The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1887. IRISH AFFAIRS.

! Affairs m Ireland have of late been attracting a considerable amount of attention both m the Home country and elsewhere. The passing of the Coercion Bill created wide-spread dis satisfaction m Ireland, and that was hugely increased by the passing of the Crimes Act, and the proceedings sub sequently taken under its provisions, the climax, ho werer, was not reached until the Irish National League was "proclaimed" by Government. The excitement then became intense, and certain political agitators availed themselves of the op portunity to work upon the feelings of their susceptible fellow — countrymen, until matters assumed rather a serious aspect. "Monday's cables had an ugly look and bloodshed was feared. They informed us that n spirited discussion had taken place m the House of Com mons on me action of the Government m " proclaiming " a Nationalist meeting convened, for Sunday at Enis County Clare. We are toli that m the course of the discussion Mr Dillon declared that the meeting would be held m spite of the proclamation, and if bloodshed occurred the Chief Secretary for Ire land would be answerable for the con ! sequences. Large forces of military and police were despatched to Enis. Sub sequent cables state that the meeting was held, but m another place, when a body of Hussars appearing on the scene, where 10,000 were assembled, the meeting dispersed and no disturbance took place. At one time a portion of the English Press were apprehensive that bloodshed would ensue, and had it occurred the consequences would have been most disastrous at a time when the pacification, good government, and progress of Ireland foim the problem of the hour. With a view to the former, Arch bishop Walsh has suggested that a Conference of landlords and tenants should be beld to devise an amicable settlement of the present difficulties. The Archbishop's suggestion has met I with a large measure of approval, but we are of opinion that even if such a Conference were hald it would fail m its object until the question of future Government shall have been disposed of. Mr Gladstone's Home Rule policy, founded on that foreshadowed m the im mortalised legend of " The Kilkinny Cat,' failed to prove acceptable to the people of Ireland, but still it was accepted after a fashion as an earnest of further concession. Sir Gavan Dnffy, m the Contemporary, states that Mr Gladstone's Irish policy was fascina ting but not workable. " Irishmen," he says, "must frame a constitu tion themselves." Nothing else will please the Irish people. Sir Gavan therefore proceeds to propound a scheme of his own, of which the fol lowing is the telegraphic ptecis : — " He propones to create a Parliament with an Executive similar to the colonies, with a House of Commons and a Senate. There are to be thirty-five districts, each returning three members, but the electors are to be restricted to voting for two. The probable result will be one-third Ulsterites and the remainder Parnellites, eighteen un biassed by religion. The Senate is to consist of fifty-four members elected from beads of churches, colleges, the judges, peers, prominent merchants; and lawyers. In the event of a dispute extending over three sessions the Houses are to vote together. Enact ments are to be subjected to the veto of the Crown. The position of the Lord Lieutenant will be analagous to that of Colonial Governors, the pay ment of members is advocated, Eng is to have the Customs, to remit a por tion of the debt, to establish local government, and to enable the tenants to purchase their farm holdings. He concludes by stating that Home Rule must come." That some features of the scheme, as formulated by Sir Gavan Duffy are good, and just and fair can not be denied. For instance, from the power of vetoing the Act being vested m the Crown, it might be argued that the Irish Parliament could not place on the Statute book any law which might threaten the integrity of the Empire, or provs injurious to any portion of the came, thus removing at pnee the roost i

fatal objection to Home Rule. Others there are which are vague indefinite! and almost unintelligible from the tele graphic summary. We shall, there fore, withhold any expression of opinion upon the merits or de-merits of the scheme until the full details are before us. _____

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mortimer's Troubadours and Ministrel Company will open for a short season m Ashburton on Saturday. A meeting of the friends and supporters of Mr Walker will be held at Lauriaton Sohool room on Friday evening. A similar meeting on behalf of Mr Pnrnell is oallad for Tuesday evening. Mr Palmer, one of the candidates for Ran gitata, will address the oleotors at the Odd. fellows' Hal!, Ashburton, this evening. A meeting of the friends and Bupportora of Mr Furnell is called for Tuesday next, 13th inst, at 8 p.m., m the Sohoolhouse, Lauriston, for the purpon of forming a Committee to secure bis return. A novel proposal is on fo»t amemgat the Masons of Palmerston North to form a epaoial settlement of Masons on 6000 aores on the Main Trnnk railway. The idea has besn, taken up enthusiastioally, and m on* day no less than 41 names were received of Masons willing to take up land. The town will be laid with Btreets all baaring masonio names, and the place itself will be called Kilwining. A meeting of delegates from the Methven, Alford Forest, Mount Soniera, and Bangitata districts, waa held m the Presbyterian Churoh on Tuesday morning, when the following gen* tlemen were present, viz. ; — Rev A. M. Beattie m the obair, and Messrs D. Cameron, D. Anderson, A. M'Farlano, John Hood, W. Morrow, J. Goskerie, and Elmslie, junr., as representing the Presbyterian residents m the above distriotß. It was cordially and unani mously agreed that the Bey Mr West, of Southbridge, should receive a call to the Hills distriots, and that a manse should be built for his residence at Springburn, on the land now held there for this purpose, this locality being considered the most central and suitable under all the ciroumstanoes. It ia sinoersly hoped that the ovtcome of this meeting will be the stationing amongst the scattered paople of the upper oprtiona of this county, of a very worthy and hard working Presbyterian olergyman, and one who will Bucoeed m very muoh improving the position of affairs there, both from a religious and sooial point of view. Ratepayers are reminded that an election takes plaoe tomorrow to fill three vacanoies on the Borough Council. The vaoancies are caused by the retirement by rotation of Cro. A. Harrison, Hugo Friedlander, and W» Sparrow. Burgesses will be pleased to note that Messrs Harrison and Friedlander both seek re-election. These gentlemen have m tne past rendered such valuable eervioea to the Borough that their return to the Counoil ought not to be m doubt, and we oxpeot to see them at the head of the poll to-morrow evening. It would, indeed, be a great' pity if by any chance either of them were left out, &r their past record as Councillors is characterised by usefulness, straightforward ness, and a conscientious desire to faithfully work m the best interest of the burgesses as a whole. The other three candidates, Messrs Q. F. Scott, E. J. Paul, and O. Catoo are m the happy position of having no political history —either good, bad, or indifferent. Thcj are, turnover, gentlemen well known and respeoted, and we have no doubt the burgesnos will return the candidate they believe will best serve their interest!. An extra "Ingleside" meeting will be held m the Oddfellows' Hall to-morrow evening. It ia unnecessary for us to do more than draw the attention of our readorg to the date, for the enjoyable nature of these gatherings is too well known to need any recommendation. The Ashburton Guards will give a sooial gathering m the Oddfellows' Hall on Friday evening. The Company has previously given two or throe of these gatherings, and m eaoh case they were an unqualified soocesß, and there is little doubt that that fixed for Friday will be no exoeption. A «ooial gathering of a very pleasant nature took place m the Baptist Church, Peter street, Ust evening. There was a large attend ance, and justice was done to the good things provided by the ladies of the ohurch and congregation. After the tea the usual publio meeting was held, Mr Sawle, the pastor of the ohuroh, presiding. The following programme was then gone through :— Duett, Mr and Mrs Flower; reading, Mr J. B. Colyar; chorus, Mrs Wheoler. Miss Hayman, Messrs Wheeler (2), and.Osborne (8), this was excellently given, and by request was subsequently repeated ; song, Mr H. G. Flower ; song, Mrs W. Norrish ; ohorus, Mr Wheeler and friends ; duet, Mr and Mrs Flower; recitation, Miss E. Joneß ; song, Mrs W. Norrish ; ohorus, Mr Wheeler and friends. Eaoh item was given m first rato ptylo. After tho Seoretary had drawn the attention of those present to a testimonial he was, by request, about to band to Mr Sawle, Mr Jones, on behalf of the Church and congregation, presented Mr Sawle with a purse of Bovoreigns, and m a few words expressed the pleasure it gave him m doing co, and trusted Mr Sawle would long be spared to minister to them. The purse, whiob was very handsomely worked, was pre sented by Mrs Clayton. Mr Sawlo m return ing thanks, said he oould hardly find words to express his feelings, but would feel greatly encouraged m his work by their kind appro oiation of his Bervicea. The meeting through' out was of a most enjoyable oharaoter, and after a vote of thanks had been passed to the ladies who had provided the tables, con cluded with prayer. The usual monthly meeting of tbo Ashton Sohool Committee was held on Monday, tho sth inst. Present — Messrs G. Gilmour (chair man), J. Brown, J. Croy, J, Ashton, D. Byan> T. Magee, and W. Croy. The Master's roport was read. It showed the attendance to have inereasod during the past month. Mesßrs ABbton and Magee staled they had in spected the school grounds, and suggested that the hollow places! m the play ground be made up. The gorso m the plantation required to be grubbed op, and the feuoes needed trim ming. It was resolved that Messrs Ashton and Brown eeo Mr It. Stephens and arrange with him to do the work. The Chairman was empowered to secure tbo sohool requisites applied for by the Master, Th« usual monthly acoounta wore passod for payment, after whioh tho meeting adjourned. A concert and ball m aid of tho Library Fund are announced to take plaoe m the Chertscy Schoolroom on Friday next, 9th inst. An English exohango says:— The most wonderful sight of the wholo Jubilee was the Queen of Hawaii trying to set her watch by the automatic weighing machine m a London railway station. " Rooaa on Itch." — " Rough on Itoh euros skin humors, eruptions, ring worm 1 tettor, salt rheum, froeted feet, chilblains' Hob, ivy poiion barber's itch.. 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible lot Hit opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE RANGITATA ELECTION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— Like "Another Kungitaia Kleo tor" I think "Bangitata Elect,, r" was gather too sanguine m oompariog Mr ■ ffnxton to the Roman Oorlolanus, bnt I venture to say if the fates permit, Mr Buxtons return to Wellington as member, (or Rangitata, he will oontinae a member of that angnst assembly for many a year to come. 1 don't pretend to be a prophet bat I hare this much oonfideaoe m Mr Buxtcn, m spite of " Another Rangitata Eleotor'a " fears as to his ability to review the rights atfd wrongs of past legislation, that he will so porfoim hie datlea and look after the present and futnreinttri'Stt of hit constituents without fear or favor that they will f*el It their bouudeu duty to keep him ibere, la reference to Mr Buxton not having tried his hand at local Government, will " Another Rangitata Elector " give ur Mr James Brown's reoord, who, he says baa retired m favor of an Inferior man. At present we can only recall bis school obmmittee performances, but pethtpa "Another Rangitata Elector" will ena merata them, for the benefit of the •lectori, or rather for Mr Brown's advan tage, should he ever seek their eufiV*goi. " Another Rangitata Elector " also says there la no ohoioe left for the Rangiuta tleotors. With your pormleeion 1 will point oat what the electors have to ohooflo between a Mr Buxton says, (see re port of hii speeoh at Goraldine ' Timaru Herald " Sept. 5 h). If he was elected he 'ifould like to travel through t le olony to bb4 its requirements, for then he would bo better able to take part m the discus sions Id the Hou'e for the good and well fare of the colony. He wonld bo In favor of doing away with free passes to members for six months m the year ; h^ would Dover use the pass to go to any place on his own business." On the other hand what would the Hon W. Rolieston do 1 He would do his utmost to oast the Stout Yogel ministry m favor of the Hall- Atkinson, which has been aptly called tbe tradition »1 enemy of Canterbury, aooept a portfolio £1200 a year travelling expeusea and a fine house m Wellington, but we cannot blame the hon gentleman for that fa moo oer^ainly to be preferred before a farm house amongst the lussooks on the ninety mile beach. I need say no more, the electors are not blind and the result of the p>ll will chow that they know how to appreciate a good man. Yours etc, i Elector No 3.

OPPOSITION MIS-STATEMENTS.

| TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— ln the ''Guardian" on Monday appears an article under the above head- Ing, In raply to which 1 should like to Bay a few words, The writer of the article m question affirms, I know not ou what grounds, that the Opposition party " Want to open the land to the land ■hatlcs once more bo that they can Increase tbtlr already vast dominions; they want to prevent their colossal estates contributing a fair proportion to the taxa tion of the country, and they want to hare their runs converted into freehold ; or their laaaes renewed lot a long term on easy conditions." In reference to this tirade I will merely say, first, that the law Absolutely forbids the renewal of the leates of the Canterbury runholders upon their expiration m 1890 ; and, secondly, so far as the Ashbuitjn eleotion Is o-n --oqrced, we can hardly look at Mr Walker, who is a equatter himself, and who U supported by tquatters and the financial lnfluenc3B of " Wast street," at the oham rSon of the popular party against Land Monopoly. One can scarcely imagine, by the wildest o:rotch of f incy, Mr Walker eritertiiuiog such Bintlments as are ex pressed by the author of "Ao Agrarian li»w for Now Zoaland." Then you favor as with a Ion; extraot from the " Wan ganal Herald " to prove the falsehood of the assertion that • " the Government want so enforce new and additional taxation of a crushing nature," about which the " Herald" waxes very warm. The " Wangsnai Herald," I may observe, is the organ of Mr Ballano*, who is one of its largest proprietors. The " Her*ld" boldly declares "that the Government have no wish to add to the burdens of the people, who are now paying about £2 par head m the shape of Oattomi duties, as against £3 6i five years ago, when Major Atkinson and his friends were m power. The Ooatoms revenue has fallen to the extent of nearly half a million during the time the Stout Ministry has been m oflbe." We have only to turn to offioial documents to find that during the finauoial year 1883-4, which was ths last financial year during which Major Atkinson was In office, the Customs revenue amounted to £1,396 687. whereas daring the financial year 1886-7, it amounted to £1,289,000 ; m other words, it had fallen, nut to the extent of nearly half a million as the " Herald" audaciously declares, but to the extent of £107,687 only, and, then having told this unblushing falaahood, the " Herald" using the same falsehood as a basis for its truths proceeds to abuse the Opposition for oharging the Treasurer with kfliotlng new and crushing taxation upon the country, The reason why the Customs le venue has declined m that year by £107, «57 is Bimply that the people are poorer now than they were then, and are consequently oompellod t) do without many comforts whioh they formerly enjoyed. Yet now, when the people are least able to bear it, the Government propose to extraot from their pookets. £186,000 a year more Custom's duties, and that, too, without making any serious attempt to diminish the public expenditure. Instead of les sening the expenditure to meet our diminished inoome, they propose to laave the expenditure alone and augment our revenue by further taxation It must cot be forgotten that m the course of the last three years, the Ministry have increased the taxation m many ways. They have, for instance, raised the Stamp duties, and the man who buys a piece of land for £100, vow pays 15s for Stamp duty, instead of 10s, whioh he would have had to pay when Major Atkinson was m office. Even the Bankruptcy Court is made a source of considerable revenue to the Government. Loosi taxation has also increased m one way and another during the last throe years, as the ratep*yera In this part of the country know full well, and the people are consequently less able to bear addi* tional heavy burthens, Bat surely the peoplo mast understand by this time that the question whioh they will ba called upon to decide on polling day is-— Additional Taxation, to the tune of £325,000 per annum, vartus Retrench ment. — I am, eto,, ASUBUBTOIf EIBOTOK.

BOROUGH ROADS.

TO TQE EDJTOB. Sir, —l see by your report of the Borough Council meeting on Monday livening last, the reason given by tha Ohalrman of Works Committee for not having hud done the promised work to Altken and William streets, li that " it would be lmpodiibla hitherto to do the work, the road* having been m such a bad state that oartlng shingle would have made them Impassable." When the tender was aooeptad for ■hingling, I allow the weather was bad, bat fioe weatbet aettlag In— ten days afterwards the roads were— comparatively speaking — as hard and dry as they are m summer, a fact I oan get others to corroborate. Why then did not ' the QontmUt.ee ft* tbat the work was put

]m hand 1 Because they preferred to let the contractor have a month's extension of tlma at the great inconvenience of the rateo&yero. We poor unfortunates In this part of the Borough are, I suppose, too insignificant to tike much trouble about, and I again say that the way the ratepayers, who use the streets m this part of the town, have been treated is thimefal. I may say with regard to my last letter being ordered to "lie on the tab'e," I have written before to the Oounoil, couohing my correspon dence m the studied language of " re- I ppactfally " and •' humbly request " e!c , etc , without the least effect Apologising for troublLg you At suoh length, I am, etc., W. B. Dbnshirb. Aitken street, September 7th, 1887

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

— - — . — + _ Auckland, September 6. Only some £00 has been collected for thp Queen's Fund, recently established for the old of women m distress, and at a meeting yesterday it was resolved that owing to the amallnesa of the amount subscribed, it ba presented to the Benevo lent Society, to be appropriated for tbe original Intention of relief to women m distress. It is felt that the Queen's Fuud originated too lite, as prior to its being started here, it bad been decided to estab lish a jubilee collection of pictures. Wellington, September 6. Mr Gurvoy, JPrjbatton Officer, bus re ported favorably of the First Offenders Act. All tuoae m Wellington who have been brought under it have behaved ex empUrily. The Stewards of the Wellington Racing Club this afternoon drew up their spring, summer and aatumn programmes. The •mount of added money as divided over the three meetings ia as follows :— Spring Meeting? (30th November and Ist Decem ber)— First day, £305 ; second day, £300; total, £605. Summer • Meeting (2nd and 4th Febroary)— First day, £770 : spoond day, £490 ; total, £1260. Autumn M >et ing (date not fixed)— First day, £275; second day, £260: total, £535 The grand total is £2400, which shows a teJaot'on of £320 as compared with thoee meetings last session. The principal reduction is made m the s'akes for the Wellington Gap, which Is reduced fiom £500 to £400, and the omißsion of the two-} ear-old race from the programme. In other events the reductions are trlfliug, while on the other hand an additional r*oe h»B been added to eaoh day's perform ance at the Spring and Summer Meeting. Tbe autumn programme remains the same as lsßt year. No decision ai to holding the usual Steeplechase Meeting was arrived at. Mr W. X Bishop received a ctble mes sage to-night from Melboarua announcing that the motion to oreate a District Grand Lodge of D.oids for the South Island came before the Grand Lodge of Australia, and was lost by f 8 to 28. OjlMiru, September 6 An elderly woman named Freeman, who wai badly burnt by her clothes taking fira on Sunday last, died m the hospital to-day. Dumedin, September 6. Intimation has been reoelved that Mr Wyllie, the " Herd Laddie," is to leave tor New Zealand on the 6 h Instmt. Mr David R. Hay is authorised to mike arrangements f"r the play.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

Tho usual monthly meeting of the Mount Homers Bond Board was held m their office on' Monday last. Preßont : Messrs Walker (chuirman), Harrison, McFarlano, Edson, and Chapman. overseer's report. The Ov.Tßeer's report was raad and | considered. It w«a resolved to call tenders for groin at Trinity Hill cuttiog. — It was resolved to repair road from Hakubu to Lake Heron station and to Mr Merewether's. — Tho matter of repairing Uoea'n Cutting was postponed for a month. — The question of Village Settlement Road was left m the hands of Messrs Chapman and McParlane to deal with. CORRESPONDENCE. Letters were read (1) From Mr John Baker, Comraiaaioner o£ Crown Lands, re Village Settlement Road — L-^ft m the hands of Messrs Chapman and McFarlane (2) From Mr J Rowe, asking certain qufistioDß relating to the Pound.— .Resolved that the Board could not give nn opinion —(3) From County Council stating that the proposal to grant £100 for repairing roads m Alford Forest Ward had on being put to the me ting been declared lost. — (4) From Mr Tripp, asking if the Board rofußed to pay for land taken m making the road to the coal pit.— Loft m the hands of the Chairman.— (6) From Mr A. Smith, asking if the valuation of ihe Lake Heron station could be reduced. — The Clerk was instructed to reply that it could not — (6) From Mr J. R. Colyer asking for the use of tho Boad Board Office as a polling booth on the day of general election. — Granted. — (7) From Mr J Cook, asking to hare Mr D. H. Potts name put on tho Roll for the Hakabu Estate m place of N Z.L. aud MA. Co. — Left m the hands of the Chairman to reply. COTTAGE. Mr Sharp interviewed the Board with respect to the rent of tho cottage, and offered 8s per week.— lt was resolved that if Mr Pharp stay m tho cottage for 12 months that the Board would refund one shilling por week. » DRAINS. Mr Forbes interviewed the Board with respect to drain adjoining his property. — Kesolved that tho Board give him liberty to clean out the drain. Mr W. Lyllian interviewed the Board with rfspept to culvert over drain adjoin ing his property, and asked the Board to contribute towards the cost. — Resolved that the Board had no funds available lor such works. OAIB Mr Simpson, manager of the Buccleuoh Estate, waited on, the Board and asked for permission to. erect gate on Milne's Road. — Granted. WARDS, In accordance with previous notice, Mr Harrison moved, "That the resolution of October 5, 1885, be rescinded, and that tha boundaries of No 1 and 2 Wards be the centre of Bowyeri'iStream from its outlet to tho Bucoleuoh crossing ; thence along Buooleuoh Road to the east corner of Section 29581 ; tbenoe along centre of Pound Road to the Pound ; thence along Tramway Road to north oorner of Section 17767 ; thonce along centre of road to west oorner of.Seotlon 22071." — On being pat to the meeting the motion was declared carried, Mr Edson only voting against. GORSE ON ROAD,. Resolved that tha Overseer have authority to give permission for sides of roads to be ploughed to prevent gorse from spreading. RETRENCHMENT. Resolved that the Overseer's salary be reduoed to thirty shillings per week. FAYAJENrS. Aooounts amounting to £122 8s 2d were passed for payment a,nd the Board adjourned,

AFFAIRS IN AFGHANISTAN.

[rbutisr's telegrams— oopybight.J I

St. Petersburg, September 6, The report that skirmishes had taken place on the 6th ultimo near Zulfikar between Herat soldiers and the border Russian troops is officially denied here.

ASHBURTON LIVE STOCK MARKET

Mr E. G. Staveley (for New Z aland Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited) reports on the life stock market at Aafrburton on 6-h iuat :— There were moderate entries of stock, Including aboat 4000 sheep, and a good attendance. The Bale was quiet through* oat, values being rather weaker, though most of the sheep penned were yount orcisbreifl. Medium fat crossbred ewes made 6i Gi ; fat mixed crosibreds, 8i 9i to 10s lOd ; forward 2 tooth halfbred wethera, , 10s to 10a 3d ; mixed 2 tooth crossbred* 7« 2d to 6s ; oroaabred hoggets, 5 3 6d, 6.. 2d, and 7s ; mixed crossbred*, m low condition, 4s 61 Several lines of sheep were withdrawn.

FIRE IN A THEATRE.

TERRIBLE PANIC. FEARFUL LOSS OF LIFE. OVER ONE HUNDRED BODIES RECOVERED. (Reuxeb Tbleqsams — Copyright) (Received September 7, 12.25 p.m.) London, September 6. A most disastrous fire occurred at the theatre at Exter, Devonshire, during a performance last night. On the fire breaking out a terrible panic arose and m the tush from the building the exit became blocked, and over a hundred persons were crushed to death. The victims were chiefly those who had occupied seats m the gallery. Up to the present time a hundred and thirty bodies have been recovered, but it is feared they do not represent the total loss of life.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

I [REUTBB'S TELEGRAMS— COPYRIGHT.]

THE MEETING OF EMPERORS.

Berlin, September 5 The semi-official " North German Gazette,'' referring to the announcement that a meeting will shortly take place between the Emperor William and the Czar at Stettin, declares the statement to be pure conjecture, and that no such meeting is arranged.

THE NEW HEBRIDES

Paris, September 5. " Le Temps," m an article this morn ing on the New Hebrides, says that a settlement of the question may be expected shortly, after the Parlia mentary recess. London, September 5. " The Times " says that the tactics of France with regard to the New Hebrides are unworthy of a great nation.

THE CHANNEL AFFRAY.

Affairs at Ostend are now tranquil.

THE SOBRANJE.

The new Sobranje will be elected on October the Bth.

MR CHAMBERLAIN.

Mr Chamberlain, before proceeding to Canada, will visit Ulster to prepare a scheme of local self-government for Ireland.

THE GERMAN ARMY.

It is reported that the German Consul at New York is recruiting for the German army,

LONDON MARKETS.

Consols have declined by }4 to 1 01^. New Zealand Inscribed Stock remains at 99^. Adelaide wheat, off coast cargoes, are realising 30s 4^d. New Zealand wheat, ex store, is quoted at 31s to 335, according to quality ; Adelaide flour, 245. The market rale of discount has advanced to 3^, The Bank rate remains at 4 per cent. Aus tralian tallow, average quality — Beef 23s 66, mutton 255.

A USTRALIAN.

[rkuteb's telegrams— copyright.]

REDISTRIBUTION OF SEATS.

.Brisbane, September 6. In the Assembly to-day the Bill for the redistribution of seats was intro duced and read a first time. The Bill alters the represcniation of Parliamen tary divisions by adding nine members to the present Assembly.

REVENUE RETURNS.

The revenue of the colony for the past two months shows an increase of ;£6a,000 as compared with the corres ponding period last year.

THE SEAMEN'S UNION

Sydney, September 6- The Federated Seamen's Union has completed negotiations for chartering the s.s. Bellringer.

MELBOURNE EXHIBITION.

Melboukkb, September 6. The Melbourne Exhibition Bill has passed through all the stages of both Houses of Parliament.

MAIL SERVICE.

Government has been asked to establish a mail service betweea Vic toria and the New Hebrides.

(Received September 7, 12.25 p.m.)

CIVIL SERVANTS.

Sydney, September 7. , The office hours of the Civil Servants have been fixed at 9 a.m. to 4.40 p.m. not 5 p.m. as previously announced.

A COMPLICATED CASE

Auckland, September 2. The complications which have arisen m respect to the license for an hotel at Went Tamakl came before the Licensing Court at Panmure yesterday. Mr Cooper who appeared for the obj actors, opposed the granting of the license on the ground that the town of Panmure was not within any licensing district, and the Committee were aoting without jurisdiction ; that ootlces of application were given Id the d'atrlot called Panmure and Weat T»r» --•kl licensing district, and there was no suoh district ; that no local option poll had been taken mfc West Tamaki difttriot, m whloh the house was situated, m 1582 or 1885. Mr Oetter, for the applicant, recognised the weighty nature of Mr Cooper's objections, and as they affeottd not only the present application, bat all houses m Panmure, he applied for an ad journmeut, whioh was granted,

THE KERMADEC ANNEXATION.

THE GROUP UNDER THE BRITISH FLAG, MOBE IBLAND SENTINELS. RETURN OP THE COMMISSIONERS. The Government Commfasionersy Mr Percy Smith (Assistant Surveyor-General), and Mr T. F. Oh«esetnan (the Curator ot he Auckland Muueutn), says the " Boll," returned to Auckland by train last evening via HelenßTille, to which place they had journeyed by steamer, having left the Stella at the Kaipara. THE OBJECT OF THE EXPEDITION. On the 12tu Auausfc the Stella, under command of Captain Fairohild, and having on board Messrs Smith and Cheeseman, and Mr Haszard, photographer, steamed out of the Bay of Islands for the Kermadec group of islands, which lie about 32deg. south latitude and 178deg. west longitude, for thq purpose of formally annexing them on behalf of the British. Crown They reached Curtis Island on the afternooQ of the 14th, having passed thiough a heavy B.E. gale on the day previous. They were, however, uoabi© to effect a landing here, owino; to the heavy sea running, and steamed on to Macaulay IfilanJ, some 22 miles further north, and from the ace went on to SUNDAY ISLANP, some 72 miles more. Here they fonid the steamer Richmond at anchor. The party stayed hore till the 23rd. Messrs Smith and Cheeeetnan did nothing them selves to the surveying and exploring the island. Sunday Island is very muoh like New Zealand, and has an altitude of 1600 feet above the ocean. It is exten sively wooded with the pohutukawa, and the ceil is extremely rich, and will grow almost all kinds of subtropical fruits, as well as mnny of thoße of the temperate zone. The island is of volcanic formation, and the central crater is spacious and uneven. It contains a lake of fresh water m an extinct crater bod. There fi also a smaller lake crater, which was m eruption as late as 1872, when the former inhabitants of the place left the island m fear of their lives. At present there is ONLY ONE FAMILY ON THE ISLAND, of the name of Bell, who are eleven m number, and who have got a considerable area under cultivation, producing nearly all they require m the way of food, except groceries, and having a surplus whioh they trade to the whalers for clothing aid other things they require to make np th* few luxuries of life they desire. The climate is said to be a very enjoyable one, and the Bells live a happy, contented, and quiet life. Amongst other things they have raised maize, yams, kaki (a large* taro), kumara, a kind of yam, sugar-cane, bananas, mamee apples, citrons, oradgee, shaddocks, grapes, etc;, while Cape goose berries, and many of the smaller fruits, grow wild, and m fact the island is CAPABLE OT OEO\TINO r 'ANTTHIKO, ■ : bo luxuriant is it m natural products. It is the ideal of an island home if one has no oare for the outside world, but it is almost entirely cut off from civilisation, visitors being lifce angels' visits, few and far between. Another drawback is its in accessibility, and also there is nothing bat open anchorage There is one bay oi the islaiid, but it m very difficult to get at from the interior, the path being most difficult and ratber dangerous, WATER SC'AECE. Another drawback to residence is a scarcity of water, owing to the volcanic formation mainly, and the rainfall only being barely sufficient for the needs of those on the is and. Around the lake there is is a bell of land having a volcanic deposit on it like that of Tarawera. Thrfre is a small hot spring m the place, FISH PLENTIFUL. Fißh are said to be plentiful, being caught freely— hapuka, kingfub, large kahawat, and an innumerable quantity and variety of others. Turtle were also aeen, and occasionally whales. BIRDS. Of the feathered kingdom there art tui and paroquets m great numbats ; hawks, larks, blight birds, pukeko, and grey ducks, pigeons, there are aoaroely any, having been exterminated by the cats which overrun the island. Wild geese and mutton birds are plentiful, ho*evit, and so are wild goats, while the family have some three hundred sheep m good condition. THE ABBA of this island is about 4000 acres, and would sustain a fair population, whioh doubtless ifc will some day* THE TOMB OF CAPTAIN DINHAM - is upon the island, and was seen by the Stella party. Captain Denbam, who was m command of B M.S. Herald, surveyed the island m 1854, and while here he lost his son from consumption, and his own remains wero also interred m the place. At this time there were a number of Americans upon the island from New York, of the name of Halitead. These were also joined by others of their countrymen, but all left about the time wo have lodioated. The fltgataff ereoted by Captain Clayton, of H.MS. Diamond, when he visited the place In July last, was also seen. THK FORMAL ANNEXATION took plaoe on August 17th. This cere* tnony consisted m the reading, by Mr Percy Smith of the proclamation of the Governot of New Zealand, Sir William Jervols, and the hoisting of the British flag. Mr Bell and his family were also present, and Mr Haizird took a photographic sketoh of the group And act of annexation. MAOAULAT ISLAND was visited on the 24th. This Island it about a mile long and three quarters of a mile wide and some 500 acres m extent. JNo water was seen, but the islaod looked fruitful and beautiful. Flooks of goats were seen, also a large black and white dog, but no sign of inhabitants. The island is inaccesdiblo exoept In two nlasas and is 800 feet high. It has a fine dope and excellent sward, whloh looked tillable, I the soil being good. It is of roloanlo formation, but theie were no signs of voloanlo activity. COURTIS ISLAND AND FRENCH BOCK were alao visited ; both, however, are more barren rooks, and of little use. BfR OHEBSEHfAN'S Mr Cheeaeman's mission was to obtain a knowledge of the hot toy of the {sUnd.!. He is well satisfied with the result he ha,i achieved, and bring* baokan excellent collacttoQ of the fj >ra> of Sunday Island, Toe vegetation, with a few tropical addt< tions, is the tame aa that of New Ztaland, and the nikaa is a native of Sanday Island,

GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER % 1887



11 BuoHo-PAiBA."--Quiok, complete curt, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. At chemists and druggists. &omp. tborne, Prassec {aad C 0.,, Agents, Obrjit- oh,uroh,



For oloso confinement, want of air, ?eden- tary habits and brain and nerve tire, trust m Hop Bitters (Ameriban Qo.'s) I^ead I^OljLQ^AY'fl P;i,|iS AND OINTMENX.—The attentiop of all sufferers is drawn to the^o ' wpll-kpown remedies, for they possess c'oh« epiououß a4rantsge« as a safe and reliable aid m all tboße emergencies to whjoq travellers, t emigrants and sailors are sq especially liable. ; They hare been largely patronised byway* i farers by laqd aqd sea, and, m fact, by all : classes of the community, to their very great ' adraqtage. The Pills are beyond all dqqbt pqe of the most effeotive remedies eyer dia« ' fl9*«rod for eases of obstjnete ogaatipation, ' fppfirmed indigestion and oqljo, oomplainta wbjeb are engendered by exposure and ir- regular feeding. The Ointment will ba found i of the very greatest earvioe m oases of piles, c abscesses, erysipelas, and all kinds of local t nlwufcimii. J WHKfS <



Kbatino'b Couan Lozenges oure Ooughß Asthma, Bronohitis. Medical testimony elates that no other taedioino is bo effectual m the cure of these dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone gives easo, one or two at bedtime ensure? rest. For relieving difficult breathing they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by Chemiita m Tins.



Wanted WANTED Teams for Contract Ploughing.. —O. H. Dowdin*. ColdstreAtn. A DANCE will be held m the Templar Hall, Tinwald, on THURSDAY EVENING- Dancing commences at 8 o'clock. Admission : Gents 2s. Ladioß invited. W4.NTED Known.— Our Mr ThompT son is now m Ashburton. Orders sent m at once will be promptly attended % - MiLNjßßand Thompson, H. M. Jones, Agent, A CCORDIONH from 10s to 50a ; Con- A certinas (10 keys), from 5a to 90a ; Mouth Organs, Is and opwardo. — H. M. Jones. WANTED Known— Final Clearing Sale of the balance of onr Win- ter Drapery. This being onr Clearing oat Salo, Goods will be Cheap for Cash only. — H. C. Seoers. Mnlford Honso WANTED known that HAVES A CO. baVe Large blocks on hand. For i farther particulars me new advertisement it thia issue. WANTED Koown—Oar Great Sale Is now on, come and jadge for yourselves. —H. C. tiiasßS, Melford Howe. ITTANTBD Known.—Ladies' Black V V Cloth Mantles we are selling at 3s 6d and 5s Cd. The wholesale prices of these goods were 10s lid and 13» 6d. (Just opened. Come and secure one.)— About 300 Ladies' and Maids' Jackets and Dieters, newest kinds, at ridiculous prices. Great Cash Sale, Melford Boise . WANTED CASH — Moir's . Oatmeal, 251bs, 2s 9d ; Ling Fish, 5d ; Driod Apples 4d ; 21b Tina Best Honey, lOd ; V<Btas,sd per doz.; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Tin Fruits, Is ; Cutting do. Is 6d.— Jamks McGregor, Tancrod Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps, Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Sirks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet •Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Bails, &c, &c, at Mbs Manhibb's Fancy Bepository, Saundsrs' Buildings.



PARTNERSHIP NOTICE. HC. CRAIG HEAD has great plea- , lure m intiniatiDg to tho Public lof Ashburton and surrounding districts that be has admitted Edwin Q. Craighead into partnership with him, and that the business will for the future be carried on under the style or firm of H. and E. CIUI9ITCAD REFERRING la the abovo, H. and E JIL Craiohead beg to announce to the Pnblic of Aahturton and surrounding districts that they have just lately received a large assortment of English and Colonial Tweeds, Worsted Coatings, See, suitablo for the present Season, and hope by striot attention to business, first-class fit and workmanship, to merit a continuance of that patronage co liberally bestowed upon their predecessors. H. & E. CRAIGHEAD, Tailors, 6 2 Tancred street, Ashburtbn. WANTED Known. —That Andrew Orr will during the next few weeks offer the whole of his Surplus Stock of Drapeiy, Clothing, and Boots at an immemae reduction. "TTTANTED Known —That A. Orr is V V now selling Ladies' Jackets at 5s lid to 7s Gd. One lot Ladies 1 Ulsters, fashionable shape, 6s 9d and 6s Od. WANTED Known.— That Fingering is 2s per hank. Ladies' Hose, 4d to lOd por pair. Gloves at half price. China Matting, (3d.— A. Orr'e Cheap Sale. WANfED Known.— A big lot of Ladies' Boots, nice quality, 4s 9d ; Childron'H Bocta, Is to 2s 6d ; Gcnte Boots, 7s Od to 11s 6d ; dents Ehoou at 3s lid.— A. Orr. WANTED Known.— Brussels Carpet at half price (being overstocked) Tapestry Carpets (greatly reduced. One Lot of Kemnanta of Dresn Goods at your own prices. v\ bite Calico at 2s 6d per doz.— A. Orr'a Sale. "VITANTED Known. —Boys' Suite, 3e YV lid ; Jersey Suits, 2s 6d ; Men's Suitu, splendid quality, 30s ; Shirts, Is lid ; Men'a Hats greatly (educed. — A. Orr'u Cheap Bale. WANTED Known. — Dressmaking Department ie now admirubty worked ; utyle and fitting giving the very highest Bbtißfaction. — Andrew Orr.



TO 7ABMERB. GRAZIERS, AND OTHERS. fflO LSFF for Grszing for Six Months, JL from Ist Beptembr.r, about 57 Acres of tbe b*st land m the District, within 10 mmntts wa)k of the Ashburton Post O*<*. Apply to B. M. CUTHBERTSON, Solicitor, Havelook street. B, S. BEAN, OOAL A9B FIREWOOD MERCHANT. X>IQS to inform his Friend* and the Pablio J3 smtnhj that he has some M/ary Timber on hand, and is prepared to take orders for Timber Bthtr foi Bridge or House Building purposes < BSBT NEWCASTLE, MALTERN, ASD WBBTPOBT COAL m Stock, delivered at CXKAFEST BATES. '" R. B. BEAN, . - West Btreet, Asbborton. TRY KIEKPATRICK'S NEW SEASONS JAM. SPECIAL NOTICE. KIRKPATBICK'S NEW SEASON'S . JAM is made from NELSON GROWN FRUIT, and boiled within a few hours after the fruit has been gathered. It thus retains most of the natural flavor of the fresh fruit. KIRKPATRICK'S NEW SEABON'B JAM is the most delicious preserve m the market. Do not be persuaded to buy cheap and uteri brands Jam, the remains of old stock, which mnst be sold at any price, Ink ASK for KIRKPATBIGK'ii NEW SEASON JAM, and see thai you get it. TH« BEST 18 ALWAYS TflE CHEAPEST. Kirkpatrlek's New Season { am 1 the beit.| Nfi&e is genuine unless our name is ta*apei en eaek tin, and has our •g'stered Tml» Mark "Lord Nelson' 95 ita label. I SJKirkpatrick&Co. MANTJFACTTJItEBS, 3 ; EOT



fit MS PREMIER COLONIAL COMPANY CANTERBURY BRANCH. FIRE AND MARINE RISKS, ALSO RISKS ON GROWING ;CROPS \rCEPTEIi AT THELOWhST CURRENT RATES. George Jameson,! AOSNT, ABBBURTON FIRE.! FIRE! FIRE! THEjWHGLE OFTHB s a l;iV a:.g c TT o:ck OF THE Timaru Woollen Factory Has been bought by an Ashbnrton Firm for CASH, MROREuL aadTTJRNEB having made the above purchase, will offer taa whol«"8TOUK Co tin AtbboVton and Bangtt*ta Blect«ifl f and their Wives and Fnailiw, at rach price* l cnly b* beHered by a personal interview with the firm, and an inspection of the goods BtCTBIMVWfc - * Nowihas come tot chance for BYBUYOHB to escoarage NEW ZEJALAND INDUSTKFES, And that too, with benefit tc ftnnselves alto. Urn* »b«ve Grand Lot of GOODS will be unpacked and opm* for BALE on XHTJBSDi^ RB3H 1 , when ear Windows will sbow -what marveUons BABGAINB can be bad m TWEEDS.; FLAISNELS, BUGS, MAUDS, BLANKETS, SUITS, CLOTHING, &c, &c, All through the FIBS FIEND at Timarn. Qnotations'aie misleading, COME 1 SEE !]!>ndJbe;CON VINOED, MITCHELI7& TUENEE, T^NCREJD STKEET. ?ALBEET EOBEETS HAS FOR SALE,— Clovers, — BED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRABB, COCKBFOOT, and RAPE. Golden Tares, Cape Barley, BEBD TEAM, SEED OATbJ(T»rioui kinds), CRDSHED;BEANS PLOUGH. SH ABES. COOPERS SHEEr DIP, Acknowledged to bo THE BEST IN THE MARKET.