6 26 BEATTIE Criterion 201, 203, 205, H OHRISTOHI We have the pleasur Customers and the re la the Ashburton Distr: now received very lar NEWEST DRAPE, for the Present Season. which we possess in her .he Best British Mi thorough experience enables ns to supply all OUR CASH S of baslne ATLOWEST We endeavour to giv beat value procur ble, they may wish to pi robs ©nr Stock >s so LIEGE AND WEK .hat the most varied w plied. We append a list ments, in each of wh Variety of most Novel Goods will be found DBFSS DEPAI HOSIERY DEPj MANTLE DEPi DRESSMAKING D 1 MILLINERY DEI DBeSS DEPAI



Wanted. WANTED to Purchase Oaten Sheaf Chaff.—Apply Friedlander Bros. JUST OPENED—A lot of good plain Dress Stuffs at 4£d all good colors. Girls Stockings 4Jd all sizes, also a choice lot of Stockinette Jackets. Dressmaking on the premises style and fit guaranteed. EL C. Segbrs, Melford House, East Street. TT7"ANTED 999 lovers of the Fine Arts VV to see the new Premium Pictures, to be given away to subscribers to the American publications. The Pictures are now on view at the Picture Frame Manu factory of Gates and Son, Burnett Street, opposite the “ Ashburton Mail” Office. 5 22



WANTED Known—Hayes and Co have bought the samples of an English Umbrella manufacturer, at a large discount. Also, a splendid lot of new Dress Materials, very cheap. Come and see them, at Hayes and Co.’s, Arcade. WANTED Known—The Gospel will be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at 6.30 p.m. (d.v.) Free for all. No collection. Monthly advertiser, issued by Robert Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5b per month, centre spaces 10s ; for longer terms special arrangements can be made ; advertisements should not be later than the 2Gth ef each month. 760 ANTED Known—Wertheira Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. FOR CASH.—White Sugar, 2£d ; White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Lingflah, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d ; Plaid Vestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, Is per lb; Sago, 2id; Tapioca, 21d; Cutting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nnilrod, 5s 6d ; Groats, 9d. McGregor, Tancred Street. 5 697 2 276



2Special 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 flail, Ashburton. Messrs white, smithson, on RAYMOND, of Timaru, Solicitors, notifv that their Mr J W. WHITE will attend THE ASHBURTON COURTS, and may be consulted after the arrival of the South Express on Mondays and Thursdays In case Mr White should be prevented from being present, one of the firm will attend. MONEY TO LEND npon approved securities. Temporary offices at Q till’s Hotel.



James Taske BUTCHER, EAST STREET, (Next Commercial Bote),) %A7ILL from this date supply the Public * * FOR CASH with Meat of the best quality, as under : Mutton. Beef. Sides Ifd to 2d Roasting, 2sd tosd Hind quarters, 2id Corn beef, 3d to 4d Fore quarters, Legs, . 3d Shoulders, 2id Delivered in any part of the town. 0 70 I



Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned haa FOR SALE all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinna Insignia, Anetriaca, Maritima, and Macrocarpa, by teas of thousands; other kinds in proportion. All kinds of cabbage plants, etc, on sale All orders fay post or otherwise shall receive my boat attention. N.B.—lientlemrn’a Gardens tastefully laid out All kiods of planting done by contract. JAMES FORTH.R, CLIFTON NURSERY, 4 75 Allenton, Ashburton.



CANTERBURY MILLS. ASHBURTON. I WILL be a BUYER of UPWARDS CF 800,000 Bushels MILLIN’O WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Linea of OATS AMD OTHER PRODUCE. CORK SACKS, Foil Size anti Weight, at 5s 6d oer dozen. C, W. TURNER. 340 Per D. H. BROWN.



FOR SAL E. Hunter’s Seed Wheat.--S£T«S White Llamas Siprifl nfn Canadian, Tartar- CJCCU V/dl&- ian, Danish, Dun Salt—G aree, Kino, nnd Rode Salt Blough Shares, .Stakes, Fencing Wire, Bran, Sharps, Chaff. Tea, Sugar, Flour, Oatmeal, Wheatenmeal. Pota toes, Oil, BlubStone, Drain Pipes, all sizes, etc., etc GEORGE JAMESON, 19 .. . ..Ashburton, i



Victoria House, SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. “VTOW SHOWING}, a Splendid Assortment of the famoas “ LION ” brand (Victorian) GOODS, in Moa’a Plain and Fancy Tweed Suita, Trousers, Trousers and Vests, Waterproof and Overcoats, Oord Riding Pants, Printed and White Moles, Boy's Knicker and Heaconafield Sac Suita, etc., etc. These G 'o’a, amounting in va>ue to over £4OO, are Manufacturers’ Samples, cut and finished in the most perfect style. Purchase 1 at a heavy Discount, and are offered at a alight advance u ion MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PRICES. Our Stock of General Draporr, Boots, «tc,, ia unsurpveaei for Value. DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOOT IMPORTERS, Eas 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 their work efficiently, are now In a position to meet the demands of the public with a fir *-class article at prices to suit the times. Every e, 'Option of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O, Whitechapols from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrlmming.



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 proonred fint-olaas 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 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 4



Special advertisements. SOWN SON WORKS ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Banges Burn Wood and Goal—in Four Sices, PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths.



40 per cent, Oheapor than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988 N otioe. IUAVE disposed of my Business in Ashburton to MESSES H. J. WOOD & CO., OF CHRISTCHURCH. In thanking tho Public of Ashburton and District for their liberal patronage accorded to me during the years I bare carried on business hero, 1 have much pleasure in soliciting a continuance of their favor on behalf of my worthy successors, who will make this a branch of their well-known STATIONER’S HALL. TAGS. F. FARLEY.



In reference to the above, we respect fully request the Public of Ashburton and District, and all friends and customers of Mr Farley, to favor us with a continuance of their commands, and we guarantee to give at all times the value in New Zealand in our line of Business. An additional stock of Commercial Stationary, of superior quality, and latest new Books, to the value of £IOOO, will be speedily forwarded from our Christchurch depot The latest new Books and Magazines will be to hand by every direct steamer from London. Subscribers supplied at our Christchurch price*. Any Book out of stock will bo imme diately procured from our Christchurch establishment. H. J. WOOD"AND CO., STATIONERS’ HALL. All book debts to bo paid to H, J. Wood and 00. THUS. F. FARLEY,



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. rilHB NEW GOODS FOR THE J WINTER SEASON ARE NOW OPENED OUT. Tho Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns in {Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing j leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men’s and Boys’ Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggings in great variety Hats, comprising every new style worn Children's Jersey Suits, Children’s Men* of-War Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags Tho celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING < MACHINE. Time Paymo-ts. N.a, CLOTHING FACTORY, a East Street, t



LAST MONTH OF THE UNPARALLELED CHEAP J SALE ! or r ESSRS FRIEDLANDER BROS.’ STOCK OF Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots I I t ( i ( i i i PREMISES MUST BE GIVEN UP TO FRIEDLANDER BROS. JULY 1. ALL GOODS have now been RE MARKED at GIVING AWAY PRICES, so that every Article may be cleared out by JULY Ist* Any Goods remaining unsold by that date will be OFFERED BY PUBLIC AUCTION. Como early and secure the Bergalna. i ANDREW ORR



A NEW DRESSING FOR WHEAT. | Down's Farmers' Friend FOR PREVENTING THE SMUT IN WHEAT, THE RAVAGES OF THE SLUG, GRUB, AND WIRE-WORM. It will also promote the Germination nnd Growth of the Seed, and increase the produce of the Crop equal to a change of Seed. F. FERRIMAN. G 124