The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1886. THE NEW HEBRIDES.

It is devoutly to bo hoped that the last cablegrams with regard to the blew Hebrides question are correct, and Unit Great Britain will never consent to the annexation of the islands by Franco. Where, wo arc disposed to ask, would be the advantages to Great Britain if the proposals of France were acceded to ? The island of liapa could be no commercial equivalent. It is only about twenty miles in circumference, with a population of HOO. The area of the New Hebrides is -1200 square miles. Of the thirty islands, eleven have been occupied by British missionaries for the last 10 years. All the surveying, the administration of justice, and the super vision of the labor tralhc have been done by British subjects and British men-of war. Mission houses, schools, and churches have been built, books have been prepared in eleven or twelve dialects, and Hie and property have been rendered comparatively secure. At ihe present time there arc twelve missionaries and one hundred teachers engaged in the Christian work of civilis ation. More missionaries arc preparing (or this sphere of labor, and £BOOO have been raised towards the purchase of a new mission steamer. The Natives have repeatedly expressed a wish to be under the sway of Great Britain. If, as is stated, the natives of Bapa or Baratonga are to be consulted, would it not be an outrage on the natives of the New Hebrides to pass them over to France like so many casks of arrowroot ? We have thus touched upon the claims of Groat Britain ami the wish of the natives. We need hardly say anything as to the wishes of the missionaries and the Presbyterian Church, who surely are entitled to some consideration in the disposal of this question. With the results of French annexation in the (South Boas before their eyes—the seizure of the (Society Islands and the Loyalty Group, and the injury inflicted on the missions established by British subjects —they could only regard it as a calamity. And now, what are the claims of the French ? The group, it is alleged, is contiguous to the French colony, and possesses excellent soil for (he growth of food for the convicts and safe harbors for vessels trading to New Caledonia. But it. is a condition of French annexation that no convicts shall be sent to any part of the (Southern (Seas. What right lias France to de mand such compensation for keeping her convicts at home, or to threaten that if the New Hebrides be not exchanged for Bapa, she will Hood this part of the hemisphere with convicts I The only Governments disposed to yield are those of New (South Wales and New Zealand, but the firm front presented by the other colonies lias, it is now hoped, averted the threatened evil. The Presby terian Churches in New Zealand have formally and earnestly opposed it, and in this they have had the expressed sympathy in some quarters of the Wesleyan and .Episcopalian Churches. Besides the New Zea land Presbyterian Church, the Free Church of (Scotland, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, in Victoria, in (South Australia, in New South Wales, and in Tasmania contribute towards the mission, and arc intimately interested in the independence of the islands. The Natives have been acquiring more or less of British customs and arts, and coming under the influence of Chris tianity, and they naturally look to Great Britain to cast over them the shield of her protection.

It will have been noticed by reference to ouv cablegrams during the last few days, that the Komiadec Islands have been annexed by England. This group is situated about 400 miles in a north-easterly direction from Auckland, and comprises Sunday Island, Macauley Island and Curtis Is land, in addition to a few rocky islets.

The following gentlemen werefo-day norm nated as Commissioners of the Hakatcre Town Board:—Messrs G. W. Andrews, J. Caldicott, P. Fawcett, F. T. Mayo, B. Hughes, W. W. White, and B. Carter. An election for the return of five of these will be held on the 20th inst.

It will be noticed from an advertisement appearing elsewhere in this issue that ihe time for receiving nominations of candidates for the offices of Borough auditors has been extended to Tuesday, May 25.

A meeting of the Committee of tho Ash burton County Hunt Club was held at the Commercial Hotel last evening. There was a good attendance, and the Deputy-master, Mr T. Upton, occupied tho chair. Mr M. Friedlander resigned his seat on the Commit tee, and Mr B. J- Hart was elected to fill the vacancy. The meets for tho month of June wore fixed, and arrangements for the concert and ball to be given by the club on May 21 were completed. The Committee then ad journed.

We have received the prospeclus of the Anglo-Anstralian Press Association, a now intelligence agency which promises indepen dency and accuracy,

The local volunteers arc ordered to parade at the drillshed in full dress on Monday next, at 10.'15 a.m., to celebrate Her Majesty’s natal day. The usual Governmental inspec tion will be made, and a /m-ilr-Jnu: will take place. A full muster is desired and expected. Absentees will render themselves liable to a fine not oxccading three pounds. The concert to be given by the Ashburton County Hunt Club on the evening of May 21 (Queen’s .birthday) promises to bo one of the most successful entertainments yet given in the town. The Committee has obtained promises of assistance from a number of Christchurch and Timaru amateurs, and a very attractive programme has been pre pared. The concert will bo followed by a ball.

At the llesidcnt Magistrate’s Court this morning, before Mr David Thomas, J.l’., a lad named John Mcliroy, about 11 years of ago, was charged with the larceny of £1 12s, from Arthur Deo. Thu accused, who ad mitted the offence, was remanded until Eriday next.

Monday next, being the anniversary of Her Majesty’s birthday, will he observed as a holiday by the Post and Telegraph Depart ment. The oflico will, however, be open from 0 till 10 in the morning, and from 7 till Bin the evening. Mails will he despatched by the early trains. The Mayor of Christchurch has received

numerous applications for relief from sufferers by the late Hoods. During the storm the pre mises of Mr Cowlin, at Governor’s Bay, were destroyed by one of the crooks coursing down the hill side becoming diverted from its course.

The house was crushed to the ground, and its inmates, Mr and Mrs Cowlin, and their in valid daughter, escaped through a broken window. The daughter had to be dragged out in her night dress. The death is announced of Sir Thomas Krskine May, K.C.8., the eminent authority upon parliamentary procedure, at the age of 71. Letters of naturalisation have been issued to Mr Garry Eriedlandor, of Ashburton, and Mr George Hooll, of South Itakaia. The Ashburton Acclimatisation Society has been registered under "The Animals Protec tion Act 1880.”

Professor Pico has determined to give his promised entertainment in the Town Hall tomorrow evening. The press throughout the colony, indeed we might say throughout the civilised world, is unanimous in pronounc ing the Professor as incomparably the most astounding, unfathomable of thought readers. Professor llico is accompanied by his talented wife, a vocalist who has met with most favorable receptions in all the principal towns of Australia, and the bill of fair promised for tomorrow evening, is of an exceptionally interesting and amusing character.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

— —♦ Ai ckland, May 18,

At a meeting of the Auckland Presby tery, to consider the Premier's letter relative to the New Hebrides question, and the position of the Presbyterian missions in the Islands, a resolution was carried strongly opposing the cession of the Now Hebrides to Franco, and Com mittees wore appointed to watch the interests of the Church in the matter, with instructions to take steps to join a General Committee of the citizens of all denominations who may bo opposed to the cession, and to bring influence to boar upon the Government of the Colony. A petition to Parliament was adopted, asking it to take stops to influence the Home Government to refuse its consent to the proposed annexation. Some interesting revelations were made at the United Charitable Aid Board meet ing, by the relieving officer and inspector of the Industrial Institution, us to how children are got into the Industrial Insti tution.

Taupo, May 17.

During the past week several residents of Taipuhnna, GO miles distant from Uuapohu, have witnessed at intervals immense volumes of steam issuing from the summit of the mountain, at present one mass of snow. The steam seems to rise out of the side of the crater, which the Natives say has been remembered aa extinct from time immemorial.

Napier, May 18

At the meeting of the Board of Educa tion to-day a return was submitted show ing that nearly J2OO children were not attending school fur the want of accommo dation. it was also shown that in the last live years matters had become worse in stead of better, the Board not having been able to keep pace with the rapid increase of population. At the Harbor Board meeting to-day, it was reported that a man in Wellington is applying for a patent far a method of sub marine blasting. The Engineer stated that the process was not new, having been used by himself and other engineers, both in Europe and New Zealand ; but if the applicant succeeded in getting the patent the Board might have to pay a heavy royalty for using it. The Board decided to oppose the issue of the patent. Among the applications for the post of wharfinger were the following ; —A con tractor, a manager of a boiling-down establishment, a bank clerk, two railway station masters, a policeman, a station manager, a seaman, a storeman, and two pursers. Wellington, May 18.

The Alameda, with the April English malls, left San Francisco for Auckland on May 8, time table date. The Mariposa, with the April colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco, from Auckland, on May 16, one day earlier than time table date The case of Ell v. Harper has occupied the Appeal Court all day, and Mr Jellicoe had not concluded his argument for the appellant, EH, when the Court rose. In ad j mrniog until Friday, the Court directed that the Christchurch Registrar should be In attendance for examination, and he has been communicated with to that effect.

Greymouth, May 18

The Westport Coal Company’s shaft at Wallsend bottomed on coal this afternoon’ at 620 ft. The bottom of the shaft will be all clear by midnight. The seam is 17ft thick, of bright hard coal Invercargill, May 17.

At a meeting of the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Board to day, the tax put upon the district funds by tho influx from other localities of destitute women about tojbecome mothers of illegitimate children, was the subj ct of discussion. It was resolved to pay tho expenses of sending such persons back whence they came. A Committee was appointed to take the pre liminary steps towards the erection of a home for the aged and infirm.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

POLICE v. SCOTT.

To The Editor.

Sir, I notice that you stale in your report of the above case that Mr White appeared for the accused. 1 beg therefore i 0 inform you that I was retained by Scott, and after the case had commenced Mr White came into Court and informed me, that a friend of Scott’s had requested him to appear, and dskod if I would have any objection to his appearing with mo in the caao I replied that I had in structed the accused to plead guilty, but if ho had been retained I had no objec tion to hi a appealing with mo. I have the authority of both Sc itt and his wife foe stating that neither of them retained Mr White,—l am etc, 11. M. CuTHBERTSON, [As Mr White acted as leading counsel for the defendant, the omission made by our reporter may he excused. We have no doubt both Mr Outhbertsoa and Mr White were duly retained. Bp

NOTES FROM SOUTHLAND.

[BY AN OCCASIONAL COUUKSrONDENT.]

The weather here has throughout the season been of a most unfavorable description for harvest work. There wore heavy iloods during March, which did immense damage to grain standing in stook. In several places on the Jacob’s lliver Hat, I am told, whole paddocks of wheat, oats and barley have been carried away to sea ; I have also hoard that the liivcrtun beach for many miles is covered with sheaves. Had the weather been but moderately fine, farmers would have done very well, for the grain ripened early, and there was a very good yield. The growing of wheat has not been attempted on a large scale this year; all the large estates have given up growing the cereal, and the small farmers, as a rule, only raise suflieient for homo consumption. As far as I can learn, wo shall have little or none for export ; what wo have is more or less damaged, and under any circumstances will not bo lit for threshing before October next. Oats, some of which have been in stook for upwards of live and six weeks, have in many cases sprouted badly. However, during the present month, we have had a few spells of good weather, and every ellorlod having been made, the harvest, is now, with the exception of a few odd patches, in stack. The late wet weather has had a wonderful effect upou the turnip crop, winch at one time, it was thoucdit, would turn out a failure. I think I can venture to say that all green crops hero will be fully up to the average. Our pastures have again resumed their verdant appearance, and grass is abundant everywhere. This is evident from the fact that upwards of 50,000 sheep have found their way to Southland from Canterbury during the last month, and there are to my knowledge other.Jarge lines to follow. The

present demand for good young sboep has no doubt set in, not because we shortly antici pate a better market, but because so much land has been during the past two years laid down in English grass. Fat and store cattle are, nevertheless, very dull of sale, and draught horses are almost unsaleable at any price, although good backs realise fairly good rates. To afford your readers an idea of the state of things here, perhaps I could not do better than give an account of a clearing sale which took place a few days ago on the Gladfield Estate. Seven hacks were sold at their full value, while all the draughts had to be passed in without even a nod. Twenty-five fat pigs, weighing on an average 1501 b, at 23s each. The farming plant and implements were almost given away ; 8 sets of (i-leaf harrows, at £1 per set; fi Cambridge rollers, which cost £25 each three years ago, at £2, £3, and £4, and one 8 h.p. engine, by Marshal! vod Sons, in working order, at £l2 ; 4 broad-cast seed sowers, by Duncan, nearly new, at from £4 to £6 10s. Of course, the terms were cash, which no doubt accounted to a very great extent for the low prices obtained. The price of land has come down very con siderably, and this I look on as a good sign, for I think the present low price of land is the first step towards real and genuine pro sperity. At the rate which was charged in the past for land, it was a hard struggle for a farmer to make a living even had pro duce continued to sell at the then high rates. Farming has never paid in New Zealand. We often talk of the past as a period of great prosperity, but that was not the case. Those engaged in pastoral and agricultural pursuits at this time incurred more debts than they have before or since. A few years back it mattered very little to the farmer whether ho could make a living out of the farm or not, as any deficiency in his account at the year’s end was carried on without a murmur, as well as a guarantee for any further advances he re quired for future operations. But this sort of tiling, no doubt, was too good to last. I hear of no one now being killed with kindness. The sawmilling business is very slack here just now, and several mills have had to give up altogether. First-class building timber can bo bought at the mills at 4s fid per 100 ft. superficial and second class at 2s fid do. So there is no reason for anyone here to build sod houses. The small birds are getting very numerous all over Southland, and unless some natural enemy is let loose among them, they will very soon become a greater nuisance than ever '■ -Mr Bunny” has been. The latter in some districts, I am glad to say, is almost extinct, and greatly on the decrease all over the South. To give your readers an idea of the state of the labor market, I may state that upwards of 15 miles of wire fencing has just been completed on the Gladfield Estate. The fence consists of five plain wires and a barbed one on top, a stake every eight feet, and the strainers six chains apart, and the price was Is 2d per chain. With your permission I may here reply to Mr James Keir’s letter, which appeared in your issue of February 22, in reference to the grass stripper. In the first place, Mr Keir wishes to know if there are any made outside of New Zealand, and, if so, will they save more seed than the New Zealand made article ? But as your correspondent has taken the wind out of my sails, I must refer him to his own letter, where he says that an importing firm in Christchurch had several made in England, which wore not nearly so good as those made since in New Zealand. Mr Keir then goes to ask if it was the same stripper I used for several years on Longbeach, pre suming, no doubt, that they were improved every season. To this I may state that Mr Grigg bought one of the latest make each year, and they were all worked by myself; but as for improvements I saw none, neither could I find any improvements in the five strippers working on the Gladfield Estate this last season, although manufactured only a few months previously. On the estate in question, some 500 acres were run over for less than two and a half bushels per acre, out of a crop estimated to yield seven bushels. Mr Keir also wishes me to give particulars of certain alterations I suggested to a well-known firm in Christchurch, which I am prepared to do with the greatest of pleasure. Anyone acquainted with the working of a grass stripper is well aware that the greatest diffi culty to contend with is the accumulation of straw and rubbish behind the beaters, which causes nearly every seed threshed out to fall to the ground. If this great waste is to be prevented, a stoppage has to be made every 12 or 15 minutes to clean out the box, which takes up a very large proportion of the man’s time. To obviate the necessity of so much waste and loss of time, I suggested to a firm of makers, whom I met at the Ashburton agricultural show, that the implement be fitted with one coarse riddle, as well as some contrivance to elevate everything on to the riddle, allowing nothing to remain in the re ceiving box but the clean seed. The cavings, which as a rule are seldom or ever worth the trouble of threshing, could be allowed to es cape. As for plans and specifications, I con sider it quite unnecessary for me to go in to this sort of thing, as any tradesman possessing but ordinary skill will readily understand how to carry out my suggestions. D, E.

NEW SCHOOL DISTRICT.

A mooting of householders was held at Mr W. J. Silooca'a-houae on Winter’s Boad last evening, to consider the ad visableuess of taking steps to have the

district of Alleuton constituted a schoo

district, Thera were about forty jgentle men present, and Mr W. J. Silcock was voted to the chair. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Kilworth, “ That we the householders of Allenton made application to the Board of Education for a school district for Allenton, “ An amendment moved by Mr Bean, “ That the Board of Education be respectfully asked to erect a school at Allenton as soon as they conveniently can ” was lost. The boundaries of the proposed district were suggested and referred to a com mittee consisting of Messrs Steeie, Craighead, Silcock, Gee, Sawle, Cox, and Potter, who were also deputed to carry out all the necessary arrangements to wards the constituting of the district. i A vote of thanks to the chair brought the proceedings to a close. ]

POSTHUMOUS.

A Regal Birth.

[REUTER S XEISOKAMS —COPYRIGHT ] Madrid, May 17 Her Majesty the Queen Regent was safely delivered of a son to-day.

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIA v. NOTTINGHAM,

[REUTER'S telegrams— cor Yitiour.] London, May 17,

The match, Australians v. Notting ham, which has been commenced at Nottingham, was interrupted by heavy rain.

THE MARIPOSA.

Distinguished Travellers,

[llEUTKil’s TELEGRAMS -COI’YIUOHT ] San Francisco, May 17. The Mariposa arrived to-day (rom Sydney. Sir Anthony Musgrave, Gover nor of Queensland, and family, and Sir Alex. Stuart, of Sydney, are pas sengers en mute to England.

THE KERMADEC ISLANDS.

British Annexation

[ IKOTBU's TELEGRAMS —COPYRIGHT. 1

London, May 17.

Instructions have been sent to Admiral Tryon to formally annex the Ketmadec Islands.

DIPLOMATIC.

'A New Ambassador.

[Reuter’B Telegrams—copyright ] London, May 17.

Count Herbert Bismarck has been replaced by Count Hatzfeldt, as Ger man Ambassador at the Court of St.

James,

THE FEDERAL MAIL. SERVICE.

The Tenders

(rehter’s telegrams—copyright ) London, May 17

The result of the tenders for the Aus tralian Federal mail service has been made public. The only two Companies applying are the Orient Company and the Peninsular and Oriental Company. The Orient Company tenders at 12s per lb for letters, and the fixed sura of £750 per voyage in lieu of charges on books and newspapers. The Peninsular and Orient Company declines to tender by weight, but is willing to undertake the required service for a subsidy of Ll 15,000 per annum, for a contact extending over seven years, or LHO,OOO per annum for a period of ten years.

COMMERCIAL.

London Markets.

[Reuter’s telegrams —copyright] London, May i 7. Three per cent consols, LlOl 7s Cd ; New Zealand securities ;—5 per cent, LlOl 10s ; 4 per cent inscribed, LOS 10s. The market rate of discount is 2 per cent, or 1 per cent less than the Bank rate.

THE HOME RULE BILL.

The Debate.

[reuter’s telegrams - copyright]

London May 18. The debate on the Home Rule Bill was resumed in the House of Commons last night. Sir Bichard Cross spoke at some length in opposition to the Bill which, he stated, offered no prospect of finality of legislation, nor the establish ment of good Government in the country. Mr Stanslield expressed himself warmly in defence efthe measure, which, he de clared, would smooth the way for federa tion and strengthen the union of the British Empire.

COMMERCIAL.

Sydney Markets.

[rkutkk’s TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.! Sydney, May 18. The Manager of the National Mort gage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited, reports on the local markets as follows:—Shipping wheat strong at 4s 7d per bushel; malting barley is slow of sale at 3s Qd to 4s 3d : in New Zealand oats, feed sorts, prices are firmly maintained at 3s to 3s 3d; milling is in good demand at 3s 2d to 3s 3d : New Zealand oats, under bond, are at 2s 3d to 2s 6d.

GOVERNMENT INSURANCE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] Thames to-day.

At a meeting of policy holders ia the Government Life Assurance Association held lai t a ight, it was resolved to forward a memo, to Parliament praying, that Government should 'without delay resume entire control of the department and that postmasters be the district appointees o f Government in the matters of Insurance.

ANOTHER FIRE.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] New Plymouth to-day. Another fire occurred this morniug a

1.30 , the property destroyed being Ferudell, at the top of Cameron Street, near the High School. It was a large house and belonged to the late Mr Chil man, formerly collector of customs here. The building was unrcoupied at the time, the late tenant having left last week. It was, Insured for £3OO In the New Zealand Company. Incendiarism la sus pected.

SCOTCH FISHERMEN IN AUCK LAND.

According to the “ Star,” the font Scotch fisherman who remained in Auck land whilst others of the party proceeded South have “struck lie” in such a manner as to fill them with the greatest wonder and visions of a great future for their “ craft ”in the colony. Strangers to the harbour, they were unacquainted with the fishing grounds, but ploaed on a likely looking spot, and cast what Scotch fisher men call the “ strings” (or lines) for bait. Their astonishment, can easily be Imagined when, upon hauling in the linos, they found they had got no loss than 95 fat fish, principally sohnapper. The fishermen say they were never so much surprised in their lives, and continued to fish with continued success till their yacht was packed full, and they came bach to town the pame Bight,

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Tuesday, May 18,

The Hon P. Buckley, in reply to the Hon B. Hart, said the Government at present did not sec their way to take oft the Is duty existing on imported sulphur. The Hon J. W. Barniooat moved the adop tion of the report of the Committee appointed to draw up the Address in Reply to the Governor’s speech, and in doing so expressed the belief that the Speech would meet with the approval of all classes of the community. The Hon S. E. Shrimski seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. The motion was put and carried. The Hon P. Buckley gave notice of motion

to introduce the following Bills: —Police Force Bill and Defence Bill.

The Council adjourned at 3 p.m. to the iollowing day. HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, May 18. AFTERNOON SITTING,

The House met at 2 30. p.m. Mr Taylor, the new member lor Sydne ham, took the oath and his seat. He was introduced by Messrs Walker and O’Cal laghan. The Hon J. Ballanoe gave notice to move the introduction of the Native Lands Administration Bill.

THE NEW HEBRIDES. Sir G. Grey asked whether the Government would set apart an early day for the considera tion of the question of handing over the New Hebrides to France.

ThfTHon R. Stout said be would set apart Wednesday for the purpose. Sir G„Grey then gave notice of a resolution in connection with the subject for next sitting day. NEW BILLS. The Hon B. Stout introduced the Municipal Corporations Bill and Counties Bill. The usual sessional Committees were ap pointed.

EVENING SITTING,

The House resumed at 7.30.

THE ADDRESS IN REPLY. Mr Be van moved—“ That a respecHul address be presented to His Excellency the Governor, in reply to the Speech which Hia Excellency has been pleased to make to both Houses.”

Mr Taylor seconded the motion. Major Atkinson said he should not have risen to speak if it were not to ask hon. members whether the time had not arrived when they should cease to make an Address in Reply the battle ground of party politics. He saw no good resulting from the custom they had pursued, but it was rather a waste of time. He hoped, if the Govern ment remained on the benches another session, they would see whether the Address in Reply could not be formally taken. He did not intend to debate the Address, because there was nothing in it to discuss. He thought the omission to refer to the representation question was not justifi able, and the country would say Government had made a mistake in that matter. He warned the Government that they would not get much business through this session until they told the House they intended taking up this question. He submitted that the Govern ment, in presenting such a speech to _ the House, was slighting Parliament, especially as each member of the Ministry had publicly stated that they had well-matured schemes to bring down. He was not going to help Government in the terrible fix into which they had got. The Hon R. Stout said he did not think it wise to abolish Governor’s Speeches, for he considered those old forms served some useful purpose. He contended it would not have been proper to deal with the question of re presentation before they knew what the popu lation of the Colony was; but he would say that if the returns were received, and it was found the representation required adjustment. Government would not be found wanting in the matter. He said the policy of the Go vernment would be brought down as early as possible, but he could not say with certainty when the Public Works Statement and Financial Statement would be ready. He ad mitted that Major Atkinson had dealt very kindly with the Government, but he thought that he could not have done anything else, for if the leader of the Opposition could not- find, anything worse to find fault with than repre sentation and roads, then the country would admit there was not much to object to in the policy of the Government. Mr Wakefield said that in all his experi ence he had never heard a better-tempered debate on the Address in Reply than the one they had just heard, and he hoped the same tone would continue to the end of the debate.

Mr J. W. Thomson said that, although the address bad been received with a great deal of good humor, they must expect that the ad ministration of Government would be debated during the Sessipn.

THE ASHBURTON HDAHDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 1886.



gI R yy iLL iA M Jj 1 0 X AND MR T. W. GLOVER, r The Groat Temperance Lecturers, will be at the e TOWN HALL, 1 FRIDAY NEXT, MAY 2isx., At 7.30. All are invited. Collection to defray ] expenses. Sankey’s Hymns i will be used. m l< i 17\OU CASH. - White Sugar, ! x White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles; 5d ; Lingtish, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d ; i’la’id Vestas, 5d per doz. ; Tea, Is peril); Sago, 2td; Tapioca, 2UI; Cutting Salmon, Venus Nnilrod, 6s Gd ; Groats, fid. J. McGregor, Tancrod Street. _ WANTED Tenders for several miles of Fence Cutting. Tenders to be lodged with undersigned on first day ot Jane next. For particulars apply to W. CHISNALL, m 17 HindSl TCRAGE at Tinwald at lowest current , J53 Kat ° 3 ’ a FiUEDLANDER BROS. SATURDAY, MAY 22, ISS6. Town Section 170, Thompson Street, Tiuwaid, for sale by Public Auction. MR T. BULLOCK baa received in structions from Mr Richard Edge combe (iu consequence of his residing m the North Island), to sell by 1 übHc Auction at the Arcade on the aboae date, TS. 170, Thompson Street, containing |-acre. Terms liberal, at sale. Sale at 12 45, T. BULDOCK, Auctioneer. THURSDAY, 20ru MAY. CLEARING SALE.



Wanted. ITTANTKD Known—Greater reduction W than ever at the Sale of Bank rupt Stock.— Bayes anu Co., Arcade. WANTED Known —The Gospel will be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at (5 30 p.m. (b.v.) Free for all. No collection 5 007 WANTED KNOWN—Lung looked for come at last. T. Hoult, j having commenced bacon curing, he is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 01 per lb at the Factory, Moore at, Ashburton. Bigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and deliverc 1 home at One Penny per lb. I'. Hoult, P BE'ENTS ! Presents ! Wo are now giving Pn sents to the value of 4s in the £ to every purchaser of One Shilling and upwards on Drapery and Millinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the promises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— U. O. Seoeils, Molford House.



MU T, BULLOCK has received in structions from Mr T. to se l.v public auction at his farm, Allen s road, just above Racecourse, on the above date, 4 Milch Cows 1 Yearling lieifer 1 Chestnut Mare, Mess,” 5 years old I Waggonette, with shafts and pole 1 Tip Cray, 1 o-Horse Dray 1 Bet Harrows A Quantity of Oats, Ghickwhent, Grass Beed, and Potatoes Part Stack of Hay, large Stack of Straw Peacock and Peahens, howls and Ducks Garden Tools Sundries, &c, &c. Sale at 1 o clock.



T. BULLOCK, Auctioneer. Special entries for this sale can be made with the Auctioneer up to the day of sale. Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR SALE all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinas Insignia, Austrians, Mariuma, and Macrocarpa, by tons 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. A. grand lot of early strawberry J«!ES rOKTKK, CLIFTON NURSERY, 475 Allenlon, Ashburton.



DR TREVOR begs to inform Patients that, pending the buil a “ J g of bis new House, ho will reside.at Lapp’s Moore street, corner of E. t> • Meaaagea can be left at Mr Neater Chemist, where he will attend Dail from 12 noon to 1 p.m. notice. Mr F, BROOKK-SMITH, A.S.A., will give Leaaona in Drawing and Painting, both Oil and Water Colors. Pupils received at the Studio, or waited on at their own houses. Evening Classes will also be formed for tuition In bepla, ludigo, and Indian Ink Painting, Drawing, Bookkeeping, and Shorthand. . . , All particulars and prospectuses to be obtained from Mr T. F. Parley Stationer Paintings on view at the shops of Messrs Farley and Jones. 31 10



\TTAJNTED to PUROHASE VY I,OCO SACKS of Seconds o i Wheat, Apply to FRIEDLANDER BROS. 2 284



Monthly advertiser, issued j by Robert Elston, Theatrical | Agent and Bill Foster ; terms —40 inch I space 5a per month, centre spaces 10s ; for longer terms special arrangements can be made ; advertisements should not be later than the 20th ef each month. 70 r ' WANTED Known— Werthoim Sew ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the Now Zealand Clothing factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 270 A GRAND White Sugar, 3d per lb; Dried Apples, (id per lb ; Figs, 8d per box; New Currants, 6d per lb ; New Nelson Jams, 6J per tin; Condensed Milk, Oi per tin ; Sperm Canales, Od per lb ; Price’s English Sperms, 10J—At Jas V’.cGkegor’s, Tailored street. opoeiai Anvercisemon cs.



gLACK, BEaTTIE & COMPANY, ■Criterion Mouse, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise oar Customers and the residents generally in the Ashburton District that we have now received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to buy in the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of our buyer, enables ns to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business a t lowest prices. We endeavour to give our Customers beat value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, and our Stock is so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, in eash of which an immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable Goods will be found.



ITK J. H. BROOKS ia now receiving iV 1 Pupils for tbo Pianoforte, Organ, Yioim, Singing, eic. For particulars, apply to J. tJ. Brooks (Mr B. Wolf’s late residence), Wills street, Aehourton. 4 533



CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL BE A BUYER of UPWARDS OF 800,000 Bushels WHEAT THIS SEASON. Also eomo Large Linos of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSACKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5a Cd per dozen. C. W. TURNER, 340 PerD. H. BROWN. 4 USTRALLAN MjE RCA N TILE UNION INSURANCE COMPANY. The only Company in Canterbury which did not Raise Rates 331 per cent on Country Rises. We arc now, as we have been for THE PAST THREE YEARS, ACCEPTING RISKS PER CENT. OFF TARIFF. W. B. MOSS, Agent roi Ashburton District. September 22, 1885. 9 015



JS O T I G E. XT is req nested that all ACCOUNTS owing “ The Ashburton Guardian Company, Limited,” up to 30th April, be Paid at once to Mb B. HuunK-t, whose receipt alone will bo a aullicienl discharge. OHAS. W. PURNELL, m 11 Chairman. Tack SALE—T.S. 107 and part 1% Jj (adjoining Mr J. Ward’s) with eight zoomed house and etc lam prepared to accept a very low price for this eligible property. T. BULLOCK mo the Ashburton Guards and Volun- J_ teora.—THE VOLUiNTEEU RED BOOK, containing the whole < the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squat. ■/•ill. Bayonet Drill, Infantry Drill, Etc, NOW lIS. The above should be perused by all Volunteers and will be found useful to those intending to compete for Govern ment appointments. This book being difficult to procure all Intending purchasers had better apply at once to T. F. FARLEY,



School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be derived from purchasing their prize books from me, as I am now offering prize books at very reasonable prices, in fact, at Christ church prices, and no carriage to pay, whilst my stock consists of about 3,50(3 volumes. School requisites of every doscilptlon kept in stock. Thomas F« Farley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton. Branch Shop : Town Hall, Ashburton.



dress department hosiery department MANTLE DEPARTMENT dressmaking department millinery~pepartmknt DBeSS department hosiery department MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING - DEPARTMENT millinery jTepartment CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUCEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. olonial Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBLRTON MANUFACTURE. Cash System and Cash Prices, black, reattie & co. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, DRESSMAKERS, and milliners



Special advertisements. m v&msam. RO WN ISON WORK S ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable Ranges Burn Wood and Goal—lu Four Sizes



painted corrugated iron IK Pour, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths, 40 per ooul. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988



Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H. J. Wood and Co, of Christchurch, has been purchased by me, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites »t GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY, —Special care is given to aU orders. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT BOOKS Having made arrangements with a first class firm for the execution of all Com missions as described above, clients may roly upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and Foreign included), Public Committees receiving liberal con cessions. . PRINTING.



This branch is being fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of all orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence. ——• DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may roly upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doors, and not upon the front lawn. The same romartr applies to Home Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purchasers may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Lines Always in Stock. Drown Paper, Orocer’s Bags, Tea Papers, Twine, and tradesmen’s general requisites. Bookbinding Okdeks Received. T. F. Farley, BOOKSELLER. STATIONER, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Saunders’ Buildings and Town Hall, Ashburton.



STOCK-TAKING, FEBRUARY 1,188 G, ■Y>TE bog to draw our Ashbur- V\ ton and Country Custo mers’ attention to tbe fact that wo have reduced tho prices of many lines in our well known Stock, notably in MENS’, BOYS’ & YOUTHS’ Clothing, And feel confident that an early Inspection will well repay a iait to the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S BRANCH, East Street, Ashburton.



Victorian bteam Carriage W orks. 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. i-slass article at prices to suit the times. Every dc. ’jiption 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 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 of Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Victoria House, SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. ATOW SHOWING, a Splendid Assortment of the famous “ LION ” brand (Victorian) GOODS, in Men’s Plain and Fancy Tweed Suits, Trousers, Trousers and Vests, Waterproof and Overcoats, Cord Riding Pants, Printed and White Moles, Boy’s Kuicker and Boaoonsfield Sac Suita, etc., etc. These Goods, amounting in value to over £4OO, are Manufacturers’ Samples, cut and finished in the most perfect style. Purchase! at a heavy Discount, and are offered at a slight advance upon MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PRICKS. Our Stock of General Drapery, etc., is unsurpassed for Value. DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, & BOOT IMPORTERS, East and Taucred Streets, Ashburton.



ON TIN UAT lON OF T HE UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Mosers i'iiodlaudot Bros’ stuck of Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £500() ANDREW ORK having purchased tin i.bovo STOCK at a large reduction from Coal Price, is alili giving it away at Unheard-of prices, His groat object being to turn it into cash, no matter at what sacrifice ANDREW ORR



Several members of Parliament passed through Ashburton by the express last even ing nt, route for Wellington. Mr W. J. Steward, the member for Waimate, joiped his fellow legislators here. The members for Ashburton aud Wakanui are already in Wellington,



rjTi O W N ALL' THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 20th. POSITIVELY ONE NIGHT ONLY. Prof. A.~E. Rice, The World-renowned MIND-READER and PHYSIOGNOMIST, assisted by MADAME RICE, the Charming Contralto Singer. Positively for One Night only.- Two hours well spent. Ask your Mends who have witnessed this Unparalleled Performance. Mind-reading genuine. Music superior. Mirth and Science. Also, new and Astounding Novelties, which have never been witnessed before in Ashburton. Hear Madame Rice in original Song, entitled “West Coast Railway.” Wit and wisdom, science and fun. Prices—3s, 2s, and Is. m 19



IN BANKRUPTCY. In the District Court of Ashburton (being a Local Court of Bankruptcy), holden at Ashburton, . In the matter of “ The Bankruptcy Act, 1883,” and the Acts amending the same. is hereby given that MICHAEL J3i McAVEY, of Methven, contractor, has this day been adjudicated a bankrupt, and the first meeting of creditors will be held in the District Courthouse, Ashburton, at 12 o’clock noon on WEDNESDAY, May 26tb, 1886, Dated this 19 th day of Hay, 1886. J. C. BELL, Deputy Official Assignee. m 19 WANTED Known—To-morrow, usual Thursday’s sale of Horses, Cows, Produce, etc. Also, 50 sides of prims mutton and pork, at the Royal Saleyards. m 10 ZOUCH & MACPHBRSON. SHBDRTON ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. NOTICE is hereby given that In pur suance of the Animals Protection Act, 1880, the rules of said Society have been deposited with the Colonial Secretary, and gazetted on the 13th May. Dated this 19th day of May, 1886. J. J. C. QUANE, m 19 Secretary. HAKATERE TOWN DISTRICT. FIRST ELECTION OF COMMIS SIGNERS. THE following Nominations have been received: GEORGE WILLIAM ANDREWS BENJAMIN CARTER JOHN CALDIOOTT PETER FAWCETT BARTHOLOMEW HUGHES FRANCIS THOMAS MAYO WILLIAM WTNSBURY WHITE A POLL for the election of Five of the above will be held on SATURDAY, May 29th, commencing at 9 a.m, and closing at 6 p.m. OHAS. 0. FOOKS, Betunuag OftflWt