Mail Notice.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. For tjjp United Kingdom, Continent of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco); Sandwich Islands, &c, &c., and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per" Takapuna, as follows: — Ordinary letters. 0.1f5 p.m. ; books and newspapers 6.15 p.m. ; registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. ; postage to United Kingdom 2W per ioz, to the United States cf America and Canada 6d per ioz. This mail will be due m London on October | 14, 1891.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1891. THE OPPOSITION LEADERSHIP.

It can readily be understood that no very strong desire was evinced by the prominent members of the Opposition for the position of leader of that party. The power of the Opposition m the present Parliament is restricted to severe criticism of the Government measures ; the party is too small and contains too many diverse elements to influence the Ministerial policy one whit. Mr Bryce recognised this position; but some of his followers, notably Messrs Scobie MacKenzie, | Fergus, Richardson and Buckland, have not bsen content to follow the example of their leader, and laid themselves out to harass and obstruct the Government by every means at their command. There is no doubt that this conduct on the part of his followers was extremely displeasing to Mr Bryce; indeed it is stated on good authority that he was heartily tired of leading a party that he could not control, and that this feeling more than the very mild censure that was passed upon him led him to take the extreme step of resigning his seat. The appointment of Mr Rolleston as his successor shows to what straits the < party is reduced. Of all the members who sit on the Opposition benches he holds the opinions on great points of policy that are most repugnant to the traditions of the party. He will follow to the best of his ability Mr Bryce's attitude towards the Government, and unless the Opposition have taken to heart their recent conduct and mended their ways he will be less their leader than Mr Bryce was. The choice of Mr Rolleston indicates we hope, their in tention to be more amenable to party discipline. If it had been intended to continue the policy of vituperation Mr Scobie Mackenzie would, we should think, have been appointed leader. On the other hand if the organisation of the Opposition so that it would be come an influence m Parliament had been intended Sir John Hall must hare been chosen, He is the only legitimate, capable leader of the Conservative party. He has long been " the power behind the throne," and is one of the very few members of the party who possess the necessary administrative tact and ability. Captain Russels qualifications are similar to those of Sir John Hall, but are possessed m a less degree. He, however, is more m touch with his party than Mr Rolleston is. It is to be hoped that the business of Parliament will be allowed to proceed without vexatious hindrance, and the session.brought to an early close ; also that the bad feeling that lias so often been evinced by some of the members may vanish during the recess.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The R.M.S. Arawa arrived at Plymouth on the afternoon of the 4th inst., with her cargo of frozen meat m good order. A coursing meeting, to wind up the season, is to be held next Tuesday, September 15. The stake is to be for all-ages at a guinea each. Capital ground has been secured. King Otto, of Bavaria, has of late shown some lucid intervals, and there is actually a hope of' at least a partial restoration of the unfortunate monarch's senses. The Alameda, with the English mails of August 8, left San Francisco for Auckland on August 21, one day late. The Matipoaa, with the Colonial mails of August 17 arrived atgaji t'ranciscofrom Auckland on September 5, the contract date, Numerous other amusing " bulls " might be sited ; but the following, culled from the speech of an American stump orator, would be hard to beat: " Whenever we look back upon the untrodden paths of the future, we see everywhere the footprints of an Almighty hand!" The Government Labor Bureau, under Mr Tregear, is doing splendid work, finding employment for fully 100 men per week. The Salvationists' Bureau ia doing similar good work on a smaller scale. There are plenty Qf PicH and shovel men > l)ut real Bushmen are very much m demand. Servants with good references fj?}4 employment readily. Messrs' H. and E. Craighead, the known (jailors of Tancred Street, have taken a Jtfase of the business premises for some years <M»c«»i«J by Mr Lublow, next the Union Bank m Tancred street. They are removing into the new premises, which are just opposite their present shop, thjs week, and will announce further regarding fcheip new stock and business shortly, Mr Arthur Clampett, with a concert company of considerable ability, are to appear at the Oddfellows' Hall next Friday ami .Saturday evenings. Mr Clampetfc.is nob mikiWMW by »ai"e > but ifc may not b! so well known that hf* fs the possessor ot an exceptional fine baritone voice, jjiid his singing has been highly praised by ttye Dunedin and Christchurch papers. The stand the Timaru School Committee took m enforcing the compulsory clauses of the Act has bad an e3cce%nt effect, the attendance at the main school last month being very much above that of July. Jtfdgr ing by the remarks of the chairman and the secretary to the committee interviews with parents "also had a good effect. —"Herald." A movement is afloat to form a company to erect public sheep and cattle yards at GefifcUljne, and at a public meeting on Monday a comiftifct^e -was appointed to meet the proprietors of the <iejraldine saleyards, and rind out oh what terins'th(jy would lease or sell, and also to report on " the ( market reserve proposal, and report on bptjj at a public meeting to be held next week. HOLLOWAY'S PIIJ,S- Jtiji} pINTMENT.— Whilst the inhabitants of our gr«afc cities suffer from the effects of overcrowding and all its attendant evils, both physical and moral, the more robust and energetic emig*awt will i" his turn be liable to suffer m his new' *wme from the want of ready skill and the great medical resources of his native land always at command. The best advice a friend can give is for him to take a supply of these well known remedies as part qi his outfit, for by attention to the .easily ivuderstwd ,a«d yet ample directions which acjompauy each bo^c *nd pot he will never be at fault when taken ill or u»%i; -any ; gdverse sanitary conditions of life.

■ Efforts are being made to induce Mr VV. C Walker to come forward for the seat m the Christchurch, City Council rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr E. W. Humphreys. . , Mr Boawell, the well-known draughts player, of .Christchurch arrived m Ash burton to-day. He will probably meet m a friendly game to-morrow a few Ashburton and Mount Somcrs friends, very likely m Mr Henry's Commercial Hotel. This evening the anniversary tea meeting of the Presbyterian Church will be held m the Oddfellows' Hall. The tea is to be laid j at six o'clock, and at the r after meeting addresses will be delivered by the Revs Gordon Webster, of St. .Andrew's Church, Christchurch, William Grant, of LeestMi, I and the local clergymen. An excellent pro gramme of solo and concerted music hat been' I prepared, and there is every promise of a successful gathering. , | A case not unlike the Mount Rennie oat" rage on a minor scale has been brought be fore the Adelaide Police Court, and! two men ! of the larrikin class, named David Smith aacl William Henry Vallancy.committed for trial. Prosecutrix could only identify these two out of the four arrested. She described herself as the wife of Captain John Watson Munroe, lately of the 75th Highlanders. Her maiden name was Harriet Elizabeth Mon creiffe. \ < ■■ The New Zealand and Australian Land Company anticipates (writes the London correspondent of the Auckland "Herald ) being able to pay a dividend of ten per cent on the ordinary shares, notwithstanding the exceptional drought m Canterbury and Otago, and the fact that the value of New.' Zealand mutton has been below the average of the previous season. The operations m Australia have been more than ordinarily successful, which counterbalances the short comings m New Zealand. The quarterly meeting of the South Rakaia Licensing Committee was held on Monday; present Messrs Coster,, Secretan and Oxley. The Police reported that the conduct of the three hotels was goodi Some further arrangements were required at the Chertsey hotel for fire escapes, 0 but the work was now m hand. The only business was the confirmation of transfer of the license of the Chertsey Hotel, from J. M. Reed to J. W. Mathews, and the passing of j accounts. A sad event occurred near Lome, Victoria, the other day. Two cousins aged thirteen and fifteen, one the daughter of Caleb ; Mountjoy, and the other a daughter of Thomas Mountjoy, were suffocated m a bed room at the residence of Caleb Mountjoy, at Van Van Girt. It appears that before retir ing to bed they threw some water on a charcoal fire which was burning m the grate the fumes from which must have stifled them during the night. The family was -amongst the earliest that settled m the district. " . When so much that is to the disadvantage of the "Picturesque Atlas " agents is finding its Avay into print, it is only fair" (says the "Otago Daily Times") that a generous action should be made public. A summons for the recovery of the price ot the " Atlas " against the late Mr A. Galloway, was ad journed at the last sitting of the court at . Riverton. On hearing of Mr Galloway's death Messrs Bowerman at once wrote to his widow, expressing their sympathy, with drawing the summons, and requesting her to return the twenty-two parts of the " Atlas " not paid for when she would be released from all further liability. The monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held on Monday. Present Messrs Hardy, (chairman), Oxlcy, Dixon, Barcock,.Clark, Turner and Liddy. The master reported a better attendance of infants but not of the elder children. The highest attendance was 167 ; lowest 108; average for the month 155.9; number on roll 203. Some requisites were ordered to be procured.for the.useof the children, and it was decided -to . procure some cricketing materials for the. boys, and other amuse-,,, ments for the girts. There was a creditt balance of £20 19s 4d. Accounts for £15 15s 2d were passed for payment,« and after discussing school matters m aii informal manner, the meeting* adjourned. l The brass tablet to the memory of the late Mr Tuhibull, M.H.R., subscribed for by members of the Legislature, and to be placed m St Mary's Anglican Church, Tiniaru, was brought from London by jfhe lonic, and was c>n view m the main lobby of Parliament Buildings last Friday. The inscription is' as follows :—" 1.H.5.,. In memory of Ricuard Turnbull, born January 17, 1826, at Oxford, England, represented the electoral district of Tiniaru m the House of Representatives from July, 1878, to July 1890, died at •■Wellington during his attendance on the session of Parliament, 1890. This tablet has been placed here by his fellow-members of the Legislature m token of their esteem. ' The memory of the just is blessed.'" The following extract from a letter from Zeehao, Tasmania, is published by the "Grey River Argus " :-4-" All New Zealanders who have any general knowledge of the country of the West Coast, having seen the ranges about Zeehan, are quite convinced that there is any amount of silver m the ranges m the Grey district. A West Coaster who is managing one of the mines there intends to go back and look for silver, as he has found the ore m his sluice boxes when gold mining, but he did not at the time know what it was. He nows says that it was galena ore. He also says that while prospecting he has passed pyer much ironstone, which at Zeehaa is a never failing indication of silver. This is npt his opinion only, as a number of old miners from the West Coast intend to return as soon as convenient to prospect for silver." Several engiue^drivexs and guards of the North-Eastern Railway Company gave evi dence before Sir Michael Hicks-Beach's Com mittee m opposition to any Parliamentary or Governmental interference with the hours of labor among railway servants. One of the most interesting witnesses was John i Butterly, an engine-driver, who for twenty - three years has averaged from thirteen to fourteen hours' duty daily, whilst for four months every year he works seven days a week, each week averaging ninety : eight hours. The over-time pay consoled him for the extra work. He had never found it too much for him, and never had an accident. Replying to M.- John Wilson, M.P., Mr Butterly admitted that besides being a Northeastern Company's driver, he was also a shareholder^ to a ?'pretty good extent" and thai; m both capacities he was a con tented man. His healthy appearance as he sat at the witness table was quite consistent with that assurance. . It is gratifying to note that the spirit of enterprise among our business men is not altogether stifled by the croaking of "hard tim'^s,'' Among the instances of healthy development in' this direction we are pleased to note the recent improvements made by Mr George Jameson at fyis Rakaia Auction Yards. About a year ago Mr Jameson resuscitated the "monthly sales at Rakafa, buf &P the cutset there were those who, on account of |he lapsing pi previous ajttempis by other firms to continue tegular auctions m the district, predicted a short and dpeary .career for the new candidate for farmers' patronage. Mr Jameson, however, kept his sale days regularly, and the result has been to establish his confidence m the ability of the Rakaia district to maintain a monthly, and with the advent of more prosperous times ft fpr^wightlyj ■ sale. Provision lias been made foi? the growing business by the ereption of new sheep and cattle yapds, which are complete, neat, and substantial as the most exacting critic-could demand. There are m *L 1 twenty enclosures, with a Jjandy race for drafting. The whole of the wouk beat's the impress of utility and per manence, ajid while the yards will, without doubt, be a great convenience to tl>e farming community'of the (Ustrjcty we trust fljat the venture may prove pi'ofltffcblp to Wl9 enterprising owner. ,

THE CHILIAN REBELLION.

Chili is one of those countries which while nominally a republic has long been really under despotic rule. , The constitulion which was adopted after the country had been freed from the rule of the Spanish autocracy wi?,s based on that of the United States of North America, and essentially demo cratic m principle, but m practice the President had autocratic power. Ho appointed his Ministry and nominated his successor—a .succession of auto crats being thus kept m power. The Congress had simply nothing else to do but to vote supplies at the demand of the President. The last of these Pre r sidents, Balmaceda, brought to a point at which Congress refused any longer to followthis bidding the long reign of misgovernment and corruption, which had been begun *by .. hi 3 later prede cessors-- for, be it noted, the earlier I Presidents governed wisely and well. When Congress first raised a protest against the President, Balmaceda pro tessed to respect the popular wishes, and Congress passed a reform bill giving greater political power to the people. But Balmaceda was mean time making secret preparations to carry out his own intentions by force. He sent all the silver that he could lay hands upon to New York, and by pro mises, threats and bribes strove to secure the adhesion of the army to his cause. The Congress was openly de fied. The Congressional party at Once accepted the challenge and took up arms. The" greater part of the fleet went with the insurgents, while the army for the most part remained loyal to the President. A reign of terror began. Crushing war taxes* were levied, and any objection by the wealthy inhabitants only led to their property being confiscated altogether, and themselves frequently shot as rebels. The insurgents were at first at a disadvantage; but thanks to the fleet they were able to hold the north ern ports, and the exports of nitrates and silver, which, it is said, amounted to a million and a quarter dollars a month, enabled them soon to obtain arms and ammunition of the most modern type. Mannlicher rifles, smokeless powder, swift wan vessels, and the consciousness of a just and patriotic cause carried the day against Balraaceda's dissatisfied soldiery, who at the first shock to the tyrant's power went over to the insurgents. The final struggle was carried on with a ferocity that has never been exceeded. It was war to the death. Defeated by the Congressionalists and deserted by the remains of his army, Balmaceda ; took to flight, first perpetrating a final act of butchery by murdering the hostages which his temporary successes iv the early days of the war had placed m his power. He had escaped, with abundant supplies of the public money, | and if he is wise he will be seen no more m the country which he has dis graced by his atrocities. That the people are with the Congressionalists i is. show n by the tranquillity which j=alre»dy reigns m the country—less i than a week after the decisive battle ! was fought. The cost of the war must have been enormous, to say nothing of the destruction of property that has [ taken place. The many millions that were m the treasury at the outbreak of the war must be given up as lost. The country, however, has enormous natural wealth, and peace and good governmeat will m a, few years re store it to a state of financial pros perity. Chili before the recent trouble began was one of the most prosperous countries m the world. Tn 1889 its revenue was £12,491,586, which ex ceeded the expenditure by £1,350,000, The total foreign debt was £9,423,392, a very small amount compared with the revenue and still smaller compared with the trade of the country, which mounted to £13,192,600 of exports, this being substantially m excess of the value of the imports. The popu lation m 1885 was 2,527,000. By law passed m 1887 the standing army was ■■n0t,..t0- exceed 5885; and the national guard composed of citizens numbered 47^774, The principal ex ports of the country are nitrates, of which there are immense deposits— Colonel North, " the Nitrate King," practically controls the working—and gijver. The cultivation of coffee, once an important industry, has greatly fallen off m late years \ and the pas-? toral and agricultural resources are still undeveloped, The course oi events m Chili during the immediate future will be watched with interest.

THE DIFFERENTIAL RATE.

The County Council on Friday did what everybody expected they would do—they rescinded the rating resolu tion passed at their previous aieeting, and to which Mr l^rown and his constituents took such exception. Ifr Harper a?id Mr Grigg frankly admitted that they had propqsed and seconded tlje striking qf tlje rate tender the erroneous impression that the position of the different ridings had not changed, since the previous year. At the same time Mr Harper and Mr Grigg were right m resenting the imputations of partiality that had been made against them, and while we give Mr Brown credit for having exposed the error, we think he might have done so Avithout imputing any such motives to those gentletiien ? who were discharging what was, aftep all, a formal duty. The iititfe bre.e?e hacf oip very satis factory result—-it led to the appoint ment of a committee to adjust the accounts between the various ridings, and this will settle for good the ques tion of the amount of rates that will have to be raised m each. Mr Brown contended for this three years ago, and though it was not now carried on his motion, he will none the less acquiesce mit as a very desirable point gained. There is no question that the revenue from each of the ridings is sufficiently elastic to enable the overdraft to be paicf off* without undue pi'essure of rating, and without making any demand on ridings which have already contributed their quota.

The Late Charles Ryel.

.£**TflE INQUEST,

An 'Jjpu&str''on the body of Samuel Matte|||better known as Charles Ryel, was tiisid \yesterday before Mr C. A. Wray,:^3Qijgner. . i The iGdro'ner, after a few preliminary remarks, said that the police hul nude due;'eniquin«|asinto the matter, and that | from theirifcommunication to him he had not thought it ,necessary to order a post moitem 'examination to be made If the jury thought it necessary, however, it should be done. Tha jury having' viewed the body, which was m a very decomposed state, the following evidence was taken: — '■■ Henry Lee: lam the licensee of the Crown Hotel, Temuka. I. know the de ceased by the name of German Charlie. I had not seen him for twelve years until he came to my house at about a quarter to six one. evening at the latter end of June. He asked for some liquor. He was intoxicated. I did not supply him. He hung about for about half an hour, and subsequently asked for accommoda tion for the night; I could not give it to him' He went away towards the Royal Hotel, and I saw him go into the bar at about half-past six o'clock. That was the last I saw of him. I recognise the body now at the Star Hotel ty the shape of the nose. I did not know him by the name of Charles Ryel. He talked ration ally enough, but his body swayed about a good deal when he was standing. John Hay : lam the son of Mrs Hay, residing at Epworth. On Sunday I was walking along the bank of the Temuka looking for a place to fasten a boat. I saw something like a big sack m the water, and when I got close I saw two legs. I went for my brother James. He said it was a man and told me to go and get assistance. I saw Mr Newbury and Mr J. Mclnnes on the bridge, and they came with me. Mr Newbury turned the body with a stick, and then sent me for the police. It was a. very deep hole where the body was foundr-rover a man's depth. Eugene Egan : I am a constable sta tioned at Temuka. At about 12 c'clock 0:1 Sunday I was informed that the body of a man had been found floating m the Temuka river. I went down and fcund the body now lying at the Star Hotel m a water-hole m the Temuka river. It was two or three feet from the bank, under the over-hanging willows. The face was downwards. It was floating. I took off my boots, and with the assistance of Mr Carr and Mr Mclnnes, pulled it to the bank, and had it conveyed to where it now lies. I searched" the body. It seemed not to have been disturbed—the clothes were not disarranged, the vor,t was buttoned, it had a coat on, and a cardigan jacket over the vest; There were no marks of violence visible. The body was decomposed. It seemed to have been m the water for a couple of months by its appearance. I searched the body, and found a one-pound note m the vest pocket, two single shillings, three sixpences, and a penny ; a silver lever watch m the left-hand pocket, a gold chain and pendant, and a half ticket from Timaru to Ashburton (date illegible). The watch had stDpped at nine tninUfces to eight. I tried it and found it had not run down. "Charles Kyel " is engraved inside the case, and the address "Ashbur ton, ' 17/1/90. '■ On the little finger of the right hand was a gold ring cf snake pattern. In the coat pocket were a wooden pipo, a knife, and a small key. I did not know the man. The water-hole is very deep, some 14 or 15 feet. It covers a large space. ■ It is not near a> track crossing the river. The river woujd be about 20 feet wide near this place, which is about 100 yards from the bridge. Ib is a backwater from the river. A person getting into it must have wandered into ib m the dark. The bank is about 4 feet high, sudden drop. ■ Alfred Crawford :"I am a labourer, and step-son of the deceased, whose name is Samuel Matter. He was generally known as Charles Ryel. He lived afc Ashburtoii. I have peen the body, and identify it by the clothes as those worn by the deceased when he wag missing on June 29. I labfc saw him on the night of the 28th at his house at Ashburton. He said he would go to Timaru next day by rail on business." He was expected back the same day that he left, the 29th.. About a week after wards, as he did not return we made en quiries. I wtnt to Timaru and found he had been there and had left there the same day to return by the express. I saw a man named Edward Dunn at Timaru, who had shaken hands with deceased on. the platform of the train. Found out afterwards that he was put off the train at Temuka, as' he was quarrel some. Also heard he had been at the Crown Hotel. I recognise the watch and chain, seal and ring. Ihe guard of the train told me he ; had threatened to put him off when at Temuka. When he was m liquor he was given to wandering, and often made mistakes, going m opposite directions to his home. He had often got over fences and torn his clothes when m that state. From my knowledge of his habits I think it likely that he wandered into the hole by accident. He was a quarrelsome man m, liquor. He was m no, difficulties that would lead him to destroy himself. He was a native of Hungary. His age was about 48 years. He was m good health when he left. Witness re-called : I have not heard de ceased mention any persons m particular that he was acquainted with whom he might be expected to visit. This concluded the evidence, and the jury returned an open verdict of " Found Drowned."—"Temuka Leader."

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

|PT3R PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

: Wellington, September 7. The Council mat at 2.30 p.m. LAND BILL. Sir George Whitraore resumed the debate on the second reading of the Land Bill, and characterised the penalty clauses as being despotic. The perpetual lease without power t© purchase was also des potic, and would make serfs of the settlers. He objected strongly to land natioitalit.at^dn as being miwqr^ab^le and uncalled fqr b,y the mass of the people. He urged the Council to speak with no uncertain sound on this provision. Mr Pharazyn objected to the one-man . one-run clause, and ridiculed the national isation scheme. Small holdings would never pay selectors on account of the ex pense of working. To sum up the Bill he designated it as a mighty maze, and one of fails and follies. ' Mr Shrimiski warmly supported the Bill, whilst Mr Miller opposed it on the ground that the people demanded and would have freeholds. Mr Bo wen said the Bill was one which gave Government too much power, and,he opposed it principally because it threw obstacles m the way of special settlement selectors. He expressed himself entirely m favor of persons securing freeholds, 'and he belibved, if this clause were passed, there would be a howl of execration from one end of the colony to the other^ Mr Stuart said he would like to see it optional with fc^e selectors under what system'they took up land, aiid noj; to leave the denomination to the whim'of the Minister of Lands. The Bill ins.its pre sent form; If passed, would ruty the pountry. : ! Mr Acland and Dr Pollen opposed the Bill. Mr McLean thought the one-wan,6ne»'

run clause would prove inoperative, &&) there were many parts of Otago to moun tainous that unlos^fowlands were worked m conjunction with the hilly country they could not be worked beneficially. He was averse to conf^tilsory' residence, Ife ib prevented the townspeople from securing a home for themselves. The Council,, topk the dinner adjourn ment at five. The Council resumed at 7-30. ■'"■" Mr Fulton resumed the debate, arid was followed by Mr Barnicoit and Dr Grace, all of whom expressed a hope that the Bill wo:ill be altered m Committee. Mr Buckley having replied the second reading was agreed to, and the Bill re ferred, to the Waste Lands Committee. .; The Coun^U rose at 8.15 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. ■•■.-•■ FACTORIES BILL. Mr W. P. Reeves moved that the nnendments made by the Legislative Council on clauses 9, 13, 23, 27, 39, and 60 m the Factories Bill be agreed to, but that the other clauses, m which important alterations were made, be hot agreed to, and that a conference be appointed to confer with the Legislative Council. On the motion of Mr Fish, the debate was adjourned till next day. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT AMEND MENT BILL. Mr Balance moved the second reading of the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill, which he explained was agreed to by the late Municipal Conference at Wellington. One of the alterations made m the present Bill was that m the case of a proposal for a special loan, a majority of two-thiids of those actually .voting shall, be sufficient to carry the proposal. The Bill also proposed that one per cent of the general rate may be applied to certain purposes, and it was also provided thatthe Council tnay transfer its power to supply gas and electricity. Mr Fish regretted this Bill was intro duced so labe m the session. '• He thought it one of those measures which would have been dropped* as a t Bill of that kind required very careful consideration. He took strongllbjection to the clause which proposed to exempt charitable institutions from rating. Mv Buckland opposed clause 6, which proposed that one per cent of the rate may be applied to certain purposes, | Mr Fisher thought the Bill should not be proceeded with, this session. He would strongly oppose the borrowing clause. Sir John Hall saw no justification for theclause providing that the Corporation may hand over its rights m gas and electricity to private persons, and thought that the proposal could very well stand over for another year. Mr Duthie approved of the clause exempting charitable institutions from ratinsr. Messrs Newman, Mnore, Swan, Mc- Donald, and C. H. Mills supported the measure, and Mr Taylor spoke against it. Mr Baliance m reply said the Bill was a very harmless one, especially as it had been recommended by the Municipal Conference. He could not agree with Mr Buckiand's views of clause 6, as there were many legitimate purposes for which this money might be used. He had considerable sympathy with Sir John Hall's contention regarding gas and electricity rights, and if necessary that clause could be struck out of the Bill. The motion for the second reading was agreed to. PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE. Mr Baliance moved the second reading of the Public Trust Office Acts Amend ment Bill, which ho thought would place the Public Trustee's office m a much better position than it had been hitherto. Clause 3 provided chat the Public Trustee should hold office during good behavior and the pleasure of the Crown, which he thought, was a very important change as well as a wise one, as an office of this kind should be responsible.to the Government of the day. It was also provided by the Bill that the Trustee may .administer property under £250 m value without an order of Court. He,took this opportunity of stating- thai it was the intention of Government to make good any losses that might hay« been,sustained m the Public Trust office through improper investments. These losses amounted to about £5000, which Government considered they were morally bound to pay. After a short debate the motion was agreed co and the Bill referred to the Public Accounts Committee. NAVAL AND MILITARY SETTLERS AND VOLUNTEERS LAND BILL. Mr Seddon moved the.second reading of the Naval and Militaiy Settlers and Volunteers Land Bill, m settlement of certain claims to land of naval and military settlers and volunteers. Mr Fergus objected altogether to the proposal that the holdera of remission certificates should be compelled to make "certain improvements m the land before, receiving Crown grants, and thought this was an absurd proposition. . Mr J. Kelly quite agreed with Mr Fergus on that point, and said it would be impossible m many cases for men with families to make the improvements provided m the Bill, Mr C, H, Mills regretted that such a provision had been introduced, as it would imperil the Bill and give no satisfaction to anybody. Mr TTraser said the clause was a simple fraud on the.men. After further discussion, Mr Seddon replied, and denied that the Bill was either confiscation or fraud, Government behoved the Bill lo be a good measure, and one that would do justice to many people. The motion for the second reading was agreed to. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. Th" House resumed at 7.30. GOVERNMENT LOANS TO LOCAL BODIES BILL. On the motion for the third reading of the Government Loans to Local Bodies Bill, Mr Fergus strongly protested against the measure, and aaid that Go vernment should not be allowed to spend £50,000 without some control by the House. Sir John Hall said the strongest argu ment m favor of this Bill was that Go vernment had a majority m its favor. Mr Rhodes also condemned the Bill, and said that by it the House was giving Government an unlimited power to spend this money at their own swep.t will. Mr Rolleston said Government pro fessed to be non-borrowing, but they brought down Bill after Bill which autho rised borrowing m the most open man ner. Mr Fish had full confidence m the present Minister for Lands that he would not abuse the power placed m his hands by this Bill, but at the same time he did not like the principle of it. Messrs Newman, Buckland, and Moore opposed the Bill. Mr Rees said the expenditure of £50,000 proposed by this Bill would increase the responsibilities of Ministers, and if he were the Minister he should re fuse to expend this money without the sanction of Parliament, Mr J. McKenaie said he had only one object to serve by this Bill and that was to open up land for settlement. He cared not where the land was, whether m Mr Buckiand's district or that of any other member on the Opposition side of the House so long as he opened up th,e land for the people of the colony^ Mr Balance said they were told they were nojiy. qskfag for an extraordinary power, hut he held m his hand a Bi|i with exactly the >\j»;rie object brought m by the late GoTernnient, only that BiJI isketLfor «£K>O,OOO, whereas the present' m "iwfcd; for $0,000, ,-g» t^nied

that the Bill was a political necessity. There never was any Bill hedged round with so many safeguards, and there could be no political patronage under it. Go vernment were simply exercising con stitutional power for carrying on the colonisation of the country, and he was surprised at the Opposition quibbling over the measure. The Bill was read a third time on the voices. ( )n the motion that the Bill do pass, Sir John Hall quoted from the Financial Statement of last year to show that the Bill spoken of by the- Premier was altogether different from the present one, inasmuch as there was no indication whatever m it that £100,000 was to be spent without a vote of the House. Mr Ballance still contended that last yeai'd Financial Statement referred to a Bill similar m priuciple to the present measure. The Bill then passed. THE POST OFFICE ACTS AMENDMENT BILL. Mr Ward moved the second reading of .the Post Ofhce Acts Amendment Bill to | establish a penny post for the colony. If the Bill passed it was the intention of the Government to bring it into operation on the 31at March, 1892. A clause provided for the issue of postal notes to the value of £'S.*with a currency of twelve months, andhe might say that m instituting this cliange, New Zealand was ahead of the civilised world. The Bill also provided that engraved stamps nwy be u^ed on envelopes and schedules, and reduced postage on newspapers to the Australian colonies from Id to £d. Referring tio the desirableness of establishing a penny post, he quoted from figures to prove that m 1883, the excess of revenue over expenditure m the Post and Tele graph Department was only £1239, but m 1891 the excess over revenue was £72,730. Whilst there had been an extraordinary increase m the revenue during the last few years, the increase m expenditure had really been very small. During the last ten years the total in crease m revenue over expenditure was £30?,507. As to the contention that had been raised that the proposed concession was no benefit to the working men he asked whether any concession could be given to the commercial communiry with out reflecting directly on the working classes ? From the returns prepared he found that domestic letters would be re lieved to the extent of £13,000 by this change, which was a strong argument m favour of his contention that the workers - would benefit by the reduction. After quoting largely from figures to show the enornuus increase m correspondence within the coiouy during the-last decade, he went on to remark that the general tendency all over the world was to reduce the postage rate*. That being so they were not justified m this colony m keep ing up the present rates. , He asked the House not to take a gloomy view of the matter, but to consider the great commer cial, social, and political advantages which must follow. Sir John Hall complimented Mr Ward on the great care he had exercised m presenting this question to the House. Ho could not agree with the proposal to reduce the postage rates contained m the Bill. The Postmaster-General had pre sented some very interesting figures to the House, but those very figures had shown that the present rate was no hard • ship, and that it had not stood m the way of commerce or the extension of com munication. As to the intimation that those who objected to the proposed re form did so because it came from the present Government, he desired to say that there was no such idea m hi* mind ; at any rate there was no douHt that the proposed change affected the commercial classes more than any other section of the community. Sir George * Grey said that the pro posed change was one of the wisest he had heard of for a long time, as it would bene fit the whole community. Mr Fergus believed that if this Bill passed the bulk of the community would not. write five per cent more letters than they now wrote. Mr Fraser warned the Government supporters who followed Ministers on this question that, they were going to wreck the Government. He would vote for the second reading of the Bill out of courtesy to Mr Ward, but m committee he would use every means m his power to destroy the Bill. Mr Fish would vote against the second reading. He asked whether it would not be wise and politic m the face of the fact that they were now entering on a scheme of taxation to postpone this postage re duction till they had seen whether or not there would be a deficit. V Mr Mitchelson regarded the present time as inopportune for this reduction, and pointed out that a similar proposal had been under the consideration of the late Government, but the then Treasurer after careful enquiry found that the colony was not m a poaitio'il to afford such a reduction as that now proposed. Mr J. Mills said the Government had by their taxation proposals increased the p burdens on the mercantile classes* and he looked on the present proposal as a con cession to those classes. Messrs McDonald, Saundera, Rhodes and Dawson supported the measure, and Messrs Dutfcie, Fisher, Moore, and Hark ness opposed it. : ■ ■ The second reading was carried by 26 to 4. The House rose at 2 a.m.

POLITICAL.

(from our parliamentary cokres POXDENT.) Wellington, September 7. THK BRYCJB. BANQUET. A full report of the.proceedings at the banquet to Mr Bryce appears to-night m the Opposition organ, the "Evening Press." A very doleful tone pervades the speeches, and the banquet was a sad affair altogether. THE LAND BILL. The Lords this afternoon exhibited the utmost hostility to the Land Bill, and are pretty sure to massacre the measute. Only Mr Shrimski spoke to-day m its favor, and.he made an excellent speech. BUSINESS. The Estimates come Sown on Tuesday, the Public Worka Statement next day. The School "Committee Bill is to be pushed on as a practical measure whose omission would entail inconvenience. The session is expected to be over m a fortnight hence, but I am doubtful of it. The Public Trust, Municipal Corpora tions, School Committees, and Stamp BilJa will be proceeded with at once, The Lords mean to emasculate the Land Bill. THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. Mr Perceval. is being on all aides com plimented on his aptitude, iirninees, and promptitude m the chair. He surprises everybody by his " grifc." THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL^ The Government are firmly resolved to take vigorous action to secure due repre sentation m the Upper House. Wellington, September 8. Mr JMleston was to-day unanimously elected Leader of the Opposition.

SPORTING.

I ASHBURTON RACING CLUB,

The programme for the Spring JU,ce Meeting of the.Aabburton JUwins^Ub, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, November 18 and 19, has ween passed by the Committee of the Canterbury Jockey Glub. _ '

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER, 8, 1891.



JXhe entries for the Tw«>«« Q ttb's .Meet' iiig on September 08' close thir.evemng «| 'tbeCeutralHotcrlJ



Tip Bkst Bkmkdy for Indigestion— Norfon's' Camomile Eills are confidenty recommended' as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects STobton's Pills, with/ justice called the f^atur ; al S^engtliqner' of t';e ]ftumjiii' Stqriiach," aci as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine yeudors throughout tbe world,



Kkatino's Cough Jjozenges cures Cough Asthma, Bronchitis.' ftfedical' fr stjm^n states that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of these dangerous nialaciies. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or 1 two at b^di^nje ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty o JtoveathJiig they aio inyaluable. They con tain no opium nor any vioUii^ 'dxM, Sfjl'd by all Cheims'jts, hi tin's. Is %1 aud 2s 9d each ■ .- ' Obuutess 2s, Duchesg 2s 4d, JJpncesa 2s ' Bd, Empress 3s. These Teas are free from ' »ny es"ess of' asjtringf icy



A>k for Ninian Hyfclop, and Cos '' Imperial ' new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Tejjis. Special prices.—(Advt,) True economy To purchase Countess Tea for t,wq eiu'llinge, Free from any ex-



Public Notices. WITH. T£ETtt >.UiQUT 'JEELTtt CHRISJ'CHCRCH DENTAL SURGERY, Corner of Oashel and High streets. SXJT YERS AND 'pO. SURGEON DENTIST, . And at Dunedin ani Westport. rjTTE have gained the FIRST AWARD YV at the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli *nces for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest class work and perfect tit at the most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Complete Set —Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Tempoiarily al .•nost immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra fee or charge. Arrangements car. be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE C+AS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration ss, j Extraction, 2s 6d. Artificial Teeth and Dentures, made by her dentists repaired or remodelled a west rates ' . 18 jjj/Spring <& Summer.V lß9l ifloi \ THB 11891 ISHOW OF THE SEASON. J HIGH GLATS GOODS AT RIGHT PRICES. EACH department of our business is now replete with the Choicest Novelties m HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL MANUFACTURES. |£For Variety and Value our Stock is Unique. We have facilities for buying which few other firms enjoy, consequently we are enabled to cater for those who appreciate New and Fashionable Goods all the year round. OUR SPECIALITIES ARE— Clothing of Superior Quality, I'eadjp.made or made to measure, for Men, Youths, Boys, and little Boys. Perfect fit and Newest Shapes. Shirts, Ties, Bi-aees, Belts, fetuds, Bags, Rugs, and Dressing «wns- lenmsand Cricketing Requisites ; Sanity {Juder clothing. HEAT'S CULOVE& For Walking, Riding, and Driving, also Evening I*re«s Gloves. WiTKRI'IIOOV C*A'r* Own Make. Fur Walking, Riding, a«4 Driving. Every garment guaranteed, smd aiUeams sewn. Waterproof Rugs, Overall*, and P*t|dle Aprons. HATS. HATS. HIM. Newest Shapes, Colorings, and Testates to hand Any description r>f Hat or Cap made fco order. NEW ZEALAND 'ri CiiOTMMtt Factory, W H- WEBBER, •JVl.anftger ' . m, ii i'iiij -f - Kiuiiin Wyslt.p, and Co.'s " litperiai" I Purd 'Ceylon and Indian T<?«*' *re tl^ pp^t iv the market, -CAdvt.)



Wanted^ CASH Advertisement under chis - heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORD'S 1/-. Addresses may be li'ftat this Office. \ ""D POKE'S Carbolised Scaly Blight _J3 Cure is the best of all, bar none. TO LET—A comfortable three roomed Cottage on the North Belt. Apply, C Truckle, Prince Ajberi Temperance Hotel. 9 45 ! ICE Cream off Cough drops on. Un doubtedly Mie best. H. G. Flower, Confectioner Eaat Street. WANTED Known.—Call and secure bargains of Winter Drapery at the Great Sale at W. H. Collier's, "The Corner." . \\ •A N T jTi v Known—As Melford V\ House Sale will be a genuine Cheap one, it will be to your advantage to call early.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. W\NTED Known.—Great Clearing Sale at "The Corner" of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots,—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known.—Haviug com pleted the alteration of premises we are opening with a genuine cheap sale. Come and see. H. C. Segers, Melford House. of Premises. Cheap j Sale now on at the opening of new Shop. Come and judge for yourselves. H. C. Segers. ; ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 52s 61 cash. .Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. _, OSLYN, Mosgiel, Kaiapoi, and Ash burton Tweed Suits made to my order from selected patterns. Long and narrow and short and wide as well as ordinary sizes from 40s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. rpO Meet the Times.—l am supplying .JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspection invited. — J. -\V. Hardley, PJas street. 6|201 WANTI.OD Known.—l have a large stock of Ti>i and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East • treet. 6|202 ANTED Known—H. Dudley will sink Deep Wells and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee water to surface at 3s 6d per foot.— H. Dijplky, Moore Street. 6§54 CHEAP READING for all Classes.— Hundreds of Back Numbers of Monthly and Quarterly Periodical*} at Half Price. Several volumes of Standard Works at Cost Price to reduce our Large Stock. Photo arid Scrap Albums, Photo Frames —L. F. Anurewes & Co., Stationers' .Hall.



Public Notloes. j WANTED Known —J. Nicholas (late with J. Moison) Bootmaker, h;>s opened m shop late T. Chambers, Kant •troet. All orders for Boots and ShoeSj or repairs, will be promptly executed at moderate charges. Aerial solicited. 7 165 T\ G. RUSSELU BARRISTER and SOLICITOR, CHBUICHOBCH. Branch Office—East Street, ASUB U » TOl ' (Near H. Zander's.) 6 loi THE MERCANTILE FINANCE AND AGENCY COMPANY (Limited OF CHRISTCHURCH. •■ Incorporated under the Previsions of the Companies Act, 1882. |Registkbbd Office—'. MORTEN'S BUILDINGS, CHRISTCHURCH. fTIHJS Company is prepared to advanc*. X MONKY on Freehold Property, m Large or Small Sums, at Current Rates of Interest; also, upon the Security of Bills of Sale, Mortgages of Stock, Wool and Agricultural Liens, and Personal Property generally, -■>,. For further particulars, apply to Solicitor, Christchurch, Or to the Branch Office of the Company, East Stkbet, ASHBURTON. 186 j ASHBURTON ARCADE AND HORSE BAZAAR. I I Have for Sale, private y—Several first-class Draught Entire HORSES. Also,— Thoroughbred Hackney and Pony Entires. For full particulars apply at my office. Arcade, Ash burton. As I have several enquiries those having stallions for sale should give me particulars at once. 81116 JOHN G. RESTELL THE ART NEEDLEWORK AND FANCY REPOSITORY, /CONTAINS the Latest Novelties m \J Fancy'and Artistic Needlework direct from Home. In addition to the above Mrs Adams Has opened special Lines m APRONS, PINAFORES, Ladies', Children's and Infants' CLOTHING. SOCKS and STOCKINGS knitted by latest improved Knitting Machine. Agent for Mesdames Weigel and Butterick's cut paper patterns, and for *he Eclipse Dye Works. Registry Office for Servants. EAST STREET, ASHBUBTQN__ ASHBUETON FINANCE & AGENCY COMPANY, Limited. f~IASH ADVANCES' made on LIVE and DEAD STOCK, MORTGAGES, AGRICULTURAL. LIENS, and other SECURITIES. Office.—Corner oi the Arcade and Tancred Street. WM, HORNE, jiy Manai/er F. BL Collier, "The Corner," INVITES ATTENTION to a LARGE AND CHOICE SELECTON HTew Spring GJoods OF EXCEPTIONAL VALUE. JUST ARRIVED, THE LATEST NOVELTIES IV Millinery Gloves Flowers Zephyrs Feathers Prints Underclothing Dress Corsets Stuffs Laces Boots Tinsel • Shoes Ribbons Gents' Tiea Embroideries Gents Hats, &o. " SOME SPECIAL LINES < '" or HOSIERY AND BLACK RIBBONS Considerably under Usual Cost. The Balance of WINTE R GOODS Offered at a GREAT REDUCTION To make room for: New Shipments. "THE CORNER" CT aBK4T SUCCESS T» OF THE CJB.TS.kV C LEARI]srG S ALE OF vS-.WJ ALCOIiN k GO'S STOCK' EVERYBODY PLEASED WITH THE BARGAINS. THERE is a Great Quantity of STOCK still left, whjeh mast be cieared out during the iwxt FOUR WEEKS, at STILL FURTHER REDUCTIONS. Specia bargains for THIS WEEK m DR.ESS, GOODS, Blrt-nkf^. Fl.-mauls, Shawls, Umbrellas, '" Ljiiivs J.-irkwfs, Ulsters, Trimmed ;U iii 1 ■>>.'>•> .nmf-'.'J Hats, Fur Collarettes, etc. ft.B. —A special line of BEST FRENCH MERINOS, usual price 3§ 9d KEDUCBD TO IS Oil