The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1887. THE PREMIER'S TACTICS.

The Parliamentary proceedings of the last few weeks fully confirm the opinion we some time ago expressed as to what we considered would be the tactics of the Premier, namely, that the time of the session would be utterly barren of results so far as the business of the country was concerned until the pro rogation loomed up m the near future. Seven weeks were frittered away, and during all this period not a single Government measure was brought down. The Financial Statement was delivered and partially discussed, and the new Midland Railway contract con sidered and agreed to. The Public Works Statement has not even yet been delivered. But when, within three weeks of the end of the session, the necessity for something like action became apparent, this laissez fahc policy is abandoned and all is hurry, bustle and confusion. During the past week important Bills have been rushed through pell mell without the consideration their impor tance demands, the discussion of the Financial statement has been burked, many private Bills, which if passed would be, it is admitted, very beneficial to the colony, have been placed so low down on the Order Paper as to preclude the possibility of their escaping from the ineviiable " slaughter of the inno cents," and the Public Works Statement has been promised for Tuesday next. This hasty legislation is very much to be deprecated and deplored, and we shall be very agreeably surprised if it do not result most disastrously for the best interests of the colony. Old settlers m New Zealand need not to be reminded what a hubbub the rushing through of important measures has created. But Major Atkinson, strong m his position, with an abnormal and heterogeneous majority, scorns public opinion. He knows bis strength, for having exacted from his present supporters a promise that they will not oppose him until he has unfolded his policy, he feels he has the whip hand of them and ruthlessly compels them to fulfil their promise, from which none of them seem averse, though a large pro portion were returned to Parliament for the express purpose of preventing his retuto to office. Knowing his strength he assumes the role of dictator and carries it through to perfection, as though "to the manner born." An autocrat of autocrats, his will is law, and this he presses upon the House m relentless style — not one of his present subservient majority daring to say him nay. If an appeal be made for more time to discuss an important question and he refuse, the debate is bound to go on— till daylight if needs be. This may be a very pleasant and proud position for a Premier to occupy, but will it tend to beneficial results ? We think not.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tbo Master of the ABh burton Home desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the reoeipt Of some pastry and cake from Mrs Alfred Curtis, also the remains of the supper from the Thistle Masonio Lodge for the use of the inmates. The promoters of the grand Masonic Bazaar to be held m the Masonio Hall ou Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next have been granted permission, by the Colonial Secretary, to dis pose of a number of beautiful works of art by means of art union. Th.c opening oeremony, l which takes place on Thursday afternpoß, will be of an imposing nature, and the pro > rooters have been fortunate enough to seoure the kind assistance of Mr Jobu OUivier, who will oonduot the proceedings. A very large I and varied collection of plain and f anoy goods, together with many unique works of art, has been contributed and otherwise prooured, and besides this there will be many novel attrao jtious peßented. during esc)} d>y pod evepiPg of (be Hmh

On Thursday last Mr Staveloy, the New|of I Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Com pany, kindly offered for sale the privileges m connection with the Rakaia Boxing-day Sports, the result being— Publican's booth, Mr Miller o£ the South Rakaia Hotel, £11 ; refresh- j ment booth, Mr G. Shellock,^4 10s ; and \ ] I the right of sports, Mr O. Pluok, £~l> N Although ' 1 not reaohing the amount fetohed l&&L v year, considering the times, the prices are'vei^. satisfactory, • A meeting of the South Rakaia Cemetery Board was held on Thursday. J. Brimmi combe's tender of £15 per annum for keeping the grounds m order waß aooepted. He wbb also appointed as gravedigger, and allowed » the grass m grounds as compensation for? putting them m order. A home of rest for jaded horses was inaugu rated at Ncaaden Stud Farm, near Willesden, recently. The object of the home is to enable poor cabmen and others to give their overworked horses a rest for a few weeks, another horse being provided for use m the meantime. The wear and tear of horses m London is very great. In six months one tramway company lo3t £5,390 m dead and disabled animals. A somewhat amusing inoident took place m Court yesterday morning (says the " Kumara Times " of a reoent date}, during the hearing of an assault case. Counsel was cross, examining a witness, a small boy, and asked, "Now did'nt you have a conversation with Mr (defendant) about the evidence you were to give?" Witness— "Yes, sir." Counsel — •• And he told you what to say ?" Witness — ■" Yes, sir." Counsel—" Oh, he did, did he ? Now tell U3 what he told jou to say !' Witness—" He told me to tell the truth, and nothing else." There was considerable Uttering by persons m Court over this quaint answer. There are four hundred Mormon bishops m Utah, 2123 priests, 2974 teaohers, and 6354 deacons. Salt Lake City is divided into wards of eight or nine blocks each, and a bishop is put m oharge of each ward. Under him there are two teachers, whose business ia to learn the employment and income of every resident of the ward and report the same to the bishop. Then the bishop collects the tenth of each man's inoome and turns it into the Church authorities. The same complete system exists all ovor the territory. Ab the bishopß get a good commission on their col lections they make very zealous and persistent collectors. In a communication to the " Canterbury Times" on the rabbit plague, Mr Reginald Foster states that, m addition to the Huxunui rabbit fence from the sea up to the Waiau and Clarence rivers on the Northern boundary of Canterbury, it is probable that Govern ment will ereot a similar fenoe from the junction of the Hakateramea with the Waitaki, to the vioinity of Mount Cook, whioh will protect Canterbury m the Sooth. The length of the two fences will be about 150 miles. The cost of ereotion is estimated at about £18,000, and the cost of maintenaoe £2500 per annum. "Rough on Itch." — ' Rough on Itch" cures akin humors, eruptions, ring worm, tetter, salt rheum, frosted feet, chilblains teh, ivy poison barber's itoh.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH, RAKAIA.

On Thursday last, iv the Rakaia Town Hal?, a bazaar was held m aid of the extinc tion of the debt on the church. The weather was everything that could be deaired, and being the monthly sale day, a large number visited the hall. Tho room and stalls wore very tastefully decorated, and bad a very nice effect, reflecting great credit on those who undertook the work. During the d<iy selections of music were provided by Mrs Secretan. Miss Youog and others, tfris adding materially to the attractions Ibere were three stalls for the sale of work and a refreshment stall. One was presided over by Mrs Cox and the Misaes Cox (2) ; another by Mesdames BroadbeDt, Midgley, and Rountree ; and the other by the Misses Wool (2), and the Misees Stringfellow. The refreshment stall was m the hands of Mesdames E. 8. Coster, J. L. Coster and Secretan. Mrs J. Turner and Mrs Black took charge of tho Christmas tree, which was well loaded with iißQful articles and toys, Mrs Hughes presided ovor the bran pio, which oon tained' many articles of more va'ue than the sixpence charged for a dip. During the evening Miss Young and Misa R. Bruce did a good business m tbo fortune telling line by means of a very ingeniously constructed lady doll, Other ladies nnd gentlemen duriDg the day rendered assistatca At times the hall was ratber overcrowded and warm, but business con tinued fairly brisk considering the present dull times, and it is considered that the result will show a clear profit of something over £50 The thanks of the church people are due to the ladies who have worked so lons^ and ' well m getting together and making the very handsome articles on sale

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

Auckland, December 2. A bouse at Par>mure, occupied by W. Rolleston, «raa burned down on the morning of the 29th alt. The total amount of insurance on the building and furniture is £150 m the Union office. Io reference to Lillywhlte'a letter re visit of an English football team, the Auckland Rugby Union have deolded to further the via It of the team by offering the very beat terms possible. Clegg, charged with manslaughter, was brought before the PoliceCoutt to-day and committed for trial. The prisoner made a statement asserting bis innooenca, stating that he did not strike deceased. JJe was admitted to bail. The Board cf Education today re ceived a communication from the Govern mont Baying that they did not Intend re newing the vote for training of teachers, £80,000. This means the abolition of the training co'lage, and the board accord ingly resolved to gl7e notice of their ter mination of his engagement to Roy Mr Olllver, the principal, and to make ar rangements with the Btudents. Tauranga, December 1. The body of Cains, drowned by tho boat accident on Saturday laßt, was found m the harbor to-day. Wellington, December 2. A rumor is current m town that the lonic has been lost m the English Chan nel, but nothing has been rsoaived by the agents on the eubjeot, Chiustuhukoh, December 2. Tho wool sales opened to-day. There were largo oitalogueß, principally oroaß bred wools. The attendance was good and competition brisk. Prices all round were about H per lb lower than the cor responding ealeß of last year. DtTNEDiN, December 2. ThoTalerl County Council have decided to pat a atop to those contractors who have made contracts for the carriage of wool m opposition to tho railways. They have resolved to ereot a toll bar on the main road which goes though the county, and charge £5 per waggon on every four-wheßler. Messrs Ddlgety and Co. have received intelligence that the lonic arrived all well on Saturday last, bo that the rumor which was current m Wellington as to her being lost lv the Channel la entirely without foundation. Dewar's stare, Mlltou, was burned down. The stock wbd insured for 'c!bso m the Equitable, of which £250 waa reinsured m the Pbcsalj, The building waa (qeuiod for l^uo. " ■

THE MARKETS,

[REUTER's XBLEGRiMS— C'OPyBIGHI ] Sydney, December 2. There is very little alteration m the 6 prices of grain. New Zealand wheat is worth 33 to 3s 3d per bushel. New Zealand oats ietch is nd to zs id per bushel, as comparedjpith is iod ~w 2?_£d_laj3t^«rfcT"^^ze is slightly weaker, ancTrealises 3s iod to 4s per 56105. The supply of potatoes is well kept up, and an average oi 25s per ton is all that can be obtained. Adelaide, December 2. I Shipping wheat is firm, at 3s 6d per bushel. Flour-r-Adelaide town brands, £,9 to^9 5s per ton ; country brands £8 5s to £8 10s. Freights to London for wool, per steamer — Scoured wool, 24 d per lb; greasy S/ B s, Per sailing vessels — Scoured, %&-, greasy wool, }id per lb. London, December 1. Consols, ex div., 101^. New Zea land Four Per Cent. Inscribed Stock has declined to 94^, The market rate is 3 percent., Bank rate, 4 per 1 cent. Colonial breadstufts — Adelaide > wheat, ex store, 34s 6d per 4961 b ; New ; Zealand wheat, ex store, 32s to 33s 6d , per 4961 b, according to grade ; Adelaide , flour, ex store, 24s per 280 ID. Tallow 1 — Australian, fair average quality beef, \ 24s6dpercwt; mutton, 255, Pig iron I remains at 44s per ton. Best Sydney 3 sun-dried copra is worth 12s 6d 1 per ton. Kauri gum and leather are • unaltered m value. Wool —At to-day's 1 auction, a catalogue of some 6900 bales 3 was submitted, which elicited good t competition, prices realised being about the same as on the previous days. The total number of bales catalogued to date is 79,400, of which 7000 have been withdrawn. B The weekly returns of the Bank of England, published to-day, show the total reserve m notes and bullion to be . the same as last week, viz. : — ;£i 2,700,000. The proportion of re serve to liabilities remains at 48 per aent.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. [aßUTaa'a telegrams —copyright, ]

THE SUGAR BOUNTIES.

London, December 1. At a banquet given to the representa tives attendiog the Sugar Bounties Conference, Baron de Worms said that the fair and honest spirit displayed by delegates augured well for the success of the Conference. Sir H. Holland advised the representatives to show patience m dealing with the subject. The Conference has appointed a Com mittee to deal with technical questions.

THE FORGED DESPATCHES.

The Comte de Paris denies that he ' forged the Orleanist despatches,

LORD LYONS.

Lord Lyons is much worse, and his condition is very critical,

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOR. IRELAND.

The Marquis of Hartington and Mr Gogchen assert that the Separatists are responsible for the delay m extending local Government to Ireland, and de clared they were confident of victory while the Unionists remained firm.

EMIGRANT AID SOCJJSTY.

It is proposed to start an Emigrant Aid Society, with a capital of a million, with a view to settle 10,000 people on a large tract of country m Western Australia. The Society is to bear the expenses of the passage and of the set tlement.and the emigrants are gradually to repay the amounts advanced.

GOLD MINING COMPANY.

The Island Block Gold Mining Com pany of New Zealand, with a capital ol ;£60,000, is being formed.

AUSTRALIAN.

[reuxbk's tblegrah— cory-iGHT.]

EARL CARNARVON.

Melbourne, December 2. The Victorian Legislative Council and Assembly will jointly entertain the Earl of Carnarvon at a banquet to be held next Friday at Parliament House.

FEDERAL COUNCIL.

It is announced that the Federal Council of Australasia will meet at Hobart on January i6th. The pro ceedings will be of a purely formal character, only one member attending from each colony.

POSTAL CONFERENCE.

The proposed conference of Post masters-General will be indefinitely postponed on account of the absence of a representative from New Zealand. It is possible, however, that the Aus tralian Postmasters-General will meet shortly to discuss questions relating to the ocean mail service and other matters.

Received December 3, 12.40 p.m.

SHIPPING.

Mblboubne, December 3.

Per Merchant Shipping and Under writers Association — London ist, arrived, ship Otago from Lyttelton, September and.

A SHIPWRECKED CREW.

Sydney, December 3.

The German barque Livingstone, from Hamburg, July 2 ist arrived at this port yesterday. She reports having rescued the crew of the British ship Mora, which was lost at sea whilst on a voyage from Hull to Natal with a cargo of timber.

NO CONFIDENCE.

Mr G. R. Dibbs has given notice of motion of want of confidence m the Government on their Financial pro posals. The House has adjourned till Tuesday when the motion comes on, but there is little likelihood of it being carried. . [

jgSuiNNY Men. —•• Wells' Healt Renmve?," i stores health and vigor, cures Dyspepsia impotence, Sexual Debility, At chotniata and druggists. Kempthorne, Prosser, and Go, geatß, Christcharoh 2 Heating's Powder destroys both moths, fleas, beetles, and all other insects, while quite harmless to domestio animals, In extermi nating beetles, the Buooess of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly olean m appli cation. See the artiole you purchase is Keating's, as imitations are noxious w? neffeotual. Sold m tins, $d, la ,a»* , Cd by alj oliQtoiptp.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible ior the opinions expressed by our correspondents,

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

TO THR EDITOR.

?IR,— -A very large cumber of your ' readers will, lam sure, have been grati- 1 fiad by the way m which you li^ve treated che above Bubject thia week In your ' i oolurnns, It is of very great Importance • to a community that the newßpapar, as an expDneut of public opinion, should take Ibe ai3e of truth and right, and the thanka of your readera are due when this ia promptly and boldly done, as there would be a proportionate feeling cf dis appointment were the subject ignored or despised. Yon remarked that Mr Fulton possibly erred m omoaittiug from hia taotion the words "m school hours," — bit if the worda ran " subject to a time table and oonsoienoe olause," an I believe i they did, theo "school hours" were necessarily Implied. Aa to the new | objection now current, when others have been disposed of, namely, that irreverence would be oauaed ia the minds of the children, It seems to me to be the same aB eaylng that holding divine service m a schoolroom or public hall would lead to irreverence, and cherefore if people oannot worship m churches they should not worship at all The objection overlooks the faofc that a selection from the Bible is read m our High Sohooln daily with good effact, and the insinuation of irre versnoe Is very uncomplimentary either to the masters of our schools or to the book, "< As It is not known to apply to either, the objaotion must be generally felt to have no force. It is jast the other way round. It is the very want of the truths aDd principles presented m scripture that will lead to irreverence m the young and the deplorable fact is thtt many children □ever see it at all. It may be cause for regret that so many M.H.R.'b Bhould be so indifferent to the moral training of the young lv our State schools, seeing it is so Intimately oonneoted with the well* b-jlng of the rtate ; but It should be no oauae for despondency, The Bubjoot Ia awakening greater interest ia the country than it has done hitherto, Thousands have been signing petitions m favor of it. Bat the question remains bai Canterbury done Ita part 1 I' seeim alone to have been inaotive. Probably what ia wanted is an opportunity given to all those who aro favourable to expreßa their wish, as Borne of our legislators atill persist m saying that the wish does not •list. The following ia, I understand, the text nf tha petition to Parliament, which haa been so largely signed: •• That your petitioners while gratefully acknow ledging the numerous advantages of • The Eduoation Ac, 1877 ' have yet to express their deep regret that the reading of the Bible m publio schools should be pro hibited m it. Holding Christianity to be the national faith, the Bible to be its' authoritative exponent and the only standard of faith and morals, and regarding a knowledge of the Bible as an essential part of eduoation, your petitioners respectfully request your honorable Housa to make legislative provisions whereby Sohool Committees shall have powet to provide that, subjeot to a time table and a oonsolence clause, the Bible shall be read daily by the scholars m publio aohoole. And your petitioners eto." The demand Is a very easy one ; other claims can be settled on their own merits ; to say that the State has nothlog to do with it ia untrue ;It haa taken to do with It ; what is complained of is that m New Zealand an important element, the moral, haa been left out, Again thanking you for the prompt and able manner In which you have presented the eubject. I am, etc;, A Constant Beadbr, December 2ad.

CORN EXCHANGE.

The following is the Corn Exchange re port for the week ending Friday, the 2nd met. : —

The firmnesß noted m London market has had the effect of oreatlng an enquiry forwhe&t. Business, however, has been of a very limited character, chiefly owing to the paucity of space on offer. Intercolonial trade is pretty well at a standstill. He ports from the other side speak exoeed ingly favorably upon the probable yields, and feed is also very plentiful.

Wheat, — The business noted In the London market has made holders firmer m their demands, but present values are not likely to lead to much business until there is more freight on offer. We quote Tuscan and Pearl at 3s 3H to 3* 4d, and fiuntera' 3s 3d to 3a"3|3. Second quality is dull at 3a Id; chicken wheat whole, 3a , and broken at 2s 8d to 2s 9d.

Oats. — A alight local enquiry haa been 'noticeable for prime short feed at Is 8J to la BJjd, and Dinish at Is 7d to Is 8d ; other loug-kinds at Is 6d to Is 7<l; milling are not very plentiful at 1b 9 A to Is lOd.

Barley -^No business m the absence of atccks.

Beans. — Matket bare with but little demand. Peas have an occasional enquiry for feed lines at 2s 8d to 2* 9d.

Oit ass Seed — No enquiry, prices nominal at 2s to 3s.

Cocksfoot. — Stocks ate becoming low and prime heavy seed is worth 4M to 4Jd : inferior 3d to 3jd. Potatoes.— Local .ealeß oontinue st 12a to 16? at country stations, but the re quirements are becoming very small. Dairy Produce. — These marketa ere unaltered. The favorable Bpring all over the colonies for grass has reduced our export trade to almost nil.

The above prices are those paid to farmerß and delivered f.o.b, Lyttelton, sacks extra.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES BUDGET.

[rBUTER'S TBLEGRAMB— - COPYRIGHT.]

Sydney, December 2.

The Colonial Treasurer delivered his Financial Statement m the Legisla tive Assembly last night. The surplus of ;£oio,ooo prognosticated by his pre decessor was not realised, but instead it was estimated that at the close of the current financial year there would be a deficit of upwards of The chief increases m excess of the estimates were land fund advalorem and specific customs duties, spirits and beer duties, ;£i 39,000 ; railway revenue, ;£i 50,000 — all other sources of revenue being less tban estimated. In addition to a specific appropriation a sum of had been expended on rabbit extermination and providing relief for unemployed. The Colonial Treasurer proposes to meet the deficit by re-adjusting the salaries of civil servants, imposing a property-tax of one half-penny m the pound on unim proved land, also capital, reserve funds, and deposits of financial institutions being similarly taxed. Customs tariff revision provides for levying duties upon imported timber and dairy pro duce. The statement announces the determination of Government not to float a new loan for some time, but to issue Treasury bills, It is estimated the revenue for the ensuing financial year amounts to ,£8,781,000, and the expenditure to .£B,5 15,000, leaving a surplus of j£s66,©Q9,

THE FRENCH CRISIS

[rbuier's telkqrams— copyright.] Paris, December 1. M. Grevy intimated to the Ministry that owing to a change m the political ? situation he does not intend forwarding the message to the Natonal Assembly I to-day. M. Rouvier, the Premier, after an : nouncing the President's intention to both Chambers, will again tender his resignation. London, December 1. M. Blowitz, Paris correspondent of the "Times," predicts that M. de Freycinet, on the second ballot, will be elected President of France by an immense majority.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD

Tho usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday. Present— Messrs Coster (chairman), Mulligan, and Stringfellow. The Clerk reported that Mr Tucker had been elected a member of the Board, un opposed. Mr Tuoker then took his seat. clerk's report. The Clerk reported favorably on the con traots m progress. — It had been impossible to destroy the tussocks on the river road, and he recommended that the road ba diso harrowed and left till next year. — As per instructions, plans were prepared of roads m the Village Settlement, and were ready for i the Commissioner of Crown Lands. — The I gravel pits had been surveyed by Mr Webster I and plans forwarded ; the same were now fenced m, excepting the one on Sprott'S, whioh was m orop. It was resolved to have the river road diso harrowed as suggested. The Clerk was instructed to forward to the Commissioner of Crown Lands all documents relative to the Village Settlement ; alßo to advise the County Oounoil that two aores had beon fenced off on Reserve 173. WATEB BACE. Mr Swain wrote, asking permission to run a water race on Mainwaring's road. — Granted on the usual conditions, subject to permission of tbe Oounoil being granted for the race diversion. SHINGLE. Mr Irwin obtained permission to take a quantity of shingle from one of the pits. MISCELLANEOUS. Tt was resolved to put planks over the races m the neighborhood of Doric for the benefit of pedestrians. Rasolved to form a portion of the foot path m Bowen street ; also to have the other footpaths cleared of large stones and blinded. Mr J. J. Harvey wrote requesting the Board to form the South Town Belt Keeolved to Bkim plough it and/oraa i» the winter, Besolved to improve the Pound Road near Stevens'. Mr Oxley obtained permission to lay a water pipes through the three chain road plantation to the proposed Slaughter Yard, m the event of the Oounoil raising no objeo tion to the water being taken from the race, SUBSIDY. i The Government wrote re subsidy to Local Bodies. Received. — Mr Tuoker gave notioe of motion to move at the next meeting " That a general rate be struck." BOUNDARY ROAD. The Oounty Council wrote stating that con* trol of the Wakanui Boundary road was vested m this Board, and that the Counoil would apportion the amounts to be paid by eaoh Board for repairß.— The Clerk was instruoted to attend the Oounoil meeting with particulars of all monies expended by this Board on the road. contract. lie Mr Haslett's contract, after con siderable discussion, Mr Coster moved, and Mr Stringfellow seconded, that the Bum of £3 10a bo paid to Hasletfc, and that the deposit of 203 be refunded m full Bettlement for work done. — Carried. — Mr Haslett was informed of the Board's de cision, and expressed himself as nob at all satisfied, but under the circumstances he supposed he must accept the offer, SANDUIILS. It was resolved not to acoepfc any tender for walling up sandhills on the Great South Road. ' TENDER. J. Irvine's tender for grubbing tussooka at Is 3d per ohain was acoepted. ACCOUNTS. Acoounts amounting to £101 10a were passed for payment and the meeting ad journed,

DOES PROHIBITION PROHIBIT?

The following extracts from a letter signed by " Colonist," appearing m the Cimstohurch " Press " of a recent date, will be read with interest by those who are desirous of knowing, how prohibition succeeds m other quarters of the world : — Here m New. Zealand, far away from the operations of prohibitory liquor legislation, one hears such diametrioally opposed state* ments concerning the effects of prohibition m the United States of America that it becomes a difficult matter to know what is the real truth on the subjeot. Many years ago some* one rather flippantly asserted that the Maine liquor law was a failure. The statement was eagerly adopted by those who hoped it was true, and m course of time, through iteration and reiteration, the assertion was generally credited as being reliable. More recently the same tactics have been pursued by interested persons m regard to prohibition m Kansas and the other States that have adopted prohibitory legislation. But whilst untruthful statements have been circulating, the success of prohibition has been growing into an accomplished fact, as the following statistios will dearly show ; — "In 1880 the population of Kansas was 996,096 ; now it is fully 1,650,600. 11 In 1880 Kansas had only 3104 miles of railway; now about 7000 miles— more than double. "In 1880 the assessed valuation of pro perty, real and personal, aggregated only 160,891,689 dollars ; now the returns indicate a total of 300,000,000 dollars— nearly double. " In 1880 Kansas had 5153 schoolhouses, 25] -1 churches, and 347 newspapers; now 8500 schoolhouses, 3500 ohurohes, and 700 newspapers. " In 1880 only So towns had populations "m excess of 1000 ; now over 200 towns have eaoh over 1000 inhabitants, 25 towns eaoh over 5000 inhabitants, and 4 havo each over 20,000. "In 1880 only 8,868,000 were planted m crops ; this year the area planted is 16,000,000 — nearly double, "In 1880 the value of the farm produota was about 84,521,000 dollars ; m 1886 over 900,000,000 dollars. "During the past two and one-half years 17 new counties have been organised ; 4 more are about to be organised, with only 2 un< organised oounties remaining." Governor (Martin, who formerly Bided with those who considered the " Prohibitory Amendment " a mistake, is responsible for the aoouracy of the foregoing information, closes his communication with the following strong and terse statement of tbe case : — "The cities and towns of Kansas, with hardly an exception, have kept pace m growth and prosperity with this marvellous develop, meat of the State. Many of them have doubled their population during the past year, and it is a remarkable faat that several cities and towns languished or stood still until they abolished their saloons, and from that date to the present time their growth and prosperity has equalled, and m some instances surpassed, that of other places with equal natural advantages. " Tho Bumming up of the faota of a oensus confute and confound those who assert that tbe material prosperity of any community is promoted by the presence of saloons. So far as Kansas and all her cities | and towns are concerned, the reverse of this assertion is true. The moat wonderful era of prosperity, of material, moral and intellectual 1 development, of growth m the country j cities and towns every witnessed on tlje American continent has been illustrated m Kansas during the past two years, the period of its most energetio and complete onforoe ment." _ Canon Wilberforce, who has reosntly been visiting America, writes that " tho temperance question is rapidly being recognised as trans cending all others m importance. Intelligent Americans are awakening to the fact that unless they conquer the liquor traffio the liquor traflio will conquer them, and they are lighting it resolutely and, courageously over he whole gon,tjn,eßt,"

THE WEATHER.

The following is the meteorological report at .A i ford Station for the week ending December 2nd, 1887 :— "" High " ~~" Date. Shade. m State of weather, low high Sun. Saturday 46- 85- 144- Fine, N.W. Sunday 45- 77- 136' Fine.N.W. Monday 35- 63- 112- Bain, S.W. Tuesday 30- 73- 132- Fine, N.B. . Wed'day 31- 73- 115- Fine, S.W. Thur'day 27- 83- 132. Fine, NE. Friday 29- 82- 140- Fine, calm Rainfall for November -Alford Foreifc, 10 66in ; Alford Station, 8 25in

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following basiueßa was transacted Bf tor we went to press yesterday:— • DEPUTATION A. deputati n of thirteen settlers from the district on the south side of the river ( affected by flood water, waited on tho Council m reference to that matter. The deputation explained the situation* and a long discussion of a conversational nature ensued . Ultimately the Chairman suggested that tbe deputation should retire and consider what proportion of the coat they would pay, and it would then be for the Oounoil to say if it would contribute tho balance* Th s suggestion was aoted on and the deputation withdrew. WAYS AND MEANS: Mr Friedlaoder moved—" That the Efl. giueer and Clerk prepare for the. special meeting a statement showing the approxi* mate expenditure and income for the ensuing year," Mr Harper seconded the motion, whiob was carried, PAYMENTB. Accounts were passed for payment with the exception of one for expenses incurred m connection with the recent election* wLioh was held over m order that it night ba referred to an Accounts Committee to be appointed.- TREASURES. Mr Wright was appointed Treaaarer for the ensuing year. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.' Mr Grigg gave notloe to move— 11 That a statement of acoounta be prepared ■how* ing the expenditure m the shape of grants for works m eaoh riding during the ,'paifc three years." COMMITTEES. The standing Committees of the Oouool! were appointed. ■ RAILB. The Ohalrmaa read a copy of • letter he had written to the Minister for Pabllo Works, stating that the old 401 b rails procared for the Mount Somers tramway were tea per cent, below weight, and that the nominal instead of the actual weight had been charged. He asked that • rebate of 10 par cent, in] the aooount should be allowed. The Minister replied that he could not ■cc his way to allow the rebate asked for. The matter was referred to the Chair man, Mr Walker. OHABITABLB AID BOARD. Mesira W. 0. Walker (Chairman of the County Council) and A. Harrison (Mayoi of the Borough) were appointed the repre< sent&tlves of the district on the Charitable Aid Board. TKACTIOH ENGINES. A ratepayer wrote asking that some restriction be placed on traction engines crossing Digby'a bridge. He suggested that the hours during which engines oould croßs shonld be between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. The Council could not see sufficient reason to inour the expense which would be Involved m framing by-laws, etc, MOUNT SOMERS CBMBTEBT. On the recommendation of tbe Mount Somers Road Board, Messrs Peaohe and Edaon were appointed trustees for the Mount Somers Cemetery. . 7TLL4GE SETTLEMENTS. Mr J.E. Maroh wrote, m reply to letter from Counoil, that Government did not propose to undertake the oost of bringing ii water supply to tbe Village Settlements In the County of Ashburton, A REQUEST. Mr B. Crowe aaked that the Engineer, should be allowed to Inspect the bed of Carter's Creek from the railway line to the property owned by Mr W. Strange. Tbe request was acceded tp. * Permission was also accorded to the Engineer to inspect, m conjunction with the Longbeach Road Board Engineer, protective works at Hinds river. ~ DAMAGE. It was decided to allow Mr Dalton the sum of £2, damages sustained by him through alteration of water race leading to Irrigation farm. DOG TAX, The matter of fixing the amount of dog-tax was deferred till next meeting. HOLIDAYS. It was resolved that the Counoil offioes should be closed from December 24th to January 2nd. WATERCOURSES, It was decided to request Mr Walkei to take steps that would result m power beiug conferred on Connty Councils to compel ooonpiers to keep dear water* courses running through their property, POO COLLARS. Several tenders foe the supply of dog oollara were received. The Engineer was authorised to accept a tender. TJCNCES. Mr Brown gave notloe to move that the resolution of the Oounoil m regard to fences on watercourse lines on Wakaaut Flat be rescinded. WATER RATE. Mr Brown gave notice of motion that the ratepayers on the Wakanui Flat, who hare been deprived of their water-race through the encroachment of the river, be exempt from the water-race. Mr Brown also gave notice to move that the ratepayers be allowed to take the water at their own expense. RAILWAY BOARDS. Mr Holmes moved — "That the Ash burton County Council is Btrongly, of opinion that m removing the railways from politioal control, it Is most desirable there should be a Board of Management for eaoh island,' keeping separate account for the railways under their respective control ; that the foregoing resolution be forwardad to the Minister for Pabllc Works" Mr Holmes said that as he had given hlo views on the matter daring the Infor mal meeting of the Oounoil m the morn* ing he would not now repeat them, but would content himself with merely moving the reiolution. Me Harper aeoonded the motion, and spoke Btrongly m its favor, The Chairman cordially supported the motion. It was gratifying to find that the wcrk he agitated for thres years ago was now meeting with favor, and that the railways were likely to be removed from politioal control. He thought it ex tremely desirable that there should ba two Boards, but it was doubtful as to whether Government would, In Commit* tee, support a proposal to constitute two Boards — one. for each island. He reoom tnended that the resolution should, m addition to the Minister, be also for warded to the members for thj district, with a request that they should give it their support. The motion was curled. DEPUTATION. The .deputation whiob. had previously waited on the Counoil, returned and stated what they were prepared to do m the matter of storm water. MISCELLANEOUS. A quantity of miscellaneous business was transacted. Nothing purifies and enriches the blood, and destroys all poisons m the system^ ligft American Co, 'a Qop'BittaSi

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1887



Wanted. FOR SALE— A lot of Empty Cases, cheap. — H. O. Seqekb, Melford House. ~VXT ANTED Known.— That HAVES Vy and CO. have a splendid lot of White Embroidery Robes at 14s, worth 21s. PRINTS, Prints. — Just opened a splen- did assortment of Prints, Ginghams, Zephjrs, &c. Great variety to choose I from. — H, C Segers, Melford House. WANTED Everyone to Bee the ONE SHILLING box of choice Christ- mas and Yew Year Cards. Envelopes in- cluded. — H. C. Seqbbs, Melford House. "Tl /"ANTED Known. — Comfortable W Board and Lodgings for 3or 4 respectable single young men. Terms : 17s per week, Five minutes walk from Railway Station. Address : Friend, "Guardian "Office, A ahburton. 11 162 WANTED Known,— Board and Resi dance for one Gentleman ; com- fortable bedroom and use of sitting room, onJy one other Boarder. AddreßS — A.B , " Guardian " Office. 11 103 WANTED Known— To the Ladles of Aehbnrton and surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse is desirous of engagement. Good references can be given. Address — Mrs Hill, Peter Street, Ashburton. 11 18 WANTED CASH — Moir's Oatmeal 251bs, 2s 6d ; Sperm Caudles, 5d ; Ooffee and Milk, la per tin* Cocoa and Milk, In por tin ; Vestas, 5d per doz ; Cornflour, 4J per 1b ; tin Fruits, Is ; Croakery, Ironmongery, eta. — At Jambs McGregor's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Woolb and Bilks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c., &c, at MRS Manhire's Fancy Repository, SaunddtB 1 Buildings WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Guno, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gum, Bed Gum, and Silver Wattle Treo Seeds, locally grown, and caved this Season ; also Turnip Seeds, jußt arrived, ex s.s Rimufaka. ~J. Scaly and Co , SeedsmeD, Eiet Street. llfGl "V V /""ANTED Known— Wells sunk, with \ V pump aud pipe found and fixed, from £2. 10a apwnrclq All kinds of pumps, Rangsß and house-smith work fixed or repaired. .Chimneys swept and ranger cleaned, 3j. Registers le Gd each. All orders punctually attended to. Note address, H . Dudley, Moore street, Ash. burton 11 22



it mSmmm ji ; Trrr i i " -^ — r ■■ . i .. n ■■— ■ VICTORIA_ HOUSE. DIMAISTT AISTD GOE ] TTAVE extreme pratificatioa m annouccing their Third Annual Distribution of " 1 i Beautiful, Us ;ful, Rarß and Valuable Works of Art, which comprise, — GLASS SUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER j . JUGS, BOTTER DISHES, &c , &c, to Cash Purchasers of Parcels to the value of \ 200,405. and upwards. 2 COUPOKS ABE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. DIMANT <&; GOE ; General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANCEED STEEETS. 12 22 ' ALBEET EOBEKTS ; HAS FOE SALE,— Clovers, — j BED, WHITE, COWGEASS, ALSYKE, and TEEFOIL. RYEaRASS, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE. ' Golden Tares, Cape Barley, fc-SED PEAS, SEED OATb (varioua kinds), CRI3SHED BEANS PLOUGH.SHABEB COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Ackncvledgsd to be THE BEST IN THE MAEKET STILL AHEAD OF ALL OTHEES, AND THIS IS ENDOBSED BY THE BUYING PUBLIC. ■ SALES FOR 1886, 45,557 MACHINES. ft IBl*< record stands nnparalled. It Is laid beforeitbe public asSthe best evidence 1 of the merit of the WALTER A. WOOD BINDERS and KEAPfiKS. This exhibit of Sales showing at once their volume and their marvolloua growth, hsa always bad, and roost continue to have, »n irreiistable Influence upon the judgment of the farmer In determining what make of machine it Is practically and economically bis interest to own. The best possible test of the merit of machinery is rPßttp»rlson. This is the test tmon which we we satisfied to rest the claims of the WALTER A. WOOD HAR- VESTING MACHINES. Bach year'a addition to the reooid of sales contributes to the value of the test. It will be seen that mor« than 45,000 machines have been placed m the hands of the farmers during last season, and it Is everywhere known that these farmers unite In the verdlot that the harvesters, binders, mowers and reapers that do the best work m the grain field and hay field, that are most readily understood and operated by the driver, that are most easily drawn by the team, end that last the longest, are those that bear the name of WALTER A. WOOD, ntme which these machines have long made familiar In all oivllised^Brts of the world. DURABILITY OF THE WOOD MACHINES Sales o^ repairs less than for any other Maohlnes. It la a fact attested by agents who sell them, and by farmers who nae them, tha ) Wood's Machines requires far less repairs than any other machines m uee. N< other harvesting machines are bb durable and free from breakages, p. FEEEIMAN, Ashburton, Agent. AGAIN VICTOEIOUS_i THE latest Honors— first prize— Gold Medal and 500 francs awarded to the Walter A. Wood Binder, after a three days' Government trial, at Melun, In France. MeOormlek Wood-frame 2nd, Horneby 3rd. The "Cultivator and Country Gentleman" rays:— -"The trial at Melnn w»s a grand success. It was attended by the French Cabinet Minluter of Agrionlture, and be Department Director, as well as nraoy other French Government officials. M Msillo're, lojpector.General of Agriculture, having personal direction." The result baa been published m the leading American dailie*- -sast— west — north and south — m the following cable despatch, which was clipped from the New York Tribune," of 11th A gust, 1887 : — A Government Harvester and Binder Contest was held near Melun July 29, 30, 31, the moßt important European ,ontest since 1885. The WALTER A. WOOD Machine received first prise— gold nedsl and 600 francs. McCormlck Wood-frame, second ; Hornaby, third MeOormick • el-fi»me Machine. »- s T hnelon s, arA Ackboret'a MachlDca also competed m bp trUI « BULLOCK'S ARCADE (Late HAVES are determined to uphold the cLaracter -— ' — ->"' ' : •* — — - — ** which their eßtalißbment ha 0 to loDg held T> i "K'TT'T? T£ LfAQ as the BEST and CHEAPEST. «'^fV Ci J? ; w J-* They are now opening a weil-asaorted r BUIL^ B ? ct ' UNDERTAKE *8, Ac, vtZjr it nnnowf* IV Q «tn «,hi-.h thov Corner Wakaam Road aDd Oaaß Bbioet, stock of OKOOKKIEb, etc., which they (Next Central Hotsl) will dispose of at the Loweßt Bates for or at Baker and Brown's Qja-jti Faotarv Cash. Ht4 lovelock street. ITJLO WANTED KNOWN. F. H. von SCHOENEBERG, at i. salek and co.;s, KTCNCH POLISHEE. CABINETMAKER, UFHOLSTEREB, f\ Jeweller is employed oq the AND UNDERTAKER, Premises. HAB opened m Premises (next W. WatcLes cleaned and repaired, and Patching) East Btreet, md hopes to Q^ery description of Jewellery iuado and receive a fair Bbars of public suppoit, repaired being prepared to MAKE FURNiTURtU A t LOWEST CIIRISTCBUKCJII PBICSS any deßign to order at CHRISTC H URC H o m RATES. Pianos aid Fatniture rb- UO WATCHES CLEANED *■>* polished at very low rates. 11*87 GLAfeSES. 01; HANDS, 9<J. WATIfIRBUKY'S repaired from 2b Gd, N.8. -"Waterbury's reduced from 13s (id Bit. Somers Goal. m^ 11.126. EH^ LOOK HERE! Jg*s THE TRAMWAY having Ubeen com THE PREMIER TAILOR, pleted, the undersigned can supply COAL In »ny quantity : TOWH - Hall, ASHBURTON, 17s per ton, by theTruok yg making Tweed Suits m first class style TINWALD ...17s „ „ X from £2 10s Od. Trousers from 18s WINSLOW ... 17s „ „ 6d (specialty). Heavy Saddle Tweed BINDS ...17a „  Suite, £4 0s Od, EALING ... 18s „ DROMORE 17s OHKRTSEY '.'.'. 17a ,',' !! GENTS' OWN MATERIAL MADE UP. Terms Oasb Trousers, 7s 6d ;JSao Suits, 35s 5 Paget.B, - ' iOa, Mebsbb TUCKER xvo RBSTELL, Terms Cash' Sole'-egenta for Ashburtou. ' TOWN HALL, il*iiO "~y, ? r WRIGHT, JJA^ 1 W'BWT'