The Ashburton Guardian. Magna et Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1890. THE COMPLETE BOYCOTT.

The Maritime Council, to their credit be it said, are loth to put m force the system known as the " com plete boycott." The "complete boy cott" is a new development of labor coercion only warranted m the most extreme cases, and of this the organisers of the labor movement are fully con scious. Consequently, m the case of the Shag Point coal strike, every other means was availed of to bring about a ■ettlement before the complete boycott was brought to light for the first time m this colony. The effect was electri cal, and the stubbornness of stiff-necked employers could not withstand the pressure. Labor triumphed, but took its victory with becoming modesty, and having convinced the employers of its power was not exacting m its de mands as to terms of settlement. The Maritime Council has again found itself compelled to reaort to extreme measures, and this time a, firm of printers, publishers, and stationers, of Christclmrch, are the individuals to be experimented upon. For many months past a labor dispute has been simmer ing between the firm named and the local branch of the Typographical Society. Deputations innumerable from the Society affected, and also from the Trades and Labor Council, have waited upen the firm, but no settlement could be arrived at. Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs have all along openly defied the labor organisations, and refuse to conduct their business upon Union principles or employ Union men. The Maritime Council has now put on the "boycott" screw, and the arrangements made are so com plete that, if the laborers are only true to themselves, another labour victory must result. Wharf laborers will re fuse to handle the firm's goods, 'carters will refuse to convey them, sailors will refuse to sail m ships m which said goods are consigned, and railway servants will not touch, taste, or handle anything belonging to the firm. What can Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs do against this? What can anyone else do against it? Noth ing except to hold out a flag of truce, and surrender with the best grace possible. The Maritime Council's argument is unanswerable, and only the most foolish and headstrong will contend against it. But a grave and important point underlies the whole question, and it is this: Are the labour organisations named fighting m a just cause m thus boycotting Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs? How many of those who will refuse to handle the firm's goods know anything of the merits "of the dispute, beyond the fact that Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs have openly defied the labour organi sations. The causes that have led up to this course of action on the part of the offending firm are not publicly known outside of Chrißtchurch. The firm may be perfectly justified m the" stand they have taken. We say may be, becau.se wo, like others of the public, are not familiar with all the details of the dispute. The Maritime: Council say the firm are unjustified, find that is all we know of it. If the matter rested between the Council and the offending firm solely, there would be an end of it. But, unfor tunately, others than the parties im mediately interested are brought into the quarrel, and it is only fair that they should have a voice. Shipping companies, Railway Commissioners, business men, and othors are pre vented from dealing with the firm or accepting their money for services rendered. These companies and per sons know nothing, or next to nothing, of the merits of the dispute, but they are called upon to make a sacrifice'; nevertheless. Is this right, and is it m the bent interests of labour union \ that it should be so. Viewed from the standpoint of the trading public neither Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs nor the Maritime Council are the best judges of the -matter ;;iin [dis pute. ' The offices of a third party —a judicial tribunal—are urgently needed, and as we have said on several occasions previously,; it should be made compulsory for both parties to resort to arbitration before resorting to extreme measures. It is evident from the present and similar disputes that the contending parties; will not, if left to themselves, resort to arbitration voluntarily, and it is daily becoming evident that arbitration must lie made compulsory. Under present conditions labor has no option but to resort to the " complete boycott " m order to enforce its demands, but from the conciliatory and reasonable spirit invariably shown before this extieme step is taken, we feel convinced that a State Tribunal for the adjustment of labor disputes would be gladly wel comed by sTrades and Labor organi sations. "Some State step must be taken to prevent the necessity for recourse too frequently to the " complete boy cott " system, which, if unchecked, m the near future may cause a gigantic strike and a complete paralysis of trade. In the present instance, where the " complete boycott" lias been set m motion, Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs appear to be principally at fault for the unbending attitude assumed, and for any loss that may result to their busi ness they will only have themselves to thank.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A clause m the Comities Amendment Bill enables county councils to stop glove fights. A Norwegian engineer has invented o machine which can pack one thousand boxee of matches m a minute. The French Government propose to lay a telephone cable between London and Paris. Books are being reproduced m America from photography, tints evading the Bill which allows of a copyright only m books printed from type, A very elaborate return was recently presented to the House on the motion of Major Steward, showing m detail all sums paid to every Minister of the Crown m New Zealand during the last 21 years. Tho (-Jisborne Harbour Board threatens default m payment of interest m .September, unless tho sinking fund already paid on the unexpended sum m hand be released. It contends that the fact of £84,000 m hand, the spending of which Parliament has pro hibited, is itself sufficient cover for loan, without further payment of sinking fund,

j t ci (].( results of the late meeting m ipfii <1 the newspaper proprietors ' < 11 nt tie Press Association will make ■'iigonerlp f or procuring much fuller in nnrl t° nregardiDg the Australilu» produce

Letters from places beyond the colony addressed as follows, were received at the Ashburton Post Office during tho month of May, and are still lying unclaimed :--Mrs Sh: p teV <King 'DrW-G'R°SS 'Chaß-

Application far relief was received by the Auckland Charitable Aid Board from E. Harrow, proprietor of the Lake Takapuna ttotel. I lie visiting officer reported that he had learned that Harrow was one of the wealthiest men m the Lake District. His freehold property was rated at £4640, and he had refused £5000 case for it a short time ago. iha officer failed to find that there was any mortgage on the property. In Louisville, Kentucky, the tram cars are utilised for sprinkling the streets, the tram way company having a contract with the corporation. Each car has a perforated pipe •r hose along its «id c> and as the cur travels the water is spurted to either side of tha track. It is reckoned that 1800 gal. are thus rained from each car while it runs through six miles of street. B

A Presbyterian church m Melbourne, it is reported, has introduced some innovations into its services, which, although happily blending patriotism and piety, would startle the sober-minded Scotchman at home. The ohoir composed of gentlemen wearing the Highland kilt the girls attired m the co. tume of the Lady of the Lake, sing their hymns of praise to the music of the bagpipes. These '< original facts "have naturally proved a great "draw," and the ingenious parson who contrived them has his reward m greatly enlarged congregations.

Victor Rolla a professional aeronaut, lost his life near Stockholm recently while at tempting a parachute feat. The lalloou rose rapidly and carried the aeronaut away sea- Z u'a ?n b°dy wasfou"d six miles away. He had fallen into the sea and had been drowned. The deceased had made two previous attempts. In the first he had fallen .into the gardens, nearly killing him self, and m the second lie was only saved from drowning by means of a lifebelt. The sum for which he risked, and eventually lost his life, was barely £3.

Mr Cecil Raikes does not take a very hopeful view of the financial prospects of the postal reductions which the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced. He statai that as every letter for India or Australia carried fora postage of 2£d would involve a loss to double the amount of corres pondence sent would only be to increase the loss, and if the same increase took place m conjunction with a penny postage the loss would be very largely augmented. Mi Heaton on the other hand, declares that there will be no loss, but a gain, on any in crease of letters to India and Australia under tho now rate.

Mrs Sarah Jones, residing at New Duston, n«ar Northampton, recently died from tricycling. The deceased, who was 29 years of age, went for a short ride on a tandem tricycle with a Mr Johnston, and directly afterwards with aMr Ankett. Mr Anketc, nnding that she was fatigued, stopped the machine, and the lady got off, lay on the grass by the roadside, and expired without a sound m two or three minutes. Her medical attendant considered that the death was caused by syncope, and the jury at the in quest returned a verdict that death was caused from syncope, arising from over exertion and excitement caused by her riding a tricycle.

A contemporary remarks that amongst the the catch words, or time procures of the English Parliament, the most marked is Balfour s 'Very well Sir.' This he repeats constantly by way of marking his divisions, subdivisions, and the progress of his oratorical paragraphs. Sir Charles Russell's pet ex pression is ' Let that pass ;' Gladstone, when lie wnnts time, takes a drink ; Goschen clears his throat and Harcourt drags out a lone A-ah ! It is unkindly added that m the Australian Senates the three favourite phrases would seem to be—'Howsumever, as 1 wos asayiu', an I'll say it agin,' 'yeralmr !' and 'Gome outside an' do it;'

A good story is told by mi officer who re cently travelled on the public service, which ■w mm i vn>-e <? bun tr,,mto. He sent m his account of travelling expenses with the entry of " i'orter Is." His accounts were returned with the remark that porter could not be allowed, but if the entry was intended for the conveyance of luggage, it should be noted as "poteragc." The alteration was duly made,, and a query added as to whether a cab should not be be entered as "cabbage." The reply vouchsafed was that the correspondence on the subject must cease.

The "Detroit Free Press" says :—American newspapers are constantly bewailiug the enormous burden imposed upon the German people by the maintenance of the standing »rmj of the empire. For the present year this will coat the German people sixty-one and three quarter million dollars. The United States will pay much more than this m pensions, and m addition will pay thirty will ion dollars fo rsustaining an army which would scarely stand against a single corps or two of German troops. Our old wars are costing us more than the maintenance of the peace of Europe costs Germany."..XvsL.*** *;

A public meeting was held last night m the Oddfellows' Hall—presided over by Mr Robert Alcorn—to hear an address by Mr T. W. (Clover, organising agent of the New Zealand Alliance. There was a very poor attendance, only thirty-five people, ydung and old, being present. The address— matter and manner—was m the style ;so peculiarly Mr Glover's own. In the course of his address he read a letter written by Mr W. C. Walker, M.H.R., m 1888, from Wellington to Mr Jameson, assuring him of the writer's intention to do all he could to support a Local Option Bill. Mr Glover, however, pointed out that on the 17th July, 1889, when a motion, given notice of by Mr Fulton, the member for Taieri, came on for discussion (and moved m Mr Fulton's absence by Mr Withy, the member for Newton) that the Government should bring m a Local Option Bill, Mr Walker was recorded m "Hansard" to have voted against the motion. The speaker urged upon Christian and teetotal people to with hold their votes at election time from mem bers who were thus untrue to their promises. A resolution was carried unanimously urging upon (government the necessity for bringing m a Local Option Bill at once, and upon the member for the district the necessity for supporting it.

Efforts were made m Aahburton to-day to buy wheat at three shillings per bushel, but sellers were not to be found at the money. The Master of the Old Men's Home wishes to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of bims from Mr Grubb, and apples from a friend, for the use of the inmates.

Our Wellington correspondent telegraphs that ministers are determined that Mr Hutchison's accusations shall not go un challenged, and that a Royal Commission will be appointed to make a thorough examination.

.The Mayor of Dunedin having referred im beciles recently discharged from Seacliff as ylum the Hon. Mr. Hislop says, Govern ment will submit proposals to the House; if these are not approved the charge will remain on the local bodies, and if they refuse the Government will pay the necessary amount which will be stopped out of subsidy. ■***■ . ■

The following remarks of 'a gentleman m London, occurred m a lettei received by Mr. Batt-ley, just now on a visit to Wanganui as Inspector of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company:—The meat market is illimitable. If New Zealand sent 5,000,000 instead of 2,000,000 sheep they would be absorbed. The only effort necessary would be to take a little care m not flooding the market, and the meat would all go intti consumption. The means distributing this mutton throughout the of United "Kingdom are increasing every day ; hundreds of new shops are being opened, and it is quite a popular article of food. Two hundred and fifty acres of land at Plumstead (England), which forty-five years ago were let for agricultural purposes at £3 per acre, p? a total of £750, have, owing to the exigencies of the workmen em ployed at Woolwich, Arsenal, been covered by houses built; by or at the expense of the men. During that period the ground-land lord has received £1,000,000 m ground rents, and twenty years hence, on the falling-in of the .leases, he will become the absolute owner of the whole property, including the houses built by the workpeople, thus pocket ing, say, another million.

A novel colonising idea is being put into practice m Victoria, by the Christian Socialists whose settlement has been estab lished at Drouin, on the Gippsland line of railway, and comprises about 500 acres. A band of pioneers are engaged m the work of clearing; and it is hoped that before long thirty or forty more will be "well housed and ready for work m right good earnest." The land is divided into three departments, milk production, general agriculture, and to growing large and small fruits, vegetables, and a nursery. Suitable industries and factories will follow, but "not to seek to enter into competition with others as regards prices, the object being rather to solve m-vny of the otherwise difficult sayings of Christ."

The "pound for pound system" of Govern ment subsidies has its weak points, as the following incident will show:—One of the shire councils of Victoria has been detected m a piece of sharp pratice m connection with the Government grant of pound for pound. By a stroke of the pen it increased the valuator's valuation of property within the shire from, say, £100,000 to £150,000. Pro perty owners did not suffer, as a lower rate was struck, but the Government subsidy would be increased by from £5000 to £7000. In this ingenious way the Government was made to pay the interest due to it on money Advanced for waterworks out of its own Subsidy.

A case of considerable interest to medical men has just been recorded by a French surgeon. In January last a man, whilst temporarily demented, swallowed a teaspoon. Eighteen days afterwards he applied for relief at the hospital m consequence of the intense pain caused by the spoon. On ex ariiination externally nothing could be felt, and doubt was expressed whether, after all, anything abnormal had been swallowed. As, however, some pain was experienced when pressure was applied to the region of the stomach, the surgeon determined to investi gate further. With this object m view he employed an electric exploring instrument. No .sooner had the letter passed into the stomach than the tinkle of an electric boll emphatically proved that a metallic sub stance had been struck by the exploring apparatus. The usual operation was then proceeded with, the teaspoon was found and extracted, and the patient left tho hospital at the end of two months perfectly con valescent.

Liability of a Steamship Company.

IMPORTANT JUDGMENT,

At tho Auckland Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday, Dr Giles gave judg ment m the CMse of Spencer v. the Union S.S. Co., an action to recover £5 5s for short delivery of goods. The case had been heard at the sitting of the Court last week, when Mr Baume appeared for the plaintiff and Mr J. P. Campbell for the defence. His Worship's judgment, which was for plaintiff, is as follows :—This is an action against the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand for damages arising from short delivery on a consign ment of oranges shipped at Vavau for de livery to plaintiff m Auckland. The parties havcagreed upon the amount tio be awarded to tho plaintiff m the alternate event of judgment being m his favor or against him i upon the questions submitted to the Court. Those questions are :—l. What is the construction to placed upon one of the conditions m the bill of lading 1 2. If the conditions mean what the defsn . dants contend that it means, is it a reason able condition ?" The condition is as follows : —"ln settlement of any claim for loss of, or damage to, any of the within-mentioned goods, said claim shall be restricted to the cash value of such goods at the port of discharge at the date of discharge, provided such value does not exceed the cash value at shipping port at the date of shipment, with actual costs added." The question is""What'is the force of this proviso ? It does not say " provided that the price to be paid shall not exceed the cash value at shipping port," and the strictly grammatical sense of the passage is that the claim is to be restricted to the cash value at the port of discharge, unless that value exceeds the cash Value at the shipping port, m which case no such restriction is imposed, and the case m one not provided for by the conditions. It is absurd to suppose that the defendants meant the condition m this sense when they framed it; but yet it is the grammatical sense,' and since they were framing conditions for their own benefit, and m derogation of the plaintiff's rights at common law, it is difficult t» see why the plaintiff should not be permitted to hold them to the grammatical meaning of their own words, even though the clause so construed might as well have been left out altogether. The defendants, on the other hand, contend that the con dition means that they shall not be called upon to pay more than the value of the goods at the shipping port,'with actual costs, but that they may pay less than this if the price is less at the port of dis charge ; that is to say, that of two possible prices they are always to pay the lowest. The question is whether this is a reasonable condition. It is settled I»av that the liability of carriers is for the value of goods at the place of destination, and not at the place of delivery to the carrier. Now, the condition m question, as under stood by the defendants, would mean that although goods might be lost by their negligence, yet they should not be required to pay that amount of compen sation to the aggrieved party which the law says he is entitled to. I think such j a condition is unreasonable, and therefore illegal. It is clearly established that a carrier cannot exempt himself from responsibility for negligence, but the con dition now set up by the defendants would have the effect of exempting them— at all events to a considerate extent — from the consequences of their negligence, since the law is that the value of the goods at the shipping port is not an adequate measure of damages. I think that the condition, as printed, does not mention what the defendants contend, and that if it did it would be an unreasonable con dition. •wSs*i Mr Campbell asked:,for leave to appeal, »d the request was granted. *J? ;

THE "REFERENDUM."

An absurd misapprehension appears to prevail among a number of our con temporaries, notably the "Waimate Times," as to the scope and meaning of the resolution of Major Steward, which is to be debated on Monday. (Let us here interpolate that whereas the debate was intended to take place on Monday next, it has been postponed till the Monday following, because; Sir G. Grey, who wished to take part m the discussion, has arranged to address a public meeting on Monday next, and therefore could not attend a sitting of the House on that evening.) The misapprehension to which we refer is that it seems to be supposed thai; the member for Waimate is about to ad vocate the " Referendum," which is a part of the Swiss system of Pa/rlia mentary procedure, whereas the fa,ct is that Major Stpward has on no occa sion referred to the " Referendum " —

certainly has neither advocated nor proposed to advocate its adoption m New Zealand. The proposal of: the member for Waimate is simply this:— " That a committee be appointed to report to the House as to the desir- i ableness and feasibility of the devising of a system under which, as m Switzer land, the Executive Government shall be elected by the whole House, instead of being, as now, selected by one indi vidual who happens to have carried a want-of-eonfidenee motion, and to have been ' sent for' m consequence." The result of such a change would, it is contended, be that the Government of the day would hare the support of the whole House, instead of, as at present, of one-half of the House only, and that the waste of time which now occurs under want-of-confidence motions would be obviated. Further, it is contended, and we think with good reason, that under the pro posed system Bills and other proposals would be discussed on their merits, the question of confidence m the Ministry not being involved. It is an un questionable fact that, under the existing system, members are con stantly placed m a false position, having often to vote either i'or or against a question, not on the merits of the question itself, but because its acceptance or rejection involves that of the personnel of the Administration. If the change proposed be affirmed, every question would be decided on its merits. We do not expect that this will be brought about all m a momtnt; it may take years to effect the change, but we do not hesitate to affirm that, if it be brought about, the effect will be a large saving m money and m time — a distinct advance .m the efficiency of our Parliamentary system.

Corn Exchange Report.

The following is the Corn Exchange re port for the week ending Friday, August Ist:— Wheat.—The local enquiry continues good for wheat, and though latest English cablegrams do not show any decided rise m value, the market would appeal' to be exceedingly sensitive, principally owing to the weather prevailing at the moment m Europe. The shipments of wheat from Lyttelton during the month have been large, and there is consequently no difficulty In obtaining storage at the Port. Oats.—Milling and heavy feed (up to 451bs per bushel) have been enquired for. Other sorts arc neglected. Barley.—Prime malting lias Keen a large enquiry with but few parcels, offer ing. For inferior and feed sorts little demand exists. Beans. —-Very few samples are offering. Good bright samples (unbroken) command full rates. Peas.—Prussian blues have slightly j increased m value, owing to orders for \ Sydney. Grass Seed.—ityegrass : But few farmers' parcels are offering, the bulk of stocks are machine dressed and m few hands. English seed has arrived and is m competition with colonial stocks. Cocksfoot: Stocks have narrowed, down and holders are asking extreme rates. Clover is now entitled to a place m market reports, and the samples on offer show that m a very short time, the im ported seed will have a most formidable competition. Ultimately there if! little doubt but that we shall be large exporters of these seeds. Potatoes.—Derwents find buyers at quotations. The price farmers are asking is restricting business, and may m the end cause orders to be placed elsewhere. Daiky Pkoduce is unaltered. The following are our quotations for the week :—-Wheat: Tuscan, 3s 3d ; Pearl, 3s Id to 3a 2d; Hunter's, 3s. Oats : Milling, Is 7d ; short heavy feed, Is 5d to Is 6d ; inferior and long. Is 3d to Is 4d. Barley : Prime malting, 3s 3d; feed, Is 6d to Is 9d. Beans, 2s 6d. Peas: Prussian blues, 3s to 3s 6d ; feed, 2s 4d to 2s 6d. Ityegrass, machine dressed, 4s 9d to 5s ; Cocksfoot, bright heavy seed, 4|d to 4^d, light and dis colored, 2id to 3Ad. Potatoes : Derwents, 45s to 475"6 dat country stations. Dairy produce : Butter, prime keg, 8d ; cheese, small loaf, 4d ; large sizes, 3d to 3M. The above prices are those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. Lytfcelton, sacks extra (potatoes excepted).

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN

[rEX PBBSS ASSOCIATION.]

London, July 30 to August 1, The Earl of Jersey has appointed Mr George Goschen, son of the Chan cellor of the Exchequer, as his private secretary.

A rival of Succi's, named Jacques, has succeeded m fasting for over forty days at the Westminster Aquarium. Mr Justice Day held that claims of the Cape Copper Company for over £200,000 against the Comptoir d'Escompt, under a guarantee, were ultra vires,and gave judgment m favor of the defendant Company. Mr E. Stanhope has asked the Duke of Cambridge to enquire into the sen tences passed on the mutinous Guards, with a view to leniency. The police dispersed a meeting of dismissed postmen on the Thames Embankment. They hope the disso lution of the Union will cause the Postmaster-General to relent, but the Union is not inclined to yield to their wi»h.

Baron cle Worms, m reply to the demands of the Cape Government to be consulted as to the settlement of East Africa, states it is impossible to consult the colonies about cessions affecting their interests.

At a meeting of the St Kathoriue Docks Company, Mr Norwood, Chair man of the Company, said the Car dinals, Archbishops, and other busy bodies who led public opinion astray

ought to see that the dockers carried out their part of their agreement. Mr Raikes hopes the reduction of the ocean postage to 2|d will soon come into effect.

Vienna, July 31. The Archduchess Valeric has married the Archduke Francis Salvator.

Zanzibar, August 1. The crew of the Lake Company's steamer Shire, seized by the Portu guese, have been sent to Quillemane for trial.

Washington, August 1. The purchase of silver under the new Act will begin m September.

AUSTRALIAN.

[JPJER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Stdnby, August 1. A shipment of trout ova from the Wellington Acclimatisation Society has been received m good order.

Brisbane, August I.' The Triennial Parliament Bill has passed through Committee, and the third reading is set down for Thurs day next.

" ■ ■ Melbourne, August 1. In hia Budget to the present Parlia ment the Colonial Treasurer states that the financial position of the colony is excellent. The revenue for the fianancial year was £10,814,630 and the expenditure £10,348,883, leaving a surplus of £465,747.

The unemployed are petitioning the Governor to send a message to the Legislative Assembly, asking for a grant of money for the purpose of giv ing employment. The surplus labor population of Melbourne and suburbs is estimated at 458,000.

Ship-owners have made an impor tant concession to the marine. officers by deciding that the salaries of officers on first-class steamers shall be £15 per month for chief officers, £12 for second, and £10 for third. On second-clas3 boats—£l4 for chief officers, and £11 for second. The increase has been granted through the good offices of the newly-formed Masters and Officers' Association.

The report of the Sweating Commis sion is favorable to employers, except that females employed on outside slop work are badly paid; and the hours are long. The average earnings are 18s per week of forty-nine hours. Shirtmakers are worst paid of all, their average wages amounting to only 11s 3d per week of 55|- hours.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Wellington, August 1. Government has decided to proclaim Demonstration day (October 28) a public holiday throughout; the colony, and the Federated Trades Council is arranging a programme to suitably celebrate the day. Sir George Grey will address a public meeting on Monday next. Speeches are also to be delivered by several other members of Parliament.

Mr James McNab, of McNab's Gardens, Lower Hutt, died to-day from paralysis. All non-Union men employed on the city tramways have been discharged, and as many of the ex-employees as are required for " twenty minutes " service have been reinstated. When additional services arranged other Unionists are to be re-engaged.

Dawn of Peace Anniver- sary.

On Thursday evening the thirteenth anniversary of the above Lodge was celebrated by a tea and concert m the Templar Hall. The pro* ceedings were exceedingly well attended, the Hall being filled to the doors, and many persons having to stand during the meeting. The tables were well spread with good things, and were presided over by the Sisters of the Lodge. Tea over, the room was re-arranged for the concert, which was under the charge of Mr G. W. Andrews, C.T., who opened with a few remarks on the Order m general, and the Lodpe m particular, stating that during the thirteen years of the ktter's existence it has averaged over fifty pledges per year. A very earnest invitation was given to those who were not members to join at once, and advance a cause which meant good to all. The programme included contributions from members and friends as follows :—Mr Brooks, piano ; Mr and Miss Simmonds, violin; Mr Pick ford, song ; Miss and Master Fowke, violin ; Mrs Burfoot, song ; Mr Potter, comic reading ; Miss C. Steele, song ; Mr D. Leitch, cornet solo ; Mr Dowall, flute ; Misses Addis and Miss Crum, recitation ; Mr Marsden, the hand bells, which was the feature of the evening. The Rev. E. A. Scott gave a short address m favor of the temperance cause, referring strongly to the gambling curse also, as a growing evil which needs to be put down. He complimented the Lodge on its progress and good work done. With a. very hearty vote of thanks to all helpers, one of the most successful meetings ever held m the Hall was brought to a close by God save ths Queen on the bells.

Parliamentary Gossip.

(BY TELEGRAPH —FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Wellington, August 2,

The proceedings at this- • morning's meeting*of Mr Hutchison's Committee are said to have been particularly lively. The principal business was the considera tion of the form the motion to be moved by the Chairman m House should take. A proposal was niade that it should be one calling upon the Bank authorities to produce their books unreservedly. To this an amendment was moved from the Governmeut side that the books relating to Ministers' private accounts should not be called for until after the charges of malversation of public accounts had been dealt with. After a lively discussion the amendment was , negatived, and the original resolution was agreed to. The Minister for Education, it is stated, de manded that he should be heard on the question, but the Chairman ruled that he could nofc, as the Committee were deliber ating, and Mr Hislop then, left the room m a violent temper, banging the door behind him.

Material amendments m the provisions of the Factories and Shops Bill will be proposed by the Labor Bills Committee. At to-day's sitting of the Committee, it was decided to propose that no female under the age of eighteen, and no boy under fifteen, be allowed to work m a printing office at type setting. The clauses relating to shop hours were reached, and .were so generally disap proved by the Committee that it was de cided to have them drafted anew and entirely re-modeled.

The Markets.

[per press association.]

London, July 31. The total quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,164,000 quarters, find for the Continent 584,000. The American visible supply is 1,840,000 bushels. The English wheat market shows an advance of 6d, Continental is firm, and American has an upward tendency. Silver—4s 2£d per oz,  , Bank rate of discount is 5 per cent. A hundred and fifty thousand sovereigns have been withdrawn for the Cape and Soutii America, and further large exports are expected. Debentures of the Argentine States are m good demand. Frozen meat is unchanged. New Zea land beef, hind quarters 3|d, fore quarters unchanged. The total amount of reserve m the Bank of England is £12,030,000. The proportion of reserve to liabilities is 29 per cent. The market rate of discount is 4f per cent. Money is m active demand. Consols, 95J. , New Zealand 4 per cent, inscribed #ock, 105. •New Zealand hemp, gocd medium quality, has been selling during the past fortnight at £2115s to""£22. '"■ ' Good pale scraped kauri gum, £5.

New Zealand at Present.

(Special Correspondent of the " Irish Times.")

. When staying at Orari, a big sheep-run m South Canterbury, I had the chance of attending the selling of household goods and chattels of an owner who had sold " The Warren " and gone back to Eng land. Some of us rode, some drove—a sort of picnic arrangement. The day, clear and bright and frosty, the sun shone out and did his best to take the nip out of the air. A four miles trot brought us to the scene of action. A busy throng ;at first no one cared; a jot about the sale : it was simply a big social meeting of the country for miles around. They flocked from every direction and m divers kind* of vehicles. It was cheerful m the ex treme to watch the greetings on all sides. There was talk about the recent sale of "runs," how some were driven up enor mously, others changed hands, and then there was the usual opinion passed npon some person, who, through sheer spite, bid up one of these runs beyond its value, and the owner, like a wise man, put his feelings and regrets m his po«ket and let it rip. All this, and a great deal more was chatted. Girls m the pink of health and robust womanhood were there; young men, m various garbs peculiar to colonial youth, frank and open-hearted, with no pretension to side and snobbery, come to see the fun and have a delicate sort of mild flirtation with the girls, at least as much as their shy and bashfnl natures would admit. I rather opine that the young women have a good deal of the running to do on their account. If an auctioneer could only be found who would open a first-class properly con ducted matrimonial market, the fees'to be pretty high, but payment by result, according to the suitability of th« parties [ engaged, as well as by future accomplished prospects, I am decidedly of opinion that there would be no end of good business j done, and a rapid fortune for the man i enterprising enough to boldly carry out | his aims and objects. The '"better or ivor.se" lookout .is rafcher gloomy at present, and. to quote figures m support of this statement, I will only put m as f evidence a paragraph from the "Wan gfinui Chronicle," which states among the vital statistics for the month of July forthe town of Wanganui, the centre of an immense grazing and stock-producing district—" The marriages Avere only two m number—one before the registrar, Mr I Woon, and the other by the Rev Mr Dewsbury." It would appear, that there are many m New Zealand amongst the | present generation, who lay the flattering j unction to their souls that marriage is a failure. But go.xl times, a risfs m prices, and average .harvests and returns for produce,; will soon alter this, and the merry bells will once more be set a-jing ling. \ — ■■•..;...-■■. No apologies offered for this 'side-wajk, but now to the auction m hand. A free lunch was,the order of the day. the/only requisites wanting being knives and forks. Junks of meat and cheese, hunks of bread and butter, lashings of beer, and ' tay for the ladies,' -Society brought its well packed hampers filled with dainties. After refreshing, the auctioneer did his work well and made the people buy. There was a piano, almost new * cottage' ml appearance, but very much out of tune. A curious old fish bought this, a man whom you would not give half-a-crown for all his wardrobe. He said it was all right as he had tried it • clear,' this con sisted of running down the key board with the back of his thumb, and then comparing notes, striking first the,lower bass and then the top treble ivories* Jle was perfectly satisfied, and paid twenty eight notes for his purchase. iA pair of breeches stretchers were pulled out of. a leather bag and offered for sale ; they wera not bid for, as the surrounding people thought they were scythe handles broken m two and joined by hinges ; however, a friend of mine bought them for 3s. 6d. There was keen competition for four jars of cranberries, 14a 6d they brought; they were m glass jars for three years. All the things to be sold were ranged round; the lawn, and gave the place something the appearance of a circus ring; a capital good, way of showing things off to advantage m a country where the climate can always be counted upon. As a social gathering it was simply per fection.

When speaking of the advances" made by various land pawn-broking establish ments, I must also inblude the banks, ac they have been mainly responsible for a number of mortgages and liens "upon estates. When the value of land fell, then these banks put pressure on, and brought many a good man down. The great fault of every-one of these, institu tions lay m the fact that they had at that time too much money, and were only too eager to lend it upon, anything like a security, land being preferred. Man was weak, and tempted to buy too much land when the money was almost being thrown at his head. Prices took a decidedly downward turn for everything m the;w^y of produce.. Then came the crash. Thii happened nob so very long ago, and there are even at this present moment num bers of estates where the money ad vanced considerably exceeds the present value, and where the original mortgagee is left m possession as manager, and it would hardly pay the lenders to take up the farms themselves. In the land boom, some years ago now, prices were fictitious, but the fever was on, and people never looked for or dreamt of a collapse. Well, this did happen, and, although it seems hard to say, a very good thing it occurred then, aa now people have become wiser, and learnt the true and actual value of every acre of ground. Many suffered, but New Zealand as a whole reaped the bene fit, and can look with pity upon the folly of those crazed creatures m " Marvellous" Melbourne and Victoria who came such a cropper last year. In a number of the county'towns there is generally a sale of stock every week, held m the yards of the different auc tioneers m their turn m their 1 respective premises. These as a rule are of a purely local character, and m nowise affect the general ruling prices of stock. ■' The charges at this class of sale ftre generally fixed by custom, no stock unsold being

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 1890.



It will be m the recollection of the public that my collection of apples shown m Mr Clayton's shop m East street, being sixty-six varieties, and also those which took two first awards at tfie Dunedin Exhibition and various other places, was pronounced to be the lai'gest ana best ever shown m the Ash burton county. I would draw their atten ion my advertisement elsewhere. As only work on blight-proof stocks than which no other stocks can be relied upon, the roots of my apple trees do not require to be washed before sending out. James Porter, nursery, man, Allen on.— Advtj



There is now to be 'seen m, the shop window of Messrs J. Scaly and Co., East ifcreet, a collection of apples showing ' amic of the sorts grown at the Nurseries, l.liverbank, that will repay inspection by any one who contemplates planting fruit >lants. There are upwards of fifty dif xrent kinds shown, all valuable, long c coping sorts. For .size, color, and gonerii excellence they are. by far the lino.st that have been shown m Ashburton his seasw---(A M) -^ .„., j ( _.



The best medicine is Sander and Sons' Eucalpyti Extract. Test its eminent power ful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.— the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testimony. His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syndicates all over the world are its patrons. Read tho official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of the genuineness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and univer sities, the official communications of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne ; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic docu ments, and, as such, not open to doubt. W. add here epitome of one of the various cases treated at the clinic of Schultz, M.D. Pro fessor, etc.—"C. 8., 24 years old; conges tional abscess on the thigh. Incisions made m two places. Although Lister's dressing was applied, the secretion became, two days later, very copious, and had adopted a fectid decomposed character. The temperature rose enormously. In consequence the. dressing was removed and m its place were made during the day-time repeated irrigations witli Eucalypti Extract. The offensive fcuter dis appeared very soon, the fever abated within a few days, and the patient recovered after the lapse of several weeks. In this instance we must not lose sight of the fact that the latter treatment saved the patient's life." " (Adrt.) 3



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be lcffcnfe this Office. A BALL will be held m Orange Hall, Race nicjht, at 8 o'clock. Gents, 2s ; Ladies, free." 8 24 QA VOLUMES by various popular OU authors just added to my Cir celating Library. Quarterly subscription, 3s 6d.-H. M." Jones. fpHE Ashburton Draughts Club will L m future meet m the Arcade Chambers, on Tuasdny, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. 8 22 TUST Received—Orer one ton English t) and Continental Confectionery. Own make as usual fr«shdaily.—H.G. Floater, Confectioner, East street. ■\T/ ANTED~IiNOWN—The Struiig- V V Wear Boot for Men, Women and Children can only be had at W. H. CoLtisn's. ••*"•* j >OOTS, BOOTS.—"Keep your feet X 3 Dry and save Doctor's Bills. I have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. JUST opened, a few ladies plush jackets, newest shapes, very cheap —H. C. Segers, Melford House. W r ANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburto Tweeds.—Robert Alcorx, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. WANTED KNOWN.—The Cheapest House m Ashburtcn to ' buy Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, etc., is H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN—A lot of Ladies Cloth and Tweed Jackets, considerably under usual cost price.— W. H. Collier, "The Corner." TTT ANTED Known —One hundred VV and fifty Ladies' and Children's Ulsters bought a great bargain (good qualities), now selling very cheap—H. C. Skubrs. Melford House. W~" ANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hannaforj/.s, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with desjj patch Public Notices. T OST between Baring Square and JLj Union Bank a Lady's Silk Umbrella, with bone handle and silver band. Finder rewarded on application to " Mail" Office. B*4 FOR SALE— A DESIRABLE PROPERTY of 1 412 acres, situate about three Miles rrom the Springburn Railway Station, facing Taylor's Stream, It is now, and has been for the past five years m grass and clover. For terms and particulars apply to GEO. JAMESON, 7+104 Ashburton. N ™E Z n c w ;z e:a;j and CLOTHIKG FACTORY i Half Yearly STOCK-TAKING NOW ON. -iiEOUCTIONS IN EVKRYfiDEPARTMENT. The Celebrated Werthoin New High- Ann Sewing* Machines on easy Time Ti*y ments r\ W H. WEBBER, TIT V. J Manager .JD WITHOUT TIXTH WJTH.TEETU THE CHRISTCHURCH DENTAL !SURGERY,B|! • -■■•fcwJ, Corner of Cashel and High streets. S. M™ AHD O a SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin and Westport. TTTE have gained the FIRST AWARD VV _ at the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it m with the greatest confidence that we guarantee the highest class work and perfect fife nt the most mode rate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Complete Set — Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10k. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE v:!AS .several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, sh. Extraction, 2r fid. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made other dentists repaired or remodelled small cosli Hourp of ttendaace—9 a.m. to 6 p.ls



VTOTICE.— Anyone found Tres ,XN passing m pursuit of game or therwise on the Riversdale Estate on lid after this date will be prosecuted. J. R. WILLIAMS. Rirersdfwe, 24th May. 5 170 SEALY'S FRUIT~TREE£ TNLUDIN Apples, Penw, Plums, tai _x. Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, Necs of ines, and allother fruits. The merits of all the varieties lmv* been subjected to Bevere tests during the last 15 years, and the stock is now admitted to be the Largest and Choicest m Canterbury, probably m the colony, to select from, all ■warranted, and at your own prices. SEALY'S FOREST TREES Of all kinds, innumerable m quantity, well-grown and hardy—all kinds, all sizes, all prices. SEALY'S ORNAMENTAL TREES, <fee Choice m quality, numerous m quantity. SEALY'S MACROCARPA. Tens ef thoumndß m number. A large quantity specially (rows for fencing at rery low prices. SEALY'S ROSIB" Endless m variety and choicest; m quality. SEALY'S CATALOGUES Forwarded fre» to any addresa •» application. Notb.—l will only be responsible for Ticca ordered direct from the Nursery «r Mirongh MbmmJ. Sbalt akd Co. THOS. SEALY, Nurseryman, Riverbank, Awhburfcon. JOHN ORR & Co. ARK OFFERING GRAND VALUI! m the Followiug Lendinj lines OT •INERAL IRONMONGERY, ITC Ex " Rimutaka," And Other Late Arrlrali. 4 Casks Saucepans, Boilers and Kettlo 4 Casks Lamps, Globei and Chimney* 1 Cape Table Knives, Forks, Spoons 3 Casks Plough and Trace Chains. 80 Tins White Lead. 40 Tins Red Lead. 120 Drums Raw and Roiled Oil. Paints and Varnishes of all kinds. j 5 Bales Wall Papers. 60 Register Grates from 14s 6d t» £5. Ranges, Stoves, at all prices. 8 Cases Wringers and Mangles. 50 Sets Fire Irons from 5s to BCs. 60 Fenders from 6s to £5 25 Tons Bar and Sheet Iron. 1 Ton Bolts and Nuls, all sizes. Leather Portmanteaus and Trunks. { Leather Belting, 1£ to Bin. fc; Manilla and Flax Rope, l£ to Sin. 85 Coils Plough Lines. 2 Cases Mould Boards 5 Casks Hornsby's Plough Shares (new pattern.) S Casks Ransom's Plough Shares. 3 Casks Buggy Springs and Axles. 1 Cask Carriage Limps. 20 Kegs Bluft Stone. 10 Cases New Iron Bedsteads. 10 TONS CLOVKR SEEDS. 100 Kegs Wire Nails. 20 Kens Fencing Staples. 200 Coils Steel Fencing Wire, SO Coils Barb Wire. 1 Bale Seaming Twine. 2 Cwt Babett Metal. 25 Bundles Spades and Forks. 3 Packages Screws, Locks and Iliii^e*. 2 Cases Saws, Chisels .and Planes. ""10 Cases Axes and Picks. -•. p?: 4 Cases Gorse Knives. ( f.lO Cases Pick Axe and. Hammer Handles 2 Cases Hammers. 2 Bales Door Mats. 10 Crates China and !virthen\vnre,hiclud- Nevr Toilet Dinner, Tea und Dessert Ware. Some of these are ■ really beautiful goods. 150 Casos ' Oils, including Valvolinc, Lubroline, Caster, Colza, Olivo* Lard and Noatsfoot—this can all had m nny quantity. 150 Cases KEROSENE, Lights of |tk] Age ; the very best. GROCERY DEPARTMENT WILL Always be found STOCKED with GOODS of First Class Mh QUALITY, -»-}r?>SL —Including— Indian Ceylon and China TEAS, -£ ," Mauritius Sugar, Crushed Loaf Sugar ( ;■' Pure Coffee, Candles, '■■'•1~-'. '<t Oatmeal, ? Rollifcfc and Cos. Flour, Buttar from Mr John Grigg h '■ Famous Dairy. ~ mjfjt JOHN ORB AND CO,? r IMPORTERS." A NDREW AER'S Xl NDREW yjllll S GREAT m. a * 'S ' ANtfUAL SALE \ OF ™ * 9 DRAPER}- ' g > ► 1^ CLOTHING i r AND S pr°Ts S Will Commence *" X Saturday, July sth & The greater BARGAINS otd ever K.ccn m Achbuion. *& m SEE HANDBILLS. T , | ANDREW ORR. I^l