The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1887. RETRENCHMENT AND ITS PROFESSORS.

The way m which the Loan Bill was ■debated on the .noiion for its second reading combined wi h the rushing of the Estimates through Committee, prove very clearly to our mind that the "roar for retrenchment" got up for party purposes m Otago during the late election campaign, and the pledges extracted from the various candidates with regard to further non-borrowing, wore the veriest of sham. We felt con vinced that the roar would soon be for gotten when once the member were fairly immersed m the fashionable dis sipation indulged m by Society m the Empire Ciiy, and that the pledges would be treated m the same way that all hustings promises have been treated since constitutional government was granted to the Colony, The Government will require the sum ot for debentures within (he next few months, and the North Island Trunk Loan — which has already been authorised by Parliament, but not y^t nrgntaited, will, according to pro mise, have 10 be raised shortly, and as if these were not enough for the Colony to struggle under m these times of depression the Loan Bill authorising another loan (ot Public Works Expenditure has already fiassed its second reading, and is now having a very smooth passage through Com mittee. It is true that some of the staunches! champions of the anti-bor rowing policy have proposed a few trilling reductions by way of amendments, but these have ail beqn negatived on the voices, or rejected by large majorities except m one instance when Mr Pea cock succeeded m getting the vote for Wellington new prison reduced to the extent of So much for the value of retrenchment promises and professions when used merely as elec , tioneering baits. There is another feature of the pro : posed Public Works expenditure which 1 deserves a passing note. We notice ; from the appropriation of the new I million loan that while the North Island —•more particularly the Auckland dis tricts — is to batten on public expendi ture to the tune of .£230,000 and Otago to the extent of some Canterbury has to be content with the modest sum of for extension to running lines. It may certainly be one ot those undesigned coincidences one meets with occasionally, but it strikes us as being more probable that the North Island and Otago have been rewarded for sending up such large contingents ot Ministerial supporters 3nd Canterbuiy punished for returning a strong phalanx on the Opposition side.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

In view of tho present attitude of Ilussia referred to m our cablegrams tho following remarks were, according to tho "Paris Figaro," recently made by a cousin of tho Czar, the Granl Duke Nicholas: — "Franco makes ready for lior levengo, and sho does well But she bliows her great good aenso m rofua itjg to bo moved by the continual vexations of her neighbor. May eho oontiniio to prepare ftndt) perfrot hor armament, nnd to majte her soldiera heroee, like fhoso whoso exploits aro famous m history. On her side Russia docs not remain inactive. Sho labors every where to destroy German influenoo. All our family, as everyone knows, lova Franoe. All tho efforts of tj>o Czar aro directed to diminish moro and inoro llio Ocrcaau influonco wbioh. at one time was great among our dignitarjos. Soon our whole Government will contain only men who love Franco. Till then, I repeat, let not Frapco disturb herself, for at the present moment It will bo difficult fo obtain our effective allianco m oaso of war. Jn a short time all obstacles will have disappeared, #n<3 I mil be the $rst m case of war do range myself m Ihe ranks of tho Fxonoh array, which I love with all my heart. My oxampla, you mgy be cure, wjll tie] follow^ by rgany j

The Railway Department announce a cheap excursion to^Dunedin, Invercargill, and the LakepT A cricket match was played yesterday m lie Domain between teams representing ABhburton and Timaru. The local team were the victors by an innings and 55 runs. The detailed scores will appear m next isßue. Taking advantage of tho holiday yesterday tho Ashburton Presbyterian Church choir hold a picnio at Laghmor, tho use of the Btation having been kindly granted by Mr Donald MoLoan, Tho day's outing was much enjoyed by all the party, who numbared twenty-live nil told, and they returned lato m the evening well satisfied with the day's enjoyment. A telegram received from Christchurch this morning says :— Tho fourth and last of tho series of entertainments by the Green woods took plaoo last night at tho Theatre Eoyal before a largo and appreciative audience, who wore so satisfied that they encored nearly every item. Tho Company loavo for Ashburton to-day, and will appear at tho Oddfellows' Hall on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Messrs James Smith and H. P. Barnes, advanoo agonts for the Lynch Family of Bell ringers, arrived m Ashburton yesterday to make the necessary arrangements for their opening here on Boxing night. Mr W. Zander has a very fine tray of trout on view to-day. They were caught m tho Ashburton rivor yesterday by a party of four of our looal lißhormoD, and show that only skill is required to make a good haul of these lino fish. Tho largest is about 51bs m weight, and tho whole catch totsjup over SOlbs. Tho principal theatre m Brussels La Mon naio has been provided with a water curtain, or, m other words, with an ingenious piece of mechanism whereby a shower will descend, m case of flro, from tho summit of the pro acenium, and will constitute a rauoh more efiicicent protection than an iron curtain, which soon becomes red-hot and warps and shrivels. Ten staircases furnish immediate means of ogress to the largest audience that oan assemble within the walls of the theatre, and there are besides four means of exit for the orohestra, a& well .as speoial esoape-doore for the company. The " Taieri Advocate " says : — Barbed wire has its usefulness, but it has its bad qualities also. When conversing with a Dunedin saddler the other day ho told us that owing to the damaged condition of tho hides, B through the bullocks being injured by "barbed . wiros, ha was afraid ho would be oompollod j 2 to oease purchasing New Zoaland leather and : fall back entirely upon the Victorian article. Barbed wire makes euoh horrid boots and , rips m the bides that a largo amount of ' leather has to be cut to waßte. Tho "Wairarapa Star" says:— -"A well. r known settler m the district has confided to us a method by which he believes the rabbit ~ peat can be reduced to a very harmless extent, and, at the same time, utilised. His method is to get young pigs and roar thorn m confino .maut. .rendering them tamo and thoroughly s domesticated, till fchoy are about threo months d old. Thon their education as rabbit huntere if oommeonos. If proporly attended to the >, young pig will follow tho owner like a- dog c It is to be taken out to a rabbit burrow ; the r burrow ia to be dug out to about six inohes of c the neat ; a young rabbit is then withdrawn S and given to tho pig, which having devoured s it, follows up by making a square meal of the ;, family. Next day it ia takon to a now burrow. - This ia partially dug |out (not so much as '- before), and the pig is allowed to do the rest c of the work. Having required a relish for - young rnbbit flesb, Mr Pig will readily do the 5 work, and uo go ouf nnd rnnt nut tho poat on S his own account. Oar informant says that t with a pig so trained he has seen burrows 3 torn opon, and ilax bushes uprooted m tho S operation with a rapidity that is simply amazing. By this prooess the rabbit llosh ia c transformed into pork, whilo land ia cleared n of the poet at the same time. At his request !i we give tho suggestion to our country sub y scribers, and thoso who may try the experi. t mont are invited to furnish their experioncoa."

There ia nothing more remarkable m the history of railway entorpriae that the develop mont of tho traffic that has ooourred on Indian railways within the last ten yoara, to go no furthar back. In 187G (saya "Brad streol'a Journal ") tho total quantity of goods traffic carried on all the railways of India was 5,750,000 tons. In .1886 the quantity was about 19,000,000 tons. In the year 1876 tho mileage opened was 6833 miles, so that the volume of goods traflio carried per mile was about 800 tons. In 1886 tho mileage open waß 12,370, so that the average volume of traflio carried per milo was over 1500 tona. Tho aggregate volume of traffio m the interval had fully trebled, and tho average traffio oarried por mile opon had almost doublod. Notwithstanding theao remarkablo resulta, the traffic which haß been developed on the rallwaya m India is leaa m proportion to tho' population than that of any country m the world. This is especially the caso m regard to goods traffic, which only ropresenta o'os of a ton per head of the population, as com pared with throe tona per head m Canada ond over seven tona por head m tho United Kingdom; But tho goods traffio of India is likely to developovery rapidly m the future, and especially m agricultural produoo, of which only about 4,000,000 tona aro now annually transported, as compared with 75,000,000 tons m the United States for loss than a fourth of the population.

Skinny Men.— " Wella' Health Rennwcr," roatorea health and vigor, cures Dyspepaia, Impotonoo, Sexual Dobility. At ohomiats and druggists. Kompthorno, Prosser, and Go, ageatß, Ohrifllolmroh 2

WHITE AFRICANS

Tha Btalemoht contained In Ri<3or Hoards n.ntr mm*), ''Allan Quarter mil 11," ooncornlng tho ex'.stouca of whito raoea In tho interior of Africi, liqh reooiv d a moKt remarkable- confirm ition from tho mm who, above "ill otliure, i-i quilifiod to epoak on the Huhjecf, tho ' .New York World." Zobhr PAehti, tho grnrd old alavo kin» of Central Afrtoi, whom tho Gorman travellr, Dc Sch»oivifurth, doscrlhea In 1871 aa llrln(» m a p%!aoa " whoro visltora wore oonduoted through halls of ct^to by rlohly drossod mid bt entive alavos, and where chained lions guardud tho dors, and soldiers m maU arraonr Tralted on hifl will, (a now a onptlve io tho Britten f ftrena of Gibraltnr, whither ho was deported ftfom BJcypt come t«q yearn ago, m conseqaonae of hU suspected oomplioltv In t^o boudan rebplllon." Talking t'lo other day to a correspondent, about tho Blavo couutrloa on the Whito Nl!o, which aro entirely Havana, ho romaikoi :— " At Sak«r^ aud Bsnghioh, m tho very ho^rtof tho Hlavo oMjntry, thoro arc tribes a? v/hlfca nn Europeans, with lonur and allky hair. Ta« boards of tho old mon flomotimoa I roach down to tfieir foot." .^bhr, m desorlbini' otdord of tho blaok trlboa, no-jorto that cnnnibalJem sti!l prevails, aud that many of thorn eat nono but human fljah. "Moa and women nro sold m the markets by the pound, exactly aa one aolla inatton uud beof, The old Rn d fat are preferred. Spnietimea tjioy are Bold cJ«ad and cut up."

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Friday, Dkoember 10. The Council met at 2.30 p m. QUESTIONS, Mr Stevens, m answer to Mr Poocrck, said that Government would provide a small Bum to assist In repairing the road from Culver den to Hanmer plains, DIVISIONS . A motion by Major BailHe that divisions should be tukon In tho same manner aa In tho Hnuee of Lords was lost, as also W/i8 tho amendment to tho motion malohy f?ir bVederlok Whi taker. The Speaker having considered the mlatako mp.d'j iv the divtßlon M?t on the oeotncl roadin.c; of tho Gith H'gh School Bill on Wednesday last, v/lion Mr Wahawaha'd name wa3 recorded with the Noes instead of tho Ayis, eaid ho should reinstate the order foe tho secozid reading ->f tho BIH on the Order paper for next day. A COMPLAINT. • Mr Buckley complained of a paragraph which appeared m to day 'a •' New Z jaland Times " relative to the manner m which he had recorded tia vote on the second reading of the Glrla High School Bill. The paragraph taxed him with voting against the same Bill he had fatheted m the Ooancll last year. He bad not introduced the Bill, and had voted against it. The matter then dropped, BILLS PASSED, The C.vll Service Reform Bill, Native Lond Administration Repeal Bill and Govornment Loans to Local Bodioa Bill were read a third time and pasßod, THE lAN© BILL, Mr Stevons moved tho second reading of tho Laod Aot Amendment Bill, Mr McLean and Mr Miller supported the motion. Tho Oouacll at 5 p.m. adjourned to 7.30 p.m. On resuming, Iho aocond roading of the Land Bill wo a agreed on the voioes: Iho Bill waa then committed. Mr Bonar moved m clause 33 that constitution of land boards be struck oat, thus abolishing the boards. ' Progress was reported, and leave given to sit again. .. THIUD READING. The Christchurch Hospital Bill, Christ oburoh Drainage Keaarves Sale Bill, and Building Societies Bill woro committed, reported wUhoat amendments, and paeaed the final stages. SECOND RFAWNGS. The Otigo Harbor Board Amendment Bill was read a second tlmo. Mr Johnson moved the second roading of the Pukekohe Borough BUI nnd Waira rupa North County OouhoU Empowering Bin; Mr Buckley moved the adjournment of the Oamaru Harbor Board Loan Bill. Agreed to, and the Council adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Fiuday, Dkokmbkb, 16. The Uouae met at 2.30 p.m. WKBTPORT HAl'inT COMMITTEE^ Mr Whyte brought up tho report of the Wpstpnrt Harbor Committee, and moved that It be laid on the table. Mr O'Conor hoped that the House would ina'st on the evidence being laid on the table also. That evidence w»a ob tained at great coat, and bo thought that the fullest publicity should be given to it. Se moved that the report be referred back to the committee bo that evldenoe might be attached to it. The report of the Committee was read, It recommended that tho colony shool] resume control of the |Weatport.;harbor works. Me "Why to explained that the reason why ovidence was not laid on. the table w»b because the Committee considered that reflected on private persons who had no opportunity of defending themselves. Considerable discussion ensued, Mr O'Conor defended his action on the Board at great length. The amendment was loaf, and tho report ordered to Ho on tho table. ADJOURNMENT. Tho Premier moved that the House at Ub rising adjourn till Jl o'olockjtc-morrow, The motion wdb agreed to. QUESTIONS. The Premier asked that questions on the Order Paper be postponed till next day AB3KNT WITHOUT LEAVE. Mr Samuel pointed out with reapoot to a question which he had put on tho paper referring to dlrqualifioatlon of certain members of the Legislative Council, that on. farther enquiry he found that Dr Meozlea and Mr Holtnei had not forfeited their aea b owing to abeeooe without leave. He had found, however, that Sir Frederick Whitakec th 6 Attorney-General, had been abeont two sessions from the Oouooil, which was a far more important matter, as the Attorney. General waß a goutleraon§who had Jto eaquiro into the alleged disqualification of other coun otllorn. Tho Premior aiid tho raattor wob at present undor consideration of the Crown Caw Oflioors. NATIVE LAND AnMINIBTBATION. The .Native f and Administration Act Amendment Bill was received from the Legislative Council and read a first tlmo. FIJTANOIAL DEBATE, Mr Kerc resumed the debate on the motion for going into Committee of Supply. Flo condemned tho borrow ing proposals of tho Government. Mr Downie Stowart expressed his opinion against large borrowing. Mr Buchanan thoroughly agreed with the last speaker that there werejvarlous items on the estimates which it was very desirable should bo otruck oat, and he hoped that many of those sums would be thrown ont. Mr Mills said that ho and aome of hla friends had decided to endeavor to reduce the loan by £250,000. They admitted that a certain amount of borrowing wub required, but thought it might bo limited to £750,000. Mr Ward would like to know who those honorable gentlemen woro who wore referred to by Mr Mills. If certain votes wore struck ont thoao momburj miglu find t^at another combination of members would retaliate, UOMMITTISB OF SUri'LY. Tho Hoaao wout into Oommlttoo of Supply. At 5.30 p m. tho House adjourned. Tho Committee reamnod at 7.<> op m. CLiai 3— Vote for Kew Plymouth- Foxton railway, £1200; Wellington- IToxton £500; Uuruuul north wards, £100; Springfield branoh, £400; Lincoln-Li ttl.o River, £800.— P«>BBed. Olais 4, vote— roigs, bridges, acd wharves north of Auokland, £3870.— Pkßtiod. Vote— main rosdu ? £18,66,0. Mr Br\iae moved to reduce it by £1000, Item for road Hokltlkato Ohrlstchuroh, Amendment withdrawn, and vote passed. Vote—miscellaneous roadß and bridges, £34,5?0. Mi* MenteuLh, moved to recuoo tho ' votn by £l U\ order ao tont tho fooling of the Committee f-s to thla class* of voto 1 boju^ retained on tho oatirnatea iq future, \ Tho voto paßtjod. ' J Vote— Granta In aid, £72,600.— P*<jßod. v Vote — Roads to opon up lauda before N sales £00,000.— P^ua^d. Voto— VilLogo Bottlomonlfl, £23,000.— PuHsed. ~Y y o tp — RUnigtor of Mlnea — Hoada on < goldfleWH, di'il.OOO.— Paaspd. J Cla^fi s— Voto for waterworks on gold* v fiolda, £120d.-Pa B sod. Class o— Voto for purohaee of Native Unds. £1000,— PftBBed, )

Glass 6 -Vote, telegraph extenalon, £20,100.— Passed. Class B— Vote. pviblio bulldinga, £109,000, Mr O'Calloghan moved to strike out the i>em £3000 for departmental build iugs at Auckland, Amendment lost by 48 to 28, Mr McKenzle (Waihemo) moved to 1 reduo3 the Item by £ICOO. ! Lost by 41 to 33. Passed aa printed. Mr O'Oallagan moved that Item £300 for the Port Chalmers courthouse be struck out. Lost by 47 to 28. Item — now prl-ion for Mount Cook, Wellington, £4COO, waa. reduced by £5, tho Intention being that Government ahould not commit tho O'>nvnitteo to -a further expenditure uatll full information was bofoio them. Item, Pocirua Lunatic Asylum £2000. Mr Allen moved to reduce the uame by £100. Lost' by 38 to 15. Item passed.

THE MAJERONIS.

Bfr Llddy arrived In Ashburlon last evening to make arrangomouta for Sigoor and Siguora Mageroni's firat and only appearance. Tho will be at the Odd fellows' Hall on Friday evening. " The Foundry Master "—one of the best pieces, If not the best, m the fllajeronis repertoire — will be produced. The plot of " The Foundry Master " Ib shortly aa follows : — Philippe Derblay the 7 master, la m love with Olalre de Beauiieu, a high born and rluh lady, and haa not the courage to declare bla passion. Claire is batrothed to her cousin the Dake de Flignoy, who, during a (somewhat logthy aba nee, frequents gambling tables, and loae3 heavily. A riah parvenu, Moalinet, lends him money, and desires m return the marriage of the nobleman to hia daughter Athenaia. The Duke allows himself to be epoken of as betrothed to A.Lhenale, and Olairo hoara of the scandal jaat when Bhe has beooma weary of wait- Ing tor his return. Indignant at his supposed faithlessness,, ohe declares that ahe will marry Philippe, and the marriage ia shortly afterwards solemnised. Olairo and Athenais, as girls, had been pupils tt the Saore Cob tr Convent, where Athenais had envied the aristocratic bearing of Olaire. She now gloats over her triumph, for the Dake marries her, and thus her social position Is higher tha a that of her rivrl. Olalre, after marriage, does not conceal her aversion for her husband, and they live apart, though they accompany one another to the gaieties of society, where Athenais does not aoruplo to flirt shamelessly with Philippe. Olalre, at last, is roused to jealousy, and before n largo oompany orders A'.henals and the Duke— the laßt having insulted her by proffering his love for her — to leave her houae. The Duke refuses to loave unless Philippe functions Oiaire'u denunciation. Philippe does sanction It, and a duel with piatola m the consequence, Piillippe does not fire, and tho Duke's bullet strikes Olaire, who arrives m time to save her husband's life. Hupplly, her wouud la not fatal, and the curtain falls upon the reoonoiled

ASHBURTON HISH SCHOOL.

« , The annual distribution of prizja at the Aehburton High School took plaoe yeator day murning. The prooeedlngaoommenoedahortly after 11 o'olook at the (Girls' Schoolroom which had been prettily decorated with flowers for (be occasion. Mr Jameßon presided and explained that the Chairman of tho Board of Gover nors would have boon present had he not been engaged m Parliamentary dutlea at. Wellington. The speaker oomplimonted the pupils upon their bright and healthy appearance which the toila of tho final exomluatlon* had evidently been unable to Impair. Apologies bad been reoolvod from aome of the gentlomon who usually attended, on account of a variety of duiieß and engagements, The report of tho mistress was read by the Secretary and was of a very en couraging character. The Chairman then called upon Me D. H. Brown to present tho prlzaa, After the prizaa had boon presented, the company adjourned to the Boys' side, where a similar ceremony was gone through. Mr Buchanan, the Master of tho Boys' School, reported favorably of the achoul, m point of numbers and progress. The Key D. MoNiool presented the prfzip, and urged upon his youthful auditory the great Importance of a liberal eduoatlon. The following is the list of prize winners : — GIRLS' SCHOOL. Division 1,, Clues I. — L. HefEord ; M. Meharry. Class II.— C. Brown ;E. Low. Division IL, Class I, — May Brown. Clasß II — JR. Buchunan. SI'ECIAL PIUZES.' Dux of tho school. — M, A. Williamson, ! E. A. Ort> equal. Attonrlanco — 11. Hayes. General. — Edith Brown. Painting. — A. Shiny Diligence. — It. Millar. BOYS' SCHOOL. Division IV. — Buchanan (1,,) c'assics; McLennan A , mathematics ; Buchanan (II.) English. Division 111. — H. Chapman, class prizs. Division H, — Norman Orr, olaso priza ; J. Jameson, 2nd prioo ; Buohanan (TIL), Latin prize. Division I.— F. Footer, 1 ; Oartls (III), A, Fpeoial Awards. George Clark, good oonduofc ; CucMb (I.), progceaa ; Outtla (II.), arithmetic Mr Jameson, on behalf of the Board, proposed a voto of thanks to the Btaff of both schools.--TheHead Muster thanued the Chairman on bohalf of himself and tho lady toachera. Tho procoodiDgs tar tninatod after the usual ohoering, m which boys are allowed to Indulge on such oooaßions.

RAILWAY RETURNS

. «. ,- Wellington, Deoomber 15. Tho railway returns for tho four woeka ending r ovembor 12tb, 1887, are as Eollow : — NORTH ISLAND. Expondl- I'ci" Receipts. tnro. ceut. & H i) i> s D ' liawakuwa .. 308 1 7 200 5 0 GV77 ' WliniJKurel .. lfio -1 4 108 14 I 103 01 \u000cnd .. 7.-100 H 1 0,320 4-1 83-«5 Nnpicr .. .. 4,781 13 5 2,153 11 3 0303 Wellington .. 4,882 8 9 8,17-4 17 0 78-30 ' iiftingnnul «. 4,003 7 4 4,059 1 2 04-24 ; Total .. 22,321 $• 0 letTO9 ( 3 13 7* bO^I ' M;Di>LE 'ISLAND, ' I ?HViiijui-BluU .. 41,80-1 'fl 0 25,Q28 19 7 00-61 < Iroymoutli .. 2,0?0 10 5 1,287 6 0 84-07 « Vcstport.. .. 1,354 611 000 O 4 50-46 1 Jelson .. 4 . Cll 10 588 0 8 8-1-31 • Mctoa .. .. 3UO It 0 381 15 4 11015 t Total 40,001 010 81,607 15 5 oTo3 * l b c Irnuil Total  08/103 15 4 -18,561: 9 0 727G 6 Oorresponding period last yoar : — NOHTH ISLAND, Iftw/ikowft . '101 0 3 2ij{ a a q 3 . 10 'Imnt'moi .. 3fi3 0 d 2(2 11) 4 82-24 n llokliiutl .. 7,48-1 1 2 0,1)37 0 1 85-54 ftlpior .. .. 4,911 5 2 2,820 17 10 58-53 r 'clllngton .. 5,010 10 1 3,301 0 \ 70-41 fi 'nugauui .. -1,074 8 4 -1,335 5 2 1)7- -IS) Totals .. 23,1-18 5 8 17,902 0 0 80-20 MIDDMS ISfiAND. tl urnnui-lllun: . . 41,078 18 -I 30,500 15 1 74.53 rojmoiitU  1,530 6IX !>73 7 1 87-Ofl 'flstporfc... .;. 1,308 ltt « 070 14 0 -iG ; 4I Olson .1 :. 01G fi 10 620 8 1 70-38 " lolou „, •„ 028 17 10 482 12 11 10V47 < Totals '+. 45,850 4 4 33,105 17 1 "Ta^O 1, LRUa XQtftii „ 00,007 10^0 WfiW 17 i" "7?Bi jP

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

« (Fiiom our Correspondent. ) Wellington, Deoembor 16. VE&Y DULL. Aa ,tho end approaches things are jotting very dull, and all the Ilfo ieema to be knocked out of members Many are making tholr final preparations for leaving Wellington. WOBK3 ESTIMATES. It is understood that a considerable aum, probably £100,000 or £150,000, will bo knocked off the Pablic Works Statement. WBSTPjBT HARBIR. The report o? the Weotport Harbor Board Oomraittoa was brought Ep thta aftornoon. A motion was ruado that it be laid upon the table, and ba reforred to the Government f ; r consideration. Mr O'Oonnor contended that the evidence ahould be produced, and not allowed to be kept m obscurity. He wanted the House to discuia the question, and not have so important a matter slummed over; He moved that the report be reforred bask to the Oommittee In order that the evidence might ba attached to the report. The report was read, and was to the effect that the works were not being carried out satisfactorily ; that they should not ba continued by the Harbor Board, but that the colony should resume control of them, GETTING THROUGH. The Government hope to get both the Financial Statement debate and Estimates dlapoaed of to-night, and to-morrow the House will probably sit m the morning to got through this part of the work. The Legislative Council will Bit to-morrow, and also on Monday. OTAGO OENTftAL. The Attorney-General to-day gave notice of motion to the ef! ;t that it ia Inadvisable to proceed furtr. r this session with the Otago Central P ■■'■ vny Bill. OVERWOKKED LKCiS'.ATOUS. Members of tho Opp U.iaiabar hay been really hard worked ..urlog the last few days, as compared with tnelr usual onstom, and last night they aatually eat till twenty minutes to eleven, whloh is more than flish and blood can stand and some of ' the members are en strike against the system. To-day the Attorney- General moved that the Council at its rising adjourn to Saturday next at 230 p.m., and that the Council Bit on Monday at 2.30 p.m. The Hon Mr Reynolds moved to insert m reference t > Saturday " and adjourn not later than 11 35 p.m." The amendment was negatived by 18 to 12, and the motion was carried on the voices. Some speculation ia being ex hibited as to whether the House will sit on Sunday morning, m view of getting through by Thursday, whloh day la now mentioned for the prorogation. (fIrAGO CENTRAL, As waa anticipated a few days back Government have '! chucked " over Mr Viuceut Pyke'a Railway BUI, whioh they fathered m the Lower House to gain his Bappoit, und m the Council Sir F. Whltaker has givon notice- of tho follow ing resolutions : — (1) Thut this Council ia of opinion that uo authority should be given to construct the Otagq Central Railway as proposed by the Bill before tho Council. (2) That any Kill to authorieo its construction should provide for the contractor taking over upon reasonable terms that portion of tha lino constructed by Government. (3) That ifc la too late this to deal aatisfac factorily with the subject, and therefore the present Bill should not be further proceeded wltb. Naturally Mr Py lre Is furious at Government, and it is bolieved that he will In consequence withdraw his support; VACANCIES. In the HoDse this afternoon Mr Samuel explained that on looking up the journals of the Council he found that Mesars Holmes and Menziea had bee a m their deals for one or t,vo sessions m which he h&d believed they had been absent, and ' his roraurka In regard to them were incon-eot. He had ascertained, however, these were two soseiocs Sir F, } Whltaker had not taken his seat, and as the question of the legality of those Oounoillorß taking their seats was referred to Sir Frederick, the qaes'.ion was a very Important ono, No discussion took place on the question, but the Premier inti mated that the subject wan now under consideration of the law offioera of the Grown. WORK FOR THE UNEMPLOYED, Numerous proposals have been .made during the present session to ameliorate tha lot of the unemployed, and they have apparently, m the vioinity of the empire oily at any rate, found a new friend m Mr Fi'zherbert, who wishes to have the line from Wellington to Petone straight ened. *SLq is urging on Government to introduce next session a Bill authorising the straightening cf the line by a com pany or a syndicate. To anyone who has been over this line the Idea of having such a work done for any other purpc se than providing work for the unemployed 1b very amusing. SCORED ONE, The tabloa were turned rather unex pectedly on the momber for Buller, Mr Eugene O'Oonnor, this afternoon, but whether he got the worst of the position fs a matter for discuasloD, The Chairman of the Westport Harbor Committee was cxplttlilngto tho Houbo the reasons why, m their opinion, the evidence taken before them should not bo printed, and he stated that the Committee had rooeived from the loading man lie the diatriot a letter whioh fully bore out their ideas, and had had some effect oa their deliberations. Some iiitoreßt was manifested as to the nature of this letter from the " loading man," and as the Chairman did not state who waa (li 3 correspondent, Mr O'Oonnor enquired his name. " Eugene O 4 Oonnor " replied the Chairman, and he proceeded to read ihe letter — which fully corrobo rated all ho had said — amid roara of laughter. LOAN BILL, Rumorß of various descriptions have been floating about to-day as to an attempt which is to bo made to reduce iho ap propriationa m the Loan Bill • A c^uons or combination of members, principally now man from districts which do not drop m for aoy of tho pluma was hold to-day, to dltoaea tho position, and arrango aoina plan of action, bub so far aa 1 can garhor they dodder! to do nothing moro dnn gorous ihan watch the Estimates, and en deavor to effect reduoiioiiß whore they cm bo mado, without inflicting injury up m looalitioe. It io generally thought, how ever, that tho Bill will get through with out any difficulty. Tllffi HEATHEN CHINEE, " From a return laid on the table to-day, I eather that during the' laut six montliß 133 Chinese have qowo into tie colony who have paid poll tax, and 323 who have exemption certificates, while eight athera have naturalisation certificates Since the Chinese Immigration Act came Into force m 1881, 412 exemption cer iifioatea on'y have been issued, while no naturalisation certificates have boon ;rantod p.t all, bo that there haa been lome haokoy-pankey work aosiewhere, Wfli^iNGxoN, Dooombor 17. THE EDUCATION BY3TKM. Mr Birron is going to nek tljo Minister if liduoitlon whether ho will act oa the ecommcmUtion contained In a repott rom tho Select Committee on Education ' o that no material charge ahull h.e effected a the present system of education pend ho reeulfc of (ur^hor Inquiry next session, SCGGESTIVK, Tho following aug^oatiro qurslioa haa ppu tablod by Mr O'Oaliashsm — . Whether Government will next session jiw.j; m a Bill to provide that i\ny liuisler of the O>ovm appropriating üblio money to othe? pur^oeea than tboae 4

for which specific authority of this Houbb nhall have neon provided Bhall be subject for indictment forouoh misappropriation." MILITARY. I undorntand that considerable redac tion aro contemplated m the Permanent Military shortly, but that the Torpedo Corps and Permanent Artillery will ba „ continued at their present strength.

CRICKET.

» ■■■ ■ [heutbr's telkguams —copy right,] Melbourne, December 16. Tho return match betweon Mesara S'-.aw and Lilly white's team and elevan of Victoria commenced hero to-day. Not withstanding th<9 fine weather there waa but poor attendaßc.l. The wicket pro vided w *b an excellent one. The Victorian,-), who went In first, were all disposed of for 68 rum. No important aooroa wore made. The visitors then commenced their ficst innlnga, nnd whon stumps were drawn for the day had lost two wickets for 178 rano, towards whioh Reid contributed 88, Ulyett 29, and Shrewsbury 86 (not oat) and Lohmann 13 (not out).

A DISPUTED LEASE

Nat-iisr, December 16. The civil business of the Supreme Court commenced to-day with a peouliar case, m I whloh Mra N. Williams Bought to have a lease of a section of land to D. Hltohman declared void on the alleged ground of fraud. Defendant bid for a lease at auction ths condltiona being a rise of rent every seven years. The lease made out by a aollcitor, now dead, contained provision for Buch Increaso3, but It was not completed, tbe omission not being dla oovored until reoently. The plaintiff had Instructed another firm to draw up a lease, and denied authorising the aollcitor m question, who was employed by the defendant, who, however, denies that he gave any specific instructions, leaving tho solicitor to fi'id out the terms of the lease from plaintiff's agent. The oaae oooupled all day, and will be continued to-morrow;

ST. STEPHEN'S GARDEN PARTY.

»■ The annual gardon party m connection with St. Stephen's Church, was held at the Parsonage grounds yesterday. The weather was all that could be desired, and the attendance fully came up to expecta tions. The parsonage gardens are ad mirably adapted for an assemblage of the kind, and that of yesterday was a very gr<;at success. On Thursday, and yester. duy morning the Rev Mr Scott, and a number of willing workers were busily engaged erecting tentft and otherwise making; preparations for the expected Influx of visitors. Although, of ooarso a large proportion of the people came m the evening, still there was' a very good attendance during the afternoon. The visitors spant the afternoon m the various games, facilities for which were provided t ia strolling round the pretty gardens, or la inspecting the stalls. Theae latter pre sented a very pretty eight, being tastefully decorated with fl jwers and evergreens, and being disposed under the shade of ♦ ha bait of tall trees whioh lines the front of the grounds. The firßt stall to olalm attention wa3 that devoted to faucy work, the ladlbß who presided being Mesdames Bullock, Reatell, A. Oartls, 0 0. Fooka , and Miss Guinness. The various articles, useful and ornamental, displayed at this stall were all contributed by ladies of the, congregation, who generously came forward and presented those, In order that the " s'news of war " might be raised. At the next stall — thatforfrult — Meadames Orlop, Main waring and Trevor reigned supreme, and from a. tempting- array of strawberries and other fruits, these ladies were kept buay during the day ministering to the wants of the thirsty souls thronged round the stall; A little further on was the refreshment stall, at which Mrs Hal- Sbll, Miss Oompton, and Mr Halßell pre sided. In a a adjoining enclosure a marquee wa<* erected, whora the tea was served, and hero Meadames Bland, Felton, Ferriman, Fooks, Gates, and Permain had a busy tiino aftending to the wauts of their numerous patrons. Various gamea were provided, tennia, bqw)», quoite, etc., the juveniles were not overlooked, while seats were provided for the more sedlte, who could thus look on and enjoy the fun . that was going on around them. The Rev Mr Eoatt and Mrs Scott wore busily engagod supervising the arrangements, and willing assistance was rendered by a la r ge number of ladies and gentlemen. In the evoniog there was a very large present. The Aahburton Band was m attendance, and played selections at intervals, the disciples of Terpsichore, being thus enabled to "trip the light fantastic "to its strains. Altogether the affair was a most pronounced success, and! the financial results should bo very satis factory.

THE MARKETS.

... . ~ «. ■ ■ .. ■ [REUTBR'S TELEORAMB— OOPYMGHT.] MeTjUoubnr, December 16. At the usual weekly wool Bales held by the New Zealand Loan and Mer« cantile Agency Company (Limited), yesterday, 4500 bales were offered, of which 3750 bales were disposed of. Competition was very animated, and the rise m prices reported last week was well maintained m all descriptions except lambs wool, which was dull of sale. Greasy merino realised xo% per lb; crossbred, o^d- lambs wool, Sj4d; scoured merino, i6>£d; and washed fleece, 17^. Sydney, December 16. New Zealand wheat shows an im provement of 3d per bushel since last report, quotations to-day being 33 to 3s 3d per bushel. New Zealand oats ! are somewhat easier, inferior samples j showing a decline of id, prices rule is iod to 2s 2d per bushel, but the market is dull. Maize is id to ad per 561 b lower than last week, 3s q& to 1 id. The Sugar Company's No. lis quoted at 10s per ton. Adelaide, December 16. At Adelaide old wheat firmly main tains last week's quotations at 3s 6d to 3s 7d per bushel. New wheat is fetching 3s 2 d per bushel. Town flour is quoted at £9 5s per ton, and country brands at £& 53 to £8 10s. .London, Decenabur 15, Three per cent Ccnjols and New Zealand securities are unchanged. The market rate is 3 per cent, and Banfe rate 4 per cent. Colonial tweadstuffs, and tallow maintain lasJt quotations. ' Hides are m limited demand ; pricea rule an eighth of a penny per pound lower than last auction. The weekly returns of the Bank of England, published to-day shew the total reserves m notes and bullion to be ,£13,200,000, and a proportionary reserve to liabilities 46 per cent, being an increase of m the total reserve, and a decrease of 1 per cent m the proportion to the liabilities.

THE ASHBUBTON GUAEBIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1887



Eeating'a Powder destroys both moths., fleas, aeetles, and all other insocts, while quite larmlesa to domestic animals. la exfcormi- mting boetlcs, tho sacaoss of this powdet is (straoadinary. It is perfectly olean m nppli. mtion. Soo tho artiole you purohaa ieatine's, aa imitations are noxious and le ? fl ? u . a « ? oldin i tin 8»16c1,He l 1 |and 2 64



Kidney and Urinary complaints pf all kindß permanently cured with Hop Bittern. (Genuine RjWle by Awerigao Co. Bpaa



Wanted. _____ FOII SALE— A lot of Empty Cases, cheap.— ll . 0. Bkgeks, Melford HOUBP k "TTTANTBD Known.— Thut HAVES VV arid CO. have a splendid lot of Wnitej Embroidery .Robes at 14s, worth | 2la. BUY your Piano from the Largest Music Depot m the Colony. Greatest variety ; best possible value guaranteed. — H. M. Jones. WANTED Everyone to boo the ONE SHILLING box of choico Christ- maa and Vow Year Curda. Envelopes in- cluded. — H. 0, Segkbs, M*lford IJoiism, PIUNTS, Prifits. — Just op-.uiod a splou- did asaortraont of Prints, Ginghams, Zophjrs, &c. Groat variety to choose from. — 11. U. Seqers, Molford'llouso. Known. — That Milli- VV champ's Genuine jlorbal Baer is sold m aU t'uo principal tiliops m town, and orders left at MusE. Lublow, Bakor, Wills street, will be promptly attended to. 12 70 WANTED CASH — Moir's Oatmeal 251bs, 2s 6d ; Sporin Candles, 5d ; OofFae and Milk, la per tin; Coooa and Milk, Is per tin ; Veßtaa, 6d per doz ; Cornflour, 4i per lb j tin Fruits, la ; Crockery, Ironmongery, eto. — At James MoGrkqob's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED Known— To the Ladleß of Aehburton nnd surrounding districts, that aq experienced monthly Nurse Is dosirous of engagement. Good referencoa oan bo given. Addreaa — Mns Hill, Peter Street, Ashburton. 11 18 WANTED Known.— For Salo, Bluo Gum, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Cium, lied Gum, and Silver Wattla Treo St'ods, locally grown, and caved this • Boas.)n ; also Turnip Soeds, just arrived, i-x 8.8 Rimutaka. — J. Sjbaly nnd Co., SeodsnieD, Eaet Streot. Ilf6l W- ANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic fiubjocts Catholic Cards, good variety m Scrape Noveltiea m Penwipers, Orewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Oolorod Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c. } &o. t at :>lbß Manhibe's Finoy Repository, Saundsrs' Buildings? » . — _ . ____. "TTTANTED Known— Wollssnnk, with VV pnmp and pipe found and fixed, from £2 103 upwards. All kinds of pumps, RangQs and houao-Bmith work , fixed or repaired. Ohlmneya ewept and [ ranger ol eared, 3j. Registers la 6d eaoh. All ordera punctnaliy attended to. Note address, U. Dudley, Moore street, Ash- burton. ' 11 22



VICTORIA^ HOUSE. - \ DIMANT AND COE ! HAVE extreme gratification m announcing their Third Annual Distribution of B-nuti'ul, Usrful, Rare and Valuable Works of Art, which comprise.— GLASS SUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER « JUGS, BUTTER DISHES, Ac, &c, to Cash Purchaser* of Paroels to the value of 205, 405, and upwards. COUPONS ABE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. : DIM ANT cfe COE, General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANCRED STREETS. 12 22 ALBEET EGBERTS HAS FOR SALE.-— CIiOVEIiS,— KED, WHITE, COWGRASS, ALSYKE, and TREFOIL. RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE, Golden Tares, Cape Barley, SEED PEAS, SEED OATb (various kinds), CRUSHED BEANS PLOUGH SHARES COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Acknowledged, to bo THE LEST IN Tim MARKET XMAS. XMAS. XMAS. WE UAYE MADE EXTENSIVE PURCHASES FOR THIS XMAS TRADE. 100 pairs Zaiapoi Tweed Trousers, from 10s 6d 47 Colonial and Ashburton Tweed Suits fron\ 38s 6d One Case Stockman's Col. Moles 5s 11 Aid are giving (Jrand Value m Hats, Shirts, llannelß, Drawers, Boots, &c. MITCHELL~&T TURNER. PICKFORD AM> UJSDRILL TjIUBNITURE WABE HOUSE, OABJNETMAKERS *AND UNDERTAKERS C " TANCRED STREET, Opposite Union Bank. NEW GOODS— Chairs of all kinds, Toilet Ware, Pier and Toilet Glaesep Mattresßes and Palliasea, Coucheß, Cheap Perambulators. Furniture to any Design Made to Okdeii. 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 Dsspatch and Economy, combined with reasonable chargos. STILL AHEAD OF ALL OTHEBS, AND THIS IS ENDORSED BY THE BUYING PUBLIC. SALES FOR 1886, 48,857 MAGHINES. FT 1818 reoord stands nnpßralled. It Ifcg'aid before the public as the best evident J of the merit of tho WALTER A. WOOD BINDERS and REAPERS. This exhibit of Falea shewing at once their volume and their nuKvulloua growth, haa always had, and must continue to havo, en irresistable influence upon the judgment of the farmer m determining what make of machine it fa practically and economically his Interest to own Tha best posalblo feat of tho merit of machinery Is rprnpnrlnon. Thfa is the test npon which we nra BnUtißod to rent the claims of tho WALTER A. WOOD HAR- VESTING MACHINES. Each year's addition to tbo record of sales contributes to tne value of the test. It will be seen that mors than 45,000 machines have been placed In the hands of the farmers during laot eeaeon, and it is everywhere known that these farmers nnite m the verdict that the harvesters, binders, mowers and reapers that do the best vrcjk In the grain field and hay field, that are most readily understood ond operated by the driver, that are moat eaelly drawn by the team, ond that last tho longest, are (hose that bear the name of WALTER A. -W OOD, name which theie maohlnr a have lorp made familiar m all olvilised piirtß # the world. DURABILITY OF THE WOOD MACHINES Sales of repairs leea than for any other Machines, It Is a fact attested by Bgonfs who sell them, and by farmeia who use them, tha j Wood's Machined requires far Ires repairs than any other machines In nee. Nt other harvesting machines are pb darablo and free from breakages. ' i "E. FEBBIMASr, AsMmrtcm, Agent. AGAIN" VICTORIOUS i liiflE Latest Honors— first pr'z9~Gold Medal end 500 franca awarded to the *- WaH"r A. Wood Binder, after a three days' Government trial, at Melon In j? nnce. MoOormlck Wood-f/amo 2nd, Horneby 3rd. ' The "Qaltivator and Country Gentleman" eayß :—" The trial at Melun was a grind success. It waa attended by the French Cabinet Minister of Agrloulture, and fc Department Director, as well as nrany other French Government officialo.' M f/Bjllere, Inppector-Geueral of .Agriculture, having peraor&t dirtction." The result baa been published m the leading American dailies saßt—weßt— yiorth and aouth — m the following cable despatch, which was c»h,bed from tha £tew Fork Trlbana," of 11th A goaf, 1887:— A Government Harrebtor an . r BjntSer Contest w»g bald neir Melun July 2'J, 30, 31, tho most important EnroDaa c .^ntwt BincP 1885. The WALTER A. WOOD Machine received n'r B t prize— eo )l acdal and 500 francs. McCormlck Wood-frame, second ; Hornsby, third MoOormlc • «Wf »m« M«*lns •"' T Ahn»tonß, BK* Acfcboret i MaohiDeß.alao'cowpeted mh k