The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. THURSDAY DECEMBER, 10, 1885. The Nicaraguan Canal.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1348, 10 December 1885, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prevalebit. THURSDAY DECEMBER, 10, 1885. The Nicaraguan Canal.

The cablegram we published last evening, stating that the President of the United States had withheld his consent from the Nicaraguan Treaty—a treaty between the United States and the {republic of Nicaragua, by which the latter State ceded to the former certain rights and monopolies in connection with the construction ot the long-contemplated inter-oceanic shipcanal through Nicaragua, by way of the San Juan Kiver and Lake Cocibolca —will afford unmingled satisfaction to those colonists who value the friendly relations now existing between Great Britain and the United States. It will be recollected by many of our readers that some months ago a diplomatic correspondence, almost angry, passed between Great Britain and the United States in respect to this Treaty. In 1850 the British and American Governments entered into an agreement, binding themselves to promote the conitiuction of a ship canal between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, by way of the Lake of Nicaragua ; and renouncing at the same time any exclusive right to or control over such canal. A variety of circumstances have since prevented the work contemplated by this agreement being undertaken; and in the meantime the > American view of the question has undergone considerable change. The Treaty from which President Cleveland has withheld his consent has been framed without any regard to the agreemeqt with Great Britain, and but for this timely interposition, it is possible very serious complications would have ensued.

Nicaragua is a republic of Central America, lying immediately north of the republic of Costa Rica. Its area is about 48,000 square miles, and it has a population of mixed nationalities, estimated at 250,000. Its chief exports are mahogany, sugar, cotton, tobacco, tify Tb«

trade is chiefly with Great Britain, its imports from and exports to that country during 18S4 having been valued at L2so,ogo and 1,300,000 respectively. In 1821 Nicaragua threw off its allegiance to Spain, and after a despeiate struggle secured its independence. It then became the second State in the Federal Republic of Central America, but on the dissolution of the union in 1839 became an independent republic. Nicaragua is governed by a President, elected by universal suffrage, and two Legislative Chambers.

The proposed line of water communication between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean is to consist, partly of the river San Juan, partly of the Lake Nicaragua, and partly of a canal to be constructed from the latter to the Pacific Ocean. The country appears to present greater facilities for effecting this work than any other part of Central America, not excepting the Isthmus of Panama. The lake itself has deep water throughout, and is adapted for ships of the largest burden. The distance between its south-west shore and the Gulf of Papagayo, on the Pacific, is only miles. At its western extremity the lake is connected by a small river, the Tipitapa, with the Lake of Leon. The plan proposed is, to make a channel meeting the two lakes, and to excavate a canal from the latter to the port of Reaiijo on the Pacific.

Short-Hand Reporters. / At a special sitting of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council held in connection with the Louis Riel appeal, the Lord Chancellor, in delivering judgment, made some remarks bearing upon short-hand reports, which will doubtless be read with interest by those members o£ the Colonial Bench and Bar who are advocating the employment of short-hand reporters to take official notes of evidence in out Courts of Justice. The counsel for the appellant contended that short-hand notes of the evidence taken at the trial of Riel were not an admissable record of the proceedings. Referring to tois contention the Lord Chancellor said : —By the 7th sub section of the 76th section it is provided that “ the magistrate shall take, or cause to be taken, in writing, notes of the evidence and other proceedings thereat and it is suggested that this provision has not been complied with, because, though no complaint is made of inaccuracy or mistake, it is stated that the notes were taken by a short-hand writer under the of the magistrate and by a subsequent process extended into ordinary writing intelligible to all. Their lordships desire to express no opinion as to what would have been the effect if the provision of the statute had not been complied with, because it is unnecessary to consider whether the provision is directory only, or whether the failure to comply with it would be ground for error, inasmuch as they are of opinion that the taking full notes of the evidence in short-hand was a causing to be taken in writing full notes of the evidence, and, therefore, a literal compliance with the statute.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge, No 161, U.A.O D., was held at the Lodge-room, Arcade Chambers, n Monday evening las', and was numerously attended. One member was initiated, and another proposed. The business be'ore the meeting was of the usual routine character. With reference to the removal of the central prison from the present site in Wellington, the Premier has writteu to the Mt yor elect that it has been decided to leave the question to the consideration of the full Gaoinet In the meantime, it has been decided to delay the works now being carried on, in order that n<> large additional expenditure might be incurred until the question is definitely settled.

At the Invercargill Supreme Court, the jury in Bridget Campbell's case (a charge of arson), were unable to agree. After being looked up all night, they were discharged, and a fresh jury empannelled. The case is now being beard. A member of the G Battery, Invercargill Volunteers, who was fined last week for non-attendance at a Government parade, was again charged yesterday with the same offence. He admitted the charge and was fined 30a, or, in default, seven days’ imprisonment. The usual weekly meeting of the Star of the East Lodge, No. 62, 1.0.G.T., was held last evening in the Orange flail, and was well attended. Amongst those in attendance were several members of the Dawn of Peace Lodge Two members were admitted and two proposed. After 'he usual routine business had been trans . acted, the deba’e on “ The good or evil effects of attending theatres ” was opened in a very able manner by Bro Him in the affirmative, and Bro Flesher in the negative. The discussion which ensued was well sustained by members of the Lodges. The debate was altogether a very interesting one, and resulted in ajvote of 12 for and 11 against, several members having previously retired A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Bros Sim and Flesher. The W.0.T., Bro Charles Ward, on behalf of the Lodge, referred to the early departure of Bro Flesher from Ashburton, and assured him that be would carry with him the good wishes of every member of the Lodge. The Lodge closed in dne form at 10.20 p m. A Galveston widow is about to marry her fifth husband. Her pastor rebuked hsr for contemplating matrimony so soon again. “ Well 1 just want you to under ■ stand, If the Lord keeps on taking them, I will too,” wa« the spirited reply. “ Atticus,” iu the Melbourne Leader , speaking of the Australians, says:—lt is doubtful whether any people in the world

can boast of more sturdy manhood than ours. The patient endurance with which the people of this city suffered Mr G. A. Ha la and bis utterances is a proof of this ] American Co.’s Hop Bitters strengthens, quiids up and cures continually, from the first dose. Be sure and sse

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To-night—Ooroart and Rough Diamond ” at the Oddfellows' Hall.

The monthly sitting of the Ashburton District Court h»s teen adjourned until Monday next at 9 am. A general meeting of members of the Ashburton Guards Volunteer Company will be held at the old Borough Council ' hambers, Burnett street, to morrow evening, at 7 o’clock. The N.Z Book and Tra'-t Society’s ftgi-nis, who are displaying a c!ioi< e seUotion of religious literature iu Saunders’s buildings, intend leaving Aehbortoo on Monday next Intending purchasers will therefore have to interview the agents n t later than Saturday evening. The contest for the seat in the Borengh Council, vacated by Mr John Orr, bids fair to be an exceptionally lively one if the number of candidates for the honor is any guido. To day, Mr Chas Braddell, Returning Officer, received the following nominations:— Messrs G. W. Andrews, J. A. Oaygill, A. Craighead, and Andrew Young. A poll will take place on Wednesday, 23rd inst. The other day a little cherub of bat » very few a oomers sat at the window of her residence, when a genuine masher walked wearily by. His legs were'phantom

like, his shoes long and pointed, his dress foppish, he wore a single eye glass, and carried a diminutive rattan cane. As he ■ta ed about idiotically the little one said: •‘Mamma, did Do I make’at man?" “Yes, my darling." The little one looked again and gigied. and with a merry twinkle in her eye said: ‘‘Mamma, Dod likes to have fun des’ as muoh as anybody, don’t he. Yesterday afternoon a series of lawn ten-'is matches were played on the court at the Sports Ground. Messrs Crisp and Curtis opposed Messrs Oaygill and A. Fooks, and had no difficulty in disposing of their opponents. The games being 6- Oand 6—4 Mr Crisp then played a single handed match with Mr Caygilt, and after a good contest succeeded in winning this game also, t-cores : 6 -4, 4—6, and

D—Auuuior uuuoie nwaea game was next played between Messrs Cox and Allan representing the private court?, and Messrs E. H ’oo«s and rlesher of the Cricket Club. This reunited in a victory for the cricketers, the scores being 4—6 and 2—6. Of the individual play that of Messrs Curtis, Crisp, and Allan was the best, the fast overhand service of the latter proving very effective. We understand it is intended to play other matches at intervals throughout the season. The concert and ball in aid of the Winslow District School prize fund took piece at Winslow last evening, and proved a marked success, For the concert the services of a company of Ashburton amateur

efforts, and the combination produced an entertainment which would have done credit to much more pretentious gatherings. The ReV R. F. Garbett presided, and introduced the different performers M s Brookshaw and Mr Mutter represented the Winslow talent with success, the gentleman’s inimitable vocalisation gaining him deafening applause. A well selected party sang choruses and part songs, ceating a favorable impression. Mrs Claridge and Mr H. Gates played the accompaniments. At the conclusion of the concert the Rev chairman thanked,

on behalf of the School Committee, the performers for their readiness to help, and the audience for their attendance and appreciation of the fare placed before them. The dance was well attended. The Government steamer Hinetnoa, bringing Messrs Stout and Tole from Wellington, reached Lyttelton yesterday afternoon. Several meetings of unemployed were held yesterday in Dunedin, and a large number waited on the Mayor, asking him to communrcate with Government re socuring work. The Mayor consented ta telegraph, and did so, but as yet has received no reply A meeting was held in the ' Theatre .in the evening, when it was resolved to petition Government for work or assistance to go where it could be secured. The meeting was addressed by a number df citizens and Mr Bradshaw, M. H. R. The unemployed aver that at present over 250 are idle, but only abont 200 were at the meeting A number have been thrown out of work by the completion of works which the Corporation and Barbour Board have been carrying on. A deputation is to wait on the Premier and Ministers on reaching Dunedin, and meetings are to be held throughout the week. The Property tax is now coming in pretty fast, the principal returns being made by post-offices, which is quite the reverse of last year. To-day is the last diy of payment without a fine. Captain Somerville, of the Alexandra Cavalry, who was delegated by the Wanganui Volunteers to interview the Defence Minister re the affairs of the New Zealand Rifle Association, has had several interviews with Mr Baliance, and has succeeded Id obtaining the vote of LSOO intact for the next annual meeting, which is to be held at Wanganui. The old Committee of the Association is to be done away with, and the Committee which was appointed after the last meeting in Wellington will have charge of affairs, which will, it is now expected, prove successful. At the Supreme Court, Wellington, in banco yesterday afternoon the case of J, H. Keii v W. R. Bishop was called 00. Appellant, who has tor the last few years published a Bradshaw’s Cutde, applied for an injunction to prevent respondent publishing “Bishop’s Bradshaw New Guide.” At the outset a preliminary objection was taken that sufficient notice had not been given to Bishop, which the Judge upheld, and refused the motion. It is currently reported in Auckland that the representatives of a syndicate, interested in Cornwall’s claim over lands now held at Samoa by Messrs M’Arthur and Co., proceeded to Samoa by the Mararoa, with the intention of occupying certain of the lands in dispote, and is resolved to hold possession against ejectment. A statement is onrrent to the effect

that the syndicate was formed to prosecute these claims, and have taken these means to assert their assumed rights.

The unemployed in Auckland are prepared to show that 14J single and 173 married men are out of work. Sir George Grey has received a telegram from the President of the Liberal Association at Invercargill in reference to the depression of the agricultural interest. He will be unable to accept the invitation to deliver an address on the subject.

Daring the visit of the Hinemoa to the French Pass several specimens of different kinds cf New Zealand fish were caught, i) is intended to send these to the Colonial Exhibition in London. A large pro portion of the specimens brought back are at present kept alive in tanks on the decs, and an effort will be made to take some Home in that condition, although no great confidence is felt as to the success of the experiment. The dead specimens sent Hume are to be frozen in blocks of solid ice, as being the beat method of preserving their natural characteristics for a length of time Wells’ "Roughon Corns.” —Ask for Wells’ "Rough on Corns.” Quick reliefs complete, permanent cure. Corns, wart bunions. The N.Z. Drug Co., Generan Agents,

Now money is so.,scarce it behoves every one to be on the alert and endeavor to make there tvyenty shillings go as far as possible. One glance at tl. K. May and Co.’s advertise mem, which appears in our columns this evening, should convince one and all that the proprietors of The Hall, High street, Christ* church, are determined to do their part. The prices quoted for the various items are, we believe, lower than on any prev ms occasion, and should induce all buyers ofDiap ryasd Cloth