MOONLIGHT EVENINGS.

TheJMoon at (8 days old [shines till about 8 o'olook. The Moon at 6 days old shines till about half-paßt 10 o'olook. The Moon at 8 days old shines till nearly o'olook m the morning. The Moon at 12 days old shines from sundown till about 4 m the morning. The Moon at 15 dayß old is full, and Bhines all night. The Moon at 18 days old rises about 9 p.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 21 daya old rises about 11 a.m. and shines till morning. The Moon at 24 days old rißea about 2 a.m. and Bhineati 11 morning The Moon at 27 days old riaea about & a.m. and shines till sunrise.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Mr A. Ireland's letter will appear m our next Issue.

DEATH.

MUlft.— On Wednesday, 11th inst, at her father's residence, Seaview, after a long and painful illness, Mary, the beloved wife of Hugh Mu ; r, and third daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Dawson, aged 29 years. Deeply re gretted.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1888. CURRENT TOPICS.

"Wo have heard a great deal lately about a Chinese edict, and the " Post," who first published the information about the matter was suspected to have, m the vernacular, " found a mare's nest." The " Daily Times" found out that there was something m it, and a trans lation of the celebrated edict runs

thus :— " From the Governor of Cantor to the Chinese business people out of China" (no reference whatever is made to New Zealand or to Auckland.) " Complaints have been made to the big merchants m China by the Chinese people out of China that they hava been badly treated. Ihey are advised not to import any more goods from China. The world is wide, and there is plenty of room for the Chinese people at home. Don't let other people treat you as they have done. '1 here are plenty of places m China for business." The translator adds that there was no command by "the Governor of Canton, and that he simply advised them not to remain where they were badlj treated ; neither was there any suggestion as to the Chinese out of the Empire going home within three years, nor any remarks whatever about the Chinese army, as mentioned m the edict published m the Wellington "Post." This circular was considered at a meeting of the Chinese residents of Auckland, some twenty of them being desirous o£ accepting the advice given' them. Many have not money to pay their passages, and thfly pspgrience a further difficulty m leaving the #olony because the Steamship Companies will not book them to Sydney, whence tliey \ wighjfc pbtain passages to Hongkong. ri'QSG prfiflfiiijb p,t the meeting resolved to do aii Jn their power to provide funds towards pa) ing the p&seag^ money of those who desire to return homo. The idea that the world m China is wide is only what is true, and there is plenty of scope for Chinese industry and enterprise m their own country if they care to make use of it.

The French are again active m the Southern Seas and latest advices from the islands show that France has once more begun manoeuvring for the annexa tion of Raratonga and other islands m the Cook group. 'Ihe information to hand shows that Louis Arnaud, who professes to be the accredited agent of the French Colonial Government of Tahiti has taken up his residence at Raratonga, and is " attaching " himself to one of the queens ci the island . tie is trying by promises of aggrandisement to obtain her consent to the French annexations. The natives and chiefs of Raratonga and Atiu have repeatedly urged England to annex the group, and a few weeks ago the chiefs of Aituaki and Mangai, two largo islands, for warded a similar petition through the Acting British Consul offering to pay the salary of the British Resident on their islands. The nati?es of the group are alarmed at the prospect of French annexation, anticipating trouble as to Battea, where the French pursued iden tical tactios ac a preliminary to annexa tion. The Germans pro ruling undis turbed at Samoa, and have prepared plane for the erection of ft wharf at Apia, to cost r 97,000 dollars.

The 'Frisco mail service is one which could very well be dispensed with, and only m Auckland would there be a howl raised if it were proposed m Par liament to end its existence. Auckland seems to derive tine greatest and perhaps the only benefit from it, though a few southern shareholders m the Union Steam Ship Company would feel equally disgnsted if a majority m the House decided against it. The net cost of the San Francisco mail to the colony last year is shown m a return presented to the House to have been L 729. The gross cost was LSO^OI, comprising L 23,333 paid to the contractors ac sub sidy, L 1537 as boaus, and L 4967 for interprovincial services, mail agents, etc. The receipts from postages from London were L 7968, postages paid m the colony L 1.6,844,. 6,844, receipts from non-contracting colonies L 4958, making up a total of L 29,771. The postal report shows that

there has been a falling off m receipts m respect of the service, due, it is said, mainly to the direct contract steamers conveying a larger proportion of the mails than m 1886. In the place of the San Francisco service showing a profit as m 1886, thore is a small loss of L 729 for the last year, without taking into account any proportion of the re fund which is to be made to the con tractors. The contractors it seems, are entitled to a refund from this colony and New South Wales respectively at the rate of L 1066 per annum from the date the service began as per agreement. This has the effect of increasing the New Zealand share of the subsidy to L 24,000 a year. On the other hand the loss m the direct service is L 6707 m the place ot LI 1,070 the previous year. Both serviceß continue to be performed satisfactorily. The average time, how ever, by the direct service was longer than for the preceding year, and that was particularly the case with the inward mails. The average time of delivery to the first port of arrival bnng ■&& days compared with 41.69 days m 1886. The detour to Hobart is the probable explanation of this. The bonus earned by the direct service was L 8443 againßt L 2526. In view of the matter of the mail services being considered shortly a statement of each service has been pre pared showing what would be the probable financial effect were it decided to abolish either the t-'an Francisco or Direct Service. (1) The Direct Service four weekly— Statements showing the esti mated cost of a four weekly mail service between the colony and the United Kingdom by the direct contract steamer, based on terms of the existing direct service contract, on the correspondence conveyed by both Direct and San Fran cisco services m 1887, and on the assumption that the San Francisco service had been abolished : — The state ment shows a net profit to the colony of L 2535. The rates of payment under the direct mail service are — letters, 11s per lb ; books and packets, Is per lb j newspapers, 6d per lb, (2) Direct Service fortnightly — Statement showing the estimated cost of a fortnightly service by direct steamers based on existing contract payments and on the correspondence conveyed m 1887 by both Uirecta nd San Francisco services, and on the assumption the latter service were abolished : — This statement shows a net loss to the colony of L 5850. (3) San Francisco Service, four weekly state ment showing the estimated cost of four weekly service via San Francisco, assuming the direct service were abolished, based on the continuance of the existing payments and receipts m j respect of the correspondence conveyed by both lines m 1887. The statement Bhows a net profit to the colony of Ll4/754. The London post office at present provides for the free conveyance of the mails between London and San i Francisco.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual dinner m connection with the Ashburton Orange Lodge will be held m the Hall this evening. The Native Football Team defeated Nelson by 9 points to nil yesterday. They play at Wellington next. ■ It ia stated by a St. Petersburg correspon dent that General Boulanger is a natural eon of Napoleon 111. On Tuesday Mra Burton, wife of Mr W. H Burton, of^Hurunui, died somewhat suddenly and it iis stated that an inquest will m all probability be held. As indioatjpg the amount off mo. npy that is spent every year m printing returns and reports it will be interesting to know that the printing of the report and evidence of the Se&oliff 3omoaission has oost over £200. The proposal to establish a Staroh JTaotory m the town is one which we are sure will meet with whatever support can be given it. Il only wants a few energetio men to set the machinery m motion. In a sohool near Ohristohuroh a clasa was asked to name the greatest man of the present day. No. 1 boy said Wolseley, another De Jjesseps, and a third brought down the house bj yeUiug put " Jonathan Roberts." We would remind o\ft leaders of Professor De Loree's " Mirror of the World V and "Panorama" whioh will be shown ' m "the : flail this evening. Conjuring tricks, : magic, and diyejra othpr things should make a complete bill.. A preliminary meeting convened fcy.oiroular will be held this evening m Mr J>. Thomas' Office m connection with the proposal Jo i form an Art Society m the town. The matter is one whioli lovers of fine art should give ooun* tonanGQ to. The foreign par.aeta post introduced by the Premier provides for JJew joining m a similar syßtem to those bow m prajotfcg m the Australian oolonieß, enabling parcels to h$ conveyed by post to the United Kingdom. Europe, and Amerioa.

The Orari traffio bridge, on the road from Geraldi#e tp ypper Rangitata and Mount jPeel, oost £10,811 tp ereot m 1874; £1250 has been spent upon it since, m additions and wpajrs, and now it is m suoha stat? that it is declared a new bridge must be built if abridge ia to be maintained there. The Sink still continues tp attract patrons m very large numbers. A football match on skates is announoed for this evening. 4s this is a verj decided novelty, there is a prospect of a big house. The names of the members of the opposing teams will be found m oar advertising columns. The number of officers who have been dis missed m the Railway Department within the last few months, and whom it is not in tended to replaoe, is 44. Of these 23 were employed m Auckland, 11 m Canterbury, 5 m Wanganui, [4 m Wellington, and 1 m Napier. The Inspector says of the Ashburtqn Hospital: — Notwithstanding the unsuitable struoture and arrangement of this Hospital, whioh I oommonted on m my last report, it ia so oomfortably furnished and so well managed .that patients are evidently attracted to it. A remarkable illustration le furnished of the cruelties by whioh Ohinawi 'trade BQojieties enforce their laws. Aooording to a report j from the American Minister at Pekin, a man belonging to an association of gold-beaters at Sooohow reoently took more apprentices tban one. This is forbidden ; bo the looal trade unjjop took up the matter, and condemned the man fc> fee bjtten to death, and the sentence j waa literally carried o.u,t. " One hundred and twenty-three met) had a bjte $t hjm before he expired," ' ' ' '

Statutory Deolaration.—l, Franz JSaabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Victoria, Australia, do solemnly and sinoerely deolare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee, lat onoe took all pains to Beoure medical assistance. However, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Maogillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to savo life. At this junoture 1 called on Heoßpe gander and Sons, proouring Bomo of their Extraot.of the Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fortnight out of all danger, and to-day he is recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reaohed that the fix tract referred to was first applied. And I make this solemn declaration, etc. — Feanz Riade. Declared gt ftandburst, m the colon y of Victoria, Australia, this seyeuteea&h day of Ootober, one thousand eight hundred and eovonty-aoven boforo me. Moritz Cohn, J.P.-(AdTt.)

" You are no stevedore : you oannot Btow a ship" For asing these slanderous words regarding a master stevedore at Lyttelton, a Ghristchuroh shipping olerk has been adjudged to pay £40 by way of solatium. He was asked for £200.

The Government contemplate bringing m a bill this aeasion, if possible, with the objeot of doing away with the employment of property tax assessors, They intend to have the work done by the permanent offioera of the department, and they reckon that by adopting this course a saving of about £6000 a year will be effected.

The looal Postal authorities kindly inform us that it has been arranged to send cable grams per Chingtu, leaving Port Darwin for Bangoewangie on Monday next at noon. Should the oable not be restored m the mean time all telegrams received up to date will be despatched by the Ohingtu via Port Darwin, and not by the Australind,

In the course of his evidence before the Publio Petitions Committee on the CD. Aot, Sir George Grey spoke warmly m support of early marriages. He stated that the Irißh women m their own country were acknow ledged to be the moat chaste women m the world, and this was due to the fact that early marriages were the usual rule among the middle and peasant olasses m Ireland.

Owing to the nebessity of being on the ground to personally superintend the work of fitting up his «• rapid dry plate " faotory m Ohrißtohuroh, Mr Eden George, photographer, announoes that he oannot possibly remain m Ashburton beyond Saturday. The oommon notion that if the weather is dull a good pioture oannot be taken is a fallacy under the instantaneous prooess, and all who wish to secure a photograph should visit the studio before Saturday afternoon,

The Parliamentary correspondent of the " Daily Times " says .— It is now considered almost oertain that Messrs Rolleaton and Bryce have deoided not to oontest the Ashley seat. In ohatting with Mr Rolleston the other day he informed me that political affairs were m auoh a disorganised state he really would not oare to oooupy a seat m ths House at present. He has not, however, relinquished the idea of re-entering the political arena, but will likely wait until the next general eleotion.

It is rather singular that while the Govern ment of New Zealand were looking to the United States for the solution of the Chinese difficulty, and were anxiously consulting the newly ratified treaty, the Amerioan papers have been, aooording to the correspondent of the J" -Argus," giving] New Zealand as an example of the effeotive checking of Chinese immigration by heavy taxes.

Buildings travelling about on wheels are getting common aights m Ashburton, and the successful way m which the transfer of a large building from one part of the town to another is effeoted is a matter for congratu lation to those who have the arranging of these matters. The traotion engines come m remarkably handy for moving buildings intaot as the draught is steady and strong.

There waa a large and appreciative audience at the Orange Hall last evening to listen to the Rev Mr Brown's lecture <( Dead persons are dead, and not m Heaven or Hell." The rev gentleman spoke for about an hour and an half on the Bubjeot, dealing with it m an able and masterly manner. At the dose a large number of questions were asked and answered, after which the meeting closed with prayer.

It will be remembered that the late Govern ment dealt rather liberally with Mr Bell, the pioneer settler on the Kormadeo Isles. They gave him about 1000 acres as a recognition of his services m the cause of settlement; It has since transpired that Mr Bell has transferred his interest m the Kermadeos to a company, the principal shareholders of which reside m or around Dunedin. The present Govern ment are of opinion that this fact relieves them from all responsibility m the matter so far as [the promise to Mr Bell is concerned, and the yrant madt by their predeojasora will be annulled.

At the usual meeting of the Wesleyan Church Bible Instruction Class last even* ing the subjeot for conversation was " What oan be done to promote the work of God ? " The attendance, considering the weather, was excellent, and the subjeot, introduced by Mr H. M. Jones, was Bpoken to by many mem bers of the congregation. As a result of the meeting being held it was deoided to vary the Sunday evening service, and instead of the usual sermon, two : or three brief \ pointed addresses are to be given by the pastor and laymen, to be interspersed with special musio by the flh.oir, whioh will also sing several Gospel mplqdies each Bunday evening pre ceding the ser.vibe.' ' - '

Uof&ov?kY'B Ointment and Pilli.— Colds Coughs, Shortness of Breath. These maladie require early and unremitting attention, for if neglected they often end jn asthma. bronohiti3, 'or consumption, The Ointment well rubbed upon the chest and back, pene. trating the skin, is absorbed and carried directly to the lungs, whence it expels all impurities. All the blood m the body is per petually passing through the lungs, and there all noxious partiolea tending to disease oan be quickly, thoroughly, and permanently neutralised, rendered harmless, or ejeoted from the system. Holloway's Ointment and Eilla per^Qtly accomplish this purification ; bnd through t£e blood tLua cleansed, the influeneu of these wonderful medioameqto readies the remotest parts of the human body jtui thus' cures all diseased action whether paternal or e'xtfonfri. l ■■ ■ *

WEATHER JN THE SOUTH

RAILWAY "trass BLOCKED.

[Pjtb Press Association.]

BuNßDiif, J?'y 11, Railway eQj»m.qnJsat|ojj with Danedln both north and aoatbj is mow flopped. The aoathern express on'y oame as far 'as ' Olarkoßvllle, just aoath of Milton, and had to atop there, aa there wan four feet of water on the line, The Outram branch Hdb is also under water, and trains have ceased running on it. All efforta to get tho northern line clear by dark failed, and the railway ia blocked. Arrangement! have been made to send the malja by coaoh to Waitatl and connect with the train there, In town, the damage done by the persistent rainfall is very alight, bat aa it still oontlnuea, although not so heavy, ihere is Berlous danger of slips occurring as the ground beoomes saturated, Ia Northeast Valley the lower portions had about two feet or so of water. Owing to the heavy rsin, it is highly improbable that there will be any oouralng tomorrow. Dunbdin, Joly 12. The train for the aouth managed to get through thla morning after a little delay. ' .

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

AUSTRALI AN.

(]P*l» Pases Association.)

VICTORIA.

Melbourne. July 11. Arthur Daly, solicitor, charged with forging a signature to a land transfer application, has been acquitted. The IJorL Thorna? J^ent, leader of the Opposition,' jjaet' ; with an acciderU white entering the House last evening. He slipped and Hi? {'gad struck aplanjc. The accident resulted fa P^ncyssjon of the brain, but he is improving to-day. His motion pf want of confidence lapsed, and the Address-in-Reply was carried on the voices.

QUEENSLAND.

Brisbane, July 11. (Joyexnnjent have announced that they intend to pursue 3 vigorous public works policy, ' ~ ' " r

NEW SOUTH WALES.

Sydney, July U His Excellency the Governor has assented to the Chinese Restriction Bill without prejudice to the Queen's right to disallow tfie gilj,

WAKANUI RIVER BOARD

A meeting of the Board was hold en Tuesday. Present: Messrs Jas. Biowu (Chairman), S. Brown and M. Wilson. BEVOXBDI The resolution passed on April 14bh having reference to the proportion of rates to be struck m each olass was re voked. BITER PROTECTION. Measrß Fooka and Son, engineers, sub mitted the fol'owtng report :— Ashburton, July 9;h, 1888. The Chairman Wakanui JRiver Board.

Sir, — In accordance with the instruc tions of the Board of April 14th, last, we have made a careful examination of the river banks on the north-east side from the accommodation road between rural sections 4920 and 16837 south-eaaterly for a distance of two miles aa far as the lower j boundary of Baoholc's farm, and have made a detailed survey and plan of the same which accompanies this for reference. We have also examined the Boath-we-rtarn banks immediately opposite this stretoh of the river, noting ohanges that hove taken place since tue detailed survey made by us for the County Oounoll m 1894. We have o-mfined ourselves to this portion of the river (for the present) as there seems to be no Immediate danger further up, as by the growth of willows and stray gorae there Is a series of natural breakwaters, which, though allowing a oeitiln amount of flooding of the land, prevent to a great extent any tsrlous injury or actual loss of the more valuable portion by scouring, , Before entering upon the question of defence or protection we would first glance at the state of the river at the present time, m one sense It is not mft favorable state for forming a judgment as to its probable course m case of a fresh it be iDg exceptionally low for the season of the year, owing to the fine weather that baß prevailed for the last two months. The main stream is not threatening any por tion of the south-eastern bank, except it may be that portion where the river has infringed on the road at the point marked (A) on the map, and here and there along the lower portion of the bulwark, and again at the old groin put In In 1881 at (B), and Immediately above it, a still , larger stream runs under the bank. Ba cween the two points, A and B, the river has, to a great extent, left the bank, this length is also tolerably well protected with a good growth of willows, though they are not, however, sufficiently oon -1 tinuoua to be a thoroughly effeotive pro tection. On the further or Bonth-weat bank we also find that the greater portion of the water is keeping a more central course m the river-bed away from the banks from about 0 to D on the map, but at the latter point or more particularly at E (t has out channels through or over the land, catting off email portions of land and forming islands. We found traces of a considerable body of water having run down old water courses and depressions m the direction from O to F (Strange'a flat) which were evidently recent, and no doubt caused by a small freeh that occurred m the beginning of June. So far then, as our observations enable us to judge In the present state of the river, tne points A and B and the space between B and the end of the bulwark appear to require the first attention of the River Board, especially the banks at A where some scouring is now aotually going on, and we would advise that Immediate steps be taken to prevent further damage, which need not we consider entail any very great expense.

This question of expanse there la no doubt, well have to be considered m a special manner, m devising any plan of river protection for thin dlatrlot aa the danger affects a comparatively email ex tent of country aud the cost, therefore, falls on only a few ratepayers. It would be easy, for instance, to coustruot lengths of bulwark or groina of the character of the preeent bulwark that would prove an effectual and immediate barrier to the in cursions of the river, If the coat were of no great importance, but we presume that the expoudlture whioh it would entail, would put Buch a plan out; of court, and it will be necessary to fall back on a more inexpensive mode of proceeding, 1 l\j add to this view of the question, ouc ex perience ia late years and the ex periments as they may be termed In which we have been" concerned, or have watohed (for most of the river pro 7 teetlon works that have been carried out la Canterbury have consisted mainly of a aeries of experiments) have lad us to the o ncluaion that the moat substantial and most expensive works have not always, lo fact believe wa cai nay they hv?e rarely proved In the end to be the moat efficacious.

To put the case then as shortly aa ponaible, the plan we would otrline In reoommendation to the Board, as the out oorae of our observations, would be, firstly, to confine any operations to the north east sldo of the river and seoondly, to make a judialoua use 6f the throe essential materials willow planting, gorse faaoines anijl 'oo^tlnuoua Wphfofi and attention, vyfllow planting, we ooftsider tho Bheet anphqr of any scheme of river protection, and any grolug or other constructions with iron piles and fasoln.es that may be found neoeßSurj !° ba oon s^ered and planned aa a protection, or, aa guarding 7 m °»a. until they are of sufficient growth. Genorolly speaking, the plan would be, to conetrnot a peftaiu number of hard points, so to upeak, beibg small groinß built up of fasolaes, and where needful, anohored with pilea of railway iron, with extensive willow planting. Constant watching and repairing we regard as a sint $10, typ?jt, if success ia to be hopol for j "we have noticed that comparatively expensive works, auoh a.% groins, have been built and then j q j. t(J themselyaß, or rather, to the raeroy of the ft jods, whioh bave gradually undermined and destroyed them, and the money expended on them wasted, bo to Bay, and literally thrown into the river. Ia no case, we believe, ia adherence to the old proverb " A stitch ia time saves nine" more valuable thau m both the carrying oat nnd the care of river proteotlou works, With regard to the plan of cutting a channel or opening some of the old water oouraea and gallloß on the further side of the river we ooa slder that there is so much uncertainty aa to the effect of auoh a course a« well aa rlek" and expense attached to the diversion of a large body of water into new ohannela that we do not feel justified m recommending it. We lay atres3 on the riak and expense, as we have auch dangerous materials to deal with, loose : shingle and sand exposed to the scouring of & body of water whioh, on aoooant of the groftt fall towaida the aea, rushes with ■uoh feftttoletra vpfodty, ihafc it becomes impossible to controlor 6on6ne Its direo tlon, and consequently large tracte.of land may be washed ayay, for whioh the Board would be called on for compensation. We cannot but feel that the Board may oonplder thla report aa of too general a bhtlraote^, and wo pertalnly should wißh to watch a froah ill J jbhe river before going more into details," either of obiaatrnotion or cost, f here are, however, a few works that #c V9 a l& V r S d immediate attention, and we reoommeuol that the following should be put m hand ; — i. To repair the bulwark In several pl&oes where it has been damaged or given way, especially at the extreme south end.

2, To put the two old groins »bovo the bulwark m an effiofent state. 3. To construct, Bay two groins between thd bulwark and thp old groin at B, and tp put m a iqw matoressei Jn same loflality, 4., To put Id a fow mattresses 05 the bank between A and B,

5. To construct • groin at A and profeofc the bank at some of the threatened points wUhraaU^aiei, ; ';-. m ...

6. To make prepara'ions for willow planting. Noo. 5. 3, and 1 we consider of the moat immediate Importance. The coat of the worka intimated as above we estimate would be about £200 to £250, but we oould nob guarantee the exact .coat of worka of this oharaoter, si the firat fresh might compel an alteration of the prooadure, and even the oharaoter of the worka that now appear to be needed. ' '

We have not made reference to the plan of inner embankments, such as that running northerly from the point A to stop the overflow easterly, but we consider It a most judicious work, and advise that the apace between the embankment and the river bank be planted with belts of willows as Boon as convenient. We hardly thfnk it neoassary to extend this plan farther down the river at present, aa we think the fence on the eastern aide of the road may aat on the same principle, and for the same purpose for whioh the em bankment was constructed.

With respeot to the attention and re pairing that we recommend, wbioh in volvea the constant services of an aotlve intelligent man, we do not consider It will be required all the ye*r round, bat only for 6 to 9 months m the year, aoaordlng to the season, and we would further lay stress on the faot, or what we believe the Board would find to be a faot, that If jodl oloua and energetic measure* be adopted at once, and that the works be kept In a state of effiolenoy for two or three years, what may be called the heavy work would become gradually lighter, and repairing only be found neoessary. We should ba happy to give a more praotioal exposition of our views If the Board would visit the works we have curried out for the Borough Council. We have, etc , 0. B, Fooxs and Sotf.

The Engineers waited on the Board and explained and discussed matters alluded to In the report. Consideration was left over to another meeting. SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting wub then held to con* alder the making and levying of a rate, Ie waa decided to give public notice In ac cordance with the Act of the following special order : <f That at a meeting of the Wakanul JEtiver Board to be held on the 11th day of August, 1888, the following resolution will bB proposed "That a general rate for the year ending 31st of March, 1889, be made and levied on all rateable properties In the Wakanul River district In a graduated soala according to the classification of the lands Id the dis trict, m the manner following, that is to say : On all properties iholuded In the first class six farthings m the £, on all pro perties Included In the seoond class three farthings m the £, m all properties in cluded In the third class three-eighths of a penny m the £, the said rate to be paid m one sum on the 21afc day of August, 1888, to Messrs Fooks and Son at the Wakanul Road Board offioes, Moore street^Ashburton. The rate book will be open for Inspection at the before men tioned offices from the 25th day of July, 1888, to the 11th day of August, 1888, during offiqe hours." The meeting then Btidad.

THE LONGBEACH DRAINAGE SYSTEM

At the conclusion of the meeting at Long bsaoh r.e the division of the county, and the abolition of the Road Boards, the question of drainage soheme was disoussed.

The Chairman, AJr John flrigg ex plained to the meeting that- this was a matter m whioh they were vitally interested and which they had io m their own hands to carry out. They oouid borrow money to carry out any soheme that was proposed, at 5 per cent. This would in dividually be a very small annual expenditure and for whioh they would reap a great benefit, but they must work together to prooure this end and look at .the matter m a broad light. For himself he had not the lea&t hesitation m going for it straight. Mr Baxter, the County Engineer, was ia attendance and would ex plain the details of the soheme and the pro posed boundaries.

Mr Baxter explained the matter to tho meeting 1 at some length and answered ques tions'that were 'put. ; ' . f> The Chairman considered that it would be expedient; for a small committee to be ap pointed to go thoroughly into the matter with the ' assistance ' of the Qounty Engineer,' to apoertain what would be the beat 'boundaries. bo that anyone not interested should be left out and those- interested put m. They coufd then draw up a petition for presentation to the Oounoil. *-

On the motion 'of Mr Dunn, Messrs T. Taylor, J. Shearer, J. Grigg and S. Chapman were appointed a committee to bring the scheme to an issue.

After a vote of thanks to the ohair and Mr Baxter the meeting dispersed.

LONGBEAGH ROAD BOARD.

4- mooting of this Board wai held on Monday. Bresenfc — Messrs J. Grigg (Chairman), 'J. Shearer, J. Williams, and A. Qawson. . - •'-... Q'ORRESjPONDBNOg. Letters were read (1) From Property Tax Uomralaaloner, asking thai intending assessors be allowed to View the rolls and m&psof the dletriot,— Granted.~(2) from Ooldstream Road Board, Btatlng that a „<.+« r,'"" 1 nA nvßt the fence on Boundary gel CO ptti\iwU . t. i. . road would meet present i«j!I. ra ' W9n ''' «HATMOSB ROAD. Consideration of Surveyor's report on this road loft over from last meeting was prooeeded with. It was resolved to have a ford made just above the culvert on the road. DEPUTATION. Mr Donaldson waited on the Board, and complained of the oulyert below his property as not Buffioient to oarry water away: Proper provision wai not made to oarry the water along the natural'water course.

It was pointed out to Mr Donaldson that the Board had gone to considerable expense la this locality, and had purchased land for a drain to take watßr from this creek. It would hardly be fair that they should now also send watar down the creek. He was Informed that the Sur veyors would take levels to ascertain if an outlet oould be made down the Water ton road, A ford would be madein lieu of culvert and stanks pat at Moses' cor ner.

division or oodntt. The Board' ctisonssed the resolutions forwarded by the" County Gounoil re division of County and abolition of Boad Boards. It was resolved to adopt, the resolution pasaed by the Wakanal Road Board, whloh the members oonsldered well expressed their views on the. ques tion, viz.— "That this Board cannot Bop. port the proposition to divide the County and abolish the JJqad J?oardo, because It has no hopes tnat any mon^y Having I would be effected thereby, exoept by not attending to local wants, which are now well provided for by the adoption of the Ward Byatem— the ontoome of judicious laglslatlon to meet the requirements of the people.'? The rate for the jteaY, of which public aotlaa had been given, Traa oonfitmed. ACQOUNT& After p»6BJDg aocoupjks the B,oard ad journed "

"HANS THE BOATMAN."

In another column will be found tho preliminary notice of the above company* <( Hans the Boatman " (s an entirely new and original musical-comedy drama written expresaely for Mr Oharles Arnold by Olay M. Greene, and is to be played at the Oddfelloir'a Ball here on the ltth and 19th inst. The management is the same as that whioh ao successfully toured tho colony with Messrs Brough and Bouoioault's burlesque company. Since opening In Inveroarglll lately, the company has met with great success and Ib at present In Dnnedin playing to packed audienoea nightly. This Is the result of the complete way In whioh Messrs Brough and BouolcauJtgo to work for they introduse none but first class companies Into this colony. The opinions of the London Press on " Hans the Boat man/ are given In an advertisement elsewhere, and we subjoin a critique of. the Initial performance at lovercargill as given m the oolums of the " Southland Fews. — The play la of simple construction, but the author to whom the world is in* debted for "Struck Oil," has cleverly Introduced several strong situations that heighten the Interest and give to the piece a distinctive flavour. The story can be told In brief space. Yank Thursby, boat man, and his daughter Thomas JefFsrson —so oalled to mark her dad's disappoint ment on account of her sex— live m one of the lake dlstrlots of America. With them is Hans, a Swiss, a happy-go lucky, fun-loving, work-detesting young fellow, who literally takes no thought for the morrow, and thinks It sufficient If he earns enough to pay for his board. The boatman's daughter is m love with him, and all promises to go with un proverbial smoothness, when a shadow falls across the path of the unsophisticated villagers. A New York belle visits the plaoe during the summer, and wearied of the curled darlings of society she has juat left, becomes enamoured of Hans, for whose sake she braves the hatred of another less favoured Bultor and her father's anger. To add to the tangle a young naval offiosr falls a willing viotim to the ohacma of the vlvaolous Thomna Jefferson. She aoorns his addreass at first, but ultimately agrees' to change her came. Meanwhile Hans and his wife have discovered that life la not one long romance. Although Hans has married for love he ianot willing to workfor "siller" and eventually his city bred better-half disgusted with his laok of energy, leaves him, going away under the protection of her former admirer, who seeks to revenge himself for h'l rejaotlon by compromising her good name, and suooeeda, but only for a time. When brought face to face *l'h the possibility that his wife may cease to care for him, Hans beoomes a new man, detertnio.es to ba no longer a grown-np child, but to work hard for his wife and little one. Fall of his new am bition he makes a bonfiae of tho toys with whioh he has been wont to ao.use the youngster?. One of these, unlookily; for Hacß, h»d hidden m the fire-plaoe a powder horn, by the explosion of which he is deprived of sight. Ga«t upon the world with no friend but his , faithful dog Lioo, he waudera osaaelessly. about, ever seeking, ever hoping to find the wife lo whom he has never lost faith. Eventu ally his quest proves suocesaful, and he Is rewarded by finding that she has, never been really unfaithful to him. A. -skilful operation restores his sight and a timely beqqest from the father of a ohlld whom he had rescued from drowning relieves him from the necessity of doing what ha, was neyer fit for— work. Mr Charles Arnold materialises the author's poetip conception with marvellous effect, rje oarrlea the audience with' him m situations that m the hands of one less perfeotly a mister of his art would border on the faroltl or absurd. However, heartily the house may laugh it la with and not at Haas, who, so to speak, takes all present Into his confidence. It la bard to say where he most excelled— whether as the central figure In the daisy chain formed by the children, who waylay him at every turn (; or as the victim of their pranks. He was good all through, but if a selection Is made from any of ""the telling soenea m Which 'the play abounds, the audienoe were, 'it la safe to say, delighted with the one id whioh Hana avows his love for the city maiden. .It was a delipious bit of comedy —as good as anything eyer seen on th,e stage, the effect being heightened by th& broken JSoglieh m which Hans gave utteranae to the high flown sentiments usual on such occasions . Nor was Mr Arnold less successful m his songs, whioh are finely rendered, the gem of the set being the lullaby In the seoond act.

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

(From our own Oorbkspondent.)

WELLINGTON, July 10. A meeting of members Interested An \ Native Affairs was held this morning, 1 when there were 21 members present, in* oludlng four Native members. Mr Kelly wis In the ohiir and a resolution restrict ing the number of Natives to Id '» grant, to twenty m any case With equal interest and area qaleas otherwise ordered, was af tpr a long discussion, carried, 4 further resolution was proposed limiting the area that any one person Off oompioy could parohase to 500 aores of freehold, or 15,000 aores of leasehold was strongly opposeu t? Mann Tanner, Jaoksan, Whyte, Ormond, Beetham, and others, bnt on being pat to the meeting it was loe£ an also was a resolution moved by Mr Smlth'io the effect that In th§ fptsrest of 'settlement all !l Native iertes • ahtfuTd oarry improvement "cladses the anhe at these granted under the Land Act to Grown tenants. A motion as to granting extra time for the completion of titles, to those persons who hold oerti£oatos auder the Native Land Admlnlatra.t'lon'Aqt wl^ withdrawn by leave Qffche meetjgg. % ' A free conference on the Chinese Bjl} between managers from the House and the Council mot thfs morning, but the result was nil, as neither side, would budge, aq Inoh, and they oould not come to any arrangement whatever. Jt appears that the members of the House were very in osnsßd at the tone of the reasons drawn ; np by the Oounoil, whloh they considered '"{ to be almost lnsnlting and intemperate* It is not probable any compromise will be effected, bat that the BUI will be dropped altogether and a new BUI will be Introduced on the lines suggested by the Sydney ponferenoe. - - ,j-- •- A good deal of light wbb this aftornooa thrown on the manner m which bualriess is oondaoted .at the meetings of select committees, whloh m so many instances are considered to be a sort of oonrt of appeal by persona who have any oanse of complaint against Government. The question was brought np by Mr Taylor who, (t Beema, wishes to give evldenoe before a oommittee'of- which heis a member upon an important matter, but in 1 his absence the affair was fixed np against the interests of the petitioner and m favor vt Government. Considerable disonsslon followed m whioh Messrs Downle Stewart and \^ard stated that the present system was a simple fraud, 'and that it was al* most impossible "for p'ersins' to'' obtain I iusiioe by petitioning Parliament, as fhe committees were realty only buffers be tween Government and tlje petitioner's." and almost invariably aoted on the ofHoial report whloh was generally against the 1 prayer of the petitioners, Mr Fish ex pressed the opinion that members of com* ™<ttees instead of acting as judges In any matter whloh dame before them almost Invariably took up the position of defendants, and %q mentioned ttyat on one committee, of vhloh he waif a mem ber, a Minister was^alob a metaber. "; Tfie Minister had only attended twioa list session, and then to oppose petytlo'tyi wblob were brought forward,. Tbi com?

THE ABHBURTON GUARDIAN, T HUBS DAY. JtTLY »12, 1888



THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN. J Prom and after the 80th November, 1886, the , term's of Subscription to this journal will be ? as follows, viz. :— | a 1 paid in vanoe :g Per Quarter.. 6s 6d by post, 9a 63 Half-year 12b 6d, by post, 18s 6d Year .. 24s Od, by poat, 87s Od [IF BOOKRD Per Quarter.. 7a 6d, by post, 10s 9d <„ Half-year 15s Od, by post, 21s 6d \, t Year .. 30s Od, by post, 43s Od Birth riage, and Death Notioeß, if paid for at the time of insertion 2s 6d each (stamps may sent as payment) if booked, is each. Announcements of Births, Deaths and Marriages Bent for publication from the country districts require to be verified by the signature of the person sendinor the notiae, DIABi. ~~"~~ Moon'a Sun Snn Moon Moon age ab July. Rises. Sots. Rises Sets. noon. a.m. p.m. 9 Monday .. 7.34 4.35 7.6 4.36 29 10 Tuesday .. 7.34 436 7.64 632 0 11 Wednesday.. 7.34 4.37 8.37 6.33 1 M Thursday .. 7.3: 4;38 9.16 7.37 2 18 Friday,. .. 733 4.39 9.4S 8.46 8 14 Saturday ... 7.82 4.40 10.20 9.54 4 16 Sunday .. 7.82 4.41 10.50 11.2 5 '



" Bovau on EATa."— Clears out rata, mice, oaohes, flies, ants, bed-bugs, beetlos, ioseoetu, hunks, jaok-rabbits, sparrows, gophers. All chemists and druggists. J, [ Kbatino's Oocgh LozENdEs ourea Coughs, Asthma, and Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no qthar medicine is so effeotual , inthe pdi'e'of these danger6ua maladies. Qae Lozenge' alone gives ease, one or two at tied- (iime ffVisurjgs'Teqt. 'For relieving difficulty of breathing they ava invaluable. They cpntairi no opium or any violent drug. Sold by all luemists, io tiusUßjiai, an^.2B 9a ea«li,



TRY KIRKPATRICK'S SPECIAL QUALITY FRES HFRUIT "X" -JAM S— NOTICE, OUR Special Quality "X" brand of New Season's JAM Is made from Fresh Frnlt, within a few houra after It has beeo gathered; it thus retains the full flavor of the Fresh Ftult, and la the beet quality it Is possible to make. CAUTION : None Is Genuine unless our Name Is stamped on tbe Tin, and has oar regis- tered Tiade Mark, the letter " X," on the Label, .': JVln&r A l nllf fL|{AN U| til,, MANUFACTURERS,? NELSON)



Good News! Good News ! TO ALL HABD-WCmKING-MEN AND ANXIOUS MOTHERS. Jgg* BONA FIDE SALE JfOW ON AT THE Key Zealand Clothing Factory PREVIOUS TO TAKING STOCK. WB offer yon Real, Genuine, Substantial Goods (onr own make) ACTUALLY BELOW COST JOS YOUB HEADY MONEY. EVERY Article m our Extensive Stock, consisting oi Men's and Bojb' Clothing, lings, Shirts, Hats, etc, reduced to prices unequal ed, thus enabling people ol limited means the opportunity of dreaairg and clothing themselves and their children, foe a email Bum. — SPECIAL.— MEASURE SUITS _O0 -| £»S FROM 3* £ ±O TBODPERS TO MEASURE Hnß /YD from 1/ O COMPABISON IS THE TRUE TEST OP VALUE. Bod a Fide Sale NOW IN FULL SWING AT THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, W. Hi WEBBER, Manager.



A OABD.j Miss Carson, TEACHER OF MDBIO, '(PIANOFOBTE AND OKGAN), Bubnktt Street, 12 101 THE "BED CROSS" PRESERVING COMPANY, Chapel Street, South Tarra, Victoria, /^ANNED Tomatoes, equal to American, \j and at same price ; also Peaohee, Pears, Apricots, of the fineßt quality, and m heavy syrup. All these goods are manufactured under the supervision of Mr George James Ward, late of California. The Jamß, Jellies, Piokles, Tomata Sauce, and Assorted Sauces of this Company are well known to be better than any im- ported, 5 213



Wanted. WANTED KNOWN— Eden George positively closes his branoh studio on Saturday. Photographs taken just as well on rainy days with the Instantaneous process. 7t67 T7OUND a young Sheep Dog ; blaok _C and tan with white on nose. Will be sold In a week if not olaimed. Apply " Guardian " Offioe. 7 68 PIANOS, Organs, and Harmoniums sold on easy monthly payments. — H. M. Jones. WANTED Known— Genuine Clearing Sale now on— H. 0. Skgbrs, Mel- ford House. SALE, Melford House, Cash Sale now on, cheapest Houbo m Ashburton. — H, 0. Sboerp. f"i REATEST Sale of the day, every- VJf thing cheap for Cash — H. C. Be«EB8, Melford House • WANTED Known— Tb»t Hatbs and Co. has 250 Splendid Tweed Trousers. Your plok for 10s 6d. "11 /"ANTED —Everyone to come and V V see the nicest lot of Glass, China, and Earthenware ever shown m Ashbur- ton, and the Cheapest ever landed m New Zealand. Imported dtreot from the Manufacturers. — Robert Aloobn, Saun- ders' Buildings. HI BOOTS. BOOTS.— Keep the feet dry and save doctor's bills. Qaality Is everything m bad weather. I guarantee every pair. Best value m New Zealand at Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saanders' Buildings.— Roiß&T Aloobn. ANTED Cash. — Muir's Oatmeal (251 b), 2s 6d; Candles, 6d ; Vestas, 5d doz. ; Coffee and Milk, Is ; Cocoa and Milk, la ; Corn Flour, 4d ; Fruits m Syrup (21b tins), Is. Crockery; Glassware, and Ironmongery.— J. Mo Grkoob. Tanored street



LONDON AND LANCASHIRE FIRE INBUBANOE COMPANY. I HAVE been appointed Agent for th« above Company, and am now prepared to take risk* on Buildings, Stock and Ckopi at current rates. D. THOMAS, Ashburton; Skin Sales. I shall hold Fortnightly' Sales of the above throughout the Season, at my WOOL STOBES, West Street, Ashburton commencing FRIDAY, 29th JDNE, at 12. o'clock, D. THOMAB,



Agricultural Implements. I AH APPOINTED SOLE AGENT IN ASHBORTOJEf FOB M18S&8 BOOTH MoDONALDJ& Ov {Oarlyla Implement Worki,| g Obrlitchrob; fiAm'Jf iMPLlHSlflfgoir HAND?! — -I™ * ** Inspection Invited. B ~. P. * HOMAB. (. atei -if Mat.-.on, Cox an Oo,,) Afihburtoo gf



METHVEN, I PURPOSE holdln* Periodical Sales of Sheep, Cattle, Pigt, and Sandriei ftt Methyen daring the year, the first of whtoh will take piece on FEIDAY, AUGUST 10th. D« THOMAS, Auctioneer* Botrlei no be given to Mebsbs Hubs Bbos., Methven. 1 have oeen appointed Agent YOB THB Mercantile Finance Co., TOHBISTOHUBOH, Wfco are prepared to advance Money BILLS OF SALE, MORTGAGE OP STOOK CROP LIENS, or other B*ontlty t D. THOMAS.



P. Thomaa. EOR BALE— |-acre Seotion and two- roomed Cottage 00 the Alford Forest Boad ; oheap; D. THOMAS, 7*32 Aehburton, TO LET. "1 QAA AORES of Land, situated at JLOUU Mayfield, Binds, and known as Bargees Farm. D. THOMAS, 6<>164 Ashburton. FARMERS, BUT BOOTH and MACDONALD'S Sheep Feeding Racks. Will pay for themselves m a |Beason, D. THOMAS. FOR BALE.I QEVERAL GOOD FARMS OHEAP TOLET4 rtiAA AORES ALFORD FOREST, /54UU half English grass, 3s per Aort ~D. THOMAS, Ashburton, I HAVE FOR SALE OR TO LET. A GENERAL STORE (m Oherttey) doing a good business. No Good- will Stock at Valuation. No opposition. Profitable business j good opening for •nergetle man. . Fof pwtloulars apply I>. THOMAS, Ashburton.