THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

From and after the 80th November, 1886, the terms of Subscription to this journal will be follows, viz. : — IP PAID IN ADVANCE : Per Quarter. . 6s d, by post, 9a 6d „ Half-year 12s 6d, by post, 18s 6d „ Year .. 24s Od, by post, 37s Od r booked: Per Quarter.. 7s 6d, by post, 10s 9d „ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d „ Year .. 80s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d eaoh, (stamps may be sent as payment) ; if booked, 4s eaoh. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages sent for publication from the country districts require to be verified by the signature of the erson sending the notice.

DIARY.

Moonlight Evenings.

The Moon at] 3;days old shines till about 6 o'clook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-past 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old shines till nearly 1 o'olook m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from | sundown till about i m the morning. I The Moon at 15 days old is full, and shines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and shines till morning. ' The Moon at 21 days old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rises arJout 2 a.m. and shinestill morning. The Moon at 27 days old rises about 4 a.m. and shines till sunrise.

TO OUR RAKAIA SUBSCRIBERS.

A Y7"-E desire to intimate that from and W aftor Ist January, 1888, BTJB SCJKIBERB to this journul will OBTAIN THEIR COPIES AT THE STORE OF MR 0. HABDY.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1888. AMERICA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.

Following up the remarks made m our issue of yesterday on the subject of French influence m the Pacific, it may be interesting to glance for a moment at the American view of the situation. An article headed " Our interest m the Pacific Ocean," which appears m the " Australasian and Souih American " of •December 9, presents the opportunity of so-doing, and we avail ourselves of that opportunity for the purpose of acquainting our readers with theopinions of our American cousins. After point ing out that it has been hitherto the wise policy of the United States Govern ment to abstain from interference with foreign Governments m the disposition they have been pleased to make of the various countries and comparatively unknown territories of the great con tinents, the journal referred to argues that a slight departure from traditional methods is ad vu able m connection with the Islands of the Pacific It contends that otherwise the United States will be placed at a fatal disadvantage as com pared with other great maritime and commercial nation?, and urges that no time should be lost by America m the definite assertion of her position m re lation to these important territories. Reference is then made to the fact that some three years ago the British Consul at Samoa endeavored to persuade New Zealand to annex the Samoan islands, and to the subsequent high-handed action of Germany m relation to, those islands and, after glancing at the recent troubles m the Hawaiian group, and deprecating the proposals for a protec torate put forward by the foreign residents of the latter, which it is contended would speedily lead to the partition of the islands, the article con cludes as follows ; — " Both the Samoan and the Hawaiian groups of islands are m the line of the two most important avenues of foreign commerce left open to us that are not dominated bjr far off European nations. The former are almost oa fh.e direct roue between our Pacific coait sad Aus tralaeta, and the latter constitute an important stopping pl^ce between the United States and Eas«jrn Asia. Siace the completion of (he £ap»djan Pacifc

Railway and the establishment of an Imperial highway across ihe North American continent to China, Japan and Australasia, England has had a covetous eye on both these island groups. Germany is not so much interested m Hawaii as m Samoa, and who knows what mulual arrangements may not have been arrived at between the astute German chancellor and i Great Britain, The ultimate prosperity ,of our foreign commerce, to say noth ' ing of present interests, demand that we should not be shutout of all participa fion m the advantages these oceanic stations offer. Our present convention with the Hawaiian Government is at best a temporary aftair, and although we should strenuously oppose any pro position to annex the territory of these islanders, one of the first acts of our government should be to take unmis takable steps, before Germany tightens her grip on Samoa to the exclusion of all other nations, and before the con trol of the Hawaiian Islands passes from its present possessors, to ensure the independence or neutrality of these important island depots, or to secure our right to erjjoy them, co-equal with any power that may m future, on the grounds of some frivolous trouble with the natives, raise a. foreign flag over them."

LOCAL AND GENERAL

With this issue we present our subscriber s with an Almanao for 1888. We take thi opportunity of apologising to advertisers for its late appearance, which ia due to un avoidable oauees. However, we suppose we may cay— Better late than never.

This morning, before Major Steward, J.P., a first offender was fined 6a, with the usual alternative, for having been drank and dis. orderly m & public place.

The Eev Father Chastagnon has requested us to state that the Bey Father Carolan, one of the] Professors of St Patriot's College (Wellington), will preach at the morning and evening services on Sunday,

A oricket matoh between the employee at the Woollen Faotory and the Ashburton OC* will take plaoe to-morrow, play commencing at 2 p.m.

The eleotion of a Licensing Committee for the Borough takes plaoe on the 80th inst. Nominations must be lodged with the Town Clerk by noon of the 20th.

The Queen of Sweden is reported to have become insane, and she is residing m striot seclusion at the beautiful castle of Ulriksdal.

King Tawhiao was last week visiting his dusky brethren at Maungakawa, where a big meeting was held, and he was to deliver an address, and endeavour to covert some who have not been particularly loyal to him.

"Let us dine together," said the native King to the missionary. " With great pleasure," replied the good man ; " but I must bo host." " I have planned it dif ferently,*' said the King with a bleak light m biß eyea ; " you Bhall be the dinner."

Scene— Doctor's house. Little boy at the front door : "la the doctor m ? Cause, if he is, I want to sea him at once." Servant : •' He's not m." Little boy : •• Well, just aa soon as he gets home, you tell him to come over tp our house and take that baby away he left last week. It's m tho way."

The Greytown (WalHngton) Butter and Cheese Factory Company Bhipped for London by the 8.8. Kaikoura, which sailed on the 12th inst., five tons of cheeßO.. By account sales just received tho Company learn that the lost' three tons which were put m the 000 l chamber realised C6s per owt m tho Home market.

Mr John Holmes, one of the representatives of the Mount Hutt Biding on the County Oounoil, wants tolls established on the Ash burton Traffic Bridge. He maintains that to protect this property, which is worth Bomo £10,000, from deßtruotion by fire and from wanton damage m other ways, it is necessary to have a caretaker, and he does not consider it fair to saddle the ratepayers with the cost of maintenance of the keeper, as many of them do not use the bridge. He wants, however, those who use the bridge to pay the piper, and with that end m view he intends \u25bato move at the next Council meeting that a tollgate be established. A great deal of dis cussion m reference to the bridge took place at the Counoil meeting to-day, A motion was proposed that the Borough be asked to undertake the control of the bridge at their own cost, but this was not pressed to the vote. A Committee was appointed, however, to report on the system of the management of the bridge. The Council fell m with a sug. gestion made by the Borough Fire Inspeotor that a number of buckets should be placed along the bridge, so that an inoipient fire might he quenched by the first person who noticed it.

The usual monthly meeting of the South Bakaia Sohool Committee was held m the Library on Wednesday evening. Present— » Messrs Pyke (ohairman), Stewart, Johnston Windsor, Broadbent, Turner, and Oxley. The Maßter forwarded a Hat showing the attend ances of the ohildrcn, and the names of those passing the last examination, Mr Turner reported on the (everlasting) pump. Mr Broadbent reported that he had let tenders for gorse cutting and grubbing at very satis faotory prices— action approved of. It was resolved to support the nomination of Messrs E. G. Wright and Booth as members of the Education Board. The Inspector's report was read and considered. It was unanimously resolved that the report was a most unsatis factory one, and that the Master be so informed, and that an examination be asked for m June. Attention was called to tho report of the last Committee meeting which appeared m the "Lyttelton Times," and wbioh was entirely at variance with the expressions made by the members. The Ohairman was requested to write and ask for information as to who supplied such an in correct report. It was resolved to give prizes for merit and beat attendance according to the Inspector's report. It was also deoided to give the obildren a treat on Friday, Jan. 27th, and Messrs Pyke, Turner, and Broad bent were appointed to arrange for same and for prizes. Attention was called to the fact tbat some "of the ohildren had been called upon to perform menial work at the school and grounds, and it was resolved that the Master be - instructed to discontinue asking the children to perform suoh tasks. Aooounto were passed for payment and the meeting adjourned,

'DISTRICT COURT.

ASH BURTON— FRI DAY.

(Before His Honor Mr District Jadge Broad.) IS BANKRUPTCY,

lie John Blaak. — Application for Oder of Discharge— Mr Clayton for applicant, who stated thau the case had been ad journed from last sitting to enable him (counsel) to ohtaln abandonment of three clalrnß. These had Binoe been filed. Ordor grant ad.

.Re Thomas Houlfc — Pablio Examination — Mr Pacuejll for Offiolal Assignee, Mr Oothbertaon for debtor — Mr Pornell was afraid that some of his witneaees were not m attendance, Due notice had been given. He would ask that those witnesses In attendan os might be examined m), it necessary ho would probably have to apply for an adjournment — James Oaborn was called bat did not appear, — Walter Hayman iworn, said— l am a farmer re aidiog at Flemington. Have proved my claim ss a oredltor la this estate. Know the bankrupt Hoult. Sold him B'x pjge m September lait. They were to be delivered to him two at a time. I went to his shop and told him I had eight plge for sale. He agreed to give me 3i per lb. He was to pay oash on delivery. I took the first two to him on Saturday (the 21st, I think). We weighed them and he told me to oall round m the after noon and he would pay me. I said he cou!d pay me when the others were delivered. I sent m two by coach on the next Thursday and two on the following Saturday. He told me he would settle with ma If I would oall m m the afternoon. Called m that after noon. He took me aside and said "Look here, do yoa want the money for a week.l" I said I wanted the money, bat a week would'nt make much odds, and he said I ehould have it on the Satut day folio wiog, Mrs Hay man|oalled foe the mono? on that day but he did not pay her. I hare not been' paid. On the following Wednesday I called npon Hoult and asked for the money. He tuld me that ho had'nt it, he had bean summoned by James Osborne and he wanted to pay the amount into Court because he didn't want his name to appear m the paper. He promised to pay the following Wednesday. He filed on that day. The amount due mo is £7 J2s 6d. When I agreed to sell him the piga I had'nt the slightest; idea he i was m difficulties He was a well-known buyer he had been buy lag pigs of farmers; throughout the season. Gross-examined : Never dealt with him before. Ha eaid he oat up these pigs and sold them m the shop. I don't think he said m his evidence that the reason he could'nt pap waa beoauee the Mesars Friedlander had put the bailiffs m. I wa3 not aware that there was a bill of sale over his things. Ro examined : I used no unduo pressure to Induce Hoult to buy tha pigs. Alfred Harrison, auctioneer, sworn, said — I have had many dealings with Hoult. About the end of August he gave mo a prom* issory note for £8 16a, whioh Is still unpaid. The bill was given to me for balance then due for gocda purohased m the yards. Jn October, on the Saturday previous to his filing, he purchased from me several pounds worth of goodß. The goods were removed. I have no doubt by him or hie assistants, between 12 and 2. He did not pay for the goods. When I sold him the goods I think I knew that he had difficul ties, but did not anticipate hie filing. I saw him on the Monday about paying for the goods. He promised to pay mo on Wedceaday. He did not pay. He did not tell me that there waa an execution on his premises.— Cross-examined : I have had many transactions previously with him and taken many promissory notes from him. They have always been paid, I think I knew there was a bill of sale over him. I won't be positive. I was quite satisfied with his promiao to pay on Wednesday. — Re examined ; As a rule cash settlements were rare. Sometimes he Bettled by oash, more frequently by bill. — James Osborne having been again called but not appearing, Mr Purnell applied for an adiourn.itt.ent, — Mr Guth bertaon pointed out that it was no fault of tho bankrupt, that the witness was not here. — His Honor said It was to the interest of the bankrupt that the enquiry shoul.l be aa oompleto as possible. Fnrlher hearing adjourned till next sitting of the Cmrt. \u25a0

A SOLICITOR IN TROUBLE

(fER PKESB .A SSOOIATION.)

... GIBBOBNB, January 12. At the Supreme Court, m banco, Mr Crisp moved that W. B-ftaßey, solicitor, bo committed for contempt m having failed to comply wfih an order of tho Supreme Oaurt direoting him to pay Mr Maud monies which he had received as solooitor. The Chief Jnotico said tbo ap plication Bhould have been made to strike Vfr Brasaey ofl *he roll. Mr Oornford ippeared for Mr Braseey, and said he wan absolutely unable to pay. The Oblef Jua'oe Biid ho mast commit Mr Brsmey to the Napier Gaol. Mr Oornoord asked for an adjournment, to enable Mr Braaaey bo file his iohedule, Hla Honor s»ld that qrould not provide a remedy. Mr Crisp (nnßented to adjourn for three hours, which was granted. On resuming Mr Orisp announced that the money had ?een paid, aod Mr Braasey, who was In msto'.yof tbe Sheriff, waa discharged.

THE MARKETS.

(per press association.)

London, January 11.

Consols are qudted at a premium of 355. Tinplate workers have fixed the price at 153 per box.

There is a further advance m all good colonial stocks. New Zealand four per cents are quoted at 98 Hides arejrealising from 4d to 4^d per Ib. The frozen meat market is steadier, but there is no improvement m prices. Tallow is firm from 24s 6d to 25s per cwt. German beetroot sugar had declined 3d.

Melbourne, January 12 --,.. Breadstuff's, are fairly active. New wheat is 3s 8d ; new flour, £Z ; fine oats, as iod to ..as. ndj barley, 4s 7d j maize) 3s Q}£d.: f Sugar, prime crystals, £26- 10s. Adelaide wheat is dull at 3s 2d for shipping parcels ; flour, roller made, is Hops are firmer.

fcTDNEY, January 12. The produce market is dull, with the exception of maize, which is at 4s to 4s id, and firm at that. Quotations — Wheat, milling, 3s 4d*to 3s 8d ; fowls', 2s iod to 35, scarce ; feed oats, 2s to 2s 2d ; milling, 2s 3d, plentiful j pota toes. 45s to 50s for the new crop ; bran, 7d to 7^d. The market is glutted.

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS

(Pjcr Phbss Association.)

Auckland, January 12

It Is stated that the s.s. MaoGregor has been uo'd by the Northern S.S. Company to the French Government as a gunboat to be stationed amongst the islands of the Sooth Paoifio.

Wanganui, January 12. The Committee appointed to draw op the retrenchment; scheme for tba Educa tion Board will report m favor of leaving the salaries as at present. Bonasoa will be tenoned., and ancertifioatod teachers are made to bear a considerable redaction, There li ftho a reduotlon m the amounts granted to school committees. The tota Mving Id £2000

Blenheim, January 12.

Some important Bales of properties transpired due Ing the week. Three sections of St Loonarda lately offered for auction, realised £3500, or about 27 per acre, bin there are some valuable buildings on the property, inoluding a new eight roomed residence. The land is within three miles of Blenheim,

Mr W. B Girling, a well known draper, has purchased Messrs Roblmon Bros.' propectioa for £1450 cash. This is on the baaii of £25 per foot frontage to the market plaoe, the centre of the town, »nd £12 for the frontage to High street. There are some buildings on the properties their estimated value being £300 to £400. The weather la all that oau ba deelred for harvesting. It la warm, genial sun \u25a0hlne, with very little wind. . Wellington, Jannary 12. At a meeting of wheelmen it was deoidbd to form ft Cycling Club, and to take steps to form a track.

Government intend to make an annual saving of £150 In wages paid for the chief 000k at Bellamy's by appointing & female instead of a male.

The Wellington Gab Company have announced a redaction of 1« per thousand feet. Further trials of lighting the streetg by oleotrloity are to be made m a few days. ' \u25a0

It is stated that the men who took the yacht away also carried several pots of paint with them, so that they will pro bably attempt to repaint the vessel before landing anywhere along the coast. In consequence of this information \u25a0 telegram' has been sent to Lyttelton and coast stations, warning them to keep t sharp look out for small craft;

CORN EXCHANGE

The Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday January 13th 1888 la as fo.'lows : —

With favorable weather the crops have Improved very muoh daring the past few weeks, and generally the farmers are well pleased with the outlook. A good many fields of oats have already been[harvested, and one sample of the season's grain was on view on Wednesday, and was above the average quality of the past two seasons. Wheat will not be harvested much before the end of the month. A fair amount of business has been trans acted daring the week m both wheat and oats. The former has bean chiefly taken up by local millers, whose stocks have been Jow for some time past. Oats have been shipped m email quantities, but like wheat moßt of the transactions have been of a local nature. Several lines of rye grass seed have been faxhlblted, but as far as we hear no business hss resulted. Although large stocks of old seed have been held over we do not hear of a large area likely to be saved this season. On the heavy lands there has been too muoh undergrowth, and on the light lands, where it had been Intended to strip the seed, it has suffered considerably from the fcffeots of the late nor'-westers. Locally, very little business is being done m dairy produoe, most of the larger manufacturers eleoting to ship to London, Freights are soarce, and rates have a hardening ten deooy. The following ate the quotations, sales at which have taken plaoe during the week, via : —

THE MINING BOOM IN AUSTRALIA

(per press association.)

Adelaide, January 12. The tramway from Silverton t& Broken Hills was opened to-da/, and, a large number of excursionists were carried, including the Duke of Man chester. 1

There is considerable excitement m mining'stock, which is attributed to the recent discovery at Broken Hills. It is stated that British capitalists are sending out large amounts for invest ment m the colony.

THE LEWIS CROFTERS.

FURTHER OUTBREAKS FEARED.

[Per Pbbss Association.]

London January lit

Lady Matheson, who owns a large estate m Lewis Island, has refused the demand of the Crofters 1 Land League that the crofters shall have their holdings restored to them at reduced rentals, and suggests that the crofters should emigrate. Further outbreaks are expected to occur m consequence of the refusal of theTaodlords to yield to the demands of the crofters.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

(PER PBESB ASSOCIATION.)

MR SPURGEON.

London, January 10.

The Rev Chas. Spurgeon met i with an enthusiastic reception at the Taber nacle on the occason of his delivering his" two thousandth serrakHL.; 1 He was congratulated by the congregation and supporters on his secession from the Baptist Union, :

SIR H. JAMES AT GLASGOW.

Sir Henry James, vrho occupied the position of Attorney-General m Glad stone's second Ministry, speaking at Glasgow, likened Sir William Vernon Harcourfc to the hero of Anstey's novel " Vice Versa."

THE FRENCH CHAMBER.

PabiSj January 10.

The French Chamber was re-opened^ to-day, and M: Floquet re-elected President of the Chamber of Deptuies.

RUSSIA AND BULGARIA.

London. January 12

The " Times " states that Turkey has requested the Powers to summon Prince Ferdinand to withdraw from Bulgaria.

AUSTRALIAN BUDGET.

Vienna, January 10.

The budget proposes to reduce war and marine expenditure by eight million roubles.

ENGLISH STOCKS.

Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Ex chequer, is offering ten millions of local loans through the Stock Ex change.

THE ABYSSINIAN TROUBLE.

Massowah, January 9.

The King of Shoa has expelled all Europeans from his territory, and has joined the Negus m opposition to Itßty.

THE POPE.

Bomb, January 10.

In replying to the addresses of the British pilgrims received at the Vatican to-day his Holiness the Pope expressed his gratitude to Queen Victoria for her jubilee congratulations. He enter tained special affection for England, and hoped that amity with Ireland would soon be restored

Bomb, January 11.

. The Duke of Norfolk presented six hundred British pilgrims to the Pope.

ITALY AND FRANCE.

Signor Crispi, the Italian Premier, Eefuses to degrade the magistrate at Florence on account of his alleged in fringement of the. privileges of the French consulate.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Pbbss Association.) >

VICTORIA.

Melbourne, January 1?. It is estimated that 193,000 tons o Wheat are available for export.

NEW SOUTH "WALES.

Sydney, January 12.

It is proposed to form a company to supply Sydney with hydraulic power for wharves, lifts, machinery, etc.

The harvest prospects of the nor thern districts are excellent. The weather is veiy hot, but favorable to the wheat crop, which is now nearly all cut. The grain is fine, and the best obtained for year. c , If the weather holds good for another three weeks it is estimated tbat the yield will supply all the colony's wante, and should this be accomplished it will be the first occasion m the history of -the colony;

New Zealand residents m this city have formed a Protection Union.

The Paddington election took place to-day, when Mr Allen, the Protec tionist candidate, defeated Mr Hill merich, the representative of the Free traders, by 1402. -The other two Freetrade candidates polled upwards of 800 votes.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

Adelaide, January 12.

The South Australian portion of the rabbit-proof fence on tbe boundary of the line between this colony and Vic toria has been completed.

The Health Board recommends that all Asiatic passengers for the colony be quarantined at Fort Darwin, and re leased m a month if effectively vacci nated.

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, January 12. An official enquiry has been held into the circumstances connected with the foundering of the ship George Thornton on the northern coast about a fortnight ago. There was no evi dence adduced as to the cause of the vessel foundering, but the captain's certificate of exemption from pilotage was cancelled oh the ground of m

sobriety.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The crdii.ary monthly meeting of the tehburton County Council wan held to ay Present— Messrs B. Q. Wright. JH. rnedlonder, J Holmes, Ja«. Brown. E. I. Coster, and J Jackson. Mr Wright was vo'ed to the ohair, chairman's statement Tha Chairman said : — no Government ia» gazetted the appointment of tha Mayor of Ashburtoi, and the Chairman )f this Council as members of the North Canterbury and Aahburton Charitable Aid Bear.i.— The Treasury has notified oy sircular tbat it is the intention of the Qo reruraant to cease to pay, after the 31st March next, raten on Government and Native land*.-— The tender of Mr W. J. Hughe*, for £34 7a 6d for dog collars for this jear has been accepted. Theoollar* have come to hand and are r ady for dis tribution — Fertjeint Felton forwards, for the Council's information, the: report of the Constable who happened to-be cross ing the Aahburfcon traffic bridge whea it took fire oq the 20 ih December laiit,— A letter from Mr Peach", on the -natter of a eidinj? being made from the Mount Somei* tramway to his etone quarry, will be read. —The Mount Hutt Soad .Hoard has written recommending a renewed slanghterr iog licence to be granted to Mr John Biker. Since the above latter has been received Mr 0. Hart, on behalf of several rate payers, writes to request the Council to have this yard removed, on account of it being still a nuisanoe to the neighborhood, and from fear of a repetition' of; the ill ness that took place last year In the locality of. the slaughtering yarc£r-Tho Ashburton Borough Council forwards for tett'ement the account incurredYrt putting out the fire on the ARhburton traffic bridge, referred to m this statement, alao a copy of a report from Fire Inspectors, suggesting a way of dealiqg with, fires that may occur on this; bridge. —-Some time ago the Council agreed to allow Mr Jackson. , the use.of^tjje ( Ferry Hesjorve at Eating, on condition' that he. f ojerjed .per* sons on and off .the island m the fiangi« tbta, bnt there was no stipulated time \u25a0tated how lopg this agreement was to be !in force. Mr Jackson now > aeka; if this arrangement is ; supposed to be m force . —The amount of! rates, (or 188S collected Ib £4815 12s lOd, leaving £111 12s lOd outstanding* • Toe. small amounts collectable will probably be paid, m by the next meeting of the OounciU ' EITOINEiR's BHPOET. The Engineer rerjiortfid as follows i~ Ashburton Rangitata Water Supply : Thi contract for auxiliary water supply" at Mon talto has been satisfactorily completed since last meeting of Council, and the new raoa ia now m operation there.— The small addition authorised to dam at Limestone Greek has been finished, and the fords and head race ia Upper Hinds district have been repaired and cleared where necessary, Several ' seotions of ordinary raoea have also been oleared out at owners' expense. The deviation of oreek at Frazer's road, Tinwald, interfered to some extent with the supply m branch race leading to Saleyards Creek, and that had to ba deepened m order fully to supply the lower end of H3 race at Ashburton. Some work was necessary m re-instating the flame on Bame race near Ford's road, causefl by the displacement through storm water which previously prevailed m that district, The service between Aahbnrton and Biangitata fias, on tbe whole, been well maintained during the month.— ln some parts of tbe district, M elsawhere, there is a growing tendency on the part of the Boad Board to convert the races into storm water channels. For inatanoe, on the Hinds-Haokthorne road, the culvert situated between seotions 28499 and 28500, over whioh the flood water previously passed, has been removed and replaoed by a ford, into whioh the storm water has been made to discharge by an artificial drain out alongside the road and led direotly into it. This is a manifest abuse of the water-race system, and should not be permitted. Tha drainage of swamps and surface water there should be discharged into Hinds river. Plainß Water Supply : Tbe repairs to Pad* ding Hill dam and apron which, some monthi ago, wore authorised to be carried out as soon as the water m the meirgonow^ndughraxß now being camel out and are hear com* pletion. A few defective fords, whioh beoame so, principally through the notion of flood water, are being repaired by the Counoil, as it was not convenient for Boad Boards to do so. The supply m head races had to ba considerably increased when the dry weather set m, and there has been a fairly good oer vioe m all the races, with the exception of the lower end of south branch of teat channel for a few days, and theßakaia Village! Settle ment race, the former from partial negleot of maintenance by some of the settlers east of railway, and the latter from imperfeot forma tion, and probably from tampering also, bat that I have not yet been able to substantiate. —Charles Fawoett, Assistant-Banger, for ths lower portion of the plains, commenced work on 27th December, and reports a full supply m all races exoep't EIO, whioh is a little light, and the off-take of whioh will require to ba tested for somedistance to prevent the leakage through deep sandy out there.— The Wakanui Flat Supply has been pretty well maintained during the month, but the iu-take requires almost constant attention from the obstructed condition of the oreek there as reported on last month. Ths weekly shutting of the mill lake, too, causes that supply to M somewhat intermittent. The raoe along river road ia now supplied direotly from the river, and the outlet has been lowered to suit tha present ' low lsvel of water m the river— the total cost •! new w.ork has been £12, the amount authorised by the Counoil. Guaging Water Courses: I have com. pleted the record of guaging of streams and rivers between Ashburton and Bangitata for two months ended 3lßt December last. ABhburton |Traffio Bridge : A considerable extent of repairs to decking hue had to ba executed recently, oaused by breakages by traction engines, and similar expenditure ii likely to continue unless this eogmt traffio is plaoed on a more satisfactory basis of regulation than at present. Upper Bangitata Traffio. Bridge: The remaining portion of the old deoking of this bridge is now unfit for ordinary wheel traffio, and is absolutely dangerous for engine traffio. Some repairs have been made recently, but nearly all tha old deoking and many of the longitudinal bearers are m a state of deoay. • Carter's Creek: As requested by tha Counoil, I have inspeoted the line of thia creek from South Boad to vicinity of Bivers* dale. 1 found that the sides had fallen m m several plaoes, and flood banks m a few instances were considerably, worn down -through the treading of stock, also that the formation of watering plaoes along the course, and ereotion of bridge at a sharp « angle of tha ohannel, had all been causes of a considerable overflow, whioh, however, for the most part had been confined to the vioinity of the ohannel, and though spreading over considerable portions of the adjacent land, returned generally to the line of the ohannel again, and, so far as I could tfec*, the volume of water leading .oat from that looality towards Graham's Boad and Wheat atone had been inconsiderable. To the east of Grove Farm Boad the oreek is very muoh obstructed, but the depression along its course is deep and wide, and any overflow does not extend beyond it. What is most to be dreaded there, I should say, is tha encroachment of the river whioh is setting direotly m towards the oreekbed, and whioh apparently if left unoheoked will join it at no very distant date. Floodwater, Tinwald, Winslow and Wheat, \u25a0tone— Flemington districts: In aocordanoo with the instructions of the Committee to visit and report more fully on the origin of the which these distriots are subjected to from the occurrence of heavy floods, I have now done so. The accompany, ing sketoh map Bhows the Hues of oreeks and directions of overflow. It is apparent that ths periodioal damage is occasioned through the aooumulated flow of surface and spring rater, whioh finds its way into the districts ibrough whioh these oreeks flow, and for vhich the present condition of these oreeks; gives no adequate discharge. More especially s this the oase with Shepherd's Greek, whioh a for the most part situated on low. ground, khd being outside the others haft to receive he drainage of a very largs Wea of tha plains. The effects of the aprjug water were mole recently along th,e general direotion of ks course, rising to the surface m some, several chains away from the lina Ufae creek, Near the pouraei} of wekf,

THE A6HJBUBTON 6UABPXAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1888



Moon's Sun Sun Moon Moon age at Janimry. Bisos. Sots. Ri^cs Sets, noonday p.m. pm. 7 Saturday ... 4,32 7.41 * • 0,43 23 a.m. 8 Sunday .. 4.34 7.40 0.22 1.64 24 8 Monday .. 4.'5 7.40 0.66 3.0 25 10 Tuesday .. 4.36 7.40 1.36 410 26 11 Wednesday . . 4.37 7.33 221 625 27 13 Thursday .. 4.39 7.29 3.11 e!29 28 13 Friday.. .. 4.40 7.30 4.9 7.27 20



| Hollo wit's Pills.— Teaohinga of experi- ence. — The united testimony of thousands, extending over more than forty years, moßfc I strongly recommends thes« Pills as the best I puritlera, the mildest aperients, and the Rurest | restoratives. They never prove delusive, or [ give merely temporary relief, but attack all ailments of the atomaoh, lungs, heart, head, and bowels m -the only safe and legitimate way, by depurating the blood, and so eradicating thoqp impurities whioh are the fource and constituent of almost eyery disease. Their medicinal efficacy is wonder- ful 'm renovating enfeebled oonstitions. Their action embraces al) that ia desirable m a household mediolne. They e^p'al oysry Boxiegi and effete matter; nd thus 'the |tr«»g* is nurtund md hi ia>rgiii |t|aaul»tfld.



Two young ladies Bold kießes at a church bazaar at Ngarimwahia the other day at six- pence oacb, with a reduction for taking a quantity. Business was extremely brisk.



It is enoouraging to learn from the report just issued by the directors of convict prisons that the number of convicts m British gaols has considerably decreased of late years. In 1885 >the number was 9154; m 1886, 8379; and m 1887, 7835. '



A Sydney paper ohaft'a Sir Henry Parkes for appointing to the Legislative Oounoil a Mr John Davies, 0.M.G., because he cannot epell January 1 He was asked m the witness box to spell the word, and had to give up the task after several attempts.



Says the Marlborough •\u2666 Times " :— Th« Awatere Babbit Board has reoeived notice of the arrival of 285 stoats and weasels, being the first instalment of 1000 ordered by tho board. They will be divided amongst the station owners m the distriot, and the propor- tion will be onej of these animals to 2000 Bheep, Eva : " I suppose those extremely nice* looking young men are the students, or house- surgeons, or something?" Maud: "No doubt. Do you know, Eva, I feel I should very muoh like to be a hospital nurse?" Eva: "How strarjgel Why, the very same idea has just occurred to me." The Chinese Government have just set the Western nations an example of political morality. They have returned to the United .States. Treasury a large portion \u25a0of the indemnity for the outrages committed on Chinese Hying m the State of California, because it waß found on investigation that several of the olaims had been duplicated. The Yankees didn't duplioate the Alabama claims, but a large proportion of the award has never been ..claimed to this hour ; yet Oouein Jonathan has quietly pocketed the money. , - . ' ' An elegantly drejiead lady- requested to. Bee some Valenoiennea lace, but withdrew with* out making any purchase. She had, however, been observed by one of the shopmen to Blip ' a piece of the goods under her shawl. On reaohing tho door of her house she was accosted by a messenger, who handed her a small parcel and a letter thus worded :— "Madam, I am afraid the fifteen yards of lace which you selected m my shop will not be sufficient to trim your dress ; I therefore take the liberty of sending you a second piece of the same pattern. I beg to bo in* formed whether you accept it." The signature was that of the master of the establishment. It is needleßs to say that tho lady was only too glad to escape by prompt payment of the whole. "Buchu-Paiba."— Quick, complete cure, all annoying kidney, bladder, and urinary diseases. At chemists and druggists. Kemp- thorne, Proaaer and Co., Agents, Christ- ohurob. 1



7>*« Pritchard. — Mr Orisp applied for ooataia this oa«e. — Order accordingly'



gife Hugh Smith, deceased,— Mr Olayf pa applied for an order for probate to th& exoatoru np.qaed. In thq will. -r Order accordingly. This cctfl^lote^ the bu||qei»!|ftnd the



BRWheat— Tusoan, 3s 2d ; Pearl and Hunter's 3s 2d to 3s 3d ; second quality, 2s lid to 33 ; chlokm wheat 2a 6d to 2a Bi.



Oats— Prime milling, soarce, lo 9d to Is lOd ; short heavy feed, 1b 8d to Is B£d; Inferior sorts, Is 6d to la 7d. Barley — No atook.



Rye Grass— Machine-dressed, old, 3s to 3s 3d ; farmers' parcels, Is 9d to 2a 6d, accord! ok to quality. Cocksfoot— Nominally, 4d to 4£d for prime heavy Beed ;



Dairy Produce— Prime butter, 6i a lb ; cheese, little sale at 3 A to 4J,



The above quotations are those paid to 'armors and delivered f.o.b, Lyttleton.



That invalid wife, mother, Bister or child can be made tha piotura of health with meriean Oo.'s Hop Bitters. Obserre



Heating's Powder destroys both motha, flea beetles, and all other inseots . while quite harmless to, domestic animals. In sxtermi oating beetles, the Buooees of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfeotly olean m appli- cation, See the article you purohas ae> imitationg aro noxioria and nifleotual. Sold a tint, 6(3 1« and 3b 61 mob, by all /



1 Jsof oh on Rats."— Oleara out rats mica roaoh'ee, flits, ants .bod-buge, beetles, inseots, a}(unk«, j»ok-n»bbita ep^rrOTTi gophu At



Wanted. ) i TTK7 ANTED to boy^aepberrieß m large 1 W or sncall quantities at W. O t Davis, Fruiterer, Ea*t street. 1 67 a I "TXT ANTED Known.— That HAVES c Vy and CO. have a Bplendid lot of \ White Embroidery Robes at 14a, worth \ » 21a. _ ' l y Severs' Great Sale.— Melford ! House. ' WANTED Known— To the Ladies \ < o! Aehburtcn and surrounding districts, that Bn experienced monthly Norse Ib desirous of engagement. Good references oan be given. Address — Mrs Bill, Peter Street, Aahbarton. 11 18 ANTED Known. -For Bale, Blue Gum, Btringy Bark, Pepporraint Gnm, Red Gam, and Silver Wattle Troe Seeds, locally grown, and caved this Season : also Turnip Seeds, just arrived, ex s.B Rimutaku. —J. Scaly. and Co., SeedsmeD, Eaet Street. lit 6l Sale at Melford House.-H. O. Segers. W "ANTED Kno-n— Wells sank, with pamp and pipe found and fixed, from £2 10* upwards. All kind, of pnmps, Usages and honse-smlth work fixed or repaired. Chimneys awept and ranger oleaned, 3s. Registers Is 6d each. All orders punctually attended to, JSoie address, B. Dudley, Moore street, Aah- bnrton. 22 WANTED CASH — Moir'a Oatmeal 251bs, 2a 6d ; Sperm Oandloe, 6d ; Ooflfee and Milk, Is per tin; Ooooa and Milk, U per tin ; Vestas, fid per doz ; Cornflour, _d per Ib ; tin Fruits, Is ; Crockery, Ironmongery, etc. — At Jambs I McGreoob's, Tanored Street, opposite * Arcade. Melford House Sale.— H. O. 9 Segers. WANTED KNOWN — Oleographs Bcenery, and Catholic Subjects _ Catholio Cards, good variety m Scraps ' Novelties m Penwipers, Crewel Wools and Silks, Knitting Cotton, Colored Crotchet _ Cotton, Transferfl, Tinsel Balls, Ac, &0., at j4bs Manhibb's F^ncy Repository, Saund _r_' Buildings.



COMING X 1 49 GBEAT SALE or Bankrupt Stock or Drapery, Clothing, AND 800 T,S. ANDREW ORR hiring teoured the Btook of A. O, PRICHARD at a great reduction from Invoice Cost, will offer it to the Publio on WEDNESDAY,^ DEC, 28tb, At Unheard of Pricey I—l (T «M«»b«r TUESDAY, tha(97tk PEC. , u> AwOBEW 088.



FOR SALE. ON Acoonnt of the Trustees of tbe late Walts* Habtheh, — I R. 5.'15493,. '15493, South Rakale, oomprliln? 400 acres, footading the growiog crop of Wheat, Farther parUoulars may be obtained from OHAB. W. TURNER, Land and Estate Agent, 12 28 South Rakais, Proctor & Co> WHOLESALE AND RETAIL OAaH GROCERS, &g, BEQ to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and Surrounding Dis- tricts, that we have just landed our Christmas Goods, and as we buy largely forCKSH, we are m a position to SKLL Obeaper than any of the other Houses iv Town. We have also a large and varied Ptock ot CROCKERY and IRONMOS- GERY, which we are disposing of at PRIOfc.B that will defy competition, N.B.— See windows for Presents to be given away at XMAB. Please note tie Address, — I BULLOCK'S ARCADE, Burnett Btreef» NEW ADVERTISEMENT. THE



TO FARMERS AflD OTHERS The Christcburch Finance GO (LIMITED;.) CAPITAL ... ... ,£60,1)00 REGISTERED OFFICE — 8 Cathedra Bqnare/.OHRISTCHURO H. rpHlB COMPANY is making CASH jL ADTANO^S on GROWING CROPH, WOOL, LIVE AND DEAD STOCK, FARM PRODUCE of every description, and any Jother Class of Security For particulars apply to THOMAS BULLOCK, Auctioneer, 12 8(? AfchbuHoD. rAPEBKiNGINGSI . ?APEJRHANGINGS I ! THE Undersigned hare jaot^opened^ap a aplendid assortment PAPEBEANGINGS, SCBIM, TAPES, JACKS, Also,— 3 WIXnOW GLASS (all sizes). W & B LEAD, PAINTS,iOILS j VABNISHEB, ' LOOLOJIS, DBYERS, TUBFBNTINB &v, BJastglanding, a splendid lot of Hatue | Coal, ex " Haaroto." I McCallraa l &/ Co., W BQN. TIMBBB, ANDJ^COAL MEB- CHAIvT3,* IHFOJRTSBS. t gtflti Ut TJTAJS umi TBIPLKX •TRAJKEBB. k l3«loft



F. H. Ton SCHOENEBERG, FRENCH POLISHER, CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, AND UNDERTAKER, HAS opened In Premises (next W. Patching) East street, «nd hopes to teeeive • fair share of public support, being prepared to MAKE FDRNiTDRE | any dfsign to order at OHRISTOHDKCH BATES. Pianos sod Furoitnre re- polished at very low rates. WANTED KNOWN. AT I. SALEK AND COs., Licensed Pawnbrokers, East Street, A FIRST-CLASS Watchmaker and J\ Jeweller is employed on the Premises. Watches cleaned and repaired, end j tvery description of Jewellery made and Tepaircd at LOWEBT CHRISTOHURCH PRICES. OS BATCHES CLEANED OS GLASSES, 6d ; HANDS, 9d. WATERBURX'S repaired from 2s 6d. N.B.— Waterbury's reduced from 13s 6d to 12s. II 126 MAXILLA BINDER TWINE I HAVE secured a quantity of the same make of Twine as gave so much satisfaction last Season, and as quality is the true Economy m the .Msrvest Field, farmers will consult their ' tn interests by securing a sufficient tpply early, ix it is likely to be scarce dv Season. ROBERT ALCORN, Importer and General Merchant.



VICTORIA^ HOUSE. DIMAISTT AND COE HAVE extreme gratification n announcing their Third Annnal Distribution of Beautiful, Us )ful. Rare and Valuable Works of Art, which comprise, — GLASS SUGAR BASINB, COLORED, PLAIN, AND ENGRAVED WATER JUGS, B OTTER DISHES, &c , &0., to Caßh Parohassraiof Parcels to tho value of 808.40a, and upwards. COUPONS ARE NOW BEING ISSUED. GIFTS ARE EXHIBITED IN WINDOWS. DIMANT <Sc COE. General Drapers and Clothiers, EAST AND TANORED STREETS. 12 22 ALBERT EOBEKTS HAS FOR SALE,— Corn sacks LAROE SIZB AND pI7LL SEAMING TWINE TN ANY Q7AHTIIY, Clovers, — bed, white, cowgrass, alsyke, and trefoil. RYEGRABB, COCKSFOOT, ard £UPfc, ANCHOR Bkding Wire and very best Binder Twine. Golden Tares, Gape Barley, COOPER'S SEEEP DIP.