DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES Saturday, August 14 Mr Tnomaa Bullock, a*, the Arcade- Drapery, etc Mr A. Harrison, at his Salerooms— Prodaco and Sundries MEETING'S, AMUSEMENTS Etc Tuesday, August 17 Town Hall—Presbyterian Too Meeting Monday) August 53 Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.30 Friday, September 3 Ashburton County Connell—At Council Chambers, 11 a.m.

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Tbaisb Arrive at Abhbubton— From Christ church and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.35 p.m., and 7.10 p.m. From Timaru, 10.45 a.m. From Dunedin and South, 5.27 p i m T (express). From Mount Somers, 10.0 Leave Ashburton— For Christ ehuroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.55 a.m., and 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedin and Booth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timarn, -45 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and alter the 30th Juno, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be as follows, viz.: — IF PAID IS ADVANCE Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, Os 6d „ Half-year 12s Od, by post, 18a 6d „ Year .. 24s Od by post, 37a Od IP BOOKED : Pet 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 fab as keqaeds bub- CKIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE Will Dot affect Old Subscribers, with whom previously existing abbangemknts will be maintained. Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid fo the time of insertion, 2a 6d eaon (stam may be sent as payment); if boated, PRESENT SUBSCRIBERS MAT RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS AT THE OLD RATES. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country require to be verified by the signa of the person sending the notice. !■; ■ ■-

MAIL NOTICES.

Malls close at the Ashburton Post Office For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 0.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaxa, &c., at 10. ou a.m •ttd 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, »nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m for Tixnarn and South, at 10 a. in., and i 30 p.m., daily. , For Greenstreet, on Wednesdays and turdays, at 10.45 a.m. , For Wakanui, Elgin, Seaviow, Seafieid, nd Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and »turdays, at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, 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 iays. and Fridays, at 4,30 p. m. For Newlanda, on Tuesdays and Fri at 10.30 a.m. arrive at the. Ashburton Post 3 From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.16 m. 4.35 0.m., and 7.20 p.m. * From Chertsey,&c. at 10.15 t and ,35 p.m. daily. . , . From Dunedin »nd Intermediate places 5.30 'a.m. daily. nbroitf Temuka and Timaru at 10.40 a. tn p 5.30 p.m daily. From Greenstreet, W ednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a.m. . Item Mount Somers, daily at 10.6 * From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wed oesdays and Saturdays, at 10,5 a.m. Prom Ashton, Waterton, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri a ys, at 2.30 p.m. , From Flemington on Tuesdays, Abut, ays, and Saturdays, at 10a.m. EVENING CLASSES. EVENING CLASSES for Boys and adult Males for three Evenings consecn'ively in each week, remaining three Evenings for other classes, if some 12 or 15 pupils will guarantee tbeir names to Mr Jones, Stationer, Ashburton. For terms and particulars apply to Mr °Teacher educated at All Souls College, Osfotd. 8434 JgLAOK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHU ftOH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally *o the Ashburton District that we have *ow received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS the Present Season, The advantages which possess in being able to boy in .he Best British Markets, and the 1 .borough experience of enables us to supply all Goods under enables SYSTEM of business A.T LOWEST P O IO ES. We endeavour tc glve our Customers best value procar b 1 6 , whatever Prices •hey may wish to purch* 3o Goods at, ana well-assorted .hat the most varied wants can be sup nllcd. We append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an Immense Variety of meat Novel and Fashionable will be found DRESS DEPARTMENT BOSIBRY DEPARTMENT MANTLE department [DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DReSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT millinery DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUSEHODL FURNISHING Manufacture from various Mills Including , LANKETS. FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ashblrton manufacture. Cash System awd Cash Prices. black, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE TAILORS, * J 5 gMAKER * iNO MILLINERS

DEATH.

Ward. —On the 13th inst., at Burnett (■tre“t, Ashburton, Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Joseph Ward.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 1886. The New Hebrides.

The Rev A. Hardie, an official of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, has received a letter, dated July 19, from the Rev D. McDonald, a missionary stationed at Efate or Sandwich Island, which en tirely bears out what we remarked when touching on the threatened French annexation of the New Hebrides some time ago, namely, that the natives ‘ are altogether opposed *to French supremacy. Mr McDonald writes : “ During the previous ten days three French war steamers have been here * at various times. Soldiers have been hard at work, Sundays in cluded, building houses, thirteen of which are either finished or being built; but as the alleged object of their coming they have done absolutely nothing. No outrage on, or murder of, a French subject has ever been 3 perpetrated on this island, and there is not the slightest necessity for these soldiers here to protect French subjects; * accordingly they have done nothing whatever in the direction of punishing the natives for the outrages, or in pro -1 tecting anyone, but are building with 0 all their might, as if for permanent “ possession.” The letter points to the f emptiness of the French verbal assur- P ances, while taking practical possession, 1 and says:—“ The natives here, notwith standing the efforts of the French to conciliate them, are altogether opposed to French annexation; considering that they have always treated the French settlers hospitably and with civility, . it is not to the honor of the French J that they have thrown a military post f among them without asking their con- currence, and it is not surprising that ' the natives, as well as the British sub -1 jects of Australasia, feel aggrieved at so strange a proceeding as this unpro -1 voked invasion of the French ma ; rines.” It appears from this and other 1 information that thirteen substantial 1 houses have been built for barracks, that no French subjects have been protected, and that there were no out rages to avenge. All who took a firm stand against the proposals for French annexation should now be confirmed in their views of the subject.

During the passage of tb from New York, Mr Nichol was carried overboard while halyards daring a heavy si Deceased was the son of a b in Dunedin, and served his t Albion Company’s boats. The ordinary monthly me low School Committee was h room on Tuesday evening. Foster (Chairman), Drennar and Mclvor. Letters wen Board of Education with re posed change in the appoint: enclosing the Inspector’s repi regulations, and stating tha

A gentleman from Melbourne is at present travelling through New Zealand collecting samples of building-stone, with a view to opening up a trade between this colony and Victoria. He is collecting information as to cost of freight, transit, &c. Yesterday he visited Mount Somers and obtained some specimens of stone from that district. He will nest visit Oamaru. It was stated by a litigant in the Resident Magistrates* Court this morning that he could secure the services of any number of laborei s in Ashburton at 10s a week. Mr Wilding referring to this statement said men were working in Christchurch for their board only. Aroha was scratched for all engagements at the Ashburton Hunt Club Steeplechases at 8 o’clock on Thursday, August 12. Druid anniversary August 25th. Dramatic entertainment—Baoe lor a Widow.—(Advt.) <

The fifth anniversary in connection with the Loyal Waterton Lodge of Oddfellows was celebrated on Friday last in the Library Hall by a tea, concert, and baM. The room was I tastefully decoratrd for the occasion by Bros Soa), Bysh, and Pearson, and was well filled by a most enthusiastic audience. The tables were presided over by following ladies : Mesdames Read, Bysh, and Pearson, Misses Ashton (2), Cairns, {Malcolm, and Leggat. After ample justice had been done to the good things provided, the room Jwas cleared and the concert held. An excellent progamme was carried out with great spirit. Bro Davis occupied the chair. The musical part of the programme was contributed by Misses Gates (2), Patching, Permain, Ashton (2), Messrs Gates, Stevenson, Dalies, and Murton. Messrs Cookson and Peat played violin and flute I solos, and readings were given by Mr Wilkin son. Encores were numerous, and were in all cases good humoredly responded to. Votes of thanks 'to the singers, and also to Mrs Davis, who kindly lent the pianoforte for the occasion, and “ Auld Lang Syne ” by the com pany brought the concert to a close. The hall being cleared of its furniture, dancing was kept up with much spirit until the smal hours of the morning, Mr Roundtree acting as M.C., and Messrs Cookson and Wilkinson supplying the music.

The American warship Mohican is expected ;o arrive at Auckland from Fiji on the 20th.

With reference to the unemployed a tele gram from Auckland says that only 1-13 have yet accepted employment at the railway works at Woodhill, on the Kaipara line. There is employment for double that number. Of four unemployed contracts let by the Corporation, one of the parties has never started work, though nearly a week has elapsed, having practically abandoned it.

A heavy slip took place on Thursday on the railway a mile south of Goodwood. ' The Christchurch express train was not able to get through, and passengers bad to be transferred to a train on the south side of the slip.

An apprentice named John Odain, aged 14, was killed yesterday afternoon by the falling in of a tunnel at the rear of Mr Thos Ballinger’s gas fitting shop, at Wellington) Deceased was playing with other lads when he accidentally knocked away one of the props supporting the roof and about fifteen tons 0| gravel fell. Death was instantaneous. The other lads escaped. The owners of the steamer Mohoka, which was in collision with the steamer Waihi in the Omaka river, Blenheim, and sunk, are bringing an action against the Union Com pany, the owners of the latter vessel claiming £625 damages. The case will be heard at Wellington next week.

A meeting of the members of the Ashburton Dramatic and Musical Association will be hold at the Town Hall this evening.

We regret to have to announce the death of Mrs Joseph Ward which occurred at her late residence, Burnett street, this morning. The deceased lady has been in a feeble state of health for some years, but had previously won a large circle of friends By her genial and amiable disposition. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family.

This morning a child of parents named Tutty died suddenly. At five o’clock the deceased was apparently in good health, buj three hours later it was found dead in bed. The child, which was two months old, was suffer ing from a cold, but no serious results were anticipated. As we are going to press an inquest is being held at the Eoyal Hotel.

At the civil cittings of the Supreme Court at Christchurch yesterday, the case of Gain v. D. McGuinness was tried. The subject of the action was a bill of exchange for £76 as lOd, drawn by D. McGuinness, 0{ Timaru, and accepted. The defence was to the effect that the bill was dishonored, but on May 10th Cookson paid Gain, a wine mer chant, £4O, and Gain took up the bill himself, paying the balance and interest. The defendant contended that Gain bad taken up the Bill simply as agent for Cookson, and had no interest in the bill as against McGuinness- The whole point of the defence was that the bill had been discharged by payment. Mr Wilding appeared for plaintifi and Mr G, Harper for defendant. After eridence, His Honor Mr Justice Johnston said that though there was a certain amount of probability that Gain might havojacted as agent for Cookson> ho did not think the affirmative defence had been made out, and gave judgement for the amount claimed, with costs on the lowest scale. The Gazette notifies the appointment of the Hon Colonel Brett as a colonel in the New Zealand Militia. At a special meeting of the North Canter bury Education Board, hold yesterday after noon, Dr Anderson (of Timaru) was appointed to the inspectorship rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr W. L. Edge.

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday, 13th August: The weather has a;ain been very unfavorable for farm work In many instances the work of sowing has had to bo done a second lime, and the spring wheat planting must of necessity be very backward, especially on * heavy lands. Reports from country districts invariably p'int to a large increased acreage of wheat e ver that of las - , yo.-r Wheat. Business has been on a limited scale during the week. There have been several buyers for prime Tuscan at 4s 3d, but holders are demand ing 4s 4d ; If earl is cot plent) ful, and bold parcels are taken at 4s 2d to 4s 3d ; Hunter’s can bo bought at 4s 2d, but buyers are not eager ; second quality is from Id to 3d nnder above rates ; chicken wheat continues scarce at 3s 7d to 3s fid for whole wheat, and 3s 4d to 3s 7d for broken.

Oats are weaker ; the absence of out side orders has had the effect of making holders more anxious to quit. Prime milling is not held in large quantity, but buyers are independent at over 2s 5d ; while short feed range in valuo from 2s 3d to 2s 4d ; Danish and Tartars, 2s to 2s 2d.

Barley remains at last week’s quotations, and is quiet. Beans and Peas —The only enquiry is for small lines ; blues, true to name and fit for teed, at 4s 3d to 4s 6dj other kinds and beans are worth 3s to 3s 41, according to quality. Grass Seeds.—The trade in sseds has not been quite so brisk, the weatherjoo doubt affecting business. Machine dressed continues firm at 5s 3d to 5s 6d, and farmers’ parcels, well dressed, are worth from 4s to 4s fid. Cocksfoot is sellijis at 4d to local demand only. Potatoes.—Contrary to expectations, the tuber continues to show signs of a declin ing market. Our outlet beyond New Zealand has up to the present been comparatively small, and many growers are now becom ing anxious to sell part of their stocks, to do which they have to be content with 60s at country stations. Dairy produce is without alteration. The above quotations (potatoes ex* copied) at© for delivery to.b, Lyttelto^.

PARLIAMENTARY

LEGISLATIVE COUNO) 0 Thursday, August 12, The Council met at 2.30 p.m. Tne Vice-liegel nsent was given to a lumber of Bills. The reasons assigned by the House for disagreeing with certain amendments m the Mining Bill made by the Council were considered in Committee. The Committee pjralsted only on ibe amendments in clause 130, being with reference to the resumption of private lards for mining purposes. The resolutions were reported, and a Committee appointed to draw up reasons for disagreeing. The Stamp Act Bill was read a third

time and passed. Managers were appointed to confer vith the managers of the Honse relative to the disagreements between the Council and the House in the Counties Bill and Muncipal Corporatism Bill, The Propei ty Assessment Bill was read a Grst time;

The Council adjourned at 6 p.m. and resumed at 7 30 p.m. The Property Assessment Bill was read a second time on the voices.

Dr Pollen, Mr Miller, Mr McLean, and Mr Wilson, were appointed managers for

the Council for the second free confer enca on the Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill.

The Council adjourned at 8 p.m.

HOUSE OF EEPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday August 12,

The House met at 2 SO, The report of the Select Committee on Vtr Va lu’a railway system was brougt up. The Property Tax Act Amendment Bill was brought down by message and read a first time. The Government Insurance Bill wc' received with a new clause, which Sir Julius Vogel explained was to enable Government to sign orders of discharge in connection with mortgages. The consideration of the olanse was postponed till 7.30 p.m. A long debate arose on the committal of the District Railways Purchasing Act Amendment Bill. The Bill was committed. In clause 4 Mr Richardson moved to strike out £27,000. Carried ty 27 to 25. Mr Dargaville proposed to insert £31,000. Carried on the voices. In answer to Colonel Trimble, the Minister of Public Works said he did not intend to drop the Bill in consequense of this vote. What he had said was he would drop the Bill if the £27,000 were retained. The BUI was reported with amend ments, and on the motion for the third reading Mr Wakefield said it ought to go out to the world that by a majority of two, at the instigation of Government £4OOO had been presented to these grea o ■mpanies. This was a fact which would be useful at meetings of the unemployed. Sir George Grey urged the Premier to drop the Bill, because there were several members of the Government interested. The Premier said that Sir George Grey himself during the recess had pledged his word to help the ratepayers at Gore to get rid of their burdens. Some of t v em had to mortgage furniture to pay calls. None of the Ministers In terested had taken part in the discussion. They had purposely abstained. Sir George Grey explained that it was only the poor men he was in favor of relieving. Colonel Trimble and Messrs Whyte, Reese and Richardson having made a few remarks, the Bill was read a third time by 20 to 18. Sir George Grey made a last appeal to Government not to go on with the Bill, and another discussion followed, darings which Mr Wakefield alluded to the Stark purchase at Auckland as a case where man had got five or six times the value o his property out of the Government by alleged refusal to take various rums successively offered him. MrßiohardiOi said the statement was a deliberate attempt to mislead the House The Bill then pissed, and on the motion for going into committee cf supply Mr Kerr moved that the next session be held at Nelson. Mr O’Oonor wanted to move another amendment but the speaker luled him oat of order.

Mr Eerr’a amendment was lost, and the Public Works Estimates were taken into farther consideration. C a-s 6, Public Buildings. Mr Bur sell said the vo e for School ho ldings, £55,000, wea totally Inade qua'e The Premier recognised this, but said they had to provide according to their means. Some of the boards were con siderably in credit. Considerable disc jas’on took place, Mr Guinness tooK exception to the votes for the New Plymouth High School and Waitaxi G rls 1 School. He moved that these be struck our. Lost on the voices. The Postal vote, £112,000, was then passed. Claes 9—ltem lighthouses, £7700 Messrs Kerr and Seddou protested against the lowness of the charges to ship ping for the convoniencs offered Mr Lsrnach said he was collecting Infor mation from other colonies and would con sider the matter during the recess. The total vote of class, £127,800, was passed. On class 3, railways, item doubling line, Auckland, £SOOO, a disc ussion took place, in the course of which Mr Biohardson said that enquiries made pointed to the advisability of doubling the present line rather than building a loop line. The coat would be little different. A difficulty in the way of the present traffic was the tunnel, with a steep incline. Messrs Hursthouaeand O’Callaghan pro tested against the vote as an unnecessary expense. Messrs Peacock, Dargavllle and Moss defended if. Mr Hurstbonse moved to strike the item out. Lost by 43 to 9. Hamilton-Grahamstown, £20,000

Mr Hursthouse said the line would never pay, and to go further with it would involve liabilities of £250,000. Lost by 28 to 16. Napier-Palmerston, £30,000 Mr Macarthur took exception to the

laggard manner in which this important link in the trunk system was pushed on. He accused the Government of breaking a promise to carry it to completion at once, and contended that if the Manawatu Company’s line was the obstacle, they had it in their power to buy it at a fixed price. The remainder of the class, the total of which was £563,000, was passed without comment Vote Immigration, £19,200.

Mr Bal lance, in answer to a question, said the Government had only introduced farmers with capital, laborers, single women, and separated families, but had been careful not to import artisans. Dr Newman objected to the introduction of more agricultural labor.

Mr Ballance said none could be got now. The unemployed were artiz <ns and denizens of towns, not agricultural laborers.

Mr Moss thought it wrong in the prest n state of the country to Lyriug any mure people here at all. He dilated on the state of tho labor market in Auckland, where he said all the unemployed had found their way during the last year or two. Dr Newman moved the reduction of the vote hyJJJOOO,

Considerable discussion took place on the general question of the unemployed. Mr Moat said he had been told by gum-

diggers that any man could make a com fortable living and save money on the fields north of Auckland.

Dr Newman's motion wes lost by 20 to 13, and the vote was passed intact. This finished the Public Works Esti mates, and the House rose at 3.5 a m.

MAGISTERIAL.

METHYEN—THU RBD AY.

[Before Mr E. Chapman, J.P.] DRUNK BNNKSS

Two men, who were found drank and Incapable in the evening train on Wednesday, were fined £2 and oats with the alternative of two montba imprison ment with bard labor.—The fines were paid.

ASHBURTON —TO-DAY.

[Before Mr H, 0. S. Baddeley, R.M, DRUNKENNESS. John Barke O’Brien, for having been drank, was fined 5j and costs with the alternative of 24 hours imprisonment. CIVIL CASES. Quinton ▼ Lee, claim £1 16s.—Judg ment be default for the amount claimed and costs. Parker v Turner, claim £6 6?.—Mr Crisp for the plaintiff, Messrs Wilding and Oayglll for the defendant.—The plaintiff testified that he bad been employed by the defendant at S6s a week. He had worked six weeks.—The defendant said he had employed the plaintiff at 20s a week, Judgment for £5 and costs. Ashburton Guardian Company v Athletic Sports Ground Company, claim £ll 10s 3d—Mr Purnell for the plaintiff; Mr Crisp for the defendant,—B, Hughes, collector to the plaint'ff Company, said he had applied to the Secretary ot defendant Company (Mr Curtis) for payment of the amount now claimed. The Secretary re ferred witness to the Chairman of the Company (Vlr O. P. Cox). The Chairman admitted that the work charged for had been performed, but said it had been arranged that the amount should be paid by Mr Z mob, an employee of the plaintiff Company, as against calls due from him (Mr Zoucb) in respect to shares held in the defendant Company.—By Mr Crisp : Witness coaid not of his own knowledge say that the work charged for had been ordered by or executed for the defendant Company.—W. H, Zoucb, said he sold the Guardian newspaper business to the plaintiff Company. Witness had baen accountant with the plaintiff Oom i pany. He gave particulars of various i items in the account. He had frequently made application for payment of the ■ account. Mr Cox never disputed the i accuracy of the claim. Witness, when proprietor of the Guardian, bad agreed | to take certain shares in the defendant Company on condition that he received printing, &c, from the latter. The Directors of the Guardian Company had never consented to continue this arrangement. By Mr Crisp: Witness bad paid £ll 10s ccrh on account of calls due to defe >dant Company. When witness applied for payment he was indebted to defendant Company for calls. (This witness was cross-examined at some length with regard to the various items of the account) —S. Saunders said ha had been manager of the plaintiff Company He was also a director of the Athletic Sports Ground Company. He detailed what had occurred at meetings of the Company with regard to athletic sports belt in 1883, and the Tasmanian cricket match. He believed at the time that if any profit accrued from the ventures it won’d go to the funds if the Company, The accuracy of the accounts rendered by the plaintiff Comany had never been dispu ted, to witness’s knowledge.—B. Hughes, re-called, produced paper containing ad vertisement disputed by the defendants. —This was the case for the plaintiffs, and Mr Crisp called :—D. Thomas, who said the first Committje in connection with the Athletic Sports Company acted for itself and all ecoonnts in connection with the sports were sent lotto it. The Committee bad no authority to pledge the credit of the Company nor did it do so. An acoonat for £5 was rendered from the Guardian and witness believed it had been paid. The Tas manian Match Committee was working for the OricKet Club and had nothing to do with the Athletic Sports . Grounds Company. The acoonnt in connection with the Tasmanian match was rendered to the Committee and witness paid it himself.—o. P. Cox, Chairman of the defendant Company, said that, as far as he recollected, the Company had never anthorised any Committee to pledge its credit. (The witness was cross-examined at some length by Mr PuruelL) W. H« Zouoh was recalled by Mr Purnell, and examined as to the rendering of the accounts.—Council on both sides having addressed the Court, the Magistrate gave judgment for £3 10s and costs. Ashburton Publishing Company v Oalrncrosa, claimed £2 9a lOd. —jodg meat for plaintiff for the amount claimed and costs. Lowe v Zouch, claimed £22 10a.— Mr Crisp for the plaintiff; Mr Purnell for the defendant. Case 'adjourned' for a week. The Court then rose.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

POISONED GRAIN.

TO Tffß EDITOR.

Sir, —The departure taken this year by the County Council in substituting shelled oats in place of wheat is, I am afraid, not one of unmixed success. Whoever the suggestion came from, it cannot be one that will greatly diminish the pest sought to be destroyed. I have sown a little of the oats in several places where I knew lots of birds existed, and after watching closely the effects I am sorry to say they are a dead failure. I have noticed from time to time that the oats lay untouched perhaps for eight or ten days, then suddenly the whole would disappear, this I took for granted befog the time required to make them palatable, and from atmospheric causes rendering them harmless. I may also say that some of my neighbor formers have experienced the same result.

I come now to a question which has been raised in your columns, namely, that of preparation; and although Mr Neate makes rather light of this matter he cannot gainsay the fact that if the poisoned grain does not do i£s wqrk effectually it cannot be called in any sense a success. I can, as illustration, only refer to the time when sparrow dabs was organised in several parts of Canterbury. Amongst them was one at Waterton Several receipts for prepara ion were received from other clubs, among which one from Papanui, which Mr Taylor still has in his posses sion, was adopted. Seconds of wheat were used, and Mr W. Moses prepared same. The birds took }t readily, and as assuredly became its victims. The num ber of dead birds picked up was immense, and it is not too much to sayjthat roil Og approaching it has been seen since, Ko much for preparation -—I am, etc,, (t. Giljioos.

APPOINTMENT.

Governor of Madras'

[rkcter's telegrams—copyright ] London, August 11. Right Hoa B. Bourke has been appointed Governor of Madras.

THE RIMUTAKA.

Post Chalmbbs, Angnit 12. The R.M.S. Rimotaka reached the Heads at 6 a.m. to day, after a splendid fine weather passage of 39 days 4 hours and 40 minutes from Plymouth her detention at Madeira and Capetown being 14 hoars 16 minutes, making her actual steaming time 38 days 15 noon 15 minutes. The personal of her officers is unchanged with the exception of Mr G >ddard who comes as purser. Mr Picket, haring t> remain behind, having dislocated his shoulder the night previous to leaving London. JShe brings some 2234 tons of cargo for all ports, S<T3 bags of malt and 377 passengers, of whom 215 are for Dunedin, 29 for Lyttelton, 36 tor Wellington, 89 for Auckland and li for other ports. .She crossed the bar at noon and berthed at the pier at 1 p.m. The whole of the passengers enjoyed excel lent health. There was one birth, Mis 1 Wilson of a son, on July 18th, and one death on July 21at, Charles Taylor, aged I 13 months, from tubercular meningitis. She left Plymouth at 1.40 p m on July I 3rd and reached Madeira at 6.10 p.m. on July 7- She left Sgaln at 910 p.m. the I same day, arriving at Capetown at 11.20 Ipm. on July 22, Having coaled left at I 9 p.m. the same day and passed the 1 Snares at 2 p.m. yesterday, Nuggets at 11.30 a.m to-day and anchored of Taiaroa I Heads at 6 a.m;

IMPERIAL FEDERATION

DEPUTATION TO LORD SALISBURY '

[EEUTER’s TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT ] London, August 11. A deputation of members of the Imperial Federation League waited to-day upon the Afarqula of Salisbury to urge that a Conference should be held, or a Royal Commhs'on, Including colonial delegates, appointed to suggest means for collective action in the defence of British ports in time of war, to promote «nt merclal interests and postal and tele graphic comma dcation, to farther the maintenance of peace, and secure a close I un J 6n of the empire. Mr Jamas Service, in a speech on be half of the deputation, alluded in bitter terms to the way in which the Imperial Government had in former yoars negleitiled colonial interests, but hoped this was -now changed If the Government was capable of negotiating with France for her with drawal from the New Hebrides and New Caledonia, such step would bind Australia closer than ever to the Mother Oountiy. Lord Salisbury, in reply, stated he waa unable on his own authority to answer the request of (he deputation, but be would consult his colleagues on the ma-ter. He said he fuUy recognised the impotence ol the subject brought foiword ly the deputation, snd was Impressed by the rapid growth of the federation movement. He believed that it would be wisest to formulate a scheme, and that It was a m : stake to consider the movement unreal. Government would always keep a desire for federation before them. His Lordship went on to say he approved the views of Captain Colomb re garding Impend defences, Governmeht would confer thereon with a number of leading colonists. The remarks which bad been made Service regarding Hew Guinea' were outside the range of practical poll- : cr He conceded by praising the energy the cdonies had shown in matted of defence-

RAILWAY REFORM.

MR YAILE’S SCHEME.

Wellington, -August 12. The Select Committee appointed to re. port upon Mr Vailo'a scheme of railway - management brought up the following report t -day :—\'our Committee hare taken a great deal of evidence regarding the practicability and the probable finan cial result of Mr Vaile’a scheme, ts applied to passenger traffic, and the balance of evidence given by experts mm unfavorable to it, white the evidence given in its favor seemed to depei d largely npon speculative estimates of the probable In crease of traffic in certain proportions over the various dia*maces and the different classes. On the other hand, however, the returns famished to the Committee by the Ball way Department, and Included in the evidence, giving detailed particulars of the passenger traffic and revenue derived from it from station to station for the various distances,to some extent supported Mr Yaile’a contentious. Mr Yaile stated that having no departmental returns npon which to base his calculation, he was en able to estimate even approximately the effect of his system as applied to goods traffic.' The evidence regarding the applicability of the system to the carriage of goods, from which i «irce more than two thirds of oar railway revenue is derived, was unfortunately of the most meagre description, all of the witnesses called by Mr Valle s ating that they had not aonaidered that part of the q; cation, and declining to express any de cided or definite opinion regarding it. The Committee finds— 1. That It may be Inferred from the ! numerous petitions on the snbj r ct referred to this Committee, that a great deal of dis content and deaire for change exists in the colony in regard to the preaent system of railway management. These petitions also favor the adoption of Mr Yslle’s system. 2. That although the system now In force iu New Z aland ia similar to that in the United Kingdom and its depen dencies, and is well administered, it ia nevertheless not satisfactory t s a system. 3. That there is generally a belief Ihsl the present acale of charges in higher than is desirable in the best interests of the colony, -and that a considerably reduced scale, especially as regards the carriage of goods for long distances, and as regards New Zealand products, would largely pro mote settlement and production. For these reasons, while admitting that the evidence adduced in favor of Uir I Vaile’a system has not been sufficient to prove that it would be a financial success, I or to warrant its application to the ral'- ways of the colony as a whole, the Com mittee, bearing in mind the great import ance of the subject, is of opinion a trial should be given to the syaiejp on an isolated section of on.* railways. It would, however, be unfair that one part of the colony should enjoy the advantage of cheap transit, thereby enhancing the value of property therein at the expense of the general colonial revenue, therefore the following proviso is necessary, and the Committee recommends the -Govern ment by legislation to give the kt|l bodies the power of carrying it Into effact where they eo desire :—Provided that the various local bodies in the district served by the section of railway to which this scheme is to be applied shell have struck a rate sufficient, in the opinion of the Governor, to recoup any loss to the revenue which It may entail, such loss, if any, to be calculated on the basis of the revenue of that section for the past finan, cial yeap with the average Increase or de crease of general revenue of the New Zee? land railways either added or deducted.

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Non-withdrawal of France.

[hruter’s tklkobams— copyright.} Paris. August 11, The Republique Francaise in an p article to-day says it is convinced the French will not withdraw from the New ,| Hebrides. ■ 'k

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 3386



Victoria House. EE-ORG ANISATION OF BUSINESS. REDUCING STOCK RETIRING from the FANCY DRESS, HATS, and MANTLE EPAKTMENTS of the trade. PHENOMENAL VALUE now being given, and to bo obtained until AUGUST 20lh NEXT. DIMANT AND COE, GENERAL DRAPER-*, CLOTHIERS, &c., East and Tuncred 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 earrying on theii work efficiently, are now In a position to meet the demands of the public with a fir t-class article at prices to salt the times. Every of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltochapels from £25. Baggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Retrimming. 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 all kinds of Engineering work. , , . Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds ot 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.



Wanted. WANTED feed for 800 sheep for a few weeks —Apply by letter to H, Guardian offi. e, 8 486 WANTED A thoroughly reliable Ploughman, to work the only team of horses on the Alford Station. Apply Messrs Mitchell and Tornbr or to K. Herring. 8 436 WANTED CASH.—White Sugar, 2id ; White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Lingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d ; Plaid Vestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, la per lb; Sago, 2£d; Tapioca, 2sd; Cntting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nailrod, 5s 6d ; Groats, 9d. J. McGregor, Tancred Street. WANTED Known—Hayes and Co. will commence their Great Gift Sale To morrow (Saturday). The greatest sensation of the day. Look out for the lucky glass jar of peas in their window next the Arcade. ' TXT ANTED Known -That Gates and IV Son, Burnett Street, are prepared to execu'e orders for all kinds of Household Repairs, Household Requisites, Picture Frames, cheap Bookbinding. Venetian aud other blinds at the lowest possible cost. b 22 WANTED KNOWN—Long looked for come at last. T. Iluult, haring commenced bacon coring, ho la able to supply a real good Pork Sansage at 6d per lb at the Factory, Moore at, Ashburton. Pigs cured In any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. T. Hoqlt. 7 9 17 TXT ANTED KNOWN—Where can the VV most Drapery bo bought for your money?— At H. C Segbrs, i'elford House. Two shillings worth of handsome presents given for ev,ry 10s spent. Fresh presents in. See window. Ladies’ own dress materials-made up ; style and fit guaranteed. B Special Advertisements. Potatoes. EST QUALIFY BLUE DERWENTS for sale at lowest current prices. GEO. JAMESON, Ashburton. 8422



TOWLE’S PENNYROYAL ATS'D STEEL PILLS FOR FEMALES quickly correct all irregularities, and relieve the distressing symptoms so pre valent with the sex. Boxes Is lid and Is 9d, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors. Prepared only by The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co., Lincoln, England. Wholesale of all the Wholesale Houses. Beware of Imitations.



Special advertisements. c R o WiN RON W OSRJK S ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Eanges Bum Wood and Coal—ln Four Sixes. PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN Four, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths. 40 per cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988



Notice. I HAVE 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 have carried on business here, 1 have much pleasure in soliciting a continuance oi their favor on behalf of my worthy successors, who will make this a branch of their well-known .STATIONER’S HALL. THOS. F. FARLEY.



[r In .reference to the above, we respect fully request the Public of Ashburton and District, and all Mends and customers ol e Mr Farley, to favor us with a continuance e of their commands, and we guarantee to '* give at all times the value in New Zealand s in our line of Business. An additional stock of Commercla 1 t 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 Magazine • will be to hand by every direct steamer from London. Subscribers supplied at our Christchurch prices Any Book out of stock will be imme diately procured from our Christchurch establishment. ii. j. wooFakd CO., j STATIONERS’ HALL. All book debts to be paid to H, J. Wood and Co. THUS. F. FARLEY.



' OENTEAL HOTEL. JW. MoRAE having taken the above , Hotel, solicits a share of patronage from the people of Ashburton and sur rounding districts. Best Brands of Wine’s Spirits and Beers. Good Stabling—Feeds, One Shilling. Horses and Buggies to let on hire at prices to meet the times. For the convenience of travellers hansom cab vill meet all trains. Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR SALE all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinas Insignia, Austrians, Meritlma, and Macrccarpa, by tens of thousands; other kinds in proportion. All kinds of cabbage plants, etc, on sale. All orders by post or otherwise shall receive my best attention. N.B. —Gentlemen’s Gardens tastefully laid out. All kinds of planting done by contract. JAMES PORTER, CLIFTON NURSERY, 4 75 Allenton, Ashburton. CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL be a BUYER of UPWARDS OF 300,000 Bushels MILLING WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also some Large Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSACKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5s 6d per dozen. O. W. TURNER. 340 11. BROWN TTT E HAVE FOR SALE— * PRIME SEED WHEAT, OATS, and BARLEY Some of the above lots have been grown in the Timarn district. ( PIG FEED FOR SALE 1 In any quantity. 1 Just Landed— I Alb kinds of CLOVER SEE DB, choice quality. RYEGRASS and [COCKSFOOT for r Sale. FBIEDLANDBR BROS] 341®



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOR mUK NEW GOODS FOR THE 1. WINTER SEASON NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And the variety of Style and Patterns in Men’s, Youths’, and Boys’ Clothing leaves nothing to be desired. Thousands of Men’s and Boys' ’ Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers ' and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment warranted shrunk Overcoats, Waterproof Coats and Leggings in great variety Hats, compris’ng every new stylo worn Children’s Jersey Suits, Children’s Men of-War Suita Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves j Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Bugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags The celebrated WERTHEIM SEWING i MACHINE. Time Payments, i H.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, East Bxaaax, '



PORT OF TIMARU. ARRIVALS - BELLS, barque, from Newcastle, with best quality COAL. GLEANER, brigantine, from Anckland, with cargo of Kauri TIMBER. TUCKER AND RESTELL. 4th August, 1886. $8407



J. Ballantyne & Co. A bolding an JMMBNSE OLEABING £(ALE DRAPERY AND CLOTHING, On account of ALTERATION IN PARTNERSHIP. See Circular. DUNSTABLE HOUSE, CIIRISTcnDKOff, yr 227 FOR COUGHS, COLDS, Bronchitis Asthma, Coryza, Influerz', Con sumption, &c. nrr AY’S COMPOUND OF LINSEED, Aniseed, Senega, Squill, Tolu, &0., with Chlorodyoe. KAY’S COMPOUND, a demulcent expectorant, for Coughs, Colds, and Chest Complaints. RAY’S COMPOUND, for Coughs, and Colds, is equally serviceable for Horses and Cattle. KAY’S TIC PILLS, a specific in Neuralgia, Face-ache, £i o. Con tains Quinine, Iron, &o. COAGULINE.— Cement for Broken A r tides. Sold Everywhere. Sole Makers :—KAY BROS,, Stock port, England,