The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1885 The Governor’s Speech.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1558, 17 June 1885, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 1885 The Governor’s Speech.

The Governor’s Speech delivered to Parliament on Thursday last was so diplomatically framed that we were not surprised to see the Address-in-Reply adopted without discussion. Having regard to the character of the Speech, Major Atkinson adopted a wise course last evening in permitting the Address to pass without opposition and deferring his criticism of the Government until their policy measures are before the House. The Speech itself was no longer than many of its predecessors, but was unusually comprehensive and couched in the plain, forcible language which the Colonial Treasurer so readily commands. Those critics who have stigmatised the Speech as platitudious and tautological are pleased to lose sight of the nature and intention of the words placed in the mouth of His Excellency the Governor by the Ministry; they would have been much better pleased had the Government committed themselves to an assailable policy, but they can hardly have expected even a Ministry delighting to be termed utilitarian, to make such a departure from the well worn paths of precedent. Having observed that the Speech is not wearisome, and that it certainly is, in a sense, comprehensive, we have little more to say in reference to it. It contains the usual number of indefinite promises, which are so skilfully framed that if they remain unredeemed at the end of the session the most ardent Oppositionist will hesitate to impugn the veracity of the authors. As a matter of course we are told that the prevalent depression is passing away; we deplore that the reiteration of this statement does not itself produce a more marked improvement in the financial condition of the colony. IThe attitude of the natives towards the North Trunk railway and European settlement generally is regarded as eminently satisfactory. In this connection it is gratifying to notice that Mr Pearson, in moving the Ad-dress-in-Reply, while eulogising the policy of the present Native Minister, attributed the present re-assuring state of native affairs to the firm and manly policy of Mr Bryce. The fact that the Otago Central railway is making rapid progress is pleasing, so far as the completion of that line will relegate to comparative oblivion one of the grossest political jobs that has defaced our Public Works policy. No time was lost in making an agreement under the East and West Coast and Nelson Railway Act, and Ministers hope that before long the East and West Coasts of the Middle Island will be connected by railway. We hope so too, and recognise in the fullest manner the immense importance and advantages of the undertaking, but do not look forward with confidence to the speedy realisation of our desires. Again referring to the Speech delivered by Mr Pearson in the House last night, we cannot but regard his reference to this subject, inspired as it probably was by his leaders, as ominous. He was sorry he could not speak hopefully of the construction of the East and West Coast railway line, but had no doubt more vigorous steps would shortly be taken in this matter. The establishment of non-political Boards for the management of constructed railways will be received with wide-spread satisfaction. This step has already been too long delayed, and whatever may be the fate of other Ministerial proposals, we trust this one will be carried into effect. The Government will require, however, o make a more thorough reform here than they have done in their Life Insurance Department, where the recently formed Association in no way meets the rights nor demands of those interested. The Cabinet evidently think highly of Mr Ballance’s special settlement scheme,but we shall not be sanguine for the success of this new departure in land administration unless the area allotted to each settler be considerably increased. A Bill is promised limiting the appointments to the Upper House to a term of years. This, we feel sure, will not prove a sufficient reform to satisfy the majority of the electors; they demand that the House shall be elective, and nothing short of that concession will appease them. The “ immediate and strenuous efforts ” made by Ministers to place the colony in a state of defence, and the expense incurred thereby are likely to meet with the ready sanction of the House, as they already have been accorded the approval of the country. Local bodies are promised larger powers with a more “assured local finance.” We do not profess to fathom the meaning of the now stereotyped phrase “ assured finance,” but the development of the Government policy upon this important subject is looked for with curiosity by their opponents, trepidation by their friends, and with considerable interest by all. The success or failure of the Ministers’ local government proposals will do much to make or mar the future career of the Stout-Vogel administration.

Messrs Matson and Co report upon the Addington live stock market to day:—The supply of sheep showed an increase of fully one-third, both in fat and stores. Last week’s prices consequently were not maintained, there being a drop of about Is per head on butchers’ lines. Our average quotation is 2d per lb. A line of very prime wethers brought 17a 3d, The bulk of the stores wore sold ; prices low and unaltered. There was a moderate supply of beef, which was dull of sale. Quotations 16s to I7s 61 per 100 lbs. There was a small market of store cattle, and business was nominal. Dairy stock sold well. In pigs there was a medium entry, mostly light weights. Last week's decline was unaltered.

A special meeting of the members of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association will be held on Tuesday, 29th instant, to discuss a suggestion that the Government should subsidise a steamer to open up trade between New Zealand and Queensland. The writs for the Wakanui and Tauranga seats are issued, and made returnable on 21st and 27th July respectively. Notice ef the appointment of Messrs J. A. Oaygill, W. E. Dolman, A. Fooke, and J. Miles as fire inspectors for the Borough is given in this issue. An occasional correspondent writing from Wellington yesterday says:—From what I can see and hear of Parliamentary matters, there is likoly to be some lively work during the session, as many of the members are far from satisfied with the present order of things. Still there is no sort of organisation in the Opposition and the Ministry is pretty certain to stand.

Mr Wright will address the electors of Wakanui at the Oddfellows’ Hall ou Fri day next; at Wakanui on Monday , and at Watertou on Tuesday. Mails for the United Kingdom and Continents of Europe, and America and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, Cape of Good Hope, etc., will close at Ashburton on Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. An address and testimonial from the

residents of thee* Ohertsey and neighboring districts were presented to Mr Leonard Maugham, who is leaving the district, at a dinner held last evening at the Ohertsey hotel. A numerous and representative company of sett ers assembled to do honor to the guest of the evening. A pleasant sccial re-union was spent, and great regret was expressed by all at the loss the district would sustain by the departure of such a public-spirited settler as »ir Maugham. Warm expressions of goodwill and hopes for his future success from his Onertsey friends will accompany him wherever he goes. A series of special evangelistic services are to be commenced at the Ashburton Wesleyan Church next Monday. The Rev Lewis Hudson, of Woodend, a gentleman of considerable experience in mission work, will conduct the meetings. A strong committee met last night to arrange details, and from the thorough manner in which the various matters brought before the meeting were gone Into, it would appear that our Wesleyan friends are determined that the services shall be successful. While being conducted under the auspices of the Wesleyan Church, the meetings are to be of a decidedly public character, and a warm invitation is extended to all and sundry to be present. Particulars of the meetings will be published in due course. Recruits are still offering for enrolment in the Ashburton Kifie Volunteers .We learn that the Company is now sixty strong. A church parade is ordered fur Sunday next. Messrs Begg and Go’s tuner will visit Ashbnrton on or about Saturday next. Orders may be left with Mr Alfred Harrison.—Mr S. B. Seymour, Surgeon Dentist will be at Mr Cambridge's ra Tuesday next.

Ac a meeting of the Ashburton School Committee lost evening twenty-eight applications were received for the position of headmaster. The consideration was deferred until to-morrow evening, when a special meeting of the Committee will be held The North Canterbury Board of Education will meet to-morrow when the report of Messrs Edge and Malcolm, m respect to the recent inspection of the school, will be submitted to the Board. We regret to learn from our telegrams this evening that Mr G. S. Searle, who occupied the editorial chair of this paper for some time, and was an old and much respected journalist, died somewhat suddenly in Wellington yesterday Flies and Bugs. —Beetles, insects, roache=, ants, bed-bugs, rats, mice, gophers, jack-rab bits, cleared out by “Rough on Rats.” The N.Z. Drug Co., General Agents. 3 “ German Syrup.” —No other medicine n the world was ever given such a test of its curative qualities as Boschee’s German Syrup, In three years two million four hundred thousand small bottles of this medicine were distributed free of charge by Druggists in the United States of America to those afflicted with Consumption, Asthma, Croup, severe Coughs. Pneumonia and other diseases of the ;• throat and lungs, giving the afflicted undeniable proof that German Syrup will cure them. The result has been that Druggists in every town and village in civilised countries are recommending it to their customers. Go to your Druggist and ask what they know about it. Sample Bottles 6d. Regular size 3s. 6d. Three oses wil relieve any case.— CAovt.' Holloway’s Pills. —Health or Wealth.— No sane person would hesitate an instant in the choice between these two conditions. Now is the season to secure the former either by restoring or confirming it. These Pills expel all impurities from the system which fogs foul vapours, and variable temperatures engender during winter ; this medicine also a;ts most wholesomely upon the skin by disgorging the liver of its accumulated bile, and by exciting the kidneys to more energuic action; 'increases the appetite for food and strengthens the digestive process. The stomach and liver, which most disorders originate, are fully under the control of these regenerative Pills, which act very kindly yet most efficiently on the tenderest bowels.—[Advt.]