The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1892. HOME TORLES AND COLONIAL LIBERALS.

A comparison of the proposed Minis terial legislation, as foreshadowed in the Governor's Speech, with the pro gramme of the Conservative —Unionist Ministry at Home, as laid clown in Mr Balfour's speech a few days ago, is very interesting. It is rather startling to colonial politicians to find the " one man-one-vote " principle adopted by a Conservative Ministry ; the " extension of present ownership of land " is evi dently an equivalent of our village settlement system, and the adjustment of employers' liability is a plank in our labor legislation platform, which has already been placed in position. The appointment of rates between the : owners and occupiers of houses has not yet become a question of practical politics in New Zealand, though no doubt it will ere long demand atten tion ; while the taxation of giound rent is clearly a claim by the Stato upon the " unearned increment." The right of the London municipality—and. therefore, of other municipalities—to acquire the water, gas and tramway systems, and the payment of State and municipal labor at the current rate of wages, are also distinctly liberal pro-, posals. The modification of the poor law system, by distinguishing between the honest and sober and the drunken and thriftless, may, if carried into effect, show the colonies how to sur mount one of the greatest difficulties — the regulation of charitable aid. Such a programme is a sign of the political times. Ten years ago very few Radi cals could have hoped for such a plat form from a Liberal Ministry, and now it is announced as the policy of a Con servative party —for iDto that Party the Unionists appear to have merged. It may be said the Conservatives are not sincere; if they are not the con stituencies will soon find it out, and the bait so alluringly displayed will fail to entice votes and defeat at the poll will ensue.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Brisbane detective examined in a three-card case, professed complete igno rance of even the names of the cards. The annual report of the Fanners' Co operative Association, to be presented at the meeting next week, states that the net profit for the year is £9390. Tke directors purpose paying seven per cent dividend and four per cent bonus on capital, and four per cent bonus on purchase. Owing to the finding of an empty beer hogshead, with an uncancelled duty stamp, at the Christchurch railway sheds on Thursday, J rhe customs officials and police paid a domiciliary visit yesterday to all the Hotels in Christchurch and Lyttelton. Only a few irregularities were discovered, and the delinquents will have ?Q appear in due course and state the reason why this has occured. Mr Rudolph Wark, of Christchurch, was very successful with his collies at the Essendon (Melbourne) Dog Show. His famous dog Britannic was second to a recently imported dog in the Open Class, and in th* female classes his entries, Fleu rette and Mostyn I#olly> were first and second respectively. In tne tf teams." prize, for three collies, these three were \in spproached. Some of Britannic'3 stock in ttyis district are growing into splendid collies. The Sobs oi $t Patrick held a most enjoj able socjal in the Hall last' night. The gathering was very largely j attended, quite a hundred couples being present, and dancing was engaged in with great spirit. M. Jean Moison was M-0., and music was supplied by the Misses Butler, and Messrs McKay, Scott, Scanlan, and Gates. Several friends co&tributed songs, Mr Kirk's comic singing being quite a feature, and one or two excellent step dances were aUio given. The catering was in the hands of Mrs Davis, and was, of course, beyond criticism. It is understood that the Committee will arrange another social shortly. The following is an advertisement from the Ross (Westland) paper of the subject on which Mr Petrio of that town lectured:—" Malversation of the county funds; Gross mismanagement of County Revenue; Past and Present JJeoiltsjNo Confidence; Robbery in ths Council t?hamberjS{ Special Audit of Books for the past ten yeais^Sta^Ung pis closures ! Dissolutioa of the County Council j —Imprisonment—Dißhonbur--Diagrace —and: Uuim Bonuses and Who Got Them ?" The lecture eame (/ft, but a vote of confidence in the Council was th« unexpected result. Suvpokt Local Industry. —The Lozenges, Jujubes, Comfits and London Mixtures manufactured by Aulsebkook jjkjrp Co. are e<juai to best imported.

The Masonic Hall property was aol«l fit auction todey, by Mr Dd.vid Thomas, the purchaser being Mr Joseph Sealy, for the Thistle Lodge of Freemasons, and the price £665. • * ■ The game of golf, which was played at Dun edin over twenty years ago, is to be re suscitated there. A club his been formed with linka at Roslyn. A.ladies'club has also been formed. As an instance of the bad state of things in Melbourne, places in Collins-street, rented at £2000 a-year not twelve months back can now be had for £600. No wonder that people who have money do not care to invest it. The result of Captain Millbank's visit to Timaru in connection with the stranded steamer Elginshire is (says the " Herald ") that teuders are being called for floating her off ami taking her to LyttolLou dock. Tenders are to be made onjrhe percentage of value, recovered or salved, and on the principle of •' No cure no pay." As a great many people have schemes tor floating her off, now ia their opportunity to come for ward. To-morrow the Primitive Methodist Church is to have a visit from Mr John Bourne, a former resident of this district, and a man whose labours have been very successful in various parts of the colony. A jovul time is expected, The Rev J. Cocker Will'take 1 part in the evening service. In the afternoon at three Mr J. Knott will deliver an address. Yesterday the District Grand Master of E. C. Freemasons of Canterbury and' his officers went to Winchester to conduct^ the installation of the Master of the Lddge there. At Ashburton a number of past masters and officers of local lodges joined the party. About eighty were present at the ceremony and the banquet which followed, and the northern visitors returned by special train, reaching Ashburton noon, after eleven and Christchurch a couple of hours later. A grim humor is that of a contributor to a San Francisco paper, who in reply to the question, "What would be of the greatest benefit to California in 1892?" replied that in his opinion the death of Bret Hartc would be the most fortunate happening the annals of 1892 could record. He reasons as follows : -" So long as he wields a pen, we continue wild and wooly. He is a blot on our evolu tion, a drag on our civilisation. There isno denying Bret Harte's genius, but he retards immigration. He has an excellent style, bat he prevents the sale of our raisins. Califor nia claret {might vie with St Julien but for "Mr Hawkins:' our maidens could be introduced to her Majesty but for the ' Outcasts of Poker Flat.' He has accentuated our earthquakes, emphasised our aborigines, exaggerated our Mannerisms, and made the heathen Chinee' romantic." One of the through passengers by !the mail steamer Mariposa was Dr Adolph Marruse, from the Royal Observatory of Berlin, who was sent out by the German Government in April of last year to Hono lulu as chief of the astronomical expedition. The purpose of the expedition waß to find out the real cause of the changes of lati tude which observations recently made; in have indicated. A complete seties of observations made in Honolulu extend ing from May, 1891, until this month, jhas established the fact that periodical changes of geographical latitudes, amounting; to sixty feet a year, are produced by 'the osoilliations of the earth a rotation axle inside the earth itself. This important result will produce a considerable change in many of the astronomical and geodetic series. Dr Marruse is now returning to Germany by way of Australia and India, in order to make the tour of the world, and will visit "the two excellent observatories in Syndey and Melbourne while there.—"New Zealand Herald." Our Melbourne correspondent writing on June 14, says:—There i3 very little doubt that there lie a screw loose at Broken Hill. Rumors of a very discouraging character are flying about, to the effect that not only in block ten but even in the Great Proprietary Mine, the quality of the ore in sight is steadily growing poorer, These may be pure stock-jobbinsr devices.but grave support was given to them yesterday when the directors refused to recognise the repre sentatives appointed at the shareholders' meeting excepting in their individual capacity as holders of shares. This was practically refusing to give information, which in the interests of the mine it wou'd have been wise to spread broadcast over the world. If there were any reason to fear that there were bad times at hand this was the worst course that could have been takon as it will strengthen the beara in e^ery way. On the other hand, if there is no reason for alarm there can be none for secrecy. la any case the action of the directors was a blunder for which all sellers will pay heavily. The experiment in rain-making lately carried out in India appear to have been more successful than those tried in America some time ago. According to the " Times of India, Mr Wolfe-Murray's rain-making experiments in Madras have been attended by a success so remarkable as to suggest the occurrence of a singularly fortuitous coincidence rather than a triumph of science over nature. The centre chosen for the experiment was Caddapah, where the rainfall is always scanty, and neither kites nor balloons being available, the dynarr-ite was placed on a ridge of flat rocks 2400ft above the sea level and a couple of hundred feet above the plain. A hundred pounds of dynamite were used in all, ten packages of 101b each each being ranged on the rocks at intervals of sixty yards, and fired by time fuses at intervals of one minute. Nine of the packages were suc cessfully exploded, and six hours later, while the sun was still shining, there came a magnificent shower of rain, such, it is stated, as has hardly been experienced in the district during the present year. The shower lasted half an hour, and was con fined to the region affected by the explosion, which Mr Wolfe»Murray deems a conclusive ( proof of the success of the experiment The total cost was only 200 rupees, A large and enthusiastic nteefcing was held at Willowby School, on Thursday, to witness the very pleasing ceremony of a double pre sentation. . Mrs J. O, Hayman (Miss S. Low), who has bsen connected with the Wesleyaa Sunday School for several years, was made the recipient of a very handsome writing desk—a wedding present from the Sunday School scholars. The desk was from the establishment of Mr S. Salek, and was suitably inscribed. The second presentation waa to Mr and Mrs Low, who are just celebrating their silver wedding. This took the form of a beautiful maible clock (from Mr Murray's, Ashburton). The inscription, which explained the nature of the gift, was a very neafc piece of work. Mr S. Chapman made the presentations, and referred to the great esteem itt wljifjh Mr and Mrs Low were held by the district, ' Afr L_ow had been master of the school for nearly sixteen years,' and during all that period he and Mrs Low have been always to the front in anything that concerned the welfare of the district. Mr Hayman and Mr Low suitably responded, and expressed, their gratitude for the kind ness displayed *>y jphW numerous friends. The rest of the evening W&.U filled up by songs, etc., to which the following con tributed :—The Wheeler Family (quartette), solos by Misses Gray and D. Low, several j Jubilee songs by the choir, and a speech by ] Mr Harding. The whole concluded' with : one of famous coffee suppers provided by the ladies.

Sheepstealing in South land.

[3PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Invekcakgill, June 24, Mr Rawson, R.M., has been engaged all day, and is now (10.30 p.hi.) sitting, hearing informations for sheep stealing against Alexander Rehnie Hay, landowner, Lind hurst, and his son Henry, who are charged with stealing 134 sheep, the property of A. R. Walhs, Morton Mains, adjoining. The police have been working up the case for months past. Wallis deposed that he had been losing an average of about 1000 sheep pet arinu'm siuce J.838. Nothing very startling has come out'yet.' Bir< Rj Stqut (for defendant) asked Wallis to explain 1 why there was a discrepancy of 3000 to 4060 a year between the number of sheep read from his return and those on which he paid sheep tax to the Government. The answer given was that h'i>'ftld not know. ' -r

POLITICAL.

(FROM OUK PARLIAMENTARY CORRESPONDENT.) Wellington, June 24. THE BRYCB AFFAIR. The Bryco episode acts as a sort of ghost at the Legislative feast. Mr Bryce this morning wired accepting the vote of censure, and Mr Hutchison expressed his willingness to withdraw the petition this afternoon. TflE ADDRESS IN REPLY. After the usual flood of petitions, questions, notices, and the committal of Hills, the House went to the notices of motion. The order paper showed—No. I—Ms1 —Ms Hutchison to move that Mr Bryce ho heard at the bar of the House. No 2—Mr McGuire to move to rescind the vote of censure. No 3 was found to be Mr McLean to move the Address in Reply. The Opposition caucus to-day having decided to debate the Address in Reply, and it being certain that the Bryoe business would be a long discussion, the Premier resolved to get the Address debated first. The Bryce episode was shelved accordingly. Mr Ballance moved that the first four notices be set aside, and that the House proceed to No 3. This was carried on a bare majority of the Voices. Mr McLean moved and Mr Sandford seconded the Address in Reply. Mr Rolleston followed with a somewhaS gloomy speech, accusing the Government of misleading the people. The Minister for Education replied in a jocular' speech, satirising the various Oppositionists and juatifiying the Ad ministration. THE LAND SCRIP. CHARGES. In the Upper House to-day, the Hon. J . B. Whyte, who is charged with certain nefarious practices in connection with land scrip, took his seat as a matter of right, but said fchat, having done . so, he would retire from the Chamber till the charges hanging over him, and of which he was entirely innocent, should be disposed of. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Mr Ballence caused great laughter this afternoon by an ingenious reply to Mr Rolleston. lewder of the Opposition, who aßfeod whether Government had on two occasions, during the recess tendered im portant advice to the Crown affecting the present constitution of the Upper House, and that the advice had not been accepted; if so, would he state for the information of the House the particular course Ministers had taken, and what they propose to do under the circumstances. Mr Ballance replied that the course Government would take would depend on the course 6f legislation. A POINT OF ORDER. A peculiar point cropped up this even ing. Mr Reeves, in the course of a speech, was quoting Lord Onslow's opinions on the soundness of the colony when Sir'John''Hall interrupted; charac terising it as grossly improper to quote the personal opinion of the Sovereign to influence the House in debate. Mr Ballance justified Ins colleague, but the Speaker ruled against the Minister. The matter then dropped. 10,50 pirn. THE SITUATION. The debate on the Address in Reply is continuing. An impression gains ground that the Government must resign on account of the Governor's rejection of Miniscets' advice re appointments to the Council. Wellington, June 25. R.AILWAY MANAGEMENT. I am able to state that the. Govern ment proposals for future railway manage ment are as follows:—•Commissioners to be rstained, but the Minister of Public Works to have a seat with th»m and hold the power of veto over all their discus sious. HUMOURS. A dissolution is expeeted early, and it is said that Mr Seddon and his colleagues are not a happy family, and that Mr Seddon evidently desires a dissolution.

ROAD BOARDS.

RA.NGITATA

A meeting of the Rangitata Road Board was held at Lismore on June 22 Present—Messrs Good win * Harper, Peter, | and Wright;. Mr C. J. Harper was elected chairman, The Chairman informed the Board that the pound at Mayfield was completed.- Resolved, that the chairman have a table of fees painted on the board and the pound proclaimed as soon as possible. The Chairman stated that the sum of £281 18s had been paid to the County J Council for water races for the benefit of perpetual leaseholders. Correspondence.—Letter from District Land Office re road to Mr G-. Roberts' Section 31117 through Reserve 2567.-- Resolved, that the Board have no objec tion to a road from junction of section near trig Btation Z 69 to boundary of Mr G. Roberts' section ? provided tenant of Reserve 25d7 does not object. Letters from District Land Office, together with maps, received for proposals for new water races to perpetualiease holders.—Resolved, that applications be invited from settlers for water races through their sections, The following resolution, proposed by Mr Goodwin, and seconded by Mr Peter, was carried; —" That the Commissioner of Lands be requested to prepare a map showing the locality of perpetual lease hold seplions, also a statement of thirds due annually, and number of years to run for each individual sectipn.'f ". Resolved, that tenders, be invited for leasing reserve, ten agres, near Maronai), for seven years. Resolved that applications be invited for the position of and overseer (resident in the district preferred.) A ballot for two members to retire in May, 1893, resulted in Messrs Goodwin and Sawle retiring. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Morrow, Kellahan, Fraser and Munson, waited on the Board in respect of certain works in their respective neighborhoods. —Resolved that tenders be called for the following road works :—Half share with Ananaa Road Board metalling Boundary road, about 120 chains, twenty chains of met#ll£i}g near Mayfield ; three and three quarter miles Morrow's road, part to be stones broken on road, part to be metalled ; four miles stone picking, fifty feet, Shepherds Bush road; four miles, Rangitata Bridge to Hinds, stone picking, fifty feet wide, holes filled in with gravel and jyater let off; Mayfield-Mount Somers road, 160 chains tussocks re moved, ruts filled in, metalled five yards to chain ; Maronan-Hinds road, six miles, stones to be'removed, tussbcks cut and ruts filled in ; Mayfidd-Rangitata road, stone picking upper side of road, and holes filled'in; froad drain n£ar Mi- Cameron's section ? Surrey Hills, tq b,e attended to., The Board after passing payments amounting to £24 3s 6d, adjourned to July 11.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not Kbld ourselves responsible for the opinion* cxpiessed bv our correspondents. THE FARMERS' LEAGUE. TO THK KDITOB. Sir.—Mr Holmes has addressed to you a long letter, consisting of ssven clauses or paragraphs, inveighing against the present Land and Income Assessment Act. After a most careful perusal of the Act, I can come to no other conclusion but that JVlr Holmes' letter states the Cfise neither fairly nor even quite correctly. In the first place he gives no prominence to the grand fact, that fully one-third of the farmers (small ones no doubl) are absolutely ex empted from all direct taxation, as they are. entitled to an exemption of £500, and their improevments are exempt as well, as in no case are these likely to exceed £3000, the limit provided for. Then take the next class of farmers, who probably constitute another one-third ot the total number, who own say 150 acres valued at say £12 per acre = £1800, and who may be mortgaged to the extent of £1000, but who are also entitled to an exemption ot £500; also another deduction for probable improvement* to the, extent of £300, together #800, leaving a balance of ±1000, on which a tax of Id in the £ would amount to £4 3a 4d, and which can hardly be called oppressive taxation in any sense, consider ing the advantage of railways, &c, which ' 1 the farmer enjoys. In addition to the above, there is the following most liberal and benevolent clause, 'granting still further exemptions for this class; as "provided by the Aet, on page No. 18, paragraph No. 3. :—,j " Provided further- tfiaf wbewpThe owner of , any land or mortgage, - which does notn produce a. larger income than £120 per i annum shall be incapacitated by age, ill) health, or Other cause from earning further income from business or employment, a further exemption, which together with the | sum of. £500 hereinbefore mentioned shall, not exceed £2000, may be allowed to such owner by' the Commissioner, on his being | satisfied that the payment of tax in full would entail hardship on such owner." Reverting now to Clause No. 2 of Mr Holmes' letter, the following, strange, and to rny mind utterly erroneous and unfair principle is attempted to be laid down, viz.; "Every citizen should pay taxes, not according to the amount of property he possesses, tut according'to the amount of the profits or income he yearly receives from such property." Now is it possible that anyone. cannot'perceive what a field for jobbery such a method of taxation would open up ? What is to prevent an owner o land leasing his land at a rent charge much below its actual value iu return for some other substantial consideration? I have known a most egregious case of this kind in 'the"Old"''■Country.' Or again, a. wealthy land-owner might choose to make a deer park of his estate, oi run ostriches on it for ornament or his private pleasure, and then plead to the tax commissioner that really he derived little or no profit from his property. No, sir, the Government iscpl'.c right in the interests of the public to tax the selling price of the land, and not on any rent eharge the owner might attempt to foist upon it. Clause No, 3 of the letter commences by saying that under "Schedule D a town dweller may have an income of £600, and yet have to pay direct taxes." In reply to this, I can ouly say that I can find no such proviso, but I do find that under Schedule D audE an exemption of £300 per annum is allowed on incomes derived from any source, and it is, I think, a very fair us well as wide arrangement. The town-dweller has many extra expenses a farmer .has not to incur; for instance he has to pay heavy house rent, and has to keep up au appearance in his style of living, whether he be book-keeper or pro fessional man, which is not expected or required of a family living in the. country ; neither does he enjoy the numerous advan tages accruing from the ownership of land, but has to put his hand in his pocket for every trine, large or small, which he may require. Again if you tax annuitants or professional men too severely, you simply drive them away to other countries, where no such restrictions exists, and the- fanner suffers for this int ho long run himself. For instance the Channel Islands of the English Channel are largely populated by annuitants whom the local authorities never think of taxing, but tax only the land, as the .farmers derive good incomes from supplying pro visions to these annuitants. Under clause 4 Mr Holmes objects to a man lending £4000 to a banker or merchant being exempt from taxation, wheieas if he lent the same amount to a farmer he would have to pay tax, but Mr Holmes' deduction does not at all follow that the borrower pays it; neither that any class legislation exists in the matter, because a man who lends money to a banker usually gets a much smaller rate of interest than farmers are accustomed to pay j and if the money is lent to a merchant, or on shares, the risk is very much greater than on land, and usually;, a! much higher rate is demanded, and besides being generally for short periods is not easily taxed. Clause s.—This may ,be as Mr Holmes states, but I cannot find it referred to. in the 'Act. ■■■■ ■ ■■' ■■■■-■■ ' ■'■■■ '■■ ■ ■ Clause 6 deals with what is styled the injustice of progressive; taxation, but if la man will Holda great deal more land than his means warrant his doing, he is simply keeping others out "ofJthe profitable use of the land and should be subject to an extra tax, but this clause certainly, does not refer to the two classes of farmers above referred fa- ; ■' Clause 7 deals with a phase of the progres sive tax again, but the examples given, or rather hinteo! at, are so vague and indistinct that no proper reply can be given. It seems, however, to'iargue that if a man is; heavily involved he should not pay progres-. sive taxation; and if Mr Holmes would limit the degree of indebtedness that should be free frpm progressive tax to £10,000,;! for one would agree with him in this matter, Any real injustice that may exist, however, I feel convinced i the p^ei*eot Government would'be willing to remove;';' but they dp not wish these Ifuge qvergrown estates tq escape, whjch are only sqoial cancers amongst' us, eating up thp vitals of the colony.-^I am, etc. f I, R. CCNNIIJGHAME GRAHAM,

THG MARKETS.

(per press association.

London, June 23. A cargo of Adelaide wheat has been sold at 345, and a Victorian at 34a 3d. At the wool sales to-day bidding was spir itedi Faulty sorts show a alight improve ment, and good wools have an upward ten dency, American competition is keen, but' the Bradford market continues dull. Tops; are rather weaker. IManfacturers decline to operate except at a reduotiori, as they have no confidence in present values.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending June 25 :— Wheat — Prime sound Tuscan aad P v earl still command last week's prices, equal to 3s 7d f.0.b,, and this for local require ments,'but for parcels df this clasa we shall soon have to' seek with a microscope, they ard in such a narrow compass. Any quantity of weathered sorts are offering j for these buyers are modest in their offers and growers correspondingly de^pppdent—hence s&lesare few and unsatisfactory. Barley—We have placed several line? of middling malting at a fair price, but the demand is not brisk. We do not think holders of fairly good need be frightened yet. Oats—We have placed sparrow bills (good) at Is Bd,,and Tartars at Is l^d; duns have gone back; milling are worth Is 9|d. Beans and Peas—Few coming forward ; we have sold as below. Potatoes—We need not point out to farmers that the Sydney market has gone back—we notice that they are always well posted when there is a rise. Values to-day at country stations 17s 6d. The following prices are paid to farmers f.o.b. Lyttelton (potatoes excepted). Packages extra : — Wheat, 3s 7d to 2s. Barley, 3s 9d to Is 9d. Oats, Is 9}d to Is sd. Beans, 3s. Peas (blues), 3s. Potatoes, 17s 6d. Butter- Fresh, Is, interior wanted. Cheese, 3d to 4d.

sales held on Friday, Jui* 24, aTonder :-- At the request of those interested the skin; sales in Ashburton are in future to be held fortnightly, and the ..first*-Auction under the' new arrangement was held to-day., Although a week earlier than usual tbere was hut little reduction in the number of entries, and satisfactory sales were made of all 1 classes. Dry skins .particularly were in demand, although Cftiiatchurch reports of sales record a" drop, it was not preceptible at our local market. Our next skin sale will be held on July 1, and we would recommend owners to send forward a,ny that have been accumulating. We are pleased to note from latest London cables that good prospects are held out for wool growers in the near future.

Licensing Matters.

(PER PRE3S ASSOCIATION) " ' '" '• Wellington, June 24. -At the adjourned licensing- meeting 1 three applications for twelve o'clock ! extensions were all refused. The Bench I intimated that they objected to publicans usins* more than one bar unless the' licensee p^id for it, and instructed the police to take action where the fee 'was not paid. : Ohkistchurch, June 33. A public meeting convened by sympa thisers with the hotel-keepers, whose licenses were refused by the Sydenham Committee, was held this evening in the Oddfellows' Hall. The building : was densely crowded. The mayor presided. Messrs J. Ullivier, W. Langdon, andothar speakers addressed the meeting. The Rev L."KL Isitt and other prominent Prohibitionists spoke in opposition to the resolutions. Their followers were present ip considerable numbers, and opposed all the'resolutions, wh'cji, however, were carried by considerable majorities, "except the third one, the majority for which was small. The resolutions expressed in dignation at' the unjust .and arbitrary decision of the Committee in closing all hotels in Sydinhaib, and, requested Parliament, to legislate immediately for protecting the property of citizens carry ing on a legitimate business under the sanction and direction of the laws, and for compensating them for, losses inflicted on .them by an irresponsible tribunal. The last resolution requested the chairman to. forward copies of the resolutions to the 1 Government and all members of Parliament. ~ ; Christchubch, June 24. Proceedings have been begun in the Supreme Court against the Sydenham Licensing Committee by the licensees of the Club and Waltham hotels, whose renewals were refused at last meeting. The plaintiffs seek (1) Oertiorari remov ing their applications for licenses into:the Supreme Court; (2) Mandamus ordering the Licensing Committee to hear and determine the applications according to law j or, (3) Order prohibiting the mem bers of the Committee, except William White (who does not support the action of the others) from dealing with the applications, on the ground that they have by bias and prejudice against the plaintiffs disqualified themselves. Similar proceedings will be .taken by the licensee of the Lancaster Park hotel. Dukedin, June 23. At a public meeting called by the New Zealand Alliance reso'utions were adopted to the effect (1) That licensed victuallers have no claim to compensation on non renewal of their licenses j,h(2) that $he meeting strongly protests ..against the proclamation of a licensing district in the King Country,, affirms that to create facilities for obtaining liquors in. the native district, would be a national crime, and urges the Government to revoke the proclamation; (3) that the mode of choosing Licecsing Committees by elec tion is preferable to the nominated! system, and that the power cf a direct i vote at the ballot-box should be given by this session of Parliament, all adult, residents to have a right to vote. Captain Jackson Barry contended that there was a necessity for a good accommodation house in the Kin Country.

The Predicted Storm.

[per fkkss association. 1 Hobakt, June 24. Heavy weather has been experienced at Launceston, and in the northern districts floods art feared. Snow has fallen near Launceston for the first time for thirteen years.

Imperial JE»oliticH.

MR GLADSTONE'S MANIFESTO

[nsjs Piim association]. London, June 22. Sir W. V. Harcourt stigmatised the avoidance of the Saturday elections as a base manoeuvre of political warfare. June 24. Mr Gladstone's manifesto to the Midlothian electors described the Irish policy as a proposal to set both Parlia ment and Ireland free, enabling the former to overtake the arrears of legislation and the latter to manage domestic affairs. It promises electoral registration reform ia the direction of one man one vote, payment of elee tioneering charges, and allowances to workmen's members, local option with regard to licensing, and admits that » desire for shorter hours of labour is largely developed. It ajso implies assent to eight hours' work for miners, a, nd notes, with satisfaction the ripen ing and rooting of various social ques tion. The Press generally consider that the manifesto is commonplace and dis appointing. London, June 23. A great Unionist meeting at St James' Hall endorsed the sentiments of the Ulster Convention. Addresses were delivered by the Duke of Argyle, Marquis of Londonderry and Dr Kane.

Mr Dibbs' Mission

(PBB PRKSa ASSOCIATION) London June 23. Mr Dibbs* in his address before the Empire Trade League opposed Im perial Federation, preferring a com mercial union on a preferential basis.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

fIRK PhJSSs ASSOCIATION.'.

CONTEMPT OF COURT.

London, June 22. The Court has ordered the " Dwarf/ a society paper, to apologise for, pub lishing details of an action for debt commenced by Bessie Bellwood, against the. Duke of Manchester, with whom, when Lord Mandeville, her name used to be constantly coupled. EIGHT HOURS* The Miners' Federation of Great Britain advises miners to oppose all candidates who object to the eight hours' limitation for work in mines. LONDON WATER SUPPLY. The London County Council, is dis cussing the water supply. It esti mates that the population in and around London fifty yean hence will be 12,500,000. THE POISONING OF GIRLS. The inquest on the.woman Clover, one of the Lambeth victims, clearly showed she had been poisoned. ROYAL BETROTHALS. The betrothal of. Prince. George of Wales will be announced in August or September,.   ,,';" ,." '", „,, Bk&uv;' June;. 23. - Princess Margaret;" sister of the Kaiser, is betrothed to the Prince Constantino of Hewe.

THE MERCANTILE BANK AFFAIRS.

LoKboir, June 23. Mr Stewart, who was appointed temporary liquidator, of the Mercan tile Bank, presiding at a meeting of shareholders, r complained - .that the Australian managers "had appeared to regard-London directors simply as a conduit pipe to convey the money of English depositors.: It was absolutely necessary to have the ; Australian affairs of the Bank thoroughly investi gated. He desired to keep secure for English creditors the assets in England which amounted to about five' shillings in the pound, of the, whole capital, and also to . obtain. proinpt realisatio|i of the assets in Australia. -\Mt .Stewart was given instructions by the meeting not to make a call until it was decided who were the proper persons to receive money, and a committee of four share holders and - five depositors was ap pointed to assist the liquidation. It was also decided to apply for a com pulsory winding up brd«r on Saturday. THE LEWIS BEQUEST. David Lewivwhq died in 1885, bequeathed the sum of £200,000, which ultimately increased t0£350,000, to G. J. Cohen, of Sydney, and B. W. Coy, to use for the benefit of the .work ing classes in Liverpool and Man chester. Mr Coy, with the approval of Mr Cohen, has requested Sir W. H. Holdswortb, M.P. . for . Manchester, and Mr A. B. Forwood, M.P. for Arhiskirk division of Lancashire, to act as trustees and administer the bequest. These gentlemen haveicon sented,. . . , Committees are) being formed> to devise a scheme for utilising Mr Lewis' bequest. . Probably- Peabody houses for the use of. the working classes will be built with , the money r in . the cities specified. The press warmly praise the care with which the legatees have nursed the trust . ,/„ CROSSE AND BLACKWELL. Crosse and Blackwell's business has been formed into a company with a capital of £570,000. , THE,QUEENSLAND DINNER. At a banquet tendered to the" resi dents of Queensland at present in; Lon don, Sir J. F. Garrick, Agent-General for the colony, presided. In the course of his speech he said that the colony he represented was learning to depend on its internal resources instead of outside help, and he hinted that the sale of Crown lands had provided the neces sary relief which the colony then desired. He warned the Liberal party of England against making the intro duction of Kanaka labour into Queens land a party question, as by doing so they were raising a large and most awk< ward colonial question. : MR IRVING. { Mr Henry Irving has arranged a thirty weeks' tour through the United States next year. LQNDON RAILWAYS. The House of Lords has passed the Baker street and Waterloo Electrio Railway Bill, also the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire (extension to London) Bill, ',' ■ SIR W. JERVOIS, "l Sir Win. Jervois sails for New Zea* land in the s.& Ruahine.

THE HAZARDS RISING.

Calcutta, June 23. The rising among the Hazards i* *t an end,

TREASON.

Paris, June 22. A clerk in the French war office has been arrested on a charge of selling official documents to the German authorities. RAVACHAL CONDEMNED, Rarachal has been, tried on fiva further charges of murder hear St. Etienne. He confessed, bis guilt .wan address in which he gloated over his crimes. .He was sentenced to death. A FATAB CONTEST. ; ; ParisJ June 23. . Three men engagec} in a water drinking contest at ArgenfceuiC l£ey succeeded in swallowing twelve, ninei and seven quarts respectively, and all died shortly afterwards., :' ':

THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

Washixoton, June 29. Mr Cleveland has succeeded in |aiu: jng the final nomination as Democratic candidate for the Presidency. Major McKinley asserts that the Republicans have a right to be cheer ful, and declares that Lord Salisbury's fiscal speeches show that he has be come a convert to protection. New York, June 23. At the Democratic" Convention first ballot Mr Grover Cleveland was elected as nominee for, the Presidency. He seeured 616 votes, Governor Hill 112, and Governor Boles 103. The Democratic platform. describes the McKinley tariff *s ah atrocity, and demands a gold and silver standard foe money. . '. : .' . , A BOER «TREK" '  , Capetown/June 23. A. Boer "trek" «« ©afewi jhe

tfttt! ASTmtfRTON GffAKblAtf: SaTIXRDAY, Jtftfl! 25, 18^.



Holloway's Ointment. — The great climatic variations whidh soldiers and sailors experience render them, liable to a 'variety of diseases, the development of which' is favored by exposure ana hardships—often, ifc is'to be feaited, by their own carelessness as well. IJolloway's remedies afford a safe and easy means of cure for those constitu tional and looal maladies whioh are so ..fre quently engendered by residence in unhealthy climates and by incautious living. The ointment is a wonder fulhealing application and cleanses the surface of foul sores and ulcers, soothes the throbbing and pain in cases of inflammation, and checks the pro gress of skin diseases. The pills purify the blood, cleanses the liver, and remove all noxious matter from the systeir. The Onslow Biscuit. The latest and most delicate biscuit manufactured by ulsebrook and Co^ Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Co Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas. Special prices — (kAv Cracknell and Digestive Biscuits for Invalids are unsurpassed. Made by AULSEBROOK AND Co. \ Have Healthy Children by nourishing fchom with Aulsebrook *pd, »Co s Arrow root Biscuits - •



Sheep feltiii Sule. Messrs Miles and Co. report on the skin



Important to Cyclists. — A good Safety Bicycle for £15 15s. Repairs and Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates at Saville's "Calliope 1 Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street, Christ church The Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all bhe diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the, 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful Jenie and gentle iperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at la ljd, 2s 9d, 11b, by all medicine vendors throughout the world*



NOTICE. A DVERTISEMENTS for the First Jx. (Country) edition of the Guardian must reach this office by 2 p.m. Advertisements for the Second (Town edition will be recsived up to 3 p.m. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING CO. May 23, 1892. . N C T I C E. Communications on matters connected with any Department of the Paper, SHOULD HOT be addressed to auy member of the staff by name. Lettera relating to Advertisements or other Business, to be addressed to THE MANAGER. Literary communications to : THF EDITOR. I



JftlAUL* IST OI7ICS JiiS*. Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the neceueary alterations :— SATURDAY, June 25. For Northern Ports, per Rotorua, at, «.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, express 6.55 p.m. . . For Kaikoura, pec Jane Douglas, at O.?£O p,m ; late fee letters, express van, 6.55 p.m. FRIDAY, July 1. lor Chatham Islands, per Kahu, <u O?2O p.m.; Ute fee letters, express Vail '655p ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Coptic, left May 26, due London July 6. Rimutaka, left June 9, due London July 20. , _ . lonic, leaving June 23, due London August 3. OUTWARD—SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, left June 18, due London July 20. INWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Tainui, due Colony June 27.



3FEW ZEALAND (OLOTHIijTa FACTORY. W. H. Webber, Manager. Agents toe Weptjjtfim.Ge ebrated Sewing Machine



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING -FACTORY. « OOD News for the Winter- Best * Makes in English and Colonial BLANKETS at reduced prices.—Nuw Zealand Clothing Factory, BUGS— Opossum, Roslyn, Mosgiel, &c, in endless variety.—Nbw Zealand Clothing Factory. /CLOTHING—You will find it to your \y advantage to buy your Men's and, Boys' CLOTHING from us. Capital] assortment and prices right.—Nuw Zea- I tjlnd Clothing Factory. QAA Pairs Men'sTweed TROUSERS £l\J \J at Bs, just opened, good value. New Zealand Clothing Factory. /°1 ENTS' HATS—I! you wish to look \JT well, buy your HATS from the New Zealand Clothing Factory. The fastest shapes and colours to hand. TTALUE Unequalled in Overcoats, V Waterproofs, Waterproof Riding 4prqns, Waterproof Ponchos, Bicycle Capes and Leggings, Waterproofs made to measure.-^Ngiw Zealand Clothing Factory, Waterproof Manufacturers. /"I 'EiNTLEMEN'S Natural Wool Under-, \JT clothing, " recommended by the faculty." Winter shipments to hand. Inspection Incited. — New Zealand Clothing Factory.



KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL WILL BE OPENED BY MRS QUINN, THE MISSES CUSSEN & GRAY, At their Rooms, East Street, ON MONDAY, JUNE 27 Pupils taken from the age of three years. One of the teachers has been trained by Mrs Bendeley, of Christchurch, whose KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL has such a wide spread reputation; she having , studied the system in Germany, EXTRAS TAUGHT— Music, Singing, Painting, Drawing, and I Ait Needlework. DANCING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON From two to four o'clock. Also— A DANCING CLASS Will be Formed for Boys and Girls ON TUESDAYS, From half-past seven to ten o'clock p.m. Calisthenic Exercises made a special feature. TERMS on application at Mrs Qitinn's residence Havelock street, between the hours of two and five o'clock, until MONDAY, the 27st inst, 6 98



WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at • The Cornek. _ WANTED, purchasers of Blankets, Flannels, and General Drapery o remember that Best Value in the trade sat.S. W. Alcorn and Co.'s 5 51 WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, fortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kep^, in stock.—-J. W. Hardily, East street. 6J802 ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 60s cash. Robers Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Blunders Buildings. _ WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety in English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. | Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. 'Repairs done at once. A staft of men always kept and best material and worknu nship guaranteed. /•^ ENUINE SALE, to reduce Stock \JC previous to Stock-taking. Books, Stationery for office and private use, Music, Account Books all sizes, Parlor Games, and a variety of other goods too numerous to particularise. All goods Reduced in Prioe for Cash during this month. —L. F. Andrewes and Co. Stationer's Hall, Aehburton.



Wanted.



CASH Advertiseoioa^ ««s»*,£ heading not exceeding fc>IXT&«.« WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be If ft at this Office. LOST on Buckley's road, opposite Mr Biuce's, a shawl. Finder kindly leave at Mail Office. ___ 6 15* MR. J. Knott, Temperance Lecturer, Will preach at Wley-n Church to-morrow morning, and Rev S. Lawrym the evening- Subject: "The Chnsti «Sty£Chri9t^^ CTT ANTED to sell 20 tons Mangolds, W IBs on ground, 17* 6d delivered, for one week onV W. Gardner, Gra ham'« road, Tinwald. 6 155 J THOMAS, General Produce Dealer, • has a Brand lot of Appla Trees. Samples of Trees and Fruit may be seen at the Store, opposite Army Barracks. 8*145 HORSE, Cow, Pig, or Fowl Feed from 6d worth to waggon load at lowest rates.—J. Thomas, Havelock street. 6+146 HE Idler, " Kissing the Rod," •• Strange Family," "Bristol Bill's Voyage of the Beagle, 9d." New and cheap editions.—H M. Jones. •ftTEW Pianos from £26. Organs from J3I £12 12s. "Violin and case complete from 30s. Accordeons frcm 10s. —H. M. Jones. t RURAL Economy and Agriculture of Australia and New Zealand, by Wallace. ': The Parasites of Sheep," by Curtice, just published.—H. M. Jones. TTSE Flowbr'B Cough Drops and ■U Sulphur Tablets. H. G. Flowkr, Confectioner. East street. WANTED— Man to milk cows and make himself generally useful. — Apply Donald McLkin, Lagmhor. 6 100 "XT7 ANTED £1000 by July 31 Great VV cheap sale of Drapery, Dress (KOodß, Flannels, Blankets, etc., now on at S. W, AICORK AND GO'S. OMERHET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, the beat, and the oheap est. Small Goods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. —W. J. Biecoox. itW 1 *lf\ NEW Volumes just »dded to my XOw Circulating Library. Subscrip tion 3s 6d quarter ; 10a 6d per annum, j H. M. Jowes. , /"CHOICEST new season's Figs and V-/ Cartoon Table Dates in 31b Boxes, 2s each. —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, ; East street. ! ■CUTANTED—Gentlemen before buying vT their Suits and Clothing of all descriptions to inspect our stock. £1000 worth must be sold regardless of cost. — H. C. Seqbrs, Melford House. WANTED 1000 Customers to secure Bargains in Furs, Hoieery, Ulsters and Millinery, at S. W. Alcoen's, cheap sale. Now On. ANTED Known—ln consequence of slowness of trade this season, we aave reduced almost everything of our well assorted first-class Drapery, Clothing, ;«.—H. C. Sbobrs, Melford House. rpRLEGRAM to A. Our.— Your offer A. tor 124 Pieces French Merino is accepted; Edwards, Bennett, and Co., Christchurch. The above goods are now being sold %t half price at A. Obk's Cheap Sale. 6§140 WANTED Known—lf you want good yaluo in first-class Drapery and Clothing for your money go to H. C. Abgers, Melfori House. Great reduc tions now on. WANTED Known--Just arrived, per s.e. lonic, direct frora the manu facturers, a large shipment of Black and Galvanised Pipe and Fittings for w»*^r supplies and wells. Special to my order. Prices on application-—J. W. Harblev, East Street. T\7 ANTED Known.- The nicest stock W of New Winter Dress Goods, Mantles, Millinery, &c, is at S. W. AUJOKN AKD CojH WANTED" Known—The whole Boot Stock of Messrs lid wards, Ben* nett, and Co., wholesale warehousemen, Christclnmh, is now being slaughtered at Half Price at Andrew Okk's Cheap Sale. M39 W "ANTED Known--Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be <»teamed in AshburtoU at W. H pQVUW% ?'The Corner,"



IMNIEDIATEJEALISATION. LADIES' CLOSE-FITTING THREE-QUARTER JACKETS AT THE FOLLOWING REDUCTIONS- Former Price* 368 6(1, 19s 6d, 17s Od, 31s Od, 32s 6d, IBs 6d Saif Prices Ha lid 6s lid, 6s lid, 13s lid, 8s lid, 4s lid Xmer Prices 27, 6d 30s 0d,.14s 6d, 26s 6d 31s Od, 17s 6d Sale PmcßS 13* 3d,' Hs lid, 4s lid, 13s lid, 13s lid, 8s 6d XSpSo- MsOd 28s 6d, \2s 6d 4256d 3256d 2256d <Utf PnirvH 13s lid, 14a lid, 13s lid, 15s lid, 14s lid, 12s lid "XlrPrices 4*6d716.6d >8j 6d,' 2J. 6d 31- 6d.32s «d Sale Prices Us lid, 5s lid, 13s 6d, 12s lid, 13s 6d, 16r. 6d . Former Prices 24s 6d, 26a 6d, 34s 6d, 35s Od (Tj Sale Prices 12s lid, 13s lid, 12s lid, 4s lid gj LADIES' SHORT JACKETS. p LADIES' TWEED ULSTERS. Z 0. o ft SPECIAL. r S! THE BALANCE OF OUR WAREHOUSE STOCK OF H FLANNELS, < Indudinl Pure Wool Flannels, Shetland, Orkney, and White, * from BJd per Yard. W. W. SPENCER & CO. Hours of Business—lo a,m. to 6 p.m. Saturday to 930 p.m. PAROEJiS DELIVERED DAY FOLLOWING PURCHASE. NO GOODS EXCHANGED OR ALLOWED ON APPROBA TION.