The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1890. A JANUARY SESSION.

It appears to be now certain tha,t Parliament will be called together for a special session on the 15th of next month. Ministers are no doubt with in their constitutional right in advis ing Mis Excellency to that effect,'but we cannot think that this course is either necessary or expenclient. All that is like'y to be done will be the election of t'le Kew Speaker, the acceptance of the. resignation of the Ministry and the formation of another, followed a week or ten days after the House assembling by its prorogation or adjournment until April, a pro rogation will mean two sessions in one year and the payment to members of ,£l5O and £100 per session re spectively and we observe that our Wellington contemporary the "Post" very strongly deprecates any such procedure. It says: — "It will be a significant and fitting com mentary on the economical profes sions of the present Ministry if they close their career by spending £12,000, or advise such an expenditure, in oi'der to secure themselves an extra month's possession of power and patronage, and to embarrass their successors. How ever much the wish may be fsuther to the thought, they cannot chrtect a majority iti the new House. "Even the most fertile Ministerial imagination fails to see a majority, and is forced to confess to a minority of one. We are certainly surprised at this moderation, for when compiling the list of 36 sup porters they might as well have taken credit for half-a-dozen, more, and then boldly claimed that the Ministry pos sesses a working majority. The one calculation would have been as reliable, and as readily accepted by the public, as the other- However, the Ministry is admittedly in a minority, and its duty is therefore to resign. Its con tention is that it must call the House together to receive its resignation. There is no necessity for anything of the kind. The Governor can ac cept it, and can find a representa tive of the anti-Ministerial party to form a new Cabinet. There is no need to call 73 gentlemen from various parts of the colony together at mid summer to sit day by flay for a week or so to receive '.Ministerial statements as to the progress of events, and then to adjourn for two or three months to allow the new Ministry to prepare a policy. This proceeding is the less necessary, as ifc would be a very expen sive one to the country. Parliament can do no practical good by meeting in January, but its meeting may possibly cause the leader of the Opposition more trouble in forming a Ministry, anc<\ it will assure the Government a few moTe weeks of oflice. Moreover, it will afford opportunity for practice i n ' nobbling,' a process in the efficacy o*^ which Minister:) do not hesitate to avow their belief. As a matter of party tactics all this may be good strategy, but it is certainly not patriotic, and it is entirely incon sistent with the sincerity of professions of devotion to the cause of economy and retrenchment. The country would be quite content to wait for the ordinary session in April if the present Ministers would resign without further delay, and let the Opposition try what it can do in the meantime. That is the proper constitutional course to be pursued in the interests of the people of the colony under present circum stances, and the people would be thank ful to His Excellency if he would insist on this course being adhered to. £12,000^ the cost of an extra session, is too much to throw away in order to afford Ministers the chance of something turning up in their favour between this and January-" Theforegoingcalculation as to cost is of course founded on the assumption that there are to be two> separate sessions with two honoraria, but in the event of an adjournment' instead of a prorogation, some £10,000' might he taken off our contemporary'si figures. The balance, however, will, not cover the cost even then, and < certainly not less than £5000 or £6000^ j will represent the additional cost to the* ] taxpayers of Parliament being un necessarily called together-in January. But the object doubtless is to give the* j Atkinson party a chance of feeling- j pulses and preparing for operations, against the Liberal Government when. Parliament assembles really " for thei | despatch of business " in April next,. ' and as the Atkinson creed is that the I first duty of the Colony is to keep Sir jj Harry and his friends in power, from j their'point of view £5000 or £6000 j will be money well spent if it conduce j to their successfully attempting to re- ! capture the Benches four months hence. What the Colony thinks of it is another matter altogether.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Rich gold specimens have reached Singa pore from a large reef atPunjom. Fearful reports continue to be received in regard to starvation in China The Kinzuea viaduct on the Erie Railway is 305 ft high—the highest in America. The gold in the world would fit in a soMd cube building twenty-four feet each way. The falls of Nigara carry down 10,000,000 cubic feet of water per minute equal to about 3,000,000 horse-power. The services at St. Stephen's church will be couducted on Sunday next by the Rev. W. S. Perceval of Temuka. ; Teacher (to class): "What is velocity?" Bright youth: " Velocity is what a man puts down a hot plate with." The installation of the mayor elect, Mr Hugo Friedlander, takes place at the Council Chamber to-morrow, at noon. "The German army is said to be the healthiest in Europe. The army of Belgium is second best in this important respect, and the army of Britain third. Tommy (five years old) : " Oh, papa 1 I know now what makes the lightning," Father: "What is it, my son?" Tommy (triumphantfy): " God struck a match." We regret to observe, by the " Post " of the 12th hist, that Sir William Fitzherbert is still in a very weak state of health suffer ing from a complication of disorders. The British Consul at Tonga, Mr R. B. [ Leefe, has presented King George with a most beautiful portrait of her Majesty Queen Victoria, on behalf of Sir J. B. Thurstou, High Commissioner. The coal discoveries near Batavia are causing great excitement there. One out of five seams examined was tried to a depth of 40ft, where there was a seam 7ft thick of Pure coal of tho very highest value. »

There are twenty-seven States with over 1,000,000 population each. At the previous census there were nineteen. ' The ship Carbet Castle left Adelaide on the 12th inst. for Lyttelton to load with grain and wool, having been chartered by Messrs Friedlander Bros. ; She should arrive j befdre the end of the year. A female miser died lately in Paris, and her friends cast lots for her furniture. A statuette fell to her daughter, and she was about to dash it to the ground in vexation, when bank-notes and securities valued at £2000 rolled out from the interior. An eight-wheeled railroad church has been built at Tiflis for use on the Trans Caucasian line. It is surmounted by a cross at One end; and at the other is a handsome belfry with three bells. It can seat seventy persons. The altar is made of carved oak. There are apartments for the priest. The horse of a German officer suddenly bolted and to the horror of the spectators, svas approaching the edge of a cliff. When death seemed inevitable for both horse and rider, the latter drew his sabre, and killing his steed, saved his own life. •rA Chilean Visitor to Chicago recently de clared that the wonders of the north of Ohili iv an agricultural way were undreamed of by Americans. The most wonderful vine yards were found there, and the exhibit of wine from that country at the World's Fair would be a' surprise. A young lady teacher had been at special pains to indoctrinate her pupils with the duty of always gpcakingjpolitely. Here was the result!'... Asking a little fellow "who tempted Eve ? " She was greeted with the reply "If you please Miss, I don't like to mention his name, but ita'th'e gentleman who lives down below."; A Press Association telegram from Well ington says : In the confusion of the present political crisis New Zealand is likely to be unrepresented at the Federal Convention. The Government are not takiug any steps in the matter, and it will probably depend en tirely on what occurs when Parliament meets. The annual Garden Party in connection with St. Stephen's congregation took place' to-day in the Parsonage grounds. There j were stalls for tr.c Bale of fancy work, re- . freshment and produce booths, a merry-go -\ round, shooting gallery, etc., and there was a, large attendance. Saturday's "Oamaru Mail " says: Up to 12 o'clock to. day 7943 sparrows' eggs were brought to the County Council Uiambers. The largest collection by one boy was 1000, for which he received 15s. For last month i' 34 14s lOd was paid for small birds' eggs, and during last.year one hundred thousand eggs were collected. A novel tax its about to be discussed in the French Chamber of Deputies. It has been brought forward by M. Moreau, one of the depnties for the Nord. He proposes an impost on e/eiy French citizen who may make use cf a title of nobility. The titles are to be territorial, and a graduated scale of taxation is to be imposed on their being conferred—from 500f ayea,r for .the use of "De" to; .250,000 a year for the title of prince,' accompanied by that of highness. A number of Wairarapa, visitors says the "Observer," were assembled in» Wellington hotel not long ago, when their conversation turned upon the question as to what part of the Old Country each one came from. "Now, Itakeit you'd have some difficulty in guessing where I came from," said the present mem ber for Mastferton (Mr Hogg). "Oh, no,"; said a quiet-looking countryman, "I guess you're from Berkshire." Roars of laughter followed the unexpected roply. The following are the handicaps for the athletic events in the Rakaia. sports:—loo yards—A. Henderson, scratch; \V. J. Welsh, 5 yards; G. Dixon, 6 yards: B. Larraman and I). Turnbull, 7 yards. 440 yards—A. Henderson, scratch; P. Dolan, 16 yards; H. Brimicombe, 37 yards. Hurdle Race -A. Henderson, scratch ; W. J. Welsh, 7 yards; G. Dixon, 10 yards. Mile Race -P. Dolan, scratch ; G. Dixon, 25 yards ; H. Brimicombe, 100 yards. Some alterations are now in progress at Sfc, Stephen's Church, Ashburton, which will have the effect of greatly improving the appearance of the interior; The walls of the nave have been stencilled:;in pale cream color, <'J"id th? lower portion, up to a stone 3nauldiv.\g at about six feet from the floor, tinted in a warm chocolate hue to match the altar-clotb and fittings of the chancel, while the space above the chancel opening has been matoh-lincd, and tlie whole of the timber oiled so as to bring out the grain. The result is very pleasing, and will also be conducive to the comfort of the congregation. The estimated population of the colony on the 30th September was 625,752 souls, ex clusive of natives, who according to last census, numbered 41,069. The European population shows a growth during the quarter.of 2640, the natural increase being 3157, but the excess of emigration over im migration being 511. This means that there are 3000 more babies to clothe, feed, and educate, and five hundred less breadwinners to provide the funds.

Death in the Mallee Scrub

News dated Melbourne December 9, is to the effect that a shocking fatality happened about eighteen miles from Swan Hill early on Wednesday morning. Ten days ago a gentleman named Francis Burchet, with his valet, came up here to settle on a selection in the Mallee. He spent several days in the town, where he drank very heavily, and when he pro ceeded on his journey last Sunday he was on the verge of delirium tremens. Han cock, his man, thought that a few days in the Mallee would cure him, but on Tuesday last he ran away from the camp and lost himself in the Mallee scrub. Hancock spent several days in searching for him, but did not communicate with the police until Friday night. Two mounted constables were then despatched at once, and they followed the track np for about six miles, when they found the body of the deceased in a frightful con dition. It was evident that he had died early on the morning'after he disappeared in terrible agony. Mr Burchst was a young man of considerable means, and his father holds a very good position under Government at Home.

THE POLITICAL CRISIS.

(lEa PR£&S ASSOCIATION.)

 Wellington, December 15. ■: Ministers were in Cabinet all day dis cussing the political situation and the course Government should adopt. At four o'clock, His Excellency the Governor sent for the Premier, and after a brief interview Sir Harry returned to the Cabinet. At five o'clock:.he paid asecond visit- to^trovernmeiit House, returning to the Treasury buildings at 5.15. The Cabinet broke up shortly before six o'clock, when? the Prettiief" stated that nothing definite had been settled, and he thought it would be Wednesday before the decision of Government could be made known. The " Gazette " which was; in tended to issue this afternoon, although in type, was withdrawn at the last moment. A rumor was current this afternoon that the time at which Parliament was to be called together had been extended, mid color was given to this as it was under stood orders to prepare the Parliament Buildings for session Had been counter manded. The Premier, however, denied any knowledge of this, and stated that, so far as he was aware, Parliament will meet 011 Januaiy 15th.

AQUATIC.

PKK JPRESS ASSOCIATION

Sydney, December 15. The betting at the start was six to four on McLean. , A splendid start, and for the first mile there was little difference between the two. McLean then got into Kemp's water, and his sculls touched the iatter's boat, whereupon the, champion stopped rowing fcr a coujplo' ,of strokes and claimed a foul. TBiiis ! lost him-half a length, but he spurtfed, and recovered a slight lead. A ding dong race ensued, neck and neck. T;wo to one was laid on Kemp, but at |he last McLean spurted and got a slight advantage, and betting veered round. Kemp made several efforts to get up;! but dropped constantly astern till McLean had a lead of eight lengths. Still the champion did not give up, a^tid in the last mile reduced the lead some what, McLean eventually winning by six lengths. Time—22min 13se'cs. The' foul was decided in McLean's favor. Both men rowed magnificently. (Received December 16, 10.35 a.m.)' Sydney, December 16. Kemp, being dissatisfied with yester day's race with McLean, states that he is willing to row him or Stansbury for £500 a-side any time after April.

Ashburton Live Stock Market.

Mr D. Thomas reports upon the live stock market in the Ashburton District for the week ending 12th DeCetnbteri as follows:—• On Tuesday at the "Aslibifrton the usual weekly sale of live stock was held. There was the average attendance of farmers and others interested, but they were evidently not present for the purpose of doing business. The sale wais a dragging one throughout, although'l cleared all niy entry in sheep (without exception) at Values that must be. considered satisfactory, when the dry weather and consequent loss in feed is takeniinto account. The total entry for the day consisted of 3767 sheep, 51 head of cattle, and 9; pigs, of which my catalogue consisted of IH6G sheep, 39 head of cattle, and 7 pigs for the following clients, viz. :— Messrs D. Williamson, W. Wilkinson, D. McKendry, W. T. Smith, M. Ballance, M. Bruce, Kennington, H. Kingsbury, H. W. Robinson, E. Hardwiek, J. Strachan, M. Miller, J. Janiiespn, G. W. Leadley, C. Stokes, G. K^eeley, W. Dynes, Langley, Hepburn, McLean, A. Protheroe, and others, and my principal sales in sheep were—2B fat crossbred ewes, 9s 8d ; 12 fat crossbred ewes, 9s sd; 29 fat crossbred ewes, 9s 3d; 79 fat crossbred ewes, 93 3d ; 100 crossbred hoggets in the wool, 12s (id; 18 two and four tooth crossbreds in the wool, 14s 0d; 359 merino wethers, 2s 6d to 3s 6d each; 202 merino ewes and lambs all counted, 3s each; 288 crossbred ewes and lambs all counted, 4s 6d each ; 130 fat foui-tooth crossbreds, 11s 3d; 170 crossbred, hoggets, 7s 9d; 13 fat sheep at 13s each, etc. In cattle I sold seven head at £4; one at £4 ss; one at £7'ss; three at £3 15s; one at £4 17s 6d ; three yearlings, 31s each ; four young cattle, £2 5s each; one at 47s ; five calves at 14s ; two heifers at 30s ; one cow, 45s ; another, 36s ; etc. In pigs I cleared my entry as follows: —-Two slips, 8s 6d; five improvers at 12s each. Taking the sale all through biddings were slack, but no great drop in values can be reported, except in ewes and lambs, which will be the case until rain comes. "

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

If there was one thing upon which public opinion was during the recent election campaign more clearly ex-, pressed than upoii any other it was the necessity for a reform of the Legis lative Council. Indeed, it is a remark able fact that more prominence was given to this question by the electors generally than even by candidates themselves, there having been scarcely an election meeting at which questions were not put to the candidates on this subject—the universal opinion of the constituencies appearing to be that reform in this particular direction is imperatively necessary. We need not say that we concur in that view, in deed we hold that reform is required in three several directions, viz., by making the Council elective, by limit ing the number of its members and by substituting a six or seven years term of office for the present life tenure. The first and most radical change— that of substituting election for nomination may not perhaps be brought about for some years yet, but the limitation of numbers and of the term of office are, we believe, practi cable during the first business session of the new Parliament. Indeed there has for now nearly two years been in ! existence a tacit understanding that the normal number of the Legislative Council should be fixed at 37, i.e., ,'pn.e half of that of the number of members of the reduced House of Representa tives, and in view of all these con siderations, we think that there will be much public dissatisfaction at the evident intention of the moribund Atkinson Ministry to call to the Council a number of additional Coun cillors-r-all of whom will of course be ap pointed for life. The Council even now contains 39 members—or two in excess of the number to which it has been tacitly agreed to reduce it, and there fore there is not only no vacancy as

yet, but there may nob even be a vacancy for a year or two to come. Yet notwithstanding this, wo have telegrams from Wellington stating thai several appointments to the Council have been determined, on Messrs Fulton and Ormond being mentioned as certainties, and Mr Downie Stewart, JN:ir' Samuel, Mr J. B. Whyte, Mr Charles Johnston, and Sir M. O'Rorke as probabilities, with tho off chance of Mr'■¥indent Pyke, and perhaps a few others. Now, while an exception might doubtless be made in the case of the ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, yet with that one ex ception there is no justification for adding to the members of the existing Council, and as any incoming Ministry ' would doubtless at the first opportunity be willing to do justice to the claims of the gentlemen mentioned, there is no excuse for Sir Karry Atkinson find his colleagues in calling a whole batch ■of them to the Council now, thus in creasing its strength to ten or a dozen above the limit before referred to as agreed upon. But it is exactly the sort of thing which might be expected from the present Administration, which makes additional Judges whether they are wanted or not, and is evidently determined up to the^ very last hour of its existence to exercise every scrap of patronage in its power, and to block the way of its successors to the greatest possible extent. Of the decency or otherwise of .°uch a course of precedure, however, the public may be very safely left to judge. »

IRISH AFFAIRS.

[per, press association]

"London, December 14 to 15. Mr Stephens, a Unionist, contests North Kilkenny. Mr Healey dubbed Mrs O'Shea the Joan of Arc of the Tories. i, i Mr Davitt is confident of an enor-' mous majority for the seceders at North Kilkenny. > Mr Parnell denounces Sir J. Pope Hennessey, candidate for North Kil kenny, as a 'place-man.- It is expected the result will be close. Owing to the split in the party Mr O'Brien has made up his mind to sur render to the authorities if he fails to re-unite the Irish party. ■ . Mr Healey has denounced Mr Par nell for going into hiding when a "vital crisis in the history of Ireland was pending, and for diverting League funds to pay hirelings.

Sir W. Fitzherbert.

The Wellington correspondent of the "Press" wiring on the 15th inst.,. says :— "I regret-to say Sir William Fitzherbert (nott in his eiehty-nrst year) is very ill, and giave doubts are entertained as to his being able to resume his duties as Speaker of' the Legislative Council. It is rumored that in the case of his resignation Sir M. O'Rorke would bo appointed to fill the vacancy. Another rumor, apparently less probable, is that Sir Harry'Atkinson would succeed Sir -William .Fitzherbert."

THE MARKETS.

The New Zealand Loan, and Mer cantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following London telegram, dated 13th November :-r,-.\ Wool;— The sales closed firmly this day., Since close of last sales superior greasy .■merino and fine greasy cross bred have declined |d per lb; niib ■ scoured crossbred and coarse scoured crossbred, |d to Id per lb ; combing washed, superior scoured merino, medium and inferior greasy mei'ino, Id lb; ai.d medium and inferior scoured merino, Id to l^d per lb. Coarse greasy crossbred is easier, and lambs unchanged. The total quantity sold during the past sales is 132,000 bales, of which 79,000 bales have been taken, for the Continent and 1500 bales for America. It ia estimated that 14,000 bales have been held over for future disposal. i Tallow is dull of sale. Fine mutton and good beef is worth respectively 27s 3d and 25s 9d per cwt, \ Frozen-Meat-—Market quiet. Can terbury mtitton is worth 3|d per lbj and Wellington mutton 3|d per lb.

[pee pkess association.]

(Received December 16, 1 p.m.) London, December 15. A cargo of Kew Zealand wheat on passage^ has been sold at 36s 4id.

ISLAND NEWS.

[per pkess association.]

Auckland, December 15. I According to despatches by the Wainuijj matters at Samoa are quiet. The natives are preparing for the reception of the Chief Justice, who is expected to arrive about the end of December. Disturbances have occurred amongst the natives at Tutuila, and in a fight which took place two men were slain. Prince George, of Tonga, and several Chiefs are on their way to Nienfo to arrest the Governor of that Island on a charge of sedition. It is now feared that leproay exists at Apia, and three meu are reported to be suffering from it. Another man diedof the loathsome disease some months ago

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per. press association J

London, December 14 and 15. Three of the men injured by the explosion of the steam pipes on the: Jumna are dead. ■ The Prince and Princess of Wales congratulated Lord Carrington on the (success of his Governorship in New South Wales. Sir C. Tupper, the representative of Canada, lias requested the Agents- General of the Australasian colonies to confer with him on Tuesday regarding the steamship line between Vancouver and Australia. Rome. December 15, The Italian troops are menacing Kassala, a town between the Nile and the Red Sea. Lisbon, December 15. The Portuguese expedition to Mozambique will consist of 800 regu lars and 300 volunteers. The mob attacked the British Con sulate at Quillimane, but the Portu guese officials arrested the ringleaders. Washington, December 14. and 15. The Indians are massed round a place called Pino Ki(Ue, where their chief was captured by the Government troops. The Cabinet suggests the issuo of

additional currency, i>a;ed on the in creased purchases of silver, while Mr \Vindom, Secretary to the Treasury, is in favor of a now issue of thirty million dollars.

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney, December 15. Mr Amos, contractor, is suing the Railway Department for £300,000 in connection with several contracts. The case begins early next year, , Mr Crick, who "was lately expelled from Parliament, speaking at Lambton on Saturday, reiterated his charges of bribery in connection with the Broken Hill Water Supply Bill, adding that Government was corrupt. The matter was 'brought under the notice of the House to-night, and Sir H. Parkes moved that the Speaker request Mr Crick to state whether he used the language which was attributed to him in the reports of his speech.) The debate is still proceeding.

INTERPROVINCIAL

[PElt PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, December 15. Frederick Clearer Webbe, of Webbe Bros, who for the lasb four months have been doing business ab Auckland as auctioneers and mining agents, has been arrested on a charge of uttering a forged valueless cheque for £25, purporting to bo signed by parties unknown. Webbe w;vs before the Court to-day and remanded till Thursday. Three girifj, named Leyvo'r and Lake (2) charged with stealing clothes from a tailor named-Miran, w-jre brought up before the Court to-day for sentence. They were admitted to probation for six months, their parents finding sureties for £25 in each case and paying the value of Miran's losses. Mr Rees, M.H.R., is preparing a scheme to lay before the Government for openiu« up the King Country for settle men by the consent of the natives without the present vexatious delays caused by the sisnatures of all natives interested being required. The Hoy. Father Paul has been ap pointed vicar-general of the Auckland Catholic Diocese. He has been iji charge of Onehunga parish for thirty-three years. Wellington, December 15. Mr S. D. Parnell, originator of the eight-hour system in the colonies, is in a precarious condition. Sir W. Fitzherbert, Speaker of the' Legislative Council, is also very ill. Mr W. In . Blair, Engineer-in- Chief, is now slowly recovering. When on the West Coast the Governor sent a telegram to Mr Bryce asking nim to see him. This message was addressed co Mr Ballance and delivered to him, naturally causiug .some confusion. En quiries have been made, from which-it appears that the message .was received all right in the Wanganui office,, but in tran scribing it Mr Balance's name, by a slip of the pen, was inserted instead of Mr Bryce's. ' ■ Gbeymouth, December IS: A very heavy gale is blowing. There has beßn tremendous rain all the morn ing, and there is every appearance jof it continuing for some time. The Ahaura river has risen three feet. Invercarojxl, December 16. Owing to the showery weather up country interfering with shearing, the local wool sales have been postponed from December 23rd to January 14th -and February 4th. ;;

Political Items

[ The " Napier News " says :—As our readers are aware, the contest between Messrs Brace and Hutchison for Waito tara was very close, and at one time Mr Bruce was leading, but a small return was to come in. This was from Kerioi- >the place that settled the seat in Mr Hutchi son's favor last time. On the day of the election 25 men came to Moawhanga to vote for Mr- Reardon for the Hawke's Bay scat, but it was discovered their names were not on the Hawke's Bay roll. They knew they must be on the Waito tara roll, however, so two gentlemen who were working in Mr Reardon's interest sent the men off on horseback a distance of about twenty miles —to Kerioi, and there they voted for Mr Hutchison. Twenty-five voted there; and Mr Hutchi son won by twenty-two votes. The "Otago Daily Times" (a strong paper) unequivocally con demns the proposal to make a number of additions to the Legislative Council. It points out that in 1877 Lord Normanby declined the request of his Ministers that he should appoint Mr -J. N. Wilson to the Legislative '■ Council pending the issue of a want of confidence motion in the Assembly, and that in 1887 Major Atkinson exacted a pledge from the Stout-Vogel Government, . after their defeat in the House, pledging them not to makaany appointments until after the meeting of the next Parliament. It con tends that "now the Government has been defeated, it is to all intents and purposes in the same position as the Stout-Vogel Government were after their defeat. This precedent shows, what the feeling of Sir Harry Atkinson himself was as to the undesirability of appointments to the Legislative Council by" a Govern ment which was in a minority. That feeling was no doubt based upon the constitutional principle that there should be responsibility for such appointments, and there can of course lie no responsi bility for the appointments of a Govern ment which is in a minority. The English practice is really a departure from consti tutional principle." And after showing reasons why at, this particular time it is especially undesirable to add to the mem bership of the Council, the "Times." concludes as follows :—"Meanwhile it would be much to be regretted if Ministers were to tarnish their .honor able record of efficient and economical administration merely to' please and reward a few supporters. Common sense and public feeling are strong against any fresh appointments being made under present circumstances. To be defeated i» the lot of every Ministry iti .this sub lunary world, 1 but there are very few Ministries who have been defeated with 'so much honour as the present one. We trust that we shall not have to say of them , that they have in any way forfeited their right to public esteem and gratitude." The "Wellington Post" of the 12th inst., writes:—" His Excellency has, iri.« crisis like the present, grave constitutional responsibilities resting upon him, and especially after his recent homily at Wan gauui on Colonial Governors and -their duties, it will be interesting to closely watch how he acquits himself on the present occasion. Ministers have,, how ever, another reason for desiring to hold office until Parliament meets. They have a well-grounded faith in their own pro ficiency in the art of * nobbling.' In July last we had to congratulate them on their proficiency in this respect, and to expresa our admiration of the delicacy, dcxtojpity, and perfection of their operations iv tjjis, line art. As the practice of if lusfc session was superior to thjj> first .rude attempts, many years ago in the; case of the "Auckland three,'* so no doubt the experience of last session will enables even finer work to be produced with tins abundant supply of raw material which a ljew Parliament must afford, Ministers have been in apparently desperatestraites before, and have ' nobbled' their way to safety. They may cherish a hope of equal succass on this occasion, if given time and opportunity. Already wo observe that one. of the members elected.

THE ASHBUBTON GUABDIAN, TUESDAY, DEOEMBEB 10, 1890.



CLEARING SALE.



On Friday, 12th instant, I held a clearing sale at Maranui, near Westetfield, Railway Station (under instructions received" from Manager of the Bank of Australasia), of 6500 merino ewes with lambs at foot and 138 long-wool rams. There was a large attend ance of buyers, and the values received must be considered satisfactory in the face of the exceedingly dry'weather which we are now experiencing. 54 aged rams brought 9s; 57 full-mouth, 12s ; 27 Border Leicester rams, 20s; 753 merino ewes and lambs, 9s 7d; 539 ditto, 9s 3d; 1121 ditto, 73 7d ; 354 ditto, 9s 4d; 1126 ditto, 9s 4d; 1969 merino ewes dry at 6s sd,



HOPE FOR THE DEAF A Person cured of deafness and noises XI. in the Head of long standing, by a simple Remedy, will be glad to forward a description of it free to anyone who applies. The most as tpnishing cures have lately been effected by the same remedy. Address: Nicholson, 175 William Street, Mcl bourne. The Best Remedy fob INDiGESniON— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidTtly. recommended as a simple remedy ef Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly al the diseases to which we ate subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the ' Natural Strengthener of the Human .Stomach," act aa a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild in their operation, a^icl safe under any circumstances; Sold in bottles, at Is lid, 2s 9d, 1 Is, by all medicine vendovs throughout the world,



SANDER AND SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT,—In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following: Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the. Mind and Nervous System, says in an editorial published in the " Clinical Record " :—" We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called "Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, aqcording to Dr Owen, foremost in causing injurious effects That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we eel warranted in exposing the above facts, and desires the public to exercise care and precaution when buying, SANDER and SON 4 (Advt.) 7



Wanted CASH Advertisements under ■ this hendiner luic exo^dui SIXTEEN WORD'S 1/-. Addresses may be lefbat this Office (IAKE and Apron and Fancy Fair for ._/ Wealeyan Buildihi? Fund. Old Town Hall. Friday and Satuvd«y, December 19 and 20. 12 WANTKD— A smart Lad as BooTsand for General work for Commercial Hotel, Ashburton. Apply at once. J. Henry. 12 98 TDRIZE and Rewnrd Books—now -L supplies from London just opened np. School Committees liberally dealt with.—H« M. Jonks. A MERICAN Ice Cream ! American a. \. Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice kept n .stock. f I/ ANTED Known -Ladies Stocking V V with Silk Toes and Heels fn black and colors. Is <xl per pair.—W. H. Collier. "TfT ANTED Known. - ForDrcsTStulS VV Prints, &c, Trimmings, to match, go to Melford House. Best value in town. Christmas presents n away.—H. C. Segers OOOTS, BOOfTT "Keop~youTfee I ") Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock in now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothinc Mart, Saundera' Buildings. ANTED Known—The T' Strong wear "Boot, is the best for Men, adies and Children.—W. H. Coixier. \X7"ANTED Known.—For Sheeting VV Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, <fee, goto Melford House. Presents to , every purchaser.—H. C Segers. WANTED every man in the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert At-corjt, Ashburton Clothing Mart. Saunder's Buildings. "PRESENTS^- We are now giving .L presents to every purchaser of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, and cheapest house in town.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. ANTED Known — Tho~Oheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashbarton, is at W. F. Haitnaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iroi: ware goods made and repaired with des patrht NEW CHRISTMAS CARDS. A Beautiful Assortment. NEW ANNUAL VOLUMES and BOOKS for' Prizes and Presentations. FANCr GOODS, .fee., &c. ! L P. ANDREWES & Co. SMrplln7Y¥cent § Co. SAWMILLERS AND TIMBER MERCHANTS, SPEINGTBXJEN HAVE erected large Sawmills at j Alford Forest, and can now supply any amount of Building Material, also Bridge Timber and Planking to any size in Birch Timber, Gates, Hurdles, &c, made to patterns as desived, Splitor Sawn Posts morticed by machinery. Prices will be found reasonable, and orders will be executed promptly. Timber can be delivered by train, or at thu Mills, or by rail from Springburn to any part of the district. The Mills are within 1|- miles of the Spring!>urn Railway Station. FIREWOOD, SLABS, AND WASTE TIMBER Always on hand. Orders by post promptly attended to. 2t38 THE HOUSE FOR CHEAP CHRIST MAS CHEER, D. McFarlane's East Street. The House for GOOD SUGARS for Preserving, D. McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for BLENDED TEAS of Al Quality, T). McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for CHINA and GLASS WARE, D. McFARLAN'S East Street. The House for BUTTER, CHEESE, and BACON, D. McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for GOOD FLOUR, MEAL, and RICE, D. McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for all lines of GBO CERIE S At Lowest Possible Rates. D McPARLANE'S EAST STREET ASHBURTO N . 10tl68 Spring and Summer, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Uoys' and Youths' Colonivl TWEED SUITS. HATS,—We keep the Largest and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. BesK workmanship put in every garment, and a perfect fit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &c, in Latest Fashion Mid Style. B«3.st Value for Cash in District N E "7 Z EA J AND CLOTHING FACTORY Ajcenti for the Wonderful Wertheim Machines' W. II WEBBER Manager*



IMPOBTANT PUBLjO NOTICE. KAIAPOI HOUSE AG -YIN TO THE FRONT. II ,f ITCH.KLL. O_.. rrJURNKR IVI ITOHELL CSJ 1 URNER DESIRE to inform their numerous Customers" and the public in genera), that after careful and mature consideration they have'decided to hava THE WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHINC, , CUT, MAD K AND FINISHED ()N THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR ; MAD 15 GOODS, As this involves the outlay of Hard Cash to a large amount, tbey trust tie numerous and material advantages given to ALL THOSE in want of Really GOOD CLOTHING will be so palpable that MITCHELL AND TURNER will at once largely increase their already Extensive Clothing Business, by the adop tion of the above alteration in the style of their Manufactured Articles. A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST OPENED UP. MITCHELT- Q-. mURNEp itchellj 06 JLurneJlv, liAIAPOI HOUSE. FIRST DISPLAY OF Spring Goods, A NBREW ARR J. V NDRE W VJ R R I Snow showing a Beautiful Selection of MILLINERY, MANTLES, PRINTS, GINGHAMS, NEW DRESS GOODS BEIGE'S FRENCH CHECKS, RIBBONS, FLOWERS, ETC. ;"} CASKS of Ladies French BOOTS ,;j and SHOES Direct om France. ANDREW ORR. WOOL. WOOL THE UNDERSIGNED IS PRE 1 PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES On the Coming Season s Clip of ■WOO L, FREE OF COMMISSION. INTEREST AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. GROWERS have the Choice ot Selling either at the ASHBURTON WOOL SALES, or in CHRISTCHURCH, or SHIPPING. 1 Sbull Hold REGULAR SALES DURING THE SEASON, having arranged with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agbnay Company, Limited, to act as my Financial Agents and Auctioneers. Every care and attention will be used in displaying, properly lotting, classi fying, and valuing the W oi. Account Sales will be rendered by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, with their sual promptitude. WOOLPACKS, TWINE, etc., At Lowest Current Rates, John G. T?estell WOOL STORES WEST STREET, ASHBURTO is T. MONEY TO LEND." MONEY to Lend afc LOW RATES ' % OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREF HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of £100 TO ,£SOOO For further particulars apply to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. WOOITSHIFFOIXOWDO .x $Sir&^ HP 1™ MAGNIFICENT S^ff||p> IRON SHIP "CARBET CASTLE," 1535 Tons Register, 100 Al, Will bo despatched from Lyttelton for LONDON DIRECT, about tho middle ;:f December, Cargo carried at lowest current rates. Early application for space is necea 1 sary. For further particulars as to'rate of freight, otc , apply to U xa FRIKDLANDK& BROS.



FOR SALE. ( r f^. WEL V E McOORMIOK WIRE I. BINDERS. All in perfect work in j» order. C HE A P 10*144 FRIEDLANDER' BROS. SHA.G POINT COAL TT^HIS superior Coal, for household and .JL steam purposes, can now by obtained from Messrs J. G. Rkstwll, W. H. Qqlxjn.s & Co., and R. S. Bean in any quantity. Special quotations for truck oads. This Coal is perfectly safe in using, leaving no live ashes or soot, and is very cleanly and economical for household purposes, having great heat and lasting power W. H. WILLIAMS, 10,^18 Manager Silas? Point Mine. JAMES BAKER, TIMBEB MERCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Harhisons Auction Mart, T~TAS IN STOCK Large Supplies of - Building Timber, Stokes and Posts, Galvanised Corrugated Iron, Builders Ironmongery, Turnery, Furniture, and Fancy Goods IN ENDLESS VARIETY. URNITURE MADE-TO ORDER IN ANY DESIGN AT SHORTEST NOTICE Sole Agent in Ashburton f or Clegg s Perambulators. :TSo*w SlMrwingr— Jk FASHIONABLE LOT Spring & Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD FIT, and WORKMANSHIP, ought to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. UniMv JRurl.r miml mvolil Xiie Rush at Xmas. Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders will be finished up to time. H. & E.JRAIGHEAD, TANCRED STREET ASHBURTON TIIWAIB MJIIII fIUR ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January 1, IS9I. President—Dr Tweed. Vick-Prkstdents— Messrs D. McLean, and C. M. Strachey. Judoe—Mr M. Stit*-. Sticwauds—Messrs J. Begg, G. James, M. Scott, I). Thomas, M. Stitt, C. M. Strnchey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed Ci.kiik of the Cottksk—Mr B. Hanks. Clkiik of the Stalks--Mr A. J. Kelly Stakter—Mr D. Thomas. Tkkasoker—Mr M. Scott. Handicappbr—Mr J.- Cresswell. Firat Race to' Start at 12,30 p.m. (Appravcd by the Committee of tlie Canter bury Tockey Club.) 1.— Handicap Hurdlk Rack, of 20 soys ; nomination, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 3 soys out of the stake Over .six flights of hurdles about 3ft Gin high. One mile and a half 2.— Maiden Plate, of 15 soys; entrance, las. The* second horse to receive 2 sows out of the stake. Weight for age. One mile. B.—Tiswalt) Cttp Handicap, of 45 soys; nomination, 1 soy: acceptance, 1 soy. The second horse to receive 5 soys and the third horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. One mile tui'l a half. 4.-—Tinwald Handicap Time Trot, of 25 soys; nomination, 10s; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys ont of the stake. Weight not less than TOst. About three miles s.—Welter \HaNDTCAr, of 25 soys ; nomina tion, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The Fecond horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake, One mile. 6. —Novel Back, of 20 soys. Winner to become tht! property of the Club, and to be sold by auction. The amount re alised above 10 soys to be divided between the Club and the second horse. JEnt ranee 10s, on night of general entry. Weight Bst. Any overweight to be declared. Six furlongs. 7 —Flying Handicap, of 25 soys; nomina tion, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive fl soys out of the stake. The winner of Tinwald Cup or Welter Handicap to carry 71b penalty In the event of a horse winning both the fore going events snch horse to carry lOlbs penalty. Six furlongs 8 -.-Consolation Handicap, of 15 soys. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Nomination, 10s ;to be made to the Secretary immediately after the Flying Handicap is run ; acceptance free, to be notified within five minutes of the declaration of weights. Six fur longs. 9. —Hurry Sctjrky (if time permit) of 10 soys; entrance, 10s. For horses that hare never won public money. Catch weights. Hulf a mile. BULKS AND REGULATIONS. 1. The meeting will be held under the Rules of Racing. The Trotting race under the rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association. 2. No entry will be received except on the condition that all claims, disputes, and objections arising out of the racing, shall be decided by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Their decision on all points con nected with the carrying out of this pro gramme to be final 3. The races arc open to any horse, com monly resident in tlie district from the Ist October, 1890, to the date of meeting, and owned by a person who has resided in the district for the same period. 4. The district above mentionrd is bounded on the north by the Sohvyn River, and on the B'mth by the Opihi River. 5. Five per cent, will be deducted from the grogs of all moneys payable in accord ance with this programme, for the expenses of the course. 6. A\\ nomination mid acce]. tanca fees to go to tho funds of the Club & NOMINATIONS . Xoniiiwtions for Hurdlo, Tinwald Cup, Trot, Wolt'sr, and Flying Himdieups, accom panied by fee, nnme, age. description, ,md perfornn'nees of horse, find colours of rider, must be in writing find in the hands of the Secretary at Scott's Hotel, Tinwnkl, rot laicr than 0 on SATURDAY, December the 18th, JSOO . WEIGHTS. Wright uill be declared on or about December 27th ACCEPTANCES. Acocptsuicen fw Handicaps, mid Nomina icnv for Jin-Men Plate and Novel Race must Win the luindt! of the B«.Tcti»iy, at Scott's Hotel. Tirsv old, not Inter, Hmn 9 p.m. on E J. JOOKS f Hot Sec