The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9,1890. INFORMAL VOTEST

The question of informal votes at an election becemes a serious matter when such a contest as the one for Ash burton takes place, the result leav ing a doubt m many minds that, if all who polled had properly recorded their votes,, the candidate who topped the poll might possibly have had to change places with the next one. The large number of fifty-five informal votes polled m one constituency proves the necessity for more publicity being given to the manner m which votes are made informal. For instance, a voter may, and often does, vote correctly for his chosen candidate, and then spoils his paper by signing his name to it, and goes away thinking he has done his duty properly; others vote for the man of their choice by striking his name out and leaving m the other candidates, names. (This form of vot ing, we are informed, is or was the law m Victoria.) Others again strike out all the candidates, names, while others leave them all m, or only partially delete the name or names. At the Ashburfcon election the time taken up by the votes informally polled amounted to over half an hour of the officials, time, taking an average of the day's voting. This, under the circumstances, was a serious matter, as it virtually caused some twenty or so electors to lose their votes, although they were at the booth, and anxious to vote—m some cases at anyrate—fully half an hour before the time for closing the poll, so that votes which would have counted for candidates were refused, and others polled which were useless to anyone. At Flernington seven per cent of the votes recorded were in formal, and at Ashburton three per cent wore m the same plight, thus clearly showing the necessity for some method by which voters can be edu cated up to a proper degree of efficiency m the mere operation of voting before a general election takes place. The same sort of thing, viz., the spoiling of ballot-papers through ignorance as to this very simple matter, has occurred m many other electorates than ■ this, and may or nmy not have been to the advantage of the candidates elected. Some may perhaps owe their return to it, while others may have had but a bare victory, who but for informal voting would have been placed m a stronger position, because returned by larger majorities. In the Ashburton case it is suggested that some compli cation or misunderstanding arose through the circumstance that m accordance with the usual custom the candidates, names were printed on the ballot-paper 3 surname first, followed by the Christian—or as the Yankees put it the " front "—names, and as one of these latter m.the case of one of the candidates, like the surname of another, was " Wright," it is suggested that some of the electors voted wrong (that is to say contrary to their own in tentions) by striking out the name which had Wright at the end instead of the one that had Wright at the beginning. How far that may have affected the result it is impossible to say, or whether if all the informal votes had been m" order, the winning candidate would not have had a larger majority. But m any case the suggestion made by a contemporary is a good one, that only the surnames of the candidates should be printed on the ballot papers m future— except, we may sa,y, when initials or Christian names are added m the case of identity of surname, m which case the latter should be m different type or letter. Let us hope, now all is over, that the experience of Ashburton of her new member will show that he is the right Wright, and that he will prove himself the right man m the right place. Of his ability and high character no one has the smallest doubt, and that he is m every way capable of serving any con stituency well, his previous career both m and out of Parliament amply proves.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Of every million people m the world 800 are blind, France claims to have twenty-six million aires. A Spanish inventor renders from grass hoppers a fatty substance which is declared to make the fiuest soap yet produced. The population of New England has in creased nearly half a million m the last ten years. The fanning population has de creased. Lieutenant Marks, the Russian cyclist, reached Paris on October sth, baringaccom plished the distance from St Petersburg, 2,030 mile 3, m 30 days. A daylight inspection parade of the Ash burton Rifles will be held this evening at the drill shed at 7 p.m. Every man is particularly requested to attend. We would remind any of 6ur readers who have not yet paid their property-tax for the current year, that the 10 per cent penalty will be inflicted after tomorrow (Wednes day). It is expected that the number of bodies cremated m Milan will soon average one a day, as nearly 2000 bodies have been , cremated there during the last thirteen years. The s.s. Zealandia with the Frisco' Mails (dates to November 15), arrived at Auckland last night, two da^s overdue, owing to poor coals and foul bottom. A summary of her news appears elsewhere. Mr W. C. Walker desires to express his grateful thanks to all friends who voted for hjm on Friday last. 4 s thore is no public declaration pt thp poll he takes this inqans of returning his acknowledgements to his sup porters.

An accident occurred yesterday to a young man, 19 years of age, son of Mr J. Etiierson, of Coldsbream. When riding m from Ealing his horse threw him into a barbed wire fence, and afterwards fell on him, injuring him so much that when a neighbor (Mr Adam Jackson) came to his assistance he ,>vas insensible—in fact, supposed for a time to be dead. He was eventually removed to •his father's house at Coldstream, where he now lies m a precarious condition,

Only one person m a thousand dies of old age. A Christchurch telegram to-day says:— The weather is iiitensly hot; and fears are entertained that if rain docs not fall soon the crops m the country districts will be ruined. There has been very little rain for two years. The Committee of the ■Wakaniii Sports and Races have decided to make the trot an open event instead of being confined to -the Wakariui Road District. Nomination* for all eyents close on Thursday evening at eight o'clock. At the Dunedin Amateur Athleitc Sports, on Saturday, Mr Lane, of Ashburton, with 15 yards handicap, ran into second place for the 440 yards handicap which was com passed m the fast time of 52 seconds. The v k iling at Norfolk Island, after on« of the nio.it successful seasons on record, is drawing to a close. Up to the first Novem ber 27' whales had been captured and landed, making altogether, perhaps a lifctle over 100 tuns, the biggest take the islanders have yet had. The telephone has played an important part m the manoeuvres of the Swedish fleet. There is a telephone post on board each vessel, When lying at anchor they can tele phone to one another by means of insulated conductors, which are run down the anchor chains and submerged. Mr Charles Warner is said to have made £10,000 by his Australian tour j notwith standing that he burnt his fingers over some mining speculations. "The Bulletin" says .that the betting concerning the lesseeship of the Melbourne Theatre Royal .is strong on Mr Warner.

'The following handicaps have been male lor the Rakaia Trot (handicap distance beyond scratch') r-^-Tommy Dodd, scratch ; Mouse, 25 yards behind; YorK, On Strike, and Marigold, 55 yards behind ; Aspasia, 90 yards behind; Polly, 110 yards behind : lolanthe, 450, yards behind. Acceptances "close before Saturday evening next at eight o'clock. '-"■ 1 The annual concert m aid of the treat and prize fund 'of the; Hatnpstead School, has been fixed for the evening of Friday next. For the, past few weeks the teachers have been training those children who are to pon tribute items of the programme. The vocal ! waltz " Fairy Voices " will be performed by the older girls, " William Tell at Altorf " by the boys, and a number of siction songs are to be given by the little ones. The Wellington correspondent of the " Press " says: -Until the full Cabinet can meet and discuss things nothing will, of course, be definitely settled, and the hints I haAre given as to the course likely to be adopted must not. be taken as official, but I have strong reason to expect that eve its will simpers I have suggested, that Parliament will meet m January, and that the Mini sterial resignation Vrill be tendered immedi ately on Parliament assembling. The new Speakership (says the Wellington correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times ") is understood to lie between Messrs Rolleston and Bryce, the former having the preference. But 1 suspect the Government will not will* ingly relinquish the, advantage of the former gentleman's assistance m the House, where it will be badly needed. Mr Hamlin's re election to the chairmanship of committees is expected, but not without a sharp contest with Major Steward, whose name is being mentioned as a candidate. If you strike a thin wineglass, while you hold it by the stem, it will emit, a certain note, m most cases a pretty deep one. On approaching the glass rapidly to your mouth and shouting into it the same note as loudly as possible, the vibrations of the glass being thereby extended, it will be shivered into fragments. This used to be a favourite ex psriment of Lablache, the renowned basso, who when m company with his friends, thus broke one after the other, all the glasses that were handed to him.—L'lllustration. The "Methodist Times " has the following: —"The centenary of John Wesley's death is rapidly approaching. It was at the close of February, 1791, that the founder of our Church completed his apostolic labours and entered into rest. • It is very fitting that such a great occasion should be commemo rated by the millions who are now numbered amongst his spiritual children. The Metho dist movement now numbers nearly thirty millions of adherents ; but even this state ment only faintly represents the mighty in fluence which the Wesleyan revival has had upon Christendom. The Conference was therefore fully justified m deciding to com memorate John Wesley's death by a fitting memorial:"

A very good story come 3 from South Africa, as illustrating the best spirit m which to deal with attempts at suicide. A trooper m the Cape Mounted Rifles once endeavored to blow his brains out with a revolver. He only succeeded, however, 'm fracturing his jaw. After being put to rights m the hospi tal, he was brought up for judgment before his colonel. That intelligent officer re marked that a soldier who could' not shoot himself would certainly never be able to shoot an enemy, and he condemned the prisoner to six weeks' revolver practice. This is an excellent example, for if we niugt treat suicide as a penal offence, the punish ment should at least be made to fit the crime. ■ Hollo-way's Pills.—Weakening weather —The sultry summer days strain the nerves of the feeble and decrepit, and disease may eventuate unless some restorative, such as these purifying Pills, be found to correct the disordering tendency. Holloway's medicine, gives potency to the nervous system, which is the source of all vital movements, and pre- j sides over every action which maintains the growth and well-being of the bpdy. No one can over-estimate the necessity of keeping the nerves well strung, or the ease with which uheae Pills accomplish that end. They are the most unfailing antidotes to indiges tion, irregular circulation, palpitation, sick headache, and costiveness, and have there fore attained the largest sale and highest re putation. ■

THE ELECTIONS.

[run press association J Auckland, December 8. Sir G. M, O'Roike has received numerous telegrams, expressing regret at his defeat. It is stated that one or two candidates who have been elected, have offered to resign m his favor. Dunedin, December 8. The Hons T. Fergus and G. F. Richard son, who are both m town, will leave for Wellington m the morning, to attend a Cabinet meeting, called to consider the result of the elections. Hokitika, December 8. Mr Seddon had a regular triumphal procession from Ross to Kumara. His reception m his [qld districts, Stafford to Goldsborough and Kumara was most enthusiastic. His horse was taken from his buggy and men dragged the vehicle, young ladies presenting bouquets of flowers, and the band escorting the pro cession for about twenty-five miles. The complete returns will not arrive before Thursday night. It \a probable the majority will be 350,

BOROUGH COUNCIL

The usual fortnightly meeting of the' Ashburton Borough Council was held last evening. Present—His Worship the Msyor (Mr David Thomas) presiding ; and Crs Williamson, Brooke, Scaly, Bird, Flower, Cuthbertson, Friedlander, and Paul. FINANCE. The Mayor said the debit balance at the Bank stood at £1528 lfis 4d. The income from all sources received since last meeting amounted to £33 7s. -• : ' ASPHALTING. ■ The Postmaster, Ashburfcon, wrote, promising on behalf of the Department to pay half cost of completing asphalt paving the footpath between the Wills street east corner, and the Cameron street east coiner.—The letter was ordered :to be acknowledged with thanks. No reply had been received from the Department having the Courthouse block under its control. j ' , REMISSION OF RATES. Mrs Lavinia Pass wrote asiring for a remission of the rates on her property on the ground of want of funds. —The Council resolved not to grant the request. NEW BRIGADE MEMBER. . The Secretary of the Fire Brigade wrote, submitting for the Council's approval, the name of Mr John Groves as a member of the Brigade.—The name was approved. engineers' repobt. ,

The Engineers reported as follows :-r- Wate ing Streets. —We applied to the Resident Engineer for permission to place tanks or stund pipes for filling the water cart on the Railway Reserve. He has referred the matter to Wellington, but expressed himself favorable to the request. Other details are m course of preparation, and we propose to begin layuig the pipes at once. Concrete. Channelling. —The lengths of channelling m the streets authorised are now com pleted, and the angles at the street junctions will fee commenced this week. The Labor Gang have been engaged m forming F.'ifcer and Cox streets West, watering streets, cleaning side channels, fencing Plantation Reserve, repairing Traffic Bridge, attending to the water supply, and other maintenance work. The report was adopted. JUBILEE OL.OCK. The Engineer stated, m reply to the Mayor, that the scaffolding at the Jubilee Clock had been kept up until it should be | decided whether or not the proper dis persion of the sound of the bell would require an additional louvre on the eastern side of the tinret«' VALUATOR. The tender of Mr F. Makeig to do tha Borough valuation work for the year at £13 13s was accept •! The other tenderer was Mr W. Home at £14. DOG COLLARS. The only tender for making and re badging dog collars received was' that of Mr J. Heseltine, at 7cl-and 2|d respec tively. The tender was accepted. BAKING SQUARE GRASS. The grass on Baring Square ' was sold for hay-making for a sum of 7s 6d. RESERVES. The tender of Mr H. M. Jones for re serves 1232-33 at £3 per- annum was ac cepted. Mr Peter Gourdie applied for the re serve he occupied at 15s per annum. Mr Gourdio was informed thah not less than £1 per auiiuni could be taken. BY LAWS. 1 In reply to the letter received last meeting from several carriers m regard to the carrier-.' I>y-law, it was decided to say that the n^w by-laws would be m force shortly. • LICV.NSES. A petroleum license was granted to Mr James McGregor. ACCOUNTS, '" ;: ■■' ■ ■ ' ■' Accounts to the amount of £90 were passed for paj rment, and the Council ad ijourned.

DOMAIN BOARD.

The Council sat as a Domain Board— the same members present. The Engi neer reported that the track had been attend to, and several minor works had x «ien carried out. Permission was granted to the. Engineer to burn off, under proper arrangemtnts and care, a piece of smutly grass to reduce the danger from fire.

The matter of stray dogs m the Domain was remitted to the Solicitor'for the in troduction of a clause m tho Donain By- Law dealing with the matter. The Board then adjourned.

The Mayoralty.

At the close of the business of the Domain Board last night, Cr Hugo Friedlander asked the Mayor to re-con stitute the meeting of Borough Conncil to allow a motion to be proposed. This having been done,

Cr Williamson said a pleasant duty had fallen to him as an old member of the Council. He would have been better El eased had it been placed m abler ands, as the object of the motion he was asked to propose was deserving m the highest degr«e. Ib was the last evening they would have the pleasure of sitting under the presidency of the Mayor, and it would be ungracious indeed if he were to leave that chair at the end of a two years' term without having a special and a specially hearty vote of thanks passed to him by the Council. In the chair the Mayor had been kindly .and tolerant to a degree to the Councillors around the table. Sometimes he (the Speaker) thought he was even too kindly m his treatment of the Councillors, and allowed a little heat to arise occasionally but after the heat had coolled down there were no bad effects left. His term of office had certainly been .an improvement on some that had gone before. He had great pleasure m testifying to the impartial manner m which he had discharged the duties of the chair, and moved that the hearty thanks of the Council be tendered to the Mayor, Cr Friedlander seconded the motion and. cordially supported it, endorsing all that Cr Williamson had said m regard to His Worship. The annual meeting was not far off now, and although he could, say much more m support of the motion now than he meant to do, he preferred to defer his remarks until then, and content himself at' present with seconding the' potion.

Cr Bird m a few words paid a compli ment to the Mayor. Cr Cuthbertson testified to the Mayor's interest m the Borough's work both inside and outside the Council. Cr Brooke had felt it a pleasure to sit under the presidency of Mr Thomas. Cr Flower was a young Councillor but the Mayor's kindly manner had made him look forward to the Council's meetings as a source of en joyment. Cr Scaly had been but a short time m the Council, but his experience during that time enabled him to endorse all that had beon said. Cr Paul trusted the Mayor was not to belosltothe Council, but that he would be returned to the vacanoy caused by Ma Friedlander's elevation. The motion was carred by acclamation. The Mayor, m returning thanks said he had endeavored to make the seat an easy one, both for himself and his colleagues on the Council, If he had allowed much latitude to them, they had allowed much to him, so that it was easy to strike the happy medium. He tendered them his thank ifor the motion passed, and the kindly words accompanying it; but desi-^ say that it was not his inten tion at present to seek election to the Council. He had a good deal to do just at present, and there were many demands upon his time j but later on when,}^'

hands would perhaps be more. free than' now, he would, perhaps, seek again the suffrages of the ratepayers. Meanwhile, he trusted to see the Crs all present at the installation of the Mayor elect on Wednes day week. (Applause.) The Council then adjourned.

Stanley's Charges.

.HORRIBLE REVELATIONS. ' THE CANNIBALISM INCIDENT. [Per San Francisco Mail, at Auckland.] London, November 14. The "Times" of, November 14th, m connection with the Stanley B.irfctelofc m-vtter, publishes the full text of AsEar Farrnr's ■■.affidavit* He describes how Barttelot, after Stanley left Jambuy;i, finding, food scarce employed armed Soudanese, to attack the neighboring vil lages, but found them desorted. He then had recourse to capturing native women, and demanding food for their ransom. Bonny did the same. Assar relates how Bartielot daily ordered men to be given from 25 to 100 lashes for various offences Ho speaks of numerous cases of stealing food, the thieves being punished with 100 or more lashes, until their flesh was torn. In one case Barttelot ordered the punish ment to be stopped, bu. v when the victim recovered Somewhat he was given 150 more lashes, and then was compelled to walk ten hours m the aun daily, heavily chained. This continued for two months, when the victims's sores became m a hor rible! condition. Barttelot relieved , hijn for a week, and Bonny gave him medicine, after which the punishment of marching mth c sun was resumed. The man finally decamped, but was re-captured and shot. Assar says the officers had plenty of food, but the men were starving and dying daily. The camp became a miserable sight, yet none of the officers appeared to care. Assar refers particularly to Ward and Troup, saying they seemed content, hav ing everything they wanted and were disin clined to march. Referring to-the Jameson incident, Assar says Jameson expressed to Tippoo Tib his curiosity to witness cannibalism. Tippoo Tib told Jameson he had better purchase a slave. Jameson then paid six handkerchiefs for a ten year old girl.. The.girl was then, taken to the cannibals, the chief telling them she was a present from the white man, who wanted to see her eaten. The girl was tied to a tree, then one of; the Natives stabbed her, and she was:soon dead. Then the Natives cut her up ; some took legs and arms, and others portions to their huts, while others took the entrails to the river and washed them. Jamegon m the meantime was making rough sketches of the horrible scene. Then he went to the camp, where he finished the sketches, m water colors. Assar further says Jameson was proud of his cannibal sketches, and showed them to all the officers. Bonny also makes a further statement to the effect that the cannibal incident was the cause of the death of both Jameson and Bartellot. Assar told the Congo Srate authorities and ' sent his affidavit to Europe. Barttelot, learn ing this, became terribly excited for fear lie would be blamed, and Bonny ascribed the violence which led to Bart telot's death to this cause. Bonny believes Barttelot was besoming insane through privation and that the cannibal incident was the last straw, and that he can hardly be held responsible for his actions thereafter. Jameson also became uneasy, and hurried to the coast to try to stop the report, and Bonny excuses Jameson on the ground of his being an enthusiastic noturalist, and says he failed to realise his act. Bonny relates an inci dent of Jameson's securing the head of a negro who had been shot by an Arab. It was salted and sent to London, where it was stuffed. It was afterwards m the possession of Mrs Jameson.

"According.to the " Gttzette " Dr Sch weinfurth heard Jameson's story from Assar m person, and is convinced of its truth. In an interview Mrs .Jameson de nounced as a baseless fabrication the story that her late husband purchased a native girl and turned her over to the cannibals to be killed and eaten. She says the sketches were only incidents coming under his own observation as a traveller.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

[per press association.]

London, December 8. Mr, Parnell retains the control of the Parliamentary fund, which amounts to £20,000, and proceeds to Ireland to reorganise the National party. Those who seceded from Mr Parnell propose to establish a daily paper m Ireland, and continue the payment of members of the Irish Parliamentary party. Messrs O'Brien and Dillon approve i of Mr Justin McCarthy's appointment to the Leadership, and urge that the unity of the party should be restored. It is reported they intend returning to England. " The Times," referring to Saturday's meeting of the Irish party states that the dissension and violence exhibited have fully justified the more sinister predictions regarding an Irish Legis lature. , The " Press considers that as the Irish party has ceased to 'represent a majority of the peoplej the conflict will now be removed to Ireland. The seceders from Parnell number 45, and his adherents 26. Parnell is preparing to stump Ire land.

THE RESULT OF THE ELECTIONS.

Many persons are apt hastily to con elude that now that the elections are over the question of the relative posi tion of Parties m the new House oaa be at once ascertained without any shadow of doubtj or any room for differ ence of opinion. Indeed, such persons assume that the process of dividing the Ministerialists from the Opposi tionists is as easy as drafting out the sheep from the goats, or counting the relative numbers of black marbles, and white marbles m a ballot-box. But this is very far from being the case, as there are a few of the elected candi dates who have not clearly pledged themselves either to one side or the other, though'tas regards same of these who were members, of previous Parlia ments, their past conduct and utter , ancea afibrd some guide as to their probable action m the future. Under these circumstances it naturally follows that Ministerial papers will count as probable adherents to their own side as many as there is any possible chance, of obtaining by hook or bj evopk, while also Oppositionist papers will just as naturally be inclined to give their. Party the benefit of the doubt. Estimates therefore differ somewhat widely. The Christchurch "Press/ for example, by an adroit division of the Opposition into two separate parties, respectively classed as " Oppo sition" and .^Opposition Labor" counts the Opposition proper, as 15 only, with" 20 belonging to the Labor section, 5 Independents and 4 $)ou.bMuX ita,

reckoning the Ministerialists at 29, it makes the Government party to be the strongest of the five sections—the in ference of course being that being twice as strong.as the Opposition proper it has the best chance of winning over the Doubtf uls if not also the In depsndents. On the other hand the " Lyttelton Timers" gives the num ber of Ministerialists—that is to say members who will support the present Government—as 26, of Oppositionists— that is to say members who will vote ••jgainst the present Government—as 42, and of Doubtf uls asS^.thus show ing that even if all the Doubtf uls vote with Ministers the Opposition would still have a majority of 11', without a probable additional vote so soon as the Northern Maori seat, vacant by the death of Sydney Taiwhanga, is filled. As our readers will doubtless like to know what opinion we have formed upon the subject ourselves, we will proceed to classify the new House as nearly as we are- able to do, premising that the slight discrepancy between clip estimate which follows and that given m an article which appears m another place is due to the former being founded, upon the latest infor mation up to the time of writing. j This then is the manner m which we classify the members :— r | MINISTERIAL. Auckland — Hon J. Bryce, Hon E. Mitchelsonj P; Lawry*, E. Ham lin, D. Goldie*, W. F. Buekland* 6 TARANAKi—SirH. Atkinson . ... 1 Hawke's Bay—Hon Captain Russell, G. "■' ■ —W.-Swatt^sJ •-:;. ... . ... 2 ■ Wellington— Dr Newman, J. Duthie*, W. C. Bueh&'Jan, J. G. Wilson, ' D. H. Macarfchur ... ... 5 Nelson—J. G. Harkness-|-j* ■*; ... 1 Canterbury—R. Meredith] It. Moore, Hon, W. Rolieaton, Sir J- Hall, E. «, Wright, A: '£ Rhodes ... 6 Otako—M. J. S. Mackenzie, t J. Mills, J. W. Thomson, li Mackenzie, Hon G. F. Richardson, Hon T. .-'•'■■: ■' Fergus,; H; «.* Vttlei&tee ■ . ... 7 Maori Electorates —J. Carroll, H. Taipua .. ;; •;-.;. ■? ,2 30 •« OPPOSITION. Auckland—R Houston, J. M. Shera, W. L. Reea, A. J. C-ulmon, W. - Kelly, J. Palmer' ... ... 6 Taranaki—R. M. Smith. G* Hutchison 2 Hawke's Bay—W. C. Smith ... ... 1 Wellington—G. 'Fisher, T. **K. Mac donald, A. W.,' Hogg, Hon J. Ballanoe ' ...-' ' ' ... ... 4 Maklboroinjh—C. H. Mills, T. L. Buick 2 \Yestlani>--J. Drake,, R. J. Seddon, A. R. Guinness...' ... ... 3 Canterbury—E. Blake, W. P. Reeves, W. B. Perceval, R. M. Taylor, W. W. Tanner, J. Joyce, W. ■ Hall-Jones, W. J. Steward ... 8 Otauo—J. M'Kenzie, T. Y. Dim«an, W. Eirnshaw, I). Piiikeirtop, H. S. Fish, \V. Hutchinon, W. Diwaon", W. . Canicross, J. Mackintosh, J. Kelly, J. G. Ward 11 Maori Electorates—T. Parata" ... 1 38 DOUBTFUL. Auckland —R. . ■ Thompson, T, Thompson; W. S. Allen ... 3 Westla ri>—E. J. O'Conor "... l' Canterbury—A. Saundera ... 1 5 Vacant Seat—(Northern Maori) ... 1 74 The four members who are classified above under tlib heading "Minis terial," and whose names are marked with an asterisk, we dp not regard as by any means certain supporters either of the present Atkinson Ministry, or of any Ministry formed from;that side of the House, but giving them all to the Government, the Opposition is m a clear majority of 3 at least, as from the 5 Doubtf uls and 1 vacant seat the Government are not likely to get more ' than 3 at the outside.

The Result of the Elections.

Following are the conclusions of a num ber of our contemporaries as to'the result of the elections.

"Southland Times":—lt is evident from the results of the elections, as shown m another column, that those who would support the policy, of the present Government are m a minority. Even counting m the doubtfuls, independent*, and Maori members, it doesjiot appear that they will muster Half bltKiß'House. " North Otago .Times " :^lt is not afc all unlikely,. that the indepettdent and doubtful members returned will' join the stronger party, as has previously been the case, and if so the Opposition will have » majority cf thirteen. There can, there fore be no doubt whatever that th<j Ministry has sustained a defeat, and will have to resign.' "Dunedin Star " :—The. result of the •lections is, we believe,' decisive as against the Government, and it only re mains to bow the head to the popular will as expressed at the polls, and, as cheer fully as may be, accept the inevitable. It is no use attempting to evade the truth, nor can it serve any purpose to set forth the usual category of " ifs " or to detract from the completeness of the verdict m respect to political issues. The rout is effective all along the line; Ministers must needs so accept it and take, m the manner which may suggest itself as mosb conve nient, the constitutional "course under the? circumstances.

"Otago Daily Times" :—The ej«e*k»n* hare shown that fche Atkinson CScvern ment no longer possess the confidence o£ the country. From an Wtysis of tbe> relative strength of parties, in' the u»w House it would seem thaj; they are iwetty evenly divided, but the balance is dis tinctly against Ministers, .and we hare no doubt they will recognise this, frankly. In their present position ib would not be right that they should continue 'to hold office till the beginning of April, and probably they will see the desirability of calling Parliament together", early m January, and submitting their resignation to the Governor. Mr Ballance, the recognised leader of the Opposition, will necessarily be sent for, and called upon to form an Administration out -of the two» elements m the ranks of his party.

The Hutt Tragedy.

[pEtt PRESS ASSOCIATION] Wellington, December 8. The Supreme Court was occupied all day hearing the charge of manslaughter preferred against the Chinese, S»ra Koy and Tom Hung, m connection with tho Hut^ tragedy *fc Gully prosecuted on behalf.ofbh.e Grown* Sir R. Stowt, with him %-ltoates, conducted tho defence. Isa jm*wv facts were elicited. No evidence' was called for the defence, and Sir R. Stoutin addressing the jfcry, contended that the evidence of. the youths did no agree, and also tbafc. thero w »s * fourth Wnnaman concerned'for whom the police had mad,e,. no search. The identification, oi title prisoners,' he held, \v»& »wt coin , I^ete, and ifc was proved that only one* committed the stab tfhifih caused death. The jury must ogree that- tbo swisoners; had by- coiw>V»i design agreed to kill • Sfaith^i or they must be cerfeain of which I prisoner caused the wound before they 1 could return a verdict of guilty. The; jury retired at (i.15 p.m. and had no(j re.tu.rjwi at 8 p.ni,

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1890.



SANDER AND SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.—In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following: Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says m an editorial published m the "Clinical Record":—"We have examined^ half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only- One that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called " Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effect* That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical - Society of. Victoria, that a dhild living at Fitzroy became most seriqusly indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard rhe high reputation of our manufacture we eel warranted m expo ing the above facts, and desires the public to exercise care and precaution when buying, SANDER and SON 4 (Advt,) 1



MuJMliiYjlTljElSrix "l/TONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of JBIOO TOJBSOOO For further particulars apply to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, = Christchurch.



FOR. Men's Colonial TWEED SUITS, Boys' and Youths' Colonist 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 fit guaranteed. Large Selection of Boys' Knicker Suits. Ties, Shirts, Collars, Braces, &G, ? m Latest Fashion t»nd Style, Bust Value- jpoh, Cash m Di.stj.ijct H E TV Z E A I AND CLOTHING FACTORY A<nmb for the Wonderful Wertheim Machines W, H WEBBER J^iWa^er,



Spring and Summer, 1890. TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY



TDEBBLE, Pantascopic, and Crystal _L fepectacles. Sights tested free. Several good second-hand Rothkuam and Other English LEVERS very cheap and and guaranteed. A SPECIALTY.— Robheram's English Levers EXPRESSLY made to OUR OWN ORDER. The best and most reliable timekeeper m the world. Every descrip tion of Gold and Silver Jewellery made up or neatly repaired. I. SALEK AND CO, 12t32 Next Bank New Zealand.



Coal. T* HAVE JUST RECEIVED INTO J STOCK A SMALL LOT OF VERT SUPERIOR NEWCASTLE COAL Which I can sell at considerably re duced rates. WESTPORT COAL new coming to haxid. On Hand. MtFOMERS KAITANGATA, and SHAG POINT COAL. John G. Bestell, 12 28 I. Salek and Co. (Next Bank New Zealand) WATOHMAKKES AND JEWELLERS- Lowest Christchukch Prices as usual. 5S WATCHES CLEANED and pTS guaranteed 12 months. «J



Public Notices. | WO )L SHIP FOR LONDON j|3SL mHE MAGNIFICENT "CARBET CASTLE," 1585 Tons Register, 103 Al, Will be despatched from Lyttelton for LONDON DIRECT, about the middle cf December. Cargo carried at lowest current rates. Early application for space is neces sary. For'further . particulars as to rate of fretailt, .etc., apply to • ■ 11 13 FRfEDLANDER. BROS.



WANTED every man m the County bo have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert , Alcokn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saurider's Buildings. "ORESENTS.—We are now giving _L presents to every purchaser of Drapery, Clothing, Boots, and cheapest house m town. —H. C. Segers, : Melford House. . » V /' ANTED Known — The Cheapest 'V Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Aahburton, is at W. F. 'Hannaforp's, Bmnett Street. A argo si ock keob on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch.



. WANTED' CASH Advertisements under this i heading not exceedhi SIXTEEN I WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be 1 left at this Office WANTED]* good General Servant. Apply Mrs Segjbrs. /Christmas numbers of Grapiluj \_J London News, and Sporting aid Dramatic, now to hand. Boys' and Girls' Annuals, Harper's It oung People, Chatter Box, Sunday and other serials.—ll. M. f Jones. ANTED KNOWN that the Hamf stead School Concert takes place on_Friday at Oddfellows' Hall. t 12 54 VVT NTED Known—Cake and Apron W Fair for Wesley*.. Building Fniid. Old Town Hall. Friday and Saturday, De-combe i 19 and 20. 12 ---"VT7 -V NT E D Re-engagomeiit by VV Shearers' Cook. Veil known man Apply Office this paper. 12139 A MERICAN Ice Cream ! American -jLJL. Ice Cream daily at H. G. Flower's, Confectioner. Ice kept m stock. ' . \ ," j* NTED Known -Ladies Stocking ■v with Silk Toes and Heely m bkek and colors. Is 6d per pair.—W. H. Collier. ANTED Known.- For Dress Stuits,, ; Prints, <fee, Trimmings, to match, go to Melford House. Best value m town. Christmas presents now giving away.—H. C. Segers. OOTS~ BOOT^. "Keep you; feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Building's. \ A/ ANTED Known—The "Strong. V*• wear " Boot is the best for Men, adies and Children.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known.—For Sheetings' Tablings, Calicoes, Quilts, Towels, Table Napkins, Tray Cloths, D'Oyleys, &c, goto Mcl ford House. Presents to every purchaser.-r-H. C Seoers.



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 fina 3. The races are open to any horse, com monly evident m the district from the Ist October, 1890, 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 south by the Opihi River, 5. Five per cent, will be deducted from the gross of all moneys payable m accord ance with this programme) for the expenses of the course. ( 6. All nomination and acceptance fees to co to the funds of the Club NOMINATIONS Nominations for Hurdle, Tinwald Cup, Trot, Welter, and Flying Handicaps, accom panied by fee, name, age, description, and i performances of horse, and colours of rider, mijst \w m writing and m the hands of the Secretary at Scott's Hotel, Tinwald, not later than 9 on SATURDAY, December the 13th, 1890 WEIGHTS. Weight m ill be declared on or about Decwber 27 th ACCEPTANCES. AcceptaHoes fop Handicaps, and Nomura ions tor Maiden Plate and Noyel Race must be m the bands of the Secretary, at Scott'# Hotel, Tinwald, not later tha» 9 p.m. ©n MONDAY J>ce*nber ?9th, 1890 i / J5 J. BOOKS \ ■'■ #oo Sic '



Till All) RACING f lllli ANNUAL MEETING. TO BE HELD on the RACECOURSE, TINWALD, on Thursday, January!; 1891. President•—Dr Tweed. Vice-Presidents— Messrs D. McLean, and C. M. Strachey. JtTDfiE—Mr M. Stiff-. Stewards-—Messrs J. Begg, G. James, M. Scott, D. Thomas, M. Slitt, C. M. Strachey, H. H. Wright, E. Gates, and Dr Tweed. Clkbk of the Course —Mr B. Hanks. Clerk of the  Scales—Mr A. J. Kelly Starter—Mr I). Thomas. 1 Treasurer —Mr M. Scott. Haxdicafi>er—Mr J. Cresswell. First Race to Start at 12.30 p.m. PBO««A M M X : (Approved by the Committee of the Canter bury Jockey Club.) 1.— Handicap Hurdle Race, of 20 soys; nomination, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 3 soya 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, I 15s. The second horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. Weight for age. One mile. 3.— Tinwald Cur Handicap, of 45 soys: nomination, 1 soy: acceptance, 1 soy. The second horse to receive 5 soya and the third horse to receive 2 soys out of the stake. One mile and a half. 4. —Tinwald Handicap Time Trot, of 25 soys; nomination, 10s ; acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. Weyjht not less than lOst. About three miles! 5. —Welter HaNDiCAr, of 25 soys ; nomina tion, 10a ; 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 —Flying Handicap, of 25 soys; nomina- ! tion, 10s : acceptance, 10s. The second horse to receive 5 soys out of the stake. The winner of Tinwald Cup or Welter \ Handicap to carry 71b penalty In the event of a horse winning both the fore going events 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, 103. For horses that have never won public money. Catch weights. Hulf a mile.



IVow Showing*— A FASHIONABLE LOT ' V OF Spring & Summer Goods. THE LATEST FASHION, REASONABLE PRICES, GOOD FIT, and WORKMANSHIP, ought to ensure a ready sale for these Goods. Conic Early mill iivoiri TJie Rtihli at Xmas. Our Customers may depend upon our promise that their orders -will be finished up to time. H. & E. URAIGHEAD, TANCRED STREET ASHBURTOX



JAMES BAKER, TIMBER MERCHANT, HAVELOCK STREET Opposite Harrison a Auction Mart, TXAS 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 Agent m Ashburton for Clcgg s Perambulators.



FOR SALE. TWELVE MCCORMICK WIRE I BINDERS. All m perfect work ing order. I CHEAP 10*144 FRIEDLANDER BROS. SH4G POINT COAL. rpHIS superior Coal, for household andl JL steam purposes, can now be obtained from Messrs J. G. Rkstelt., W. H. Colunh & Co., and R. S. Bban m any quantity. Special quotations for truck ends. This Coal is perfectly s,af« m using, leaving j;o live ashes or soot, and is very cleanly and economical for 'household purposes, having great heat and lastine power W. H. WILLIAMS, 10$J 8 Manager Shag Potnl Mine.



FIRST DISPLAY OF Spring Goods, andrew; arr Andrew IJrr I Snow showing a Beautiful Selection of MILLINERY, MANTLES, PRINTS, GINGHAMS, NEW DRESS GOODS BEIGE'S FRENCH CHECKS, RIBBONS, FLOWERS, ETC. 2 CASES of Ladies French BOOTS and SHOES Direct om France. ANDREW ORR.



W. ZANDER, FISHING TACKLE AND TOBACCONIST'S DEPOT, Premikb. Lames' and Gents' Hairdressino Establish m ent, EAST STREET. I*HE Fishing Season being now m full swing, I beg to call the attention ot nil anglers to my Large Stock of nil requisites for the sport. Every class of Rods, Baits, Flies, Minnows, Lines, Hooks, &c, «fee, m stock at lowest rates. My Tobacconist's Stock is replete with all the leading Brands m Tobaccos, Cigars, &c. Also, high class Pipes and Fancy Goods of every description. Tennis and Cricketing Materials m great- variety for the coming season. Having made a change m my Hair rlressing Saloon, I beg to announce that I have engaged a.First-class Artist from one of the best Establishments m Dunedin. He has had 27 years' experience at Home and m the colony. The Saloon is renovated, and now has Two Chairs. Ornamental Hair Work of every descrip tion, as Wigs, Plaits, Coils, Bracelets. Watch Guards, &c, made up on the premises at «horfc notice. Haircutting, Shaving, or Shampooing only 6d



IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE. KAIAPOI HOTTSE AG\IN TO THE FRONT. MITCHELL Q_ rp URNER ITCEBLL 06 1. URNER DESIRE to inform their numerous Customers rind the public m general, that after careful and mature consideration they have decided to have m future the WHOLE OF THEIR CLOTHING CUT, MADE AND FINISHED ON THE EXACT LINES OF TAILOR MADK GOODS, As tliis will involve 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. MITCHELT O_ rnURNEX3 itchelJLj 0C JlurneXl KAIAPOI HOUSE.



WOOL. WOOL fTTHE UNDERSIGNED IS PRE .I PARED TO MAKE LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES On the Coming Season s 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 Holt* REGULAR SALES BURIN G THE SEASON, having arranged with the New Zealakd Loan and Mercantile Aoknay Company, Limited, to act as my Financial Agents and Auctioneers. Ev«ry care and attention will be used m displaying, properly lotting, classi fying, and valuing the W 01. Account Sales will "foe rendered by tiae New Jjeakmd Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, with their tsual promptitude. WOOLPACKS, TWINE, etc., At Lowest Current Rates, John Gr. Fes tell WOOL STORES WEST STREET, ASHBUPIC3f .