The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Very Rpv Father Chastngnon will celebrate Muss at Rakaia next Sunday, and Vespers at Aslibnrton, at the usual hours. It is reported that prospecting operations • m-the Malvern Hills have resulted m the discovery of several quartz reefs, which have been found on assay to contain payable percentages of gold and silver. The annual-Horse-Parade of I lie A. and I. Association will be held on Saturday, October 3, not Friday, as by a lrisprint was stated m our report of the Association's meeting on Saturday. In view of some friction between the inspectors and Mr Wilson, headmaster of the Normal School, at Ohristchurch, the 'North Canterbury Board of Education has ap pointed a special Commission to enquire into the discipline of the school. At a sale m London a sum of £70 has been paid for a coat worn by his late Majesty George the Fourth w hen Prince of Wales.. It is doubtful, says a London correspondent;, whether the Prince paid as much as that for the garment when new. From what is known of the financial habits of the first gentleman m Europe, the doubt is really whether he ever paid for it at all. John Sewall called m a Justice of the Peace m Sacramento, California, and con fessed that he murdered two wives eleven years ago. The first was poisoned m Ohio, the second smothered with pillows m Ne braska. Both women according to Sewald's story, were "hard, characters," the first being a confirmed drunkard, and the second "worse than the first."' The Christchurch "Press" says—"The session has now sufficiently advanced to en able us to judge impartially of the success or otherwise of electing labor members to the House of Representatives. We are glad to be able to say that the experiment has been a pronounced success. Certainly there is a. striking contrast between the genuine labor representatives and the typical demagogues; and the comparison is all m favor of the workiaginan member." The dinner and presentation to Mr W. C» Walker, late member for Ashburton, will take place at Mount Sotners hotel, on Friday evening, September 4. Tickets can be had from Mr Felton, at the hotel. The ceremony ,is intended to convey to Mr Walker dome indication of the appreciation by residents m the district of his valuable services to the district generally, and particularly as a member of the Mount Somers Road ..Board,' md as a mark of their present esteem for) him. The Canterbury branch of the Railway Servants Society at a large meeting at Christchnrch last evening, strongly protested against the introduction of any directly or indirectly compulsory insurance scheme, and decided to ask all the railway employees to send their approval or disapproval of the Commissioners' Bill through the executive of the Society for the transmission to the Minister of Public Work 3. The branch also urged on the Government the necessity of passing the Conciliation Bill. The following resolutions were agreed to unanimously at a meeting of the Vestry of St Stephen's Church, Ashburton:—"(l)That the Ve£>try of. St Stephen's Church regret the increasing frequency of Sunday funerals, as leading to unnecessary Sunday labor, and interfering with the work of the Church," (2) That the incumbent be recommended not to undertake Sunday funerals except under special circumstances of which he shall be the judge." The Wellington lady correspondent of the " Wanganui Herald" relates the following story regarding certain representatives of the Mackenzie clan as an absolute fact :— "The 'Hansard' proofs of certain recent Mackenzie speeches got somehow mixed, but the member of that ilk to whom they were sent most kindly returned them all corrected and 'improved' where he thought it necessary. If they fall into the hands of un suspicious cornps and find their right places m 'Hansard,' the next number should furnish some interesting reading for the member for Mount Ida. Here's a sample of the 'im proved' proof:—' I will not deny,' ran the original, 'though as a rule, prepared to deny anything,' added the facetious correc tor. ' I have scarce anything to say, Sir, 'at all worth listening to,' tacked on the joker. But I mustn't fill up with specimens as this letter has already exceeded its limits. You will say that such humor is 'pure cussedness,' and perhaps you are right. That will be Mount Ida's opinion, anyway, if that 'proof escapes the reader's eye ! " Says " Mercutio " :—A church the other day decided to have a little flutter. Opinion seemed to.be dead against the ortuodo* bun worry, so it was determined to try some thing new. It was agreed to leave the matter to the ladies, and they are now coming to the front m convention. A meeting was convened, two female repre sentatives being selected from each family, namely the mother and the eldest daughter. A programme of the bill of fare was submitted, which included bam, corned beef, tongue, devilled ham, polonies. The discussion at last got hot and strong on the question of sandwiches, and so prolonged that some of the " heavy fathers," who had been left to look after the youngsters,' went down to the meeting to see if their wives'andjjthe girls meant to come home at all, or were bent on making a night of it. The meeting broke up m confusion on the sandwich question, but it is believed that had the meeting got as far as the line " polonies," there would have been a regular stonewall. A. benedict informs me that if that is a specimen of the way m ■which the ladies conduct business, lie does not want to see them m Parliament. Our Melbourne correspondent writes : — Great uneasiness has been caused by the stoppage of the British Bank of Australasia; not that the affairs of that concern are regarded as hopeless by any means, but because it is seen that many institutions which took their rise from land boom speculations must totter and come down, and it is feared that this ©ne will show the way. They almost allstaited on the one basis —that of land recently acquired at a high price—and they almost all depend for profit upon the chance of selling at a higher | price still. But land has been unsaleable these two years, and is to-day lower m value than it was when the boom began tojsubside, and now that the public are very gener ously withdrawing deposits from all but the oldest established institutions there is a very general impression that a smash is pending. When it is noted that the .Associated Banks hold £1,127,423. less than they did a year ago it will easily be seen how the deposit fund has shrunk; while the increase of a quarter of a million m the amount deposited m the Melbourne Savings Bank sl.ows that the public are determined just now to live safely even with the smaller rates of interest.

THE WAKANUI RATE.

The Wakanui ratepayers have made out a strong case against the; rate which is proposed by the County Council to be levied upon their riding. In levying a rate- on the 'various ridings, the Council is directed by the Act to do so "m accordance with the expenditure required to be .provided m such ridings respectively"'; and we consider that the Wakanui ratepayers —and those of the other ridings also —have the right to know before a rate is levied m what manner it is con templated to expend the proceeds of that rate. No works which would fall upon the County fund are required, or intended to be carried out, m the ! Wakanui riding during the curie it year, and the reason for levying a rate m excess of the riding's share of the contributions for Charitable Aid and Hospital purposes., and of the office expenses of the Council, are not easily ' discernible —Mr James Brown, the i representative of the riding m the Council, says there are none. ■We take Mr Brown's argument to be, that by last year's rate of one third of a penny m the JE, yielding £588 14s 9d, not only was the riding's share of the requirements -of, the, general County fund and . the contribu tions we have mentioned paid, but the debt of the riding was entirely wiped off, and a balance of £76 5s 9d left over. Taking these figures as correct, it would appear that Wakanui should be rated this year to produce its share, say £363 10s Id, of the general fund, less the £76 os 9d re maining from last year's rate, leaving the net amount to be raised at £287 4s 4d. A rate of one-fifth of a pehny is estimated to produce £352, and it is not surprising that the ratepayers object to a higher rate. .No explana tion was made at the ratepayers' meet ing last Saturday of the reason for levying a higher rate than this, and it is therefore fair to- assume that the majority of the members of the Council, who carried the motion im posing the objectionable rate, were not prepared to justify their action. AYe do not for a moment suppose that they would treat such an important meet ing, or so large a body of their rate payers, with contempt. An official statement by the Chairman of the Council, showing the position of the riding, should at any rate have been placed before the meeting if the rate was warranted by the financial position of the Wakanui riding. It appears to us that the whole trouble arises, like that of many an other body, from the overdiaft. At the coming m force of the Counties Act, 1885, which directed that separate accounts shall be kept for each riding, the overdraft, instead of being appottioned among the different ridings according as they had bene fited by the expenditure of the amount, was charged to the general County fund. The Wakanui riding may or may not have bad the best of this transaction; but, be that as it may, Wakanui is liable for its quota of the amount, which it is now sought to pay off. But the other ridings are liable m exactly the same degree, and if it be necessary to impose a one-third of a penny rate on Wakanui to raise that riding's quota, the other ridings should be rated, at an amount that would produce a similar sum for the Durpose. At the third of a penny rate Wakanui would contribute m the current year towards the reduction of the overdraft the sum of £223 4s Bd, besides having contributed last year the surplus of £76 5s 9d of its rates over its share of the general County fund to that purpose. Meanwhile the Mount Somers and South Rakaia rid ingSj the accounts of which still show a debtor balance, are let off with a rate of orietiffch of a penny, which will do little if any more than meet their contribution to {-he general county fund. There is obviously some thing inequitable m this, and unless there is something behind fche scenes of which we are not aware, the Council should reconsider their rat ing resolution. The figures quoted are, we understand, official. Some thing has been hinted of a different set of figures having been before or m the mind of the Council or its Finance Committee when the rates were ap portioned. It would need to be a very different set of accounts indeed to warrant such differential rating as that which it has been resolved to impose. After t'ae heart-burning that has been caused, it would be well m future years for the Council to frame estimates of the expenditure on which the rating for each riding was based, and which should be open to the inspection of every ratepayer. It could then be seen for what purpose each rate was raised, and any attempt to saddle any riding with more than its just share of taxation would be detected and corrected. We do not believe that the Council have acted m the present instance with any intention of injustice —no member of the Council is capable of that—but we do think that the rates imposed re quire explanation, and it is due t<« the ratepayers that it shall be forthcom ing, and if any error has been made— as it appears clear has been the case^— that it be at once adjusted.

The Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidents recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to whicn we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and afe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo. Id • HoiXOWAY's' OINTMENT AND VILfA — Those who have given these remedies fair trial freely admit that they inherency possess every property suitable for healing and removing eruptions, ulteration's, piles, abscesses, sores, bad legs, gathered breasts, and all disorders of the glandular system. When carefully rubbed m the Ointment relaxes the swollen muscles, diminishes inflammation, assuages pain, and even alleviates, dangerous maladies which may have lasted for months, or even years. Holloway's excellent preparations are effective singly, resistless m combination, and have been recommended by grateful patients to be resorted to as alternatives when all othermeans forregaininghealth have failed, Theii action is temperate, not violent pr reducing True economy. To purchase Countess Tea for two shillings. Free from any ex cess cf astringency? Teas free from any excess of astringency South British Tea Company's pure blends , AIJ store eepers.

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN NOTES.. ;

[PEfl PRESS ASSOCIATION.] .

Melbouhnk. August 26. ; The following ia the latest betting on the Cuulfield Cup :—IOO fc> 8 Buugebah,. 100 to 5 Paris and Sir William, 100 t0.4 Gladstone, Teksum and Malvolio.

Colliery Explosion

TWO 111 XDIIKn AXII FIFEr »ES EITTOItBEU.

[per press association.

London. August .25. An explosion has taken place m a colliery at Ivaierphilly, Glamorgan shire. Only two miners were killed outright, but two hundred and fifty are entombed. Received August 27, 10.25 a.m.) The miners entombed by the ex. plosion m the mine at Kaierphilly, have been rescued

PARLIAMENTARY.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION':)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, August 26. The Council met at 2.30. Mr McLean resumed the debate on the second reading of the Land and Income Assessment Bill, deprecating those fre quent, changes m the incidence of taxa tion. He characterised the small farmers as slaves of the town's folk, many of them working from dawn to dark for two shil lings per day. The bill was nob required by the country. Mr Pharazyn opposed the bill, and pre dicted, if it passed, that it would lock up capital aud have the effect of lowering wages. The bursting up policy was a fallacy, as it would assuredly drive away capital from the colony. Mr Shriniski supported the bill, and condemned the Property Tax. j Mr Stevens reviewed the Bill m a j hostile spirit, and suggested Govern ment should withdraw the measure- and bring down a Land and Income Tax pure, and simple. At five o'clock the Council adjourned till 7.30. The Council resumed at 7.30 p.m. Messrs Bowen, Reynolds. Barnicoat, and Grace opposed the bill, contending that it would cause capitalists to button up their pockets. Mr Stewart considered the bill was a Chinese puzzle. The bill was then read a second time on the voices, and was ordered to be com mitted the following day. The Council rose afc 9.10 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met ac 2.20 p.m. NEW PLYMOUTH HARBOR BILL. Mr McGuire resumed the debate on the question that the report of the New Plymouth Harbor Board Committee be referred to Government^ with a view to effect being given to the recommendations of the Committee. He said he had always bien opposed to the harbor being made at New Plymouth, but he thought'it was not /air, seeing the harbor had been con structed, to secure peace and. honor to the colony, that 'J'aranaki district should be made to bear the whole burden; and he trusted the House would come forward and assist the struggling settlers to meet tjneir engagements. .Ballanoe pointed out that if the House agreed to the reconnnenda'ions of the Committee it would mean that the colony should take fver the debt of New Plymouth Harbor Bowd. If Govern meut began to negotiate with land holders at all, thoy would have to take the entire responsibility of the liability, and ilk the event of that coding about, every harbor board m the colony would apply to Government to take over their liabilities also. The question might further arise as to whether or not Government should take over the liabilities of the local bodies of the colony. The .matter was a very serious one, and the only remedy he could suggest was the appoint ment of an impartial tribunal to consider a mode of relief to be given to the harbor board, not m the direction of taking over liabilities but witk a view to relieve the board of its present position, which reflected more or less on the colony as a whole. Mr Rolleston agreed with the Premier that it would not be wise for the House to pass this resolution. Several other members also spoke, and the debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment.. .-'■•.'. The House met at 7.30. Mr Duthie moved an amendment affirming that the House should not agree with the proposal of the Committee to communicate with the bond holders of New Plymouth Harbor Board, but that if the Beard could satisfactorily recast its balance, the House would agree to pay over the proportion ultimately accruing on all loans already dispose! of, less £5115 ancl any other amount due by the Board to the colony, and also advance £50,000 at 4| per cent per annum, to be paid out of the first proceeds and future sale of the Board's endowments ; all suuh advances to be used m discharging the Harbor Board's present iudebtedness. After considerable debate, Mr Duthie's amendment was lost, and the motion to refer the report of the Committee to Government was carried on the voices. THE LAND BILL. A lengthy debate took place on the motion for the committal of che Land Bill, the amendments made by the Waste Lands Committee coming m for a large ..mount of criticism. August 27. In the course of his reply the Hon. |J, . MeKenzie referred to the cele i brated case of runs 228 and 228 A, Otago, and said that the Hon. Robert Campbell (since deceased) had stated that he had been to Wellington and squared Richard son with regard to the lease. Mr G. F. Richardson, m giving a most emphatic denial to Mr Campbell's state ment, characterised the Minister's remark as one of the most disgraceful that had ever been made m the House. In reply to a question Mr McKenssie said that Mr Campbell made the statement on bo?rd a steamer while on a trip to Dunedin, but. he (Mr McKenssie) could not divulge the name of the person to whom the remark was made. Mr Richardson said he would take an other opportunity of referring to the matter. . The Bill was then committed, and pro gress immediately reported. The House rose at 3.3t a.m.

Keating's Cough .ozenges euros Cough Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical tstimon states that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of these dange.rous maladies One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty o ioreathing they are invaluable. They con tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, m tins, Is l£d and 2s 9d each

Carriage of Show Stock.

(PBlt^PJliSs ASSOCIATION.) *'Wriltngton, August 27. The Railway Commissioners have ma^e the fol'owiug regulations respecting the ; carriage of Atock, etc., exhibited at Agri ! cultural shows :—Stock, implements, dogs i'and poultry, consigned for exhibition at agricultural shows,, and entire horses con signed for exhibition .-iLf.gricultuial shows, and entire horses con.s'gncd for exhibition at horye pai-ades, will be charged ordi nary rates to the show or parade. Returning from the show or parade they will be charged ordinary rates if sold ; if returned to the original station within one month from the closing of the show or parade, and on. production of a certificate m writing from the Secretary that they are unsold, they will be carried back free of cost, but.at owners' risV, to the station from which they were consigned, and one half of the railway rate to the show will 1 be refunded.

THE MARKETS.

(PER I'RESS ASSOCIATION]

London. August 25. Wheat is steady ; the demand at pre sent has slackened.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, Christchurch, have received the following London market telegram, dated August 25 :■— Weather still unsettled. Harvest being gathered under unfavorable conditions. Heavy rains have done considerable dam age. - - • ■ ■ . ; •■• ; Wheat—Maiket is firm. New Zealand wheat, f.a.q., to anive iron ship, is worth 42s 3d per 4801 b, May-June bill of lading. New Zealand- wheat, average and long berry are worth respectively 43s 6d and 45s per 4961 b. Rye Corn—Russian export prohibited from 27fch inst.

Addington Stock Market

Chrjstchurch, August 26. The weather was fine for the s market, which was fairly filled, m all departments, and business was good. Store Sheep—About 500 were yarded. Hoggets sold freely at 8s 6d to 14s, and were the prominent feature of the sale; two and four-tooth wethers and maiden ewes sold at.l3a to 13s lOd; crossbred ewes m lamb, 11s, 12s to 17s lOd; a line of ewes, with lambs at foot, 20s; forward conditioned merino wethers, well forward as to wool, sold at Bs. There was no demand for merino ewes.. Eat Sheei*—Over 400 wer" yarded. For prime quality the demand was equal to last week, and prices ruled as high. Primest crossbreds fetched 20s to 24s ; inferior sorts were dull of sale. j ' Fat Lambs—A few early lambs were yarded, and realised fancy prices. Fat Cattle—l7B head were yarded. Very prime steers sold at £10 to £10 17? Gd ; heifers from £6 to £8. Prices for these ruled the same as last week. The sale of cows and half finished cattle showed a slight im provement. Store Cattle—There was a larger entry this week. Some nice young stock were sold at from 15s to 30s; three-year-old steers sold at £3 10s to £4 ss; dry cows met with a slightly better market. Pigs—About 200 pigs of all sorts met with a very unwilling mai'ket. There was very little competition for baconers. Values were from 5s to 7s 6d a head less than could have been obtained a month ago. Porkers of good quality sold fairly well.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

(per press association.)

GRAVE RUMORS. ( [GONi?TAWEINOPLE,? August 25, Sinister rumors are afloat respecting the death of AH Seel, late Turkish Minister of War. It is said to have been the result of a duel. >

BULGARIAN TROUBLES.

Sofia, August 26, Thirty cases of anus, and a manifesto directed against the Bulgarian Govern ment, have been seized at the seaport of Bourgas; PRIZE FIGHTER STABBED. New York, August 25i Jim Hall, the Australian pugilist, quarrelled with his manager, Davis, in a Michigan barroom, and the latter stabbed him in the throat.

HER MAJESTY.

London, August 25. The Queen has gone to Balmoral.

THE JEWS.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are taking an active interest m the Russian Jews, and- have furnished Arnold White, Baron Hirsch's agent, with letters to the Russian Court.

RECOVERY OF STOLEN PROPERTY.

A portion of the watches stolen from the South Eastern Railway terminus has been recovered.

INSANITARY CHURCH.

In consequence of the stench arising from corpses m the vaults of 6t Mary's, Woolnoth, m the city, the church lias been closed. • ■..-,'..

MONEY.

The " Daily News that there is £3,000,000 idle m the London money market, for which no outlet can ibe obtained.

THE FRENCH FLEET.

The French Admiral entertained the British officers at a banquet to-night. The fleet returns to Cherbourg to-mor row. ■ London, August 26. Festivities at Portsmouth concluded yesterday with a lunch given by Admiral Gervais.

IRISH LAND PURCHASE BILL.

The Government has allotted ten millions sterling under the provisions of the Irish Land Purchase Bill. The applications exceeded the amount available.

THE GRAIN SUPPLY.

St. Petersburg, August 25. The peasantry along the Volga have received permission to gather wild fruit and herbs m the Imperial forests. Riotous attempts have occurred on the boai'ders to prevent wheat being exported. • Copenhagen, August 25; Wheat is being used instead of rye m the Danish army.

AUSTRALIAN.

OBITUARY.

Sydney, August 26; Mr C. S. Wilkinson, Government Geologist, is dead.

EDUCATION.

Adelaide, August 26. The Legislative Council has inserted

an amendment m the Education Bill m favor of a capitation grant of 'XI per annum, but it is hardly likely that the House of Assembly wili agree to it.

NEW ZEALAND AYRSHIRES.

Mbmjournk, August 2fi. Mr K. B. Ferguson, of Ounedin, has been awarded second prize for Ayrshire cattle at the Victorian Agri cultural Show,

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, August 2(>. The scow reported ashore at Matata proves to be the Irene, of'-Auckland. She went down to Matata river. She was owned by Mr David Goldie. The Wainui, on leaving port, flew for the first tin.c at port the Tongau Govern ment's ensign, being subsidised as a steamer by Tonga. A report is current that one of the pneumatic disappearing 8-inch guns on the: North Head Forts was found, after tiring, to be defective. It is understood a flaw m the casting has been discovered, and that tiie gun is to be dismounted, for the purpose of being sent Home. At a meeting of the Tailoresses' Union it was asserted that the Master Tailors' Association had entered into an agree ment to employ none of the tailoresses on strike. A Raratonga Trading Company is pro jected for dealing with the trade m fruit and inland produce between Rsrancnga and Auckland, 'With a capilM of £20,000. Some Auckland business people have ex pressed'their willingness to join m the venture with residents of Raratonga. Napier, August 26. [ A child eighteen months old, the daugh ter of- a locomotive engineer named Fraser, is missing. It was last seen on the beach yestetday afternoon, and there is little doubt it is drowned, though the body.has not yet been recovered. Another little girl was nearly drowned thii after noon, but was pluckily rescued by a boy of about eight at great risk to himself. Wellington, August 26. Argument m the " Picturesque Atlas " cases began m Banco this afternoon, and will be resumed tn-morrow. The ques tions for the opinion of the Court are — (1) Whether the plaintiffs' right to recover is barred by their failure to deliver the work aforesaid until August 3, 1891 ; (2) whether the plaintiffs' right to recover is barred by reason of : the alleged non-com pliance with the provisions of the Foreign Companies Act or Stamp Act, 1882. At a meeting of officers of the Volun teer and .^Permanent Forces it was decided to form a Wellington Naval and Military Institute, the objects of .which are for the discussion of matters of drill, and for the welfare of the force. Lieut.-Colonel Hume was elected President, and the Hon R. Beddon will be asked to become Patron. All officers on the active, un attached and honorary lists, will be eligible as members, and officers of the New Zea land Militia, retired, whether military or naval, will be eligible as honorary mem bers. Nelson, August 26. A shocking fatal accident occurred early this morning to a little daughter of Mr G. Lock. The father has a m which he is forcing cucumbers, and he had been attending to the furnace fire, his little girl being bedde him. He left t he furnace for two or three minutes, and m the meantime the child fell into the furnace. ;O:i being pulled out she was fearfully burnt, presenting a shocking siglio. The child died shortly afterwards. , Dunedin, August 26. ! At Lawrence, Simon George Macdonald, ex-butcher, has been sentenced to one month's imprisonment for fraudulent bankruptcy. Invekuargill, August 26. The Uirectoi-K of the Southhiid Frozen Meat Company have been empowered l»y "shareholders' to erect freezing works! at Matauia, to extend .the, works at the Bluff, and put m more' refrigerating power there ; also to increase the capital of the Company by £4000. It is esti mated that a saving; of, £2000 pev annum fWill result from using water power for driving refrigerators.

The Divorce Question.

WESLEYAN OPINION.

In a prelude to his sermon at Pitt street Wesleyan Church last Sunday night, delivered to a crowded congrega tion, the Rev. J. Berry, m commenting on tht Divorce Extension and Amendment Bill, said: "I think the time has come when every Christian minister should speak out, especially as silence maybe interpreted to mean consent. (The preacher read from Matthew xx, 3 to 9.) These are the words from Christ; no one can possibly misunderstand their meaning. Husband and wife are one until death or the one-sin there specified dissolves the bond. . To marry a person divorced few any other act is to commit adultery. The teaching of Christ has hitherto been the basis of British legislation and of the law m this colony. .It is. now proposed to alter this, and to legalise divorce for insanity and several, crimes other than the one referred to, and to permit persons so. separated to. marry again. Shall we permit our Legislature to set the law <;f' Christ aside ? Does the country desire ihis ? Will the people submit to it 1 Let the people of the colony be appealed to and I have no doubt that the answer would be such a .'No,' as has rarely been thundered into the ears of our representatives. I say that neither; the New : Zealand Govern ment nor any other can validate such con duct. If thjs Bill were passed it could not, with any justice, apply to existing marriages, Ket I see no proposal to ex empt them. The covenant m all such is ' Till death us do part.' If this act were to become law the marriage service-would need to be altered m some such way as this, 'Till death or insanity or some' crime or misfortune doth us part.' But if the contract were so altered I do not .see how any Christian minister could celebrate a marriage.;; The contract would be fundamentally different from any that God's law .fallows.. It wuuld not be a marriage ' making of the twain one flesh,' but a legalised concubinage, and what Christian minister couli "ask or pro nounce God's blessing upon that ? The whole colony; should be consulted before any representative assembly should dream of making the proposals legal, In the name of Christ whose clearest teaching is set asidp, m the name of 100,000 homes Avhose sanctities are touched m the nerve, I ask those who support-this bad Bill to take the verdict of their constituents. The United Church Council will meet next Tuesday, and will, I hope, suggest some practical action by which our citizens generally may have an opportunity of expressing their convic tions, 1 sum up, therefore, by remarking —(1) This act is, mmy opinion, un christian—it proposes to sanction that which God can never sanction at any time or under any circumstances; no legislative whitewash can make an adulterer anything but an adulterer. (2) The proposals of this act are mischievous m the highest degree. The family is the arch that holds up the State: This proposal would loosen the keystone m the arch. (3) The people as a whole have never asked for this alteration. I am sure that they would regard it with abh«))ren-33. Therefore, to alter our laws iv the direction this act proposes would bo m uiiftlmstain, un-English, and an essentially unconstitutional act which we are all bound to resist to the-utmost," Mr Berry's outspoken denunciation of the bill is said to bavo caused a sensation m Auckland, . '

POLITICAL.

(FROM OUK rAKMAMENTARY CORRES PONDENT).

Wellington, Auru,t26. THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE. Public opinion is much divided about the decision of the House to give Mr R. ■C. Hamerton a £250 pension. M«tuy people denoci.ee it as offering a premium fur inefticioncy, nnd is compared un favorably w.th the rejection of many petitions from tried and meritorious ser vants. Mr Dawson en bo lied the fee ing of many people. m a notice given :to-day of a question (temporarily disallowed however) whether :the Premier thought his action consistent with r,he pledged of retrenchment give.; \,y Ministers. The "Post" of this evening thinks that Mr Hamerton his not got enough. NOXIOUS WEEDS. The Committee to-day decidod to get the Noxious Weeds Bill printed and cir culated during the recess, and to ask for cri icisins, opinions, and information, and to introduce the measure next session. NEW PLYMOUTH HAL 808 BOARI). The report was further considered by the House to-day. The Premier dis tinctly expressed the refusal of Govern ment to countenance the taking over of the Board's liabilities by the colony.

Graduated Taxation.

♦_ A LONDON OPINION. .

The London "Daily Chronicle" m an article on Mr Balance's taxation proposals says :—" In an older country, where land, owing to the presence of a crowded popu lation, possesses an extraordinary value, it would not be unfair to make it bear a larger proportionate share of the national burdens than trade or commerce, chiefly because the income derived from it is more permanent and secure, whereas that derived from trade and commerce is fluctuating. Unc"«r the N«w Zealand system of finance, however, the merchant and the manufacturer have the consolation of knowing chat when they have a bad year and their incomes decline the amount of their taxation will be diminished m a corresponding degree. We have never heard any good reason against an income tax, whether graduated or not, except the difficulty of obtaining honest returns of in come. If the returns were all right, an income tax would obviously be the fairest mode of adjusting the burdsn to fche capa city to bear it. It must be borne m mind, on the other hand, that m regard to land and house property the actual incomes re ceived are easily ascertainable, and it is almost impossible to cheat the income tax assessors with respect to them. Govern ments have hitherto subsisted to so great an extent on the small luxuries, or; as it might be otherwise expressed, bn' the small vices, of the community that it is gratifying to find a more rational view ot taxation beginning to assert itself m the new ountifos beyond the sea. We trust the new financial experiment m New Zea land will prove successful, though we can nofc say that the result, whatever it.may turn out to be, will be conclusive as re gards principles of taxation. We are committed m this country to the principle of a graduated income tax by Mr Gosohen's Budget of last year, and there are signs thst the principle will be largely extended among; us m the not distant future.

THE CHILIAN WAR.

THE VALPARAISO BATTLE.

[PKK PIIESS ASSOCIATION ]

New York, Augustus. Advices from the seat of .war m jChili report that darkness stopped the battle. The Government troops With stood the charges of the insurgents throughout Sunday, inflicting frightful oss on the assailants, though" * the latter's artillery mowed the. loyalists down m large numbers. At nightfall, Red Cross ambulances, under a flag of tiNice, searched the field for wounded. On Monday, both sides were engaged scouriug the country for supplies. Valparaiso is quiet. Balm^ceda's men repulsed frequent attacks by the insurgents, desperate valor being shown on both sidta. "Qwinsj to the deadly tire of the artillery on one side and the exposure to rifle fi«j of the insurgents on the other, the losses were enormous. The railroad between Santiago and Valparaiso has beehlcut. One report represents the President as victorious m the final struggle, and the remnant of insurgents as escajpiug to the ships, leaving numerous prisoners behind, including several of their leaders. The victors are said to be advancing on Iquique. Other de spatches say Balmaceda was defeated. London, August 26. Officials at New York, London and Paris, have not received any news about the battle from Chili, and it isbjilieved the wires are cut. (Received August 27, 10.15 a.m.) • New Yokk, August 26. Reports received from Chili agree that m the battle m the vicinity of Valparaiso the insurgents were checked, and it is stated that both sides were making preparations for another battle. (Received August 27,10.50 i.m.) 'Berlin, August 26. The Chilian cruiser Pinto has arrived at Kiel.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON-THURSDAY;

(Before Mr C. A. AVrav, 8.M.) Alleged Larceny.—Thomas Kane pleaded not guilty to the charge of having stolen from the premises of Mary Jane Nicliol, a pair of trousers, Valued at 15s, the property of Andrew McPheraou The alleged offence was presumed to have been committed on 23rd July last. Prisoner was undefended. Andrew Me- Pherson, shopman, said that about (h date mentioned he gave to Mrs -ISichol t pair of trousers to be washed. Subse quently learned from her that che trousers had been stolen. Saw the trousers on the person of accused m the street, yes terday, and gave information to the police. Identified the trousers produced as his property, and the same he had given to Mrs JNichoi; Mary Jane Ifichol said she took m washing, and the trousers m Court she had received from Mr McPherson to wash. They were stolen . from her clothes line on July 23. She resided at the junction of the Wakauui Road with the.Belt. Andrew Crawford said he resided on the Bast Belt. He was at the bottom ot his garden on the morning of July 26. The Kane's lived next to him. He heard Nor*h Katie 4 and Tom Kane quarrelling, and Norah;: said " Ah, you robber, where did you; steal those trousers lasfc'nighfc." Knew nothing otherwise about the trousers. Constable McGill said he arrested prisoner m his house m Green Lane. When arrested Kane said the trousers were not stolen from McPherson's line, but were bought from an oM nun, a swagger. At the Police Station he said the seller was a m iddle ugod man. On his way to the Station he said to some acquaintances as he passed "Good-bye, boys, its aJJ up ttitb Wa(Q|

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1801.



JSunian Hyslop, and Uo.'s " Imperial Pure Ceylou and Fndian Teas are th est m tlje. market. — (Advt.)jj



Ask for Ninian Hyislop, and Co.'s *' Iwperi.il " new seasons Pure Ceylon and Uia'| rJ,\sai Spiral |>j?icki» (Ad,Vfc,)



SANDER AND SONS EUCALYPTI KXTRACT.—In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following : Hazard, M.D,, Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says m an editorial published m the " Clinical Record " :—" We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called '' Refined Extract j of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects. That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of guv manufacture we feel warranted m expo ing the above facts, and desires the public to excroiso qai'fj anxl precaution when buying, SANDER and SONS (Advt.) . 7 ,i



Public Notices * *>■ I •H^ jg co co * « co s c . M <H r-i (M iM •>* p pQ ° I::: :: 8 2 g fe gggls a§ g w xortSWaq w S <! fj ioSsgg | § w a £is-=-ill | b r ■* gag jsgyg's g S g og_ £ | ,-H © ?.»?«? «o«©«« o Jo d?<S£c36s « W > h 8 P4-^ T3'r»3" rn'"S3'"tT 3 1-3 _, r^ «i(0 0<0!0 S) ?^ , lf»« 73 73 '« fe £ /"rt rwrs rO rOT3 rS Or/3 rH t2'Ji|t-o „•> 02* » CO rH « Eh PsJ C 3 ■::::: '^ < & /nog' '* ' ( o 33 h ojp^ p S5 N SB .* 9 , P H^S^P __ 0) _. 73 S^SfiM ■ -. ■



Dr de Lautour, of Oamaru, has secured twelve sacks full of moa brjnes which were found m a swamp ou Mr Meek's properly. The " North Otago Times " states that the bones are those of different kinds of moas, the birds m life evidently ranging m size from a very small specimen up to about 12ft m height. Along with the moa bones were the bones of other extinct birds, probably those of ihe extinct eaglehawk and goose. Dr de Lautour has communicated with Professor Forbes, of the Christchurch Museum, and further particularpure expected 0 be available ahofcj^i



rpo Meet the Times.—l am supplying |_ Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30, upwaids, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspsction invited.— J. W. Hakdley, Eas' street. OJ2OI WANTKD Known. —I have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. VV. Hakdley, East .treet. <*|202 WANTED Known—H. Dudley will sink Deep Wells and 'supply Cylinder Pumps and Piping, and guaran tee wa'rtsi* to surface at 3s 6d per foot. H. Dudley, Moore Street 6§54 TThEAP READING for all Classes.— V_y Hundreds of Back Numbers of Monthly and Quarterly Periodicals at Half Price. Several volumes of Standard Works at Coat Price to reduce our Large Stock. Photo and Scrap Albums, Photo Frames —L. F. Anukewes & Co., Stationers' Hall.-



WANTED Known—Girls' Boojs 2s lid, Ladies' French Shoes 3s 1 Id, Gents' Shoes 5s 6d ; at Andrew Ore's Cheap Sale. 6 214 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 Okr. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 52s 61 cash. Robert Alcorn, . Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. OSLYNVTlosgielT^KJviapoi, and Ash burton Tweed Suits made to ;iliy order from selected patterns. Long and j narrow and short and wile as well as ordinary sizes from 40s cash. Robert Alcoiin, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings.



TITANTED Known.—Having com 3 ' * pletcd the alteration of premise we ai'e opening with a genuine cheap sale. Come and see. H. C Seoers, Melford House. WANTED Known.—Call and secure bargains of Winter' Drapery tit the Great Sale at W. 11. Collier's, " The Corner." V\/ AN Tn, v Known—A Melford V V House Sale will be a genuine Cheap one, it will be to your advantage to call ofirly.—H. C. Seoeks, Melford House. INTENSION of Premises. Chcnp Oj Sale now on at the opening of new Shop. Come aud jiidge for yourselvts. H. C. Segers. TjMNEST Cod Liver Oil. Chest and JD Lung Protectors. Chilblain lini ments. Brooke, Chemist, Ash.burr.on. /"I LORIOUS News.—Just purchased a \JC Dunediu 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.



V\7 ANTED, respectable general servant, * *'' about; thirty. Farmhouse, small family. Apply with references', Mrs Rsmdall, Fruiterer, Ashburton. 8 161 WAITED Known.—Great Cleariug Sale at "The Corner" of Drapery, Clothing, and Boots. —W. H. Collier. ■ ______ WANIED, every man m trie district to order a Kaiapoi or Roslyn Tweed Suit. Also, Boys' Suits! and Gents' Overcoats m great variety.—Andrew Ore. ICE Cream off Cough drops on. Un doubtedly Hie best. H.G. Flower, Confectioner East Street. _________ WANTED KNOWN.—I have for Sale all kinds Seed and Feed Oats, Oaten Sheaf and Straw Chaff, at lowest current rates.—J. Heseltink, Ashburton and Tinwald. &+llß



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under ch;s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be fc______« Office. XyANTKD EW!7— We havo to. hand I !* sample parcel" Can't be beat" Unking Powder. acknowledged to be the best. Stephens Bros., Matkot House. 8 171 , WANTED Known. — Blankets and Flannels great bargains at Ani>rew Ob. v s. ______ TyANTED. - Bullock Drner. Apply * * J. R. Bkodik, Manager, Lowcliff. 8 170 TINWALD D.mcing Class will close their season by rtßall on FRIDAY, I August 28. Admission— -Gentelmen, 2s i 6d ; Ladies, free. Refreshments provided. 8 167



WJTM-T£Etlu iAITHOUT CHRISrOUCROH DENTAL SURGERY, Corner of Oashel and High streets. V S. M™ AND C - SURGEON HBNTIST, And at Dunedin .an I Westport. CITE have gained the FIRST AWARD YV at the Dunedin Exhibition fcr Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10&. Complete Set —Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10s. "Natural, Durable, Cosifoktablb Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra feecr charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE SAS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of''teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration ss. Extraction, 2» Od. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at t vest) rates



John Gr. Restell IHAYE FOR SALE AT THE LOWEST CURRENT RATES, All Station and Farm Requisites of the BEST QUALITY. '1 )EP CIOVEB, COW GRASS, iLSIKE, RYE GRASS, COCKS FOOT, RAPE, ABERDEEN, DEVONSHIRE STONE, and SWEDE TURNIP SEED, MUSTARD SEED, Ac, &c. -T^VERWENT AND KtDNEY SEED U and TABLE POTATOES. GAPE BARLEY, SEED OATS, and WHEAT. BONE DUST and SUPERPHOS PHATE of LIME. r^iORN SACKS, Full Weights. -|TTOOL PACKS, Full Size. *TT7 OOL PACKS, Three-quarter Size QEWING TWINE. XAM PREPARED TO SUPPLY all the ABOVE MENTIONED ARTICLES IN QUANTITIES TO SUIT PURCHASERS on LIBERAL TERMS. Inspectff7 Invited John G. Hesteil OFFlCE—Arcade. \ A  . STORES-West Street./ Ashburto



CIGAR DIVAN AND FANCY GOODS EMPORIUM. HARM FRIEDLANDIR has re ceived a large consignment of New Goods m 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 Every kind of Tobacco known to users the weed of the very best quality pro curable m the American Markets. A full Stock, of Pipes to suit every taste, and an abundant supply of Smokers' Requisites. CIGARS of the very best Brands ; also CKJATtETTES of every description, in cluding the latest fl Temple Bar." HfIRBnJESS t *« Is Practised m our Saloon as an Art, and Ladies and Gentlemen will find that the taste and skill of an ab Professor are at heir service. Examination of our samples of Hair ork will bear out this statement. Licensed to Sell STAMPS. SALONS DU COIFBUBE EAST STREET



Trees. Trees. THE undersigned has much pleasure m offering a large stock of the follow ing trees, plants, etc., which are now ready for planting:—Apples are all twice grafted on blight proof stocks and guaranteed 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 Imignis, 1 and 2 year old, Larch <1, .2, and 3-year-old, Pinus Laricis, Abies White Spruce, Norway Spruce, Menziesii; also 100,000 Macrocarpa 1 year, a grand line; and 30,000 2 years transplanted, the best m the district. Oomearid see for yourselves. All kinds of ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Roses, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Jas mines, Honeysuckles, Arauoaria Im ;i bricata, etc. Alsoihe newest and leading varieties m Chrysanthemums. N.B. Orders may be left with Mr W. C. Davis or Mr R. Alcorn, East street. All ordeis by post shall'receive my prompt ■Mention. Catalogues on application JAMES PORTER, Clifton Nursery, Allenton Ashburton.



Public Notices. SPLENDID EATING POTATOES. THREE SHILLINGS a Bag, m Store, •*• or 30s a ton delivered 8*164 D. THOMAS. THK STANDARD ~~ Wire Sc JlWLariiie Insurance Ooinpnnv OF NEW ZEALAND \ With Unlimited Liability of SIIAKEHOLDKKS. I CAPITAL— £I,OOO,OOO—STERLINGS I "TjpIRE and Marine X sks accepted on .JJ fill descriptions of Property and Merchandise ; also Ciop, Stack, and "Machine Risks at Lowest Rales of Promium. Fidelity of Perrons lloliiing Situa Etions op Trust Guakanteuj) ARCHIBALD SCOTT, Manager for Canterbury. ROBERT ALCORN, Agent, 114 Saunders' Buildings, AshHurton