BIRTH

Broom.—At Ashburton on the 6th inst.' the wife of David Broom, of a son' Christchurch papers please copy.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1890. POSITION OF GOVERNMENT ON THE LABOUR CRISIS.

If certain authorities are to be believed, the New Zealand Cabinet have decided to stand by and see the fight out between the shipping owners and the Maritime labour bodies. On the principle laid down by Earl Derby "stand aside and keep the ring clear," the Atkinson Cabinet have resolved, though invited to take steps to bring about a speedy settlement of the question m New Zealand, to take no action to prevent thousands of people from being thrown out of employment, and many important industries from being closed. Every day telegrams ai*e coming to hand from all part#j of the colony intimating that large concerns, where a vast amount of capital is in vested and large armies of labour find employment, are being suspended owing to the Maritime strike. Day after day passes over, and the prospect of a settle mentappeurs no nearer, while theunem ployed ranks are being swollen to an extent which must cause the thoughtful to pause and ask, " What will be the outcome of all this social and com mercial upheayel V Should factories and industries, mercantile concerns and mines, cease operation at the rate which is at present going on, a few weeks hence -will see nearly all our population out of employment, and we tremble for the consequences should this' occur. The recent revolu tion m the Argentine Republic, brought about from similar causes, should make the people of New Zealand and Aus tralia pause, lest a like result should occur m these peaceful lands, and all for want of the exercise of a little tact and discretion on the part of those m authority. On all hands, except from the most powerful quarter of all—the Government —efforts are being made i to bring about a settlement of the labour and capital struggle, before the quarrel reaches so acute a stage that these friendly offices will be rendered futile. There is a public feeling gradu ally gaining strength all over the land demanding that the combatants shall bring the struggle to a speedy issue, or the people will step m and settle the question for themselves and m their own protection and in terests. The Shipping Companies and the Maritime Council are being requisitioned on nearly all sides to resort to .arbitration or conciliation, and should they not speedily do so, this request from the public may take the form of a demand, when such pressure will be brought to bear on the Government m the shape of monster petitions and otherwise that legislation will be passed compelling the contend ing parties to settle their differences m the best way they can and at once. The colonists of New Zealand have the righttodemandthat the prospects of the colony shall not be ruined by means of a struggle m which tv. o-thirds of the people are not directly interested.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Mr George Jameson's next skin sale will be held on Friday, 12th .Scpteinl)er. Messrs Friedlander Bros, advertise that they arc prepared to purchase 1000 sacks seconds wheat for prompt delivery. The Canterbury Woollen Mills, Ashbur ton, stopped work yesterday. It will pro bably be a month before the mills are again started. As it is anticipated that the writs will be issued about the end of this month, no claims from persons to have their names placed on the Electoral Rolls can be received after that date. Herr Leibkreck and a large number o Socialists, who were expelled from Germany, are returning to that country, the time of their expulsion having expired. Russia has seized an island off the coast of Corea, and two British warships at Hong kong are ordered to keep up steam ready to proceed to Corean waters at ;!, moment's notice. The famous Louis Quinze clock at Milton Hall, the Northamptonshire seat of the Fitzwilliain family, has been sold to a representative of the Rothschilds for £30,000. Only seven Waterloo veterans responded t» the invitation given them by General Van Merlen, of Harlem, U.S., to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the battle. The oldest of them was born m 1793 and the youngest m 3 798. Six out of the seven are m a state of complete destitution. It is said that the "World,' "Herald," "Sun," and "Times" of New York will follow the "Tribune" m the use of type setting machines. Probably half of the 1,000 compositors will be dropped, A meeting of ratepayers of the South | Kakaift district was held m the Board's Office on TJws.<!ay» Mr Coster presiding, The meeting was !^> decide as to closing the road through Rural factions 7129 and 7003 or otherwise, Klevejj w&i/o jn favor of the roacl'being closed and two againafc; one who Toted against the motion was not on tho roll, and was not entitled to vote, therefore the resolution to close the road was carried by eleven to one, Ifc is said that Mahomet was a great lover o cats, and possessed a very beautiful one called Muezza. One day, when Muczza was sleeping the sleep of good felines, and lying on the edge of his robe, the prophet was called to go to prayers at the mosque, but, rather than disturb the placid sleep of his favourite, he preferred to cut with scissors all round the pieces of his dress upon which Muezza was lying rather than disturb him. For this reason Mussulmans, especially the Arabs, cstaimi the cat as a sacrecUauhnal. The London cot respondent of a contem porary, writing under liatu July 12th, anent the Investigation Committee of' tjie New Zc&laiMl Antimony Company, says jn a hv'utf conversation with Mr NaidLcy, he gathered that I'he Committee accuse the directors of having (whilst grossly mismanaging the Company's, affairs) pocketed jio less than 224 P fii' GG»i> of the subscribed capital. One director is supped to have nja.de £12,000 nut of the concern sJftogeibheF, and had the Qneen Charlotte's Town Oold-nn'ning Com- j pany gone through, the Committee reckon that he and others would have cut up €40,000. Thc&gent m Melbourne for the Commune of FrfitftCfcville, m the New Hebrides (Mr J. J. Kendele), hag just received a letter dated i August 11, m wMcfy ii j# stated that during \ the previous week a <j!ewu^u labor vessel, the JLop^Jo, had a boat's crew ivaee^-r^d by the natives At Aoba, an island m Hie nptlh of the group, T)?o writer added that' the ' Lopolo was reputed f.o be engaged m kid napping at the island. Three Englishmen who had come down for *he Ausi*ulian New Hebrides Company 'had taken .up fdmr quarters at WilbmiVs plantation till the .ex citement should be ovet>, A french trader, named Mercier, was murdered «* ihe sam,e island m April last, and m May the fl'&tid} j WAV veesel Saone shelled the Tillage j

It is a matter of tradition m Japan that fruit grows upon the bamboo when there is to be a famine m that country. This year bamboo trees are bearing fruit. The meeting of the Ashburton Presby terian Musical M-i Literary Society held on Thursday night m the church, was fairly well attended by members. The chair was filled by the Rev A. M. Beatty, M.A and the evening was devoted to the journal. Several original contributions were read and dis cussed, and a meeting of the committee then took place, when it was reported that the nett proceeds of the Rev Mr Munro's lecture would amount to about five pounds,—to be devoted to the funds of the Old Men's Home, and Ashburton Hospital. At the meeting to form a branch of the Civil Service Association m Titnaru on Thursday evening, Mr Howley, clerk of the R. M. Court, made a humorous allusion to the time when, by the continuance of the pro cesses of the past, he would be m the receipt of no salary at all, either fir present pur poses or for calculating a retiring allowance upon. Mr Howley m one of the small-pay men m the service, but there are men m the Government employ who do not work one half as hard, but who draw three or four times as much salary. It is because <>i the high salaries paid to heads of department, that the lesser paid servants have been reduced so frequently.—and yet it is these last-named persons who are the head and front of the Civil Service Protection Association, and who seek the co-operation of such as Mr Howley to assist m keeping up their pay at the ex panse of over-burdened taxpayers. The Tichbonie claimant recently appeared 1 m the Manchester Assizies as plaintiff m an I action for libel, A local print, entitled Illustrated Bits, took occasion during the recent election for Stoke-on-Trent to speak its mind upon the appearance of "the claimant" as a candidate. Under the head ing, "The Impudent Pretensions of a Humbug," it let itself loose upon "the con vicited felon," " the ex-denizen of Portland," "this lately released gaolbird," and the like. It was admitted that the word " felon " was a blunder, as the plaintiff was only a " mis demeanant," and for this the sum of a shilling had been paid into court as damages. But the jury would not allow that there had been any libel whatever, and found for the defend ants. The plaintiff appeared m the box, and upon cross-examination said that his name was Roger Charles Doughty Tichborne, and that although he had been convicted of perjury for swearing the same thing, this was the doing of a packed jury. Last night a very successful exhibition of magic lantern views took place at the Borough School. The largest class-room was crowded to the door with scholars and friends. The teachers of the Borough School have purchased a superior lantern and a number of slides, and arrangements were made with Mr Wilson, of the Normal School Christchurch, to visit Ashburton, and "ex hibit the views. Mr Wilson is an able lec turer m this special work, and kept the attention of his audience closely as he des cribed the various slides—descriptive, historic, comic, etc. Some of the School Committee were present, and assisted the staff m their efforts to amuse and instruct the children. A vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr Silcoek, was passed to Mr Wilson, and after giving three hearty cheers, the large audience separated. The idea m procuring the lantern and slides is to allow all the children who attain a certain degree of regularity m attendance at school' free admission to the lantern exhibitions, while the others have to pay, and also visitors, and the money received from the latterjsource is to be voted to the prize funds. Parents will thus have an opportunity of' assisting the staff and the children m their studies by enforcing regular attendance at school, as far as possible Last night a concert and dance came off m the Methven schoolroom m aid of the Methven Catholic Church. The schoolroom was crowded to the door, many people having come long distances to be present. MrG. H. Alingtoii,waschairman,discharging the duties of the office with his accustomed suavity. A long and varied programme was gone through comprising items contributed by Mrs Blackburn, Mrs Dunn, and Miss Siianu (Methven), and Misses K. and A. Henry, and Misses T. and A. Butler (Ash burton) and Messrs Dunn and Grainger (Methven), and 1). Thomas and others from Ashburton, The entertainment was of a more than usually excellent character, the singers being evidently at their best, and hnppy m their selection of songs. Every item given was encored, ample proof that the efforts of the performers gave full satisfaction. Mrs Dunn and the Misses Butler and Henry accompanied the singers, except m the case of Mr Thomas's songs, the genial Mayor playing his own accompani ment m his own perfect style. The arrange ments were m the hands of Messrs Don is McKendry and Quinn,'and gave the fullest satisfaction. At the close of the concert the room was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till a late hour. The financial result of the gathering should be somewhat substantial. The Provincial Government of Canter bury, before it became a tiling of the past, set aside a sum of £7000 for a bridge over Rakaia Gorge. The fund was placed at the joint disposal of the Ashburton and Selwyn County Councils. The work of maintenance, however, was retained by Government m their own hands, the two Councils simply paying out such charges as were made by Government for work done on the bridge. In October last a severe gale rather disturbed the equilibrium of the bridge, and a list to leeward had to be righted, and the conse quent sagging and slackening here and there to be straightened and strengthened. To do this a large amount of work had to He done, the cost of which absorbed all the funds that remained of the Provincial Council's vote. The Ashburton County Council were hardly what could be called satisfied with the cost, although the work had been very well done, and a good job made of the bridge. The Engineer Mas, therefore, instructed to take a look at the bridge, which he did, and his remarks thereon will be found m his report. The Council having now along with the Selwyn County to provide funds for the maintenance of the bridge and approaches, fail to see why the control of the structure should not be m the hands of the two counties. As Mr Harper jocularly put it, " If the bridge has tc be ■' tethered,' the Selwyn people can tether their end, and we can tether ours." The Council, therefore, decided to pay the account charged against them by Govern ment as soon as the tools they were also charged with were handed over to the two counties; but at the same time, as the Councils had now to find the funds for maintenance, Government was to be re quested to hand over the control and main tenance of the structure to one or the other of the two Councils.

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN. [per press association.] London, September 4. Mr McNab has been appointed London Manager for the Bank of New Zealand. Major George has sailed for New Zealand. The Bank of Australasia pays a dividend and bonus of 14 per cent., and carried forward £15,000. Constantinople, September 4. T'Moussa Bey, the Khurdish chief, who escaped when under banishment to Mecca, has been arrested.

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney, September ft. The prisoner who was shot at yester day m Darlinghurst gaol was the co respondent m the Jameson divorce case, m which the assailant sought a i divorce from his wife. The Book Purchasers' Protection Bill has passed through Parliament. It protects the public against misrepre sentation by book agents. I The Postmaster-General, replying to a communication from New Zealand, positively declines to have anything to do with the 'Frisco service m future.

INTERPROVINCIAL

InvbrcargiliL, September 5. A meeting of public servants here adopted a resolution to join the Public Servants Association, and appointed a committee. About 30 were present. Mr Borrie, Collector of Customs, was m the chair, and most heads of the Department took part m the proceedings. The charge of perjury against Metcalf, Picturesque Atlas can passer, was dismissed m the Police Court to-day. The evidence of two new witnesses was to the effect that accused had represented that he was the accredited agent of the Government of New South Wales, which he had denied at the hearing of the civil case Bowerman v. Grieve.

An Old Man Crofter.

Hugg MacLeod, crofter, Morefield parish of Loch Broom, county of Ross, Scotland, was born on November 24, 1783, and consequently is now 107 years old. About twelve months ago the " Pall Mall Gazette," gave some account of this tough old man, and m describing him asa " fine specimen of his clan, class, and race," re marked :— " having no family relations living, he is entirely dependent upon the benevolence of his countrymen, and this article is especially written to make that fact known to them." One result was that £26 was sent from Queensland with a very kindly worded letter. These duly reached Hugh MacLeod, and he acknowledged the present thus:—*'Mr Editor and kind friend, as I may call you for your kindness to me, —I got the money all .safe and right, and may the Lord bless my friends for taking notice of ft poor old man. lam ten years younger day when I got the help from you. I am as healthy as over I was, and as straight as a rush. My appetite is as good as ever. I am rising every day, going about; my mind as good as ever. Also I am glad to tell you thai: I planted my potatoes this year as usual. I must say a few words m thanking the members of Parliament m Queensland. You will be so good as to send tham my best respects from Hugh MacLeod, and tell I them that the Lord will reward them for their kindness to me m sending me such a present as £26 ; the half would be good to me. Many, many thanks to them, and tell them lhat I am ten years younger when I got their letter." Hugh" MacLeod is a broad-shouldered man, and stands six feet m his stockings. Ho gets up m summer between 5 and 6 a.m., and goes to bed at 9 p.m. In winter he rises at 8 a.m., and retires at 10 p.m. In a recent letter he says—" I had to drop the croft, as I could not cultivate it at last, but I still cut my own fire (peats), and I oarried home on my back a creedful of peats, 841 b, yesterday. I take porridge and milk for breakfast, as I always did throughout my life ; potatoes and herrings and fish and mutton (salt), when I can get it."

THE MARKETS.

[per press association.] Lovdon, September 4. Canterbury mutton 4d per 1b ; Sydney, 3£d ; lamb, 4§d. Other meats unchanged. "Nine hundred bales of New Zealand hemp have been sold at elightly dearer rates. Good Wellington, £21 per ton ; fair, £20 10s.

CORRESPONDENCE.

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.] !

PRICE OF MEAT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln reply to Mr Tasker who kindly informs the public that the butchers have not raised the price of beef, what are we to believe, when he adds ' ■ They have risen that little part of a beast called rump steak to 7d, and they have also raised sirloins, and a few prime cuts off the ribs to (kl, "salted rounds are also (id, which together makes a considerable part of the hind quarter ; and legs and shins arp also raised, I believe—and he'adds the other cues are if anything lower. He does not seem quite sure about it, but would probably find if he looked into the matter they were a little higher. He also nfonns us there have been no 8001 b beasts sold m the yards, only "one heifer and it did not weigh 8001Ks, and he bought it himself, He is accurate as re gards facts, suoh as beef not being raised, and to get us to believo that admits this particular heifer that did not weigh 8001 bs, when dressed really weighed 80811)8. ' Now about the sheep. —He says there have been no sheep weighing 601bs sold m the yards except a line or hod that did, and as the market reports say sheep are down 3s a head, taking his exception and i the market reports together, proves my case,-—sheep are cheaper now than they were. Ido not want to look at his books, nothing is so deceiving as figures. M*~\st likely what I should consider a fair profit with one of his usual exceptions (like the price of beef,) he would demonstrate to be a loss.—l am, etc., Father ok a Family.

It is estimated that the railway servants of the colony number 430Q, Hollo way's Piu,s—The Great Need— The blood is the life, and on its purity our health as well as our exif tence depends^ These pills throughly cleanse the vital fluid from all contaminations, and by that means strengthen and invigorate the whqle system, healthily stimulate sluggish organs, repress over-excited action, and establish the cir culation and secretions throughout every part of the body. The balsamic nature of Hollay s Pills exercises marvelous power m giving tone to debilitated and nervous con stitutions. These pilis remove all ob structions, both m the bowels and elsewere, add are, cm that accoun , much sought after for pcoihoting regularity of action m young females and delicate" persons who are naturaily weak, or liare from soine«a.usp be-

The Dairy Produce Industry.

(feY TELEGRAPH FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, September 5. The Local Industries Committee of the House have drawn up their report 011 tho dairy produce industry. In it they call attention to the increase m the export of this class of produce during the last ten years, showing that the total for the half year ended 30th June was 30,021 cwt of butter, valued at £83,799, and 26,663 cwt cheese valued at £57,042, being more than the quantity exported m any whole year prior to 1888. They conclude that much of the butter and cheese now made m New Zealand is quite equal to that produced m any part of the world. As the eyport butter trade is m an unsatisfactory con dition, the committee recommend the Government to at once engage at least two experts, preferably from Denmark, and strongly urge the establishment of Dairymen's Associations for the mutual instruction of members. Such Associa tions could confer with the Government, j and with professional experts, and could hold periodical conferences for the ad vancement of the industry, their funds being supplemented by grante-in-aid from the Consolidated Revenue. Meanwhile the committee cannot too strongly urge the establishment of dairy factories, and the use of separators, or where that is not practicable, the early separation of the cream by immersing the milk m cold water on the "cooley" or schwartz methods. The Committee recommend the shipment of butter as soon as possible after making, taking care to keep it out. of the sun, and m a low temperature; the reduction of railway freight to the lowest level; the use of refrigerating cars on the line, or if that be impracticable, special cars ; so as to keep them as cool as pos sible, the running of night trains, where it is found advisable; th» provision of cool storage at the port of shipment; and the regular despatch of vessels. As to packages, the evidence shows that the 601 b kegs are preferred m the English market, and totara is the best of New Zealand wood for the purpose, though some Australian shippers prefer Pond's boxes. Experiments should be made on this question of packages and woods, and also as to the keeping quality of frozen butter. The Committee think that, to be effective, the grading should be carried out m London by a qualified Inspector, appointed by the Agent-General, but they cannot recommend that course. The market m England is practically unlimited, and European countries have nearly reached their limit of production. The attention of English buyers is thus being specially directed to New Zealand as an available source of supply. Our fertile soil and genial climate entitle the colony to take a high rank among the dairy countries of the world. With respect to cheese, the Committee have no recom mendation to make, as the quality of the article produced at the principal factories leaves little or nothing to be desired, and the export trade, generally speaking, is on a satisfactory footing.

Longbeach Road Board.

The monthly meeting of the Longbeach Road Board was held on Monday, September Ist. Present—Messrs Grigg (Chairman), Shearer, Taylor, Horsey, and Wilson. CORRESPONDENCE. Revenue, etc., of Board: From the Colonial Secretary, asking for a return m accordance with an order of the House of Representatives of July 4th, 1890, " Showing—(l) The names of the local governing or administrative bodies m the Colony. (2) The revenue of each such body for the year ending March 31st, 1890. (3) The annual amount paid by each such local body for salaries and office expenses."—Tho clerks reported that the information had been furnished. Terrace Road : From ratepayers on Terrace road, asking that the newly formed part of the road be shingled. SURVEYORS* REPORT. 1. Windermere Road Extension : The contract for making drain and forming track on part of the Windermere road is nearly completed". We find that to make a track for traffic right through, the drain will require deepening, as m places only a few inches of clay have been obtained. We would recommend that the present formation be hit for a month or two and allowed to settle down, as the extra stuff taken out of the bottom would stand better. 2. Ford's Road: The contractor for deepening drain on this road has com pleted the work. We are having the metal taken out of the drain put on the crown of the road. 3. Graham's Road : The work author ised along this road is nearly completed. 4. Maintenance: The maintenance man's diary lies on the table for your inspection. The report was adopted. TERRACE ROAD. Resolved that the shingling of part of this road be carried out as asked for, and that the drain lately made be deepened and the stuff put on the crown of the road. MEETINGS. Mr Wilson moved the notice of motion standing m his name, viz., "That the Board meet every two months, the Chair man and Surveyor to call extra meetings if required at any time, and that the question of a place of meeting be con sidered at next meeting." The first part of the motion was carried. Mr Wilson moved: "That the meet ings of the Board be held m the Road Board office, Longbeach road." The motion was stconded by Mr Horsey. An amendment of Mr Taylor's "That the meetings be held at Flemington as at present" was not seconded, and the Chairman declared the motion carried. bell's road. Mr Cullen interviewed the Board with reference to work done on pare of Bell's road, and explained the work done by him, and asked the Board to contribute towards the cost. The Board resolved to allow Mr Cullen the sum of £5 17s to wards the cost of the work. DRAINAGE SCHEME. It was resolved to allow Mr Baxter the sum of £7 for work done m connection with the Flemington and Wheatstone drainage scheme. RATE. The resolution passed at last meeting striking a rate of three farthings m the £ on all rateable property m the district for the year ending March 31st, 1891, payable m one sum on Saturday, August 13th, 1890, and of which notice had been given, was confirmed, and Messrs Grigw and Shearer were appointed to sign the rate book. RESIGNATION. Mr Taylor handed m his resignation a« a meniber of the Board, which was accepted. osborne's road. It was resolved to have a portion of Osborne's road from its junction with the Longbeach road, metalled, and to have grades of a ford on the same road lessened, • ford's road, Resolved to have a length of the drajn on part of Ford's road lately deeepened further taken out to a depth of 9 inches. ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts the Board adjourned.

Corn Exchange Report.

The following is the Corn Exchange Report for the week ending Friday, September sth:— Utter stagnation but poorly represents the state of the produce market. Never before m the colonies has such a state of things been recorded ; the cruelty of it is intensified by the nature of the produce that would have been sent away, which, consisting largely of potatoes and onions, is of a perishable nature. Whilst all having the interest of the colony at heart must regret the strike, its termination would be received with much satisfaction by the farmers and produce merchants more particularly. Wheat maintains its value, and sales at full rates are recorded. In connection with this millers have advanced the price of flour. Oats. —A few sales have taken place, but only for local use. With regard to Barley, Peas, and Beans, no transactions worth recording can be noted, and until the export trade is resumed no improvement m business is expected. Grasseed (rye).—The change m the weather will cause a renewed enquiry for sowing; stocks are m small compass. Cocksfoot maintains recent values. Potatoes. —Unless the stocks now m tfie colony are shortly placed on the Australian markets, heavy losses would seem inevitable to the growers. In fact m any case the cessation of shipment during the past fortnight must materially affect the values of all parcels not disposed of. Dairy Produce remains without any material alterations. Our quotations for the week are as follows :— Wheat—Tuscan, 3s 6d ; Pearl, 3b 4d ; Hunter's, 3s 3d. Oats—Milling, Is 7d ; short heavy feed, Is 5d to Is 6d ; long and inferior, Is 3d to Is 4d. Barley- Prime malting, 3s 3d ; feed, Is 6d to Is 9d. Beans, 2s 6d. Peas—Prussian Blues, 3s to 3a 3d ; feed, 2s 4d to 2s 6d,, Ryegrass —Machine dressed, 5s to 5s 6d. Cocksfoot —Bright heavy seed, 4jdto4£d ; Potatoes —Derwents, 40s at country stations. The above prices (potatoes excepted), are those paid to farmers for delivery, f.0.b., Lyttelton ; sacks eafcra.

NEW ZEALAND FEDERATION.

The House of Representatives, at the invitation of the Government, will engage this afternoon and evening m discussing certain resolutions to be submitted on the subject of Australian or Australasian Federation, and will be asked to decide as to the sending of delegates to the approaching Confer ence at Melbourne, and as to the instructions which shall be given to such delegates as to the attitude they are to take up on the part of this colony. It may be, and doubtless will be said, that at a time when Parliament is unable to deal with one-half of the business already before it, and when the existing labor crisis is filling all minds with anxiety, that the juncture is an exceedingly inopportune one for a federation debate, the more especially that a vast preponderance of opinion m the House and m the country is on the side of those who urge that if there be a federation of colonies m these ■aas, New Zealand, for the present at Any rate, will consult her own interests by declining to be included therein ; yet, thougii the peculiarity of the position must be admitted, neverthe less the Government could not have done otherwise than bring the matter before the House without breaking faith with the sister colo nies, and the delegates to the preliminary Conference, held some months ago, having pledged the Government by which they were accre dited to submit the question to their several legislatures. The debate of to-day will therefore be miserable, but its outcome, we opine, will be equally so, namely, that while New Zealand will again be represented m the Council of the Colonies to be called together to work out a definite scheme, our repre sentatives will be restricted to the attitude of sympathising advisers, and will havedefiniteinstructionsnotto com mit New Zealand to inclusion m the proposed federation. At the same time doubtless they will be directed to seek that provision may be made m the new Federal Constitution of United Australia for the admission of New Zealand at any future time, should she •lect to cast m her lot with the Federa tion. This is undoubtedly the action which will commend itself to the approval of the country. So far and no farther at present is it prepared to go. There is, however, another matter which may be discussed at Melbourne m conjunction with the federation proposals, and that is that of reciprocal exchange of products as between Aus tralia and New Zealand. We hope that it will be so, and if the risit of our delegates to Melbourne helps to forward the removal of restriction to intercolonial commerce, their mission will certainly not be m vain.

South Rakaia Road Board.

The ordinary meeting of the above Board was held on Thursday. Present—Messrs Coster (chairman), Stringfellow, McLean, and Vucetich. The Clerk repqrted that he had inspected Sherwood Road and found there was very little traffiic on it; if the same was skim ploughed and some crossings made it would meet all requirements. The labor contracts expired on the 13th, but arrangements had been made for the same contractors to continue the work till the end of the month, Some of the plantations require thinning. In many of them the cutting and stealing of gums still continues. The contractors, except m one case, have carried out their work satisfactorily during the month. The cheque m one case had been withheld till the work was satisfactorily done. The Chairman reported accepting the following contracts : — Gorse cutting and gubbing, W. Peckman, Is J|d, per chain ; metalling on Mainwiering's, Is 4a per yard, and 2s 6d per yard blinding; forming at Chertsey, 7s per chain, Is per yard metal, and lOd per chain blinding; metalling m township, Is 6d per yard. The Chairman's action was approved of. Messrs McLean and Stringfellow were reqested to report on work required hi the township, It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Vucetich, to ask that Upper Ashburton would share the cost of draining a road near Chertsey. The Chairman reported a credit balance to current account of £324 14s 4d. The Clerk submitted an account to be for warded to the Council for works done on cuttings fo.r water rapes, and expenditure on poisoned grain, etc. Mr Haslett wrote again re improvement to roads m Village Settlement. It was re solved that tenders be called for the works required. The Chairman stated that the Crown Lands Officers had promised to look up the matter of funds due on account of the sale of Village Settlement Lands. : Mr J. Porter wrote offering trees at a small cost. None were required. It was resolved to call tenders for cleaning round the new trees m the plantations m the Village Settle ment. A number of ratepayers wrote asking the Boarcl to metal and blind that portion «f

Bushy Park road from Edward's Corner to top of Kyle road, nearly three miles. It was resolved to postpone consideration of the petition till the next meeting. The Colonial Secretary wrote asking for information re amounts paid for local work m salaries and office expenses generally. The information had been forwarded. The County Council wrote that any appli cation for leasing gravel pits would be con sidered by the Council, and let on the recommendation of the Board. The same body wrote re forwarding poisoned grain. It was resolved to apply fora further supply. The Property Tax Commissioners wrote te rates collected. Mr McLean proposed, and Mr Stringfellow seconded, that tenders be called for the maintenance of all roads m the district m three contracts. Messrs Coster, and String fellow were requested to revise the specifica tion for maintenance contract. It was resolved to have the plantation thinned to six feet where big enough. Accounts for £184 3s were passed for pay ment, and the Boari went into Cemetery business, and then adjourned.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following concludes our report of yesterday's meeting : GRAVEL RESERVES. The Mount Somers Road Board wrote asking for the control of gravel reserves m their district. The Council resolved to give the Board liberty, if it choose, to let the reserves m the district belonging to the Council from year to year, aftd to plant and fence any of them they desired, but the Council could not divest itself of the freeholds. CHKRTSEY CEMETERY. It was decided to accept the delegation of power, under the Cemeteries Act, 1885, to appoint trustees foj the Chertsey Cemetery as suggested by a letter from the Crown Lands office, and to take steps to appoint Messrs Thomas Macdonald, Patrick Murphy, James Stringf ellow, and Tom Childs. PLANTING. It was resolved that gorse at Reserve 1292 be grubbed, and the reserve planted with gums. Mr Brown's name was added to the Planting Committee. SLAUGHTER LICENSES. David Broom and John Hurrell were granted slaughtering licenses. COUNCIL OFFICES. It was decided to invite tenders for painting the Council's offices. CHARITABLE AID. £300 was ordered to be paid on account of the Council's proportion of charitable aid cost. SPECIAL MEETING. It was resolved to hold a special meeting after next meeting to make a special order re Ashburton Forks water rate. SOUTH ASHBURTON. The Council then proceeded to the con sideration of the question of an auxiliary water supply from the South Ashburton. On the motion of Mr Friedlander, after some discussion, the matter was adjourned for a month. TENDERS. The following tenders were accepted : — Timber for bridges, Sharplin 15s 6d; wator race at Anama, P. Fawcett £32105, and P. Norman £6118s. WATER RACES. It was resolved to hold. a special meet ing m a fortnight's time to consider a number of applications for water races. MISCELLANEOUS. A quantity of miscellaneous business was transacted, and che Council ad journed.

Labor Questions

[I'BR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, September 4. The compositors are sending £500 to Australia. The Committee of the Congress is actively working up subscriptions, and hope to be able to remit considerably over £40,000. Sydney, September' 5. The Shipowners 1 Union are levying Id per ton for expenses. ■ The official returns show there are 319,000 bonafida working men m the colony; 40,000 are members of Unions, and 9000 are on strike. English companies and firms hav# cabled privately several thousand pounds m support of employers' pastoralists', and shipping interests m Australia arising out of the Shearers' strike. The dockers have arranged for 100 automatic boxes being placed at rail way stations to receive donations m aid of the Australian strikers. They have also decided to appeal to all clergy and ministers m the United Kingdom to assist them. After a long and excited debate the Trades' Congress at Liverpool has re solved, by 193 to 155, that the time has arrived when the system of eight hours' labor m all trades is bast obtained by legal enactment. Ben jamin Tillett, one of the leaders of the great London strike, strongly sup ported statutory action, but ridiculed the idea possessed by some speakers that unionism could thereby be in jured. All the Broken Hill silver mines ] will be shut down on Wednesday, thus throwing out nearly 4000 miners. Melbourne, September 5. A considerable quantity of cargo has been put on board the Union Com pany's steamer Monowai, and as it is understood that a non-union c-rew has been engaged it is probable the vessel will leave for Jfew Zealand to-morrow. The Trades Hall has received a cable message from London, stating that firm assistance m coercing would be rendered by Unionists at Home,

Augbxakd, September 5. This morning the whole of the crews of the Northern Steamship Company's steamers m port here struck, and without a moment's notice, left the vessels at once. The officers also struck, leaving only the captains, stewards, engineers, and cooks on board. The reason assigned is that the Northern Company assisted the Union Company by taking their fire bars, up to Russell for the Pukaki, and also brought non-Unionisfc labor to town for- the Union Company. The men are perfectly satis fied with their treatment by the Northern Company, and regret having to go out on strike. The crews of the Clansman, Wellington, and Rowena are out, and crews of other vessels join them on arrival m port. The Wellington has shipped a non-Union crew. She brought down from Whangarei thirty non-Unionists for the Union Company. Messrs Ralph Bros., Huntley, have given a guarantee not to supply the Union Company's vessels,- and their miners have come back, and the mine is working again. "Wellington, Septembers,, Messrs Cottrell and Co., carriers, having been advised by their solicitors i that they could not hold the Maritime Council responsible for any damage they might sustain through the calling out of their carters, have deoided to fulfil the • carting contract with the Harbor Board by means of non-Union labor-.' The steamer Jubilee arrived from the South this morning. Her crew, who are Unionists, and several local Union men cliscliargecl her. She left for Sydney m

fche afternoon. There was a little cheering as the vessel left the wharf. Government have chartered the steamer Laurence to proceed to Greymouth for a cargo of coal. (Jhristchurch, September 5. A mooting of employers, attended by about 200, was held this afternoon under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and Industrial Association. Mr Wm. Recce, President of the Chamber of Com merce presided, and the following resolu tion was passed : —" That an Association be formed to secure to its members all the advantages of unanimity of acLion now enjoyed by AtMoeiated Trade Unions, and to provide ?i recognised body having authority to deal with representatives of labor m all matters affecting their common interests, and with a view to the adjust ment of all differences between employer and employed." Mi Acton Adams moved :—"That it be a direction from thisnieetingthattheExecutiveimmediately place themselves m communication with, other Associations of similar character m other centres of New Zealand m order to form a federation of employers of labor for the whole of New Zealand ; that it be a direction from this meeting that the Executive cause an election to be made of representatives to form one half of a Board of Conciliation, which shall form a I final Court of Appeal to determine all questions which employers and employed may be unable to settle themselves." — Carried. A Provisional Executive of 24 members, representing commercial, agri cultural, and industrial interests was appointed. The speeches delivered were, with two or three exceptions, very conciliatory m tone. The City Council's proposal for a con ference on the labor dispute has fallen through, for the present. It was intended to hold it at 4 p.m. to-day, but owing to the employers' meeting representatives of theChamberof Commercecouldnofcattend. The Secretary of the Maritime Council stated m reply, that negotiations were opened m Dunedin, and proposals had been made to hold a general conference m Wellington, but he did not advise the ■ appointment of any delegates. The Belfast Freezing works close on Tuesday next on account of the scarcity of fuel and stoppage of business. One hundred and forty-three non- Unionist laborers were working m porb to-day. Fourteen days notice of cessatio* of work has been given at the Kaiapoi Clothing Factory. The Woollen Mills stop this week. A crowded meeting was held m the theatre under the auspices of the Labor Unions to-night. About 2000 were present, and th raeetingwas very orderly. Mr F. S.; Parker, the President of the Trades and Labor Council, presided. Resolutions were passed approving of the policy ef the Maritime Council, express ing the opinion that the Union Steamship Company should withdraw from the Australian Shipowners' Association m their own and the colonies' interest, deprecating the aggressive policy adopted by capital, condemning the present universal system of competition as being the cause of the difficulty between capital and labor, recommending mutual co operation, and regretting the action of the so-called "free labor." The tone of the speeches was conciliatory to some extent, but most of the speakers con sidered there was a determined attempt on the part of some capitalists to crush labor organisations generally. A collec tion was made for the Unionists out of: work, and £19 6s obtained.

THE SITUATION IN LYTTELTON.

The s.s. Waihora arrived from Welling ton at 11 p.m. on Thursday. Non-union labor worked the steamer, and she took m 60 tons of cargo for the South. The s.s. Mauapouri arrived from Mel bourne, via Southern ports, at nine o'clock yesterday morning. She had 100 tons of cargo to land from Melbourne and Dunedin—ninety tons from the former place and ten from the lafcter. All the cargo was discharged, and the vessel took a small quantity for Wellington. She left the wharf at 7.30 p.m., and anchored m the stream to receive the outgoing San. Francisco mail for Auckland to connect with the mail steamer. She left for Wel lington at eleven o'clock with 128 bags of mails. The cooks and stewards on board the s.s. Waihora gave twenty-four hours* notice yesterday morning to leave the, ship m Dunedin. Shortly after midnight on Thursday the s.s. Colac sailed for Brisbane. Work was commenced on board the New Zealand Shipping Company's Wairoa yesterday morning, non-union men being m the trucks working with the ships crew. The' coaling of the Duke of West minster was finished on Thursday. Non« union labor will be put on this afternoon to finish her frozen meat. All her frozen mutton was put on board by 5 p.m. Nothing has been done to the Wakattt since her arrival, and it is presumed she will be worked with non-union men. The seamen and firemen who are outfon strike from the s.s. Colaft were put on board the s.s. TekapQ yesterday morning. They are passengers by that steamer for Sydney. It is reported that the members of the Railway Executive made a levy yesterday morning on the hands m employment. The Union Steamship Company's offi cers, first and second, late of the Dinga dee, went as. officers m the s.s. Colac for Brisbane, Captain Walter, of the Brunner, has been appointed supervisor m Lyttelton for the Union Steamship Company. At 3.30 p.m. the s.s. Tekapo proceeded to Sydney, via Wellington. The police flag was hoisted just as she was on the point of sailing, and as the police officers were getting ready to go off to her the flag was hauled down. There was no communication with the vessel, and the cause for hoisting the flag was not known. Some 300 tons of cargo was put on board the s.s. Wakatipu yesterday. On board the barque Serica yesterday, 3500 sacks of grain were shipped. This vessel is now nearly loaded. ■ The ketch Reliance loads produce for Greymouth. The seamen on board the ship Northern Monarch refused to work on Thursday the grain passed to them by the non union labor m the trucks. As soon as the first bag was sent down the shoot the sailors came out of the hold, and, putting their coats on, went ashore. Captain Beaumont, who has lately been chief officer of the s.s. Waihora, takes the command of; the s.s. Maori, m Dunedin. The ship Cambrian Monarch took m 1060 sacks of wheat yesterday, and she now has about 5000 sacks on board. The Northe n Monarch took m 960 sacks of wheat, the first of hor outward cargo. To-day she will discharge the rest of her inward cargo of salt, and load more grain. A number of the places, m the railway service rendered vacant by the railway men going out on strike have been filled by others, who have .been engaged as permanent hands, and those who went out have been dismissed. "pUNEDiisr, September 5. The authorities of the Seamen's Union state that they have discovered a man at South Duuedin who has been guilty of a breach of the Seamen's Act by distributing certificates. To test the rumor about it they sent down two men. One of these obtained a Scotch certificate, but the younger man could not get one, as there was none to suit his age. The certificate which was got has been seat to the Col lector of Customs.^

TEfl ASHBUBTON GtTAfcDIAK, SATURDAY, SEPTEMfcM 4 1800.



DEAF FORTY YEARS! The at, scrijtion of a simple remedy, by which a complete cure of de, if ness arM noises m ihe head of Forty Years' Stand ing has just been effected, will be sent FREE tc anyone who applies to 3. H FjCHOf-soif, 17§ William Street, Mcl-



Certainly the Most Effective MEDICINE m the world is ISANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful •ffects m Coughs, Colds, Influenza, etc. ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Read this certificate :—■" 24th April, 1885 — Messrs Sander and Sons, —It is with the greatest of pleasure that I testify to the excellence of your Eucalypti Extract. Having had inflammation of the bone of the leg, which came on after a severe attack of low fever, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd, who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. He found it i>eeessary to amputate my limb. Having heard In the meantime of the wonderful cures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I obtained a bottle, aijd the extract had nofc been applied more than an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved. After applying the extract every four hours for nine or ten days it was out of all danger. I would persuade all who may be effected with any such disease to give the Eucalypti Extract a trial, and I ajn convinced that they will find it the most wonderful »l medicines.--Yours, etc., E. J. Curn'ow, Wattle utoee^, Sand hurst.--(Ad vt.) 5 As the whirl of time has again ushered m the busy spring, and to be prepared to supply the requirements of Nature and of their numerous patrons, Messrs J. Scaly and Co. have completed their selection of seeds, M'hich are of the choicest quality obtainable, iwuj which include clovers, turnips,' limngolds, carroia, rape, perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, elephant sweed, garden, and flower seeds m endless varieties, and ga.vd.en requisites of every description. For jthe c,on,y.ettfpnce of patrons who cannot make itjheir p.m'c^seg during the day the premises | will be open t.o #lu# p.m. oji Saturday even ) P#> OH iW *ftw'%J AGfh' A.upst ? .w-A,DyT.



S J-> Seymour SURGEON DENTIST, 215, Colombo Street (new Buildings near Corner of Gloucester Street.) ESTABLISHED 38«9 SCALE OF CHARGES : Extraction. 2s 6d per tooth ; Fillings, 5s per tooth. A reduction made where a number require attending ARTIFICIAL TEETH The charges for Artificial Teeth are made with a view to strict economy, regulated by such circumstances as cases present, or such materials as v tients prefer. Par ticulars given on pli ation. Consulta tion free. Nitro ') ide Laughing Gas) administered whe .red Attendance .m. to 6 p.m 15 CC2.OMBO CrW/JTC'HUKCH. _ _ &'* I A NDREW r\RR"S JLI.NDREW yJIIR S •IREAT rs 5 ANNUAL SAi,E \ its kau ¥ S rf DRAPERY * H CLOIHING . ( AND 4* JQOTS fl Will Coii.menc«i B Saturday, July Sth ™ The grcateat BARGAINS ever seen m Ashburon. «^ m « SEE HANDBILLS. T . ANDREW Oftß. . SPECIAL_ NOTICE. CALL AND SEE THE GRAND DISPLAY OF BOYS' YOUTHS', AND MEN S CLOTHING MERCERY, HOSIERY, BLANKETS, RUGS, FLANNELS, HATS, AND CAPS, &c. THE largest and best assorted Stock m i the District to select from, which for Value, Variety, and excellence of Manu facture, we stand unrivalled. measure easure Departments NEW TWEEDS ANJJ COATINGS F r tsic approaching Season To Hand. SOLE AGENTS for Wertheim's latest and improved HAND and TBEiDLE SEWING MACHINES. ,NEW ZEAIAND CLOTHING FACTORY W. H WEBBER, Manager. ;



"Wanted. , CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be loft at this Oflku. __ HVTEW lines m Tea Sets, Fancy China, .IN and GlasHware, Photo Albums and Fancy Goods.—H. M. Jones. A GENTLEMAN and Lady having a ___J__ laigor liouso than they require, about 15 minutes walk from Ashburton, •would be glad to meet with a gentleman willing to share same.—Apply by letter " Alpha," Office of this paper. 9 27 STOP That Cough—Flower's Cough Drops are thebest —see that the name is stamped on every 0113. H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. TDRESENTS. -If you want good value I for money go to Melford House. Extra value now being given away m presents. Everything marked cheap. — H. C. Seders. ANTED KNOWN—The Strong- Wear Boot for Men, Women and Children can only be had at W. H. Coujbr's. _____ •ITANTED Known. —Ladies' Hose, W with Silk Toes and Heels, Is 6d pair. Only to be obtained at "The Corner." OOTS, BOOT!^ "Keep"your feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills. I have a splendid Stock m now. Try ay Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothin? Mart. Saunders' Buildings. W" ANTED Known.—For cheap Drapery, Millinery, Boots, 1 Clothing, &c, go to Melford House. Good substantial presents now giving ftWa y._H. C. Segbrs. _____ WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburto Tweeds. —Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. EVERY Customer will receive a handsome present by purchasing their Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, &c, at Melford House. Cheapest House m town for first-clasH Drapery. —H. C. Segers ANTED "known — The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with dcs patch __ Public Notices