DIARY

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at 3 days old shines till about 8 o'clook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'clock. The Moon at 8 days old shines till nearly 1 o'clock m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown till about 4 m the morning. The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. shines till morning. The Moon at 21 days old risea about 11 ( ro. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises about 2 a.m. shines til morning. The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. •nd ehiues till sunrise.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the SOth November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be b follow, viz. : — IF TUB IN ADVANCE : Per Quarter.. 6b 6d, by post, 9a fid „ Half-jear 12s 6d, by post, 18b 6d „ Year .. Us Od, by post, 87s Od r booked; Per Quarter. . 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21b 6d „ Year .. 30a Od, by poat, 43s Od Birtb, Marriage, and Death Notioes, if paid lor at the time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, is eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the - country districts require to be verified by the lignature of the eraon sending the notioe.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Aahbarton Post Office v follows :— For Christohnrch and North at 6 a.m 10.30 a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Bakaia, &c, at 10.30 a.m Hid 5 p.xn. daily. For Dunedin,Timrald, Window, Hinds, OoTdstre&m. Bangitata, Orarl, Winchester, «nd Goraldine, at 10 s.m. daily. For I'emulra, aft 10 km. and 4 30 p.m. a«i?y. Tor r i?ima/n and South, at 10 a. m., and 4 80 p.m., dally] For Greenitreet and Ashburton Forks, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 10.30 a.m. For Wakanul, Elgin, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6. SO a. m. For flfount Somers, dally at 4.30 p.m For Mayfield and Ruapuna, on Mon flays and Thursdays at 430 p.m. For Aahton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Remington, on Mondays, Wednee d»ys, and Fridays, at 4. 30 p. m. For Newlandfl, on Tuesdays and Frl dayi at 10.30 a,m. M»Hn arrive at the Ashburton Post Ofioe— From Ohristchuroh and Bakaia at 10.16 • m.j 4.36 p.m., and 7.20 p.m. From Ohertsey &c at 10.15 ( m, and ,4 86 p.m. cully. From DAnedin and Intermediate places •ts.Sop.in daily, Krota Temoka andTlmara at 10.40 a.m. and 5. 50 p.m daily. , From Greenstreetand Ashinrtoa Forks, Wednesdays and S iturd&ys,. at 4.46 p.m. From Wakanul,, Elgta, Seariew, Bea fitld and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday!, at s p.m. From Mount Somers, daily at 10.30 »,m. From Mayfield and Buapuna, on Wed nesdays and Saturdays, at 10.5 a.m. From Ashtcn, Waterton, and Long* beaoh at 10 a.m. daily. From Newlands, on Tuesdays and Fri days at 2.30 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1887. THE CRISIS.

Notwithstanding the deieat sustained by the Government yesterday morning, Major Atkinson has not, as far as we know, carried out his threat of resign ing. When the telegraph office closed last night, or rather this morning the crucia* question — the rescinding of Mr Stewart's amendment— was just coming on. Major Atkinson had moved* that the Bill be recommitted with a view to the fun her c^nsidd uion of clause it, Mr Downie called upon those members who had voted for his amendment, to vote against the recommittal of the Bill as a matter of justice and honor. It is r.'ry evident, how ever, that there are too many of the weak-kneed class of politicians to be found among those who vote with the " ayes " on that occasion, to antici pate that any appeal founded on justice and honor will prevail over what they now consider party ties. If the Premier succeed m his attempts to have the obnoxious amendment rescended, it will be a matter for general and wide spread regret, for it will virtually abolish constitutional government, for the Act can then be brought into force at any time. And it will have this effect. Major Atkinson, who has intimated his intention of making great changes m m the electoral laws next year and has also stated that he intends next session, to bring down further policy Bills, will then be m a position to tell the House that if hon members refuse to pass the measures proposed he will appeal to the country, and m that case twenty-five of them will have to suffer political death. This is too formidable a weapon to put into the hands of any political leader. It is his anxiety to posssss himself of such a potent factor to his continuance m office which has caused the Premier to manifest such feverish eagerness to have the Bill passed without any limit as to the time of its coming into operation. We are afraid, however, that the despotic Major has drilled his weak-kneed followers too well for any to dare to disobey his high behests, and that we shall see the only safeguard of the House ruthlessly swept away at the word of command.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The nominations for the Tinwald Races closes at Scott's Hotel, at ten o'olook, on Saturday evening. At the B.M. Court this morning, before Mr John Ollivier, 8.M., four first offenders were fined for allowing cattle to wander at large, m one case the defendant was ordered to pay the costs only, as his was an exceptional case. —In a civil case, H. Thompson v W. Wells, claim £10 2s 63, judgment was given for amount claimed, with interest and costs. ] A daylight inspection parade of the Ash* burton Volunteers was held on Tuesday evening at half-past seven o'olook, Major Douglas being the Inspecting Oflioer. Capt Pooka was also present. There was a good muster of both the adult corps, and the Cadets, under Sergt-Major Hayes, numbered 40. The latter Corps was exeroised on the parade ground. The Eifloa and Guards were exercised m battalion drill by Capt Dolman. Before dismissing, Major Douglaß said he con sidered there waß room for a deal of improve* ment m the drill, and announced there would ba a Church Parado on Sunday week, at whioh a good muster is expeoted. A telegram from Pitteburg soya that the Amerioan flint bottle and window glass workers of the country havo formed an organisation to prevent the importation of oontraot labor. Thoy have raised £Q, ( QOO dollars., which will be used m the prosecution of any manufacturer who attempts to import contract labor. Skinhy Men. — "Wells' Healt l^annwer.j' i stores health and vigor, ouroa Dyspepsia mpoteace, Sexual Debility. At chemists and druggists. Kempthorne, Proiser, a»d Go, \ £<?flte, Ql»ie(QhHrob 2

la Paris a boy of fifteen years of age robbed a shopkeeper who had, for charity's sake, interested himself m the boy, and ran away with a girl aged fourteen years, and the boy and girl started housekeeping on the spoils. E The boy, discovering that the girl had anothe r c lover, stabbed her with a knife, inflicting three wounds, which ended fatally. A joke is going round the lobbies of the House of Representatives, at the expense of a certain Auokland member, who when sitting on a Committee the other day was attacked by a violent fit of sneezing. The attack was so violent that, to the horror of the member aforesaid and the ill-disguised merriment of his colleagues, a set of false teeth worn by him dropped out on the table. It is reported that an attempt was made last week to wreok a train on the Hawkesbury line near Peate's Ferry, New South Wales, the scene of the terrible aooident a few months ago. A long and thick pieoe of iron was plaoed across the rails, scoured by wire, and bricks were also heaped on the rails at a curve on the line where the oarriages would be thrown over a preoipioe 300 feat deep if they went off the rails. The obstructions were fortunately removed by a settler before any train passed over them. Lawn tennis was introduced under the queer title of Sphairistike, and under that name it was patented by Major Wingfield, but it was not until 1876 that it really began to take the publio fanoy. The first oham pionship ever oompeted lor was held at Wimbledon on July 9, 1877, when there were only 22 entries. A tornado, aooompanied by violent raia, swept over Brownsville, Texas, and Mata moris, m Mexico, and the vioinity. The Bio Grande rose to suoh a height that it overflowed its banks and deluged the oountry. causing great destruction to crops and houses. The damage is estimated at 1,000,000 dols. The wheat orop m India this year oooupiss an area of 5,943,400 aores, and if the average yield be 9 bushels of 631 b the total quantity is estimated at 1£ million of tons. A correspondent writes from the neighbor hood of Bologna, under date Sept. 11th, that the highwaymen who are infesting the wild oountry between there and Pistola have stopped a countess who was driving home to her country house and robbed her of money and valuables to the extent of 6000 florinß. Mrs Langtry's ooaohman is one of the Bights at Long Beach. He is only a little more than four feet tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. What little hair he has is red, and his face is covered withe freokles. As a foil for his handsome mistress he is an un qualified sucoess. The "New Zealand Times" cays: — "It will be very difficult to make people at Home believe m the heavy trade depression exist ing [m the colony when they read that the sum of £36,287 was put through the totalisator at the Ohristohurch races. It is estimated that fully £250,000 changed hands over the Melbourne Cup, The Frenoh Government has taken measures to suppress the importation of manufactured cripples into the country from Spain. The scoundrels who deal m these things take feeble young ohildren and bind their lower limbs under them so as to destroy the use of them, and then turn them out to beg m little carts. The Government has ordered the Prefects m the Southern Depart ment to prevent their entrance into Franoe. It has hitherto been supposed that the highest mountain m the world was Mount Everest, one of the Himalayas (29,000 feet high), but this honor is now claimed for Mount Heroules, m New Guinea, whioh rears to the tremendous altitude of 32,788 feet. The Frenoh population returns for 1886 have been issued. The births exceeded the deaths by 52,566, the smallest exoess known of late years. In 1881 the exoess was 108,000, m 1882 97,000, m 1883 96,000, m 1884 78,000, and m 1885 85,000. The divorces, whioh for the second time figures m the returns, were 2948 m 1886, against 4277 m 1885. Paris furnished 650 of them; whereas Hantee, Alpes, and Lozere had none, and Canto), Savoie, and Vienne had only one each. An important report bearing upon the efficacy of wire-netting fences for ooping with the rabbit nuisanoe has been furnished by Mr Stanley, one of the New South Wales Stock Inspectors, who has been carefully observing and experimenting with young rabbits. He finds that rabbits four weeks old can get j through wire-netting with a mesh of 1£ inch with the greatest ease. As young rabbits are left to look after themselves even before reaching that ago, he regards it as absolutely necessary to provide against young rabbits getting through the fences. If Bteps are not taken m this direction the immense expen diture on rabbit-proof fenoing will prove practioally useless. The best medioine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRAOT, Test its eminent powerful effects m ooughs, colds, influenza, etc — the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medioal syndicates all over the globe are its patrons. Bead the official reports that accompany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Prof. University, Greifswald, reports :— The Eucalypti Extraot proved magnificently successful m very severe oontusions, bruises, sprains, wounds, soald ings, broken ribs, and limbs. (" Medical Journal," Nov., 1881.) In diseases of the kidneys, either aotive congestion or suppres sion, (urcomia) or albuminuria, dropsy, lithiasis, nothing will equal m its aotion Euoalypti Extraot. Doses, sto 8 drops. Mosler, M.D., Prof., University, Greifswald, reports : — Diphtheria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white exudats. Cured m fourteen days, Surgical Clinic of Prof. M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Ijoui's— Soirrhus of Breast-^ Exoiaion. Euoalypti Extraot employed. No swelling, heat, or discoloration. Cured m fourteen days.— (Advt.) 4

A RUSSIAN ADVENTURESS

A Russian adventuress, known by the nlcknaaae of the "Golden Hand," hao boeu condemned by the tribunal of Moscow to transportation for life. Thla extraordinary woman has been married no leas than sixteen times, and is de« soribed as being remarkably handsome, Her husbands belanged to all nationalities and creeda. She ran away from two m France and three In Germany, carrying ofl aa much of their property aa she could She waa m Vienna m 1878 under a false name. She robbed her different husbands altogether of more than 300,000 roubles. When travelling she invariably made dupes and disappeared with thsir money, jewela, and even with their watohea. She Is not unf»ralH»r with her future abode— Slberli— as ehe was condemned to tr»DB« portatlon onoo before by the Moboow tribunal. She had not been there long before the chief overseer of the plaoe where she was confined married her and took her to Oonutantinople. She loft him la oonrne of time and returned to Russia where ehe WSB only Identified by the police after two yearn' residence. She speako fluently Rnaaian, Garoaan, French, English, and Roumanian. The lawyer entrusted with her defenoe had an opportunity of experiencing her skill ajs § pjokpooket. When ho went to eeo her m prfaon alter the trial she assured him of her gratitude, and as^ed him to accept as a souvenir a gold "watoh and chain, whloh she placed on the table befora him. He at OJce reoogniaod it bb his own She bad picked his pookot, and pioientad him with his own watch, -

THE WAITOTARA PETITION.

Wanganui, December 7. Tn the Bryco Hutchison oaae this morning evidence for the defence was called as follows : — Walter Syncs proved an interview between the respondent and McLean after ' the declaration of the poll, when the latter obtained a sovereign from respon dent. Muldrooh was examined as to an inter view with McLean on the subjaot of the sovereign, when the latter told witness that he had borrowed the sovereign from respondent. Muldrooh corroborated the statement of the previous witnesses as to his connection with a buah-falling con* traot, and alleged promise of a section to the man Bright, and lending cow to Mason, whioh was common praotioe after calving. This was also proved by another farmer. A number of other witnesses denied drinking with alleged agents on polling day. Later. Respondent's case In the election petition, Bryce v. Hutchison, was dosed early m the afternoon, and Counsel for the reapondent ta addressing the Court. He has up to the present spoken for over four hours. A number of witnesses were called this mornlDg. Their evidence con firmed the denial as to having been treated on certain ooo^sions by the respondent or his agent. Hugh Muldrook gave evidence as to his connection with the transaction In whioh the man Bright alleged having been promised a section of land, from which it appeared Bright merely stated his desire -to possess the land, but there was no arrangement. Bright was dis-! missed from respondent's employ by the manager for drankenneßa. Maid rook also dettlled the droamstancea m connec tion with having given oows to Maeon m consideration of hia support to respondent At the election. The manager stated it was his custom to lend oows to neighbors after calving. The manager of another property stated this was a common practice. The Oours resumed at half-past seven. Counsel for the petitioner will address the Court to-night. WANgANui, December 8. The address of counsel lasted till half past e'even last night, when the Court adjou ned till 2 o'clock to-day. Later, Judge Prendergast stated that the Court was unable yet to come to a decision, and adjourned it till tomorrow t eleven*

THE MARKETS.

[BBUTfiß's TELEGRAMS — COPYRIGHT.] London, Deoember 6. Consols remain at ioi^j. Four per cent New Zealand loan maintains yester clay's advanced quotations. The market rate of discount is 3^ per cent, an ad vance of yh, and is now fa below the bank rate. Wool — The tone of the market con tinues firm, 12,600 bales were offered at to-day's auction. Melbourne, Deoember 7« Messrs Goldsborough and Company, Limited, report having sold 5200 bales of *wool during the past week. There was a large attendance at to-day's sale, and competition was very spirited, the market being somewhat firmer m tone though no material advances m prices were made. Superior greasy merino realised i2^d ; good ditto, iod ; cross bred, io^4-d; superior lambs' wool, i2/£d j pieces, B^d per lb. The New Zealand Loan and Mer cantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cable message from London, dated 6th December, 1887 :— Wool — The sales gain firmness as they progress. Wheat — Market firm. N.Z. wheats (average and long-berried) are worth respectively 33s and 34s per 4961 b. Leather — Market is unchanged. Frozen Meat — Market quiet. Can terbury mutton is worth 3^sd per lb. Messrs Geo. Willis and Co. report on wool freights under date Adelaide, 24th November : — "The London berth is virtually empty of sailers, the only vessels being the Abeona and Glen Osmond, both fully provided for rates and }4d. Oriana and JBarossa daily expected will follow from Port Adelaide, and the Lady Douglas from Port Augusta. For these latter vessels a %d and %d is being asked."

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[rbuter's telegrams— copyright.]

OPENING OF CONGRESS.

Washington, December 6 Congress was opened to-day. The President's message was confined to the Tariff and Financial questions. The message urges Congress to take im mediate steps to reducethe present surplus, and suggests as a most favor able method of doing so the reduction or abolition of the duties upon wool and imposts upon raw material used m the American manufacturing industries, i

NEW AGENT-GENERAL.

London, Djcembor 6. In the absence of Sir Saul Samuel, who obtained six months' leave, Sir Daniel Cooper will act as Agent- General for New South Wales.

CONVICTS.

Pahis, December 6. Three hundred convicts have been embarked at La Rochelle, their desti nation being New Caledonia.

AUSTRAIIAN,

[REUTER's TELEGRAM— COI'YtIGHT.]

SHIPPING.

Albany, December 7. The P. and O. Company's new pas senger steamer Britannia arrived at King George's Sound ar noon to-day. She left England on the 6th November. Melbourne, December 7; The Union Company's Wairarapa sailed this afternoon for the Bluff.

THE VICTORIAN GOVERN MENT WORSTED.

The Legislative Assembly sat all last night, and only rose at one o'clock this afternoon. The subject of the debate was the Public Service Amendment Bill, which measure the Government was forced to abandon.

LORD HAWKE.

The Hon M. B. Hawke, the cricketer (now Baron Hawke), will leave for England m the Orient Co.'s Ormui on Friday next.

THE NAVAL DEFENCE.

' " Svd^bt, December 7. The Naval Defence 'and Fortress Bijl has passed the third reading m the Legislative Assembly to-day.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

, Wednesday, December 7. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. honoearium:. Dr Pollen, m moving a motion to the effaot that the Council concur with the House m any redaction of allowances to members which shall maintain the equality of treatment between the two Chambers established by the Parliamentary Honor arium Act 1884, said that the oountry did not want the reduction. The fact was that it was a sort of cheese-paring m the kitchen while riot ran throughout the hall. Sir Frederlok Whltaker Bald that the oountry demanded reduotlon from the Government down to thn junior messenger In the service, and he warned the Council not to run contrary to the popular de mand. After dissuasion the debate on the motion was adjourned, PHARMACY BILL, The Pharmaoy Bill was committed and reported with amendments. SECOND HEADINGS, The following Bills were read a second time :— Napier Harbor Board Amendment Bill, Akaroa Council Reclamation BUI. ; The motion for the seoond reading of the North Dunedin Cemetery Bill was 1 rejected On an amendment by Mr | Reynolds that the Bill be read that day ■ six months. J The Council adjourned to 7.30 p.m. 1 The Council resumed at 7.30. ' , After a short discussion on a motion by ' Sir F. Whltaker, the Native Land Court i Administration Act; Repeal Bill, the c Native Land Court Aofc Amendment Bill, and the Maori Real Estate Management * Bill were read a seoond time and referred , to the Native Afialrs Committee. ORDEHS. 3 The remaining Orders of the Day were r discharged and made orders for next day . % . The Council at 8.15 adjourned.

HOUSE OFRPPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 7. The House met at 11 a.m. MINISTKKIAL STATEMENT. Major Atkinson said that after the vote of the House l&Bt night, he should aßk for an adjournment till half past two o'olook, when h9 would be prepared to make a statement, Questions on the Order Paper were therefore postponed until to-morrow. The Rouse rose at 11 5 a.m. lhe House resumed at 2.30 p.m. NEW BILLS. The Premier introduced the Naval and Military Settlers and Yolunteera Land Bill, and the Crown and Native Lands Bating Aots Repeal Bill. ORDBR OP BDSINISS. Sir Julius Vcgal presumed that the Premier would m.-ln a statement as to the course of business for the rest of the session, but before doing bo he should like .to know what opportunity wonld be afforded him of moving the resolutions he h\d placed on the Order Paper. He said, referring to the reason why thsse resolu tions were put on the paper, that if the member for Marsden had waited till he (Sir Julius Yogel) had finished his remarks he thought he would not have ! taken any objection to them. If, also, the honorable gentleman had not put a ques tion m Buch an offensive way relating to to himself, the matter would probably have takea a different turn. He must say that he admired the chivalry of the mombor for Marsden m takiug all the transaction on himself, although It was evident he must have been put up to it by somebody else. He also wised to say that, daring yesterday's debate, he heard language U3ed of a far stronger character than he had made use of when stopped by the Speaker. Ha went on to refer to the fact that a newspaper partly owned by a member of the Government, had made an attack upon Parliament which went far beyond anything be had said, Was it fair that this should remain unchallenged? He thought m fairness that the resolution paaaed by the House m reference to his (Sir Julius VogePe) action should be cancelled, but he should like to ask whether Government would give any facilities fur moving his resolutions. He should not press for an answer that day, but would ask whether he would receive a reply later on. Toe Premier said he should give no facilities whatever. Sir Julius Yogel said that m that case he would throw on the Premier the responsibility for any aotion whioh he I might be compelled to take m the matter. THE REPRESENTATION BILL. The Premier said it would be within the recollection of the House that the Government thought It necessary to report progress on the .Representation Bill the previous night. Government had since come to the conclusion to ask the House to go into Committee on the Bill, and to pass it through. They would then ask i the House to recommit the Bill for the purpose of altering clause 2. Sir Jalius Yogel asked whether the Premier would not make any atatement as to the progress of business. The Premier said he intended to have done so, but it would depend on the aotion of the honorable gentleman himself on the Bill under consideration

The Houee weut into Committee for the farther consideration of the Representa tion Bill. Clause 2, providing for 70 members, iDcluding 3 Maori members. — The Premier said he proposed to make the total Dumber of momberß 74, namely. 70 Europeans and 4 Maori members. If the Honae would cgreo to that he should be prepared to move it at or.co. Mr Beeves (St Albanß) aeked whether his amendment to make the number 84 could not be put first. A lengthy discussion followed, during whioh the Premier complained that Sir Julius Yogel had been for the last two days delaying the progress of the Bill. Sir Julia 3 Yogel protested against the arrogance of the Premier, and said that if uuch accusations were made his aide of the Houae would offer real obstruction to the Bill. He denied that any obstruo- i tlon had hitherto been offered. The Premier said that the honorable gentleman should {come out In his true colours, and let the houae and the country see what be meant. Sir Julius Yogel then continued speak ing on the clause, After further discussion, Mr Turnbnll hoped that the Premier aud leader of the Opposition would cease their arguments, and allovr the clause t) be put. He wanted the business to prooeed ao that the Public Works Statement could be made. Mr Seddon moved a farther amend ment that the Bill should not come into force till after the oennus was taken. The Premier opposed tho amendment, as Government was not prepared to accept any amendments whioh would make the Bill different from the present law. The amendment was lost by 49 to 38. Mr Reevea' amendment to fix the number of members at 34 was then pat and lost by 54 to 20. The Premier moved to fix {the number at 74. The motion was oarrled by 49 to 29. The Premier moved to fix the number of Maori members at 4 Instead of 3. The motion was carried on the voices. Mr Walker moved an addition to clause 2, that town Bonstltuencies shall have a larger quota than country constituencies. Re explained that his amendment referred m\y to'the four large oltleß. The Premier hoped the Committee would redact the amendment, \aa it was not desirable to open np thia questions In the present BUI. He hoped the awead,* meat would be withdrawn,

After a long die oasßlon the amendment vraß withdrawn, Clause 3, Commlaaloner to give effect to the Representation Act and this Aot. — Mr Seddon moved that the quota of the country diatriols be 35 pec cent instead of 18 per cent, The Preimer opposed the amendment. The debate was Interrupted by the 5,30 p.m. adjournment. The House resumed at 7 30 p.m. The dißoassiou on the amendment that the quota for oonntry districts be 24 In* stead of 18 was continued. On a division the rmeudment nu lost by 48 to 14 Mr Seddon moved a proviso to clause 2 "that the Act Bhall have no effaot until electoral boundaries necessary thereunder shall have been defined by commissioners, and a description thereof laid on the table. of the House." The motion to report progress was lost. Mr Siddon moved that the ohalrmao leave thac^alr, and If that were lost wonld ask the gentlemen aotlng with to let the olausea go through, leaving responsibility with the majority. Lost on the voices. Mr Seddon's proviso was then loot a division by 47 to 19. ' ; Clause 2 as amended was passed. On clause 3, Mr Levestam moved an amendment that the colony be divided into 67 electoral districts* In r^ply to Mr Walker, Major Atklnßon said the Government only wished to affirm the principle of reduction, and stated the other matters pertaining thereto would be dealt with In a Bill to be brought down next session. The amendment was lost by 54 to 13. Dr Pitohett moved that six months from the passing of the Act Commlssioneri shall report the names of new distriota to the Governor who shall thereupon proolalm them. The amendment was lost by 48 to 25, Mr Seddon moved a provision to olausa 3, that the quota m mining distriota should be 25 per cent, Lost by 44 to 9. Mr Seddon moved another provision to the effect that the Act shall not apply to Westland, Nelson, Taranakl and Marl borough, and that these districts retain the Bame number of members as at presenfci Lost by 46 to 7. Olause 3, as printed, passed . Clause 4, providing for the Southern Maori district being added to the Western Maori district, was struck out. Dr Fitchett moved a new clause pro viding for the amalgamation of city electorates at Auckland, Wellington, Ohriatohurch and Dunedin. After some discussion, it was lost by 44 to 12. The Bill as amended was repotted. The Premier moved the re-commlttal of the Bill to re-consider clause 2. Mr Walker asked the Premier to post pone the debate to next day. He also asked if it was competent to take new business after 0.30 a.m. The Speaker ruled that simply referring the question back to the committee was not new business. Mr Downie Stewart argued no good reason had been shown why the vote of the previous evening should be reversed. He accused certain, hon gentlemen who had voted with him laet night of now threatening to vote against him or walk out of the House. Mr Menteath explained that when he gave his vote yesterday he was unaware' that Government had made the Bill • Ministerial measure. At half- past three the Bill was reported and Its third reading set down foe next day.

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

[FBOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, December 7. MOBE TBOUBLB AHEAD. The leader of the Opposition sounded a note of warning to-day which has aa ominous riapr, and presages more tronble m these final days of the session, When the hon. gentleman commenced his speech some curiosity was felt as to what was m the wind, but it soon became apparent that the Vogel- O'Rourke episode whioh It was believed was dead and burled, was to be resurreoted and brought forth again to be wrangled over on the floor of the House. He drew attention to the fact that he had some time slnoa pat a number of motions on tQB Order Paper m reference to a resolution of the House iv regard to his remarks reflecting on members, and pointed out that with such a motion hanging over him he had no opportunity of justifying his conduct. He proceeded to state that a fresh lnsalt m the shape of a question had been offered to him, and he thought it time that a stop should be put to this sort of thing. As a result of the motion ( he pointed out that he had been debarred from defending himself, although reflec tions had appeared m a paper of whioh one member of the Government was the reputed proprietor, whioh were as wine to water m comparison with what he had said . It had been stated that an apology from thbt paper was to be published, bat no aaoh apology had appeared, and next *veek had appeared m another paper (presumably a cartoon which was pab« lished m the Auckland " Observer ") an even worse reflection on the House and its members. No notice had ever been t*ken of these, while the motion whioh had been paaaed m reference to his action still remained on tihe reoords of the Houee; He thought it only fair, there fore, that Government should give htm an opportunity either of withdrawing or cancelling the resolution, and though he did not ask for that then, Government should take the matter into consideration. When Sir Julius had concluded his remarks no one followed, and cries of "question" arose from the Premier and other members; Sir Julius then said that if Government refused to give him the opportunity he desired, he should ba obliged to take his own remedy. The Premier pointed out that Sir Julius did not ask for a reply tben, bat If he wanted it he could have it. The reply of Govern ment would be that they were nob prepared to give him any facilities for moving his resolutions. Sir Julius retorted that he should feel obliged if, after consultation with his friends, he deemed it advisable, as it seemed' to him that the Premier waa fprcing him to {ihja course, to take such action ag he conld do by way of a question of privilege. He would not undertake fa aay that he would do so, but if he believed that the Premier was not paying any heed to the appeal he waß making, he threw the whole responsibility on the Government of whatever course he might feel it necessary to take. The matter then dropped, and tho Housa proceeded to the orders of the day. la referenoe to this question, whioh has been con siderably talked about, I am reliably informed that Sir Julias has deoided to bring the question cf the ••Bell" artlole and the "Observer" cartoon before the House by way of a question of privilege, whioh would take preoedenoe of all other business. No definite course has yet been decided upon, but m all probability the matter will be brought on as a surprise motion, perhaps to-morrow.

fHE ASHBURTON GUAKDIAN, THURSDAX, DECEMBER 8, iB&7.



Moon's Snn San Moon Moon age at Rises. Sets. Bices Beta, noonday p.m. a.m. S Saturday ... 4.17 7.22 9.27 6.15 17 4 Sunday .. 4.16 7.23 10.16 7.7 13 5 Monday .. 4.16 7.24 10.59 8.4 18 t Tu«ifcy .. 4.14 7.25 U.SB 9.7 SO 7 Wednesday.. 4.16 7.26 -• ♦ 10.12 SI a,m. 8 Ta«»day .. 4.16 7.37 0.13 11.22 M • Mdij.. .. 4.15 7.28 0.44 &32 31



Weakness and sickness changed to health and strength with Hop Bitters always if thoBQ mado by Amerioan Co. See. Keating's Powder destroys both moths, fleas, beetles, and all other inseots, while quita harmless to domestis animals, In extermi* nating beetles, the aucoess of this powd_er is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m appli* oation. £tee the article ypu purohaa. .uS Keating's, "a's imita'tiotis ate iidxjoug- {ti>£ neffeotual. Bold m tins, 6d, Is Rff* I Cl each by a.U tiMß{gfy, ' ~ ' *1



""""wanted. \ \ /"'ANTED Improvers and Assistants VV to the Dressmaking. Apply Misses Morrison and Holi/.way. 12 43 WANTED— Improvers to the Dress- makiog. Apply, Mrs Kennedy and Miss Cameron, Compton's Buildings, Moore Street. 12 32 QR*^ALE^A' ~leiT6r*Empty~Coßeß! cheap.— H. O. Segers, Melford House. "TTTANTED Known.— That HAVES VV 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, Zephyrs, &c. Great variety to choose from.— H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Everyone to see the ONE SHILLING box of choice Christ- mas and Yew Year Cards. Envelopes in- cluded* — H. O. Seoebs, Melford House. WANTED CASH — Moir'a Oatmeal 251bs, 2s Gd ; Sperm Candles, 5d ; Coffee and Milk, la per tin; Cocoa and Milk, Is per tin ; Vestas, 5d per doz ; CorDflour, 4i per 1b ; tin Fruits, Is ; Orookery, Ironmongery, eto. — At Jakes McGregor's, Tancred Street, opposite Arcade. WANTED Known.— For Sale, Blue Gum, Stringy Bark, Peppermint Gum, Bed Gum, and Silver Wattle .Tree Seeds, locally grown, and saved this Season ; also Turnip Seeds, just arrived, ex s.s. Bimntaka. — J. Scaly and Co., Seedsmen, Eaet Street. llf 61 WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Scenery, and Catholic Subjects Catholic Cards, good variety m Scraps Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet Cotton, Transfers, Tinsel Balls, &c, &c, at Mrs Manhire's Fancy Repository, Saundors' Buildings WANTED Known.— Board and Resi dance for one Gentleman ; com- ' fortable bedroom and use of sitting-room, only one other Boarder. Address — A.8., " Guardian " Offico. 11 163 WANTED Known— To the Ladieß of Aehburton and, surrounding districts, that an experienced monthly Nurse is desirous of engagement. Good references can be given. Address — Mrs Hill, Peter Street, Ashbnrton. 11 18 W "ANTED Known— Wells Bank, with pump and pipe found and fixed, from £2 10s upwards. All kinds of pumps, Ranges and house-smith work fixed or repaired. Chimneys swept and ranger cleaned, 33. Registers Is 6d eaoh. All orders punctually attended to. Note address, H. Dudley, Moore street, Ash- barton. 11 22



AGAIN YICTOEIOUSJ! THE Latest Honors— firat prize— Gold Medal and 600 francs awarded to the Walter A. Wood Binder, after a three days' Government trial, at Melun, In France. MoOormlck Wood-f rame 2nd, Hornaby 3rd. The " Cultivator and Country Gentleman " eayp :— " The trial at Molnn w»b a grand success. It was attended by the French Cabinet Minister of Agriculture, and be Department Director, as well as n-any other French Government officials. M asallltfre, Inspector-General of Agriculture, having personal direction." The result has been published In the leading American dailien— aast— west-*- --north and south— ln the following cable despatch, which was clipped from tho .New York Tribune," of 11th A gust, 1887 : — A Government Harvebter and Binder Contest was held near Melon July 29, 30, 31, the most important Europoan lontest slnca 1885. The WALTER A. WOOD Machine received firßt prise — gold nedal and 500 francs. McCormick Wood-f rame, second ; Horußby, third McOormlok a eMisme Machine, *«•* T^fcnjton c, a«»d Ackboret's Machines also competed In he



STILL AHEAD OF ALL OTHERS, AND THIS IS ENDOBSED BY THE BUYING PDBLIO. SALES FOR 1886, 45,557 MACHINES. fT^BIS record stands nnparaHed. It is^laid before the pablio as the best evidence 1 of the merit of the WALTER A. WOOD BINDERS and REAPERS. This exhibit of Bales showing at once their volume and their marvollons growth, has always bad, and mast continue to have, an Irreilstable influence npon the judgment of the farmer' m determining what make of machine it la practically and economically bis interest to own, Tha best possible teßt of the merit of machinery Is comparison, This is the test npon which we are satisfied to rest the claims of the WALTER A. WOOD HAR- VESTING MACHINES. Each year's addition to the record of sales contributes to tbe value of tbe teat. It will be seen that moro than 45,000 maobines have been placed In the hands of the farmers during last season, and it Is everywhere known that these farmers unite m tbe verdiot 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, and L tbat last the longest, are those that bear the name of WALTER, JL. WOOD, name which these machines have long made familiar m all civlHsedJparts of the world. durability; of the wood machines: Sitles'o^ repairs leaa than for any'other Maohines. It io a fact'attestedjby agents who sell them, and by farmera who use them, tha) \ Wood's Machines requires far less repairs than any other machines m uee. Xc other harvesting machines are as durable and free from breakages, F. FEKRIMAN, Ashburton, Agent.



XMAS. XMAS. XMAS. WE HAVE MADE EXTENSIVE PURCHASES FOR THIS XMAS TRADE. 100 pairs Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers, from lOs 6d 47 Colonial and Ashburton Tweed Suits from 38s 6d One Case Stockman's Col. Moles 5s lid And art) giring (irand Value m Hats, Shirts, flannels, Drawers, Booto, 6cc» mitchell"-&T turner.



PICKFOBD AND OTDRILL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, CABINETMAKERS AND UNDERTAKERS, TANCRED STREET, Opposite Union Bank. NEW GOODS — Chairs of all kinda, Toilet Ware, Pier and Toilet Glasses? Mattreßses and Palliases, Couches, Cheap Perambulators. Furniture to any Design Made to Order. Having procured a very superior HEARSE and MOURNING COACH, wit. Plumes and complete fittings, they are now prepared to undertake FUNERALS IN TOWN OR COUNTRY With Despatch and Economy, combined with reasonable charges,



VICTORIA_ HOUSE. DIMAET AND COE HAVE extreme gratification m announcing their Third Annual Distribution of Beautiful, Uetful, Rare and ValuaWo Works of Art, which comprise, — GLASS SUGAR BASINS, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER JUGS, BUTTER DIBHES, &c , &0., to Cash Pur«hassr« of Parcels to the value of 20s, 40s, and upwards. COUPONS ABE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. _ DIMANT cSc COE General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANCEED STEEETS. 12 22 ALBERT EOBEETS HAS FOE SALE,— Clovers, — BED, "WHITE, COWGEASS, ALSYKE, and TEEPOIL. RYEGRASS, COCKSFOOT, and RAPE, Golden Tares, Cape Barley, 8BED; PEAB.SEED OATb; (various binds), CRUSHED BEANS PLOUGH BHABEB COOPER'S SHEEP DIP, Acknowledge! to bo THE BEST IN THE MAEKET



A. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, ACOnONEFi*, 6TOCK AND ESTATE AGENT ASTD VALUATOR. AICBDAI SALE al 13 o'clock sharp •-Hones, Cattle, Pigs, Produce Mid- Merchandise. FOB SALE— Farming Implements, and Vohiole* of all kinds constantly iv Yard*/ on view for Sale. Clearing Sales held m Town oi Country as required, and. most liberal terms arranged with both Buyers and Sellers. Bents collected, and the business oi absentees managed with caro. Valuation made of Properties or Mer« chandise on easy terms, AcUances made instantly on Gooda delivered at the Stores ior Sale. pftnft for the Norwioh Unite Fixe In- joianee Composf, Agent for t&a MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION O- AUSTRALASIA ALFRED HAHRTSON TRY KIBKPATEICK'S JAM. CAUTION. Vf ONE is genuine unless our name (is \yi stamped on each tin, and has our I Registered 'Jrade Ma.-, '^Lora Ne!son, j •s the label. TRY KIBKPATEICK'S; TOMATO SAUCE. THBJmost (telicious flavoring for '.Cold tfcttl* Chops] Steaks, Soupß, Gravies,