MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following pkces as under, subject to the necessary alterations: — FRIDAY, August 18. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via lirindiai, and Northern Ports and Australian Colonies, per Waihora, at 10.30 a.in. Due London October 4'

DEATH.

Taylor.—At Mount Somers, on August 16, Fkancis Horace Taylob. Aged 74. ____

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1893. POSTAL REFORM.

In the latest number of the " Nine teenth Century" there is a characteris tic article by Mr Henniker Heaton on " Post Office Plundering and Blunder ing." A good deal of what is written therein is equally applicable to postal matters in New Zealand. There is a grand opportunity for rome one to achieve a most honorable fame by in, stituting a thorough reform in this connection in this colony. From the fundamental principles of manage ment to the most minute details of their application there is room for im provement. It is time that the post office ceased to be a mere taxiog machine of a very complicated char acter, and that its conveniences— actual and possible —should be made widespread and uniform. At present it would probably be beyond the power of any member of the general public to say on what principle post office conveniences are distributed. Why some districts in the colony have daily mail*, while others, at least equally important, have to be content with one or two mails a week; why facilities for obtaining telephonii communication are offered to some out-of-the-way country places that are denied to other more populous localities which could be much more, cheaply connected; why in some places the country store is a money order post office, while other important districts have no such con venience within many miles, —are all matters which puzzle those whose busi ness or pleasure has taken them through much of the colony. Some time ago Mr Ward, the Postmaster- General, awakened high hopes among the people by proposing the adoption of the Penny Post system. But after two years of patient waiting this seems as far off as ever, and the public con venience, in the matter of postal faci lities, remains—as it has. ever been— subservient to the demands of the Treasury. We venture to suggest the following reforms, which, amoug others might be introduced with great benefit lo the people o£ this country: —A Penny Inland Past j the abolition of the fine for deficient postage, a q»o§t

vexatious and inconvenient regulation ; every railway guard's wan to be a re ceiving box in which letters may be posted without an extra charge a 1? "late fee "; any card of a specified weight, when sufficiently stamped, to be carried as a post card; a more business-like and less complex classification of the "Book Post" "Pattern and-Sample Post," "Newspaper Post," and the "In land Parcels Post." Under these head ings the regulations are like so many traps intended to catch the unwary, so as to get a few extra pence out of them, and some of the distinctions made are simply ludicrous and seem to be adopted rather to puzzle and annoy people than to consult the public con venience. In addition to the reforms suggested above, we submit that if the regulations allow of any persons out side of the post office staff having charge of money order offices—then with very few exceptions every post office should be made available for this class of business. It is in the country dis tricts far away from banks that such a convenience is most needed, and would be best appreciated. Why such con veniences are enjoyed in some localities and withheld from others can only be explained or the assumption that this kind of thing—like kissing—goes by favor—fa^or as often as not gained by political influence. Surely it is Hot creditable that postal facilities should be made to depend upon political wire pulling. The postal department might reasonably be expected to initiate new lines of enterprise and to extend the old ones without waiting for the pres sure of outside agitation. Let the department earn the gratitude of the public by exhibiting evidence of self originating reform in the direction of increasing the general postal facilities. Let it be worked in the interests of the people, and not in the interests of the Ireasury. Let the machinery and the regulations be simplified, and the officials would then have the power— as we are sure they have the will—to give the public the full benefits deriv able from that grand institution " the Public Post."

A RIFT IN THE CLOUD.

Tt is pleasant— at a time when the prospects of the grain grower have been looking so gloomy—to see a rift in the cloud of depression that has so long hung over the markets at Howe. It is true that the rift is only a little one, and it may not mean much ; but let us take all the comfort we can out of its appearance in the commercial sky. We were shown yesterday the ac count sales, dated July 5, of a shipment of grain made by Mr J. G. Restell, of this town, for Mr CVtavius Digby. Part of it was wheat and the rest was oats. The former was reported as if an excellent sample of long-berried wheat, of good quality, and in good condition, and realised the exceptional price of

32s 9d for 4961b5." The oats also ar rived " in excellent condition, and were a ♦ very fair' sample, and realised 30s per 3841b5." We think that though the above may be beyond the average prices at the time of sale, the fact that such figures have been reached at all i under existing conditions is well worth giving prominence to. That actual sales have been effected at the prices quoted must be satisfactory to farmers while Mr O. Digby must feel specially gratified to learn that his oats as well as his wheat commanded the highest price paid for the shipment per " Star of Austria." 1 his tribute to successful farming should not be without its value to others, and we are pleased to be able to mention it in connection with the piece of agreeable information we have already referred to. Let us hope that the future will see better farmings better harvesting, and better prices, and then everyone will be better off.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The members of the New Zealand cycling team left for Sydney by the Wakatipu yes terday. With a view to finding work for the un employed, Government has agreed to sub sidise the Avon Road Board £1 for £1 on money spent on road works up to £150. In the Presbyterian church to-night the ««River Singers " service will be given by the choir, and as the members have taken great paine in the preparation of this favorite song story an enjoyable evening may be expected. The measles epidemic still keeps a few of its victims in the hospital, and as fast aa one batch are convalescent and leave others come and take their places. Strangely enoueh the inhabitants of Tinwald have co far escaped remarkably well, only one or two cases being reported from thac district. The late nor'westers have had their effect on the snow in the ranges, and the Ash burton river, which but yesterday was rather lew and clear as crystal, is now as high as after the heavy rains a few weeks back, the water being aa thick aa soup and almost black. A successful exhibition trial of the Massey- Harris cultivator took place on Tuesday in Mr John Henry's paddock adjoining the Ashburton aaleyards. The cultivator was subjected to a thorough teat, the twitch on the land operated upon having for three years defied all attempts to remove it, and the marner in which the cultivator per formed its woik was the subject of general admiration from the farmers present. The Hunt Club's Point to Point Steeple chase will take place shortly Bfter two o'clock to-morrow (Friday) afternoon, the race commencing and ending in Mr McLeod's paddock, just off the Winslow road, two miles beyond Tinwald. A figure of eight course has been selected over pretty country, with lots of jumping, and the public will be able to view the race from start to finish. Owners and riders ars re quested to be at the Tinwald Hotel at 2 p.m. At a meeting of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association Mr William Simpson was almoßt ananimously elected to the Secr«'aryship of the Associa tion. As Mr Simpson has for the past three or four years been nctintj in codj 'motion with Mr J. 0. Qtiane, the retiring secretary, his experience in show matters and the general sbusiDess of the Association renders him specially fitted for the position to which he has txen appointed, and we congratulate the committee on their selection. The fourteenth annual report and balance sheet of the Victoria Insurance Company, Limited, has been issued, and can be seen at the office of Mr J. C. Duncan, the local agent for the Company. The balance sheet shows the amount to credit of profit and loss to be £46,069 13s Bd, and from that the directors intend to pay a dividend of 3s j per share i.i addition to an interim dividend | of 2a per share paid on February 1, 1893, and to devote £10,000 to the contingency fund. The dividend ii therefore 50 per cent. Some writer haa said that cheek or impu dence is a quality only second to genius in value. The Secretary of the Municipal Association exercised this second genius ot his on Wednesday. He askei the Premier to send him forty copies each of a number of Bills for distribution among the boroughs. The Premier has this second genius also fairly well developed, and was evidently put out at finding a man who could give him points. He declined to supply the copies, remarking that every local body might make the same request, and members of Parlia ment usually forwarded copiea of Bills to boroughs, when the latter's interest were touched by the proposed measures. Poor old Francis H. Taylor, the well known and kindly " Blue Gum," of Mount Soiuer*, died on Wednesday at his home in Mount Somers, at the age of seventy-four. The old man had been ailing more or less, for Borne time, but he died raally from the decay of old age. Mr Taylor was a Staffordshire man, and had been in the colony for ova* thirty-five years, most of the time in the vicinity, in one capacity or another, of the Ashburton river. He was one of the few links that remained to connect the Ashbur ton of to-day with the prehistoric ABhburton which was the grazing ground of sheep, and the whole county from the hills to the sea was a series of sheep runs, and human beings were few and far between. "Blue Gum" had many a tale to tell of these times of the early settlers, and he could tell them v«ry /happily indeed. He was well known among the adult settlers, but as in recent years, old age was creeping upon him, and anchoring him to his home &t the bills, he was less known to the younger people His funeral takes place to-morrow (Friday) at half-past two—Mount Somers Cemetery. The f*ct of large families being uncommon in France is well known, but that there should be a prejudice against them is sur prising. A Home paper states that thp father of a family of four children, and a highly respectable man, M. Lacroix, finds it absolutely impossible to obtain apartments near his place of business at Saint Mandt>, near Paris. At several places he was i eceived by concierges with civility, until he ventured to s*y tnat he had a rather large family, when the door was promptly shut upon him. Going a little farther out of town, to Yincenr nes, he managed, a3 he thought, to secure a place, and actually paid the denjbr a B cv, a blackmail levied by the concierges on pew tenants. On presenting himself, however, with bis tour children he was politely but firmly told that the bargain must be declared off. Fortunately M. Lacroix is a man of resource. The Forest of Vincennes is close at hand, and there he has erected a huge tent, divided into separate apartments by means of curtains. For the present he declares his new abode is a delightful one, for the weather in Paris is particularly fine. Mqinwhile he is taking legal proceedings against the owner of the house in which he took the lodgings. Tha ONStOW Biscuit. The latest and moat delicatt

Island News.

Auckland, August 16. Arrived—Richmond, from Tahiti and Karatongo. Affairs are quiet at the Islands. The Auckland schooner Norval, seized -by the natives of Penguin Tsland in December, has been reloased by H.M.S. Hyacinth. After inquiry into the aff.ir, a fine was inflicted on the natives for the outrage.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

London, August 15. < The Committee of the House of Lords, who have been engaged for some time past taking evidence upon the importation of meat, recommend that imported meat should be branded, the registration of meat-importers made compulsory, and retailers' shops inspected. >. Replying to a question in the House of Commons, the Premier declined at the present juncture to negotiate with the United States, regarding joint action on the silver question. London, August 16. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr J. H. Dalziel's amendment oppos ing the appointment of an Irish Legis lative Council, was rejected by a majority of 63. In the course of the discussion, Mr Gladstone said that a second chamber was the universal practice in the civi lised world, and acted as a check on the first chamber. He asserted that it was essential to protect a local minority. Mr Balfour declared that the chamber as proposed was a ludicrous sham. i Mr Chamberlain condemned any I attempt at composition (sic). In the House of Commons, the Premier replying to Mr Chamberlain, said that within three years it would be necessary for the Imperial Parlia ment to pass legislation to settle the Irish, land question.

COMMERCIAL.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

Sydney, August 16. Wheat, 3s 3d j milling, 3s 7d. Oats, fair feed, 2s 8&d to 9d 5 bright feed, 2s 2s 9£d to lOd ; Tartarian, 3s. Barley, Cape, 2s lOd to 3s, Bran, Bd. Pollard, Bid. Peas, Prussian blue, 4s 3d. Potatoes, local, £5 ; Circular Heads, £6 10s. Onions, £8 10j. Butter, dairy, ]0d: factory, Is. Cheese, 3d to sd. Bacon, 4i to 6|d ; ham, New Zealand, Is. Melbourne, August 16. Wheat, 2a lid to 2s ll£a. O^s, Al* eqnm, 23; heavy«tout, 2a 3jd to 2s 4d. Barley, 4s 7£d. Abelaidtc, August 16. , Wheat, 33. Flour, £7 10s to £7 IBs. Bran, Bd. Pollard, B|d. Oats, Ss 4d to 3s ttd.

ADDINGTON LIVE STOCK.

Cbrisxchcbo a, August 16, The attendaccs at the market to-day was good, and the entries in most classes fair. Stoke Sheep-Over 20,000 Btores came forward, consisting mostly of breeding ewes and hoggcta. Ihe scarcity of feed is showing its effect in this class, and very lit le busi ness was done, owners having to submit to a drop where sales were effected. Crossbred wethers, 12j to Us; breeding ewes, 11s to li% 3.1 ; hogget*, 103 9d to 11s 7d ; merino wethera, 53 3'l; swes, 6s 31. Fat Sheep—Between 6000 and 7000 sheep Occupied the fat pens, the quality being dc ci 'edly below the average. Second c'assand half finished sorts predominated, and for these the nnrket was decidedly easier, really prime crossbreds and mariaos being the only sorts that approached the prices late'y ruling. Best crossbreds fetched 18a 5s to 22s 9d; handy freezers 15a 6d to 17s 6il; inferior, 11 to 14i 6d; mixed sexes, 14 J 6d to 16s 7d ; half bred wethers, 13s lid to 20a ; ewes, 15s $d to 163 8d ; mixed, Us to 17b 8d ; merino wethers, prime quality, 12<* 5d to 14s 101; inferior, 7s 6d to 11s 6J. Lambs brought from Us to 15s. Fat Cattle—The entry was about 150, mostly cow and heifer beer. Best steers brought lip to £9 7s 6d ; cows from £5 10s to £7 5 heifers from £g to £8 10s. STeßKCattle--A large entry, buttle sale was of an unsatisfactoi y character. Pias—A small entry, the majority light baconers met with a much firmer market.

ASHBURTON MARKETS.

Meßsrs Friedlander Bros, report upon the live stock market for the week ending August 18 as follows:—At the A»hburton yards on Tuesday last a total of 5845 sheep and 46 head of cattle was catalogued. The fioo weather which prevailed op doubt accounted for the large attendance of the general public, but judging from the listless bidding, it seemed that the majority were not on business bent. The entries in the fat pens consisted entirely of merino wethers, some being of really good quality, especially those sent forward by Mr E G. Wright and Mr Bonifant, which were un doubtedly prime well finished sheep, and butchers took advantage of the opportunity of securing all theeg lines offered. Prices ranged from 10s Id to 11s gd, and up to 12s 2d for best quality, inferior sort* up to §s 9d. In stores the main entry consisted of merino ewes in lamb, mo3tly failing mouths, and bidding for these came very slowly, most lots being passed in at auction, but after wards disposed of at prices ranging from 4s to 6s 61. A nice line of crossbred two-tooth ew<s» ia lamb nude 15s Id, and aged cross bred ewes from $s to Jo< QJ. la hoggets,' there was nothing of special quality entered, small culls selling at from 5s 8J to ?s §d and ordinary at from 103 3d to 10a 9d. Seyeral lines of two.tooth crossbred wethers were sold at from 13? to 14s 104 for light sheep, and a nice line of well.finiehed freejters went for 17s. Beef, of which there were l% head sent forward by a southern grassier, met with strong competition from the batchers, and realised full market rates; and a good entry of small store cattle, mostly calves and yearlings, sold at high prices. Our salet at aactipn on account of various clients were— 200 aged c&osj»bred ewes in lamb 10s 6d j 381 crossbred hoggets, 10s Bd ; 175 old merino ewes, ss; 2 calves, 30a ; 5, 34s { 2 yearlings. 525; 8, 55s 6d; springers and cows in profit; 1 each £4 17s, £5, £5 ss, and £4 2s 6i.

Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market £a the Ashburfcon district; for the week ending August 15 as follows ;— On Tuesday at the Aahburton yards the usual weekly Bale of live stock was held. The total entry for the day consisted of about 6000 sheep and 47 head of cattle, of whioh ray entry comprised 3081 sheep and 27 head of cattle* Although the market was dull I cleared all my entry at satisfactory prices. The pens were well filled witij. fat merino wethers and a sprinkling of crosa br§ds, which realised the following prices :— 31* fat merino wethers, 11s sd; 60, lls 3d ;2 70, 10) Id : 20, 8s 10J } 40, 8s 8d; 40, 8s 7d, 75, 8s 6d ; 60, 7s 9d. Only pne line of really prime freezers came forward, and those I d sposed of at 17s I sold good for ward crossbred wethers from 12s to 14s lOd. The bulk of the entry consisted of crossbred and merino ewes in iamb, and both of these classes suffered a drop, and the latter pspe cially so I sold as follows:—300 two-tooth crossbred ewes in lamb, 15s Id ; 140 merino ewes in lamb, 4s 6d ; 2,85 merino ewes, 43 61 • 245 merino ewes in lamb, 6s { 122, 4* 5 109 3j; 169 crossbred hoggets, 5s 9d : 360, 10 4d • 32 7s 6d. In cattle I sold 4 steers £7 53, 4 at JE9, 4 at £8 lid, 4 at £7 14a ; 4 stored £2; 1 milch oow, £5 ss, etc. :

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WisixiNGTOsr, August 15. CHEVIOT ESTATE BILL. Ttie Hon Mt McKenzie moved the second reading of the Cheviot Estate Disposition of certain land in the Cojnty of Cheviot, lately purchased by the | Crown. He held that the Government ■ were compelled to purchase the estate, in order to protect the revenne of the colony. If the Government had not taken ever the t property, th*y would have had to make a , reduction in its value, and the owcers of other properties would then no doubt have paid that their valuations ware too hizh and that reductions would have to be"made. The proporty tax va-uation of | the Cheviot estate was £304,856, or at the rate of £3 11s 5d per acre ; bat the trustees valued it at £260,220, being £44,680 less than the land tax valuers, who refused to make a reduction. The Goverament had asked Mr McMillan, op a disinterested person, to make a valua tion, and he had valued it at £295,998, or £35,779 above that made by the owners. After getting this valuation, ( the Government conld not agree to the request of the owners to make a reduction, and they were therefore compelled to take over the estate. The Government con sidered they would not have done their duty to the colony if they had not taken the estate over. The Government also thought that they were acquiring a valu able piec« of land, which was most Buit able for settlement, the climate being good, and the soil in many places of excellent character. As to the question of the disposal of the* property, he might say that he had heard on good authority that a syndicate in Christchurch would have taken up the whole of the property at a handsome profit to the Government. After consideration the Go vernment came to the conclusion that the estate should be broken up for settle ment purposes. They had Jeased a por tion of the land for six months at a good price, and he believed that if they could have leased it for twelve months they would have received 4£ per cent on the purchase money, which he thought would convince the House that the transaction was a good one for the colony. The surveying of the estate was now being rapidly proceeded with. As to the dis posal of the estate the Government had to consider whether the land should be sold for cash, or disposed of on perpetual lease or lease in perpetuity ; but he was of opinion that they should have a mix> ture of all three systems. They h%d, therefore, provided in the Bill that one third of the land should be sold for cash by public auction, one-third by lease in perpetuity, and the other third by lease for grazing farms. He proposed to refer the Bill to the Waste Lands Committee, and he nad no hesitation in saying that the estate could be made a financial success, in which svent there would be further subdivision.. Ho hoped that these members whe were opposed to selling any portion of the estate for cash would look at the matter from a practical point of view, and remember that it was im possible to road and survey the property out of revenue. Mr Richardson coznp'imented the Mini ster for hpving spoken on this Bill in a more practical way than he had done for a long time past. If Mr McKeuzie could have offered the whole estate at a profit of £50,000 he should have done so, and thus protected ihe revenue. He objected to the purchase of the es'ate because the land hrd teen under cultivation before being purchased, and he held tint the same amount of money would have pur chased 1,000,000 acres of native land, which was at present unproductive, and would have roaded and surveyed it. The first duty of the Government ■•hould be to deal with unoccupied land. Sir Robert Stout thought that Mr Mc- Kerz'tf had made out a good case for the purchase of the estate. The o»»ly point whuh he hoped the Waste Linda Com mittee would consider was whether it was advisable to dispose of two-thirds of the land on freehold tenure, as the lease in perpetuity was practically freehold. Ha tboueht that a reasonable compromise would ' c to alter the terms to one-ihird for cash, one-third on perpetual lease under the old Land Act, and one-thiid on lease for grazing farms. He regarded the lease in perpetuity as a perfect sham, and he was opposed to selling land for cash at all. Mr Buchanan considered that the Government should have purchased native land for settlement. Mr Robert Thompsoa contended that if the amount expended in the purchase of Cheviot had been used in roadiqg and surveying land in the north, it would have been much better for the colony. Mr Rolleston said that as they were in \tck> the purchase of this property, they must make the bent of it. He did not think Parliament intended that a purchase of this kind should be made. The Government had taken a great responsi bility on themselves, which only time would show whether it was a prudent course or not. The Minister had said that the Government had bought the estate to protect the revenue, but there were nnny other cases where they had not acted in the same way to protect the revenue.. Hp thought that there were a number of properties that might be taken with very considerable advantage, espied? ally those in the vicinity of railway , stations. He quite agreed with Sir Robert Stout in his objections to the lease in perpetuity. It seemed to him that the Bill gave great scope for paternalism, and that there was to be a lifctlp pet population here, who would not be subjeot to the ordinary laws which bound other peqple. Mr Wright feared that the Government had got something in the nature ef a white elephant. Dr Newman objected to there being no provision for a finking fund in the Fill, as it was very undesirable that they should have eternal d.bts of this kind. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30] p.m. Several members took part in the de bate. It $ras general agreed that now the purchase had been completed the House should make the best of it. Several of the speakers, however, took objection to any portion of the estate being sold. In the course of his reply the Minister fsr Lands said that members who had criticised the purchase had mixed up the Land and Ineoine Tax Act and the Land Act in a most extraordinary manner. This was the only estate offered to the Government under the Land and Income Assessment Acb, on which the Govern ment valuation had bepn upheld. Every acre of land in Cheviot would be required r for settlement. As to the argument that this money should have been spent on land in the North Island, he would ask whether the South Island had not as much right to get settlement as the north. Last year the Government had Boenb £117,000 on roads, the greater part of which had gone to the North Isjand. | The second reading was agreed to on j the voices, and the B\l was referred to j the Waste Lauds Committea. i

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, August 16.

The Counc'l m rt at &30 p.m. LOANS CONSOLIDATION BILL. Tho Oamaru Loans Consolidation Bill was read a second time after a debate. WORK OP NECESSITY. Mr Stevens moved " that the 16th gestion of the Police Offences Act be •mended so as to enable farmers and Aihera to proieeute. *ork of neoeaaity

on Sundays, and that the Government be requested to biing in a bill with that object." After discussion the motion wan agreed to by 15 to 14. WELLINGTON CITr EMPOWERING BlLL 'itie Wellington City Empowering Bill was rt!»J a second time without debate. msiso'BiLL. Iho Mining Bill (bo 1) passed through |U>mmutee will a verbal amendment in i thß title. I AGRICULTOBAI, AND PASTORAL SOCIETIES Tho Agricultural and Pastoral Societies £«1 ndmenb Bin P»ssed *it ß fir.al I The Oouncil then adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE.

hvrrvr. After the Telegraph Office dosed on Tuesday nighc the Custom* and Marine Department vote of £63,6? 1 wu passed without alteration. Mr Rolleston drew attention to an item of £1170, " hire and working expenses of dredge for New Plymouth harbour," and pointed out that last session the rote wm reduced by £1 as an indication that the Government should not spend any more money on this harbour. The Premier evplained thai the amount contained on this year's estimate* was in curred because the dredge was detained, and could nob be returned by the contract time, besides which repairs to the vessel had cost a large sum. ..-: i Sir John Hall moved to strike out the item, but it wu lost by 21 to 12. In reply to a question Mr Ward laid it was intended to reorganise the whole of the Marine Department, and the wages of lighthouse keepers would be taken into considerat on in the proposed reorganisa tion. Considerable eoonomy oonld bt effected without impairing the efficiency of the service. Government Inraranoe Aooount— £62,188, agreed to. Public Trust Office, expenses acoount— £8076. Mr Mitohelsnn moved to strike out an item of £192 for the presiding officer at the present Native meeting at Patea, as he considered the omcet in question was unfit to hold any position in the pubUo service of the colony. Mr Ward said the Government had al ready given assurance that an enquiry would be held into the charges brought againet this officer, and In the face of this he urged Mr Mitchelson to withdraw bis motion. Subsequently Mr Mitchelson agreed to this course on the Premier undertaking to look into the matter. -, Toe total vow was passed without al teration. !. . Progress was reported and tnf^fcjUrl rose at 3.30 a.m.

The House met at 2.f0 p m. yesterday. REPLY TO A QUJMTION, Replying to a question, Mr McKeniie said that the question of giving assistance to some of fche larger Horticultural Societies, so as to encourage tree planting, would receive consideration, A OtTKEDIN QUESTION. The greater part of the afternoon was ■ spent in a discussion raised by Mr Fish on a local matter affecting Dunedm. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. ARRESTING SDPPIY. On the motion that the House go into Committee of Supply, Mr Fisher moved that the complete correspondence relating to the retirement of Mr Fisher from the Atkinson Ministry, be printed. • - The Premier opposed the amendment, which on a division was carried by 27 to 25. Cn thj question again being put thac the House go into Committee of Supply, Mr Duihfe complained of the offensive nature of the reply given to his question that afternoon, respecting the small fanners who arrived by the lluahine. He thought that the Government should not encourage this class of immigration. The Hon Mr MrKtnzie {resented the manner in which Mr Duthie had referred to him, and raid that the new comers had means and would probably make good settlers, After some further discussion the sub ject dropped. The House went into Oommittee of Supply for consideration of the Esti mates. Colonial Secretary's Department— £72,368. Mr Rolleston asked when it was pro posed to fill up the Portfolio of Native Minister. The Premier said that he hoped to make a statement shortly on that subject Speakingonthe Printing and stationery Vote Sir Robert Stout said that there was a gross waste of money in this department because of the unnecessary printing., A great many of the reports that wit* printed wore mere padding. •' Some discussion arose on the vote of £250 to the New Zealand Institute. Several members regretted that the Gov ernment should reduce an Item of that kind, but Mr Ward explained that the reduction was made owing to the necessity of cutting down expenditure wherever practicable. After one hour's discussion the total vote for the Colonial Secretary's Depart* inert was agreed to without altera tion, ' Post and Telegraph Department-* £292,815. The vote was passed without alteration after very litile discussion. Stamp and Deeds Department— £19,270. ! iThe vote elicited practically no dis cussion, and was passed as printed. Education Department-£386566. Tho vcie passed without alteration. Progress w«s reported, and the House rose at 1.35 am.

EALING.

[from ovb owir corkispowpwtt.] August 15. Having been from home on th? day of the great wind I was unable to give you the particulars. It blew a horse off the top of the terrace into the swamp, and he was no more. It lifted a house 10ft x 12ft, and landed it over a gorse fence, ten chains away in pieces. The house was the properly of Messrs Edgar Brothers. Auother lfoose was similarly lifted over a wire fence ; }t was the property of Mr James McKeig. Sheep are doing well this year in. thp locality. I bad a look at Mr Tilson's two; tooth crossbred ewes. They looked remark* ably well. Mr Jackson hag a field of turnips untouched—the best that ever grew on the Rangitata plains. 1 see by the daily papers that Mr H. Foster, writing on fluke in sheep, w«nts the liver of the sheep seat to him. I should think if he wpnld turn up the eye of th« sheep he could tell whether it had fluke qt not. It seems to me from the way Mr Foster* writes, he thinks it is an infectious disease. There is not much fear of fluke in New Zealand, as long as there is plenty of drainage, I bear Mr Saw'e is going to stand for our distript against Mr E. G. Wright, who is the favourite iq this district,

SUPREME COURT.

Chpistchttrch, August 16.» At the Supreme Court to-day Archur H. B. McKenney, on six charges of larceny and embezzlement, was found guilty on one and not guilty on tiro, and three charges are yet to be heard.

•m*; ABBBOBfOU WASDUK; fHPfiSPAY. AtTQTJST 17, 1893.



THE END. THE END OF THE A WIfITEK SEASON 3893. G. J. NEILI 1 _& CO. A UR fir ß t shipment of BPBIH3 GOODS are to arrive in a fortnight. ftLke room for them w, are offering the balance of our Winter Goods a, W7V™\o REASONABLE OFFER BEFUSED. Ladies' Ha's at any price. Fashionable Feathers 6d. Dress Goods heavy blue and maroon dd Att wool dress goods s|l Silk plush Is 3d Flannelettes 3£d, heavy and gocd <*"—UGuSm&(i. CLOTHING. Boys 1 Tweed Suits 4s lid Hen's CJoIOnW n»4» Blochera So Men. OolohWidkl. ShootOT, n.iled,B.(M , isswsa^s 3M ... Q. J. HULL & OO.'S. fIRIEDLAUDEB'S CORNER, EAST STREET



Wanted ■ WANTED-General Servants and Girls to assist—South Canter bury Labour Exchange, Arcade. WANTED Known—ColoniaUhree ply Fingering 3s.—Mitohbii. and Iprnkb. -, ri7 ANTED Known—W. H. Collibb's VV noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2s Bd, have just arrived in all si«es. j W~ ANTED Known—Ladies who are \ about to change their Domestic I Servants are invited to make known their j requirements at the South Canterbury j Lsbor Exchange, Arcade, Ashburton, where they can be suited without delay. 8 14 WANTED Known—Persons peeking employment of »ny description ' cannot; do better than register their names ' at the South Canterbury Labor Exchange, i Arcade, \t.hburton, the proprieter being in daily communication wiih the principal Labor Offices in the Colony. 8 lo 800K 1* in good order and complete bought or taken in exchange. New I Stock arriving every week. Circulating j Library.—3. Mavsdbn, Newsagent. R "aILWaY Book Stall.—A very large and choice lot of books to select from. __J_l 3 \t ANTED Known—^'omen's Black V * Caehmere Hose from Is, Boys' all Wool Knicker Hcse from Is 4d. Mitchku, & Tubseb. W HEBE do you gee your Ironmon gery 1 At Hakto-itv nof course, whore we g*t the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Ploueh Chains, Bope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knive«, Spadee *nd Forks, Lamps, Fender an^ Fire Irons, and »nything ou roqnir*- BOOKS in great variety to suit all c'a^sea of rcadenv at the Railway Book y-mu, 710 a WASIE PAPER for sale. App'y W office of Ashburton Publishing Compaßy, Limited. WANTED Krewn-T. Hoult has fresh Poik Sausages daily, hot Pics, also a good assortment of Jams, I'ickks, Sauces, etc. SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest the largest, tho best, and the cheap asfc. Small Goods ft specialty. Ful troiahts guaranteed, A trial solicited. •W. J. Sixoock. _4t182 S TOCKTAKING SALE at R. Alcora's, Saunders 1 Buildings. Everything rtduced, lor «Vh only, for One Month. Note prices of Blankets in advertisement. Boots and Shoes all reduced. \l7 ANTKD Known. — Special Hhtp- Vv roent of Linen Goods, direct from Belfast. Splendid value. See window »t Andrew Orb's. YODNG Ladies' Journals (August), "Review of Reviews," Weldon's Journals, C» sells' Royal Academy Fic tures. Beys of England, (New Volume), New Games including Tiddl«?dy Winks Is, New Botks and Fancy Goods, Boxes Notepaper and Envelopes, etc.—L. F. Andbkwes asd Co, Stationers' Hall.



Wanted IGHT School Pupils, please attend meeting, Fbiday, 7.30, Havelock •tract, opposite Co-'a butcher's «nop.-- BOBBBT FbIZZEILS. 8 lltf WANTED a Boy, as apprentice to Drapery Trade. Apply in writ ing, " A.8.0," Mail Office. 8 117 "TT7 ANTED.—A respectable Girl about VV 17. Sleep »l homa« Hours from 9 in the morning until 6 at night. Wage*, s.x Bhillings pr week. No children. Apply John Mabsbbw, Book atall, or »t House close to. 8 118 WANTED Known—That A. J. Walkeb repairs p^yclep, Sewing | Machines, Lawn Mowers, Medic»l Coils, «ud iU deecriptions of light machinery. INBPECTour display of Lamps, Paper- ] hancinzs, and Outlery in windows j this week -John Oiib fir Co. 8 78 TSITRONS for preserving, Orange, \J Lemons, Bananao, and all fruits in aeuon.—Adams', East Street. INSPECT our stock ot Garden Tools of all kinds. Our 5s Spade is the best In the markat. - Johs Obu & Co. 8 79 j DON'T Foreec to send your Bicycles i along to The Old Kindergarten toj be repaired, at moderate lates. KlPtt Bananas, Cookirg »nd Dessert, Apples, Pine Apples; Seville, Mandarin, Tahiti, and Sydney Oranges, Lemons, ctc-Miw WnmisoioN, Burnett Street, opposite Mail Office. B* EDICAL Crilc made and repaired on tha shortest notice at easy prices at A. J. Walkeb's, Old Kinder garten. SUITS to measure, during the sale, 495, 66% 60s, 70s, and 75a. Fit a«d workmMtehip gaaranteed.—o. aicoKS, Baunden' Buildincs. i \T HE Good Siinaritan, 2or the imme I diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash 8:ow. ,_ 2J. T ADlES'Jacklrs, Mantles, Superior JIJ Drew Goods further reduced, us cash must be had. Compulsory bale »t 8* W. Alcobn"s. .■ _ _^ \l■" ANrED~Kn»w«.—1 o nuke room W for Spring Boots 1 will give ton TJ« flent for ca*h. Repairs done at once cheap * than ever to Rtay bad times over "nl J. Moisoy, Premier Boot maker. 8 i 8 WANTED Known— «mo wonderful job lines n Drapery, etc., now beiDgsoid ', also presents to all purchahers. H. 0. Sbo»b>, Melford floupe. ANTED Known— 1' The Corner "i» showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clotting. — W. H. COIXIBB. . ____ BERLIN WOOL, all Cok-w, 4J Skein, Oil Cloths, two yards wide, 2s; one yard wide, Is.—Mitch?il & Tuna br. PRESENTS— Beautiful Presents now being given away to all purchasers of Drapery, Millinery, Boots, Clothing, •to —h. 0 Sigbbs, Melford House. fTCTANTED Known—Ccntrac'nrs, ig;i ▼ ▼ culturalists, and Pastoral rmplnyers ] oflaborcan beMiitel wi h any number of flioroiMrVy efficient hands by making known their ieq irements at the South Canterbury Labor Exchinge, Aehburton. No necessity for sending out of the district for labor. ("^ 0 to Habdlkv Bros, for Bargains "X in Blaukcts, 48 pairs of large whitfl, suitable for dt»ub)e b-jdn only, 16s 6d worth 255. Kxcr»l«rge Hrey, only 10* 6d" worth 18s 6d. Selling rapidly.- Hakplky P.KOS. Arcade. TttSfcH.O- Klowjsk'* Tublets, Li CfMi«h and i-ucalyptus Vto^, and top combing. BANG 1 Bans* 1 B*nc 1 Guns 1 Guvs ! Guns I by the lest makers and fitted with all the Ute«t improvements Powder, Shot, Ctyw, Cartridges, Wads, and Cases at J. W. Habplbt's, ¥m\ Struct. ,G«ns repaired. WANTED Known. — Seasonable Goods. , Cashmere Gloves, fol pair ; Oa«h Mitts 6d pair ; Fur ColUrs, 2< lid ; LadieV Skirts, 2h 11<1; Bo«lyn Wool, 3 par 1b ; Wool Shawls at h&if price, at Andbbw Obb's. _________ "XXJ HO ia your Plumber ? Why, J. W. \\ Haßdlsy, who is * Manufacturer of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, eta., and who has oi hand the largeat stock of Puniptt and ipe in town. \ I ONDKRVU h Sa^i»fHCt;oll.— ■^" The Hp'-cini nicVel w««»-oh made mr 8. B*l©k, sot<l »c 22h M and 25» in the I best.—(►btwinable only from «J. SaleK, j Jeweller. 7 63



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing* Factory Supply Gents' Hats, Shirts, Ties at Factoiy prxes. THE NZ.C.F. Supply Gcnta' Underclothing in Wool, Merino, and Col ton all at Factory prices. "~ THi~KZ C.F. Keep the Largest Stock of Gents' Mercery in Ashburton. Supply Gents P*eady-made Clothing to 6b stout men, thin men, tall men, or short men. ______ " THE N.Z.C.F. Supply Boys' and Youths' Beady-made Clothing at prices that defy competition. SPECIAL ! "SPECIAL ! ! SPECIAL ! !! THE N.Z.C.F. Are prepared to make a Single Garment to your order. Over 200 patterns to choose from. AH at ready-made paces and guarantee a fit. "the n.z.c.f. Mnk« Mm's Trousorß to Mr asure from 17» 6d, Men's Suits from 59* 61. Sewing machines on time paj ment. THE N.Z.C.F. Supnly Blen's Bootp, Women's Boots, and Children's Boots *U at Factory prices. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY ALEX. HENDRY, Manage .



WANTKT) Knnwn- For j^ood vnlue in first clmih Drapery, Miliinorj, BorM, dothins, etc., »o to Mblforo Hocsk. Besuuful pr«Be»t.s now giving »w*y to all paroha«erß.



"I •"'IKGKRING Wool 3d, 200 yds Cotton Jh Reeli- lid, 400 yds 3i. Enormous ■Uick of Ladie»' »nd Children's Hose further reduced it S. W. Aicowr & Co.« fllo.



IMPORTANT SALE -OF A— WHOLESALE WAREHOUSEMAN'S STOCK —OF— TI7OMENS 1 AKD CHILDRKN'S ULSTERS. WATFiRPRf)OF CLOAKS, a beautiful lot. FURLINED CLOAKS, Extra good quality. THREE-QUARTER CAPES. FEATHER BOAS. UR COLLARETTES. WCOL SHAWL'S. CARDIGAN JACKETS. — Also — A Urgl Stock cf WCMEPS' UNDERCLOTHING. Hardley Bros., Wili;Submit the above Large Purchase to their Customers on SATURDAY MORNING AT REMARKABLE PRICES. Hiving Cleared every line as above at a price that wm^enable them> r * Sell at Less than WHOLESALE COST. SALE, SATURDAY AND FOLLOWING DAYS. —- HARDLEY BEOS.; ARCADE.



JOHH ORR & CO. TTAVE LANDING ex Coptic, Pakeha, and Tekoa from London and Mary Hasbrouck and Alise from New York— LAKGE AND WELL SELECTED STOCKS OF LAMBS, HEATING AND COOKING STOVES AND RANGES, REGISTER GRATES AND FENDERS, JIBE IRONS, GARDEN SPADES, FOBK*. HOES, ETC. CARPENTERS' TOOLS BY THE BEST MAKERS. TOBACCO COTTERS, DRAY AND CA RBI AGE AXLES IN ALL SIZES. PAPERHANGINGS, PAINTS AND OILS, AND VARNISHES. WIRE NETTING, TRAVELLING TRUCKS AND BOXES, TABLE CUTLERY, SCISSORS, RAZORS, AND CARVERS (IN CASE), POCKET KNIVH.S, TINWARE OF ALL KIND 3. JOHN ORR and Co., IRONMONGERS, AND GENERAL PROVISION MERCHANTS.



The Best remedy fob indigestion-Norton Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is tho cause of nearly all the diseases to .wWoh we are rabject, Norton's Pills, which " Justice" called tho "Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a power ful tonic and gentle aper.enfc are mild in tneir opera tion, and safe under any circumstances. Sola in bottiea, at 1« ljd» 3s 9d, llfti by|»U medloine Tend»» throughout tb«wwf dj l



Colemane and son sEccaltptio Extract is the only genuine in the market, and was awarded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide beating all competitors. For all affection! of Urn Chest and Lung*, Contumption, A*hma. Court* Orarel, and Kidney OmpUinU, it )m •!» «S