The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1890. LOCAL AND GENERAL

'The Thistle Masonic Lodge meets this evening at 7.30. The total vole for of Ministerialist candi dates at thelftsfe election is stated to have been 40,788: against them 89,166 More rain fell m London during June and the first half of July than h->s fallen during the same period for 87 years. After the Melbourne Cup had been run tho trainer was kept busy distributing hairs from Carbine's tail among the fashionable ladies. Ma ter—" Confound it, sir !do yon think I'm a fool ? " New butler--" Beggin' your pardon, sir, I ain't been here long enough to find out yet." Among the people of higher civilisation eves c;row lighter m hue, and there are to day far more blue eyed persons than there were a century ago. ■ * Colonel North, the nitrate king, applied for places for self and five friends to sco the Slavin-McAnliffa figlit. Terms demanded (and paid) were £50 each- £300 m all tT.The wettest place m the world is Charra" poo.ijee, about two hundred and fifty miles northeast of Calcutta, jnsfc outside the Torrid Zone; there the rainfall is unwaid" of six hundred inches every year. The Post Office "jubilee envelopes," issued recently, were within two hours of publication being sold m London forasmuch as five shillings each, to collectors who had failed to order beforehand. During the past ten years therr> have been 2759 recorded duels fought m Italy, most of them m Naples and the fewest hi Venice. The fatality M ras not marked, only fifty deaths resulting from the whole batch. Herr Kahler, a German artist now m Auckland, painted three pictures of the Flemington course on Cup Day. He had them engraved, and they were subscribed for at the rate of 30 guineas for the set of proofs and 10 guineas for the ordinary prints. The subscription list totalled £35,000. A member of the.British South African Company reports the discovery of an ancient ruin, m Lundi, Mashonaland, of which fie race there now has no record. It was there when their forefathers went to that country. It is a circular and massive building, with walls of wought stone, m some places ten feet thick. It is supposed to be a fort. It may not be generally known, but still it is a fact, that peas when shelled and allowed to stand for any time generate a poison. As an illustration of this, we n.ay mention, that about two years ago in' Me lbourne, seven clergymen were made seriously ill from partaking of peas that had been shelled and allowed to stand for some twenty-four hours. ■ Nine decrepit old men, only seven of whom were able to proceed on foot, the remainder being conveyed m a cab, marched on July 20th to the Column of July, on the Place de la Bastille, Paris, and hung wreath* on the railings. Most of them wore anti duated uniforms. They were the survivors of the National Guard who drove Charles X. from the throne m 1830. Matrimonial alliances of an extraordinary character between two families were solemnised at Dunmow the other day. Two brothers named Mathams, sons of a deceased farnie** at Aythorpe Rooting, married two sisters named Barnard, daughters of a Dun mow farmer, and a few hours afterwards the father of the brides, who was a widower, led to the altar the widowed mother of the bride grooms. a young man employed on the South Aus trali m railways is credited with having pre vented a terrible railway accident by plucky presence of mind. The three Kailway, Com missioners of the colony, who divide £5000 a year between them, assessed the young fellow's saving of plant—not to mention life —at the munificent sum of 40s, with which he wa i rewarded ! No wonder there is a de nrand m the Adelaide papers" for more fitting reward for such service. Panes of glass can be cut under water (o almost.any shape with a pair of scissors, Two things are necessary for success, First the glass must be quite level m the water while tin scissors arc applied, and secondly, to avoid risk, it is better to perform the cutting by cutting oft small pieces, thus reducing the form gradually to that required. The softer glasses cut best and the scissors need not be very sharp. The Rcdemptorist Fathers have been hold ing a mission m Montreal. At the close of a two hours temperance sermon, the preacher asked those who were willing to take the pledge to rise and remain. The whole of the great congregation, it is said, to the number of 13000, arose en masse, less than 20 leaving the church. Then, for nearly an hour, the congregation filed p.ist the altar, taking the temperance pledge —the majority for life. The other day a racing man was witness m a case of assault and buttery. He had i caused the examining solicitor a great d«*i,' of trouble by giving "crooked" answer*f " Now, sir, upon your oath, will yon posi tively swear thp.t the defendant hit the plaintiff first?" "Well," was the answer, given candidly and eagerly, " I won't swear to it, but Fillaysix pounds to four he did." —"Southland News." A very pretty wedding took place on Wednesday m the Presbyterian Church, Flemmington, which was exceedingly taste fully decorated for the occasion. Some handsome fern trees were placed at the porch, and the walls of the interior were decorated with flowering manuka and toi-toi, the table m front of the pulpit, the pulpit desk etc., being also ornamented with vases and boeqnets of choice flowers. The con- I tracting parties were Mr William James Marshall, son of Mr James Marshall, Lake side, and Miss Martha Anderson, daughter o* Mr Henry Anderson, of Flemington. The bride was dressed m white embroidered muslin with lace front with veil, and the bridesmaids, Misses Rachel and Maria Anderson, sisters of the bride, Misses Isabella and Esther Anderson, her cousins, and Miss Martha Mary McConnell were also attired m white muslin with pink sashes and hats to match. Mr Richard Marshall acted as best man. The church was well filled and showers of rice greeted the pair on their leaving the building. The ceremony was performed by the Rev A. Blake M.A., and subsequently the wedding breakfast took place m a large marquee, erected near to the residence of the father of the bride, a very numerous company of friends taking part m the festivities. The happy pair were the recipients of a large number of beautiful wedding presents. We clip the following important testimo nial from the "Ilia warra Mercury "(N.S.W , of the 30th March. It needs no comment:— 'Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountaino writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Eucalyptic Extract. He says : —" Seeing the said Extract advertised m the / Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once, He states that between 10th March inst., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writes also that he has found the Eucalypti Extract •* cure for rheumatism as well as gravel.' He requests us to publish this information through the' Mercury.' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering humanity. "■—(Advt.) 2 Holloway's Ointment. --Miners and Workers on the Goldfields.—This invaluable and renowned ointment is extensively used and patronised bj' such people to their very great advantage, being easy of application and portable m small compass .When used m conjunction with Holloway s Pills m accordance with the clear and concise direc tions for use which accompany each pot and boy, there are but few of the diseases which afflict mankind which will not yield to the sanative powers of the combined remedies, Holloway's Ointment and Pills do not deteriorate by keeping nor by change of climate, and as they contain no deleterious mineral drug, they can be -used with the most perfect safety under the mosfc adverse ylimMig and sanitary conditions, '

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

ANNUAL MPJETING,

Following is the remainder of our re-1 port of tho above : — Mr Purnell said that the next toast on the list held just been placed m his hands. It was that of " Our Members." Ho felt himself m a position of some delicacy, inasmuch as not so long ago he had anticipated that he might have had the honor of replying to such a tonst instead i of proposing it. However, he was happy to think that the district would be well and. ably represented by the gentleman whom they had chosen. As the member for Asbburton was not able to be pi'esent he'would couple the toast with the name of Major Steward. Major Steward regretted that Mr Wright was not present to reply, but he concurred with the proposer from what lie knew of that gentle-nan aa formerly a fellow member of Hie House that he would well and ably discharge his duties. Of course he (the speaker) liked to see his own party m a lnajority, but he recog nised that it was good for the colony that all parties and opinions should be represented m Parliament, and differences of political opinion did not prevent members from working together for the good of their districts. They would not expect a political speech from him* on this occasion, and he would only say m reference to the doubts which some people seemed to entertain as to the outcome of the present position, that speaking from an experience of, 1 off and on, now nearly twenty years m Parliament, during which time he had seen hundreds of members come and go, he had ho hesitation m saying that as at all crises m thepast,so m the present men would undoubtedly be found who were capable of carrying on the government of the country, and that m the new Parliament, as m previous Parliaments, members of all shades of opinion would be found doing their best to advance the progress and prosperity of the colony. Cr Williamson, m proposing the toast. of " The County Council," said that the two bodies had always worked together m a. very friendly manner, and he hoped their cordial relations would always continue. He went on to speak of the value of the system of water-races established by the county, and expressed the opinion that the dry weather which they were now experiencing, and which had prevailed for so long a time, would prove that there was no foundation for . the idea which a while ago some people entertained that the water-races were water-logging the country south of the river. Even the Longbeach district itself was now becoming short of water. He coupled the toast with the names of Or Friedlar.der and Mr Baxter, County Engineer. Mr Hugo Friedlander, as the only County Councillor present, returned thanks and said he was glad the proposer had referred to the water-logging ques tion. The dry seasons of last and this year bad had the effect of exploding the notion once held by some people that the . watir races were creating swamps at Longbeacb and VVindermere. He (Mr Friedlander) had always held that that was a mistaken idea, fer you could dig under the water-races anywhere for miles ard milel? and find the ground twelve inches below them aa dry as were the streets of Ashburton at thar moment. The idea that there was such an amount of percolation as to swamp the land anywhere was therefore entirely erroneous. Bub he looked forward to the Ashburton county having a very much moreextensive water-race system than it had now. He meant, for irrigation purposes. Hcving seen recently what they had been doing over m Adelaide and m Victoria, he was firmly convinced of the enormous benefit that would be derived : from tho thorough irrigation of the country lying between the Rakaia and the Kangi taia. Ho felt certain that were this accomplished instead of its being a question of two acres tc one sheep, it would be one of two sheep or more to one acre, and that once the settlers saw the benefit of irrigation they would have nothing bub demands for additions to water races. For his part he should like to see the farmers allowed on certain terms to utilise the existing races for irrigation purposes, as this would speedily educate them up to the value of irrigation, and would lead to a demand for a complete system under which the Ashburton County would become, he believed, the most prosperous m New Zealand. Mr Baxter also acknowledged the toast, •nd made reference to the cordial relations j existing between the Borough and County Councils. Cr. Flower proposed the health of " the Council's Banker—Mr Shury," which was enthusiastically received and humorously acknowledged. Cr. Cuthbertson gave " the Solicitor (Mr Purnell\ and the Valuator (Mr Makeig.") Both gentlemen replied, Mr Purnell m the course of his remarks suggesting that t was time the Mayors of Ashburton were provided with suitable robes of office. The ex-Mayor (Mr Thomas), m pro posing "The Officers and Empoyees of the Council," coupled with the names of the surveyor, Mr Fooks, and the foreman of works ; paid them both very high com pliments for the manner m which they discharged their dnties. Mr Fc.oks replied on behalf of himself and Mr Spicer. Mr Thomas Scaly m proposing "The Agricultural and Pastoral Interest," coupled with the names of Mr Williamson and Mr Bullock, dwelt at some length on the subject of irrigation opened yp by His Worship the Mayor. He said he could not conceive why it was that the proposals of the County Council m this direction, made some time ago, were re jected by the settlers, and he felt persuaded that some of those who had been loudest m their opposition, would at no distant date be loudest m their demand for such a system, He believed that irrigation would work wonders for this county, and that m hot seasons like this, if there were a plentiful supply of water, their plains would be covered with such a crop of vegetation that, instead of two sheep to the acre as mentioned by Mr Friedlander, they would be carrying perhaps as many as four or five to the I acre* The Mayor added, m proof of the ! correctness of Mr Sealy's view, that th recent letting of the irrigation farm was indubitable evidence of the value of irri gation. The land m question had been the poorest piece of land m the county, and before the Council took it up would not have sold for more than £ 1 an acre, and the interest on the capital value would therefore be, at 7| per cent, only Is 6d per acre. ■ When let the other day with the privilege of water for irrigation purposes it fetched 10s 6d per acre annual rental, the tenders ranging from. 7s 6d (the lowest) to 10s Qd. Mr Williamson acknowledged the toast, and said there was no country m ihe world that could be irrigated at less expense 1 than could the Ashburton County. The rate involved through carrying out the necessary works would be a mere baga telle compared with the benefits to be derived, which would be very great and j faivreaching. Not only would their plains carry more stock, and grow larger crops, i but with an irrigation system a much I larger number of persons would find employment, »nd employment of a more permanent character, This brought him to a few remarks on the labor question, m the course of which he said that under the present system of things labor did not get its fair share of the proceeds of

(labor, and the farmer often got a very small share of the proceeds of the farm. Mr Bullock also responded. Ho entirely agreed as to what had been said as to the benefits of irrigation, and, alludinir to | the concluding observations of this pro ceding speaker, urged that it would be an advantage to the large landholders—such as the owners of Longbcach and Mus'ir-s Gould and Cameron's estate—to provide for their laborers holdings of from five to twenty acres, or even tift-y acvo.s ; ;m;l added that if the large! landowners would not do this, then ifc would become the duty of tho Government to acquire land for the purpose, under kouio such .scheme of Labor SctdornenLs as had boon ad vocated by his friend Major Steward. The toasts of "The Firo Brit'Jide," proposed Mr R. Frie<iland«.»r. and ro : spondee! to by Cr Flower ; ." Tho Maker of the Jubilee Clock," proposed by Cl- Bird, and acknowledged by Mr Mm\ay, who saidthat the clock was the fu-tst large one constructed m the South Island ; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr Shury, and acknowledged by Cr Josepli Scaly ; " The Press," proposed by Mr Harrison, and responded to by Major Steward and Cr Paul ; " The Police," proposed by the Mayor, and acknowledged by Sergeant Moller ; and the health of "The ex- Mayor," proposed by Cr Williamson, and drunk m bumpers, and suitably acknow ledged by Mr Thomas, completed the programme of a very successful and enjoy able meeting.

Addington Stock Market.

Christchurch, Decetnbet fl?.' To-day's market was very heavys owing to it being the principal sale before Christmas/ There was a large attendance, and very satisfactory business resulted. Store Shbep—About 1200 were yarded, for which fair prices were realised. Fat Sheep—-Nearly 7000 were penned, many pens containing only half con-' ditioned sheep. For exceptionally [good wethers or maiden ewes a fair demand existed, but prices varied very much on anything of indiffernt quality; best cross bred wethers brought up to 145.: The full supply of last week prevented a keen demand. Fat Cattte—An enormous entry of beef, and bad arrangements for the sale of it, caused the sale to dray wearily till nearly 3 p.m. Over 350 head; were yarded, of which there was some lof as yood quality as could be desired on the •Show ground; best ox beef was fully &X per lOOlbs, ani very little was sold under 18s, but a good -many of the /beasts offered were withdrawn for private sale. Store Cattle -The sale of store cattle and dairy cows was very limited. Pius—There was a fair entry of good sorts of porkers and a few store;;.

The Weather

ALFORD STATION

IRRIGATING THE PLAINS.

II 1 rs an old proverb that" "it's an ill wind that .blows no one any good," and although the long period,of drought which we have experienced cannot fail to have a prejudicial effect upon ibis year's harvest prospects—nay it is to be feared will m some instances prove absolutely disastrous to farmers—yet it may be that it will prove a potent factor m inducing our settlers generally to go m for a thorough system of irri gation, the benefits of which it is almost impossible to exaggerate. As will be seen by the full report given:-in another column of the proceedings at the installation of Mayor, speaker after speaker dilated upon this question, and. His Worship adduced very striking proof of the good results that may be anticipated from the carrying out of such a scheme. He pointed to the fact that whereas three years or so ago the County Council took up for the pur pose of an experimental farm one of the worst, if not the very worst piece of land m the county, which was m its then condition not worth Ll an acre for the freehold, that very piece of ground was let the other day together with its water-rights at an annual rental of 10s 6d per acre, thus showing that the bringing-in of water had multiplied the value of the land at least seven-fold. Mr Friedlander has recently viaiteel South Australia and Victoria, and after seeing what lias been accomplished there by means of irrigation—-as at Mildura for instance —has come back more than ever con vinced of the enormous results which might be achieved on these plains by similar means, and we do not think he is one whit too sanguine m saying as he did that land of which now two acres are now required to support one sheep,, would when irrigated carry two sheep to the acre—-m a word that its carrying power would be increased four-fold. Mr Scaly goes much farther, and thinks that irrigated land on the Plains would carry four or five sheep to the acre, that is to say that its carrying power would be increased by from eightfold to tenfold. Even Mr Friedlander's estimate, however, opens out surely a sufficiently attractive prospect to induce all our farmers to take the matter into serious consideration, for fts with flocks, so with crops the annual produce of our plains couid, we are persuaded, be enormously increased if only by artificial means we supply the one great need—sufficient moisture. As was pointed out by another speaker there are absolutely no engineering difficulties m the way, and the close reticulation of enormous areas of land is perfectly possible at a comparatively trifling expense, Avhile there is fortu nately also an abundant supply of water available for the purpose, Those who have visited the Plains of Loin bardy say that they are singularly like the Canterbury Plains,' and the enormous benefits that have accrued from the irrigation of the former are doubtless familiar to many of our readers. What has been done m Italy, m Victoria, and m South Australia can assuredly be done here, and we hope that our present experience of the evils of drought will prove an incentive not only to the County Council but to the County ratepayers generally to go m for the thorough irrigation of the Plains, feeling convinced as we do that if such a work be carried out, the pro^ ductiveness of the county will be enormously enhanced, and the positioia of our farmers correspondingly im proved.

Nearly 250,000 tons of ice are imported j into England from Norway yearly, '

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN.

[pur press association J

London, December I<> and 17. Sir Frederick -.George Milncr, Con servative, has been elected for the constituency of Bussetlnw, the sent for '\liii;h v/us rendered vacant by the fata 1 accident to Mr William Beckett. Tho majority for Sir Frederick was 728. The Shipping Federation has re solved to engage and discharge hands on board ship. The Admiralty decline to open Naval Reserve classes at Sydney on the ground that too few candidates would attend. The Agents-General and Sir C. Tupper met to-day and discussed the question of a mail-service from Van couver to the Colonies. The former foresaw a difficulty m getting the Colonies to agree and determined to await instructions before proceeding further. Lord Garrington, speaking at the installation of Prince Albert Victor, ; said the political and masonic auto-1 nomy of Australia was assured. Colo nial Masons would continue loyal to the old country for ever. Lord Carringtouhas had an audience with her Majesty the Queen. Washington, December 17. At a conference of Republican Sen-, fttors it was determined to reject free coinage, and also Secretary "Windon's currency scheme. The Indians were nearly victorious m the recent engagement, and it was otilythe timely arrival of soldiers that saved the police. ' New York, December 10. Sitting Bull and other Sioux chiefs have been killed, after desperate fighting with a body of police. Presi dent Harrison expects that m. conse quence of the death of the chiefs the trouble with the Indians will soon be at an end. Rome. December IG. ' The Pope is seriously ill.

INTERPROVINCIAL

(PEE. PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

I Chkistchurch, December 16. A woman named Lucy Webster laid an information against her husband for stabbing her m the thigh with a,penknife. The case was called this morning, when the prosecutrix declined to give evidence to criminate her husband, arid denied any knowledge of the afiair. Inspector P«?iider said that tho police had been put to trouble and the country to expense over the matter, and asked that the woman be ordered to pay expenses. This the Bencn could not see their way clear to. Inspector Peiirler then said that he would ask the Government to sue for the amount. 11 / Tima.ru, December 17.  The Harbor Board to-day resolved to make m experiment for 90 working days ;it shifting shingle from the accumulation at the break water by water carriage, lift ing it over the mole by dredge into a hopper, and discharging to leeward. The Engineer, Mr Marchant, says groining would be cheaper, but this is not correct/ Denudation of the coast to the northward is now going hn owing to the stoppage of the shingle. An amendment to appoint a commission of engineers to advise was lost by one vote. The accumulation is growing slowly but steadily. DuxKDHjr, December 17. Jilx-Mayor Roberts to-day m a lengthy valedictory address strongly urged the necessity of the city going m for sys tematic drainage to which end he said. Parliament should be asked to create a Drainage Board with ample rating powers. Ada Giesler, a child, died yesterday from the effects of poisonins by caustic potash. Tho deceased got possession of a bottle of the poison, which was stand ing on the mantelpiece m the house, and swallowed it. Invercargiia, December 17. A serious accident occurred to-day at Longbush. A young man named Jones was riding on a load of firewood on a tram- Way trolly when he over-balanced, and fell off With his leg and arm over the rails. The wheels went over both, and on his removal to the hospital his right arm was amputated at tire shoulder and his left leg below the knee. He is m a very low com dition. A peculiar termination to an informa tion for per jury occurred at Gore to-day. Mr Thomas Green, auctioneer, a well known public man, was charged on the information of T. B. Mortimer with having committed perjury at the hearing of an action for the recovery of the price of a horse. Mr MacGibboh, Mayor-elect, and MrDolamore, Mayor, were on the Bench, and counsel objected to the latter adjudi cating. The Bench over-ruled the objec- j tion, but adjourned till the afternoon for the presence of Mr Revell, R.M' as a witness. On resuming, counsel for the informant contended that Mr Dolamore could not sit on the Bench, his term of office as Mayor having expired at midday. The Bench again over-ruled the objection, | and counsel declined to proceed, costs being given against his client. Green has laid an information against Mortimer for sending or causing to be sent a bogus telegram purporting to be from Taggart, Dunedin, instructing Green to buy the horse m question, which was then m Mortimer's possession, at a big figure. The horse itself is somewhat of a mystery, having won the Winton Trot as a maiden last autumn, while it seems pretty certain that he had been a very fair performer m Canterbury m previous years under an other "name,

IRISH AFFAIRS.

[per press association]

■ London, December 16. Mr Parnell has obtained an injunc tion against Mr Justin McCarthy with respect to the " United Ireland " news paper. Mr Parnell's name has been struck off' the Edinburgh burgesses roll, Mr Parnell's cause is waning at Kilkenny. London, December 17. " Messrs Davitt and ram ell met at Ballinakill. Their adherents fought furiously, and Davitt himself took part m the emeute, leading a charge right I up to the car on which Mr Parnell was stationed. Davitt shouted defiance at his former chief. While speaking afterwards at Castlecomer a bag of lime was thrown at Parnell, and another at Harrington. Parnell will be disabled for the rest of the election, but it is hoped his sight will be preserved.

The Best Remedy for Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills arc confidently, recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pints, with justice called the * Natural RtrengthoiUT of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any ciraiuistance3. Sold m bottles, at Is lj'd, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

EXPECTED RETIREMENT OP SIR 11. ATKINSON. PARLIAMENT TO MEET ON JANUARY 23.

[PEll I'KESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington,. December 17. A "Gazette" extraordinary formally. prorogues Parliament from December 18th to December 24th Thfi result of the deliberations to-day is that Parliament will bo called together m January, but not earlier than the 17th. The Legislative Council appointments hive been deferred for a day or two. The Prciiik'r not; being well to-day, Ministers will m consequence defer cheir departure from Wellington til] next week. Later. The " Press " to-night says that a Wel lington gentleman, whose name has not ye- been mentioned, is to be called to-the I Legislative Council. Mr Levin is sup posed to bo indicated. No fresh development of the political situation hay taken place. On his return from Government House a few minutes before cue o'clock, the Premier summoned a meeting; of the Cabinet, when the matter was talked over, but no actual decision was arrived at. It is understood, how ever, that it has been decided to call Parliament together next month, and although the date is not fixed, it will not be earlier than the 17th. ..'■, Wellington, December 18. At the request of His Excellency the Governor, Mr Ballance has forwarded his reasons fur protesting against appoint ments lo the Legislative Council m which he states that the general election placed the Ministry m a minority as is ascertain able'from the declarations of the success ful candidates, and this deprived Ministers of the right to advise the Governor to perform so important an act as the making of appointments to the Council. Mr Ballance quotes authorities m support of his contention and goes on to say that if it be alleged that there is no certainty about the state cf parties it is sufficient to reply that the Ministry Is not supported by a majority and that advice has been given to convene Parliament at an ex ceptional time to find a Ministry that shall be supported by a majority. Should therefore appointments be made on the advice of a Premier who ia not pre dominant the effect would be to create. hostility at starting (referred to by authority quoted) and thwart anil obstruct the advisers''to be summoned by the Governor to succeed, those who had ceased to re'prescnt public or popular sentiment. Mr Ballauce. also' brings under the Governor's consideration that one of the political issues raised m the. recent, elec tion was that of the reform of the Legis lative Conncil. The Leader of the Oppo sition proposed to abolish the life tenure of Councillors m all future appointments, substituting appointments for seven years. This reform would probably be submitted m one of the earliest measures introduced by any Ministry formed 1 from the Opposi tion , and it appears to Mr Ballance that it would jeopardise any such measure to appoint men for life whose opinions might be hostile to the . change he mentions. He also states that the Premier m 1887 gave assurance from the Minis terial benches that no more nominations to the Council would be recommended until the number was reduced to one half of that of the House of Repre sentatives, as fixed under the Bill then passing through the Legislature, and that the number oi members m the CouMil is still m excess of. this proportion. Tgi con clusion Mr Ballance .submitted for th? Governor's consideration., that " appoint ments to the Council cannot be justified on any ground of urgency before the meeting of Parliament, unless it be the apprehension that it would then be no longer possible to recommend tlien% but that such a fear expressed or implied is no real >n likely to commend itself to the Governor, ! The Cabinet have* decided to call Par liament together for the despatch of busi ness on Friday, 23rd January.

The Wellington correspondent of the " Press " says :—Sir H. Atkinson has not boen so well during the last few days. He is understood t > be desirous to be re lieved of office as soon as possible. It is regarded as certain that he will succeed .Sir F. Dillon Bell as Agent-General as soon as the latter's term of office expires. The "Dunedin Star," m advocating the claims of Mr Pyke to a seat iv the Legislative Council, points out; thai the Hon. J. A. Bonar is the solitary repre sentative of the mining industry m that Chamber, and he seldom takes' part m the proceedings. ' The Wellington correspondent of the "Otago Daily Times" says :—"Should the present Ministry be reconstructed, owing to Sir H. Atkinson's probable re tirement, it is reported that Sir F. Whitaker and Mr Fergus would also retire, and that Mr Downie Stewart, m the Legislative Council, would be the new Attorney-General, : the other : present Ministers remaining, possibly Mr Mac arthur filling a vacancy, and Mr Bryce becoming Premier. All this, however, is mere gossip as yet."

The Tea Trade in New Zealand.

MESSRS NELSON. MOATE AND €0

No one can possibly have a conception of the immense trade which is done m ten m this colony until they are privileged,' as the writer was the other day, to inspecfc the bonded stores of Messrs Nelson, Moate and Co., on the tSouth belt, adjoin ing the Christchurch Railway Station. It has been left to Nelson, Moate and Co. to establish the largest combined whole-, pale, retail,' and importing business m Indian, Ceylon, and Chinese teas m any of the British dominions, and their name has now become famous m the Southern Hemisphere for their celebrated blends. As Christchurch is the main centre of the business, all the tea must pass through here, and ib is m consequence of that the •stocks are so heavy. The bonded store is the one formerly used by Mr C. W. Turner as a grain and produce store; and is built of brick with stone facings. There are three floors, each twelve feet high, supported by heavy pillars and massive beams of timber. Each floor is 100 ft by 80ft, and the two lower flow's are literally packed to the ceilings with Messrs Nelson, Moate and Co's cases, six deep. Though the immense stock shuts out the liorht to a great extent, the ]»*sages admit of sufficient to enable the visitor to distinguish the different brands of teas, and to note the various methods of pack ing adopted. The chests, or cases, con tain an average of one hundred pounds net. On the occasion of the visit under notice, the books of the Customhouse officer m charge of the store showed that there were nearly eleven thousand chests of tea m the store, and five railway,trucks were then unloading part of another cargo now being discharged from a vessel m Port. The two lower floors being so thoroughly filled, arrangements are now being made to have the upper floor set apart also for Nelson, Moate and Co.'s teas. There are now afloat between two and three thousand more chests of this season's crop, consigned to the firm at Lyttelton, and the upper storey will be ready to receive these on arrival ■ As a proof that; there is a demand for this enormous qnantity, another view of the. store is necessary. The exit door showed three drays carting away the cases and chests to supply the warehouse, where the various sorts are cut, mixed and packed m the neat familiar style so well Known

THE ASHBUBTON GUAHDIAy, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1890.



The follc •eport for tl 1890 :—

wing is lie week en

the idihg'!

Meteorological December 14th,

J

f" Shade. I

High in

Date.

Low. (High

Monday ... I'uesday ... tVcdnesday riuirsrlay... Friday iUturdny ... S.inilay

37' 50 --:«• 45 --- 3-5-38. 35.

100 --! 80 --i 66 --75 • 85 --- 8-2-7">"

Sun.

i ÜB7 --1- 2-1- -08-153-j 153', .148 ■; 14G-,

State of wceitlicr iFhic, >T.W. I „ S. ;Light Shoivcrs Fiiie, if.W.



Spring and Summer, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND OLO THING PvCTOHY FOX ;^^en^s Colonial TWEED SUITS, Hoys' and Youths' Coloii'vl TWEED SUITS. HATS.—We keep the Largest and Best Selection Hats made to measure. SUITS MADE TO MEASURE. Best workmanship put m every garment, and a perfect iifc guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Brdces, &c, m L itest Fashion t»nd fttyle. Bust Value for Cash m District N E "7 Z.IS.A I AND GLOTHISG FACTORY Agonl for the Wonderful Wertheim Machines W. H WEBBER Manager, T H E HOUSE" FOR CHE AP CHRIST MAS CHEER, D. McFarlane's East Sbreet. The House for GOOD SUGARS for Preserving, D. MoFARLANE'S East Street. The House for BLENDED TEAS of Al Quality, I). McFARLVNE'S East Street. The House for CHINA and GLASS WARE, D. McFARLAFS East Street. The House for BUTTER, CHEESE, and BACON, D. MoFARL.INB'S East Street. The House for GOOD FLOUR, MEAL, and RICE, D McFARLANE'S East Street. The House for all lines of GROCERIES At Lowest Possible Rates. > 13 MoFARLAJNE'iS EA S T STREE T A S H B .17 R T O N . 101168 C.S.B. CO ; Kpa U.S.S., CO *£/" ** aft II " UNION STEAMSHIPNCOMPANI OF NEW ZEAL A D, Limited. The Company's Steamers have now re sumed time table running to all ports. ruI7.EXCH{^TON SEASON Will open Ist DECEMBER Next. ICetuni tickets at reduced Faros. TRIPS TO WEST COAST POUNDS On or about 14th and lib'TH JANUzVH'/, and sth FEBRUARY. GEG. JAMESON, Agent, Ashbu n. MONEY TO LEND. "jIyTONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TO^ £5000 For further particulars apply to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Chrifitchurch. __ Wanted CASH Advertisement:! under this headinsr not tsxoeedm SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office' CAKE and Apron and Fancy Fair for Wesleyan Building Fund. Old Town Hall. Friday and Saturday, December 1!) and 20. 12 AMERICAN Ice Cream ! American Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice kept m stock. ANTEDK"now^r^Ladies"Stockin2 with Silk Toes and Heels m black and colors. Is 6d per pair.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known.- For Dress Stufs Prints, Ac, Trimmings, to match, q,o to Melford House. Best value m town. Christinas presents now giving away.—H. C. Segers BOOTS, BOOTS. 'MKeejTyoiu fee Dry and save Doctor's Bills. have .i splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur -,on Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. W"~ ANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Men, adies and Children.—W. H. Collier. tXTANTED Known.—For Sheetings^ VV Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels Table Napkins. Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c, go to Melford House. Presents to every purchaser.—H. C, Segers. TT7"ANTED every man m the County VV to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saimder's Buildings. TDRESENTS.—We are now giving L presents to every purchaser of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, and cheapest house m town. —H. C. Segers, Melford House. ~\ \ / ANTED Known — Die Cheapest '■ 4' Shop to buy Tinware and Gal , paiiif>eil Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. B annafortj'.s, Burnett Street. A age stock keot on hand. Tin and Iron w ire goods made ancl repaired with dea- P '



FOR SALE. ' rpWBLVB McCORMICK WIRE J_ BINDERS. All m perfect work ins; order. CHEAP 10*144 FRIEDLANDER BROS. SHA.G POINT COAL ~" rpHIS superior Coal, for household and JL steam purposes, can now be obtained from Mjsssks J. G. Rkstell, W, H. Collins & Co., and R. S. Bran m any quantity. Special quotations for truck oads. This Coal is perfectly safe m using, leaving no live nahes or soot, and is. very cleanly avid economical for household purposes, having great heat and lasting power W. H. WILLIAMS, 10,^18 Manager Shag; Point, Mine. JAMES BAKER, TIMBER MERCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Hakkison a Auction Mart, O'AS IN STOCK Large Supplies of— Building Timber, Stakes 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 Asent m Ashburton for Clegg s Perambuliitors. INTow SlMywing*— A FASHIONABLE LOT OF Spring & Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD FIT, and WORKMANSHIP, ought to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. Com« JBwrl.r Mini ttvolil The IS/mhlx at X«**t». Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders will be finished up to time. H. & E. "CRAIGHEAD, TANCRED STREET ASHBURTON lIIWAID RACING CICB. ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January 1, 1891. President—Dr Tweed. Vice-Pjiksibents— Messrs D. MoLean, and C. M. Strachey. Judue—MrM. Stif-. Stewards—Messrs J. Begg, G. James, M. Scott, I). Thomas, M. Stitt, C. M. Strachey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed Clerk of the Course--Mr B. Hanks. Clerk of the Scales—Mr A. J. Kellv Starter—Mr I) Thomas. " Treasurer—Mr M. Scott. Handicapfer—Me J. Cresswell. First Race toJSfcart Lib 12.30 p.m. pro^isamie: (Approved by the Committee of the Canter bury Jockey Club.) I.—Handicap Hurdlk Race, of 20 soys ; nomination, 10s : acceptance, 10s. Tlie 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, 15s. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Weight for age. One mile. 3. —Tinwald Cup 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 and a half. 4.—Tinwald Handicap Time Trot, of j 25 soys; nomination, 10s; acceptance, 10s, The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. Weight not less than lOst. About three miles s.—Welter HaNDiCAr, of 25 soys r nomina tion, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake, One mile. 6. —Novel Race, of 20 soys. Winner to become the 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. Entrance 10s, on night of general entry. Weight Bst. Any overweight to be declared. Six furlongs. 7 —Flyixo Handicap, of 25 soys; nomina tion, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. The winner of Tiuwald Cup or Welter Handicap to carry 71b penalty In the event of a horse winning both the fore going events-such 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 Scurry (if time permit) of 10 soys; entrance, 10s. For horses that have never won public money. Catch weights. Hulf a mile. RULES 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 are open to any horse, com monly resident m the district from the Ist October, IS9O, to the date of meeting, and owned by a person who has resided m the district for the same period. 4. The district above mentionrd is bounded on the north by the Selwyn River, and on the s'mth by the Opihi River. £). Five per cent, will be deducted from the gross of all moncjs payable m accord ance, wifch this programme, for the expenses of the eoui'so. 6. All nomination and acceptance fees to ' go to the funds of tho Ohib NOMINATIONS Nominations tor Hurtllc, Tinwald Cup, Trot, Welter, ami Flying Handicaps, accom panied by fee, name, age, description, and performances of horse, and colours of rider, must be m writing and m the hands of the Secretary at Scott's Hotel, Tinwald, not later than 9 on SATURDAY, December the 13th, IS9O WKK'iITTS. Weight will be declared.on or about December 27th ACCEPTANCES. Acceptances for Handicaps, and Notnina ions for Maiden Plate and Novel Race must l>c m the hands of the Secretary, at Scott's Hotel. Tinwald, not later than 9 p.m. on MONDAY JVneinber ?9t,h, 1890 E J. *ODK Hqu Sec



NEW CHRISTMAS CARDS." A Beautiful Assortment. NEW ANNUAL VOLUMES and BOOKS for Prizes and Presentations. FANCY GOODS, .fee, &c. L P. ANDREWES & Co. IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE. KAIAPOI HOTTSE AG UN TO THE FRONT. ! MITCHELL C> miTRNKR ITCHELL 06 1 URNER DESIRE to inform their numerous Customers ,vud fclie public m genera', that after careful and mature consideration they have decided to have THE WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHING CUT, MADE AND FINISHED ON THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR MADE GOODS, As this involves the outlay of Hard Cash to a large amount, they trust tie numerous and material advantages given to ALL THOSE m 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 m the style of their Manufactured Articles. A WELL ASSORTED STOCK JUST OPENED UP. MITCHELT" C> mURNETV ITCHELJ.J CXJ JLURNEXi KAIAPOI HOUSE. ~mmm bargain ANDREW /--\RR NDR E W \J R R HAS oponed up ft Splendid Show OF NEW GOODS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Beautiful Assortment « OF Fancy Goods SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. LADIES, GENTS', and CHILDREN'S BOOTS and SHOES GEE ATLY REDUCED. Andrei Off. WOOL. WOOL rr HE UNDERSIGNED IS PRE J PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES On the Coming Season a Clip of WOOL, FREE OF COMMISSION. INTEREST AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES. GROWERS have the Choice ot Selling either at the ASHBURTON WOOL SALES, or m CHRISTCHURCH, or SHIPPING. 1 Shall Hold REGULAR SALES CURING THE SEAS ON, having arranged with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agknay Company, Limited, to act as my Financial Agents and auctionbeks. Every care and attention will be used m 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 Gr. Kestell WOOL STORES WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. Storplin, Vincent & do. SAWMILLERS AND TIMBER MERCHANTS, SPEINGTBUEN. HAVE erected large Sawmills at Alford Forest, and can now supply any amount of Building Material, also Bridge Timber and Planting to any size m Birch Timber, Gates, Hurdles, &c, made to patterns as desired, Splitor Sawn Poste morticed by machinery. Prices will be found reasonable, and orders will be executed promptly. Timber em be delivered by train, or at the Mills, or by rail from Springburn to any part of the district. he Mills are within 1-| miles of the Springlmrn Railway Station. FIREWOOD, SLABS, AND WASTE TIMBER Always on hand. , Orders by post promptly attended to. 2t38 I