The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1887. REMINISCENCES.

The recurrence of " Anniversary Day" naturally leads the settlers of Canterbury to cast their thoughts back to the early days of the Province. Since 1850, when the pioneers first landed, what vast progress has been made m every direction. In less than forty years since the first band of pilgrims -landed at Port Cooper how changed all the surroundings have become. The work of settlement and colonisation has gone on apace. T n fact, we know of few places where a few short years have produced so great a change. The spot where, m 1850, the pioneers first landed presents a very changed aspect from what it did then. Splendid docks afford shelter to some of the finest steamers and sailing vessels m the world, which make the passage now m as many weeks as months were spent m accomplishing the work then. The iron horse too almost annihilates distance, and the vast bridges which span some of our larger riyers are monuments of the indomitable energy and enterprise which form the chief characteristics of the Anglo-Saxon race. The telegraph system, too, has been so greatly developed that there is scarcely a hamlet or centre of population that is isolated from communication with the other districts ol the colouy, and we enjoy the luxury of reading the latest news occurring all over the world almost as soon as the inhabitants of country villages m the Old Country. We have not been behind hand either m the matters of manufactures, and we turn out articles from colonial looms which the manufactures of the Old Country are glad to imitate or copy. Unfortunately, however, notwith standing all our progress and all our enterprise and energy a widespread depression has settled not only on this provincial district but on the whole colony also, and the remedy has not yet been discovered, at any rate it has not yet been applied, We can only hope that Anniversary Day, when it again comes round next year, will find us better circumstanced, with the last of the depression gone, to return no more.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual gardon party m connection with St. Stephen's Churoh is being held this •Afternoon. A report will appear m to-morrow's isßue. Ths wife of Mr Sydney Taiwhanga, M.H.B. (formerly Mrs Sarah Moran), is now m Auck land (says the " Herald "), and ia very angry at her husband for having maligned her m his speech on the Divorce Bill. She has for some time maintained herself by washing an 4 scrubbing, but she had to leave her last place as the work was too hard. Mrs Tai whanga applied for relief at the oflic9 of the Charitable Aid Board, but whon she had told her name, tbe officer m charge Baid, " Pooh, we are here to relieve destitute people ; you are well off ; you are the wife of a member of farUament." Mrs Taiwbapgs stated tj^t Bhe got ti? breakfast that morning, and wag dependent for lodging upon friends who were themselves very poor. A gentleman living at Island Bay made a somewhat i ingular discovery when cutting up ft large pumpkin tho other day (says the "Wellington Post"). The vegetable was ! grown last year, and had been on a shelf , with several others for about eight months. When the the interior was exposed it was found that the seeds had germinated inside tho pumpkin, and a ourious mass of inoipient vegetation had been produced. Some of these seeds had Bet forth stems fully four inches long, bearing yellowish green leaves of perfect formation, and m many instances \ runners from two to four inches long. This { peculiar internal growth has been submitted to gardeners and other experts, who unite m 1 asserting that it is almost unique m their j <9xperiej}9e. \We should add that the pumpkin, , which weighed about 401bs, was m a perfeot utale of preservation. To reserve nerve and brain waste, nothing equal Hop Bitters. Believe this >n$ $gke 1 none but America,.. Co'e, £.ee| t

The following good cat story is told by the "Auckland Evening Star" on the 28th ult. :— It would appear that a cat of the female persuasion belonging to Mr Stevens, boot- I maker, of Queen Btreet, produced four kittens, [ three of which it was decided to drown. The doomed trio were placed m a bucket of water, and the executioner having seen them stiff and Btark at the bottom thereof, proceeded to breakfast. He then took the dead kittens to the garden, dug a hole 18 inohes deep, and buried their dripping bodies. His surprise may be imagined when, on the following morning, the mother oat was found to have the whole four kittens with her, lusty and playful. Scarcely able to believe the evidence of his senses, Mr Stevens hastened to the place whore he had buried the kittens, and found that they had been disinterred, the scratches on the ground showing that the ex humation had been performed by feline agency. Mr Stevens vouches for all the faot. of this remarkable instance of tenacity of life, The oldest botanical work m the world te sculptured on the walls of a room m the greal temple of Karnak at Thebes m Egypt. II represents foreign plants brought home by ar Egyptian sovereign, Thothmes 111., on hi! return from a oampaign m Arabia. Thi sculptures show not only the plant or tree but the leaves, fruit and seed pods, separately after the fashion of modern treatises. M W. Flinders Petrie, the well-known arohreo logist, has reoently taken paper oasts of thii very interesting work. In China a previous acquaintanceship be tween the male and female prevents them fron marrying. For this reason a man seldon weds a giift of his own town. Chinamen ar likewise prevented from, marrying kinsfolk 0 namesakes. Joneses are not allowed to marr; Joneses, or Smiths to marry Smiths, QAs showing the destruction caused by th ' small bird pest, the " Oamaru Mail " mer tions that Mr Collis, at the Fortifioation, ha m a few acres of early Cape barley, and thi ■ being well forward was food for all the sma I birds m the neighborhood during the lai \ week m November. There is not a grain < I oorn left anywhere, and the straw bad to 1 : out for green food or ohaff. \ A, W. Cowan, a fruit-grower of Fresn t Colony, has discovered that the scale bug he . an industrious enemy m the common an . He noticed last spring that the ants wei : swarming on some of his trees, and a oloc observation Bhowed that they were mot ( numerous on the trees affected with scab , Watohing their manoeuvres he soon disoovere ! that they were engaged m taking the seal : piecemeal from the trees and carrying it t their storehouses. There is no scale to spea of on his trees now. The days of the troubh some soale-bug are evidently about ended. "Fresno Republican." A barman at one of the grand stand booth at the Melbourne races entered upon hi work fully equipped for aotion. The catere had discovered that some of his assistant were taking subat antial toll out of the proceed ' of business passing through their hands, am secret arrangements were made for keepini watch over their doings. The barman ii question was seen during the pressure 0 custom to slip a sixpence inside his collar and upon his being taken and Bearohei . between £2 and £3 m small coins were foum oonoealed about his person. He had lonj stockings on, and his underolothing wa tightly fastened by belts at the knees, si that he formed, m fact, an animated pursi for the oooasion. Money dropped m at thi neck was quite secure from falling out whei he walked about, and he doubtless anticipate! realising a fair pile when he undressed him self. He got three months. Aooording to a contemporary [tbe Nev Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agonoy Com Dany made a " stroke " by the sale of thei property m MeibournG for olose on £300,000 The land sold, with buildings, etc., was pur chased some six years back by the Company and the amount mentioned leaves a net profii to the Company on their bargain of fron: £80,000 to £86,000. This representa s dividend of about 17s 6d per share, or equal to a year and a half's dividend, calculated ai the rate usually paid by this Company. Tht Company have secured a part of the propertj for their own use at a low or almost nominal rental. The Paris papers give details of an extraor. dinary duel, whioh oollapsed under curiou. conditions. The parties were a Virginian and a Eentuokian, who quarrelled over a popular actress. The Kentuokian slapped the faoe of the Virginian, who chivalrously demanded the other's blood. A meeting was arranged, and a plot followed to prevent a deadly encounter. On the way from Paris one of the friends drew the charges from the pistols. The parties travelled m three carriages. Arrived at the place of meeting all jumped to the ground. The distances were paced off, each prinoipal received a duel ing pistol, and then the seconds, instead oi giving the word, stealthily retired m two cabs leaving the third empty. The excitement and tension of waiting for the word prevented the two gentlemen from noticing the ruse. After Aye minutes' delay they turned and glarel at eaoh other like two tigers, and pulle< the triggers simultaneously without effect There was only one oab to convey them baol to Paris.

PENDARVES SCHOOL.

j This school was examined on Nopombe. 16th by Mr L. B. Wood, inspector, anc although the examination took plac< about eight weeks' earlier this year, tin school piisjed an excellent examination The Inspector's report has come to hand and is as follows t — Standard. Presontod, Pq,gsodi Standard V. 3 3 Standard IV. 6 6 Standard 111, 6 6 Standard 11, 4 4 Standard I. 1 1 Preparatory 4 Pa? centago of passes, 83 33 ; per cen taga of failures, nii\ per centago on clas. subjects, 72*5 ; additional marks, 79 . General Remarks, — This small schoo has passed an excellent examination. Tin promise held out at my last inspection ha been quite fulfilled, and the school is m . high state of efficiency. ' ' L. B. Wood, Inspector. The Board expressed ilsolf as being well pleased at the excellent report on the echoolj "■»■-'-•- '

PARLIAMENTRY.

Thursday, Decemder 15. *: [ The Speaker took the ohairjat 2.30 p m, [ A DISPUTED V^TE. J A discussion arose as to whether the j vote of Mr Ropata Wahawaha had been correctly recorded m tho division list with the noes, on the previous evening, on the Wellington College and High Sohool Bill, with tho effect of losing the Bill, Mr Wahawaha said that ho had voted with the ayes; Tho Speaker said he would take time to consider if the division could be taken again. THE GOVSRSMBHT RAILWAYS BILL, The Government Railways Management Bill waa rexd a firßt time. LOCAL RILL"?. The Chrietchurch Hoapltal Bill and the Chrlatchurch Drainage Ileaorvea Bill, were read a Bccond time. COMMITTED. The Native Laud Administration Act Repeal Bill was ordered to be committed. The Oounoll adjourned at 5 p.m. to 7.30 p,m. NATIVE BILLS. The Council went into Committee on the Native Land Administration Act Repeal Bill. Several unimportant amendments were ( proposed by the Government and agreed ] to, as also was an amendment by Mr Taiaroa, to the effect that the BUI should j not affeofc the Natives of the Middle and Stewart Islands. i The Native Land Court Bill, and the Maori Real Estate Bill was read a third time and passed, BUILDING SOCIETIES BILt. The Building Societies Amendment Bill was read a seoond time, GOVERNMENT LOANS TO LOCAL BODIE", The Government Loans to Looal Bodies BUI was committed, slightly amended, and reported with amendments. OTAGO CENTRAL RAILWAY BILL. Mr Oliver moved the Becond reading of , the Otago Central Railway Bill, whioh woald open up t^o million acres of fertile land, besides exhanclng the value of ; Government lands abutting on the pro ■ posed extension, and m addition wonld i not oost the State a half-penny* Mr Sootland spoke In favor of the Bill. The second reading was opposed by Mr Shrimskl and Mr MoLean. 1 The debate, on the motion of Sir ■ Frederick Whitaker, was adjourned to i next day. i The Council at 10,40 p.m. adjourned to the following day.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, December 15. The Houbb met at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS Replying to questions, It was stated that Government had no knowledge of tbe proposal of the New South Wales leglsla lature to increase the import duties on New Zealand products ; that there wore no regulations at present prohibiting Civil Servants from being members of education boards ; that the question of increasing the rate ot-pay allowed to common jurors would be taken into consideration during the receaa. IMPORTATION OP STOOK COMMITTEE. The report of the Importation of Stock Committee was, on Mr Russell's motion, ordered to be considered next day. THE POKANG4HAU BLOCK A lengthy d.BCUßsion took plaoe over the roport on the petition for a rehearing of the Porangahan (Hawkee 1 Bay) U ck Mr Hutchison's amendment for referring the report back to the Committee for further consideration was lost, and the report was referred to the Government for consideration, DUTY ON IMPORTED COAL. Mr [K. Reeves obtained leave to with draw his motion tn imp»»« »v iiuyurc dntr «r a* oa per ton on all Imported coal.

THE LOAN BIT.I, Sir Jallus Yogel, at half-past 4 oVook, hoped the debate on tho Loan Bill would be postponed till the evening sitting. The Premier objected to the adjourn ment, and said that the debate had been postponed to that afternoon expressly to suit Sir Julius Vogel's convenience. I Mr Hutchison moved that the debate be adjourned till half-pist 7 o'clock. Tho motion waa lost on the voices. Sir Julius Yogel then resumed the debate on the Loan BUI, He criticised the publio works proposals at Borne length. The proposals, he said, did not fit m with ihoae of the Fioanotal Statement. He thought that the North Island Trunk Railway proposals were made for fear of offending both the Wellington and Auck land members. He had gone thoroughly Into the whole matter, and he found that for £600,000 communication oonld be made befcwen the coast of New Plymouth and a point on the main line south of Te Awamutu, He strongly supported the line going right through New Plymouth, and he did not think more than £400 000 wonld be required In excess of the loan already authorised for the oomoletlon of the lino. Tho line between Palmerston and Woodvllle, In his opinion, would be possible. Hedeprecated the prorosed delay In completion of the Greymouth and Hokl tlka line, as it wouM "be a very paying one; The proposals for the Otago Central Railway were exceedingly unsatisfactory, and he was convinced that the line wonld be useless till it was oompleted to Middle march, He thought that the proposals i about roads and bridges were fallacious, and the provisions about goldfield roads \ wholly inadequate. Tho sum Bet down ; for the unemployed., £30,000 was less than J had been spent m any ono year for the < last 25 years, by the genora! or provincial Governments. The amount was altogether l-aaffioient. He thought that the Sumner Railway, to cost £14,000, might be under- . taken; Further Information should be given ooncerniag immigration. c The debate was interrpted by the 530 r E>._n. adjournment. I

The Honuo resumed at 7 30 p.m. Sir Julius Yogel oontinned the debate. He thought there was no neceßßlty for the continuance of large expenditure on harbor defence. Half-a-million, m his opinlon^waa sufficient for public works at presant. Ho considered that Government was placing the colony m great danger by giving a guarantee not to borrow further until 1891. He condemned the Pablio Revenues Bill as giving power to Goyern tnent to appoint sgents m Great Britain for tho parpoße of borrowing £400,000 to pay of laat year's defic!onoy bills. Mr Fishet eald that tho finances of the jolony were a perfeot network of difficul ties, and Sir Julius Yogel was responsible for that condition; Sir Julius Yogel was merely making a bid for the votes of honorable members, but suoh tactics as ac was tarrying out would, he (Mr Fisher) ?elieved, not alter the opinion of any one. *.a to the ear-making of loane, one iißtinot featore of the Pablio Works Statement was that the loan proposals rere specifically stated. Sir Julius Vogel'a ttempt to reduoe the loan was a deluslpn, o that he might regalnlposaesalon of the "reasury bonoheß, Dr Fitohett moved that there ba added a the motion " with the understanding hat the aipoant of the loap be reduced to alf a million,* 1 The Speaker ruled that the amendment as oqt of order. Dr Fitchett then moved as an amond lenfc to the motion that after tho words that the Bill be read a second time" bo iserted " that it is desirable the loan lould not exceed £500,000." Dr Hodgkinson Seconded the amend ient. The Premier said that it was impossible >t Government to acoept the amendment, In Committee Government would

b_ glad to explain the various works to be constructed out of luan. If the House then thought that certain workß should be delayed, Government would be prepared to reduoe the loan by that amount, bnt thoy could not limit expenditure to half a million, and he wished it to be understood that Government took a dlrpcfc stand npon that point. Sir Julua Yogel had misled the House as to the position of affairs. Be reminded tho House that £1,^00,000 cash had to be provided by April nex% and thero was no less than £996,000 out at present ln deficiency Bills. He depre cated the suddden stoppage pf public works, whloh would throw 1500 men out of employment. Government would willingly assist the Committee m making any reductions considered neceaasry. Sir Gorge Grey condemned the policy of the Government, and said that the House would do well not to pledge Itself to borrow any particular amount. Mr Scoble McKenzle did not like the preeent proposals and he favoured a oes cation of borrowing So far a3 he could see neither the Premier nor the leader of the opposition seemed desirous of stopping borrowing. Mr Reeves (St. Albans) Bald that If the House decided to retrench, it oould only be done m the manner suggested ln the amendment. Mr Barron thought Government were anxious to honestly serve the country, and de.erve the support of the Honse. He supported the proposals ln tha Loan Bill. Mr Walker spoke against the policy of the Government. Mr Fish and Mr Feldwlok supported the amendment.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[REUTER's TELEGRiMS—COPYRIGHT.] (Delayed m Transmission, owing to the Interruption of the line.)

THE FISHERIES COMMISSION.

New York, December 13, Sir H. Tupper, High Commissioner of Canada, was interviewed whilst on his way from Chicago to Manitoba, and m reply to questions as to the probable result of the Fisheries Com mission, declared his firm conviction that the Commission would effect a settlement of the dispute, which would be found to satisfy all the parties con cerned.

THE MAILS.

London, December 13. The Australian and New Zealand mails (Auckland, November 7) via San Francisco, and the mails ex P. and O. Chusan (Melbourne, Nokember 3) were delivered here to-day.

A NEW GOVERNOR.

Sir H. Mitchell, ex-Governor of Fiji, has been appointed Governor of the Leewards Islands.

AN ESCAPE.

Mr Jasper Pyne, M.P. for West Waterford, against whom a warrant was issued for inciting resistance to the Sheriff, and who, to prevent being arrested, fortified his residence— Lis farny castle — left his house during the night, and, eluding the police m the darkness, managed to effect his escape.

THE WHEAT MARKET.

London, December 14. A cargo of Colonial wheat off the coast has been placed at 34s per quarter.

SUGAR DUTIES.

The report of the sub-Committee has been approved by the Sugar Bounties Conference. The Committee advocate reprisals against the recusant States, but England, however, refuses to impose countervailing duties. The Conference refers the recommendations to the various Cabinets, and adjourns until the spring.

THAMES GOLD MINE.

Shares m the Waihi Gold-mining Company, Thames, are being alloted. THE WELSH GOLD-FIND. Mr Pritchard Morgan states that the lode discovered by him near Dolgelly, is aooft wide, and should produce a million a year. He be lieves that similar deposits exist m Ireland.

EMIGRATION.

Mr H. E. Childers, presiding at a meeting of the Colonial Institute, at which a paper on emigration was read by Mr Hazell, a member of the Com mittee of the Emigrants' Immigration Office, who recently visited the colonies, urged the Government to enquire into the capacity of Western Australia to receive a large number of emigrants.

THE SOCIALISTS.

The immediate burial of Dinnell, the rioter, who succumbed to the in juries he received m a riot m Trafalgar Square; has been directed, to prevent a public funeral being accorded to him on Sunday.

CORN DUTIES.

The German Reichstag has, by a large majority, agreed to raise the duty on wheat and rye from three to five marks.

A PLOT.

A Home Ruler, writing to the " Times," asserts that Dr Williams is raising a fund oi one million m America to organise outrages m England by I means of British agents. ' The plot in cludes the murder ot Mr A. J. Balfour, Chief Secretary for Ireland, and others.

PERSONAL.

Locd Randolph Churchhill is at present on a visit to the Marquis of Hartington.

THE STATE OF EUROPE.

The Austrian Military Council has again met at Vienna.

ALLEGED EMBEZZLEMENT.

The " Pall Mall Gazette " publishes a statement to the effect that General Willoughby, formerly Ambassador m London for Madagascar, has been sent to gaol m that island for having em bezzled the property of the Government.

RECIPROCITY.

Canada, m return for being granted free importation offish into the United' States, ofters the latter large fisheries concessions,

FRENCH POLITICS.

Paris, Deoember 13. President Carnot's message to the National Assembly proclaims the )olicy of the Government to be one of :oncord. Political reforms will, be at

once introduced, with a view to im proving the financial administration. Referring to the foreign policy of France, the message states that it will be the aim of the Government to prove to Europe the desire of the Republic to help to.strengthen the general peace.

M. FERRY.

The medical attendants on M. Ferry state that he is recovering from the injuries inflicted by Aubertin.

THE WAR OFFICE SCANDAL.

The charges brought against M. Daniel Wilson m connection with the recent War Office scandal, have been held by the Judges to be legally un tenable, and are, therefore, dismissed.

RUSSIA AND AUSTRIA.

Vienna, December 12. The semi-official journal, "Fremden blatt, m an article to-day, declares that the diplomatic relations between the Austrian and Russian Governments are excellent; but the military situation on the Galician frontier remains un changed, and demands the utmost vigilance on the part of the authorities, i m order to prevent Austria being taken by surprise.

AUSTRALIAN.

[rbuter's telegrams— copyright.]

A. ROWDY PARLIAMENT.

Melbourne, December 15. A disorderly scene took place m the! Legislative Assembly last night be tween the Premier, Mr G'llies, and Mr Bent, the leader of the O[.'position. Mr Bent having, during ihe course of the proceedings, allude.i "to the Premier as a man who was pai<! . >r pushing and passing the Tramway ij ill, a scene of great disorder ensued, the Premier de nouncing the statement as a deliberate lie, and demanding an apology from the leader of the Opposition. A lengthy discussion followed, and order was only restored on Mr Bent making an apology for the offensive statement.

THE MELBOURNE WOOL SALES

Messrs Goldsborough and Co. (Limited) report that the wool sales cohtinue to be largely attended, and animated competition prevails for the various lots submitted. Good greasy sells up to iid per Ib, good scoured up to is 4d, and superior washed wool up to is* 7d. Light-conditioned wools and crossbreds meet with good general demand. 4800 bales are reported as having been sold by the firm during the week.

POLITICAL.

Adelaide, December 15. A second reading of the Taxation Amendment Bill has been passed by Parliament. It is now expected that the prorogation will take place on Friday next. Received Deoember 16, 1.20 p.m.

GOING FOR A SPEAKER.

Sydney, December 16. T. M. Slattery, member for Burrows, who was one of the members named by the Speaker during the debate on Mr Dibbs' vote of censure, has issued a writ to test the legality of the Speaker's action.

A HIGH-HANDED PROCEEDING

Rev. J. Jones, the English missionary at Mare, arrived m this city last night, having been expelled by the French from the Auckland Island at half an hour's notice after a residence of 34 years. ■

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

» Wellington, Deoember 15. At the City Council to-night the report of the Electric J_.ighfc.ng Committee, to call for alternate tenders for three and five years' lighting of the city by elec tricity, waii adopted. t fHearn, the sculler, left for Sydney to day by the Wakatipu. Dunjbdin, Deoember 15. The Education Board terminated the Kaikorai dispute by appointing Mr Kyle vice Mr M'ijaughlin. They alao adopted a series of resolutions protesting against the abolition of the capitation allowanoe of fonr shillings to children who have passed the sixth standard, as tending to weaken the primary system;

THE EDUCATION QUESTION

+ 1 Dunedin, December 16. , At a meeting of the Education Boar ) today the question of the propose > alterations by the Government W6re dea with. As regards the grant to Norms sohoolß a memorandum was adoped whict among other thingo, stated :— l. Th proposed redaction of the capitation gran i to £3 153 per head, and the discontlouaric ■ of paymajts on account of soholars unde six yeara of age, will so seriously reduc the income of the Board aa to render 1 Impossible to maintain the Normal echoo m a proper state of efficiency, If at all without the grant hitherto received fron Parliament, 2 Of the 323 students whc had received training m the institution and had left at the end of 1886 nc fewer than 227 were reported as being engaged as teacherß In public schools ol the colony, while a large proportion oi tboee who had then dißOon inued teaohing had, before doing so, rendered valuable public service for longer or shorter periods, and the Board confidently affirms that, but for the servloes of so large a number of Intelligent and ekllful teachers as have been trained at Its Normal School It, would have been Impossible to procure a sufficient number of properly qualified teachers for the dlstrlot. 3 The number of students at present In attendance ia sixty-seven. Tha Board, by withdrawal of the present grant, will be unable to fulfil its legal obligations, not only to present students 1 of the institution, bnt to the entire body of pupil teachers (152 In number, who have been Induced to enter the Board's service under the pnpll teachers' regula tions, and the Normal Sohool regulations, which are m operation by the expreßH sanction of the Minister of Education. As to the difference to be made In the oaloulating of capitation, It waß resolved — "The Board desires to represent to Government and Parliament the great hardship and incoavenienc9 that will resnlt from payment of capitation on strict average Instead of worklug average, not only affecting the Board's income, bnt also In view of the fluctuation that would take plaoe In the returns, and consequent payment to committees and teachers, more eßpeoially In outlying sohools, where the attendance is Injuriously affeoted by bad yoads and feather, the Board urges the great inadviaabillty of making the proposed ohaoge."

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From our Correspondent.) Wellington December 15, FOREST .BFBERVJ-S. Mr Moat, who comes from a district m bioh kauri is well known, Is moving m ia direction of having more satisfactory ;eps to have forests preserved than at reßenfc exist, and he will ask Govern lent to morrow whether, as ie reported, is their Intention to abolish the tate Forest Department and, if co helher they will take some precautionary leasure to preserve kauri forests from re as was BUcceßßfully adopted by that ►apartment last year ; also whether they ltond to take any steps to preserve young jrest plantations or to extend them. A NEW FRANCHISE, We hear of all sorts of fancy franchise >r different classes and conditions of ersons. The latest novelty m this irection has been introduced by Mr IcGregor, who wishes to have the In abitants of Chatham Islands represented, •resumably with the idea of having bern tacked on to the Akaroa district, c Is urging Government to bring specially nder the notice of the Representation lommisaioners the faot that the Chatham a 1 ands are at present unrepresented. THE TRIUMPHANT LORDS. Regarding Mr Samuel's contention tho ther day that certain members of the Jpper House had forfeited thoir seats hrough being absent from thoir plaoei rithout leave, the Speaker of the Legli atlve Council has rnled that the matter annofc be dealt with by the House of lepresentativea and It is presnmed hat the Upper Honse will not tir it np. Mr Samuel, however a on the way path, and haß given notice o aak Government a question on the sub« ect of Land Boards. I understand that ihe New Land Boardß, to be elected at he beginning of the new year, will bo .looted In a similar manner to that em* jloyed In the election of Education Boards, Eaoh Borough Council In a land dlstriot arlll elect a member, and theOounty Council will elect three members. Whatls to follow m districts where there are no County Councils does not appear, and the point leems to have been over-looked. It is an Important question with districts ln which ao County Counoila exists, as that faot □aay be naed as an .xouse to amalgamate the land district with some other outside dlstrlot; for Instance, Marl* borough, without any form of connty government, may find herself without a Land Board nearer than Nelson. BDUOATION REPORT. The Education Committee presented their report to-day. In effect, the report jays that In consequence of evidence not being all to hand, and the shortness of time at their disposal to consider auoh large questions, they are not In a position to make any report this session, bnt re jommend a similar Committee next aesitoa bo take further evidence and make a report. They reoommend that pending mch report it would be Inadvisable at present to seriously interfere with the education system, THB BSD. It is generally expected, hoped I msß jay, that prorogation will take plaoe on Friday weak. * Wellington, Decembet'KV 1 GETTING. HOMB, -5 The ohief -topic of conversation, polltfi .ally, appears to ba now In reference to tbft prorogation, whioh is causing more attan ijon amongst a large section of members :han measures now before them. The Premier Informs me that business will finish ipon Tuesday or Wednesday at latest, jut this is generally discredited m view of bhe large amount of important business pet on the Order Paper. As the second reading of the Loan Bill has been agreed to it ia thought this will dear way a good leal, a muoh longer debate having been »ntloipated, but the Estimates have jet io come down, and several Important Bllla. . PUBLIC WORKS. It fs rumoured m the lobbtea that nembera of the Ministerial patty areanxl. >us to reduce the works appropriation la Jommltfcee, but that m view of the (listing commitments left by the late Government they do not see their way o recommend reductions to a larger flrtent than some £150,0C0, and it It onsldered doubtlul whether so small a Ifminutlon would be advisable. RAILWAY BOARDS. It was stated about the lobbies yester " lay that Government had reconsidered he question of salary of the Chief Gom aiesioner of the new -Railway- Board. rhicb was considered to be too low, and hat the amount is to be raised m th»* council, bat Mr Mitch'elson informs me bat Government will probably not pro ose an increase m the amount, bat will pserve discretion should it prove impos ible to obtain a suitable man at £1500, to ffer such increased pay as raay be neoes.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Local Industries. "t; Auckland, Deoember 16. At a pnblic meeting held last night m connection with the Industrial Association it was resolved to agitate for the Parlia mentary session continuing, with a short Christmas recess, until the question of encouraging local industries had been dealt with. Resolutions were also carried calling on Government to help the raining industry and repudiating the statement that the Industrial Association was the tool of a clique wishing to restore Sir' Julius Yogel to power. Some feeling was shown m the discussion on tho last proposition. A Peculiar Occurrence, m the Kotorua district an extinct geyser known as Te Wairoa, suddenly threw ud boiling water 200 feet high, with largo quantities^ eyeless fish ready cooked. Fires. * Napier. December 16. A six-roomed cottage near Taradale waa totally destroyed by fire at an early hour this morning. The insurance was £125 m the New Zealand office. An alarm of fire occurred at 2 a.m. m the town, but proved to be only a window curt-un m a bloze. The flames were put . out beforo much damage was done. . Supreme Court, ihe criminal cases of the Supreme " Uourt wero got through yesterday. Fa*al Accident. Feildiso, December 16. A youth known aa Tommy, aged 18 ivas killed at Awahu yesterday afternoon* He was engaged with a native carting yood out of the bush. In assisting to K et * he cart out it run out of a rut, and he vas crushed between the cart and a tree ie died about two hours afterwards. His ather is believed to be employed on tha ailway.

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 1887



■— — ■—■ -_■_. --»__. --< <'BDCHu-PAißA.»_Quiok, complete cure, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. At ohemiats and druggists. Kemp. chS. ?r ° SSer and Co '» Chrisu # Hollowa*'s Pills.-.. Weak Stomaoh.— The wisest cannot enumerate one quarter of the distressing symptoms arising from imperfeot or disordered digestion, all of whioh can ba relieved by these admirable Pills. They remove oankerp tasto from the mouth, flatu. lenoy and constipation. Holloway's P'illa rouse the stomach, liver, aud every other organ, thereby bringing digestion to that healthy tone whioh fully it to' oonvert all we eat and drink to the nourishment of our bodies. Henoe these Pills are the surest ' " strengtheners and the safest restoratives m nervousness, wasting, and chronic debility Holloway's Pills are infallible remedies for impaired appetite, eruotations, and a multi- tnde of other disagreeable symptoms which render the hveaof thouaandg miserable indeed These Pity acq spp^d by *v qi ws „ uwq \



Keating's Powder destroys both moths, fleas, beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestic animals. In extermi- nating beetles, the suooess of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfeotly clean m appli. catio... See the article you purohas Iv'.nting's, as imitations aro noxious and noffectual. Sold m JtinsJ 6d, ls/land 2 6d ' aoh, by.all cbimn.a, j



We clip the following important testimonia from the " Illawarra M^rourry " (N.8.W.) 01 the 30th March. It needs no comment :— " Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountain writes to us that after suffering for four yeari with acute gravel, he has experienced almos complete relief by using Sander and Sons Eucalypti Extract. He says seeing the sai< Extract advertised m the 'Illawarra Meroury, his intense suffering induced him to obtain s bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking ohomist, of this town, and that tho use of r gave him great relief at once. He states tha between the 10th Maroh instant, when h. obtained the first bottle of tho extract, and 01 the 19th, the use of that medioine oontinuei to afford him relief, to which ho had been 1 stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writei also that ho haß found tho Eucalypti Extrao a cure for rheumatism as well as gravel. H< requests ns to publish this informatior through tho ' Mercury.' We have muol pleasuro m complying with Mr Loveday'i request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who con have no object m view other than £ pure desire to benefit suffering humanity."— (Adv 2



Wanted. WANTED a good General Servant * ' for about a fortnight. Apply to Mrs Wilfred Ward, Burnett Btreet, East Belt. 1285 ; FOR SALE— A lot of Empty Cases, cheap.— H. 0. Segers, Melford House. "TTTANTED Known.— That HAVES VV and CO. have a splendid lot of White Embroidery Robes at 14s, worth 21s. WANTED Everyone to seethe ONE SHILLING box of choice Christ- mas and Yew Year Cards. Envelopes in- cluded.— H. 0. Seoers, Melford House . PRINTS, Prints, — Just opened a splen- did assortment of Prints, Ginghams, Zephjrs, <fee. Great variety to choose from. — H. C. Segers, Melford House. ANTED Known. — That Millil champ's Genuine Herbal Beer is sold m all the principal shops m town, and orders left at MrsE. Ldblow, Baker, Wills street, will be promptly attended to 12 79 WANTED CASH — Moir's Oatmeal 251bs, 2s 6d ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, Is per tin] Cocoa and Milk, Is per tin ; Vestas, 5d per doz ; Cornflour, 4i per lb ; tin Fruits, Is ; Crockery, Ironmongery, eto. — At James McGregor's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED Known.— For Salo, Blue Gum, . Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gum, Red Gum, and Silver Wattle Tree Seeds, locally grown, and saved thie Season ; also Tnrnip Seeds, just arrived, ex b.B. Rimutaka.— J. Scaly and Co., Seedsmen, East Street. llf 61 ANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps _ Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, __c., at Mrs Manhire's Fancy Repository, Saunders* Buildings, 1 WANTED Known— To the Ladies of Ashburton and surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse is desirous of engagement. Good references oan be given. Address — Mrs Hill, Peter Street, Ashburton. 11 18 ' "TTTANTED Known— Wellß Bnnk, with VV pump and pipe found and fixed, } from £2 10a upwards. All kinds of pnmps, Ranges and house-smith work fired or repaired. Chimneys swept and | ranger cleaned, 3?. Registers Is 6d each. L All orders punctually attended to. Note address, H. Dudley, Moore Btreet, Aah- burton. 11 22



mmmaaaaaaaaammmmmmaammm^amamaaaaaammammaaaammmmmaaaaaaam^aaam VICTORIA HOUSE. DIMANT AND COE ] HAVE extreme gratification m announcing their Third Annual Distribution of . Beautiful, Usjful, Rare and Valuable Works of Art, which comprise, — i ; GLASS SUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER JDGS, BOTTER DISHES, <fee, &c, to Cash Purchasers of Parcels to the value of 20», 40s, and upwards. COUPONS ABE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. DIMANT <&; COE. General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANCEED STREETS. 12 22 ALBEET EGBERTS has for sale.— Clovers, — EED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, BEED PEAB, BEED OATS (varioui kinds), CRDSHED BEANS PLOUGH SHABEB COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Acknowledged to be THE BEST IN THE MARKET^ XMAS. XMAS. XMAS. WE HAVE MADE EXTENSIVE PURCHASES FOR THIS XMAS TRADE. 100 pairs Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers, from 10s 6d 47 Colonial and Ashburton Tweed Suits from 38s 6d One Case Stockman's Col. Moles 5s lid i And are giving Grand Value m Hatß, Shirts, Flannels, Drawers, Boots, &c; MITGHELL~&~ TURNER. PICKFORD AND UNDRILL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, CABINETMAKERS AND UNDERTAKERS TANCKED STREET, Opposite Union Bank. NEW GOODS— Chairs of all kinds, Toilet Ware, Pier and Toilet Glassep Mattresses and Palliaßes, Couches, Cheap Perambulators. Fdbniture to any Design Made to Ordbr. Having procured a very superior HEARSE and MOURNING COACH, Plumes and complete fittings, they are now prepared to undertake FUNERALS IN TOWN OR COUNTRY With Despatch and Economy, combined with reasonable charges. STILL AHEAD OF ALL OTHERS, AND THIS IS ENDORSED BT THE BUYING PUBLIC. SALES FOR 1886, 45,557 MACHINES. fTIHIB record stands nnparalled. It iefiaid before the pnblic v the beat evidence J of the merit of the WALTER A. WOOD BINDERS and REAPERS. This exhibit of Faleß showing at once their volume and their marvellous growth, has always had, and moat continue to have, sn irreiistable influence upon tho judgment of the farmer m determining what make of machine it fs practically and economically his interest to own. The best possible test of tho morlt of machinery la r?p«tiparlson_ This is the test npon which we are satisfied to rest the claims of tbe WALTER A. WOOD HAR. VESTING MACHINES. Eaoh year's addition to the record of ailes contributes to the valne of the test. It will bB seen that more than 45,000 maobinoa have been placed m the hands of the farmers during last season, and it Is everywhere known that these farmers unite m the verdict that the harvesters, binders, mowers and reapers that do the best work In the grain field and hay field, that are most readily understood and operated by the driver, that are most easily drawn by tho team, end tbat last the longest, are those that bear the name of WALTER A. WOOD, name which theee machine a have long made familiar m all clvlHsed'pßrtß qf the world. DURABILITY. 3 OFf r THE WOOD MACHINES] Sales of repairs less than for any other Machines. It Is a fact attested by agents who sell them, and by farmers who use them, tha ) Wood's Machlneß requires far less repairs than any other machines In nee. N< other harvesting machines are as durable and free from breakages, F. FEEEIMAN, Ashburton, Agent. AGAIN VICTOEIOUS I t fTIHE Latest Honors—first pr'ze— Gold Medal and 500 franca awarded to the * -*■ WaUpr A. Wood Binder, after a three days' Government trial, at Melnn In * Fr%nce. McCormlck Wood-frame 2nd, Hornsby 3rd. . ' i Tbe " Cultivator and Country Gentleman " eaya :— " Tbe trial at Melnn w*h a I Hmnd sacce-s. It was attended by the French Cabinet Minister of Agriculture and r b i department Director, as well as n-any other French Government officials.' M I rys.l-tfre, Inrpector-General of Agriculture, having personal direction." ' + The result has been published m the lending American datliea-'oast— west— •orth end south— in the following cable despatch, which was clipped from the 8 New Tork Tribana," of 11th A gust, 1887 :- A Government Harvester ar_Z * Binder Contest was held! cear Melnn July 29, 30, 31, the most important Euroncan * potest since 1885. The WALTER A. WOOD Machine received first prize-gold * •edal and 500 francs. McCormlck Wood-frame, second ; Hornsby, third McOormlok • ©Wet*© Zff»*feliie4 «■*• ' * t hn«tonjs, iw4. A ckboret'a Machine* also competed In he c