The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

Kiinove Gaol, Victoria, has been turned into a butter factory, and Bendigo old post office into a clothing manufactory. A new form or unionism is said to hay been started in Geelong. If a bank calls up overdrafts, the depositors proceed to make a run upon it. A Melbourne woman attended three con secutive funerals before it was discovered that her object was to plunder the houses. Sooner than associate a scandal with their, bereavement, the relatives of the deceased have decided to take no action. She used to hob, and grieve, and plunder. -Two men, supposed to be insane, were remanded by Mr Alfred Harrison, J.P., on Tuesday morning for medical examination. One is named William Dawson and the other Alphonso de Cren. Both were charged with vagrancy, and the latter had been camp ing iii the plantation near the racecourse. Parties on the look out for choice wedding 1 presents, should call into Mr Andrew Black's premises in East Street and inspect the ■tock there. Mr Black haa just had a large glass case fitted up for the; display of silver i ware etc., consisting of silver cups, cruets, sugar and creams sets, also afternoon sets, butter knives, biscuit barrels, egg frames i etc., etc.,—[Advfc]. A writ for £50,000 damages has been issued against the Chief Justice of Victoria, by Robert Merry, of Sandringham, for defamation of character, malice, and slander. The alleged defamation and slander are that the Chief Justice, in his judgment in Merry v the Queen, charac terised certain charges, made by Merry in the course of his action against the Govern ment and certain Government officials, as utterly reckless and unfounded.

A deputation of South Island millers and grain merchants , waited on the Railway Commissioners yesterday, bringing under the notice of the Commissioners the follow ing matters which they considered required redress : —(1( The question of demurrage on tracks during the busy period of the grain season; (2) the differential rates on grain and manufactured products therefrom; (3) the excessive and inequitable charges made sidings.

At a meeting of the Otago Institute a paper was read by Mr Richardson on the disappearance of native birds on the West coast of Otago, referring more particularly to the kakapo and kiwi. He mainly attributed this to ferrets. With this opinion .Sir W. Buller; who was present, did not altogether agree. He thought other causes were in operation, and the introduced rat he thought was the chief one. He pointed out that the birds had been disappearing before ferrets were introduced. The general opinion was that preserves should be established on out lying islands.

The Live Stock and Rabbits Committee have reported upon the Stock-driving Bill, to the effect that they do not Consider it advisable to proceed further with the measure this session. Mr Rhodes said that the Government had promised to take up the question of preventing sheep-stealing, which was provided for in the Bill, and to legislate upon it next session. This being so, he asked that any members interested in the subject should communicate with the Government in the recess. The Committee were unanimous in thrdwing out the measure, which they considered unworkable.

The Nelson Colonist says that when H.ft.H. the. Duke of Edinburgh visited Nelson he handed to the superintendent of the province (Mr O. Curtis) before leaving a sum of £25, with a desire that itmight.be expended in giving the children a treat. Apparently this money has been lying in the bank at interest, and it is said that it has now grown to a sum of some £70 odd pounds. The children for whom tins was intended are now adults, many of them having children of their own, but there will be no difficulty in the way of utilising this money for the entertainment of theyoungsters at the time of the Jubilee celebrations.

Mr J. F. Harper, who has for the last two years held the position of manager of the Bank of New Zealand in Invercargill, was on the afternoon of August 4 entertained to dinner in the Crescent Hotel by his Inver oargill friends. There was a large and representative attendance, over fifty gentle men being present. In the absence of his Worship the Mayor, Mr J. W. Mitchell presided. Letters of apology were read from several gentlemen who could not be present The speeches delivered at the dinner were highly laudatory of Mr Harper as a banker and as a citizen. While saying farewell to Mr Harper a cordial welcoire was extended by those present to Mr R. MeOwen, late of Ashburton, who is to be Mr Harper's suc cessor at Invercargill.

When it became known last week that the Christchurch Fanners' Co-operative Associa tion had decided on issuing 1000 new shares, and that no fewer than 5420 applications were received, some curiosity was felt as to how the shares were to be distributed. It is now announced that in no case have there been more than ten shares issued to one individual. The number has been allotted to new subscribers, and by preference to farmers or to the class of people who were likely to do business with the Company. Some people who applied for as many as a hundred shares only obtained one or two, and many applicants did not even get one, the cluet aim being to prevent shares getting into the hands of people who would hold them for merely speculative purposes.

The " Auckland Star " has the following : —Everyone who moves, about hears of or knows the gpral Ca »y, now commander of the Monowai. He brought out from America the divine Sara JJernhardt, §|, c admired his cherry, rubicund face; who does not? The farewell scene was very touching. He advanced to bid her au revoir, She name forward to meet him, and, according to the custom of her country, presented her right cheek for salutation. The old man was a bit nonplussed at first, but his experience, added to his presence of mind, soon enabled him to take in the position, and he threw both his arms round her, and saluted both cheeks before the astonished artist could recover her position. As the audience was a large one, there were loud calls for an encore.

A popular Free Church minister, in the good old times, used at Christmas time to be in undated Jwith hampers filled with goorl things. On one occasion an enormous! turkey was sent to him by the thoughtful kinness of a neighbouring farmer but, as the minister's family had already provided for the Christmas dinner, the bird was sent into the market and sold. A passer by seeing this fine specimen of poultry, said :—" What a splendid turkey ! Just the tiling for "the minister's dinner !" And to the "minister " it was sent. The prudent wife sent it a. second time to the market and sold it again for a handsome sum. Another friend, similarly ftruci with the inagnitjeent' proportions of the turkey, purchased j.t, and also sent it to the " minister," Not wishing to "fly in the face of Providence the good man said" at fast,, ". It is clear the Lord means us to have this turkey ;" and, with the entire approbation of the family, it formed part of the Christ mas dinner.

About twenty years ago the Government official acting as engiueer-in-charge of the drainage works of South Australia left Adelaide by steamer for Robe, from which place he went to the scene of his labors. A trap accident happened on the way, and the officer died 1 .from''the result of his injuries. Hi* acc^unt^' were audited", ami' jt was found .that;* .there : i^£ a deficiency £f £1100, This was' ass.urn.cd to jbe %* result of dsfajcatjoys, aijd the .Governmeiirappjied to Parliament for g yofce jtp ' recoup' 'hhe 'revenue. The vote was }»asssd, feufe if k%& been only recently discovered that an osqaj banking account had been opened in the name of this officer before he was killed, and it is presumed that he had banked the '.tao'ney in order that he might draw cheques | fii payment of wages, The bank account was only for £JOoO,'so'tliat there is still a de ficiency of £100. This' i^ay' D|e' in some other bank, or the officer may have £akejj"ffc , with liijn, and been a victim of Jarceuy.

A. & P. ASSOCIATION.

j ANNUAL MEETING, The annual meeting of members of the Ashburlon A. and P. Association was hold yesterday afternoon, and was largely attended Mr David Thomas occupied, the chair. ANNUAL BKI'ORT. In submitting the annual report, the Committee regretted to liave to state that the credit balance of £37 12s 7d shown List year had been: reduced to £4 18s 4d, which was - to be attributed to the wet weather on show day. The annual horse parade held on Saturday, October 4, brought forward sixteen entries as asainst j thirty-two for the previous year.; and the decrease, wich the reduced takings ar the gate, resulted in a loss to the Association of £7 2s as compared with 1889. The annual show was held on October 31, and, as far as exhibits were concerned, was a great success, but, through the state of the weather, the attendance was very poor, ar shown by the gate-money taken. This was only £74 13s as against £111 15s 4d, a decrease of £37 2s 4d. During the past year the Committee had pur phased sixty-nine hurdles at a cost of £13 16s 3d. These hurdles were procured in order to show the sheep off to better advantage. The judges at previous shows had always condemned the pens and size of hurdles used. The hurdles were care fully stacked in the saleyards sbed, and now that the first expense, viz., purchase, was paid, would be a source of revenue to the Association. As His Excellency the Governor had been expected to visit the show, tho Committee ordered the luncheon to be served in a marquee erected for that purpose, instead of in the room used at previous shows, which had always been complained of. as being too small. This was also a trifle of expense to the Asso ciation.

BALANCE-SHEET. The balance-sheet was submitted &s follows:— Receipts-To balance, £37 12s 7d; members' subscriptions, £112 19s ; entry I fees, show, £117 18s 6d ; gate money, show, £74 13s ; entry fees, horse parade, £4 ■ gate money, horse parade, £2 4s ; sale privileges, £62 10s 6d : catalogues, £13 6s ; private prizes, £43 17s : rent reserves, £31 ; hire hurdles Saleyards Company, £1 5s ; hire hurdles, Rickman, £1 15s ; total, £503 0s 7d. Expenditure—By bonus Secretary, £10 10s; advertising and printing ("Mail" £20 7s, " Times " £29 9s Id, " Press " £10), £60 6s Id ; luncheons, show, £15 15s ; band, £8 ; gatekeepers, £3 13s ; labor and clerical assistance, £10 17s ; cartage, £2 8s 6d ; hire tents, flags, &c, £6 : timber for hurdles and booth, and making, £16; painting signs, £1 ; stationery, £2 Is 3d; hire forms, bill posting, calico, ribbons, &c, £2 6s 5d ; commission, £11 6s ; rent shed, £10 ; stamps, telegrams, post cards, exchanges, &c, £8 6s; .prize money, £304 13s; salary Secretary, £25; Or. balance in Bank,' £4 18s 4d; total, £503 0s 7d. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of, the report and balance-sheet, said that, despite the large expenditure for plant, and the falling off in receipts occasioned by the wet weather on the day of the show, the Association was now in a better position than ever before. Mr J. Bonifant seconded the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, which was unanimously adopted. A request from. Mr F. M. Rickman, that he be allowed a rebate on the hire of snme hurdles he had used for holding a sheep sale, was declined. THE WELLINGTON SOCIETY. Correspondence was read from Mr W. H. Day, Secretary to the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association, staging that the Wellington show would be held a week afcer the Christchurch show. From the same, asking the Association to endorse their action in calling atten tion of the Railway Commissioners and the Union Steam Shipping Company to the charges made for stock travelling to and from shows. On the motion of Mr R. Friedlander, seconded by Mr Williams, it was decided that the Ashburton Association endorse the action of the Wellington Association. A further letter was read, pointing out the desirableness cf engaging a veterinary surgeon to assist the judges at shows in judging horses and breeding mares, and disqualify all horses that show signs of hereditary unsoundness. Mr J. (xilmour moved—"That this Association do nofc think it necessary to engage the services of a veterinary sur geon to assist the judges." Mr Charles Reid seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. FILTER PRIZE. Mr E, G. Wright wrote offering a special prize of £5 5s for the best filter suited to settlers on the Canterbury plains. THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. A circularjwas received from the Minis ter for Agriculture, asking the Association to make any suggestions the adoption of which it thought would operate bene ficially to the agricultural community, so that effect might be given to them during the present session of Parliament. He also forwarded copies of letters received from America, advising all societies to keep correct herd books, so as to save delay and trouble when the animals were shipped to America. Mr Silcock thought the subject was too large a one to consider at that meeting, ana it would be best to refer the Minister's letter to a committee.

Mr Friedlar.der thought that special subjects such as these should be referred to special meetings- Mr Silcock mover! that the matter be left in the hands of the incoming com mittee. Mr Digby seconded the motion, which was carried, THE SOCIETY'S MEETINGS. Mr J. Studholme jr., thought that unle-s the Association held regular monthly meetings of the Committee there were a number of important questions continually cropping up that could not be dealt with, and the Association could not keep in touch with other Associations in the colony- He suggested that regular moiitjjly meetings be held. It was decided on the motion of Mr Studholme, seconded by Mr Gihnour— "That monthly meetings of the Com-! mittee be held." It was decided that the meetings be held on a Tuesday in each month, the day to be fixed that it fall on an Ashburton stock sale day. • PBIZR STOCK SALES. On the motion of Mr T. Digby, seconded by Mr Silcock, it was resolved—-" That it be a recommendation to the incoming Committee that a sale of prize stock be held the day after the show." • NEW MEMBEItS. The following new members were elected :—Messrs F. Peter, J. R. Brodie, T. Mcc, Matson, J. Cronin, J. McKeig, F. M. Rickman, M. Redmayne, A. Wilson, E. Saunders, and J. and T. McDowell, ELECTION O# OFFICERS*. The following officers for the year were elected .-—President, Mr D. Thomas.(re elected) ; Vice-Presidents, Messrs J. Small, J. Studholme, and R. Friedlander; Committee, Messrs- J Withell, Dan. MpK.endr^ Derihis McKendry, Murdoch. F': Eeter,' tf{. J. gilpopk, J. Borafant, £. Millar, R. o&r#, J C. Reid, % W. fceadjpy, M. StifcfcV G. H.'&Kngton, F, McMwty, .). g. $. G>fgg, p;%il' liams, J. Doyle, X Shearer, Hilton, J. R. Brodie, A. McFarlsne, M, Red mayne, A, Protheroe, J. Bishop, T. Up ton, Stringfellow, J. Tucker, .1. Gilmour, Somerville, T. Taylor, T. Mawson, T. Langley, ,T. N. Digby, J. Lloyd. H. JJunt, S. Chapma^ $. j'

Treasurer, Mr J. G Restell ; Secretary, Mr J, J. C. Quane ; Auditors, Messrs A. 11, Shury and A. Curtis. »' NEXT SHOW. Mi- With ell moved—"That it be a re coin'rejidationto the incoming Committee to con-sider the matter of providing a new show ground." He was of opinion that the ground on the Ashburton side of the river was unsuitable, and a much larger number of entries came from the Tinwald side. Besides this, ib had been under stood several years ago that the Shows? should be held alternately at .Ashburton and Tinwald. Mr J Small seconder! the motion, which was lost by a. large ■majority-. ■ A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.

TELEGRAPHIC.

THE HYGIENIC CONGRESS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[PER PItESS ASSOCIATION,

London, August 10. The Prince of Wales opened the Hygienic and Demographic Congress to-day. In his speech he specially welcomed the Australian delegates. FuUy a thousand representatives of various nations and countries were present. Dr. Ashburfcon Thomson, of Sydney, read a paper on. the subject of j quarantine. He pointed out that the English regulations were unsuited to the conditions which obtained in Aus tralia, and described the outcome of the Conference at Sydney in 1884. The Australian practice was rapid, and prevented infection during the period of quarantine. After opening the Congress, the Prince of Wales dined with the Council of the College of Physicians, and afterwards attended a conver sazione given by the College of Sur geons. The English Press unite in proclaim ing the International Congress of Hygiene and Demography the most important one ever held.

MAJOR LE CARON. Major Le Caron, who gave important testimony before the Parnell Com mission is dying of cancer hi the stomach. ~~ RIFLING PASSENGERS' LUGGAGE. A thief rifled the passengers' luggage on board the Tainui in the Thames, and escaped with several hundred pounds in his possession. THE RUINS IN MASHONALAND Further roports from Mashonaland describe the Phoenician ruins found there as> the most unique in the world. LABOR QUESTIONS. A conference is to be held at Edin burgh, at which 84,000 Unionists will be represented, to advocate direct representation of the laboring classes, payment of members, and legislation on the eight hours question.

BRIGANDAGE.

Constantinople, August 10. The Turkish brigands kidnapped two Frenchmen at Oinowidja, and released one with a letter to Count Montebello, the French Ambassador, demanding a ransom .of £4000.

The French Ambassador demands that the Sultan shall obtain the release of the men captured at Omowidja.

THE CHILIAN WAR.

Valparaiso, August 10. The Chilian insurgents have ap pealed to the people of America to recognise them as belligerents, though the Government refuses to do so.

GEOGRAPHICAL CONGRESS.

Berne, August 10. The Geographical Congress began its sittings here to-day. Forty-six societies are represented.

ANOTHER EXHIBITION.

Vienna, August 10. An International Exhibition will be held in Buda Pesth, the capital of Hungary, in 1895.

MARSHAL BAZAINE.

Mexico, August 10. President Porfirio Diaz h|ts made a statement to the effect that, when serving under the Emperor Maximilian in Mexico, Marshal Bazaine offered to deliver up the towns occupied by the French, betray his master, and sell tire arms and ammunition to the National party. The otter was refused as out side legitimate warfare.

THE MANIPUR AFFAIR.

Calcutta, August 10. The Viceroy of India has confirmed the sentence of death on the Senapati and Tongal General, nnl commuted the sentences on the Regent and Augas Sena to transportation for life.

Wakanui River Board.

The monthly meeting of the Wakanui River Board was held on Saturday. Present—Messrs Clephane (Chairman), Johnston, Brown, Wilson and Thomas. RATE. The Chairman moved the following motion of which he had given notice at the last meeting :—" That by special order a general rate for the year ending March 31, 1892, be made and levied on all rateable properties in the Wakanui river district, on a graduated scale and \n the manner following, that is to say: on all properties included in the first class.three farthings in the £ ; on all properties in cluded in the second class, three-eights of afpenny in the £; on all properties included in the third class,' three-sixteenths of a I penny in the £—the "said rate to be paid in one sum on the 19th clay of September | 1891, to Messrs Fooks anfl Son ac the Wakanui Road Board Office, Ash burton." ' " It was resolved to hold a special meet ing of the Board on Saturday, September 12, to confirm the specie 1 order. WORKS. ' The matter of planting more willows along the river bank was left hi the hands of the Works Committee. RIVER OBSTRUCTION. Mr Brown brought, under the Board's notice the matter of dams being put in the river by occupiers of land and'altering the course of the stream. Mr Brown spoke very strongly against the practice and, moved " That no person be allowed to interfere ""i!:h natural now of the river bed without first having obbi"^ 1. the consent pf the River Board." Epyiipß. After transacting sbirie routine busi ness and passing accounts, the Board adjourned, .., 7

True economy. To purchase Countess Tea for two shillings. Free from any ex cess q asfcringeneyj 1

Tne Kyeburn Avalanche Fatality.

The "Mount Ida Chronicle" gives some further particulars of the recent sad calamity on the Kyeburn ranges. It appears that the avalanche which caused the death of A. P. JBeer, Robert Blan chard, and James Meikle, descended without the slightest warning, and the reuriining members of the party were horrified to see their three companions who were lrading swept out of ./sight in a moment. Two others of the party Messrs T. BUn chard and C. Archer-—very narrowly escaped a .similar fate, being drawn back just in time by Mr H. Smith, ; Nearly the whole side of the mountain appeared to move, and the avalanche swept with terrible velocity into the gully, a distance of about 400 yards, then along the • bed of the creek, over two waterfalls, the latter being a precipitous ": cliff of about 50 feet in depth, and finally became wedged in between the two banks of the creek. The rest of the party were almost stupefied for a time, but quickly recovering themselves, they hastily made their way down to the creek, but failed to find any trace whatever of their ill fabed comrades, with the exception of a cap belonging to James Meikle. Regard ing the recovery of the body of Thomas Meikle, (the lad for whom, the party were in search), our contemporary reports that j the search party when they were about a j a half on the Tokorahi side of the range espied a number of dogs down a gully, and, hurrying down, they found the body of the poor little fellow partly protected by a rock. He was lying on his back with his cap over his face, and had evidently passed away in his sleep. Three or four dogs were with him, while one faithful animal lay right across him, and was only removed wich difficulty. The other dogs at once scampered away, following the party at a distance of about half a mile, bub this one remained clpse to I the body of his young master, and acted in such a way as to make it apparent that he fully understood what had happened. A movement is on foot to erect a suitable monument in the Kyeburn cemetery in commemoration of the victims of the casualty.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

ELGIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

TO THE KDITOIi; ' In your Saturday's issue of the " Mail" a partial report appeared of a meeting of the above Committee held on July 21. The report is rather mixed and somewhat misleading, and has caused some persons to form opinions as unfair to the Com mittee a° the report is erroneous, It says :—" The resignation of the master, the receipt of which it was decided hot to i acknowledge, was accepted." After afewt comments upon the resignation it wa3 decided to accept ft, and the secretary has informed the master accordingly, There was no attempt to ignore its re ceipt, especially as the master in his resignation said that he was acting under the advice of the Board of Education. The report says that "Mr Hcatten drew the attention of the Committee to a stack of straw in the school ground." I did not draw the attention of the Committee to the stack ; the "Visiting Committee three months' previously reported it to the Committee, and the report was read at the householders' meeting, and not only was the straw stack reported, but as the master's cow and horse had been kept in the schoo' ground until it was certainly not in a very desirable state for children to play in, this was reported as well. On the night of the committee meeting all the members who were present examined the ground and unanimously decideci to ask the master to remove the stack, clean the ground, and mend the fence at his own expense. This was done not out of any bad feeling to the master, but out of con sideration for the sohool property and funds, for which the committee are responsible.—l am, etc., G. P. HoATTEtf. August 10.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, August 11. The Council met at 2.30. BANK OF NEW ZEALAND BILL. The Bank of New Zealand Bill was read a third time. WELLINGTON ELECTRIC LIGHTING BILL. ---! On the motion for the second reading of the Wellington Electric Lighting Bijl several Councillors took the same objec tion to the measure as had been raised by some members in the House of Repre sentatives, namely, that it had not been shown that the ratepayers were in favor of it. Another adverse argument was that it had not been conclusively shown that the electrical syndicate would be capable of carrying out thb provisions of the measure. ■ The debate was adjourned till Thursday. TKUOK BILL. / The motion for the third reading of the Truck Bill was adjourned until the other Labor Bills were returned from the Select Committee. AUCTIONEERS BILL. . The Auctioneers Bill was considered in Committee. The only amendment made of any consequence was one suggested by Mr Shrimski, favoring local bodies. The Bill was reported as amended, and ordered to be read a third time next day.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30. THE ATJMT DEPARTMENT. A lettei- was read from the Auditor- General to the effect that the work of the Audit Department was not at present satisfactorily performed, owing to the staff being short-handed, and asking the House to take the matter into considera tion. The letter was referred to the .Public accounts Committee. REEUKS TO.'QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr W. Hutchison, Mr Reeves said that' the statements that prisoners from Milford Sound couvict settlement wandered about the bush miles away from the camp, unattended by warders, were totally unfounded. ' Mr Sedclon promised that the Gqyern« ment \Voiild' make enquiries, and \t the accommodation of the Parliamentary Buildings allowed of it, he should arrange that a room be set apart to enable mem bers of the House to exhibit some of tbk most important jiatural productions n* their respective districts. LAND AND INCOME ASSESSMENT BILL, The Jjand and Income! Assessment Bill was further considered in Goinmii(;ee. Clause 19 was amended so as to pro vide that notice in writing shall be given of assessment. Dv Newman and Mr R. Thompson thought that County Councils should have a say in the appointment of Boards ©f Reviewers. i The Premier said that he had carefully cdriSl-lf^ei this, point. He did not think that divided responsibility would be advis ab,le. It woulf!/ be m.uch better to leave i We responsibility with the jGkwernment ! ia§ bropqsed by the'BilJ. •'" \* J ■" >ti Hi' Brypeagreed" with the la§t remark made by the Premier, but h^-ip^erred from it that the Government ijitenqi*^ to. appoint a Board of Reviewers who woilld keep va|watjv>ns up, \

After considerable discussion feir John Hall moved an addition to the clause, that no person holding a Government office shall be capable of sitting on a Board of Review. The Premier said that Sir John Hall had discovered a mare's nest, as there was no intention whatever of appointing Government officers on Boards of Be \iewers. He .should therefore accept the amendment. The House adjou ned at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. Continuing the debate on clause, 20 Mr II Thomson pointed out that the Pro perty lax proved the downfall of the Jafce Government, and he warned the Premier that unless the Government exercised the greatest care in appointing valuators under the present Bill there would be i trouble in store f.u- diem. His opinion was that the machinery of this Bill was no better than that of the Property Tax Bill. The clause passed with the addition proposed by Sir John Hall. Clause 30—Power to purchase land al the value staked in the return. The clause caused considerable dis cussion, several members contending that a fresh valuation should be made before the land was purchased by the Govern ment. The clause was eventually altered on the Premier's motion, to provide tbafc any person or company affected should have the right of appeal to the Board of Reviewers to determine the fair or actual value of the land. Clause 40—Covenants to evade the fcax void. Mr Bryce asked whether this clause was meant to prevent the sub-division of property. The Premier said that it was not in tended to prevent legitimate subdivision, and it was simply for the purpose of pre venting fraud. Mr Fisher thought that the clause was likely to give rise to a large amount of irritation and friction. Ihe clause was passed without altera tion. Clause 43 —Penalty for making false returns »r evading the tax. Sir John Hall moved a proviso that the penalty should not be enforced in cases where neglect to furnish the return re quired by the Act was not wilful. The motion was agreed to and the clause passed. Schedule—The tax to be assessed on the actual value of the land. Sir John Hall asked the Premier what concessions he prpposed to make* as to improvements. The Premier said that he thought the best plan would be to ltare the exemp tions in the Bill as they stood for the present year. If the Committee struck off all improvements, it would lead to a larare deficit in the revenue. Mr Sheramoved that all improvements be exempted from the Act. Sir George Grey and Mr Guinness strongly supported the amendment, the latter asking whether for the sake of losing a certain amount of revenue the Liberal members of the House should now give up what they had been fighting for for years past. Mr Saunders differed altogether from Mr Guinness'views. What they should do was to make large properties in towns pay their fair share of taxation. He moved another amendment to the effect that the limit of £3000 should not appty to factories, fixed machinery, or any im-* provement for agricultural or horticul tural development. Sir George Grey again appealed to the Premier to pass a proper land tax which they were all sent th»re to effect. Mr Fish would support the proposal to exempt all improvements, if it could be done without imperiling the finances of the Government, but he held that as a party they were bound to support the proposals brought down by the Govern ment. Sir George Grey felt perfectly certain that sufficient funds could be obtained by a fair land tax, He intended to fight this matter to to the utmost. Mr Fisher would support Mr Shera's amendment, as he was pledged to his con stituents to support a land tax. The Hon Mr Reeves said that the amendment did not mean a half penny of relief to farmers or men up to 10,(KK) acres It would only help the very larges holders. Not only would it not help the small farmers, but it would heap taxation on them, as the £500 exemption would have to be abolished. The tax on improve ments would have .to be removed gradually. They could not recklessly rush to extremes, nor could they imperil the revenue for the sake of appearances. After further discussion the Premier said that the difference between Sir George Grey and the Government was that lio went a little further than the Government. The position taken by the Government was that they wanted to know where they' were with regard to valuations before .they gave their final decision as to improvements. If they found next year that they could do with less taxation by exempting improvements', it could be very easily done, and that was surely a reasonable .proposal to make. He asked the Committee not to go further than the Government proposed at present, but to leave the Bill as it stood till next session. If the Government found that the circumstances of the colony warranted them in doing it, they would go the lull length and exempt all improvements front taxation. Mr Shara's amendment was put and lost by 23 to 35. Mr Saunders' amendment was lost by 26 to 31. Progress was reported, and the House rose at 1.45 a.m.

PUBLIC BANQUET.

FAREWELL TO MR R. McOWEN. A Last evening, Mr R. McOwen, who for I the past seven ye^rs has been manager of I the Ashburton branch of the Bank of I New Zealand, and now discharges the I duties of a similar position at Invercargill, I was entertained by his Ashburton friends I to a champagne banquet in Mr John I Henry's Commercial Hotel. Occasion was also taken to give a hearty welcome to Mr McOwen's successor, Mr F. J, i Harper. The banquet, as such, was perhaps one of the best ever provided in Ashburton, if an admirably laid table, liberal menu and generous wine list, with perfect at? tendance are any of the parts that would sntitlo»the banquet tp be so spoken of. Qnly two days' notice had beeji given \o the host, and the success ot the banquet I said much for the administrative abMy I as purveyors of the Misses Henry, and oho ■ talent of their chef, ,H In the absence of the Mayor (Mr Hugo I Frledla'nder) the chair was taken by t|e I ex-Mayor, Mr David Thomas, and Mr ■ Donald Williamson another ex-Mayor, dis* ■ charged the duties of croupier. Quite fl sixty gentlemen were present from dif- ■ fere»t parts 6f the county, and the Chair* -I man read apologies for; absence from I -Messrs Embling,'Bullock, Sti'tfc, McLea^ ■ Sherwin (Waimate), Hart, and Dr Tweed. ■ Ihe Hon. Major Steward also sent his H good wishes. ■ After the usual loyal and patriotic \l toasts had been honored, . '■ The Chairman gave the toast of "the ■ Houses of Parliament," coupling it with '■ the health of Mr C. W. Purnell, who, as ■ one who had the honor of having been ft :H defeated candidate for what now seemed,fl to hini ta^Q rather, a doubtful honor—a iH i member of'thd lioiver Uouse^-respondecL ':?■ i The Chairman 'then gaye the tbaijl of S geeveningf. Jfl^e heatf, Qi%W>)#%W •WoOvep." Mr McOwen had 'i»mefc«S Asljburtoij seven years ago, when. thf^H

TH# ABHBTJRTON GUARDIAN. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST ll 1891



en £ | (•j H 0) a ™ w hOp - a _ b " S s _ - <i r\ § b 9 ** -. P % fi..g o . Ixl m S g> r i : W5iH |-d : 0 a p fl ; oh ri i« pq - THE ART NiSbLEWOR^ A.NjP. FvNCYREPOSITOEY, /CONTAINS the Latest Noyeities in . v>' Fancy and ArtisticNeecllework direst from Jlome. In addition to the above 3Snsi Adams Has special Lmes" in APRONS, PINATOR9@4 JLo^jes 1, Children's and Infants' dfcOpHflSKjL SOOKB and STOCKING by ! latest improved Knitting Machiiae. " ' Agent for Mesdatnes Weigel and Butterick's cut paper patterns, and for the Eclipse Dye Works. Registry Office for Servants. ,



WANTED Known—H. Dubley will sink Deep Wells and supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran | tee water to surface at 3s 6cl per foot. — HL Dudley, Moore Street. 6§54 I — , . '~ ' ■ DOUBLE Blankets, and through mis understanding double quantity sent from Mill. Have reduced the price 5s per pair. —Robeet Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. 1_ 6J:^ ICE Cream off. Cough drops on. Un doubtedly the best. H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. /'^HEAP READING for all Classes.— V^/ Hundreds of Back Numbers of Monthly and Quarterly Periodicals at Half Price. Several volumes of Standard Works at Cost Price to reduce our Large Stock. Photo and Scrap Albums, Photo Frames.—L. F. Anurewes & Co., Stationers' Hall.



WANTED every man in the County to have a suit of the'Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ash burton Clothing Mart, Sauhder's Buildings. AN^EJslCnown^GreaV"cie^ring Sale at "The Corner" of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots.—W. H. Collier. WANIED, every man in the district to order a Kaiapoi or Roslyn Tweed Suit. Also, Boys' Suits and Gents' Overcoats in great variety.—Andrew Ore. WANTED KNOWN,—If you have the Cash, you can save about 6s in every Pound, by buying your Jackets, j Ulsters, Dress Goods, Millinery, &c, at cS. W. Alcorn & Co.'s Clearing Sale. (~^\ LORIOUS News.—Just purchased a \JT Dunediti Warehouseman's Stock of 90 Pieces French Cashmeres and Merinos at less than half price. Will be sold during the cheap .sale at Is 10|d ; regular price 3s 9d. —Andrew Orr. WANTED Known.—That for quality, assortment, and price see Andrew Orr's large stock of Millinery, Clothing, and Boots. No presents, no bribes, but good value.—Andrew Orr. 10 Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years. Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hardley, Eas street. 6J201 \\> ANTIOD Known.—l have a large V V 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. 6|202



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under chis heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses maybe left at this Office. Ut ANTED Known.—-Haviug com pleted the alteration of premises we are opening with a genuine cheap sale. Come and see. EL C. Sjrgers, Melford House. 'TT7^NTED^-*A"smart active buy to W make himself generally usuful, must be accustomed to horses. Apply Hugo Friedlandbr. Slii IHAVfi fresh supply of young roosters, heavy 2s 6d. See window. —Mrs Whittington, Tanered street. 8 65 WANTED, a good general servant at once. Apply Mrs VV. Mitchkliv Tanered Street. 8§6.l WANTED, a Lady Boarder. Com fortable home. Terms moderate. Address, X.8., ora'co of this paper. 8 (52 WANTED Known. —Call and secure bargains of Winter Drapcvy tit the Great Sale at W. H, Collier's, "The Corner," WANTED Known—As Melford House Sale will be a genuine Cheap one, it will be to your advantage to call early.—H. C. Segkrs, Melford House. WANTED Known—Girls' Boots 2s lid, Ladies' French Shoes 3s ] Id, Gents' Shoes t ss 6d ;at Andrew Orr's ChjaapjMe. 6 214 B EXTENSION of Premises. Cheap j Sale now on at the opening of new Shop. Come aud judge for yourselves. H. C. Segers. "TJIINEBT Cod Liver Oil. Chest and JD Lung Protectors. Chilblain lini ments. Brooke, Chemist, Aahburton. rANTE-TKnown—b. WT Alcorx will feel obliged if all accounts owing are paid within fourteen days. WANTED Known. — Blankets and Flannels great bargains at Andrew Orrs.



NEW BUSINESS, NEW MANAGEMENT, NEW GOODS, A LONG FELT WANT SUPPLIED. i James JVLc gregor,; Has Opened a Tobacconist's Shop in Okk's Buildings, East Street, with a LARGE and VARIED ASSORT MENT of NEW GOODS, comprising Pipes, Tobaccos, Oigais, Cigarettes, and Smokers' requisites generally. Note, —This is net a Ten or Twelve years' collection of antiquated odds and ends, the balance of an old stock. The HAIR-DRESSING SALOON is .vifchout doubt che best appointed in South Canterbury YOUR PATRONAGE SOLICITED. James McGregor, 1§127 Orr's Buildings, East Street. CIGAR* DIVAN AND FANCY GOODS EMPORIUM.. SARR¥ FRIEDLAJSDER has re ceived a large consignment of New Goods in all Departments, and while thanking both old and new patrons for the hearty support accorded to him since ecommencing Business, would take this .opportunity to I rr jrjj^j-jg INSPECTION Every kind of Tobacco known to user 9 the weed of the very best quality pro curable it» the American Markets. A full Stock pi Pipes to suit every taKte, and an abundant supply of Smokers' Requisites. CIGARS of the rery best Brands ; #lso CIGARETTES of every description, in cluding the totest "Temple Bar." lIAIIiniIKISIW Is Practised in oar Saloou. ae an Art, and Ladies and Gentlemen will #nd ,th#£ the j taste and skill of an ab Professor we at, heir service. . ! Examination of our samples of Hair ork will bear out this statement. Licensed to Sell STAMPS. &4LONS BIT COIFfURE JS4&T STREET. w »~ ""~j * * FOR * .'SPEEDY CURE! i CONSULT * DR. TrEiITDE ABBOTT,* 19 QUEENS WALK f. (Ofpciitf Town JTol*),'? * '» _M EL BO U R;NJS ■ j



FURNITURE made to order in any design, and warranted to give satisfaction. A good selection of Cretonnes, Tapes tries, and Leathers for Upholstering. Suites, Chairs, Couches, &c, always on hand. BEDSTEADS AND BEDDING, j Buyers, please call andinspect our Large and Choice Stocks. ! Venetian Blinds made and repaired with promptitude. 6JBI Trees. Trees. finHE undersigned has much pleasure in I offering a large stock of the follow ing trees, plants, etc., which are now ready for planting:—Apples are all twice gralted on blight proof stocks and guannteed to keep clear of the woolly aphis blight on roots. Apples, Apricots, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Plums and Quinces of all leading varities ; Goose berries and Currants ; Grape-Vines of the best varieties. Pinus Insignis, 1 and 2 year old, Larch 1, 2, and 3-year-old, Pinus Laricis, Abies White Spruce, Norway Spruce, Menssiesii; also 100,000 Macrocarpa 1 year, a grand line ; and 30,000 2 years transplanted, the best in the district. Come and see for yourselves. All kinds of ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Roses, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Jas mines, Honeysuckles, Araucaria Im bricata, etc. Also the newest and leading varieties in Chrysanthemums. N.B. Orders may be left with Mr W. C. Day is or Mr R. Alcorn, East street. All ordeis' hY post shall receive my prompt attention. Catalogues on application "AMES PORTER, PUfton Nursery, Allenton, Aehburton,



Public Notices _________ CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. 11HE last Inglesicle (Fancy Dress) of the season will beheld on FRIDAY, 14th of August, in the Oddfellows' Hall, at 8 p.m. Members admitted as usual. ISon members—Adults. Double ticket, 5s ; Gentlemen single, 4s ; Ladies, 2s. Liberal refreshments provided. ,). SKALY, | 7 183 Hon. Sec. T. G.RUSSELL, BARRISTER and SOLICITOR, CHm»*CMtJItCI«. Branch Office—East Stu___, AgUBVRTOK (Near H. Zander's.) 6 157 THE MERCANTILE FINANCE AND AGENCY COMPANY (Limited OF CHRISTCHURCH. Incorporated under the Provisions of the Companies Act, 1882. Registered Ofmce— MORTEN'S BUILDINGS, CHRISTCHURCH. FTIHTS Company is prepared to advance X money on Freehold Property, in 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 I T. G. RUSSELL, \ Solicitor, Christchurch, I Or to the Branch Office of the Company, j East Street, ! ASHBURTON. j 186 fTHE ASHBURTON FDIIMKB WAREHOUSE OP nCEfOIB & UNDRILL In Tanered Street IS replete with Superior Furniture in the newest designs, made from well seasoned New Zealand and imported Timbers. -Carpets, Mattings, Floor Cloths, Linoleums, Rugs, and Door Mats of superior quality and great variety in stock.



pHOICE QUALITY OF COWGEABS, BED, WHITE, AND ALSIKE €I,OVEH», NOW LANDING ex "RANGATIRA." PRICES WITH SAMPLES ON APPLICATION. John Orr & Co. AND BEADJgg GREAT SUCCESS OF THB , MB W BOOT IHOP. STILL GREATER BARGAINS JUST OPENING UP. Ladies' Evening Shoes, 2s 6d worth 5s 6d. Ladies' Calf Kid Shoes, 8s GO. worth 10s 6d. Ladies' Calf Kid Balmorals, 10s 6d worth 13s 6d. Men's Nailed Shooters, 9s 6d worth 12s B<L * Men's Kid Leg Gbloshed, fair stitched, 12s 6d, a real bargain, cannot be equalled under 16s 6d. A few pair Stanley Slippers left at 2s. Children^ Boots, 7 to 10 at 3s 9d, 11 to 1 at 4s M. PRICES DEFY COMPETITION. A lib GOODS Marked in Plain Figures in the Windows. CORNER OF EAST AND MOORE STREETS, ASHBURTON, .; BROCKELBANK, Manager



Public Notice?. WANTED Known.—J. Nicholas (late with J. Moison) Bootmaker, has opened in shop late T. Chambers, East street. All orders for Boots and Shoes, or repairs, will be promptly executed at moderate charges. A trial solicited. 7 165 MONEY TO LENdT •mrONEY to Leful at LOW RATES OFINTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of JBIOO To__esooo ?or further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Chriatchureh. __ B O 0 T S. BEWARE of Cheap Advertising. No one can give Twenty for Ten Shillings. French and Colonial Ex perience and finished tiadesmanship is the guarantee of my success and oldest shop in Ashburton. As in the past, more able in future to maintain my indisputable qualified reputation for neatness and quality and cheapness in comparison to so called Bootmakers. All kinds of Boots and Shoes kept, and repairing done neatly at once.—J. M. Moison, Town Hall Shop, East street. THE STANDARD ITire Sc Marine Xn»-uraxi.ee Company OF NEW ZEALAND. With Unlimited Liability op Shareholders. CAPITAL-£t,OpO,OOQ-STERLING. FIRE and Marine Risks accepted on all descriptions of Property and Merchandise; also Crop, Stack, and Machine Risks at Lowest Rates of Premium. Fidelity of Persons Holding Situa tions of Trust Guaranteed. ARCHIBALD SCOTT, Manager for Canterbury. ROBERT ALCORN, Agent, 114 Saunders' Buildings, Ashburton. WILLIAM C\ ARDNER, ILLIAM Ur ARDNER, GRAHAMS ROAD, T I JN W A I_ I>. —HAS FOR SALE— FORKST 3c FJEtTXIT X-EU3-X-& IN GREAT VARIETY. PLANTING DONE AS USUAL. Also in Hand Choice Cat>l>ajsce _?latttM Now ready for Planting Out. 7§B Seed,



7. BULLOCK HOUSES AND LAND FOR SALE. £80—Two Sections |-acre and Cottage opposite the Woollen Factory. A Bargain.—Must be sold, | aero land together with 6-roomed Dwelling House, j detached Wash House, etc., well situated \ on Alford Forest Road. 29 Acres, Alford Forest, cheap. 500 Acres, Bangitata 338 Acres, Hinds 163 Acres, Wakanui Plains. 372 Acres, near the County SaJeyards. SHEEP COUNTRY. —800 ACRES Leasehold. AN IMPROVED FARM of 90 Acres good land, Farm House, and other Buildings on tht property. T. BULLOCK