stand upon what grounds Government Sought to interfere in the m.urer at all. He knew the case was an urgent due, ami he trusted Government would not inter fere to throw obstacles in the way of the whole facts being investigated. Major Atkinson questioned the pro priety of allowing Committees to bring witnesses at great expense from all parts of the colony. There was no intention on the part of Government to shirk this inquiry, but they were not uncom monly put to the expense of getting evidence for petitioners for no other pur pose than to enable them to bolster up their case in the Courts of law. The Speaker said that as this was an exceptional case, for his own satisfaction he would have consulted the law advisers before giving effect to it. Mr Hislop said that evidence taken before these Committees was privileged, and could not be founded upon in Courts of law. A motion for adjournment until to morrow was put and carried by 46 ayes against 26 noes. WORK FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. The Hon. John Hall said that that evening, in Committee of Supply, he would ask that a provision might be made for going on with certain railway and reclamation works amounting to £66,000, with a view of providing work for the un employed. m enders for the work had been aoceptedsubject to Parliamentary sanction. Replying to a question, it was stated that Government were willing, subject to certain conditions, to make progress pay ments to the Tapani)i-Waihopai railway contractors. IMPOUNDED LAND FUND. The repayment of £IOO,OOO, held back by the late Government from Canterbury County Councils and Road Boards, de pended entirely on the negotiation of the five million loan. RAILWAY RETURNS. The monthly railway return of receipts and expenditure would again be pub lished, as they had been some months ago. WAIKATO SURVEY. The Waikato survey might be carried on to a convenient point and then stopped, until the meeting of natives convened for the purpose of settling the whole question. RAILWAY TICKETS. Government could not at present adopt the suggestion to authorise the sale of railway tickets at post offices, and by per sons authorised to sell stamps. FIRST READINGS. A Bill to establish an Elective Legisla tive Council in New Zealand (Grey) ; Elections Validation (Hall) ; to Amend Railway Construction Act, 1878 (Olliver). MOTIONS PASSED. Appointment of Committee of whole House, to consider an address to the Go vernor, praying that 17,000 acres in Sea ward Bush be set aside for constructing Seaward Bush Railway. Appointment of Committee to consider what facilities can be given for the use of telegraph by the Press. TARIFF REVISION. The debate on the motion to appoint a commission to take evidence and report on the operations of the present tariff, with a view to such re-adjustment as would foster the various branches of industry, was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The, House went into Committee of Supply. Mr Oliver explained that a vote of £50,000 was wanted for prosecuting works required to provide labor for the unem ployed to the end of October. £24,000 had been spent on works of that kind. They had 2,500 so employed, and applica tions were increasing. As the season ad vanced they expected that other employ ment would be found for many of the men. The works on which they proposed to expend the sum asked for were the Wellington-Foxton railway, Wellington reclamation, Otago Central Railway, and the Amberley extension. A long debate ensued. Sir G. Grey blamed the Government for having taxed the working men to keep them employed, whereas they ought to have taxed the wealthy classes for that pur pose. He denounced the Government for pretending to befriend the working men on such unfair terms. 001. Trimble retorted by stating that Sir G. Grey constantly appealed to the favor of the mob. Eventually the motion was carried, and on resuming the House proceeded with tlie Orders of the Day.

ANOTHER NATIVE DISTURBANCE

[By Telegraph.]

Gbahamstown, Nov. 28. • Mr Harley, of Hikutai, has lodged, through his solicitor, a complaint against four natives who obstructed his survey last Saturday, and an information for assault against two others. The case will be heard next Friday. The survey party, headed by Mr R. C. Long, were engaged surveying a piece of Mr Alley’s land at Hikutai, the Crown grant of which was granted nearly 40 years ago, when a mob of 10 armed and 300 unarmed men, headed by Tamati Paetae, Native Assessor, stopped the work, although Mr Long and his chainman were on highway of country roads. .

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Tuesday, 4th November. (Before Mr F. Gniness, R.M.) cxvu, CASES. Fowlery. Baker—Claim, £2 2s 9d. Plaintiff nonsuited, the summons having been served on the wrong person. Deacon v, Moffat—Claim, £8 9s 4d, for wages due for work done sod fencing. .Defendant denied liability, inasmuch as he had not engaged plaintiff, and the work was not done satisfactorily. He allowed there was possibly a balance due oh the work, but it was due to Bennison, who had engaged plaintiff. The case was adjourned to allow defendant au oppor tunity of producing further euidence, the amount claimed and costs to be paid into Court meanwhile.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE,

(Renter's Telegrams.) London, Oct, 30. Arrived—Tl e Alastor, from Auckland. She sailed on July 4. Three per cent consols are 07 J. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is £17,700,000.

The wool market is active. Sales were opened to. day at Id to Jid advance on previous rates. The arrivals amount to 710,000 hales.

Nov. 1. The Somersotslrre’s mail via Brindisi, was delivered to-day. The Huascar made a gallant defence be fore she surrendered. The admiral com manding two lieutenants, and many of the crew were killed.

London, Nov. 2. Orders have been given to the Mediter ranean squadron, under Admiral Hornby, to proceed to Votlas. Berlin, Nov. ;1. The Prussian deficit amounts to fifty million thalers. Constantinople, Nov. 1. An offensive and defensive alliance has been concluded between Servia and Bul garia. Constantinople, Nov. 2. Sir A. H. Bayard, British Ambassador, has explained to the Porte that the British fleet has been ordered to Voelas on account of Great Britain insisting on the promised reforms in Asiatic-Tnrkey being carried out. Constantinople, Nov. 4. The Porte has declared its intention to execute the reforms embodied in the Ber lin Treaty. Madrid, Oct. 30. The iron and silver mines in Almeria are flooded, and a great quantity of ore has been lost. An extraordinary waterspout burst over Malaga, damaging several towns. Quebec, Oct. 30. The Ministry have resigned in con sequence of the Governor refusing a dis solution. Nov. 3. The difficulty with the Ministry lias been compromised. (Ape S'pedal.) London, Nov. 3. Yakool) Khan, assisted by a number of his followers, attempted to escape from Cabul. It is believed he had an intention to head' the opposition to the British possession. The plot was frustrated.

AUSTRALIAN

(Renter s 7'elegram.) Melbourne. Nov. 3. The latest betting on the Melbourne Cup is Suwarrow 10 to 3, Socundus, 100 to IC, Savanaka, 100 to 13, Wellington 10 to 1, Le Lonp 100 to 4. Melbourne, Nov. 4. Mr Graham Berry has resumed office as Treasurer. Several arrests of persons using the fotalisator were made last night. Sydney, Nov. 4. Arrived—German war vessel Nautilus. The admission to the Exhibition is_fixed at a uniform rate of 1 s. (Special.) Cup betting—Suwarrow 100 to 30, Se enndus 100 to 25, Savanaka 100 to 20, Wellington, Lord Harry, and Sweetmeat 100 to 10.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, Nov. 4. Mr John Holmes, instructed by tlm insurance agents, proceeded to Waitara, with lifting gear, Ac., to raise the Hannah Mokau. The annual festival of the Diocesan Choral Association was attended by 800 people. Dempsey, the contractor, has consented to pay his men fortnightly, as required by the new clause of the Public Works con tracts.

A fire broke out in the large iron mongery warehouse of Porter and Co, It originated in a parking cellar amongst crates and straw. The clerks were in the counting house, employed at the books at the time, and they attempted to suppress the fire, but were driven back by the smoke. The firemen succeeded in confin ing the fire to the cellar. Several firemen and one of Porter's clei ks were carried out of the building half suffocated. The damage done was principallv bv water, and is covered hy insurance. The brigade were fortunate in suppressing the fire. Stock is valued at about £2,000. Auckland, Nov. 5.

A man named W. Hudson Hickson was found dead in his bedroom. He bad been dr>nking heavily.

The Mayor of Thames left for Welling ton to-day to watch the interests of the Borough in tb» Assembly.

Wangabki Heads, Nov. 5,

A seaman named Eady, belonging to H. M. S. Cormorant, who was thrown from ahorse, is in a critical condition, having an arm and leg broken, and his skull fractured. Wanoaxtti. Nov. 4. Kereopa was brought up at the Supreme Court charged with using threatening lan guage. The words used were, “ T will work the work of Riroki and go to Pari haka. ” Articles of peace were sworn against him bv Major Brown, Civil Com missioner, and ho was bound over to keep the peace until the next sitting of the Supreme Court in Wanganui—himself in £SOO, and two sureties of £250 each. The Agricultural Show, to he held on Thursday, is anticipated will prove a great success. Special trains will be laid on from Rangitikei. The Manawatu Spring Races are on Fridav, and the cricket match between Wellington and Wanganui on Monday. Wfj.t.tnctov. Nov. 0. A deputation from Licensed Victuallers’ Conference waited on the Premier to-dav, making several suggestion regarding the Licensing Bill, now before Parliament, and urging the desirability of consolidat ing all existing Provincial Ordinances into one compound work a 1 do Act. The Premier rcnliod that Ooverninent in tended to give the whole miestion careful consideration during the recess, with a, view of introducing a comprehensive measure next session. He thanked the deputation for the suggestions, which

would receive duo weight in preparing new Bills.

Mr J. Saunders' tender of £007,000, for the first section of the West Coast Rail way, has been accepted. This will alleviate the distress at pro>ent prevalent in the city.

Wellington, Nov. 4. Yesterday a Committee on the Govern ment banking arrange! icnts met and examined Mr Tolhurst relative to Mr Alurdoffi’s letter, intimating that the existing arrangements must determine in six months from Oct. 1. Sir Tolhurst’s reply was that the letter being from his superior officer lie could not venture to put any interpretation upon it. The letter itself was before the Committee. It is understood that the Committee will report adversely to the suggestion that tenders for the banking account be called for ; but the Committee will not make any positive recommendations as to what concessions should be made to the Bank of New Zealand. It will leave the Go vernment to settle that question. Wellington, Nov. 5.

An inquest was held last night on the bod}' of Robert Seale, who died suddenly at the National hotel on Thursday last. After a short consultation the jury re turned with a verdict of death from an overdose of chloral, and the following rider was added ; —“ We find it a duty we owe to the public at huge, to express our condemnation of the reckless manner in which chloral has been handled and dealt out on the presen toecKSsion. Also we would urge upon Government the necessity of putting such restrictions upon the trade as shall prevent the recurrence of such deplorable consequences in future.” The ship Wairoa is oil'the heads. She brings 200 passengers but no Government immigrants.

Greymouth, Nov, 4.

The winners of the first prize in Cameron’s sweep on the Melbourne Cup are the engineer of the Dispatch, be longing to this port, P. Splaine, em ployed on board the same boat, and Mr Casey. The holders of the first prize in Tonk's sweep is a company of ten Grey mouth residents. Tiie second prize has gone to Reefton, and the third to Mr Carter, of Marsden, in this county. Timaru, Nov. 4.

The principal exports from Timaru last month were 78,000 bushels of wheat, 25,820 bushels of oats, 1750 cases of pre served meats, 154 bales of wool, and 200 casks tallow, besides minor quantities of flour, pollard, skins,Ac. The first vessel was brought alongside the Timaru breakwater this morning, where she was unloaded, ballasted, and hauled out again by 4p. in. A great crowd witnessed the event. The formal ceremony in honor of the successful com pletion of the first section of the break water will take place on Friday next, when a grand banquet will be held on the breakwater, and a general holiday be ob served. There are 14 feet of water now alongside 150 feet of the breakwater. Dunedin, Nov. 4.

A little girl named Dolan, living at Southbridge, near Milton, aged two years, was burned to death on Saturday morning through her clothes catching fire.

The City Council to-day resolved— “ That the Town Clerk be instructed to intimate to the proprietor of the Princess Theatre that the continuation of the ob jectionable portions of the performances now being given by the Loftus troupe, or the recurrence of such entertainments in future will involve the suspension or can cellation of his license.” The national industrial Association has sent a telegram to Mr E. C. J. Stevens, M.H.R., Wellington, suggesting altera tions in the tariff as follows :—That sugar be admitted free of duty, tea 6d per lb, coffee 4d to fid, wines, other than Aus tralian, Cs per gallon, sparkling wines Bs, spirits 15s per proof gallon, jewellery and plate 25per cent ad valorem , cigars 7s fid per lb, tobacco 3s, manufactured tobacco 2s Cd.

LATEST

LATEST FROM EUROPE (A"e Special.)

London, Nov. 5. The Sultan promises to fulfil his engage ments in Asia Minor.

The advices concerning the colonial labor markets have stopped the emigration of Durham miners.

Per our Special Wire,

INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Nov. h. A diver named Campbell has left for Tauranga to commence operations on the steamer Taupo. He feels sanguine of success, as be has been down through the vessel and ascertained the extent of her inj iries. fiIUUAMSIOWN, Nov. 5. At the resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, E. Lambert was charged with stealing certain documents from the Thames Militia Office, for which ho was formerly clerk. He was remanded for a week, and bail was allowed. CutasTCiunti'Ji, Nov. 5.

In the next number of the New Zea land County Journal, issued under the auspices of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, will appear an interesting sketch of the Moriori race, now almost extinct, and confined to the Chatham Islands, together with a photo graph of one of those peculiar people. Hi* Worship the Mayor to-day learnt through Mr March that the Public Works Department had received instructions to issue free railway passes to Sheffield, or any other up country place where work can bo obtained. Orders were also given to issue 50 passes to married men only, 25 to Burke’s Pass, and 25 to the Albury works. These were being issued to ap plicants during the day. A menagerie, consisting of a lion, leopard, two bears, and a snake killer, ar rived from Sydney by the s.s. Wakitipu this morning. A man named Williams was arrested at Lyttelton last night with 45 pounds of smuggled tobacco in bis possession. Ho was brought before the R.M., and re manded until Friday.

Thu in.must on the body of the child Fogarty, who was found dead in its mother's arms yesterday, was commenced to-day, and adjourned for a fortnight. The evidence showed neglect on the part of the parents.

DaMAKI'. NuV. r>. A live :it. about li:ilf past one this morn ing resulted in considerable da mag". The tire first lin ike out i i a. w >od -n lil-.l i ner in Weiv str*'ot., na'iiiu 1 ;! r.» a. boarding honsu by a man name-1 K.en'o,. and •hence oommunic-a!ed with the adjoining build ings on either side, \v hi e h u .... c f. n\ nmiU-'y of stone an.l *o,v.nu l f'Mjii Knuau'r. h, riglr-of-ways. Re \a. • honso was burn! to the ground aUh.nuii ill' furniture was saved. Messrs Hatch and ' hterson’s malt house, oil the east side of the hoarding house, was slightly damaged, and the 7>hotographic studio of Messrs Fender and Hock, on the other side, was completely gutted. The ollices and Venetian blind factory below the studio v. eve also damaged hy lire and water. The newly-formed Fire Brigade w orked splendidly although water was scarce ; without their assistance the damage done would have been much greater. The origin of the tire is a pro found mystery. Thu buildings were insured.

DI'NEDIX, NoV. 5.

Messrs H. Driver and \V. D. Stewart, M. U.K.’s, will leave Dunedin for Welling ton on Saturday.

It is reported that Mr Henry Driver has resigned his position as Dunedin manager of the Now Zealand Land and Mercaulile Agency Company owing to the necessity of devoting ins undivided atlen tion to private husine 1 s. Air!). .Stroiiach is appointed manager pro tein.

NEW BUILDINGS IN THE TOWN SHIP.

The Col'xtv Buir.mxos. Since tlie adoption of tliu Comities Act in tile Ashburton district the members and officials have had to put up wuh the inconvenience of occupying rooms most unsuitable for either their comfort or con venience. Their first few meetings were held in Quill’s hotel, and then for a few months a room was occupied in Mont gomery’s buildings, which being found to be unsuitable, arrangements wore made with the Ashburton Road Board to occupy a share of their olhees, and there the business of the County has since been transacted. Such an important body as the County Council, however, felt that they required some suitable offices for their own convenience, and it was resolved to build chambers and clerk’s residence an a reserve behind Baring Square, and J. S. Bruce, Esq., was requested to pre pare plans for the work, and he submitted alternative designs in brick and wood, the latter being adopted. The erection was submitted to public competition, and Mr Lusk, builder, of Christchurch, was successful in obtaining the contract at a price close up to £IOOO, whilst one of our local contractors, Mr Cleorge Parkin, ob tained the contract for the clerk’s resi dence at £750. The buddings are now so near completion that a. good idea, can he formed of their appearance. The cham bers have a neat but not very imposing appearance, the building being low and squat-looking. This is partly due to the site being on low ground. Tim architecture is Ro man Doric, with pilasters and entablature, and a pediment over a porch in the centre of the front elevation, which faces East street, Baring square intervening between the street and building. The offices con sist of Council Chamber, 29feet by RSfeet, entrance to which is gained from a spacious bail 12feet wide, which is en tered from an outer perch. Opposite the Council Chamber are the Secretary’s room, IBfeet by 1-1 feet, and the Engineer’s room, ISfoet by 15fcet. At the hack of the Hall ia a strong room to which access may be obtained from either of the offices. A lavafory and other accessories are provided and tire whole of the interior arrangements are complete and suitable for tire purposes desigrted. The rooms are 14 feet in height and well lighted and ventilated. It is anticipated that the building will be completed in time for tire December meeting of the Coarrcik The (Secretary's residence is con veniently placed near the Chambers, and is a comfortable looking building irr the Italian style of architecture, having two bay windows in the front elevation arrd a verandah between thorn. The house con taining two comfortable sitting rooms, four bedrooms, kitchen and scullery. The buildings help to relieve the bare appear ance of Baring square, and are certainly a great acquisition to the Borough.

Nb’.v Hotet. Aiming the building now in course of erection in the township is a large hotel which is intended more especially to meet the mpiit ements af laboring men. It is being built to the order of Mr F. J. Butler, from designs prepared by Mr J. 0. Maddison, architect, of Christchurch, and as will bo seen from the following description admirably adapted for the purposes for which it is intended. The site of the house is at the corner of Cass and Havelock streets, having a frontage of G.l feet to the former and Do to the latter, the height of the stud is 23 feet, anc the parapet 3 feet, thus giving an elevation of 2(> fee!. The situation, although some 10 chains or so from East street, is a central one, having all the public buildings within a stone’s throw of it. The ground Hour is occupied by a dining-room, b2ft by 82ft, commercial room, 22ft ly 10ft, kitchen of same dimensions which is fitted with large range ami other necessaries, two liar parlors, each Lift If lift, the liar itself being 20ft by 10ft. !he main entrance fronts Cass street and lias glass doors leading into a roomy lobby and hall, and from this another glass door gives access to an ornamental staircase leading to the upper floor, h 1 1 0 ground floor has also store-rooms, large bed-rooms, and sitting rooms ; and it is intended to add a billiard-room shortly. A capacious cellar has been excavated under the bar, 20ft by 18ft, walled in with concrete. Upstairs sleeping acommodation for lodgers is provided by 14 bedrooms, all of which are roomy and well ventilated and lighted, having a height of lift to the ceiling. There are also .‘1 comfortable .sitting-rooms, so that lodgers may engage a suite of rooms if inclined. Two con venient bath-rooms are a feature in the house, and a balcony fronting Cass street alibrds a view of the surrounding country. A separate staircase leads to rooms pro vided for the employees of the hotel. Provision is made during the progress of the work for gas till through the building. Ail the walls and ceiling are hull and plastered, and the building ibimigbout is one creditable alike to the architect and the contractors, Messrs Baker and Brown, whose contract price is about £ P.IOO. \\ e heartily wish the proprietor success.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNTY.

The u-mal monthly meeting was held at the Road n.-nrd oiilco t .-day. Present : Messrs \V..]kev (Chairman), Grigg. Cameron, ,I.n-I.son and Reid. o.i Mig.r .n'.s statkmbxt. Since 1 ist. meeting the conference to consider tiie q test-ion of dealing with the storm water on the South iiakaia Plains, has been he d, at which conference Mr Cameron, at my request, represented this Council. A letter from the South Rakaia Road Board, forwarding a copy of a reso lution passed at that conference, will be placed before you to-day.

A letter from the member for the district will be laid before you, by which you will see that the Government have promised to take in hand the extension of the Rangitata Traffic Bridge, utilising the materials imported by this Council, and complete the work, debiting half the cost to the County of Geraldine. This County’s share of expenditure already incurred will be received from the Government, in full particulars. I know you will he glad to hear that at last this matter has been so satisfactorily arranged through the repre sentations of the member for this district.

The Commissioner of Crown Linds, Christchurch, forwards a letter in which he suggests that the Council should apply to the Government for ail ferry and gravel reserves within the County.

This, 1 think, will m.tt your views, and yon will he pleased no doubt lo act on the snggestrons.

i sugg.-st that yon should take some steps towards obtaining .. supply of dog collars for ISSO, for if yon should decide on inviting lenders for the supply, this year will he nearly ended before the collars can come to hand.

Under the authority of the byo-laws for conducting the business of the Council, I have placed the Council's seal to the agreement with the poundkeeper, Hinds, and tile new poundkeeper at Ashburton. The Engineer reports that the contrac tor has commenced the Bridge at Dighy’s, an I that, the work so f,u is .satisfactory. The balance sheet for the six months ended Sept. 30, dul.y audited by your auditor, will be placed on the table. I should like you to decide at this meet ing what is to be done regarding the plant ing vote to the Borough, which was held over from last meeting. I regretted to see that the Boro null Council at a meeting held immediately after the List sitting of this Council, appeared to take a mistaken view of the manner in which the Mayor was received by tlie Council, and to have entirely over looked the resolution passed by this Council in reference to the subjects which the Mayor placed before the Council. 1 felt it my duty to represent matters fairly to the Mayor, Imping he would see (it to withdraw all statements resulting from the misunderstanding. I regret that no reply has been received to my letter. By the Counties Act, 1870, Section 07, the annual meeting is to be held on the fourth Wednesday of this month, to elect a Chairman. 1 would suggest the advis ability of holding our next meeting on the same day, as the new oiiicos will probably he ready for occupation about that date, and it would be convenient not to hold the meeting during the process of changing our offices.

The Acclimatisation (Society has been offering trout gratis for distribution within the County. I have accepted 2500, and have incurred small expenses incidental with their transit I trust the Council will endorse my action in this matter. river CONSERVATION. Mr E. CJ. Wright wrote as follows “To the Chairman Ashburton County Council. “ Wellington, Nov. Ist, 1879. “ Dear Sir—l want the technical descrip tion of the boundaries of the land which you desire to have brought under the con trol of a Board of Conservators. Mr Rooks will he able to write it out in a few minutes if you will indicate to him on the map the limits of the proposed district.

“ '1 he only informal ion sent to me is ‘from Digby’s to the eastern boundary of the Town Belt ” which is not sullioiently precise, and ro my thinkings too small a district, hut whatever you decide upon let me have the information at once.

“ Yours faithfully, “E. G. Wright.” It was resolved to forward the necessary information.

RVXGITATA TRAFFIC BRIDGE. On this subject Mr E. G. Wright, M, 11. R., wrote, “ Wellington, Oct. 28lh, 1879. “Dear Sir—After considerable trouble I have got a promise from the Minister of Public Works to take in hand the llangi tata bridge, and complete the work which we had begun, utilizing the materials im ported for the work, and debiting half the cost to the County of Geraldine. Of course we shall receive full value for our expenditure on the settlement of the ac counts —and with this object it will bo ne cessary to furnish the Public Works De partment with a full statement of such ex penditure together with the invoices of the iron piles &c. “ 3 can explain more fully the objec tions raised to taking over tins work when I see you. The main dilliculty was with the law advisers.

“ The above question being settled leaves 11 io Council free to adopt any plan they may approve of for the bridge at IVter’s crossing, but I would earnestly re commend the use of iron piles, as 1 fee) convinced that wooden ones will not drive far enough in such a river bed to render them secure against scour, in times of high Hoods. The dill'erenco in cost will not ho great as compared with the advantage of having indestructible piles. “1 endeavored to get tenders called for the balance of the Mount Somers Hallway, but ar the Estimates are not yet passed the most I could obtain was an order to prepare the drawing and specifications, and get everything ready for inviting tenders.

“ Yours faithfully, “ E. (5. Wright.” It was resolved that a vote of thanks be recorded to Mr Wright. STORM-WATER 0> THE PLAINS. The following letter was read : “To the Chairman Ashburton County Council. “ Sir, —I have the honor to forward yon, for the consideration of the Comity Council, the following resolution passed at tlie Conference of delegates from the County Council and Hoad Boards inter ested, held at llakaia to consider the report of the storm-water drainage of the

! plains o 1 ill,' U'o.-.l instant -“That ill tile i opini a of (his Couforcn ;e, consisting of 1 do'e;; t-s from theC uimy Council, ■ •.omit B n.t M u:r Halt, Upper >l. Mil Soal’i . akaia Rsi i Hour,,-., the ; the pmp .so o; tarty i g if the ! soir a iv.i;ers between Kakia and As ibnr ; ton ri.e.is s.ihiai- its I by the < a ; i vers, I would lad . alibi ■;<; a:s to the disnnd, an I | is ur ■eot'.y fog a: red, hey a Ist* ro-ommeatl | dial. iv.a s shoal I not he used fm ohamu-ls I in carrying out the works.

“0. Is. Mackik. “Chairman of Conference.”

Mr Cameron stated that all those at tending the Conference, except the repre sentative of the Mount Hutt Board, were nnanim ns in agreeing to the recommenda tions of the Engineers. Mr Reed said that at a meeting of the Upper Ashburton Board Mr Stitt had stated that there were dry channels which could be utilised.

Mr Grigg said the County had now sufficient before them to show that it was necessary to make a comprehensive scheme, and that the funds of the County woof., not admit of their doing so. Either a Bill would have to he brought in or the lands taxed to pay the cost. The County s chief duty was to enable ratepayers to help themselves, by adopting the measures which u ight be embodied in an Act, to take effect this session if time allowed. The Chairman did not consider it ad visable to attempt borrowing, and pointed out that the limit, of the borrowing powers of the County was four times the amount of collectable rates, and the probable rating power of the County would bo about £4.000 per annum. No Bill coubl lie sent t . the General Assembly which would gain the House’s confidence The host tiling to be done then was to prepare a correct drainage plan of the County for the preparation of which the Act was almost imperative. He would ask Mr Cameron whether the advice of the En gineers to strip a portion of the Plains with a view to the absorption of the water had met the approval of the Conference.

Air Cameron said the Conference was not unanimous, but his own opin on was that the stripping might do some good, but it would absorb all the water. The proposal to take water by Allen’s was con sidered too expensi.e, but there was no objection to the scheme proposed for Barr hill ; and the Conference considered it feasible.

The Chairman approved of that part of the report which objected to tile use of public roads as storm water channels. It was resolved that the engineer bo in structed to prepare drainage maps, show ing the natural run of water in the dis tricts applying for relief. MrGrigg proposed—“ That public no tice be given cautioning ratepayers that natural water channels must be left open, ami that in the formation of roads this matter be kept in view by B >ards. ’ CLOSING A EO Ui. A letter was read from Mr E. Chapman. Chairman of the Mount Hntt Road Board, stating that the Board had taken the necessary steps to close a road at Methven. It was resolved to call a special meeting in compliance with the Act. HOLIDAYS ON SHOW AND KVCB DAYS. The Secretarj' Ashbutron Racing Club wrote as follows : “Ashburton, Oct. 31st, 1879. The Chairman Ashburton County Council. Sir, —I am instructed by the Asnbur ton Racing Club to request that you will use your influence to have Wednesday and Thursday, 19th and 2Cth November (being the days on which the races will be held), declared public holidays, under the Act after 12 noon.

I have, Ac., James Wilkie

Hon. Sec., Ashburton Racing Club.”

Resolved—“ That the Show day be a full holiday, and the race days half holiclavs. ”

BOROUGH PLANTING RESERVE.

Mr Garrick telegraphed that the Council could not make grants to the Borough for planting within the belts but they may expend funds in planting property in their occupation if the tenure is such as to warrant the outlay. The Chairman said the Borough had spent £lOl, which the County Council could not pay legally, but they might pay it as having been spent on the boundary of the district, as the work had been done on the division line, and payment would only be keeping faith with the Borough. It was resolved to pass the account. 11ANG1TATA PERRY.

Mr John Marsh man wrote detailing the action previously taken with respect to the Rangitata ferry reserve, and stat ing that he would prefer to have it made 20 chains in length and bounded by the top of the terrace. Concerning the right of the County to have reserves vested in then, Mr Marshman said ; —“ I see no reason why the County of Ashburton should not have all the ferry reserves within the County, and the gravel reserves also, as the County of Selwyn has had. Why not make an application to the Minister to the effect. ”

It was resolved to make the applica tion recommended by Mr Marshman, the Chairman remarking that the Council could, after obtaining a right to them, concede their title to the gravel pits to the various Road Boards.

ENGINEER'S HE TORT. Ashburton, sfch November, 1879. The Chairman, Ashburton County Council. Sir,—l beg to submit report on the fol lowing subjects ; I.—South Approach to Rakaia Gorge Bridge.—The Committee appointed will, no doubt, report to-day as to the route for this approach. A question seems to have arisen as to whether the approach should not be adopted almost entirely for the purposes of stock driving, and the de termination of the route will, I presume, depend in a great measure on the solu tion of this question. While the present bridle path, almost as it is, might sulhce for a drove road, it is manifest that no feasible road for dray traffic could be formed without very material deviations from that line, and even then, gradients equal to those obtainable by proposed new route could he obtained at equal cost. With a fence on the lower side of road, and a mound formed from the surplus catting along that small portion near the river, the proposed new route would, in my opinion, be quite safe, and would answer every purpose. On the whole, I cannot but think that the formation of the road along this route will best harmonise

with ih*.! intentions of the Government in conoruoriiig a m-er bridge. .at the Ferry, an I wi'l as > i-i .imitate, a< far as the ri’t:ire or the distinct admits of, to this w > nf he Seov. u Comity C nineil, in a> jiio.i - .os on ihe north sale of the

! have prepared a working section along the r a o ; .uav indicated, in case the Goiiii-aJ s!i ah.l decide to call lot tenders for it.

i’ridge over Hinds River for Sur-' veyor’s Road.—This structure is now almost complete, and I have certified a progress payment to Mr Butt, the contrac tor, to the amount of £2BO. The balance of contract price will be payable a month hence. I also beg to annex letters from the contractor, regarding extra expenses incurred hy him in carting material over the Surveyor’s road in its unfinished state. Under the circumstances I think he is entitled to some small consideration in this respect, as, at the date of his tender it was understood that the shingling would have been completed by the Road Board in time to allow the mad being fully avail able for the haulage of the timber. 8. Bridge over Taylor’s Stream. Alford F rest. —Mr Butt is now preparing to start operations at this bridge.

4. North Ashburton River Bridge at Thigby’s. Mr Bonham has fairly commenced the erection of this bridge four of the piers having been already driven. The piles, capsils, and Cornells are nearly all in the ground, and are of ir mbark timber of excellent quality. 'the delivery of the black birch timber will commence in a few days. The contractor is now entitled to a progress payment of £4OO in connection with this bridge. 5. —Bridge over South Ashburton river and Hood’s Crossing.—Tenders will be placed before you to-day for alternative designs for this bridge. The Council are already aware of the nature of the site and other conditions, which would render the designs for the iron piles preferable to the other, but in the event of any tender in accordance with that design proving eligible, the acceptance of it will have to be delayed till the fate of the Knovvaley Hall is known, as that vessel contains all the ironwork except the piles. Having sailed five months ago she is now overdue. 6. Bridge over North Ashburton river at Pudding Hill.—A bridge similar to the timber design at Hood’s Crossing would s fit for this bridge. Only the latter wdl be one fourth part larger than the former, and the question of protective works for Pudding Hill stream will form an item of expense in connection with this bridge. 7. —Protective Works near Digby's. —- The balance of £2O of Messrs Coojier Bros.’ contract price is now due for these tv. >rks.

B.—Pound at Water ton.—Tenders for this will be placed in your hands to-day. 9..—The plan in connection with the Waterworks Bill is now in the hands of the Member for district.

10. —Wheatstone and Water ton drain age, —The Surveyor of the Longbeach Road Ruard having pointed out to

districts which are most liable to be affected by flood water, I have carefully examined the various sources to which this injury is traceable. These are as follows ; 1 Creek near Graham’s road to the east Of Grove Farm road. 2 Creek passing near southern boundary

of Tinwald. 3 New Ford’s Creek. 4 Old Ford’s Creek.

5 Spicer’s Creek. 6 Drainage from recently formed roads, specially from Ford s Road and Bell’s road.

■ Creek Nn, . 1 is intercepted in several places by the formation of Graham’s road, and a sufficient length of new cut is re quired to make the channel there continu ous. This would extend for intervals over about a mile in length of Graham’s roud, beginning about half a mile below Gro e Farm road, and extending to the creek bridge near rural section 22,539. Below this point there does not appear fo be any damage from overflow, and the creek soon thereafter discharges into the Ashburton River.

The damage by flood water at Tinwald near the junction of Graham’s road with the Great South road may be expected to cease on the completion of the main drains above the railway, already reported on.

Creek No. 2.—The channel of this creek requires to be enlarged for 9 distance of about half a mile from the railway, and a much larger waterway pro* vided where it crosses Graham’s road. Instead of a box drain a suitable ford should be provided there. From this to the point of discharge the channel requires to he enlarged in several places. Creek No. 3 (or New Ford's creek) crosses the Great South Road about 53 chains south of junction with Graham’s road and brings down a considerable volume of water to the swamp- ground at Mr Gidding’s property. Here, greater part of it is diverted by a new cut, leading out along fence line, straight to Graham’s road, and passing along the upper side of it, on field side of fence, for a distance of 35 chains, it crosses the road by a bridge, and enters creek, which runs in the same general direction as Graham’s road, past Wheatstone, all the way to the sea. The continuation of New Ford’s Creek, from where the diversion is made at Giddings, gains rapidly in volume, as it passes through the swamp ground between that point and Wheatstone, and become® liable to overflow at the road crossing near R. S. 6775. Here an auxiliary drain near Mr Bishop’s land has already been cut, which gives relief for a short distance, but from the Wheatstone road to the sea the creek is totally inadequate for the purr pose, and a large main drain should b® cut along the upper side of Wheatstone road, 16 wide at bottom, and about 3ft average depth, sufficient to take nearly all the water from this creek, as well as the drainage water which discharges between that point and Graham’s road. After crossing Graham’s road, the new cut should be widened to 21ft, so as to afford a sufficient outlet for the drainage water from that road and adjoining creek, as well as from the minor creeks between Wheatsheaf and the point of discharge in a gully, which is about 75 chains from hotel. This new cut should also be ex<- tended through R.S. 3841, to take tluj surplus water from Old Ford’s Creek. ’ This drain being completed, as pro posed, a comparatively small .expense would suffice to render the cveoks betweea Wheatstone and the sea efficient- tdr ihfi drainage of roads and lands iu tliat’’dis trict. Creek No. 4 (or Old Fords crosses the Great South Road aßout three*

THURSDAY, : ' KqVKMBEK 6, . fS/Q. 7 ]

TH E AS ) IBURTON GU A R DIA N