The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1891. THE EGMONT ELECTION.

The return of Mr McGuire for the Egmont seat m the House of Repr«-' sontatives is an emphatic Liberal vic tory. Tt cannot be regarded as other wise tlutn the strongest expression of approval by the country of the new Ministry and their programme. Two elections have now taken place since the change of Government, and. both have resulted m the return of a Minis terial supporter after keen contests, and such results cannot fail to strengthen the Ministerial position, m the country as well as m Parliament* The Egmont election was looked upon by both parties as a trial of strength, though the Liberals might well have looked forward with misgivings to a contest m that stronghold of conserva tism, m which their candidate had twice met defeat, though polling a very substantial number of votes. The Opposition candidate, too, m the present contest was the strongest man of the party who had not a seat m Parliament, and had the advantage of the personal assistance m his campaign of several of those who, we suppose, must be called the chiefs of the much commanded Conservative party, besides having the benefit at the poll of many electors resident m adjoining electorates but possessing a property qualification for Egmont. All these points were to the disadvantage of the Liberal candi date. However, the battle was fought and won. Mr McGuire's minorities of 108 m 1887 and 305 at the General Election, were transformed into a major ity of 73. The total number of votes | polled was much the same as at the General Election, namely 1899 as against 1886, showing that Mr Mc- Guire's success was not gained by the withholding of votes from his opponent, but by upwards of two hundred voters who previously supported Sir H. Atkinson going over to the Liberal side. It has long been a remark that m Sir Harry's personal popularity rather than m public confidence m iiis measures lay the secret of his success, and this is amply proved by this com parison of the polling. An attempt has been made by the Conservative press to belittle the Liberal victory by ascribing it to promises said to have been made by the Ministers for Mines and Lands, who m the course of their official travels were at Hawera at the election time. We can find neither m the local papers nor m the reports from special correspondents on the scene any Ministerial promise or inducement of a.iy kind. What we do find is a com plete routing by the Hon. Mr Seddon of tlic Hon Mr Bryco's arguments m support of Mr Bruce. Indeed, Mr Bryce's claim that the propertied classes were entitled to a greater share m the representation of the constituencies than they at present possess could scarcely be deemed a prudent platform utterance, even m the by no means ultradernocraticcommunity of Eginout. A great deal has been made of Mr McGuire's pledge to endeavor to obtain relief for the district from the pressure of the New Plymouth Harbor rate, but we find that Mr Bruce (unless his friends sadly misrepresent him) gave the same pledge. The difference is that Mr Bruce declared that Govern ment were m no way liable for the Harbor Loan, while Mr Mc- Guiie coi.tiuded that ly interfering with the Harbor Board endowments-^ --which consist of a proportion of the pro ceeds of lands sold m the district— Government have made themselves liable to a cor.espondiig extent for the payment of the loan. Mr McGuire wanted equity, Mr Bruce a seat m Parliament. The new member is by no means the tyro that it has suited his political opponents beyond the dis trict to represent him to be. He is one of the best type of colonists. Coining to New Zealand when a boy, he spent some tims on the South Island gold diggings. He served m the Wai kato war, and was mentioned for bravery. Soon after the close of the war he settled at Pa tea. In 1874 he was returned to the Taranaki Provin cial Council; he was the first mayor of Hawera \ has been Chairman of the Patea County Council, and has occu pied, and now occupies, many positions id local bodies. Thare can be little doubt that Mr McGuire will he a use ful member of the House of Represen tatives.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Mr Marmaduke Dixon emits the following weather forecast:—"Farmers should ex pedite stacking night and day, as a storm may be expected here on Saturday or Sun day, with very cold weather. The storm may be expected from the southward." The attention of all who have anything to do with sheep is, directed to the fact that the Sheep Act, 1890, directs that every sheep owner t.!iall give notice to his neighbors before irusteriug for dipping or dressing, cutting and tailing, or earmarking, or shear ing, or removal from run. "Run" under this Act includes all lands upon which sheep are depastured, and not as, m the 1875 Act, the large runs only. The cricket match on Wednesday between the Ashburton and the Wesleyan Cricket | Clubs resulted m the latter winning on the first inir.ng* by 26 runs. The scores were— Ashburton Cricket Club, first innings, 37 (T. Sawle 12, F. Russell 10); second innings, for nine wickets, 16. Wesleyan Cricket Club, first innings, 63 (Johnston 16, G. Andiews 12). G. Audrcwaand A. Buchanan bowled for the Wesleyans, and Sawle, Dixon, and Russell for Ashburton. .j It is officially announced that the depar ture of the San Francisco mail will be per nmiieutly changed to five days later than heretofore, and the deparcure of the direct services from Thursday to Saturday This however, is the present arrangement only, as m the interests of the colom* a further delay of two days m the direct service will be necessary, and this point is still under the consideration of tlje postal authorities and contractors for the services. A correspondent of 'the Auckland " Herald ' referring to the fact that several persons ai c incredulous as to eels biting at people m Uie water says : —"I had a curious experience a feM days ago, which throws some light on this question. While lying ilafc'oft the ground drinking out of "a creek I felt what seemf&l tike a smart blow on the mouth. On lifting my head utj I found an eeljibout 18 inches long hanging to my upper lip, and it did not lose its hold until I stood upright. With the exception of a badly J^ograted lip, and some jjain, there was not tnucii haf Uf done, but had the eel been a large one 1 sljoyld vppy likely have less lip for the future. This Story ka& Ihg advantage of being a true one, and it may serve :t double i purposei-iis a warning to people drinking out of creeks, and, perhaps as we cannot boast of sn ikes, it may serve as the beginning of a series of flew Zealand eel yarns," " t

An unusual episode occured during the* hearing of the sheep worrying case, m the Magistrate's Court on Thursday morning. One of the defendants for whom Mr Wilding appeared, insisted on putting a question him self to a wituess, and Mr Wilding accord-, nigly withdrew from the case, a course which the bench approved. The defendant succeeded m asking his question, and had his discomfiture completed by its being quietly ignored by liia Worship. After luncheon Mr Cuthbertsou took up the case for the de lendtuits. The Americans, as we. all know, " want the earth." Mr McKhiley 'uupatriotically I declared that they shall not have it with out paying duty. Under his tariff the produce of Nova Scotian markets is shut out of tho New England markets, so a Boston gentleman sent for three barrels of rich alluvial soil from the British province to assist m growing his own vegetables. The I Customs' officials were not to be evaded m I that way. They found m the tariff an item " unmanufactured earth, 1 dol. 50a. per j ton," and charged accordingly. At .this rate of duty the task of anuexhig Canada is oue from which the nation of Astor and Vanderbilt many well shrink. Wellington wants a University College, costing £1800 or £2000 a. year, besides use of lecture rooms at the museum. The Stout- Yogel Government favoured the aspiration ; their successors hated Wellington, and knew nothing about University education. So the fair hopes of Wellington obtaining justice m this matter died out when the Stotit-Vogel Government retired from office. So mourns the "Post," but thinks that Wellington's hopes should revive now that two members of that administration are again m power, and the. portfolio of Education is m the hands of one so well qualified to rightly estimate the value of University training as the Hon W. P. Reeves. It is not generally known (says the "Dunedin Star") that the'present Post master-General was at one time a Civil servant. When a youth he entered the Telegraph Department as a messenger at the Bluff, and m course of time became an operator. Considering hi nself a fairlj expert distributor he applied for an increase of wages, but Dr Lemon declined to accede to his reqnest, and so Mr Ward tendered his resignation and left the Government employ. It seems strange that after the lapse of a few years it should be Mr Ward's duty to preside over the department of which the gentleman who would not sanction his cadet any further remuneration is the working head.

A meeting of the Committee of the Ash burton Cycling Club was held on Thursday evening, Mr Dunnage (captain) m the chair. Present—Messrs Wall, Stephens, Webber, Mitchell, Moss, Stewart, and Craighead. Mr E. G. Wright wrote accepting the office of President of the Club, and Mr D. Thomas that of Vice-President. The following pro gramme was adopted for the race meeting to be held on Easter Monday, March 30th:— One mile Maiden Roadster handicap, three mile Roadster handicap, one mile Ladies' Bracelet, 120 yards flat handicap, three mile A.C.C. Championship, two lap obstacle race, 220 yards flat handicap, five mile Roadster handicap, two mile Bicycle handi cap, 440 yards fiat handicap, one mile Roadster handicap, and ten mile Bicycle handicap. There are m all twelve races consisting of three flat races, eight open bicycle events, and one for Ashburton Club members only (the Club Championship). It is intended to give some good prizes, and [ with a fine day the coming meeting oi the Ashburton Cycling 1 Club should be a very successful one. The buffalo, s^ys the " Brisbane Currier ' threatens to become as great a nuisance m Northern Queensland as the marsupial ho, been m the south. Mr H. F. Watson, writ ing from Gregory Downs, m the Gulf dis trict, says that they are frequently seen on that station. A few weeks ago he and his brother shot one after a very exciting chase and narrow escapa on the Burketown and tableland road. On rounding up a moo of cattle the buffalo charged, when one of the party galloped up and shot him behind Hie shoulder, which had the effect of steadying" him. Another was shot, the' marksmen being concealed m a shady tree, which Mr | Watson finds to be the surest way of shooting i wild stock. The hide was found to be an inch thick, while green, and very heavy. The horns were over 2ft Gin long, triangular m shape, and jet black, resembling at a distance the uppers of old Wellington boots. It is only bulls that have been seen m the Gulf country. They do rr.t stay long m one locality, as one is heard of on the Nicholson river one day and on the next on the tableland. Visitors to the Ashbnrton Domain of a fine evening now must be surprised at the number of people present about the swim ming baths and sports track. The baths last evening for instance fairly swarmed with bathers, from boys of eight or nine years to adults of various ages—amongst them some very good swimmers, whilst others were not yet able to trust themselves out of the shallow water. The councillors and ratepayers who were so persistent m their advocacy of the Domain water being used for swimming and bathing purposes, against others who proposed some unwork able schemes m the riverside and elsewhere, are now rewarded by seeing how successful the present bath is, both as conducive to health and also as a swimming sohool. The running track is now m splendid order thanks to the late rains and the efforts of a number of members of the Bicycle Club, who have been constant m their attention to it for some time, and quite a number of cyclists are now trainimg every evening, on various makes of bicycles, racers, roadsters, and safety's, all helping to make the beautiful Domain a real recreation ground. A stange story comes from Sydney. About three weeks ago some articles of clothing were found on the pier at Manly, and were subsequently identified as those of a young married man named Thomas Finney, who had gone there to fish, and had never been ssen again. It was at once concluded that he had been drowned, and the police dragged round the pier without finding the body. Oa Wednesday week Pinney turned up alive and well, and he tells a most extraordinary story. He says that before going to the pier to fish he was induced by some strangers to have some liquor, and that as he had never touched it before m his lite, he became Stupefied, and can remember nothing until he found himself on board the Tekapo steaming for New Zealand. His story is, however, sadly discounted by the statement of the purser of the steamer, who says that Finney came on board fully clothed and apparently m his right mind, and that the ticket on which he travelled to Wellington was taken out at the Sydney office before he came on board the ship. Furthermore, neither on the voyage down, nor on the return trip, did Finuey make any reference j to the strange adventures through which he now claims to have passed on the day of his disappearance.—" Duuedin Star."

At Christchuroli on Thursday evening ] Duncan C Ross beat George Robinson m a ! wrestling matcli m five styles for £50 a side. Ross won three styles, catch-as-catch-can, Graoco-Rornan, and collar and elbow. Robin son threw Eoss m the American side hold. Iv the Cumberland style Ross broke his hold and the fall was awarded to Robinson. The Nd\rier "News" says:—The warm rains of the past few days have converted Hawke's Bay into a gigantic hotbed. The grass is growing with amazing luxuriance, and the prospect of good winter feed is now assured. A good deal of new land is beiug stocked, and the demand for gra*s seed is far ahead of the supply. Good rye grass and cocksfoot, are dearer than afc any other time during the last tea years. A heavy S. E. ground swell was running at Timaru on Thursday. This, says the " Herald," was the cause of a disagreeable adventure to two young ladies. They were enjoying a dip m the briny from one of Sfcrachan's bathing machines, when an extra large M rave came along and capsized the vehicle. One of the young Indies was inside at the time and was so:newhat bruised by the knocking about she got; the other escapad this by happening to be m the water. This, however, was not the full extent of their disaster. The waves washed every stitch of their clothing away, and they had to sit m another box until Mr Strachan fetched them something to go home m. Says the Wellington* "Post,"an amusing case of the biter bitten is reported from Wanganui. On the occasion of the banquet to the Premier, some of that gentlemen's political opponents conceived the brilliant idea of getting up a row at the table if they could. They therefore sought out an individual generally more familiar with hotel bars than with banqueting halls, and believed to be rowdily inclined when m his cups. This individual they provided with a guinea ticket, and equipped m a dress suit lent by one of them, tj do honour to the project. They were terribly dis appointed m the result, however. Their nominee behaved with a moat scrupulous propriety, enjoyed a good dinner, and kept aVnost painfully sober. Next morning, however, he visited a pawnproker, "popped" the dress coat, and sending the ticket to the owner with his thanks, proceeded, on the strength of the proceeds, to indulge m a sufficient number of long beers to fully recompense him for the self-restraint exer cised at the banquet table.

Auckalnd Chamber of Commerce.

ANNUAL MEETING.

(l'£R PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, February 15. Tho annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held to-day. The Presi dent (Captain Colbeck), m his address, referred to the recent strike. He said it was unwillingly he spoke upon that sub ject, but the circumstances under which the strike took place, and the utter folly and useleSiSness, if not absolute wicked ness of the whole proceeding, demanded some notice. It had had no apparent objects unless to assert the principle that freedom of contract between labor capital should cease and determine, that any labor obtainable outside certain Unions would not be allowed. In any at tempt to provide Boards of Conciliation or a Council of Arbitration the* principle of freedom of contract must be one of the conditions. He reminded the Chamber that it was their duty to help m the solu tion of the problem of capital and labor. Captain Colbeck >s;vid he had no doubt good results would follow from the con tinuance of the San Francisco mail ser vice under the improved conditions. He spoke hopefully of the mining industry, and said that if the people could be in duced to cease foisting bogus mines on tlv-i public, they, could concentrate the waste, money upon reasonably promising ground. He congratulated the Chamber on the prospei'ous condition of the various industries m,which Auckland is engaged. Mr Adam Porter was elected President for the ensuing year.

The School Books Boy cott.

[PER l'Rß&i ASSOCIATION.] Duneoin. February 19. Several deputations from the town School Committees waited to-day on the Education Board, and urged the do'ng away with the Southern Cross readers, o l account of the antipathy of the working classes to the publication. The Board decided to &ive teachers the option of using the " Star" readers m Standards I and 11. In answer to the Minister's letter on the same subject, the Board re plied that the Minister had been misin formed, and they hid no explanation to offer. Wellington, February 20. The letter of the Secretary of the Edu cation Department of which the Dunedin Board complained was based on a tele gram from the member for the district and statements Made at the public meet-

SPORTING.

THE DUNEDIN MEETING,

[per press association,]

Dunedin, February 20. Cantering was the order at Forbury this morning. Those that went fastest were Wolverine, Wayland, Dormeur, Cruchfield, Cissy, Hilda, Freedom, Little Arthur, and Smuggler. Prime Warden also did an easy gallop. All these are very well. Freedom lias an increasing number of admirers. Occident and Assyrian King are to work later.

The racehorses Ruby, Crown Jewel, Rosebud, Inez, Erin-go-Bragh, Lady Sockburn, Breadalbane," and Red Cross were on this morning's train for Dunedin.

The Floods at Wanganui

Fridays flood has done an amount of damage that will cost the local bodies of this town and neighbourhood some thou sands of pounds to repair. The principal sufferers will be the Wanganui County Coun cil and the Mangawhero and Upper Wan gaehu Road Boards. Bridges and culverts hare been carried away m all directions, and m some cases a complete stoppage has been put to traffic. Sonic means will have to be devised to enable these bodies to cope with tho difficulties that have so unexpectedly arisen In town the damage has not been worth writing about—save to the River Bank, which has suffered to such an extent as will necessitate the Borough Council taking prompt and vigorous action for its preservation unless they want to see enclosures, fences, and roadways carried bodily away. . . . The Harbour Board, besides having to face the loss of valuable plant, will be at the cost of making good damage done to and m the vicinity of the Heads wharf. An emergency meeting of the Board was held on Saturday, when authority was given to effect certain necessary repairs at once. The Heads Railway will be at some expense m re-ballasting a portion of their line. The work is already m hand, and the Directors hope to be able to resume running the whole distance on Wednesday. The loss to the district through the flood will be considerable, bnt there was reason to fear at qne time that it would be much more serious.— : 'f Ghronicle."

Hollow ay's Pills. — Nervousness and want of Energy.—When first the nerves feel unstrqng, and listlessness supplants energy, the time has come to take sqme such alternate as Hollow's Pills to restrain a disorder from developing itself into a disease. These ex cellent Pills correct all irregularities and weak ness. They act so kindly, yet so energetically on the functions of digestion and assimilation, that the whole body is revived, the blood rendered richer and purer, while the muscles become firmer and stronger, and the nervous and absorbent systems are invigorated. These Pills are suitable for all classes and all ages. They have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition; they soon rectify whatever is m fault, restore strength to the body and confidence to the , mind;

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(I'EH PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, February 18 and 19. The block m the Thames is increas ing. Owners of vessels have offered the dock companies to provide shelter for the free laborei's. Shipowners'in Liverpool, with an aggregate of 750,000 tons, are joining the Shipping Federation. Sir Michael Hicks Beach, President of the Board of Trade, has communi cate.l with the London Chamber of Commerce, urging it to enquire into the best means of promoting an Im perial Zollverein. H.M.S. Rapid has been re-commis sioned for services on Australian sta tions. The report that Admiral Scott will S be succeeded by Admiral Stephensou I is denied. I Mr Reynolds, a dairy expert from , [New Zealand, has opened a depot m London for the sale of produce from that colony. Mr Parnell presides at a banquet of Irishmen m London on St Patrick's Day. Members of the Liberal party have made a donation of £50,000 to help the Anti-Parnellites, and promise to assist m paying their election expenses. Sir Win, Gumming has denied the charge of cheating, but the Prince of Wales has replied that there was ample evidence against him. Berlin, February 18. DrLiebrich claims to have discovered a cure for tuberculosis superior to Dr Koch's. It can be injected under the skin, does not induce fever, and the effects are harmless. Cairo, February 18. The Egyptian finances show a sur plus of half a million for the year. Washington, February 18. Mr Chauncey Depew is being nomi nated as Governor of New York, The bridges at Johnstown have been demolished, and people are flying from the place. A boom carrying four million logs threatens the safety of the town. Ottawa, February 19. In the course of an address to elec tors at Toronto Sir John Macdonald, the Premier, charged Sir Richard Cart wright, K.C.M.G., and formerly Minis ter of Finance m the Mackenzie Cabi net, with deliberately conspiring with a view to annexation to the United States, and he also accused the editor of the Toronto " Globe" of secretly submitting to American Senators measures calculated to weaken Canadian allegiance to Great Britain, and to secure annexation to America. These charges created a great sensation, and roused the anger of the audience, who loudly proclaimed their loyalty to the Queen. The Quebec " Courier," a Conserva tive organ, declares that the Right Hons. Sir L. Playfair, M.P., for Leeds, and Mr J. Chamberlain approve Cana dian freetrade with America. A fire at Westminster, m British Columbia, caused damage to the extent of £100,000 sterling.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Februiry 19. The sailing party of four young men who are missing left Chamberlain's Island man open boat, not a yacht. fjp to the present time no tidings of them have been received, and the worst fears are entertained. In connection with this sad affair a remarkable coincidence is related. On Sunday night Mrs Burnside, of Wairoa South, mother of one of the missing men, roused the other members of the family and declared that Jack (her son) was drowning, as m a dream she had distinctly heard his voice calling to her three times, " Mother." Wellington, February 19. At a meeting of the Trade and Labor Council this evening, it was decided that the Council was not m a position to send a delegate to the seventh Intercolonial Trade and Labor Union Congress, to be held at Ballarat m April. A deputation was appointed to wait on Mr Tonks re the bakers' .dispute, and m the meantime to make a weekly levy of 3d per member to support those called out from Mr Tonks employ. A scheme for settling men out of employment through the recent strike on Crown lands was submitted, and it was resolved to place it m a more definite and tangible form before discussing it. A letter from'the Union Company, refusing to engage further seamen who are mem bers of the Union, and another from the Seamen's Union, was discussed privately, and nothing allowed to be made public. It was decided to send further monetary assistance to the Denniston miners. A Committee was appointed to arrange for a series of scientific lectures m the Tiades Hall,

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY,

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, KM.) The following is the remainder of our report of yesterday's Court: — SHEEP WORRYING CASK. W. Sutton v R. Anderson and James Oorbett, claim £9 10s.—On resuming after luncheon, Mr Cuthbertson look up the case for the defence, and called James Corbett, who said Sutton and Green came to his place at a quarter to nine on the 25th January. Witness's dog was then lying at the door. Sutton asked if that was his dog, and on witness saying it was, Sutton said it had been worrying his sheep. Told him there was another dog involved, and on Sutton giving him a description of the dog said it might have been Anderson's dog. Sufcfcon said the second dog had been lost m the gorse. Witn«»i'own dog did not appear fagged when he saw it. Went with Sutton to see the worried sheep. Saw only one dead, ; and a few others slightly injured. £»icl i nob offer to pay half the cost unless the guilt of his dog were proved. His own dog had not been tied up. Balance's dog greatly resembled witness's. James Corbett, son of one of the defendants, said he got up at six o'clock on the morning of the 25fch. Their dog was about the pre mises then, and he was there again at seven when witness went for the cows. At six o'clock the dog ran barking up the road after a horse. Saw the dog again when Sutton came at a quarter to nine. It did not appear fagged. Robert Ander son, one of the defendants, said Sutton came to hinii m the paddock shortly after nine, and complained of witness' dog worrying his sheep. Told him his dog had been trod upon by a young horse, and was unfit to do any work with sheep, far less go five miles to worry sheep. Handled the dog and showed Sufcton there I was no evidence whatever upon the animal that he had been worry ing sheep, having no wool or blood about him, and not m any way . fogged. Would have paid for any damage done by the dosr, if his guilt had been proved. W. H. Anderson, son of previous witness, was reading till a late hour, the

nitfhfc before rhe 25fch. Went to bed j .about- half past two on Sunday morning, and before going to bed = went outside. The dog was lying m front of the house then, and was very stiff. Saw the dog m the morning when Sutton came—he was quite clean and cool. Thomas Scott, m ! '. ndeison'.s employ, came home .on the 24th at half passt twelve., The dog met him, and lie handled the dog, At twenty minutes to nine the previous morning the dog 'was lying at the wash house. He had been injured and was not able to work sh«ep. Witness had to head some sheep himself because the dog was-unable to do so. A strange dog very much like Ander son's was about the schcolhouse, but it was a female, and Anderson's was a male. Mrs Anderson siid she rose about seven o'clock on the Sunday m question. About half an hour after she rose she saw the dog m front of the house. Esther Ander son, a daughter of Robert Anderson, said her father was reaping late on the Satur day night, and at about half past ten he came'home. Witness went outside when her father came home, and the dog was then at the wash house. He was suffer ing from an injury to his hind legs. In the morning at twenty minutes past nine, the dog was still there. He could not have gone through the house without wit ness seeing it. H. F. Bowler, teacher at Graenstreet, saw a strange slut, very much like Anderson's dog, and marked the same way come to the schoolhouse a mile further up than Anderson's on the 26th January, and lay about much fagged Succeeded m getting rid of her on the Tuesday- James Lockhart gave evidence as to the disabling of Anderson's dog, some tme before the alleged worrying. W. Sutton, re-called, "said it was quite possible for the dog to have gone through Mr Anderson's house and into the wash house before he reached the door. Was quite sure of the male sex of the dog he tracked to Anderson's. Scott said to Anderson that he had seen the dog at a quarter to eight. To the Bench—Was quite positive as to the dog, which witness had never lost sight of from the time he first saw him, except during the two minutes he was talking to Corbett, but during that time young Green had the dog m sight from horseback. Was fre quently quite close to the dogs m the riverbed. Did not tell Corbett he had losi sight of the black dog m the gorse. His Worship gave judgment for the full" amount claimed and costs.

The Markets.

[per press association.]

London, February 19. The quality of cheese landed from the a.s. Ruapehu, from New Zealand, is irregular, and some is very inferior. The shipment is realising from 46s to 48s per cwt. The wool market continues firm and biddings spirited.

POLIIICAL NOTES.

(per pbess association.)

Auckland, February 19. A number of the constituents of Mr VV. S. Allen met him at Morrinsville yester day and accompanied him to his house at Annandale, where they presented him with an address of welcome. Wellington, February 19, Sir Harry Atkinson and Captain Russell left for Sydney m the Tekapo to-night. Dunedin, February 19. Mr H. S. Fish, M.H.R., addressed his constituents this evening. He referred m strong terms to the appointments to the Council, and criticised the action of the Governor m making them. He justi fied the action taken with regard to the honorarium, and contended that the pay ment, of members was necessary. He said there ought to be a searching inquiry into the Kakanui disaster, and he read a telegram from the Premier, who stated that tho papers which led to the late Government's action contained statements of a libellous nature, for which Govern ment would bp legally responsible. He considered the Government should redeem their pledge to do away with the property tax and substitute a land and income tax. He opposed the purchase of private lands, and thought it would not be right to create a Maori landlord class. If borrow ing were necessary, it should be done m the cheapest, that is, the London market. A vote of thanks and confidence was! carried. New Plymouth. Febiuary 21. The Minister of Mines and Inspector of Mines returned from Mokau last evening. Mr Seddon inspected all the coal mines, going into the tunnels and thoroughly examining, their working. He was favor ably impressed with all he saw, and the grand scenery on the°river was greatly ad-! mired. Mr Seddon leaves for the south th's afternoon.

Water for Settlers.

MEETING AT HINDS.

A public meeting of settlers, convened by Mr Jfi. G. Wright, M.H.R., was held on Thursday evening at the Hinds School. There were about fifty settlers present, who may be considered to h*v« been fairly representative of the Hinds, Rangitata, and Coldstream districts. Mr D. Grant was called to the chair, and shortly introduced Mr E. G. Wright, who said he was glad to see so good an attendance, which he accepted as a proof that the people m the district were at one with him m re gard to obtaining a larger supply of water m the races. He did not mean to address them that night on the broad question of irrigation -that would come on m a month or two—but only wished then to talk with them about getting a larger supply m the races, and more of them. At the January meeting of the County Council ne moved | the following :—"That the Engineer be instructed to call for tenders for widening the arterial race from the south branch of the Ashburton sufficiently to enable it to carry one-half more water than it now carries, and that the subsidiary channels be proportionately enlarged wherever necessary to carry a good supply of water throughout the water race system." After a lengthy discussion, a substantial majority of the Council negatived the motion on the plea of want of funds. He thought a narrow view of the motion was taken. The Rakaia Plains Water Supply had an indebtedness of £3000, while tlie I Rangitata system had only a debt of ! £1000. He thought he was not doing an I extraordinary thing by asking the Council to endorse the credit of,the south district so that an efficient supply of water could be procured. The Council de clined to do this, so that he had to cast i about for another means. The money accruing from the sale of deferred pay ment and perpetual lease lands had been asked for by the Council for races already made ; but as the request had not been made for the " thirds" to extend the races the money had been handed over to i the Road Boards. Mr Wright then I quoted from the Land A <ifc several sections dealing with the '"thirds" and the pur-. poses to which they nu'ght be devoted, holding that their payment was really m the discretion of die Minister for Lands, and that they might be devoted for the purposes of water supply as well as for road making. In the county of Ashburton there wore no blocks of land requiring roads for actual access, but there were many requiring water. He had put him self m correspondents with the Minister for Lands, and would read the corresr pondenoe;- Wellington, 22ad Jauuary, 1891. 1 Sik,—Many of the settlers on.deferred payment lands m the County of Ashburton,'

arc m want of a better supply of witer and the County Council lias not been able to meet their demands for'want of funds. I liii.l under sectioiiß 22 and 23 of the Land Act Amendment Act of JBB7 thac one third of the rents received may bo applied to the construction of water races by the County Council. As the Ash buiton County Council has received no part of such rents, I shall esteem it a favor if you will let mo know what amount lias accrued under th« Act, sinco 1885, m the said County, and what pro portion has been paid to the several Road Boards therein.—Your obedient servant; Kdwa&d G. Wright. The Hon. Minister for Lands Wel ling ion. General Crown Lands Office, Welling ton, 30th January, 189 L ■ Sin, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd inst., enquiring with reference to the receipts and expenditure of the ' tlurds " payable to local bodies m terms of the Land Acts, within the Ashbiuton county. In reply, I enclose for your information a statement of the amount of "thirds" which have accrued within the county since the date of the coining into opera tion of the " Land Act, 1885," from which you will learn that the sum of £1179 15s 6d has been received, £808 19s 3d of which has been paid to the Road Boards emunerated m the return. It appears that there has been some correspondence between the Canterbury Land Board and the County Council as to the expenditure of the money derived from the "thirds" upon water supply for the-blocks from which the money is derived, but as the county expressed its intention of recoup ing past expenditure, instead of extending the existing; water services, it was decided m 1889 to pay the "thirds" to the several Road Boards, instead of the county.—-I am etc., John McKenzie, Minister of Lands. E. G. Wright, Esq., M.H.R., House of Representatives. Mr Wright then went on to read the following statement showing amount of " thirds " accrued from deferred payment and perpetual lease lands within Ashbur ton county from November 1, 1885, to January 24, 1891 : AMOUNTS ACCRUED PAID OVER AND UN PAID BALANCES.

It would thus be seen that there was a considerable amount of money coming m from these sources, —and as sources of income the deferred payment and per petual lease lands would continue for twelve or fifteen years to come —it was for the settlers themselves to say whether that money would be better employed m providing water supply than m the mak ing and maintenance of the general roads of the districts. When the laws were framed they were so for the whole colony, and had m view the necessity for roads perhaps round a hill, or over a hill, or across a river, as well as the aid that settlers would require m making these ways. But here such was not the position, as there was no deferred payment or special settlement that had not access by a road, as indeed the whole county had been well served with roads for many years, so that it was for them to say whether roads or race? would be the more beneficial. The bulk of th 9 races m the County had been constructed out. of land fund revenue, and £22,000 had been laid out m making the major portion of the races, including the head works. Since that fund had failed they had been made partly by the settlers and partly out of County rates. Others had been made by settlers who had been exempted m return for a period of years front payment of rates. In addition to these there were the village and deferred payment settlers, who had no water, and who m reply to their appli cations for supplies had been told there was none available. The application of these "thirds" he thought would be a solution of the difficulty, and would pro vide funds with which to widen the channels so that the races m the district could be supplied. He had called that meeting that he might obtain its opinion as to how the " thirds " money should be applied. He had felt for some time that the County Council was not treating the later applicants as the earlier ones hid been treated, and the reason was the Council's heavy bank overdraft. Of the " thirds " money the £800 already paid was gone, but there was £300 still avail able, and there would still be a substan tial revenue from this source, and there was no reason why the Counci should not do all thafc was wanted. There was abundance of water m the south branch of the A^hburton, and if all were diverted that the southern district required, there would still be plenty left for the northern. The additional outlay on what had already been spent would be limited to widening the arterial races, and that would not be an extensive outlay. If the meeting took the same view that he did cf the matter he would ask for an expression of the meet ing's preference for the spending of the money on race extension m place of road making. (Applause.) Mr Andrew Dawson complained that the Waterton district was not well supplied. Some settlers wouid be willing to give £10 for a supply. He supposed, however, the best place to apply was to the County Council. Mr Wright agreed that that was so. The following resolution, proposed by Mr McKeage, and seconded by Mr Grant, was carried almost unanimously, and was signed by all the settlers present who were personally interested :— " This meecing is of opinion that the moneys (being one thirds) payable on account of all classes of deferred payment settlers, under the Land Act of 1886 and the Amendment Acts, should be applied m the Anama, Rangitafca, and Coldstream districts, first to providing water for the settlers ; and that no rffcpenditure upon roads should be allowed until all who require water have received a sufficient supply. That the County Council be requested to apply to the Minister for Lands for any moneys no«v available, and, to give effect to the resolution." Mr Wright, m reply to a question by Mr Studliolnae, said he saw no reason why a similar resolution should not be adopted m all the other districts. He did not consider it fair or honorable to take the " thirds " of the deferred pay ment settlers and devote them to the reduction of general rates to the detri ment of the people who were really entitled to them. i Mr Tarbolton complained that he had been unable ty get a suitable race through '•/his 60Q acres. ./ Mr Wright explained that was owing tq I the, general deficiency. The race might ihave to travel ten or twelve miles after it passed Mr Tarbolton, to supply others |b,elow, and sometimes a race wquid go. I back a mile \n a warm, diy, * Mx- Studholme drew attention to the plantation reserve around the Hinds (township, which ought to be taken m hand by the County Council, and now /w-as a good time to move m the matter m i view of the approaching planting seas: n. Hinds wanted, as much tree bhelter as other places. He moved—" That this meeting petition the Minister of Lands tq place under the control of the Ashburfcon,

TOR ASHEURTON GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1891



Not yet paid to Accrued. Paid, local body £ s d £ sd£ sd. S. Rakaia 298 6 0 186 4 7 112 1 5 U Ashb'ton3sß 7 8 340 19 11 17 7 9 Wakanui... 194 7 10 150 11 0 43 Mi 10 Coldstream 48 16 7 36 4 10 12 11 9 Longbeaoh 319 4 ,3 8 0 11 4 Rangitata 191 0 11 30 9 2 160 11 9 Anama ... 710 2 710 2 Mb. Hutt... 68 3 8 56 10 1 11 13 7 Hampstead 9 3 4 4 118 411 8

Totals

1179 15

6 808 19

3 370 16

3



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W. W. Spencer A Co. EXTENSION OF W. W. »I»KI% T«:l2It. »V C«t'» Great Clearing Sale. Being heavily overstocked, and m order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home m about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than ever. All Wool, colonial flannel, 10kl, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2s 3d the doz ; Dress Goods 4.M ; Washing Prints, 2kl, ojd, and 4|d ; Washing Muslin r-i 2$ lid the doz ; Towels, 3|d j H each ; a very large Towel 9|d, T Q now (ikl ; very uood Ticking, jt) j, Okl ; double width Sheeting, rj <C 7kl; heavy white Linen Twill H r\ Sheeting, ll|d ; heavy cotton »£ Shirting, s|d; Cretonnes, 4|d ; k p!^ Men's woollen Sox, 1 Ikl; Boys' j^ j Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; H ■^ Men's .'if.gatt.-i Shirts, 2s lid ; " Men's good Tvvee:! Suits, 22s Q m (id ; Boys' Tweed Suits from k H 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles r M 7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. H P 2s lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. [H Men's Bluchers, 6s fid ; Men's \J] r colon ml made Shooters, 9s lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s j 9d ; Girls' and" Maids' Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots I 2s lltl, 3« lid, tiucl 4s 6d at THE ARCADE, JS'.B.—We hiive this day purchased n Traveller's Set of S-iviplerfat >3 discount of 50 per cent. If you want a real li;if2"jj.n now is your chance. WKDXJWDA T, FKIiRUARY 25th. For the United Kingdom mu\ C.'*uti»cnt^ of Euroj)c aii'l America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), >S;iu hvioh Lilanils, ek>'-., and also Northern Ports of New Zt'alajtd at (i.'2o p.m. ; registered'letters, 5 p.m.; uibiifey orders, 3 p.m. NoTK—It should be noted that the post" age is reduced on letters to the United Kingdom only.



Public Notices. TENDERS are wanted by noon on MONDAY, 23rd instant, for Glaz ing, Painting, and Repairing Street Lamps. Apply to the Borough Engineer. 2 112 _ __ _______ A HIGH-CLASS Weekly, Social Political, Literary, and Dramatic paper, to be published every FRIDAY price 3d, by the Centennial Printing and Publishing Company, Limited, Melbourne Teracp, Russell Stree f Melbourne. NOT T C~E.~ " A Public Trial of Keir and Hunt's Potato Digger will be held at Mr M. Itetlmayne's farm, Tinwald, on SATURDAY, the 21st, commencing at 12 noon. 2g102 P. & D. DUNCAN. sTnging. A LADY (now resident m Christ- XjL church), thoroughly competent to teach Singing, is desirous of obtaining pupils m Ashburton. Lessons at. their own residences. Apply "Alpha," Mah- Office. 9_loß Ma W. F. Thompson SU lIG EO N "TA E N TIS T, URGEUN JLJENTISr, 218 HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH Hours—lo a.m. to 5 p.m. Having purchased Dv F. A. Nekley's Dental Practice, MR THOMPSON may be consulted at the alove address. 211



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this headinjy not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Ipftat this Off™ inpRY the Great Drapery Sale now on JL at H. C. Segkrs*. TDRESENTS.—AII holders of Tickets -L will oblige by bringing them mas .soon as possible. - H. C. Segeks, Melford House. WANTED by a yoimjr lady"situation as General Servant m a small family. Apply by letter X.IE.Z. " Mail " OfHce, Ashburton. 2 Lll ANTKD all tiuTHniiabTtants of Ashburton to come to the B >rough School Concert, oddfellows' Hall, Tuesday, February 24th. " 2 112 /POOLING and iiiTigoratong Jc« Crenm \_J as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. \ \/ ANTED Known —Some special V V lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens ■jadies and Children.—W. H. Colliek. S"* EGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart ments now on. One truvl solicited. — Melford House. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. /~1 LASS,. Earthenware, and China, vX direct from the Manufacturers. — Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. \\jf- ANTED Known —The Cheapest V V Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is "at W. F. Hannafoud's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patcn. WANTED KNOWN — MRS J. BUCHANAN wishes to inform her country friends and the public, that she will open business on Saturday, February 21, as Fruiterer and Confec tioner. Tea and Coffee at all hours. Hot Luncheon on Saturdays,|from 12 to 2. East Street next John Orr and Co. 2 110 VTALENTINBS ! VALENTINES ! at V L. F. Andkbwes & Co. Just opened up a Large and Varied Assort ment to suit everybody. Sale of Surplus Stock shortly when Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, &c.,.&c', will be offered at GREAT REDUCTIONS. L F. ANDREWES & Co.



A USTRALTAK MUTUAL PROVi- J\_ DENT SOCIETX . Eh7av.li.shed 1849. FOR LIFE ASSURANCE cfcr the MUTUAL PRINCIPLE. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH HEAD OFFICE—CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, WELLINGTON. LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Hon. Morgan S. Grace, C.M.G., M.D., M.L.C. (Chairman). Hon. C. J. Johnston, M.L.C. (Deputy- Chairman). Alfred de Bathe Brandon, Esq. The Hon. E Iward Richardson, C.M.G. Nicholas Reid, Esq. ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS £1,625.000 STERLING. INVESTED FUNDS EXCEED £9,000,000 STERLING, REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD AS SURE WITH THIS SOCIETY: IT is the only Colonial Life Office giving Annual Bonnses, reducing the net cost of Assurance to the Lowest Possible Limit. It is the oldest, largest, wealthiest, and most prosperous Mutual Life Office m ihe Southern Hemisphere. ITS Bonuses are larger than those of any other Life Office of similar age m an other part of the world. The Society has distributed amongst its members upwards of £4,050,000 m Cash Bonuses, representing Reversionary Bonuses exceeding £8,002,000 sterling. AFTER making unusualamplereserves, the Cash Surplus for division for the year 1889 was £426,494, a larger amount of profit than has ever been realised or divided m one year by any other ofliee of the British Empire. THE Society issued 11,064 New Policies during the year 1889, assuring £3,679,459, with new Premims amount ng to £133, 000. The Society offers UNDOUBTED SECURITY, LIBERALITY, PROFITS. ITS investments m New Zealand securi ties are £1,273,514, and all the surplus Branch accumulations are invested m the Colony, thus making it essentially a 'THOROUC JULY COLONIAL INSTITUTION BE CAREFUL IOU SELECT THIS SOCIETY, AND 1)0 NOT V,K DECEIVED •BY THE SIMILARITY OF NAME OF SOME OK THE YOUNGER AUSTRA LIAN OFFICES EDWARD W LOWE, Re ddent Secretary. Chriy'eTiurcli Diitrict Office, W. 11, JjERRY, Local Broker, Asreuey Cku! .



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ruDlic l^otiees, -Ij-ONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of JBIOO to_jßsooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Tusimmee Office. Christchurch. WJIM.TEETM A ; JiCdT'TEEia CHRIsrORGROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Oashel and High streets S. M™ AND Co SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin and Westport CTTE have gained tht FIRST AWARD W " the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that vre guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos[ A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. '