MARRIAGE.

Jeffs—Ford. —At Maungaturato, on July sth, by the Rev. Mr Davidson. William, second son of Mr E. Jeffs, of Ashburton, to Nellie, eldest daughter of Mr E. Ford, late of Clitheroe, Lancashire, England.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna et Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 1890. STATE RETRENCHMENT.

The wholesale manner m which the Government Estimates are being cut down speaks eloquently on behalf of the spirit of economy which animates members of the House. The retrench ment that is being effected also dis plays, not only the powerlessness of Ministers to carry their Estimates, but their utter incapacity to effect savings m the public service by means of judicious pruning. Ministers, while professing to be willing to reduce I public expenditure by .£50,000, are fighting tooth and nail to prevent this being done. The House, however, is effecting retrenchment m spite of the Government, and the thanks of the country are due to the Opposition for setting to work earnestly m this direc tion. The Skinflints, for a time, worked with the Opposition m the effort to cut down superfluous expen diture, but several of their number found that the Opposition were too thoroughly m earnest m the matter, and that their motto was to cut down large and not small salaries. When six of the Skinflints had their eyes opened to this fact, they immediately entered into a compromise with Govern ment, and returned to their allegiance. The consequence of this reconciliation, at a critical juncture, is that a num ber of extravagant items being allowed to pass, because the persons affected are friends of the Skinflints or the Ministry. The Agent-General's department may be taken as a case m point. Had the Skinflints been m earnest m the matter of retrenchment the sum of .£5230 (the cost of this department) could have been reduced by at least one-half, instead of by a paltry £500, and other equally glaring extravagances could have been pruned down. One member on the Govern ment side of the House urged that if the Agent-General's salary of £1250 per annum and the Consulting Engi neer's salary of £800 were reduced the finger of scorn would be pointed at the colony m diplomatic circles m Eng land. This argument seems to have been a clincher, as the items were passed as submitted, excepting £500 to be docked off the rank and file. The Agent-General and the Consulting Engineer Avill therefore continue to keep up appearances abroad, while taxpayers pinch and scrape to provide the wherewithal .it home. The colony mny, with impunity, reduce the salary of the Governor, but it would be little short of sacrilege to lay hands on the emoluments of an Agent-General v.iiose principal function appears to be to make after-dinner speeches at a ban quet. In the case of the Governor, if we mistake not, when the emoluments were reduced, the diplomatists at Home, who, it is said, would sneer at the colony for reducing the Agent- General's department, sent us a G-over- j nor with a higher social and political status than any of his predecessors, and it is probable these same common-sense individuals would applaud instead of condemning the colony for cutting its garment according to the cloth. But whether they would or would not ap prove of retrenchment m any particular direction, does not really matter. It is the colony that has to find the money to pay with, and colonists are the best judges of what they can afford. But this much can be learned from Avh.at lias taken place m Committee of Supply, and that is that further re trenchment of a wholesale character is now almost impossible, owing to the insincerity of professed economists, who are prepared to sacrifice the finances of the country rather than vote against their party.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Next year the New Zealand census will be taken.

Queensland has imported an expert to teach the farmers how to make bacon.

The present Parliament expires by ef fluxion of time on the sth October next.

It is reported that wholesale adulteration of food has been taking place m Brisbane. It is said Sir Harry Atkinson's health shows no improvment.

The Parliamentary buildings at Melbourne are to be completed, at a cost of £90,000,

Upwards of 10,000 German families of the colonial agriculturist class have during the last two years emigrated from Southern Russia to America.

A girl named Cecilia Hackett, 18 years of age, daughter of a resident of Copmiuihurat, New South Wales, was burnt to death while attending to a fire m the open air.

The " Fielding Star " says :—The hard ships from taxation on settlers are heavy. One young farmer we know of had to pay 3iis last -week to register four dogs.

A fine collection of Maori weapons and other curios has been presented to the Auck land Art Gallery by Sir George Grey.

Persons m the Auckland district who are m indigent circumstances, and who are m receipt of charitable aid, form a list whose names occupy nineteen pages of foolscap.

General Booth is endeavoring to raise £. r)0,000 to establish two "Home Colonies," where the wastrels of modern civilisation will have an opportunity to earn their own broad. The intention is that the colonies, when formed, shall be self-supporting.

The " Age "of the 17th hist, says :—" The draughts match between Mr James Wyllie, the champion of the world, and Mr R. Mar was concluded last night, when the Queens land champion proved the winner. Out of 20 games played Mr Mar won live and Mr Wyllie three, and 12 were drawn. Mr Wyllie has asked Mr Mar to play another match, which will probably take place m about thcee weeks. Mr Mar was a dis tinguished player m Scotland as a young man, and was all but able to hold his own with Mr Martins, Mr Wyllie's famous old antagonist.

Wednesday's " Rangitikei Advocate" says :—" That there «ho»}d be a reaction m the price of cattle, as indicated at the San don sale on Tuesday, isi not a matter for wonder, when we consider how generally the doctrine of Malthus has been applied to them of late years, as well as wholesale in fanticide. Nearly all the dairyists m this part of the countiy havya killed more than two-thirds of the calves at birth and given fchein to the piga, for the reason, as one told us, that a pig at three months old was worth moro than a calf at eighteen months, Surely this keeping down the numbers, coupled with increased facilities for freezing beef, should have the effect of bringing cattle to their proper valu§,"

The Rink will be open tomorrow night as usual.

The amount) of primage dirty collected at the several ports of New Zealand during the quarter ended June 30, was £10,771.

Up to date, since the passing of Mr. James Brown's motion to pay a half-penny per head for small birds, the County Council have paid for 2314 birds.

Teacher : " What part of speech is ' but' V Pupil; " ' But' is a conjunction." Teacher: " Correct. Now give me an example of its use." Pupil: "See the goat but the boy. ' But' connects the goat and the boy."

The Winchmore School Committee will be glad to hear that a site has been granted for a school building m their district. The County Council at its nionthty meeting, granted the Education Board's request for a portion of reserve 1401 for the purpose of a school building. •

The County Council have resolved to fill up the vacancy m the Mount Hutt Riding, caused by Mr Jackson's Beat having lapsed through non-attendance. The election will take place before next meeting.

The planking m the North Ashburton and Taylor's Stream bridges having become faulty, tenders are to be advertised for by the County Council for enough timber to •do the needful work of renewal.

A writer,in the National Beview warns colonists who are relying upon stoats to ex tirpate the rabbits to beware leßt they have exchanged a bad pest for a worse. He states that a pair of stoats will breed four times a year, with twelve young ones at a litter—a rate of increase which may be productive of great danger m the course of a few years.

A farmer from the JOld Country, who recently started m Canterbury, has con ceived a new plan of fattening merino wethers which are too wild to remain quiet m small mobs, namely, by hobbling a fore and hind leg, and turning them adrift m a paddock. If this should succeed it will be a fact well worth knowing.

It is understood that the captain of the Kate Tatham, now at Lyttelton, intends to load his vessel by his crew, and .that the permanent railway hands are to be prohibited by the tmion from assisting, and the wharf labourers threaten to strike if the vessel is loaded by her crew and non-union men.

The official examination, at Brisbane, of Earnest Bayliss, insolvent, formerly agent for the Australian Temperance and General Mutual Life Association at Rockhampton and Brisbane, discloses a long record of systematic misrepresentations ifor the pur pose of obtaining cash advances. He ad mitted m evidence that he misappropriated a promissory note for £110 on the representa tion that he would inherit £10,000 next year. He admitted that he had been twice m gaol m Melbourne.

At the County Council meeting to-day Mr Brown moved the motion of which he had given notice to considerably amend the regu lations for traffic over the Ashburton traffic Bridge. The amendment would have had the effect of very largely abrogating the regulations m regard fci traction engines, and allowing them to cross at any hour. Mr Brown urged that it was better that a buggy should be detained for a quarter of an hour than that a traction engine and ten men should be detained for two or more hours, and kept wholly idle. The motion, however, lapsed for want of a seconder.

An Australian contemporary writes:— " The cultivation of ramie for fibre purpose, which, it is said, is destined to take the place of flax to a large extent, is at present receiving considerable attention m various countries, and particularly m Frauce and the United States. The secretary for agri culture (Mr D. Martin) has received a few plants of the ramie, which will be made available for distribution for experimental purposes on application to him. Some time ago the French Government gave a large premium for an improvement m the machi nery for the treatment of ramie, bat there is still room for improvement m that direction, and the Government of the United States is giving a 1 good deal of attention to the matter."

It is asserted by those who are intimately acquainted with the peculiarities of the Native race, that they can <lio when they like,' n,nil we have heard'of instances which confirm the assertion. A few days ago, at Turakina a .similar circumstance occurred. An old Maori, one of the ancient identities of the place staying with a Native named Watson, said to one of his friends, "I am going to die to-night." " All right," remarked the other Maori, (> I'll lend you a blanket!" Nothing appcarently ailed the old man. He was rolled np m the blanket, and m the morning was found to be dead, m accordance with his an nouncement the previous night.

Panitza, the central figure m the Bulgarian conspiracy to dethrone Ferdinand, came to grief through having had a few glasses to much at dinner. Tottering home m a quarrelsome humor, he fell m with a brother officer to whom he owed a grudge. The two officers had high words, and Panitza said " AViUt till to-morrow, and I'll show you what I can do !" The words struck the officer, who followed Panitza and saw him enter a low tavern where a number of officers flocked, with the collai-8 of their overcoats up. There waa a ball at the palace that night. The officer went m, reported to the War Minister what he had seen, and the result was that Panitza and eight accomplices were arrested.

Mr. George Watson, Penrith, recently contributed to the Newcastle " Weekly Chronicle" the following:—ln the churchyard of the parish church of St. Lawrence, Apple by, Westmoreland, is a headstone bearing a remarkable record of longevity. The in scription, which I copied a few days ago, was as follows; * In memory of John Hall of Hoff Row, who departed this life June 19th, 1716 aged 109 years; also of John Hall his son, who died September 18th, 1744, aged 86years, also of John Hall, of Hoff Row, the Grand son, who died March 27th, 1821, aged 101 years. It is to be noted that the united ages of the three John Halls amounted to 296 years, wanting only four years to give an average of a century each, the actual average peing 98 years 8 months.

A Swiss paper published m Paris (the Croxi Fedcrale) gives, from an eye witness, an account of an accident which preceded and led up to the massacre of the Siberian prisoners at Tara. Baron Kolf, the Governor-General of Sibera, visited the women'B prison at Tara. One woman, Kovalskain, m the last stage of consumption, could not rise as the others did on his entrance. He was incensed, and when th« poor woman explained the reason, he ordered her to be sent to Verknio.udinsk, where the treatment is much more severe than at Tara. Four soldiers were ordered to drug her almost naked from her bed into the courtyard. There a miserable fur was thrown over her, and she was placed m a sledge, which set off through the steppes. It waa the depth of winter, and she died before reaching Verknioudinsk,

The following interesting sketch of the career of Hare Pomare, the native chief, who died of asthma m the Wellington Hospital last week, is given m the "Post":—Hare Pomare was a man of very high rank amongst the Maoris, and was the father of Albert Victor Pomare, the Queen's godchild. In 1803, when Hare was iibout 19, lie was taken to England witli his wife and twelve other men and women of high rank—chiefly Ngapuhis from north of Auckland—by an adventurer who intended to make money by taking the Maoris round and exhibiting them. From their first arrival m England they were much taken notice of by the then .Secretary for the Colonies, the Duke of New castle, who invited them to his house, where they met numerous lords and ladies, who afterwards invited them.to spend whole days at their respective residences. Hare Pomare was of tall stature, 6 feet 5 inches, and carried himself well ; was affable m his manner, and commanded the attention of all who saw him. A son was born to him m England, and Her Majesty the Queen notified through the Duke of Newcastle, that she would be godmother to the child, and that it was to be named Albert Victor. In London the Queen gave Pomare and his wife a good outfit and paid their passage iv astern cabin, saloon, to New Zealand.' For some time after their return they lived at Hokianga, but of late years have spent most of their time about Otaki, where Hare had inherited land m the Horowhenua block through his mother, who was a daughter af Whatanui, a chief of Ngatiraukavta. Albert Victor Pomare was educated at St Stephen's, Auck land, and is now, m accordance with his own wish, working as a wilor before the mast on a tassel just arrived m England,

The Markets.

[per press association.]

London, July 31. Bank of New Zealand shares, old issue, £5 10s ; new, £7 10s.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following London markets telegram, dated 29th July, 1890 :—

Wheat—The weather is favorable for the crop here. New Zealand average and long berried is worth respectivelg, 37s and 38s 6d per 4961b5. New Zealand f.a.q., to arrive, iron ship, m worth 0.i.f., 36s 3d per 4801bs, June-July bill of lading.

The Dunlo Divorce Case.

[PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, July 30.

In the Dunlo divorce case a verdict was returned to the effect that neither the respondent nor co-respondent had beed guilty of adultery. There was great excitement m Court whea the result became known. Sir James Hannen, m his charge to the jury, said the suit had clearly been promoted by the Earl of Clarcarty and not by his son. Wertheimer's extravagant generosity had possibly been prompted by compassion for the position of the respondent after Weston's conviction. Lady Dunlo'a relations with Wer theimer were certainly imprudent, but the theatrical standard was different from that of other ladies. Her letters to her husband did her credit, and were natural m tone. She ought to have received her husband's protection. The crowd m the street cheered Lady Dunlo loudly asjyshe left the Court.

Nine Shillings a Week and Eight in a Family.

The wife of a Stebbing laborer has written to an Essex paper drawing a pic ture of how the poor of her class live, or perhaps we should say how they die, from day to day. Eight m a family, all told, is the sum of the Stebbing laborer's household—eight mouths that have some how to be fed out of the bread winner's wages, which are nine shillings a week as a rule, but "often no more than seven." Nine shillings, we a»e reminded, " comes to a half-penny each a meal, and barely two shillings over," leaving two shillings for coal and all the other things that are wanted, even m the poorest man's home. %<Sir," says this humble letter-writer, " my husband has to go to work with his feet wet nearly every day, and but a very little to take with him; and my children have to go to school the same." Well may the Stebbing laborer's wife exclaim, '' They find fault with the work-houses ; but they live better than I do, and h»ve good shoes." Perhaps if the Allotment Act had been, as Audrey says, "a true thing," it might have fared a trifle better m this Essex household ; it could hardly fare worse.

Mortgage Debts.

A return has been issued showing the amount of business transacted during the year ended 30th March last m the Land Transfer and Deeds Registration Depart ments. The following are the amounts of the mortgages registered during the year under the Land Transfer Act :— Auckland £495,114 3 9 Taranaki ... 108,821 2 1.1. Wellington 698,599 0 0 Hawke's Bay 521,863 6 3 Nelson ... :■-. 7fJ,B(K) 17 0 Marlborough 40,056 12 3 Canterbury 1,190,809 0 0 Otago 323,568 0 0 Southland ; ... 125,500 6 4 Westland 12,183 16 11 Total £3,591,605 5 11 T0ta1,... 1889 £3,512,543 19 9 The following table shows the amount of mortgages paid off during the y»ar end ing March 31nt, 1800, and may be com pared with the figures above showing the amount secured. We also give the totals remaining on 31st March, 1890 :— Paid off. Am't Remaining. Auckland £467,679 0 0 £3,370,121 6 3 Taranaki 54,332 1 9 600,982 0 10 Wellington 465,833 0 0 3,735,601 0 0 Hawke's Bay 646,300 0 0 3,234,951 16 7 Nelson 67,793 13 0 549,315 4 11 Marlborough 25.443 7 6 263,421 16 6 Canter bury 1,180,582 0 0 9,588,091 8 0 Otago 347,158 0 0 4,093,236 0 0 Southland 214,529 18 2 3,580,333 13 1 Westland 9,500 8 5 70,434 9 4

Totals £3,479,151 8 10£29,086,488 15 6 YrIBBB-9£2,650,120 7 9£28,974,034 18 6

Leprosy Among the Maoris.

The report by Dr Ginders on leprosy among the Maoris at Taupo and Rotorua has been laid on the table of the Hon.se of Rspresentatires. His con clusions are that the disorder known to the Taupo and East Coast tribes as "ngere-ngere," to the Ngapuhi and Northern tribes as " puhipuhi," and to the Wanganui and Western tribes as " tuwhenua," is one and the same disease, and is true leprosy. "No one," the re report adds," who has seen leprosy could possibly mistake the symptoms presented by the two cases inspected. The general consensus of opinion amongst the Maoris is that the disease first appeared on this Island at Hauraki sometime during the latter half of the seventeenth century. Dr Ginders thinks ii, may be regarded as true that it was probably introduced by the marooning of a leper from a ship, possible a whaler, near Hauraki. The term " Wero ngerengere" is the term applied t:> the art of communicating the disease by puncture or inoculation. In

all probability the worst cases have arisen from inoculation, either accidental or premeditated, experience showing that it is not infectious or contagious m the ordinary sense. Dr Ginders concludes by saying that complete segregation of those affected would probably stamp out the disease m a few years.

Small Grazing Runs System.

Mr J. M'Kenzie has presented a peti tion from a large.number of settlors m county Waihemo and adjacent counties, m reference to settlement on t'ae Small Grazing RunsJSystem of run 121 and its various subdivisions. The petitioners refer to the fact that the Otago Waste Lands Board would have applied run 121 to sm.all grazing run purposes m February last, but that the Minister of Lands declined to give effect to the resolution of the Board, and to the prayer of the settlers recom mending and requesting that the said lands bo set aside for settlement under the Small Grazing Run System. They also allege that the reason given by the Minister of Lands for his intentions were misleading, and that his letter to the Board at the time indicated his intention to discontinue the Small Run System. For these and other reasons they pray the House to take all the circumstances into consideration with a view of the main tenance of the Small Run System, and w,ith. a view to: proper provision being made for settlement m the Waihemo and adjoining districts, and m presenting the petition Mr M'Kensrie moved that it be referred to the Waste Lands Committee, and. this was agreed to.

Argentine Revolution.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] Buenos Ayres, July 31. Owing to the fear of marauders every honse m the city is barricaded, and banks and shops remain closed. The feeling against Celman is in tense, and it is feared an attempt will be made on his life if he adheres to his refusal to resign. Gold is quoted at a premium of 480, and payment of bills falling due has been deferred a month. The Minister of War has issued a bulletin pardoning rebel troops, and j stating 200,000 of the National Guard are ready to defend their country} The populace trampled . the bulletin" under foot. The outlook is still bad. It is stated that the rebek found cartridge boxes m the arsenal empty, though entered m the books as full. London, July 31. The latest news from Buenos Ayres says that business is being resumed.

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

London, July 30 to 31. The Dockers' Union now numbers 50,000, with an income of £500 a week. The Cardiff dock trimmers and tippers have struck for higher wages and shorter hours.

The dismissed postmen request the Union to dissolve, having shown itself powerless to assist them.

Lord Erne and Colonel Saunderson refuse to be included m the deputation of Unionists to visit the colonies, and Mr Abigial is inviting others to take their places.

The " Pall Mall Gazette " appeals for funds to enable Mr John Burns w con tinue acting as London County Coun cillor.

Lord Cross promised, m answer to a question, to consult the Viceroy of India as to the suppression of the opium traffic m India.

Portugal has deposited £28,000 on account of damages for interference frith the Delagoa Bay Railway.

Jones, Trott and Walters stre re garded as the failures of the Australian Eleven. The pecuniary results of the tour have so far been excellent.

It is asserted that the cost oli labor at the East and West India Docks has increased £70,000 this year, owing to the increase of wages compelled by the strike, while the efficiency of the laborers has decreased. Sir W. F. Robinson will issue writs for the elections m Western Australia immediately upon his arrival m Perth. While the elections are proceeding he wiU visit Adelaide and Melbourne. Sir William expects the Constitution will be m full working order before January. It is rumored that the Cable Com panies with which Sir J. Pender is oonnected are considering the advisa bility of laying a Pacific cable them selves. The Imperial Institute will be formally opened next May. It is reported that tW Q U oon, m the course of a conversation with the Duke of Fife, expressed a hope that penny postage tvould be established throughout the empire during her reign. i Members of the Birkenhead con- I gregation have presented Bishop Sau marez Smith with a purse of 750 sovereigns, previous to his departure for New South Wales. A Select Committee of the Etouse of Commons on merchandise marks recommends calling an International Convention on the subject, and opposes the compulsory marking of all goods to indicate their origin as injurious to trade. BbuSvSßLs, July 31. The Belgian Parliament is passing the Congo Bill. Erzekoum, July 31. A state of siege has been proclaimed m this city. , Toronto, July 31. A sculling match is' being arranged between Gaudaur and Hanlan.

Berlin, July 30. The Emperor visits Heligoland after his trip to England.

Bismarck asserts that a bloody cata clysm is impending m Germany m the near future, owing to the spread of Socialism.

St Petersburg, July 31. Queen Natalie intends to take up her residence m Russia and invoke the aid of the Czar to crush Prince Milan.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, July 31

By the will of the late W. Gocdfellow, a settler who died recently, the whole of his property, valued at £30,000, is divided among his relatives m New Zealand.

The price of bread has been raised to 3d per 21b loaf, and t# storekeepers 2s 9d per dozen of twelve.

A Society called the Good Samaritans, established for the purpose of rescuing fallen women, thieves, etc., has been formed m Auckland.

The Crown' and Casnells' Company's battery at Karangahapa is m serious danger. It has slipped bodily several feet, and there is a probability of the structure falling into the creek. The directors m Glasgow have been cabled to on the subject. Wellington, July 31. The terms of the Extradition Treaty between France and England, according to a notice m the Gazette, have been ex tended to embrace Tunis.

A groom named Barker, who was in jured by falling through a skylight m the Clarendon Hotel at Palmerston North, died last night.

Dr Grace and Mr Greenfield have sold the tramways to Mr A. Hall, of the West Coast of the South Island. He takes possession to-morrow, and will, it is understood, run them under Union rules. The tramways have cost m all £43,000, and though the price has not transpired, Mr Hall does not give anything like that sum. Included m the plant are 120 horses.

Nelson. July 31. At Richmond last night a preliminary meeting was held to form a Farmers' Co operative Association. The matter was warmly taken up.

Dunedin, July 31. The Educational Institute carried a resolution urging the Minister to take steps to institute a Court of Appeal for Teachers.

iNVKRCARftILL, July 31. Jessie Gibbs, for sheep stealing (second charge), was committed for trial. Bail was refused.

John Hunter, charged with setting fire fco a house with intent to injure his wife, was remanded for a week.

■«*)

J

Murder of a Constable.

Auckland, July 31. Further particulars regarding the murder of Constable M'Leod show that when Funcke boarded the steamer at 1 Dargaville he was carrying a gun and had concealed a revolver and sheath knife. He was very noisy on the passage from Dargaville to Mangawhare, and the gun was taken from him by the captain. This seems to have irritated Funcke. Con stable M'Leod with his wife and family had come on board the steamer at Dar gaville on their way to Auckland, and Constable Scott and his wife also boarded the vessel at Mangawhare to proceed lower down the river to Aratapu. The steamer had just left Mangawhare wharf, when Funcke entered the cabin, calling for his gun, and threatening if he did not get it that he would shoot some of them. M'Leod and some other passengers Were then m the cabin. Funcke was holding what appeared to be a revolver, but none of those m the room who saw it imagined it to be loaded. Constable Scott, hearing the shouting, came m and pushed Funcke out of the cabin, and with Constable M'Leod's assistance took him on deck. The steamer was put back to Mangaware wharf, and Funcke was taken on shore by the constables. He showed no resistance, and went quietly. M'Leod and Scott returned, and the steamer .again put off, when Funcke im mediately commenced to use abusive language to the captain, and again called for his gun. The vessel was only a short distance away when Funke fired, but the bullet took no effect. He fired a second time, the shot striking the vessel's side. The man then fired a third shot, and his bullet had a fatal effect, for it struck Constable M'Leod, who was stand ing at the rail of the steamer, and pierced his heart, the unfortunate man expiring instantly. Two other shots were fired, one of the bullets penetrating the timber of one of the cabins.

After an interval, when the vessel had moved further into the stream, Funcke began firing again. The steamer's head was turned, and she went to Dargaville, when M'Leod's body was put on shore. The settlers armed themselves with loaded rifles, and under charge of Constables Scott and Carr, set out m pursuit of the murderer, and walked to Mangawhare, which is a little more than a mile from Dargarille. Funcke was standing at the end of the wharf. When challenged he made no answer, and a blank cartridge was then fired at him, and m the bright moonlight Funcke was seen to lift up his hands as if to fire. Two rifles charged with shot were then fired at him, and one of the charges striking him m the breait and groin, he fell and was arrested.

At the inquest on M'Leod's body a verdict of wilful murder was returned against Funcke. Constable M'Leod was a well-known police officer. He joined the force m 1871 m Alexandra, Waikato, and subse quently had charge of different country stations. He held the rank of first-cJass constable. The murdered man, who was 44 years of age, was of a most genial and friendly disposition, and was widely esteemed. He was a prominent Free mason The remains of the deceased are to be brought to Auckland for burial.

. The other passengers by the steamer Minnie Casey stated that Funcke was evidently under the influence of liquor when he came on board the vessel at Dargaville. The name of the prisoner is Henry Funcke, and ho has been a gum digger. *

After his arrest Funcke made the fol lowing statement :—" I paid my passage and'they took my caps from me, so I shot him as my life depended on my caps. I know my life is forfeited. It is a pity they did not drop me, as now they will have the pleasure of hanging me. My life is of no value to anyone. I shot the man becau.se I .thought he was the captain. He took my gun and I cannot live without it. I shoot birds with it and get my food by it."

"JACK THE RIPPER."

ALLEGED ARRIVAL IN SYDNEY.

[per press association.]

Sydney, July 31. Ten clays ago the Sydney police received a letter, signed "Jack the

Ripper," stating that he had arrived, and intended to commence operations m a certain street within a week. The writing when compared Avith fac similes of the letters received by the London police showed a strong re semblance. The police and detectives were strengthened and kept on the alert. The affair, however, is believed to be a hoax. The police are reticent, and the Press is silent about the matter.

Parliamentary Gossip.

[by telegraph from our own corres pondent.]

Wellington, August 1. A meeting was held yesterday on behalf of the Church of England, m sup port of Mr Pyke's Private Schools Bill. The Chairman (Mr Rouse Marten) ex plained that there was no intention of at tacking or injuring the system of State education, but the desire was to provide an element of religious instruction, and, secondly, relieve the present financial strain. A motion was carried that the Primate be asked to petition Parliament m favor of the Bill, and subsequently a Committee waited on the latter,, who ex expressed his entire concurrence with the views of the deputation, and promised to petition Pai'liament as desired. He mentioned that when giving evidence before a Parliamentary Committee some years ago, he had warned them that sooner or later the Church would •rganise m this direction, and he thought the time had now come.

PARLIAMENTARY

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THURSDAY, JULY 31.

Th Council met at 2.30 p.m. dentists' bill. The Dentists Act Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. LAW OP LIBEL BILL. Sir Frederick Whitaker moved the second reading of the Law of Libel Bill. After a debate the motion was carried, and the Bill was referred to a Select Committee.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL. The Legislative Council Bill was further considered m Committee. Mr Reynolds' new clause, providing for ex-members of the Council retaining certain privileges after resigning, was agreed to. The Bill was reported with amendments and the third reading fixed for Tuesday next. * The Council adjourned at 3.55 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. MR Hutchison's gharges, Mr Withy brought up an interim report of the Hutchison Charges Committee. It was to the following effect: "Your Committee has the'honor to report'tint a difficulty has arisen m the conduct of its encjuiiy, resulting from the refusal of

the Bank of New Zealand to produce A certain portion of the books and docu ments requisitioned for. This portion conrains the private accounts of certain members of the Ministry." Appended to the report is the correspondence between the chairman of the Committee and the president of fche Bank of New Zealand on the subject. The report was ordered to be laid on the table.

Mr Withy moved that the report be taken into consideration to-morrow at half-past two o'clock, and that permission be given to the Bank of New Zealand to be first heard by the counsel at the bar of the House.

In reply to Sir John Hall, fche Speaker said that counsel would be heard before fche report was considered. The motion was agreed fco. BILLS PASSED. The Borough of Brunnerton Bill, and Auckland Hospital Reserves Bill were passed through Committee without amendment, read a third time, and passed. SECOND HEADINGS. The Otago School Commissioners Em powering Bill, Omaka Recreation Reserve Bill, and Waiapu County Bill were read a second time. CARRIAGE OF SINGLE NKWSPAPERS, Mr Reeves (Inangahua) moved "That m the opinion of this House the conduct of the Railway Commissioners m making a charge for the transmission of single newspapers is vexatious and injurious to the best interests of the colony. , The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARIAN. Mr- Saunders said that he understood the Parliamentary Librarian had been ap pointed that day, and he felt BUre a majority of the House would not vote a salary for chat officer. He merely wished fco express a hope that the appointment would not be confirmed till after the salary was voted. DOG REGISTRATION BILL. M^j or Steward (Waimate) moved that amendments made m the Dog Registra tion Bill be agreed to. The motion was carried. The Bill was read a third time and passed. QUINQUENNIAL PiitLIAHENTS BILL. Mr Samuel moved the second reading of the Quinquennial Parliament Bill to~ repeal the Triennial Parliaments Act and to provide for the duration of future Parliaments to five years. He said that tha Triennial Parliaments Act had had a good trial, and he thought that all would admit that it had been a failure. Under the present system the power of members was entirely neutralised during the first two sessions, and there was great power for evil m the third session, owiug to the fear of offending the constituencies; That state of things woultl be remedied if Parliament was to exist for five years Instead of three as at present. It would also be to the advantage of the poor man, who would be better able to stand the cost of election every five years than under the triennial system. Mr Tanner supported the Bill on the score of economy. If an expense of £25,000 were to be incurred every three years it would be a serious question. Captain Russell opposed the Bill as a Minister, but if he were a private member he freely confessed that he should support it. He pointed out, however, that the people had decided previously that the quinquennial system should be abolished, and he thought that before any change was made the electors should have another opportunity of considering it. Mr Hodgkinson considered that it would be better to lessen than to increase the term. He should oppose the measure. Mr Bruce said that the measure had his most sincere sympathy. Triennial elec tions kept the constituencies m a state of ' political unrest which was very undesir able. He ventured to assert that a general election cost directly and indirectly £100,000.

Sir George Grey had always been a supporter of the triennial system, and he felt confident that the House would not assent to the present Bill. Mr Reeves (Inangahua) opposed the Bill.

Mr Ward moved the adjournment of the debate, but after some ■ discussion withdrew the motion. }

Mr Saunders spoke m favour of the Bill. 1

Tbe motion for the second reading was lost by 45 to, 18.

AUCTIONEERS 1 81LL... . ; The House went into Committee' on the Auctioneers' Bill.

In clause 31, providing that no person shall sell by auction unless licensed, it was agreed to strike out the portion relating to; a penalty of £10, and to provide that the penalty shall not exceed £100.

Clause 4—Application for certificate. Mr Downie Stewart moved to strike out the words which proposed to enable an auctioneer to choose, whether he would take out his license m the district where he resides or m that where he has hia place of business.

The motion was lost by 35 to 17. Mr Fish said he would sacrifice his vbice and personal comfort to destroy a Bill which was so injurious :in 'it* effects. After speaking at great length, he moved that the Chairman leave: the chair, }

The motion was lost by 31 to 21. After a very long discussion progress was reported, .

EMPLOYMENT OF FEMALES BIU.. The House went into Committee onihe Employment of Females and Others Act Amendment Bill, which was reported without amendment. .'!''.'...

The House rose at 1 a^rn.

THE COMPLETE BOYCOTT.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

Dunkdin, July 31, Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs having failed to satisfy the demands of the Mari time Council, the latter hare decided to adopt the " complete boycott," an<Jl hive given directions to a]J Railwayr servants m the Society tp refrain fftjm handling foods consigned-either to or from that firm? The New Zealand Shipping Company and Shaw, Savill and Albion Company' have bepn notified that goods shipped' to that firm after August 7th from London or any other port will not be handled. A similar notice to the Union Company takes effect immediately. The Wharf Laborers' Union have taken simultaneous and correspond ing action, a similar notice 5 having! been sent to. Mr Maxwell, to the laborers at Lytfaelton, Carters and others are to be asked to join m th%."boycott." It is understood that the action has been hastened by Messrs Whitcombe and Tombs having decided to start branches where local traders refused to sell their goods. , v

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held to-day. Pre sent-Messrs E. G. Wright, E. S. Coster, ™J? S Brown, Hugo Friendlander, William McMillan, John Grigg arid C. J. Harper. Mr E. 6. Wright was appointed in terim Chairman. CHAIirirAN'sSTATEMEIfT. The Chairman made his usual state ment of business done, etc., as follows:— The Education Board of North Oanter ! bury asks if this Council will consent to transfer to the, Board as a site for public school the western half of reserve 1401 which is a gravel pit reserve, as the Board is desirous of establishing a school m that locality.—The assistant Engineer, I üblic Works Department, Christchurch, states thafc the total cost of repairing the

THE ASHBtTItTOK GtJABDIAN, FMDAY, AUGUST 1, 1890.



' VTOTICE.— Anyone found Tres- i Jy passing m pursuit of game or, therwise on the Riversdale Estate on nd after this date will be prosecuted. J. R. WILLIAMS. Riversdare, 24th Mny. 5 170 SEALY'S FRUITTREES "fNLUDIN Apples, Pears, Plums, Lii _i_ Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, Necs of ines, and all other fruits. The merits of all the varieties have been subjected to severe tests during the last 15 years, and the stock is now admitted to be the Largest and Choicest m Canterbury, probably m the colony, to select from, all warranted, ami at your own prices. SEALY'S FOREST TREES Of all khuls, innumerable m quantity, well-grown and hardy—all kinds, all sizes, all prices. SEALY'S ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c Choice m quality, numerous m quantity. SfiALY'S MACROCARPA. Tans of thousands m number. A large qaantity specially grown for fencing at Vnrj low prices. SEALY'S ROSES' Endless m rariety and choicest m quality. SEALY'S CATALOGUES Forwarded free to any address en application. Notk.—l trill only be responsible for Trees ordered direct from the Nursery or through Mjbasiis J. Sealt asd Co. THOS. SEALT, ! Nurseryman, Riverbank, Ashburton. JOHN ORR Sl Co. ARE OFFERING GRAND VALUTC m the Followiug Leading Lines OF •ENERAL IRONMONGERY, ETC Ex "Rimutnka." And Other Late Arriyals. 4 Casks Saucepans, Boilers and Kettlts 4 Casks Lamps, Globes and Chimneys 1 Cape Table Knives, Forks, Spoons 3 Casks Plough and Trace Chains. 80 Tins White Lead. 40 Tins Red Lead. 120 Drums Raw and Roiled Oil. Paints and Varnishes of all kinds. 5 Bales Wall Papers. 60 Register Grates from 14s 6d to £5. Ranges, Stoves, at all prices. 8 Cases Wringers and Mangles. 50 Sets Fire Irons from 5s to 3Cs. 50 Fenders from 6s to £5 25 Tons Bar and Sheet Iron. 1 Ton Bolts and Nuls, all sizes. Leather Portmanteaus and Trunks. Leather Belting, 1| to Sin. Manilla and Flax Rope, l£ to 3in. 35 Coils Plough Lines. 2 Cases Mould Boards 5 Casks Hornsby's Plough Shares (new pattern.) 8 Casks Ransom's Plough Shares. 3 Casks Butfgy Springs and Axles. 1 Cask Carriage Lamps. 20 Kegs Blue Stone. 10 Cases New Iron Bedsteads. 10 TONS CLOVER SEEDS. 100 Kegs Wire Nails. 20 Kegs Fencing Staples. 200 Coila Steel Fencing Wire. 80 Coils Barb Wire. 1 Bale Seaming Twino. 2 Cwt Babett Metal. 25 Bundles Spades and Forks. • 3 Packages Screws, Locks rind Hinges. 2 Casea Saws, Chisels and Planes. 10 Cases Axes and Picks. 4 Cases Gorse Knives. 10 Cases Pick Axe and Hammer Handles 2 Cases Hammers. 2 Bales Door Mats. 10 Crntes China and Earthenware, includ New Toilet Dinner, Tea and Dessert Wave. Some of these are really beautiful goods. 150 Cases Oila, including Valvoline, Lubroline, Caster, Colza, Olive Lard and Neatsfoot—this can all had m any quantity. 150 Cases KEROSENE, Light of th Age ; the very best. GROCERY DEPARTMENT WILL Always be found STOCKED with GOODS of First Class QUALITY, —Including— Indian Ceylon and China TEAS, Mauritius Sugar, Crushed Loaf Sugar, Pure Coffee, Candles, Oatmeal, Rollitt and Cos. Flour, Butter from Mr John Grigg s Famous Dairy. JOHN ORR AND CO. IMPORTERS. A NDREW i^\RRSS XI.NDREW V/RK S GREAT m B I £ ANiNUAL SAj^E \ or £? ¥ % j DRAPERY w > ► * CLOTHING \ AND 4 «oots g, Will Commence w W Saturday, July sth ahe greatest BARGAINS ever seen m Afhbuion. !"j Wl SEE xiANDBILLS. ? , ANDREW ORR. *



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. Tl WANTED—SOO Pigeons, for Cash. V V Apply Central 'Hotel. 7 184 V,\ ' ESLEYAN CHURCH.—Mr T. W. V v Glovek will preach next Sunday morning. 8 6 TTJST Received—Over one ton English O and Continental Confectionery. Own make as usual fresh daily.—H.G. Flowbr, Confectioner, East street. AN experienced Housekeeper is open to an engagement. Business hou.se preferred. No objection to the country. Address " H.M.," Mail office. 7_169 \\? ANTED KNOWN—The Strong- YV Wear Boot for Men, Women and Children can only be had at W. H. Collier's. BOOTS, BOOTS.—"Keep your feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills. I have a Iplendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. JUST opened, a ? few ladies plush jackets, newest shapes, very cheap —H. C. Segkrs, Melford House. ANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburto J Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. WANTED KNOWN.—The Cheapest House m Ashburtrn to buy Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, etc., is H. C. Segbrs, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN.—A lot of Ladies Cloth and Tweed Jackets, considerably under usual cost price.— ■W. H. Collier, "The Corner." TT7 ANTED Known —One hundred V V and fifty Ladies' and Children's Ulsters bought a great bargain (good qualities), now selling very cheap—H. C. Seoers. Melford House; ANTED Known —The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannafort/s, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron "ware goods made and repaired with dcs" atch Public Notices. MR T W PLOVER, R± • W VJT LOVER, Organising Agent New Zealand Alliance. Will address meetings m the Oddfellows Hall, on FRIDAY NEXT at 7.30, and at Flemington on SATURDAY at 7.30. 7 163 FOR SALE— t \ DESIRABLE PROPERTY of 412 acres, situate about three Miles trom the Sprinsjburn Railway Station, facing Taylor's Stream. It is novr, and has been for the past five years m grass and clover. For terms and particulars .apply to GEO. JAMESON, 7+1(14 Ashburton. IST ™« Z NEW ZEAL A N D GLOTHIKG FACTORY Half Yearly STOCK-TAKING "KOW ON.- REDUCTIOHS IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. The Celebrated Werthein New High .inn Sewing Machines on easy Time T>ny mentff f^\ W H. WEBBER, YJ\ *-'> Manager JLJ wiTHourteeth wjtmJteetS THE CHRISTCHURCH DENTAL SURGERY, Corner of Cashel and High streets. S. M™ AND G a SURGEON DENTISTS. And at Dunedin and Westport. WE have gained the FIRST AWARD at the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that we guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, lOh. Complete Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Nawba/,/, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Te<?tl»- R-eplaced Temporarily .al most immediately ftftpr the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. ArmHgemonts can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE JxAS wevcnil times daily for the past; ten yofti-H, kg fearlessly assert that estmctimi of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, 5«. Extraction, 2s 6d, Artificial Teeth and Dentures mg*U» other dwitists repaired or remodelled small cost. Hour.'- of ttendance—9 a.m. to 6 p.ls