MAIL NOTICE.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. For South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, per R.M.S. lonic: — Ordinary letters, 6.30 si.iti. This mail will be due in London on October 31.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1891. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Incidentally to the Legislative Council Reform Bill the vexed ques tion of the Atkinsonian appointments wats once more raised. It will be remembered that when these appoint ments were made His Excellency the Governor, Parliament and the public were led to understand that the Councillors were nominated subject to whatever reform might be made in the constitution of the Council. His Excellency, indeed, expressed as much in one of his despatches to the Secre tary of State with reference to the appointments, as a mitigating circum stance to be taken into consideration in dealing with the Atkinsonian re commendations, which were evidently regarded by His Excellency and also by Lord Knutsford as a straining of the privileges of a Ministry situated as that of Sir H. Atkinson then was. It will, therefore, be heard with con siderable astonishment that the six gentlemen appointed under those re presentations have, in the most posi tive manner, repudiated that any such condition was attached to their appointment! The members of the House of Representatives appear to have been completely taken aback by the statement. A desire for delay in order to consider the report of the man agers who effected the compromise with the Council on the points at which the two Houses were at variance was defeated, and the report approved, so that this iniquitous business may be considered finally disposed of. It is as well that it is so. The mattei" can not be mended, and nothing is to be gained by stirring up the mud again. The Government have met the Conser vative majority of the Council more than half way in the compromise arrived at. The Council conceded the points that the minimum age of ap pointees shall be twenty-one yf>ars (instead of thirty as they wished), and that the term of appointment shall be seven years (instead of ten) —neither very important points in practice. On the other hand the right of appointing their own Speaker has been conceded to the Council, the Government thus parting with a valuable piece of patron age. Under all the circumstances the Government would have been war ranted in at once, pending the let coming into operation, making a batch of life appointments, but we are glad to know that it is not their intention to follow the reprehensible example of their predecessors in this way, and no appointments will be made until the new Act comes into force. The country will not be slow to appreciate the different views taken with regard to tiie exercise of their rights by the two Ministers. As for the measure of i reform effected in the Council, it is j extremely moderate, but will no doubt iin time—a long time, most probably— have the effect of bringing the Council more into touch with the current of public opinion.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

On Saturday there was a heavy fall of rain in the Anmri and the Northern part of the Ashley County. ■Seventy entries were receives! last night by the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club for the annual Cross Country Steeplechase, to be run next Saturday at Plumpfcou. A larger number of starters is anticipated than usual. The Amateur Photographic Society of Christchurch, last night decided to hold an exhibition of photography during Lord Onslow's stay in Christ-church. Cats are eaten n China because their flesh is regarded as of medicinal value, especially in lung diseases. Its effects are said to be similar to cod-liver oil. Cat's meat is regularly sold in restaurants at Canton. Black cats are preferred. A man who was arrested in Christchurch on Friday night for drunkenness and was found to have £73 about him, was later on relived of a considerable portion of it, as it was found that he was in default of an order of the Court, which has been in force some time, for the maintenance of his children at the Burnham Industrial School. The Secretary of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association has received a commu nication from Mr Clulee, who has been representing the Association in England, of a very satisfactory nature with reference to the visit of a team of amateurs to England next year. Mr Clulee returns by the Doric, bringing details of the arrangements made with the English Association, It is reported that the cargo of wheat ex Ruthin, from Timaru, was ordered to France. The bulk of Australian wheat cargoes which arrived between July 9 and August 5, went to France, in fact twenty two out of twenty-seven arrivals were ordered to French ports, and three more were still awaiting orders when the mail closed. A Press Association telegram received from Christchurch last night says :—" At a mass meeting held in Cathedral Squire on Saturday night at which two thousand persons were present, a resolution was enthusiastically adopted that the Premier should at once recommend to his Excellency, for appointment to the Legislative Assembly, a, number of working men known to be supporters of the present Government; that upon their appointment Parliament should be convened ti> pass fch.e Labor Bills. The richest man in Australia jg said to be James Tyson, who is reported to be worth £6,000,000, and the next richest is Mr Walter Hall, ot Mount Morgan, whose wealth is close on £2,000,000. Among land owners Mr Sam M'Caughey, of Coree, and half a dozen other stations, takes the lead in wealth, while he also holds the dis tinction of being the greatest sheepowijer in 1 the world, his flocks numbering consider ably more than 1,000,000. _ Says the " Hawke's Bay Herald" :—"~W*e have received from Mr J. Knott a reply to Mr V. Gorman's challenge. It is, however, couched in flip fprm of a letter to the editor, and is consequently inadmissible. The challenge was an advertisement, and any reply to it must be advertised, Wg may state, however, that the challenge ip not accepted in any of its terms, and tb«it, Mr Knotfc's references -to Mr Gorman and lijs hotel are complimentary rather than the reverse,"

The first tea and entertainment i" connes tio« with the Mb Stephen's Band of Hope will take place to-morrow evening jin thp Church schoolroom. The tea, to which only members of the Band of Hope will be ad mitted, will be at 5.30 p,m. nnd the enter? taininent at 7.30 pan. For the latter, which will consist mainly of a magirs lantern cuter' lainment, admittance will be sixpence fop ftdiujfoj and threepence for children. The membersof tte> Hand of Hope ayd their pareutu keiwg admitted free,

Mr Peter Stswarfc has been appointed } postmaster at Seaview. The "ancient banner" (as Mr W. Henderson describes it) of the Canterbury A. and P. Association " having run its coarse," Mr George Gould has been ; commissioned by the Association's Committee to make interest with the ladies of Christ church with the view of obtaining a new one. The gift of a banner to the Ashburton j Association by the ladies of tiie County would be a graceful compliment. The express train from Christehurch yesterday was delayed by a serious accident .to the engine near Arowhcnua, the "star board " cylinder being burst. A messenger ran back to Tenmka and telegraphed to Timaru, whence another engine was sent to bring on Hie train. The accident caused the train to be an hour and forty minutes late in reaching Timaru. The Otago football team were passengers by the train, returning Ironi their victory at Christehurch, and to while away the time they were, waiting for a fresh engine, they got out and had a. grime in an adjoining field.—"Timaru Herald." The trophiea for the ladies Bracelet Steeplechase at the last meeting, of the Ashburlon County Hunt Club, are now on view at Mr Andrew Black's in East street where they were purchased by the Club the first prize is a massive gold bracelet set with one largo sapphire round which are grouped four brilliants; the second prize is also a gold bracelet set with pearls and diamonds. The winners of these elegant souvieners are to be complimented on the very good taste shown by the committee in selecting suchchas. designs from Mr Black's stock. W ralsn,the Auckland bailiff who shot him self a fewdays ago, sent a lad with a note to a next, door neighbour a few minutes before he di:l the deed—"Miss Rodgers,—Will you kindly stop Annie from coming inside the house to night, as her father will be a corpse when she arrives. R.Walsh." Miss Rodgers showed the note to her father, and he with another neighbour went to Walsh's house, but did not go in; they went away aud one of them went for a policeman. This was some minutes before the shots were heard. Another instance of " the cowardice of the crowd ! " The " LytteUon Times" says:—On Saturday morning a boy named Robert Wallburton, son of Mr R. W. Wallburton, gardener, of Caledonian road, found the skull of a human being lying in the bed of a creek at the back of the cottage occupied by the caretaker of the St Albans main school. The lad took it out and handed it to Mr J. Speight, headmaster of the school, who pronounced it to be the skull of an aborignal who must have been dead for a long period. He therefore placed it with other curios, of which he has a collection. The story, however, gained in transit, till yesterday evening, it was reported to the police that a child's skull had been found in a ditch. At a late hour last night, Detective Benjamin and Constable Flewellen were despatched to make full enquiries, only to learn the facts as above stated.

A correspondent writes to the Christ church " Press " :—A meeting of the Wai kari Mutual Improvement Society was held on the 9th instant. It being question night, the question was asked " Can rain be produced hy any means within the power of man t" Considerable discussion followed on this question, the result being that it was decided to call a public meeting on Friday, the 18th instant, for the purpose of hiking some action in the matter of instituting experiments on the same lines as these reported from Texas and other parts of America. Mr A. Ireland was asked to make out a statement, and to report to the public meeting the probable cost and other details in connection with the matter. Messrs Elles and Chrisholm were appointed a committee to act with Mr Ireland in the matter of carrying out the experiments •houkl sufficient financial support be given by settlex-s and others. A general meeting of the Ashburton Pro hibition League was held last evening in the Templar Hall. The town and country were very well represented. Mr W. Harding occupied the chair. Correspondence, was received from the Sydenham Prohibition League, in which various suggestions were given as to the successful working of a league. The constitution of the Sydenham League was also carefully considered, and was with additions and alterations to suit the special requirements of the. District, adopted by the local League. One of the mail? points of the alterations was a clause to admit of the for mation of branches of the League in the out lying districts. The following are the officers for the year:—President, Mr R. Alcorn ; Vice-President, Mr A. Orr ; Secre tary, Mr R. E. Dowle; Treasurer, Mr G. W. Andrews; Executive Committee, Messrs J. Osborne, T. Lill, T. Scott, T. E. Kil wortb, H. Steel, F. Williams and P. Ferri man. A remarkable Maori relic has just been presented to the Auckland Museum by Mr Chatfield. That gentleman was out shooting at Thurnatao, on the Manukau, when he noticed a cavity amongst the rocks. Taking away some stones he entered a cave and in this he noticed a large block of pumice. Lifting it he found that it was really a box, two blocks of pumice having been hollowed out and fixed to each other. Within these was the lower jaw of a human being, the two parts of pumice had been evidently tied together and a holldw had been made all round for the cord. To hollow out the pumice blocks would of course be an easy task even with the stone knive3 which were the sole cutting instruments of the Maoris in the ancient times. It is evident that the jaw bone had belonged to an aged person, because most of the teeth are gone and the gum had grown over the holes where they had been. The relic is evidently a very old one, and probably centuries have elapsed since it was placed in the cave. The scoria blocks were probably obtained from the Waikato, where lumps of pumice are frequently to be seen floating down the river. An Auckland telegram says —Many will remember Mr Albert Koebele an entomo logical expert from the United States Go- Ternment, who came down here a couple of years ago in search of insects that should prove an antidote to the scale pest ("i'-erya") which was at that time making great havoc of the orange groves in California. As chronicled at the time, Mr Koebele wa-i successful in hia quest, atyd the number of beetles ("vidalia cardenatis") which he procured here and in Australia quite routed the "icerya" in California. Mr Koebele, who arrived by the Alameda from America, is »t present on a similar mission to this colony and New South Wales, and as a return benefit for that received on last visit he has brought to the notice of colonial orchardists several species of parasitic insects whioh have proved very efficacious in America in destroying the codlin moth larviu and eradicating woolly blight on apple trees, etc. He would be glad to communicate with any settlers to impart or receive information upon the subjects in which he is interested.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Ashburton , Borough Council was held last evening. Present — Messrs Jlu^'o Fiiedlandor (Mayor, presiding), and Councillors Cuthbertson,' Fioivqr, Scaly," Brooke,, aud Tweed. FINANCE. The Mayor reported the debit balance at the Bank as standing at £928 9.s Id. The income from all' eourees i-eceived I since last meeting had been £272 9s. The balance (if rates outsbuudiii'.; for this year was £140, and in connection therewith he had to intimate that several summonses had beei. issued, and these would go on until all the rates were in. FLECTION. The Returning Officer announced the return of Cr Flower to the Council, and the fact that two seats were yet to fill, nominations for which would bo received up to noon on Thursday next. The Mayor regretted the apathy shown by the leading citizens of Asliburton in regard to municipal matters, and hoped that Thursday next would show that they did not intend to allow the public work of the Borough to be discharged by only a few. ; ;.■■■ S.K. BELT. The Hampstead Town Board wrote asking" that certain holes on the S.E. Bolt be filled in by the Council.— Agreed to. ALTERATION OF ROLL, .;. Mr Hurry Friedlander wrote asking that his name be substituted on the, roll for that of Mr William Zander, and Mr Fred. Parkin's name be substituted for his own for section 263.—Agreed to. RESERVES. Mr R. Smyth wrote offering to lease reserve 1690, lately occupied by Mr A. Lee, from year to year at a rental of £3 per annum ; and to re-apply for a yearly tenancy of reserves T.S. 1190, 1191, 1200, and 1201 at the rental formerly declined by the Council, viz., £2 per annum. Cr Tweed said the rule was that all sections belonging to the Council should be rented at not less than £1 per annum per section^ and he wished the application of Mr Smyth referred to the Reserves Committee to report. After some discussion the matter was left in the hands of the Reserves Com- j mittee with power to act. i BEACH ROAD. Mr F. T. Mayo waited ot> the Council with the object of obtaining sanction for taking water from Moore street channel; to his property on the Beach Road for irrigation purposes. He wanted as much as would flow through a two-inch or inch and a half pipe; and would like il for three days a week. The matter was referred to the Works I Committee to repcrt. RUBBISH. Messrs Alfred Harrison and C. M. Brooke obtained leave to burn rubbish'j on their respective sections. { , engineers' report. The Engineers reported as follows :-p- . Water supply to Peter and Cox streets IV —We have inspected with Mr Williamson; late Chairman of the Works Committee, the N.W. Town Belt, and examined the levels, in view of bringing a supply of water near the houses in this neighborhood. By making fords at the junction of the Belt with Cameron, Wills, and Peter streets, and using the plough for forming the side' channels along the Belt and Peter street, we believe the object may be obtained at a small cost, say not exceeding £10. There would be a considerable addition to this cost to bring the water along the Belt to Cox street, and also uncertainty, as there is-much recently made ground and exposed shingle at the upper part of Cox street, which \vill take some time to Consolidate sufficiently to carry the water without Avaste. Labor (fan/ —The men have chiefly been engaged in harrowing, sowing, and rolling in the Domain,- planting willows, spreading shingle, watering streets, attending to the water supply, and maintenance work. The contractor for the delivery of road metal lias completed his contract. Mr Alfred Harrison waited ou the Council in regard to the supply men tioned in clause 1, and offered, to pay portion of the expense, by taking say £5 worth of the earth that would require to be moved. Clause 1 was adopted, the Mayor stat ing that Mr Harrison would tinder it have water at least at the lower portion of his property, if not at the tront. The other clauses were adopted. WILLS STREET. In reply to Cr. Blower, the Engineer said there were still a good many loads of clay to be put upon the shingling in Wills street. " • t . '.  BOARD OF HEALTH. Letters were read from the Hampstead Town Board and the Upper Ashburton Roaa Board, suggesting that the contri butions for Board of Health purposes should be levied on the basis of the rate able value of property. The Mayor and Cr. Tweed were of opinion that- population was the only proper basis, and the letters were re ferred to the Central Board of Health. BARING SQUARE. Cr, Brooke asked leave to amend the motion he had given notice of at last meeting. He wished that a panel be re moved from the centre of the fence opposite the County Council oflices, and another from the fence in East street, so that the Square could be utilised by nurse girls with perambulators, and also to make a straight footpath to the Council: offices. The trees were now beyond the chance of harm, and the fence could very easily be removed without danger. Cr. Flower seconded the motion. Cr. Tweed opposed, and on a vote being raken the motion was lost en the casting vote of the Chairman. % ■ ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of about £ICO were passed for payment. "

DOMAIN BOARD.

The Counc.il then sat as a JLnwin Board. BATHING HOURS, The Board decided not to allow any bathing in the Domain on Sundays after nine o'clock in the morning. BIKD NESTING. The arrangements for bird nesting were left in the hands of the Mayor and the caretaker, ■ «RASSIN(i, It was resolved to let the grazing in the upper paddock up to February J, 1892. WILLOWS, Mr Scaly drew attention to one of the large willows on one of the islands, having been blown down, and the broken bough left in the stream. The Engineer said orders had been given to have it removed. TIfE ■ CYCLING TRACK. The Engineer said he purposed visiting Lancaster Park, Christehurch, with the object of seeing what the Cycling Club wanted done at the turnings of the track. After some other business the Board adjourned.

THE GOVERNMENT INSUR ANCE DEPARTMENT.

A question asked and answered in the House of Representatives some days ago disclosed the fict that a difference had arisen between the Government Life Insurance Depart-.; raent and . their great rival, the \ Australian MutualTrovident Society. The cause of offence was a circular which had been issued by the hitter Society, but its nature was not made clear, and as almost everybody now-a -days is interested in life insurance questions, it may not be- amiss to explain the matter. It appears that some time,ago the head of the' Gover nment office signed a joint agreement with the chief executive officers of the Australian life assurance societies to the effect that the practice of " twisting policies," that is, .'inducing persons already assured to surrender, or those who have been accepted to refrain from completing their proposals, with a view of persuading them to join another office, was strictly contrary to the interests of honest management, and would be regarded as disqualifying any agent for further employment. i.The several offices also, bound; them selves not to engage agents or can vassers while they were still in the employ of. .another office, or who had been found guilty of defrauding any office, or who had left an office while in its debt, and to desist from the practice of giving commission! or a rebate on the premium to insurers: These are reasonable conditions,:! and it is in the interest of all well-conducted offices that they should be strictly adhered to. But the agreement con tained the following clause: —"The issue of statements by, way of com parison respecting rival institutions will not be allowed. Our agents will be forbidden to issue any comparisons or printed or written literature of any kind, except such as is specially authorised by ourselves, and for which we are prepared to be responsible. The issue of anonymous circulars or pamphlets is therefore strictly for bidden." It was an infraction of this condition which was alleged against the Australian Mutual Provident Society, that office'having issued a circular directly com paring its position on a certain point with that of the Government office. The Premier stated that the Department had entered into correspondence with the head office of the Australian Society on the subject, and an explanation would be made to the House; This, however, did nOt satisfy the qnestioner, who insisted that the agreement should be cancelled forthwith, not only be cause it had been broken, but also because it should never have been . entered into. The question dropped, but if,-as is.stated, the agreement pre cludes the Government office, from, so much as pointing out the advantage -that it possesses in the State guarantee, to say nothing of other points j then it is a decidedly disadvantageous agree ment to that office, and should at once be withdrawn from. The Department cannot have foreseen the effect of such a clause. ■ It is admitted that there is already a perceptible falling olf in new business since it was signed, No other Gonsequence could follow. We do not say that the management of the Department is perfect in other respects i —indeed, it is not—but the signing of this compact 'wks a serious blunder, and when such a false step is taken, there is no knowing how soon it may be followed.by another. It is difficult to see why such a clause should have been included-in the agreement. The best offices have their distinctive features which they should not be prevented from impressing upon the public; while misrepresentations can be punished. A restriction of the quantity of circulars, pamphlets, &c. —whichv until the argeement was entered into was enormous—would make an appreciable difference in the cost of working, but when this is secured at the cost of a material loss of business, it is a very doubtful economy. .The Government office has nothing to fear from legitimate com petition—neither, we may say has the office which is alleged to have broken the agreement—and it would be better far to allow each to place its advanr tageous fairly before the public.

ROAD BOARD.

MOUNT HUTT. The monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held on September 10. Present — Messrs Cameron, Johnstone, Morgan, and Drummond. Mr D. Quinn attended to ask the Board to have something done to the upper end of the river road Mr Quinn was informed that the Board would consider the matter. Messrs Quinn, James Middleton, and Thomas Bright attended co ask the Board to spend the accrued thirds on a water supply. The Board decided to recommend the Land Board to authorise this money being handed to the County Council to be spent ' in this manner, The Clerk's report wa3read and considered. It was decided to form about 1J mile of the Lyndhurst-Cairnbrae road, and about 1 mile of the Aahbnrton River road. The Clerk was instructed to get in, with out delay, the outstanding rates. It was resolved to call tenders for grazing the Recreation Reserve for twelve months, and to liaye the gorse stubbed in die planta tions ; also to have some paths formed in the cemetery, \ The following tenders were accepted :—J. Black, formation of Hale's road, 4s lid per chain ; Blackburn Bros., shingling Railway road, 9i|d per yard; Blackburn Bros., shingling Macguiness' road, 9M and 10|d per yard. Accounts amounting to £47 16s lid were passed for payment. ANNUAL MEETING. The adjourned annual meeting was then held, and the audited balance-sheet adopted. The balance T sheet showed the receipts from all sources on the general account to have been £1535 15s lOd ; expenditure, £743 19s Id. On Land Fund Account, £47 12s 4d ; expenditure, £21 10s. The district was divided into wards some years ago, but the ward system of accounts has not been introduced ; the report showed the expenditne to have been in—A Ward, £113 18s lid; B, £112 12sl0d; 0, £74 13s 3d; D, £65 2s 6d ; E, £81 19s 2d; F, £122 0s 6d ; and general expenditure for salaries, printing, material, etc., £195 lls 1 Id.

SPORTING.

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB'S SPRING MEETING.

[BY White Choker.]

/[By,White ' Tim /Spring Meeting of tho South Canterbury: Jdckey Club will take place at 'the Wnshdyke on Thursday and Friday next, a_d, judging, by th« liold.i, which are numerically strong as compared with the Spring Muetin" of last year, some splendid racing nny lie anticipated. The railway arrangements arefsatisfactory as regards times of running, but Ashburton is,' as usual, very badly .treated in being excluded from the benefit of..excursion fares. The morning trairifrom Ashburton to Timaru leaves at 10.17, and the express will stop at • the WashdyVe to Jpick up passengers returning. The following are my selections for the first day's races :— i-Hurdles : Christmas, 1 ; Capt. Abrara, 2 ; Waitangi, 3. County Plate : Lady Zetland, 1 j Jacob Faithful, 2; Coinage, 3. Spring Handicap:? Derby, 1; Yon Tempsky, 2 ; Liberator, 3. Timaru Guineas : Huguenot, 1 ; Cajolery, |2 ; Saddler, 3; High Weight Handicap : Jacob Faithful, 1 ; Mailboy, 2; Enfield, 3. V'elter Handicap :La Hose, 1; Lady Zetland, 2; Tom Field, 3. Disposal Stakes: Reinga, 1; Loiter, 2 • Collins?- I wood, 3.' ■

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

The following are the handicaps for the Spring Meeting, to be held on September 23:—. ■• ' \ . ■ '. Maiden Handicap, of 15 soys. Two miles. Victoria 11.-... scr Barney O'Hea 4aec Sunrise , ... 2se.p Anaconda ... 4aec Glengarry ... 2sec Forest Maid... ssec Form.... " ... 2sec Bos ... ... ssec Fancy 11. ... 2sec Sailor Boy ... 7sec Thirza ... 4sec Selling Handicap, of 20 soys. Two miles. Star of Honor scr Zara ... ' ... J^sec Minnie ... ssec Anaconda ... 22sec Quail.. • ...;12sec Coralie ... 25sec Pegasus ... 17sec Harness Handicap, of 18 soys. Two miles. Wakanui ■%* ; set Biddy ;,. 22sec Minnie ... 12sec Idaho... ;.. _ssec Maud..: „. 18see J.M 303ec s Allenton Handicap, of 30 soys. Three miles. Shamrock ... scr , Madeline ... 35sec Mount joy ... 20sec j Star of Honor 35sec Connemara ... 25sec • Master George 35sec Wakanui ... 27sec I Biddy ... 45sec District Handicap, of 17 soys. Two miles. Minnie ... scr Eos. ... ... 15sec Humbug ... 2sec Ruahine ... 20sec Cissy.., ... 7sec Nancy Lee ... 25see Forest Maid... 15sec 'Lilly ... ... 23seq Anaconda .., 15secJ Electric Stakes Handicap, of 20 soys. One mile. Wilkin ... scr Form... - ... 17sec Mountjoy ... ssec Barney O'iltM 17sec Wakanui ... Bsec J.M. ... ... 2Oseo Master George 12sec iVty... .;, 22sec Victoria 11, ... 17sec Oissy and Quail are scratched for all en gagements at the ensuing meeting.

A.J.C. SPRING MEETING.

(per tress association ) (Received September 15, 11.85 a.m.) Sydney, September 14* The rain has cleared ofF, and the weather is splendid for the races to-day. Mr Gollan's horses are scratched for their Metropolitan engagements.

POLITICAL.

(from our parliamentary corres pondent). Wellington, September 14. BUSINESS. Nothing is doing: at present in the lobbies. Tho Hou.-.e has put through a considerable lob of business this after noon, and probably will resume the Esti mates at a later hour this evening. THE L.AND BILL. All attention is now centred on the Upper House, which is considering .the Land Bill. They have passed the clause to allow persons of seventeen years old to be selectors. Mr Stevens moved an amendment to a subsequent clause (82) to allow persons to take up land for their children. Mr Buckley would not agree to accept it, as it would violate the resi dential principle and generally the spirit of the Bill. PAYMENT OK. MEMBERS. Considerable anxiety as to the fate of the Payment of Members Bill in the Upper House exists, and I hear also that some members of the Lower House are in considerable dread of being called over the coals by their constituents for voting lor the BilL ' ;

Additional Mail News.

THE WESLEYAN QOKfEEBNCE. ; The Weslcyan Conference 'concluded its labours, on August 6 with'the signifi cant appointment by a large majority of Professor Davidson to the Ohair of Theo logy. His recent address on the In* apiration of the Bible, and his- expansive theology have excited alarm anjong ortho^ dox members of the sect. His eleotion proves the ctrcngth of broad. Church views in English Wesleyanisinl; Another victory to the forward party was the appointment of a Committee' to try to obtain an Act of Parliament: to rescind Wesley's deed under which the three years' ministerial circuit system prevails. If such an Act is obtained, says the tele graphic correspondent, itinerant Wesley an ministers, the dominant feature of the Church, will cease to exist. THE CROFTERS. Colonel Engeldue and Major Clarke were at Winnipeg on August 12 en route to British Columbia in connection with the scheme to settle si3s thousand Scotch Highland crofters in Vancouver Island. These are all members of the Royal Naval Reserves, and th«* reason of the British* Government's efforts to settle them in British Columbia is to have them con venient in case of emergency on the Pacific Coast. They are to be engaged in connection with a gigantic English syndi cate which is being formed for the develop ment of deep sea fisheries on the west coast. THK BANK OF NEW ZEALAND. The "European Mail" says :—The recuperative powers of New Zealand are beginning lo show themselves in a very marked degree, and there seems little doubt that the colony has entered upon a new era of pnspeiity. Very gratifying was tfce statement which Mr Richard Glyn had to make to the shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand on August 5. On the reduced capital of £900,000 there has been a net profit of £59,522, which,, after placing £20,000 in consols as the nucleus of a reserve, is sufficient to allow 1' of a distribution for the halfryear at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum. On this result the new Board is to be heartily congratulated. The wisdom of the policy of removing the head office to London is sufficiently shown in the increase of the business of the bank. Practically, the advances of the bank are £600,000 more than when the head office was removed; from Auckland to the Old Country, -and the most satisfactory feature about this new business is that it has v?ry largely come from old customers. No ; more gratifying evidence of returning confidence in the bank could be given. It will euiv prise us very much if th.c qld, shares. j*re not up to £4-0 by. the end "of the j year* At present they are quoted at £6 to £7, hut jn the new shares there have recently been transactions at £8 15s. It may be mentioned th^t the landed propoHy of the bank only figures in tha balance-sheet for £374,163, which is £150,000 less than it wai? valued, a,t, .;

. -: ? POSTAL MATTERS. The principal event of the Vienna Postal Convention just.concluded was the admission of the Australian Colonies. They have agreed, according to Captain Brooks, the United States delegate to the Convention, to come in on October 1, 1891, provided the .international postal rates are not reduced/ -They claimed they could not sUnd a reduction. The present rate between Australia and, the United Slate* 'is 12 cents, and vice verm sixpence, per half ounce. The' Unite.l States will at once reduce the rate to 5 ctfnfcs, Aus tralia way keep its late at.XO cents,, but it is likely it will reduce it at once to 5 cents. Another matter of interest is that of a change in th«;size of sample packages of uierciiaiidiieuwhich may .bp sent through tho mails to and from countries in the Union. The new treaty increases the limit. Bach country in the Union t after .1 uly 1, -1832, will issue a double postal card foiforeign service, costing four cents. The writer indites a message ■on one of these cards, puts an address, on the same card and mails the combination. When the addressee receives it he tears off the card not written on, writes his reply on it, addresses it and mails it. Any country in the Union is required to forward this card, and the country in which the double combination card is bought i-ecsives free post ige both | ways. The new treaty uoes into effect on July 1, 1892. FINANCIAL REASSURANCE. . William Lidderdale, Governor' of the Bank of England, says (according to a despatch of August 18V-*' I wijh to_ em phatically repeat that there is no basis for reports that a great financial disaster is impending in Great Britain. It is quite untrue that any important banking house is in-danger*, save one, and the affairs of that ate now in hand. As for the char tered banks, they are all sound, so far as I know. There have been great losses, it is true ; but these losses have been spread over a large number, of persons, and a* a rule, have been already met and paid, leaving the losers poorer, but still sol vent. There"'''will be, a four failures, but none of any importance—none that could. affect the money markets. The result of the great losses in South 4.meiica and elsewhere has been to bring people to their senses. Speculation has completely stopped. The difference between the wildness of last year and the tameness of this is the difference between convex and concave. Where there was a hill there is now a hole^ The people are pooler and wiser—that is t-he eimple truth of the matter." '' ; ; .: ■-■ •

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

PEJB MMSSS ASSOCIATION, J Wellington, September 14. The Council met at 2.30 p.m, BILLS ADVANCED; The report of the conference on the Legislative Council Bill was agreed to. The Government Loans to Local ifodies,' the Obago University Council Election, and the Property Tax Bills were putthrough their final stages. LVND BILL, The Land Bill was further considered in Committee. Clause 82—Land to be acquired for the sole use and benefit of the applicant. Mr Ormond moved .an. amendment that any parson may select; 100 acres for not more than three members of his family, such members to be under the age of 17 years. •' ' ■ • ■'•;■■ Agreed to by 20 to C. In the penalty subsection of the same clause, the term of:-imprisonment for making a false declaration under the Act was altered so as Hot to exceed one year instead of two as printed. The Council rose at 5 p.m. The Council resumed at 7.30 p.m. Tn Committee on the Land Bill, Clause 102-—Eilesmere Lake'lauds to b« declared Crown lands---was struck out. j Clause 132—Residence to be compulsory j —was amended so that it should not apply to land taken up by children. Clause 138—C >sh lands to be improved before issue cf Crown grant— was struck out by 17 to 8. Clause 139, providing for certificate of occupation to be given to cash purchasers pending improvements, was also struck out Clause 140, dealing with the fulfilment of the conditions of license, was amended so as to give selectors power'to capitalise after the conditions are fulfilled. [ On clause 149, having reference to the terms of a lease, w hie li was really the vita.l clause of the Bill, Mr Stevens moved a proviso giving the right of purchase at the rate of 5 per cent as under the existing law, Ihis was carried by 18 to 5. Clause 193, which provides that no per son or company shall hold more than one run, was struck out ty 194.0 3. Clause 203, compelling a mortgagee to exercise power of sale within twelve months of the time when the power ac crued, was rejected by 19 to 1 (the Colo nial Secretary's vote). ; ' Clause 206, the Board may refuse to sanction the transfer of any run or interest in any run. : , s ■■' Struck out by 14 to 6. : ■ Clause 229, runholders not entitled to com pensation if unaltered or repealed. Thrown out by 15 to 6. Progress was reported, and the Council rose at midnight.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BILL. ' Mr Ballance brought up Hie report of the managers on tHe Legislative Council Bill.. He explained that/ the Council had agreed to the minimum age of future appointees being fiked at 21 years instead of 35, nnd the peroid of appointment being 7 years instead of 10. On the other hand the Hausie had conoeded the Council the right to elect its own Speaker, ajicl the retrospective* clause in regard to the seven gentlemen who were appointed in January last ihad been struck out of the Bill. Mr Ballance said the ;conv promise in regard to the late appointments was arrived at on the strength of a posi tive assurance that no pledge had been given that the gentlemen then appointed were to come under the seven years tenures. ; - Mr Rolleston asked whether the Go vernment would be entitled to recommend, any new appointments for life pending. this ne^ Aptl cbtoittg into, pperatiah, or whether they would be bound by the spirit of the Act.sa. that any new appoint ments should be for saven years only. , Mr Balance gave a positive assurance that pending the Act coming into force Government did - not intend to make any new appointments. ] The report was agreed to by 43 to 12. , GOVERNMENT INSURANCE BILL. Mr Billanoe itoved the second reading i of the Government Life Insurance Act Amendment Bill to enable a division of profits to be, made by order in Council if tlie report of the actuaries is received during the recess. Agceed to, . ( BO HOUGH RESERVES BILL. The Borough Beservea Vesting and Sale Bill, which vests certain public re serves, which are practically of no use to the Government, in the local bodies of the districts in which' they are situated, was road the second time. , GOVERNMENT INSUUANCE BILL. The Government Life Insurance Act Amendment. Bill passed through, Com mittee wjihouti amend.WWs.

NAVAL AND MILITARY SETTLERS BILL, • The Naval and Military &eti.!ei\s and .yolimteer Land Bill was taken in Com mittee, .j it * Clause 5 was amended to provide that certificates may issue to persons equitably s entitled thereto in case of the denth or finjury of the persons originally entitled f'to the certificates. I A new subsection was added to clause 6, enabling the Commissioners to hear claims from every officer who had by command of his superior officers, taken ><3rvi«e in the milifcia anJ thereby lost his claim. ( s f Clause B—-Conditions of occupation of lands acquired under remission certifi cates, —evoked'considerable opposition. Mr Seidon agreed to strike out all reference in the clause to 1 the' settlement conditions, and he hoped the Committee would accept the compmrr'sc, and his coi 'eagu*l, the Minister fin- i^iuds would do justice to claimants under the Bill, The compromise was finally accepted by 36 to 20, arid the clause passed as amended. - - , > «" The remaining clauses passed unaltered. The House rose at 5 30 The House resumed at 7.30. ""• BILLS ADVANCED. The Lyttelton Harbor Board Land Bill, the Government Life Insurance Bill, and the Naval and Military Settlers Bill were read a third time and passed. THE SCHOOL COMMITTEES ELECTION BILL. The School Committees Election Bill was committed. Clause 2—definition of householder. Mr Saundets moved an amendment that "householder" means every adult male or female person who has for the •last six months resided within a school district, or who is parent or guardian of any child attending any state school in that district.—Lost by 35 to 16. The clause was eventually amended to provide that " householder " shall mean every adult male or female owner or tenant of any dwelling-house within a school district who has resided in the house for three months prior to the day of election. Subsection 3 of clause 5 was altered to provide tha 1; in school districts within proclaimed mining distiicts "house holder " shall mean the holder of a mining viijht who has for three months before oleotion day redded in the district. Clause s—annuals —annual election of.School Committees—elicited a lengthy discussion. On the question of whether the mem* hers of Committee should be seven or five, Mr Rees moved to strike out the words . "seven," and urged that the number should be left to the people -of different districts to decide for themselves; The amendment was agreed to, and "seven" was struck out, the clause as amended being added to the Bill. Clause B—Proceedingsß —Proceedings at meetings. On the motion of Mr Palmer an addi tion was made to the clause to the effect that any candidate may be allowed to withdraw from nomination .before the ballot is taken, either verbally or in writ ing. One new clause wm-v substituted for claused, to the effect that aay-Beamftiafaiar. present at an annual moeting may be* nominated for election.on the Committee, and any resident householder nominated at such meeting shall be a- candidate for election. The meeting.hlirll then ; by reso lution fix the number of the Committee*. which must not be less than five or mot* than nine. Ihe Bill was ordered to be reported with amendments. MUNICIPAL CORPORATION BILL. The House went into Committee on the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill. Clause 6, one per cent of renewal rate may be applied to provide that not more than £100 could be spont in this way in any one year. • ■ Clause?, Council may transfer its powers to supply gas and electricity., • ■ Struck cut by 27 to JG, Clause 9, charitable institutions and schools not conducted for profit, tolw ex empt from rating. Thrown out by 23 to 22. : The Bill was repotted with amendments and put through, its final stages. '* THIRD READING. IJ The School Committees Election Bill was read a third time and passed. The House rose at 1 a.m.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(t'ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)-

CARDINAL MANNING.

* London, September 12. Cardinal Manning is gradually weakening, and his Coadjutor has been nominated. ■ < • >

COLONIAL CREDIT.

Westgarth's Monthly Circular con siders that the finance of Mr Munro ( the Premier, is not likely to improve the credit of Victoria, and states that had New South Wales announced a 2\ million loan instead of a 4 J jmiUtion it would have justified a minimum «f 97. It adds that it believes the loans will be a success. ' - . - '. - The "Daily News" considers that the security offered by New {South Wales is sound, but that' the market has been recklessly damaged by recent over-issues of colonial loans.

THE JEWS.

In tlie Jewish colonisation scheme propounded by Baron Hirsch Australia is not mentioned. Ottawa, September 13. The Canadian press; is protesting against the hostility of the Government to Jewish immigrants.

REPORTED COLLISION.

London, September 14. A sailing vessel, name unknown, is reported to have collided \with the steamer Arizona in tlie Atlantic Ocean. The former vessel sank--wijbh-her crew, but the steamer was not much injured and proceeded on the voyage.

MR PARNELL.

Addressing a meeting at Listowell in Kerry, Mr Parnell declared thtt nothing would .ever induce him to Again take command of the party vrhq t seceded from him during'the divorce case. He also reasserted that he had proposed to Mr Dillon that the Paris funds should he available for assisting evicted tenants in Ireland. ■ - j ;r

THE RUSSIAN FAMINE.

St. Petersburg, September 14. The Russian Government is unable to cope with - the- famine among the peasantry, and private cmuity is es sential.

TERRIBLE FLOODS.

Madrid; September 14. Disastrous floods have been ex perienced in South Spain. Several villages were destroyed and many per sons, drowned. Thousands have been rendered homeless.

THE FRENCH IN SIAM.

Hokg Kong, September 14. It is reported tint-the French have

¥Ml 3 ASHBIMON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, SEP_^MBiXft 15, 1891.



The Best Remedy for Ikdigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Rtrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic andjgentle perient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold' in bottles, at Is l|d,J2s 9d, lls, by all medicine vendors throughout the world. Ninian Hyslop, and Go. 1!? *' Li.perial'g Pure Ceylon and Tndian Tea'a are th| best in the market. — oA3vt.)



Holloway's Pills and Qintmenx.—Self Help.—Prior to the discovery of these remedies an easy, ready and reliable remedy for outward disfigurations. and inward com plications was practically unknown. No ons need now be at a loss if they should uttr fortunately suffer from piles, ulcers, sores^ tumours, boils, bruises, sprains, etc. Envelop ing Holloway's medicines are very intelli gible printed directions for using them,which should be very attentively studied and im mediately followed by all who resort to his treatment. Sooner or later the sufferer will assuredly triumph over the wqrst diseases, This searching ointment disperses all thqse malignant humours which aggravate diseases qi tlje skin, prevents the c;catris;atiqn of ulcers, and infjammatpry tendencies tfye. system., Teasfree from any excess of astringency South British Tea Company's pure blends All store eep gj



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects in coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards in p/oof of thegenuine ness of our l-eferences. The official reports of medical , clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam —all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome oi •ne of the various cases treated by Siegenl M.D , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and paintfir aide of the hand of the thirty-year old patipnt was completely separated and ljfted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalaux of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed in three weeks under daily' applications of Eucalypti Extract dressing, TJie patient has retained the full use of her hand.'— (A<lvt.) 1 Ank for Ninian Hyhlop, and CWs " Imperial' new seasons Pure Oeylon and Indian T«a« Spe'o.'ali prices,—(Advfc,). Ninian Hyslbp, and Oo.'s "Imperial" Ceylon and Indian Teas a.re direct from tb'e Tea P^ntatjows,—C4f4vt)



Keatino's Cough Lozbmjes curea Cough Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical t sthnon etates that no other medicine is so effectual. in the cure of these dangerous maladies One Lozenge alone gives case, one or two at bedtime enenaes rest. For relieving diftcnlty o Jbreathing they are invaluable. They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, in tins, Is Hd and 2s 9d each True economy To purchase Countes- Tea for two .shillings. Fr«R from any ex '■ cess < f asUin<fenc Countetw 2s, Duchess 2.s 4d, Princess 2s Bd, impress 3<. T?l»ese Teas aye free if mi »uy wm oi !>gU'U>geiicy



Wanted CASH Advertisements under th:s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Wt at this Office. W.\NTED KNOWN,—' 4 Social Pro blems as affected by the Land Question"—Wesley an Church, Webnfs dat, 7 30 by Rev. S. La wry. 9 93 WANTED to Let, commodious Shop with Dwelling; also fur Sale one two and one four-roomed house with half acre lan_ to each.—H. M. Jo.nes. 982 TTrANTED KNOWN genuine Clearing ' * Sale is going on and the Boots are going out Best value yet offered, the Tery best york nnd repairing done at once at J. M. Moison's lown Hall, hast j Street. BROOKE'S Carbolised Scaly Bli«ht Cure is the best of all, bar none. ICE Cream off Consjh drops on. Un doubtedly fhe best. H. G. Fuwkr, Confectioner East Street. ANTED Known.—Call and secure bargains of Winter Drapery at the Great Sale at W. H. Collier h, "The Corner." "TT7 ANTaD Known—As Melford W House Sale will be a genuine Cheap one, it will be to your advantage to call early.— H, C. Segbbs, Melford House. WANTED Known.—Great Clearing Sale at "The Corner of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots.—W. H. Collier. _ XITANTED Known. —Having co m » ▼ pleted the alteration of premises we are opening with a genuine cheap sale. Come and see. H. C. Sbobrs, Melford House. TjEXTENSION of Premises. Cheap LJj Sale now on at the opening of new Shop. Come and judge for yourselves. M. C. Segeks. LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 52s 6d cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, gaunders' Buildings. BOSLYN, 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. ._ TO Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30a upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspsction invited.— J. W. Hardley, Eaa street. 6J201 WANTED 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. Dudley, Moore Street. 6§s_ WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept in stock.—J. W. Hardley, East 'treet. 61202 CHEAP READING for all Classes — Hundreds of Back Numbers of Monthly and Quarterly Periodical?? at Half Price. Several volume** of Standard Works at Cost Price to reduce our Large Stock. Photo and Scrap Albums, Photo Frames —L. F. Anmrewes & Co., Stationers' Hall. 189 lf 3Prin9 &J3 ummeF'] 1891 moil the 11891 iSHOW OF THE SEASON J highsuTs goods AT RIGHT PRICES. EACH department of our business is now replete with the Choicest Novelties in 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 Go jds all the year round. OUR SPECIALITIES ARE- Clothing of Superior Quality, ready-made or made to measure, for Men, Youths, Boys, arid little Boys. Perfect fife and Newest Shapes. Shirts, Ties, Braces, Belts, Studs, Bags, Rugs, and Dressing Gowns. Tennis and Cricketing Requisites ; Sanitary Uuder clothing. UCHT'I «IOVEi For Walking, Riding, and Driving, also Evening Dress Gloves. WATSRPBOOF COATS Own Make. For Walking, Riding, and Driving. Every garment guaranteed, and all seams sewn. Waterproof Rugs, Overalls, and Saddle Aprons. HATS. HATS. HATS. Newest Shapes, Colorings, and Textutes to hand. Any description of Hat or Cap made to order. j NEW ZEALAND Ci;OTHi* TCw Factory, j W H. WEBBER, Manager . ■■ • ■ i i VENABLES, HIGH-CLASS PIANOS. Pianos for India and Extreme Climates " " : in Solid Walnut Cases. All parts, booh Internal and External, specially prepared and secured to resist every variation of temperature. C. VENABLES <fe CO., 187 and 189 Essex Road Islington London. THE Next Chertsey Sale will be held on MONDAY, 14th SEPT., 18 9 1. t. McDowell, Secretary.