DAILY MEMORANDA.

MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS Etc. THURSDAY, JUNE 17 Oddfellows’ Hall—Dance at 8 o'clock Orange Hall- Quadrille Assembly at 8 o’clock Friday, June 18 Orange Hall—Public meeting at 8 o’clock St {Stephen’s Schoolroom —Entertainment at 8 o’clock Caledonian Society —Meeting in the Odd fellows’ Ball at 7.30 Thursday, June 2i Oddfellows’ Hall-Masonic Ball Monday, June 78 B jrongh Council, at Borough Council Chambers at 7.30 Friday, July 2. Astiburton County Council—At Connell Chambers, 11 a.m. Saturday, July 3. Wakannl Road Board—At Boad Board office

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and alter the 30th_ Jiftie, 1886, the terms o! Subscription to this journal will be as follows, Yiz.: — IF PAID IN ADVANCE 1 Per Quarter.. 6s 6d, by post, 9a 6d „ Half-year 12a 6d, by post, 18s 6d Year .. 21s 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 affect old subscribers, with whom previously existing arrangements WILL be maintained. Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid lor at the time of insertion, 2a bd each (stamps may be sent as payment); it booked, Announcements of Births, Deaths Shd Marriages sent for publication from the country districts, require to be verified by the signa ture of the person sending the notice.

RAILWAY TIME TABLE.

Trains Arrive at Ashburton— From Christ church and the North, at 10.15 a.m. (express), 4.35 p.m., nd 7.10 p.m. From Timaru 10.45 a.m. From Dunedm and South, bat p.m. (express). From Mount Somers, 10.5 B ‘Trains Leave Ashburton— For Christ huroh and North, at 7.10 a.m., 10.50 a.m., cud 5.37 p.m. (express). For Dunedm and aouth, 10.25 a.m. (express). For Timaru, 845 p.m. For Mount Somers, 5.5 p.m.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office follow a : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m 10.30 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chortsoy Rakaia, &c. , at 10. JU a. iu and 5 p.m. daily. . For Dunodin, Tmwald, Winslow, Hinds, doldstroam, Rangitata, Orari, IV inchcstor, %nd Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Tomuka, at 10 a.m. and 4.30 p.m daily. . , r'ot Timaru and South, at 10 a. /n.,*and 4.30 p.m., daily. For Groeustreet, on W c<m"adays ana Saturdays, at 10.45 a.in. For Wakanui, Elgin, Soaviow, Scafield, nd Kyle, ou Tuesdays, Thursdays, and 4aturday», at 6.30 a.m. For Mount Somers, daily at 4.30 p. in -For’Mayfield and Ruapuna, ou Mon days and Thursdays, at 4.30 p.m. • For Ashton, Watorton and Lougboach, 4.30 p.m. daily. For Fleming ton, on Mondays, W odnes days, and Fridays, at 4. o 0 p. m. For Rowlands, on Tuesdays and Frl at 10.30 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Q- - - From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.15 ,m., 4.35 p.m., and 7-20 r.m. From Chertsey, Ac, at 10.15 s, and 4.35 p.m. daily. .. From Dunedin and intermediate places daily. aFroiu Temuka and Tiraarn at 10.40 a. m up 5.30 p.m daily. From Greonstreet, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10 a. m. From Mount Somers, daily at 10.0 R.ra. _ , From Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Wcd oesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashton, Waterloo, and Long each at 10 a.m. daily. From New lands, on Tuesdays and Fri days, at 2.30 p.m. From Flemington on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays, at 10a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit THURSDAY, JUNE 17. 1886. River Encroachment.

It is only natural that owners of pro perty in the Wakanui district should be considerably alarmed by the throat cued encroachment of the Ashburton . river. Persons acquainted with the eccentricities and turbulcncy of the mountain torrent, which wc in courtesy style a river, arc well aware that a heavy fall of rain or a sudden melting of the deposits of snow on the Southern Alps may, at any moment, convert an inno cent looking rivulet into a furious and uncontrolablc avalanche of water. It is not surprising, therefore, that owners of * property in the immediate neighborhood of this treacherous current should enter tain a suspicious appreciation of its power of destruction, and the interest • displayed in the proceedings at the public meeting held at Wakanui last evening for the purpose of discussing the question of river encroachment, shotfs that the ratepayers in that district are carefully watching the danger by which they arc menaced. It is unfortunate that the discussion last evening assumed a somewhat personal tone. Two or three months ago the Ashburton County Council granted the lessee of the Wakanui Flour Mill permission to divert a small volume of water from the Ash burton river for the purposes of the mill. The County Engineer reported that the diversion would in no way prejudice nor endanger the adjoining property, and so far as we can learn from the expressed opinion of experts and from our own observations, this opinion is abundantly supported by common sense and the laws of hydrodynamics. But a section of the ratepayers in the district affected have taken quite a different view of the matter, and their opinions and fears are certainly entitled to some measure of consideration. We do not for one moment credit the statement, made last evening, that the opposition to the pre sent diversion is based upon personal grounds. Our acquaintance with several of the gentlemen who join in this oppo sition leads us to believe that a number of ratepayers are honestly imbued with an idea that safety of their proper ties is jeopardised by the admission of the water. They arc not satisfied by the declaration of the County Engineer nor by the safeguards provided by the County Council, and demand that, after fair notice to tho lessee, the present conces sion should be terminated. Now, the latter course would inflict a considerable hardship upon individuals, and would, practically prevent a con tinuance of the operations of an im portant local manufactory. As a solution of the difficulty wo think the Wakanui Road Board might very pro perly direct its own Engineer—a pro fessional gentleman of coiisidetablo ex perience in such matters—to report upon the subject. If the opinion of the Board’s Engineer should coincide with that held by the Council’s Engineer the present alarmists would doubtless be satisfied; if these experts should differ, the objectors might reasonably, and, wc , think, successfully, ask to have the J benefit of the doubt.

Mr Peter Cunningham has been elected, without opposition, to a seat on the Lyttelton

Harbor Board.

The case of Miller v the Corporation of Dunedin, claim of £SOO for damages lor

injury received through the blasting at Dowl ing street, was concluded in the Supremo Court Dunedin yesterday. Mr Justice Williams in summing up, said the Corpora tion was responsible, because the operations were conducted on one of the streets of the

City. The streets were vested in the Corpora.

tion. who controlled them. It was one of the powers of the Corporation to bring the streets to their proporjlovol, and these opera tions bad been conducted partly tor that purpose, and the persona at work in the street had been appointed by the Corporation. Under those circumstances, the Goyernment finding the money for the works, did not shift the responsibility from the Corporation. The jury returned a verdict lor £SO, and the Judge certified for costs on the loweet scale. The Timaru “Herald” says : A number of men out of work in Waimato have petitioned the Government, through Major Stewart, M.H.8., for employment. These are prin cipally married men with families. Steps are now being taken to tender the postage stamps of the colony more legible in character by putting a distinguishing mark on them.

Tho meeting in connection with the forma tion ol a branch ol tho Irish Loyal and Patriotic Union has been postponed from to morrow evening to Tuesday next. Tho usuul weekly meeting of the Star of the East Lodge, No 02,1.0.G.T., was held at the Orange Hall last evening. There was a very large attendance ol visitors and members, Bro J. Harding, G.W.O.T. of New Zealand, waa present, and after the usual routine busi ness bad been transacted delivered a very able address. He incidents of bis visits to tho various Lodges intha colony, and his address was full of useful information and good advice to members- The customary votes of thanks brought tho meeting to a close.

At the Addingtod live stock market jester, day the following prices were realised : Cattle; Steers sold at from £5 to £7 15a ; heifers from £3 10s to £5 17s 6d ; being from 17s Gd to IDs per lOOlbs, as per quality. Sheep:—Heavy crossbred wethers, from 10s gd to 13s ‘3d ; medium, 7s Gd to 10a ; cross bred ewes from 5s 3d to 7s ; merino wethers sold from 5s 3d to 9s ltd and 10s Gd, the latter prices beingjfor a low pens of grand quality. From IJd to 14 per lb was average price. Pigs Bacon pigs at from 26s to 13s ; porkers 12s to 18s, being from 2Jd to 2jd per lb.

THE CENSUS.

Wellington, Juno 1'

The following table shows the population of the colony by electoral districts according to the new census. The figures are subject to revision but may be accepted as closely approximate to the actual number. Chatham Islands and shipping are included. The total will bo about 8000 below the estimate, chiefly owing to the impossibility of obtaining a list of people who leave the colony without prepaying their passages. The first column of figures gives the Population of each electorate, inclusive of Maoris and Chinese; the second the number of electors on the roll March :Ust, 1880

In this Island there are 1083 Chinese, mostly located on the West Coast and in Otago and Southland. The population of the North Island last census was 101,109; South Island, 290,800. The returns show an increase in the live years of 91,401, exclusive of Maoris and Chinese,

THE FLOWER QUEEN.

The cantata “ The Flower Queen,*’ which has been In preparation by the children attending the Ashburton School for some time past, was presented last evening in St Stephen’s School toom. There was a good attendance considering the threatening state of the weather, and the audience was a moat appreciative one. We have already given a detailed account of the argument of the piece, and it will bo unnecessary for ns to repeat it here. The opening chorus, “ We are the Flowers," went off in a style which guaranteed the excellence of the entertainment, and as the evening pro -1 grossed, the piece more than justified the anticipations which were formed at the opening. The chotnaes throughout were excellently given. The personification was as follows : Recluse, Miss Barrat; Rose, Miss M. Barrat; Crocus, Miss G. Steele ; Dahlia, Miss 0. Berg ; Japonlca, Mias Bean ; Sunflower, Miss Dick. Miss Barratt's singing was as usual enthusiasti cally received, and she had to respond to several encores. Several pieces fell to the share of Miss M.Barratt, as the Rose, and she appeared to especial advantage in the song "Filled Gratitude and Love” In the second part, and In a duet with her sister. Miss G. Steele sang very clearly and with admirable precision and expres sion, and the solo which fell to her was one of the treats of the evening. Mias 0. Berg, also, had only one solo aljoted her, and cdttsidoring her youth It received ample justice at her hands. MUs Bean sang very well, though evidently suffering from nervousness. Mias Dick rendered the music allotted to her In good style. The choruses, without exception, were excellently given, and many were encored. The accompani- I ments were given on the piano by Mr I Kneen, in his customary good style, and throughout the cantata was a most com plete success. Great credit Is due to Mr Kneen for the high pitch of efficiency to which he has brought the children, for it Is evident he must have devoted much time and patience to the production of the cantata. We hope he will not rest upmi his laurels, but that we will soon again have the pleasure of listening to another such treat as was the rendition ol "Tha Flower Queen” given last evening.

RIVER ENCROACHMENT.

MEETING AT WAKANUI. A meeting of ratepayers, convened by advertisement, was held at the Wakanui Schoolroom last evening, for the purpose of considering the question of river en croachment. There were about forty gentlemen present, and Mr James Brown was voted to the chair. The Chairman, having brutly explained the object of the meeting, invited the conveners to bropose a resolution. Mr 0, Hill proposed—“ That this meeting Is of opinion that the water for driving the Wakanui Mid should bo taken from the Wakanui creek Instead of from the river at the protective works. 1 ' Mr W. Jamison seconded the proposi tion. , , _ Mr Protheroe, the leasee of tho Mill, said tho convenors had been very dilatory In moving in tho matter. His application for permission to draw water from tho river for tho purpose of driving tho Mill, was before the County Council for some months, but there was not a breath of opposition to the proposal until ho had made a con siderate expenditure and completed hlo arrangements Me .vas now surprised to find some of his neighbors, who had previously expressed approval of the undertaking, wore seeking to stop his water supply, and put him to a large additional expense. One gentleman, Mr E. Thomas, had even proposed to join him (Mr Protheroe) in leasing the Mill, but within the last few weeks had developed a bitter and unreasoning opposition to tho work. Mr Protheroe asked those present to approach the subject with a sense of fair play, and not to be induced by personal enmity to Inflict an injustice. The Chairman said Mr Protheroe had applied to tho County Council In January last for permission to use water from the Ashburton river for the purposes of the Mill. There could be little doubt that the channel re-opened by Mr Protheroe might in case of flood load a largo body of water on to land in tho neighborhood. The ratepayers, ho was sure, had no desire to do an injustice to Mr Protheroe; they merely wished to give him timely notice that they objected to a work which would continually menace their properties- The supply for the Mill might easily bo drawn from the Wakanui Creek, without injuring anyone, and Mr Protheroe and tho proprietors of the Mill should bo given distinctly to understand that the ratepayers imme diately interested emphatically objected to tho concession made by the County Council Let them give this notice, and then, so far as lay in power, insist npon the present Intake being closed. Mr Protheroe complained that a certain ratepayer had said he (Mr Protheroe) was only a tool in tho Bank of New Zealand's hands. Tho Chairman observed that no such insinuation had been made during the meeting Mr Protheroe said the statement was freely made outside, and he wished to give it an unqualified denial. He was entirely independent in tho matter, and was acting in his own interests. Hie water he required was disconnected with tho main stream, and its diversion could not possibly influence the course of tho river nor inflict injury upon any adj fining property. M - E. Thomas said his proposal to join

Mr Prolhoroe in working the mill was intended aa a joke. Ho had adviaed Mr Prothoroo to obtain the opinion of tho ratepayers on Hie subject before commencing tho work. Mr Protfiocoo. —No

Mr Thomas said ho could easily prove his words. It was all very well for Mr Pro theroo to say the small stream would do no harm, but it would be too late to turn tho water out if the whole river were brought down there. No harm would be done Mr Protheroe, and the opponents of the present arrangement really wanted to save the proprietors of the Mill further expense. At tho request of Mr Welsh, tho Chair man read a precis of the agreement between the County Council and Mr Protheroe.

Mr E. Thomas said Mr Protheroe had told a ratepayer that he (Mr Protheroe) received £4O for bringing the water In. Mr N. Fitzgerald understood the Chair man to say it was intended to recommend that Mr Protheroe should have six month's notice to close the race Ho thought that should be embodied in the proposition. The Chairman said there wore other propraitiona to follow. Mr C. Hill supported the proposition, and dwelt npon the dangers arising from the present arrangements. Mr M. Wi ! son thought the greater part of the opposition to Mr Prothoroe’s under taking arose out of personal enmity. He had watched the river for a number of ye us, and was qnite sure the race did not add to the danger. It could do no harm to anyone, and the agreement between the Council and Mr Protheroe showed the former was looking after the beat interests of the ratepayers. His (Mr Wilson’s) farm was as much exposed as any land in the district, and he was quite content to leave it in the hands of the Council- Mr S. B r own eaid the race would en danger the whole country if allowed to remain open. He referred to some per sonal matters between Mr Protheroe and himself.

Mr Welsh proposed aa an amendment —“That in the opinion of this meeting the interests of the ratepayers are amply protected by the existing agreement be tween Mr Protheroe and the County Council, and those present see no reason te interfere with the present arrange-

raent.” Mr N. Fitzgerald seconded the amend ment. He thought the motion went quite outside the ostenaibla business of the

meeting. They were called together to discuss river encroachment and they had talked of nothing but'Mr Protheroe’s mill

race. The stream diverted for the pur poses of the mill had existed for 10 or 12

years, and the diversion could In no way affect the adjoining property. In reply to the Chairman, Mr S Brown said the convenors of the meeting had made a mistake. They intended to call a meeting to discuss the mill race, and they also intended to confine the atten dance to the electors of No. 2 ward of the Road Board. The Cinirman said ho would rule ac cording to the Intentions of the conveners. Mr Leadley expressed surprise at the Chairman’s ruling, and claimed a right to speak. He explained the agreement be tween the Council and Mr Prothetoo, and assured the ratepayers that their rights and privileges had been carefully con served.

After some further desultory discussion the amendment and motion were put to the meeting. The Ohaitman declared the latter oarrrod by 7to 8. Six hands were held up in favor of the amendment, but the Chairman ruled that only ratepayers of No. 2 Ward were qualified to vote. Mr W. Jamison proposed “ That the using of the small stream In the river bed as at present can do no harm when the river is not in flood further than to bdp to swell the creek, but in time of flood if the main stream should run into the bend when the bank is weakened by the cutting of the mill race, and where It has often been before there is every probability that the river wonld overflow the bank and do great damage to the water races, the public roade, and private property.” Mr 8, Brown seconded the motion which, after discussion and a protest by Mr Welsh with regard to the Chairman’s refusal of certain votes, was carried by 8 to 5. , Me S. Brown proposed “That in the opinion of this meeting the works done in order to get a supply of water for the mill greatly weaken the river bank and endan ger the interests of the ratepayers in the river district, and that the taking of the water from the river for the purposs of driving the mill should be discontinued as soon as possible after notice has been given, and that six months notice of such if circumstances allow <f it, should be given to Mr Prothoroe and to the mill proprietors, to save them from incurring any unnecessary expense on the race trom the river. ” The motion was seconded by Mr iv Thomas, and after some opposition by Me Cole, was carried by 8 to 5. It was resolved to send copies of the foregoing resolutions to the Ashburton County Council and Wakannl Road Board, and local matters of le'a interest having been discussed, the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

POLITICAL NEWS.

[bv our special correspondent.]

(bV TELEOP.APU.) Wellington, Judo l(i,

The only business of any interest this afternoon was the second reading of the Local Bodies Loan Bill, which was agreed to on the voices. Mr Macandrew’s Ad vances on Land Bill was'set down for the second reading on July 8. The deba'e on the Pacific Islands question will be re sumed this and will probably oc cupy the whole sitting. Later. At the request of the Premier, the de bate on the Pacific Islands question has been adjourned till Friday, and the House is now discussing the Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill.

CHRISTCHURCH ITEMS.

Chkistchukch, June IG,

The medals and certificates awarded to Canterbury exhibitors at the recent N.Z. Industrial Exhibition were presented to the winners to-night, by the President of the Industrial Association. The awards comprise 33 silver, 12 bronze medals, and 85 certificates.

At an influential meeting of ratepayers held at St. Albans to night, a resolution was passed protesting against the increase of rating power sought to be obtained from Parliament by the Christchurch Drainage Board.

The weather has been exceptionally cold all day, and to-night it is raining heavily.

SUPREME COURT.

Tijiaru —Wednesday June 15.

Before His Honor Mr Justice Johnston, and the following jut/ : —J. Knight (foreman). J. W, Velvin, Sunidge, and Bennett. TONER V HERRING. This was an action in which the plaintiff sought to recover damages from the de fendant (1) £2OO for trespass and assault, aad (2) £3OO for a libel published by de fendant in the “ Press” newspaper, in a letter in which defendant alleged that plaintiff had been rightly convicted of larceny in the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Ashburton, and further that he had on other occasions stolen timber the property of defendant. The libel also attacked plaint : ff in his character as a farmer, and generally impugned his character for honesty. Mr Wilding, with him Mr Rhodes, for the plaintiff. Mr G. Harper for the defendant. The evidence was similar in all material respects to that taken in the Ashburton Resident Magistrate’s Court during the hearing of the charge of larceny against Toner, the present plaintiff. It was agreed between counsel that, if the jury found for the plaintiff, a verdict

might be given for a lump anm in respect of both causes of action, without finding on each issue. Mr Harper addressed the jury for the defence, and Mr Wilding replied. His Honor in summing up said, with regard to the arrest, that it was illegal. The constable had no right to take sucn a a'ep, but a person with greater know ledge of law than the constable possessed might hare acted in a similar manner. His Honor had no doubt that the con stable acied to the best of h's judgment. But there was no evidence to connect the I defendant with the arrest. It was ad mitted that the defendant committed a trespass when he accompanied the oon- I stable to search the plaintiff’s promises [ His Honor alluded shortly to the previous grevlanca between the parties, and directed the jury that, if they found the allegations in the letter had not been justified by the defendant, they were to give a verdict for the plaintiff’. The questionof the amount of damage was e atirJly for them to decide. They should give »uoh an amount as would vindicate plain"'flTs character if it had been unjustly assailed:

The Jury re ired, and, after half an hours deliberation, returned Into court with a verdict for plaintiff -damages £l5O - Honor gave casts on the lowest scale.

LAND ASSOCIATION BILL.

he following is the “ Hansard ” report he speech made by Mr J. Ivess In ■ing the second reading of the Land ociation Bill Sir, in moving the mdr residing of the Land Association . 1 feci that I am placed in a very :ward position and that I have ac tod a very hard task, inasmuch [ look upon it as almost utterly lelesa for any private member expect to be able to pilot such eavy Bill as this Is successfully through i House. It has been very carefully ifted by a number of gentlemen who 70 a mastery of the subject, and who re acquired considerable experience, ring the past two or three years, in inection -with the Colonial Land Assoc-a ---n, conducting Its operations in the hburton County. A number of gontle m interested have had this scheme dor consideration for the last two or ree "years. They had sincerely hoped at the Colonial Treasurer would this asion have Introduced a Bill to extend lief to the long-suffering agriculturists, accordance with a speech he made at uckland in March last. He then dis nctly stated that ho felt it incumbent i the Govsrnmeut to provide some easure of relief to the struggling agricul irista. who are contending against a heavy ite of Interest; but, at the very time we are loking for the fulfilment of that promise, e brings down his Financial Statement, m hich he says that nothing is to be done i this matter. I need hardly say that reat disappointment has been caused hroughout the country among those lumerous persons who had been hopefully ooking forward to the measure of relief hat had been promised them. I need lardly dwell on the great hardships that rave been experienced by those persons vho have been labouring for many years mdet a very heavy rate of interest. Aa ,he Colonial Treasurer very truthfully re marked at his Auckland meeting, whi’e arge borrowers are now run after by oapitalists and money-lenders, and can borrow at comparatively low rates, the amali struggling settlers who require to borrow money are neglected. Now, I hold i is incumbent on the Government to do something for these agriculturists, whose headway is so seriously retarded by the high rate of interest they ha w o to pay. .A gricu'turists look forward with as much longing to a measure of this character as the people on the goldfields look forward to the abolition of the gold duty. It is their one and constat aim to bring about a reduc' ion of the rates of interest. List session the House passed the Mortgage Debentures Act, from which it was hnp?d some relief would bo secured, and on its being passed it was believed the thin end of the wedge had been inserted ; bat after givir g the rneisuro a fair trial, it has proved to be entirely unworkable in favor of those for whose special benefit the Act was passed. It is found to be utterly useless, and, with that knowledge and knowing also the pressure that has been brought to bear all over the country in regard t»this question, I do hope this House will be inclined to assist those who are desirous of assisting tbemselves by extending to them some kind of machinery by which they will be enabled wkh greater facility to raise money at a cheaper rate, if not in the colony, at least In England. Now, this Bill which I have the honor to be placed in charge of may be said to be a cumbersome one by those who are not read ily able to grasp its bearing ; but I trust the House will give me its indulgence, and allow me at all events to explain the princi ple of the measure andtogiveaomesccount of its machinery, by which it is.propo ed to enable agriculturists to enter the market and raise leans with greater facilities than they now can do. Ido not cay the Bill is perfect as it stands, but 1 think those honorable members who have been for so many years clamoring and agitating for a reduction in the rate of interest will now have an opportunity of showing if they aro sincere and earnest in their desire to afford remedial measures to the agriculturists. I know of my own know ledge that the high rate of-interest has had a very baneful influence against the growth of the agricultural industry In Canterbury and elsewhere. Only to day I was looking over the returns in the Registrar-General’s report of the amounts borrowed on moitgage during the past two years in the colony, and I find the figures to be enormous They are, In the different provincial districts :

Auckland 2,709,216 Taranaki 459,065 Wellington ... 2,518,986 Hawke’s Bay ... 1,614,439 Nelson ... ... ... 380,487 Marlborough ... ... ... 191,547 Canterbury ... 9,284,871 Otago ... ... ... ... 5,336,691 Southland 3,523,139 Westland * 71,330 Total £26,089,771

' That is the huge total of the private in debtedness of the colony secvred on mart* age, and is irrespective of the debts of the 'ocal bodies and the colonial debt It will be sean that, with such an ex traordinarily large indebton'ss, there must bo a very great strain upon those who are called npon to bear the burdens of this colony, who are the agriculturists of New Zealand, and it behoves us to do our best to lighten their burdens ; and, if we only try to extend to tnem the measure of relief sought to be secured by the Bill I am now advocating we shall convince them of our desire to extend to them what assistance we can. Oaring the last year the increase to the private indebtedness of the colony was £1,677,231, and _ these great figures should be sufficient to con vince honorable members of the urgency of the question. Now, it may be urged that the rate of interest has been very considerably decreased during the past ?wo years. 1 know myself that since the depression began to lift there has been a slight diminution, because, in many in stances where money could not formerly be borrowed for loss than 9 or 10 per cent, it can now be borrowed at 7 per cent. But 1 think It will bo readily ad mitted that even 7 per cent is altogether too high, when we know that capitalists in England are glad to lend money on mortgage at 3 per cent and 3| per cent. Why should we have to pay double the interest at which money can be borrowed in England. As we have to do so, I think some steps should be taken to reduce it, Some honorable members may think the State lending to farmers or guaranteeing interests on loans to them is an inno vation ; but we have a precedent In Ptua sla, where a similar scheme was originated, by a farseelog calculating merchant, In the year 1772, Starting in that year, the system of the “ Landschaft," as It was termed, was such a success that in a few years It was found that its operations had reduced the rate of interest from 6 to 5 per cent. It had also another good eflect, because the joint-stock banks established in the country issued notes, guaranteed by the State, upon properties to the amount of two thirds of the assessment of their value ; and these notes, guarastead, as they were, by the Bank of Prussia, were freely current and negotiable. The ex periment was first tried in the province of Silesia, and it was such a success that it was soon extended to all the other provinces of

the kingdom. During the first eighteen years the operation of the system ex tended to about two millions of money,

«nd by 18 '7 the amount had ti-icn to about eight rndhons. 80 firm’y did the sys tem bee mo rooted in the country that by 1837 to 1840, they succeeded in rcduc’ng the rate of interest from 5 to 3i per cent., and it is well to note that the securitise

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1886



Nobih Island. Population. Electors, Bay of Islands .. •1764 1088 Marsden .. .. 0106 1590 Kodney .. .. 00211 1073 Waitemata 7itir, 2350. Auckland North.. 0339 1013 „ West .. 7201 919 ,, East .. 5001 1131 Newtown 12509 1010 Parnell .. 8072 1110 Eden .. 7912 1299 Manukau.. .. 10518 1211 Franklin North .. 5830 1102 Franklin South .. 5753 1171 Coromandel • • 5150 1819 Thames . • 5032 1080 Waikato •• .. 0217 120,1 Waipahi .. 5313 1028 Tauranga 0001 1825 East Coast .. 0232 1821 Napier. .. . • 7077 1513 Hawke’s Bay 0739 1809 Waipawa .. 8000 2335 liangitikei 0117 1150 Manawatu 7100 1332 Waitotara •. 5031 1181 Wanganui .. 1900 980 Now Plymouth .. 3970 815 Taranaki 5227 999 Egmoat .. .. 8761 2137 F oxton .. 7002 2129 Hutt .. 5502 1115 Wairarapa North 7707 1520 Wairarapa South 0081 1319 Thorndon 7997 1771 Te Aro .. 8120 1515 Wellington South 10027 1700



Totals . 4 2 1.7101 53,503 In this Island there were 283 Chinamen Sooth Island. Population. Electors. I’ioton .. 3105 595 Nelson 7275 1080 Motueka .. • • 5291) 1208 Waimea .. 5016 1102 Wairau •. 6081 1365 Buller .. 5803 1522 Inangahua 5112 1833 Grey mouth 0205 1926 Kumara .. ■1577 1358 Hokitika .. 5503 1731 Cheviot .. . , 6110 1718 Ashley . , 5760 1182 Kaiapoi .. • . 6008 1266 Avon .. . • 0211 918 St. Albans 5731 811 btanmore 5631 1631 Sydenham . , 9173 2399 Christch’oh North 7707 2135 Christoh’oh South 7582 1935 Hoatbcote 6172 1156 Lyttelton.. • , 1001 716 Akaroa .. , 1900 886 Lincoln .. * 5261 928 Coleridge • 5097 931 Selwyn .. • 1718 1025 Ashburton • 1789 1509 Wakanul 5001 1781 Geraldine 5932 1213 Timaru .. 6561 1371 Gladstone 51916 1326 Waimate.. 5011 1137 Waitaki .. , # 5811 1193 Oamaru .. 0 5318 1135 Moeraki .. 1611 1081 Waikouaiti 1679 1095 Port Chalmere 5157 1228 Eoslyn .. « , 7192 1315 Dunedin West gj 6226 1520 Dunedin East 7703 1798 Dunedin Central 6098 1791 Dunedin South.. 5075 1379 Peninsula • • 7551 1391 Caversham • • 7038 818 Taiori M 5796 1073 Mount Ida • • 1571 1088 Dunstan .. • • 5601 1310 Bruce • • 0298 1528 Tuapeka .. • * 1896 1330 Clutha .. • • 5106 1011 Mataura .. • • 6693 1582 Awarua .. 7586 1810 Invercargill i, 7501 2101 Wakatipu • » 5923 1150 Hokonui .. • • 8318 2303 Wallace .. • • 6188 1776 Totals •• 326,076 7 7,320



MUSIC.— Me J. H. Brooks, teacher of Pianoforte, Organ, Violin, Sing ing, etc. Pianos tuned. Terms on application. Williams Street, Ashburton. 5 26 jgLAOK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally lo 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 „he Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of cur buyer, enables os to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business AT LOWEST PRICES, AVo endeavour to glvo our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish lo purchase Goods at, and our Stock Is ao LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can bo sup plied. Wo append a list of our Depart ments, in each of which an immense Variety of most Novel aud Fashionable Goods will be found, DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT millinery”d»partment



Wanted. TIT ANTED—A boy to look after horses W and make himself generally use ful. Apply, Max Fuiedlander. 6 155 WANTED to let—A Villa Residence, near St. Stephen’s Church. —Apply James Gamble, Printer, Baring Square. 6 113 JUST OPENED—A lot of good plain Dress Stuffs at 4sd all good colom, Girls Stockings 4£d all sizes, also a choicb lot of Stockinette Jackets, Dressmaking on the premises style and fit guaranteed. H. 0. Seoees, Melford House, East Street. FOR CASH. —White Sugar, 2W ; White Crystal, 3d ; Sperm Candles, fid ; Lingfish, 4d ; best Lobsters, 6d ; Plaid Vestas, fid per doz. ; Ton, Is perlb; j Sago, 2£d; Tapioca, 2id; Cutting Salmon, 8d ; Venus Nailrod, fis Gd ; Groats, fid. McGregor, Tancrod Street. VXTANTED fififi lovers of thoFino Arts W to see the now 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 on, Burnett Street, opposite the “ Ashburton Mail” Office. WANTED Known—llayoe and Co have bought the samples of an English Umbrella manufacturer, at a large discount. Also, a splendid lot of now Dress Materials, very cheap. Como and see them, at Hayes and Co.’s, Arcade. W" ANTEIf Known—The Gospel will be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcide Chambers at 6.30 p.m. (d v.) Free for all. No collection * 5 697



\TSTANTED KNOWN—Long looked \\ for come at last. T. Hoult, having commenced bacon curing, he is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6 i per lb at the Factory, Moore st, Ashburton. Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home ,at One Penny per lb. f. Hoult. __ ONTHLY ADVERTISER, issued by Robert Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch space 5s per month, centre spaces 10a ; for longer terms special arrangements can be made ; advertisements should not be later than the 26th ef each month. 760 WANTED Known—Worthoim Sow ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. 2 276 special Advertisements. PUBLIC NOTICE. UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. WANTED Known-All Rates will ’ * now be SUED FOR. C. JEPHSON, Clerk. 6 68 Box 37, P.O. Ashburton. SERVANTS WANTED. SEVEN GENERAL SERVANTS and one COOK for Ashburton and suburbs. Also, one COOK and one GENERAL SERVANT for the country. Apply to Mrs Randall’s Registry Office. A. W. RANDELL, FRUITERER, &c., Town Hall, Ashburton. Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR SALE all kinds of FRUIT AND FOREST TREES, Pinna Insignia, Austriaca, Maritima, and Macrocarpa, by tens of thouaanda; 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 Gardena tastefully laid out All kinds of planting done by contract. JAMES PORTi' R, CLIFTON NURSERY, 4 75 Allonym. Ashburton. CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. J WILL be a BUYER ok UPWARDS 300,000 Bushels



DReSS department HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DERAILMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILUNEPvY ~DE PARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HODCEHOLD PURNIHING DEPT. omnial Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLAK N ELS & TWEEDS OT* ASHBLKTON MANUFACTURE, Cash S«iem aN£ Cabu Places, BLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL Di:APERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, DRESSMAKERS" and MILLINERS



MILLINO Will': AT THIS SEASON. Also some Largo Lines of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSACKS, Fall Size and Weight, at 5a Gd por dozen. C. W. TURNER, 340 Per D. H. BROWN. FOR SAL E. Hunter’s Seed Wheat.-S^jwn White Llamas Seed Oats.~t,", ,, D."i.hrD"n SaU -Coai're, Fine, at d Rock Salt Plough Shares, t take#, Fencing Wire, Bran, Sh-tq-.t, ' 'hatV. To.*, Sugar, Flour. OaltU' a!, Whealonuioal, PoU toes. Oil, J>!’HB’i*hp, Drain Pipes, all eiiMS, etc., etc OEOKOE JAME ON, iu Aehburtoii.



Victoria House. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. IVTOW SHOWING, a Splendid Assortment of the famous “ LION ” brand JN (Victorian) GOODS, in Men’s Plain and Fancy Tweed Suits, Trousers. Troua-rs and Vofs, Waterproof and Overcoats, Cord Riding Pants, Printed and White Molos, Buy's Knickor and Beaconafiold Sac Suits, etc., etc. Those GuOils, amounting in va'.uo to over £4OO, are Manufacturers Samples, cut and finished in iho most perfect style. Purchase lat a heavy Discount, and are offered at a slight advance uoon MELBOURNE WHOLESALE PRICES Our Stock of General Draper?. Boots, etc., Is unsurpassed for Value. DIMANT AND COE, DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, A 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 i-class article at prices to suit the times. Every c. 'Option of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O. Whltechspols from £25. Bnggles from £3O. p.S, —Special attention paid to Repainting and Rotrlmmlng. VICTORIAN STEAJVI IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R. S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support li this department, beg to Intimate that, having procured first-class Machinery, the; are now In a position to nndertake all kinds of Engineering work. , Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds o Machinery, Including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, and ever description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Blunders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY HOD—Draughts, 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 4]



Special advertisements. Messrs white, smithson, and RAYMOND, of Timaru, Solicitors, notify 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 atten 1. MONEY TO LEND upon approval securities. Temporary offices at Quill’s Hotel. EOWN HON WOR E I ARMAGH STREET, Ohrlatohorob. Portable Ranges Burn Wood and Goal—ln Four Sizes,



PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN w onr, Five, Six and Seven Feet Long the. 40 per cent. Cheaper than Galvanised Iron. 10 1988 LAST MONTH OF THE UN PAR AXLELEI) CHEAP SALE OK ESSRS FRIED LANDER BROS.’ STOCK 0^ Drapery, Clothing, AND Boots 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 BErgalns. ANDREW ORR



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, . riUIR NEW GOODS FOR THE 1 WINTER SEASON AKB NOW OPENED OUT. The Stock is THE LARGEST & BEST SELECTED IN THE TOWN, And tho variety of Style and Patterns in Mod’s, Youths’, and Boys’Clothing loaves nothing to bo desired. Thousands of Men’s and Boys’ Suits, newest styles. Trousers and Trousers and Vests manufactured of New Zealand Tweeds. Every garment i 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 Suits Gentlemen’s Hosiery, Scarves ; Oxford Regatta and White Shirts Rugs, Portmanteaus, and Travelling Bags Iho celebrated WBRTHEIM SEWING MACHINE. Time Payments, N.L CLOTHING FACTORY, Bast Btbmt.



' Notice. IHAVE disposed of my ess in Busin Ashburton to j. MESSRS 11. J. WOOD & CO., *■ n OF CHRISTCHURCH. C In thanking the Public of Ashburton t and District for their liberal patronage accorded to me during the years I have carried on business .here, I have much pleasure In soliciting a continuance of their favor on behalf of my worthy I successors, who will make this a branch i of their well-known STATIONER’S HALL. i THOS. F. FARLEY. In reference to the above, we respect fully request the Public of Ashburton and District, and all Mends and customers of Mr Farley, to favor us with a continuance of their commands, and wo guarantee to give at all times the value In New Zealand In our Hue 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 bo to band by every direct steamer , from London. 1 Subscribers supplied at our Christchurch f prices. Any Book out of stock will bs imme diately procured from our Christchurch establishment. 6 11. J. WOOD AND CO., id 8, A i STATIONERS’ HALL. All book debts to bo paid to H, J. Wood and Co. , THOS. F. FARLEY.



A NEW DRESSING 1 Down’s Fa Frien FOR PIIEVENTI' SMUT IN W THE RAVAGES OF THE



On Tuesday evening last an entertainment was given at the Old Men’s Home, which was apparently much enjoyed by the inmates* Mesdames Crisp, A, Curtis, Thomas, Clar_ idge, and Messrs H. Oates and Claridge | kindly gave several musical selections, and the Bev. E. E. Otway gave a short account of a trip from Napier to the Lake District. The master expressed the thanks of the inmates for the pleasant evening they hod spent, and the meeting closed by all joining in the National Anthem. It is purposed to continue these entertainments from time to time, and the master of the Home will bo pleased to confer with any persons who may be disposed o render assistance it) ibis way. «



Stranoe Insubordination. —Who has not experienced a sort o( malady when all the (acuities seem in rebellion, and labor ab solutely impossible? It is a condition ol nerves and stomach and brain that can only be cured by. the use bf that Irresistible remedy American Co.’s Hop Hitters; Head. ,