LATEST

Per our Special Wire.

NOI AL. * Christchurch, Nov. 12. The Mayor to-day received notice from the Bank of New Zealand that last half subsidy, amounting to £4203. '2s been paid in to the credit of the city. Timaru, Nov. 12.' At a meeting of unemployed carpenters and other mechanics this afternoon, a re solution was passed that Government be petitioned to provide work at once in this district.

Dunedin, Nov. 12. There was a large attendance at the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce to day, to consider the question of tariff re vision. A motion by Mr Stout, recom mending that a committee should consider the question of tariff revision, with a view to protection of native industry, was nega tived by a large majority. A resolution was carried referring it to a committee to bring up suggestions to be discussed at a meeting on Friday next, it being a recog nised principle that the revised duties be revised for purposes of revenue only.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RACES.

The following weights have been de clared for the District Hurdle Race : st. lb. Raven 11 12 Lonehand 11 2 Johnny 10 10 N. McLean, Handicapper.

Acceptances must be sent to the Honorary Secretary, Ashburton, on or before 17th instant.

0.J.0. SPRING MEETING.

(from our own correspondent.) Christchurch, Nov. 11. Free Handicap, a sweepstakes of 5 sovs each, with 100 sova added. One mile. Mr J. W. Mallock’s Foul Play ... 1 Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Sinking

Fund 2 Mr H. Goodman’s Yyrjf 3 Derby Stakes, a sweepstakes of 20 sovs each, with 250 sovs added, for three year-olds. Colts, Bst 101 b ; fillies and geldings, Bst 51b. Second horse to save • his stake ; 2 sovs on nomination ; 8 sovs on acceptance on general entry day ; and 10 sovs by noon on the day of the race. One mile and a half. Closed with 39 subs. MrR. Ray’s Hornby ... 1 Mr H. Redwood’s Gripp ... ... 2

Mr W. Walters’ Billingsgate ... ... 3 ' Canterbury Jockey Club Handicap, of 500 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 20 sovs each. Second horse to receive 50 boys from the stake ; third to save his stake. Nomination, 2 sovs, to go to ■v the funds. Two miles. . Mr H. Goodman’s Chancellor... ... 1

Mr R. Ray’s Maritana 2 Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Pinfire... 3 The Welcome St*kes, a sweepstakes of 15 sovs each, with 200sovs added, for two-year olds ; colts and geldings, Bst 51b ; fillies, Bst. Second horse to save his stake. Four furlongs. 1 Sff C. H. Owen’s Sir Ge&iqrge 2 Mr J. Smith’s Tim Whiffled ... ... 3 [By Telegraph. Is. Christchurch, NoW. 12. The following are the final adaptors for THE CANTERBURY CUP. ' Templeton Hornby Betrayer Longlands. THE TRADESMAN’S HANDICAP. Billingsgate Maritana / I.am Elfin Kihg f

York Atlantic. /

CRICKET.

Avonbidb V. Borough Cluj^, The ™*teh between these two clfijbs took yesterday on the Domain/ground. A keen sou’-wester made the game rather disagreeable both to players arid specta tor*/ The visitors went first to the wickets, and, were disposed /oi for 57. Taylor being the only player who obtained doable figures. The home tgam managed to put together the respectable total of 84 before their last wicket fell. The Avon side Club commenced A second innings, but the departure of the 430 train abruptly closed the match, which was de cided on the first innings in favor of the Borough Club. The following are the scores : avonside. Cussack, b Buchanan ... ... ... B Taylor, st Buchanan 12 Ford, c and b Ash wood 7 Hislop, b Ash wood ... 9 Bucket, c Fowler Andrews 1 Ridley, run out 1 J. Hislop, run out 2 Cotton, b Ashwood 2 Taine, cG. Andrews, b Ashwood ... 0 Bruce, c Broadbelt, b Ashwood ... 4 Bow ley, hot out 0 Extras 10 Total... ... ... ... 57 BOROUGH CLUB. A Fooks, rtm out 9 T. Buchanan, c Bucket, b R. Hislop 11 ißodder, c Cussack, b Bucket ... 11 Geo. Andrews, o R. Hislop, b Bucket 12 Ashwood, cand b R Hislop ... ... 17 A. Andrews, run out ... 2 Shury, c Cussack, b J. Hislop 2 Fowler, bR. Hislop ... 8 Broadbelt, not out 0 Leitch, cCussack ... ... ... 0 ' Groves, bR. Hislop ... 3 Extras ... '... •••. 17 O A

THE CANTERBURY AGRICUL TURAL AND PASTORAL SHOW, 1879.

(by our special reporter.)

If we are to judge of the signs of the times by the number of people who turned out yesterday, the annual Show ' holiday must, be looked upon as the greatest success which has ever taken place in the colony. Taken as a whole, the exhibits in most of the classes were the best ever shown. Prominent among the exhibits which showed an improvement on former years were the SHEEP. , In this division of the show yard, the most notable was a merino ram, shown by the Hon. R. Campbell, which was acknow ledged by all competent judges to he the best animal of his class ever exhibited in the colonies, and although the second and third prize animals were not by any means , to be looked at with contempt, the ram which took the red ticket was so ‘ im measurably superior to anything ever yet entered, that we could only endorse the decision of the judges. The Hon. R. Campbell has, as was expected, come to the front in the merino class ; and took first, second, and third for his merino rams, out of a total entry of 15. We must here give our opinion, borne out by competent judges on the course, amongst whom was the successful exhibitor, that the country on which the sheep were depastured had more tr do with the quality of the wool than the breeding had, and as we know that several of the other exhibitors have spared nothing for the purpose of improving their strains, by purchasing the best animals procurable in the world, it is evident that the nature of the country on which the sheep are de pastured has a deal to do with the quality of the fleeces on their backs. Mr Chapman, of the Oust, and Mr G. W. H. Lee, of the Warren Station, who have previously taken front rank in this class, have not this year done anything to keep up the reputation of their flocks. Mr Joseph Pearson, of Burnt Hill, Oxford, has been the only exhibitor, able to hold a candle to the Hon. R. Campbell. Mr Pearson was the first to cake up, a run in Canterbury, and has used his best endeavors to procure for and keep upon his land the best stock, but, notwithstanding all his efforts superior pasture triumphs, and Mr Camp bell, as he himself said, with pardonable pride, shows the “best hogget in the colony.” The breeder of “the best hogget ” gained first, second, and third prizes in the ram class over 18 months with fifteen entries. For the same, under 18 months, the same gentleman was again successful for first and second, Mr Pear son getting third in a field of ten. All through the merinoes the same winners’ names are mentioned —Messrs Campbell and Pearson being the only prize-takers throughout. A number of the merinoes shown in this class were of a very average nature, and would have done better for themselves and reflected more credit on their exhibitors had they been left at home on their native pastures. Among the Leicester sheep there were some really grand animals, and the first prize ra —Mr Threlkeld’s Mann, who also gained a silver medal —was a particu larly handsome specimen. The same breeder also took second with an equally good ram. In rams in this class, under 18 months old, the Hon E. Gray took first and third, Mr Threlkeld taking second place. In the ewe class for this breed, Mr James Gregg took first and a silver I medal for a well knit ewe with a magni ficent fleece, and Mr Threlkeld again took ..W,cs T>£Ay_voung stock in other classes. In Class 7 *-.->rnve ewes under 18 months, theagSmegentleman’s exhibit gained the pjlfize, and in addition took Mr Tancred’s private prize of £6 (ss. For Border Leicesters, in the ram class, an enormous animal entered by Messrs H. R and J. E. Parker took first and silver medal. The length of staple in the fleece on this ram is so great that even good judges of sheep expressed their astonishment. The same exhibitors again came to the front in the ewe exhibits in this class; also when called upon to show young sters ; and there can be no doubt but Messrs Parker can claim the premiership in the Border Leicesters. The Lincoln sheep were an uncommonly even lot, and the judges must have experienced some difficulty in selecting those deserving tickets. Mr Sutton, however, came to the front, as he usually does, and swept the board for most of the prizes in this class, the Hon. Mr Holmes and Mr E. Menlove having the only entries that took other prizes. The Romney Marsh sheep had a good number of representatives, and several of Messrs Wilkin and Carter’s stock from this district helped to fill the pens up, and in two of the classes were successful in gaining a first—viz, in best ewe above 18 months, and the best three of the same age. There were some uncommonly good sheep in the Romneys, and the exhibits bore evidence 1 of careful attendance dur ing the winter. In the Cotswold, Messrs J. T. Ford and Co. had everything their own way, taking first and second in all classes, and they really deserved it, for the sheep were un commonly good. The Southdowns were not so numer ously represented as wc expected to see them, hilt the few present were a credit to their owners, Mr H. J. Washbourne, of North Rakaia, being the most success ful, with Mr S. Garforth close up. The next most noticeable pen was one contain ing five fat sheen exhibited by Messrs Henderson and M'Beath. As they were freshly shorn, the development of their fat could be easily seen, and the critic who would question their claim to a prize must be very hard to please, for they would have made a “ boiling down ” man smile all over his countenance.

CATTLE. The cattle entries were very large, and the quality brought out excellent. For the best bull of any age in the shorthorn class, there were 12 entries, and they were all first-class pedigree cattle. The blue ribbon was carried off by Mr J. F. Kitcbing’s “ Riby Knight ” who also took the Christchurch merchants’ private prize, and the medal for the best bull of any a<*e, and from his looks, quality, and skin he well deserved it. Mr P. H. Russell took second with “ Hastingsand the Rev. W. J. G. Bluett, 3rd, with “Wizard.” For bulls calved since July Ist, 1876, Mr R. McDougall’s “Firby” took first, the youngsters, beaiii g date

since July 1877, having Mr J. Dean’s “ Butterfly ” (a very promising young bull) for first, and an equally good animal in Mr John Grigg’s (Longbeach) “ Hero ” for second in a field of sixteen entries.

The show of cows was particularly good, and the quality of the pastures on the Peninsula was demonstrated in this class of exhibits by the superiority of Messrs Hay Bros., stock, they showing a number of beautiful milkers. Among the heifers the Hon. H. B. Gressou’s “ Buttercup ” deserved the first prize she obtained, also the private prize of Messrs Ballantyne and Co.

The Herefords produced very few en tries. The best bull of any age was found in an entry of Mr Alfred Cox, a tre mendous animal but good tempered enough to allow the curious in these mat ters to investigate his points. Devonshire cattle cannot he looked on as favorites as not as single entry was made.

The Alderneys brought out five, Rev. W. J. G. Bluett taking first for both bull and cow. This breed of cattle is not at all suitable for the colony, we should imagine, as the prize takers are not a great deal heavier than a decent sized cross bred sheep, and the next class on the pro gramme, the Ayrshires, do not show well by comparison with the magnificent cattle of other breeds represented yester day. Mr W. Cook and Messrs Fleming and Hedley took first prizes for best bull and cow respectively. In the little Breton cattle, Mr Robt. Wilkin took first for both bull and cow ; and for the best milch cow of any age or breed, Mr John O’Neil’s Beauty well deserved both her name and the first prize. For fat cattle the prizes have always been looked upon as a case of division between Mr S. Garforth and Mr John Ferguson, and this year was no exception to the rule, Mr James Gregg coming in for some of the honors. For the best bullock of any age Messrs Hay Bros., of Pigeon Bay, took first and second, the winner being a huge animal, and stated by some butchers of our acquaintance to be the biggest ever shown. The same exhibitors also took first for the best cow of any age.

draught stock. For the best draught entire ten splendid animals had to be paraded, and, as an instance of how opinions differ, the prize taker on this occasion was one not placed last year—Mr M’Kellar’s Prince Royal. A number of foals in the Ashburton are indebted to this sire for their paternity, and no doubt their owners will now at once put an extra value upon them for their progenitors success. Mr M'Kellar has an equally good one in the dis trict this year, and we consider that his judgment should meet with the en couragement it merits. For entires foaled since July, 1876, there were only three entries, two being Ashburton horses, viz., Beaconsfield, entered by Mr Jno. Grigg, and Strathmore, by R. Mathews, the other, which took the first prize, being an entry by Messrs Fleming and Hedley, Glen Lyon. Here we are sorry to have to differ, with many others, from the judges, in thinking that the red ticket was given to the worst colt of the three, the Longbeach representative being far and away the best looking and best bred in the class. Among the two year-olds a very beefy colt belonging to Mr James Don took first honors, Mr Stoddart, of Willowby, taking second with a colt by Prince Royal. For brood mares only six were shown, but they were of rare quality, Mr Boag taking first and third, the former (Gipsy) being a perfect model. There were 11 entries for three-year-old fillies, and the Hon. Mr Holmes' was credited with the premier ticket. Some of the fillies would have been better left at home.

The three-year-old geldings brought out only three, and Fleming and Hedley’s Van was certainly in his right place when in the van. Mr Boag’s representative. Flora McDonald, in the two year-old fillies, looked like a prize-taker for the rest of her life.

There was a big show of babies in draught stock, 9 colts and 10. fillies being entered on the catalogue. The only noticeable one, however, was a filly belonging to the Hon. M. Holmes. Class ll—-pair of geldings—had three entries, and they were worth inspection, and drew a largo crowd of admirers during the day. Fleming and Hedley got first, Heywood and Co. second, and Mr Boag third prize. We are very much mistaken, were the three lots put up to auction, if Hey wood’s pair would not fetch the most money by a good round sum. BLOOD STOCK. For the best blood entire only five turned out. We hoped to have seen some of the Middle Park I orses exhibited, and a number of visitors were greatly dis appointed when they found that neither Traducer nor Leolinus figured on the catalogue. As it was a disappointment so far, it did not matter much when the public discovered that the best horse in the entry was left out in the cold, and a much inferior animal, both as regards performances and breeding was adorned with the first prize. Daniel O Rorke was selected as being the best, Papapa as second ; and that grand old winner of no end of races, Guy Faux, was passed over as not worthy of notice. We were glad to hear an expression of opinion, from so excellent a judge of blood stock as Sir Hei’cules Robinson is known to be, cor robative of our own. A very handsome two-year-old by Admiral took first prize in his class.

In the carriage horse class Sir J. Ora croft Wilson’s Nobleman was where he always ought to be. The best sire for harness horses in the colony, he looks as plucky as ever he did. A two-year-old Admiral colt, rejoicing in the cognomen of Rakaia Charlie is about the biggest of his age we ever saw; but he wants “ straightening out ” before any opinion can be given of him. He is however full of promise. In carriage horses, just three were on the catalogue, the only one worthy of notice being Mr Delamain’s Marquis, by Shales, for whom His Excel lency offered a long figure providing a match could be found for him. For For the best pair of buggy horses, a well matched pair of greys belonging to Mr W. J. Wilson took first, and Dr. Fran kish’s bays were equally admired. It is singular that not a single entry was made in the Hackney class. For the best Roadster a grey horse about 16*2 took the prize, but vve are of opinion that if he came to Ashburton next week he would find himself a deal lower down on the list.

The Ladies’ Hacks would have been

better placed in the Hackney class, as none of them were what we should con sider to be an easy hack for a lady. There was a good show of ponies, the game little Miracle being the plum of the lot. The show of hunters could certainly be beaten in our own district, the only good looking horse being Magic, by Talis man, who looked perfection all over, except being a trifle short in the rein ; but when tried over the bar he signally failed, the best jump being taken by a thick set bay horse belonging to M>- Twentyman —taking sft. 2 indies very cleverly.

POULTRY, &C. The exhibits of poultry and pigeons were fair, the bestbeing the Brahmapootras and Cochins. A few very select pigeons were shewn, but nothing like as good as the exhibits here last year. There were five sheep dogs exhibited, but none of them were particularly noticeable. IMPLEMENTS. The show of implements was without doubt better than anything that has yet taken place in the colony, and it is grati fying to notice that local competitors are able not only to compete but to beat im ported articles, Messrs Reid and Gray and P. and D. Duncan having, so to say, “swept the board” against all comers. The former took first prizes in 3-furrow ploughs, with the Duncan's second ; Ist in double-furrows, the Duncan’s taking two firsts in singles, one of which having a scarifier attachment. The workmanship and finish on these implements were deserving of all praise, and no imported articles could be compared with them. In light scarifiers, Messrs Morrow, Bassett, and Co. took first prize with a 23-tined grubber, which is for sale at the low figure of £ll. In heavy cultivators Mr George Booth got a first. There was a large show of harrows of all descriptions, Mr James Little taking the prize for heavy harrows, with a set of 6 leaf, and again for a set of 6 leaf in the light class. The prize for chain harrows was borne oif by Messrs Mason and Struthers, with imported goods. Whippletrees found a winner in Messrs Duncan with a very handy arrangement of the trees for three horse work. Six kinds of corn drills were shown, and a new make —the American Champion—exhibited by Messrs Robert Wilkin and Co, with 16 drills, took first, the M'Sherry with 12 hoes taking second place. Broadcast sowers found a px-ize taker in Reid and Gray, Duncan taking second, there being seven other entries. Mr George Booth took a first for his potato planter, and for a potato digger -which is a most ingenious contrivance. In horse rrkes, R. Wilkin and Co took the prize, and for house hoes Mr James Little secured first and second, again asserting the superiority of colonial manufacture. In vehicles the articles shown were really commendable, P. A D. Duncan getting a well merited first, for a farm cart, Reid and Gray for a farm dray ; a very handsome and well balanced town carrier’s cart by James Robertson caught the judges’ eye ; and Mr John Barrett got two first for a Whitechapel cart, and a single buggy, the latter being a particularly neat conveyance. In chaff cutters there were all sizes and descrip tions shown, and farmers could suit them selves with those indespensable imple ments at prices varying from £6los to £BS, the last named being a very perfect port able machine, doing its work thoroughly, and having a compressor attachment for pressing the chafl’ in the bags. In con nection with this machine a very handy four-horse engine was shown by Messrs Andrews and Beavan, also portable, and there is no doubt but any speculative in individual in this district could make a good living by investing in- a plant of this description, as chaff well cut is a com modity hard to got hold of in Ashbur ton. Of steam thrashing machines there was a good show, the only new feature being an attachment for conveying the sheaves to the drum, thus saving the work of three men, a band-cutter being a part of the new patent. It looks practi cable enough, but we should like to see a trial before recommending it. Some American combines were shown. They are much lighter in construction than the English ones now so well known, but do not look like standing the wear and tear connected with the work. We regret that want of space compels us to hold over our remarks on the colonial industries, but we will endeavor to give our readers a description of that most interesting part of the Show in our next issue.

• Bbidliko Up.—Mr Vincent Pyke, like every other gallant member of the House of- Representatives, had his say on the female franchise question. But the “ New Zealand Times ” put that “say” in a light that at once “ fetched ” Vincent. The made the hon. gentleman express*himself as favorable to “ even the women who walked the streets ” having Ihe franchise. Vincent won’t have it that way anyhow, and ha writes in explanation thosly ;—“ The words used by me were, 1 every woman who trails a skirt upon the pavement —meaningthereby, that as the voting power had been given to female property owners there should be no limi uition whatever to the female franchise. ”

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COM MITTEE.

The usual meeting of the Committee was held on Tuesday night in the schoolroom. Present—Dr. Stewart (Chairman), and Messrs Bradley and St. Hill. A consider able amount of correspondence with the Board of Education was read on matter's of minor importance.

Regarding surface drainage at the master’s house, on which a letter from the Board had been received, the Secretary was instructed to write to the Board, asking if any report had been given by Mr Cane, and stating that that gentleman had examined the house without giving notice to the Committee who woidd have preferred to be present when Mr Cane was there.

The master reported a large and regular attendance at school during the past month. The Inspector had visited and examined the school on the 29th and 30th ult. On the first day of the Inspector’s visit there were 385 children present, an ncrease of 100 over the attendance at the Inspector’s last visit. On the Slat the drill inspector, Mr Walker, had visited the school, and expressed his satisfaction at the children’s marked improve ment in drill and gymnastics. Mr Walker had suggested that two of. the lads—Reginald Hodder and Henry Burfoot—should be sent to Christ church for the next annual competition in gymnastics, and had offered to accommo date those boys at his own house, freo of expense, during their stay. The gymnas tic apparatus of the school had not yet been repaired. The numbers on the roll at present were—boys, 230 ; girls, 234 ; total, 464. The report contained a sug gestion made to the inspector that another entrance was wanted for the new room, and the old porch removed and converted into closets, which the inspector said wore required. A set of models for drawing was also required. The master asked for liberty to call the school at 9.30 a. m., so ■ that one and a half hour might be given ■ as interval at mid-day.

The Secretary was instructed to apprise' the second master of the fact that he was

held responsible for the care of the gymnastic apparatus. It was decided to give a prize to the best gymnast in the school and to request the master to make this intention of the Committee known to the scholars.

Holiday's were declared for the local Race and Show Days, but the proposed’ alteration of the school hours was‘dis allowed for the present. • Mr Bradley for the Visiting Committee reported verbally on the state of the play ground, and on some little repairs that wanted doing. Some brick and cement work was necessary near the pump. These repairs were sanctioned. The Secretary was instructed to apply to the Board to have the gymnasium painted. It was resolved—“ That the annual public examination of the schools take place on the 17 th, 18th, and 19th days of December, prizes to be distributed on the 22nd—the annual treat to be deferred until the Christmas vacation. Subscription lists were handed to the members present, and others ordered to be forwarded to the absent members, and also one to Mr Shury, who has always taken a kindly interest in the school, with a request that lie will do the same this year ” Mr St. Hill was appointed a Visiting Committee for the month, with authority to procure a scythe and billhook for the care-taker.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

Wednesday, Nov. 12.

In the Council to-day the greater part of the sitting was occupied by the discus sion in Committee on the procedure rela tive to local Buis, and some alterations were made in the Standing Orders relative thereto.

Among the notices of motion was the one by the Hon Mr Acland, that the new County of Timaru should not be declared. Mr Reynolds asked if Government would bring in a Bill to suppress indecent performances. Mr Whitaker replied Government wished to take action in the matter, but there w r as hardly likely to be time this session, as there were nearly 100 Bills yet to deal wi'h.

The Council adjourned at 5.10 till 7.30,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, Nov. 11,

AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House met at 2.30.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The Hon. J. Hall announced that in the event of the business before the House progressing satisfactorily, the Treasurer would be prepared to bring down his Financial Statement on Monday. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions it was stated that Government would consider the propriety of rendering the services of the Public Analyst more practically useful than at present. The Pullman railway cars lately imported from America, could not pass through the tunnel on the Christchurch luvercargill line. The cars could be altered -but tlia- mnM -+»•— great. The Government agent at New i'ork was responsible for the blunder. He had had sections of the tunnels sent, but had disregarded them. Government were not prepared to say whether he would be held personally responsible. A sum of money would be proposed in the Esti mates for the construction of roads through and opening up Crown lands in districts in which the Counties have not sufficient funds. The report forwarded to the Commissioner of Rail ways re Bay of Islands and other native coal had been given effect to. The coal was largely used, and with a view to en couraging its use, Government had offered a bonus to firemen for its efficient employ ment. Government would bring down a Bill dealing with the establishment of small farm settlements on the deferred payment system by settlers to whom erm ployment will for a term be afforded upon public works. A report had been received from an engineer employed by the Rangi tikei County Council, recommending a good practicable route for a railway from Marton or Rangitikei by the Murimotu plains to Taupo and Auckland. NEW BILLS. Bills were introduced and read a first time—To amend the Otago University Site Exchange Act, 1875 (Mr Macandrew), Land Tax Collection (Major Atkinson), Kumar a Educational Reserve (Hon R. Oliver;. QUALIFICATION OF ELECTORS BILL. This Bill was further considered in Committee. An amendment to give the residential franchise to females was negatived by 37 to 29. The debate was interrupted by the 5 ’3O pan adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The Qualification of Electors Bill was further considered in Committee. Amendments were moved by Mr Seddon and Mr Murray re the Maori qualification. Mr Moss moved as a further amendment on the same clause, “ That aboriginals, in cluding half-castes, and the male descen dants of half-castes shall not acquire any new rights under this Act, nor shall they be deprived of any rights they had at the beginning of the present session of Parlia ment. ” Government had said that they did not intend to deprive the native race of any rights they enjoyed at present, and he thought this the simplest way of ex pressing their meaning. The House sat till 12.30 discussing the Qualification of Electors Bill, which was then reported with amendments, and notice given for recommittal on Friday. The Maori franchise caused great dis cussion, and innumerable amendments were proposed. Ultimately Government accepted Mr Murray’s amendment, in lieu of sub section 4, the general effect being to allow Maoris who pay rates to have votes in European electorates, Wednesday, Nov. 12. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30. Mr Richardson presented a petition from Christchurch electors praying that the duty on jewellery be not increased. Replying to Mr George, Mr Hall said Government would pre pare and bring down this session a Bill for the purpose of settling the amount of

honorarium to be paid to members of the legislature ; a resolution to this effect having been carried by the House. Replying to Mr Bain, Mr Hall said that while Government recognised the impor tance of the question, he was afraid they would not be able to bring down this ses sion a Bill to suppress indecent pefor mances in theatres and other places of public amusement. to Mr M‘Lean,

Mr Hall laid before the House a return showing the amount paid to each news paper in the colony for advertising and printing (separately) for the two years previous to 30th September last. Mr Wakefield moved that the proposed new county of Timarn be not constituted. Mr Gisborne argued that the Proclama tion provided for by the Act was not pro perly before Parliament.

Mr Hall contended that it was not wise to give effect to a resolution at this time hastily. The facts appeared to be that this portion of the count}' was not satisfied with the expenditure allocated for its re quirements. They had no evidence be fore them that this opinion was the result of mature deliberation. With the view of allowing the matter to lie over until next session, he moved as an amendment, that the proclamation, not being properly be fore the House, it be allowed to remain over until next session. That would afford time for more mature deliberation, and if the petitioners were then of the same mind, and still desired to be divorced from the county, then they could take all the facts into consideration.

Mr Shriniski moved the adjournment of the debate till this day week, which was put and carried.

A long discussion took place over the celebrated Tapanui job, arising from a petition of residents to have the line com pleted and opened for traffic. Eventually the motion to give effect to the prayer of the petition was withdrawn.

After some further business the House adjourned at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed at 7.30. The Auckland Loans Consolidation Bill and the Dramatic Works Copyright Bill were read a third time and passed. The Licensing Act Further Amendment Bill (No. 2) was withdrawn. Ihe second reading of the Rating Act, 1876, Amendment Bill was agreed to. Mr Hall regarded the Bill as a good one with a few trifling amendments, which he named.

Mr Sheehan resumed the debate on the second reading of the Natives Reserves Vesting Bill.

Te Wheoro moved as an amendment that it be read that day six months. The amendment was carried. In Committee on the Land Transfer Act Amendment Bill, on a motion to leave the chair, the House divided—Ayes, 32 ; noes, 27. The District Courts Act, 1858, Amendment Bill was read a second time.

Sheep in the Colony.

Returns have been published showing the total number of sheep in the colony on May 31 last. The main features are given in the following tables :

* There is one owner returned as the holder of more than 100,000 sheep. Of the 132 owners of less than 100,000 sheep 113 own less than 50,000 sheep.

According to the census taken in March, 1878, there were 13,069,338 sheep ; the num ber had decreased in the time by 1,663,949.

Terrible Tragedy In St. Petersburg.

A St Petersburg correspondent writes : A terrible tragedy—a double murder by a young officer—has deeply excited the pub lic mind here. An old gentleman, Vals soff, a retired councillor, had during t'.e last six years shown great kindness- to a young man, by name Charles Landaberj.', who in the first instance, lodging at his house, had been assisted by Valssoff with funds for outfit when he passed his ex amination for entering the corps of Sap pers of the Guards, and on other occa sions. Those loans eventually amounted to 5,000 roubles, for which the officer gave his bill of exchange, and which became due June Cth. This amount the young officer said he would be able to pay, as he was about to marry into a family of dis tinction—the newspapers say ho was en gaged to one of the many daughters of an eminent General. On the evening of that day Landsberg cal’ed on M. Va’ssoff at 10 o’clock. The fi mar being deadly pale, M. Valssoff arked him if he were ill. “Yes,” replud Landsberg, “send for some seltzer water for me.” M. Valssoff sent the servant for some lemonade (in stead of seltzer water), and immediately the servant left the house Landsberg at

tacked and killed the old man with a hunting knife. He then waited the re turn of the servant, and before she had time to place on the table the ten copecks change, he attacked and killed her by a stab in the temple with the same hunting knife. Landsberg then abstracted the bill for 5,000 roubles, and a large package of securities, and after washing his hand took the key of the front door, locked it after him, and escaped. The murder was discovered accidentally by a plasterer en gaged on the exterior of the house looking through the window and seeing the corpses on the floor. The murderer was seen to enter the house late on the evening above mentioned, and suspicion therefore fell upon him, and he was arrested. At first denying his guilt, he at length made a full confession.

The Forth Bridge— Shine American Comparisons.

(From the Brooklyn Eoglf.)

The immense height of the towers for the support of the Forth bridge has created some surprise, and no wonder when it is taken into account that when thay are completed they will be the highest buildings of any kind in this world. Science, will, therefore, .wait with some anxiety their completion. The height of the towers on the Inch Garvie, midway between South and North Queensferry, will be 560 feet to support.a bridge * 150 feet above high water mark, but the reason of this great altitude is that in the generality of suspension bridges the towers are built on the land on either side of the span, and were this the case in the Forth bridge towers of 150 feet less in height, or 430 feet, would be sufficient; but this is impossible from the great length of the bridge. It seems that by natural laws there id a limit to everything on this earth— that ia, that man can go a certain length and no further, as, for instance, in telescopes no thing larger than Lord Ross’s having been perfected in many years. In reference to buildings a correspondent the other day quoted St. Rollox stalk 430 feet high. St. Paul’s Cathedral is about 460 feet to top of the dome, St. Peter’s at Rome 480 feet, the Pyramids of Egypt, at least the great pyramid is 180 feet at present in its im perfect state, but by calculation would reach 500 feet in height when finished. When, it is remembered that this struc ture only reaches this height with a base of about twenty-six acres, it will be a'very difficult matter to raise the, j?prth bridge towers to 500 feet with a sirrtall 'base. These towers are to be forihed of solid masonry to a certain height," and. then by groups of iron pillars girded together in layers upward ; The Niagara suspension bridge; has one large span of 821 feet ; the railway trade above the , water is 245 feet, or 95 feet higher than the Forth bridge ; the towers are only 60,feet high, bbing built on either side of the shore. : The Alleghany bridge has two large spans Of 344;feet, each, and the towers are 45 feet highi, The Coving ton and Cincinnati bridge has a span of 1,057 feet; its height above low 1 water is 103 feet, and the towers 230 feet high. The bridge seems to give the best propor tion to the Forth bridge which is 1,680 feet for two spans, 150 feet high, and tioned are finished and in working order ; and we may mention also the East river bridge, connecting New York to Brooklyn. The towers of this bridge are also built upon the laud and are 378 feet high. The single span is 1,595 feet long, or only 85 feet less than the Forth bridge, while the total length is 5,989 feet. There is, there fore, no doubt that the Forth bridge, when completed, will be an engineering triumph.

The Gold-Fish Trick.

(Max Adbler). Several of the magicians who perform in public do what they call “ the gold-fish trick.” The juggler stands upon the stage, throws a handkerchief over his ex tended arm, and produces in succession three or four shallow glass dishes filled to the brim with water, in which live gold fish are swimming. Of course the dishes are concealed on the person of the per former. Peter Lamb had discovered how the trick was done, and he resolved to do it now. So the folk all gathered in one end of the parlour, and in a few moments Lamb entered the door at the other end. He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, yru will perceive that I have nothing about me except my ordinary clothing, and yet I shall produce presently two dishes filled with water and living fish. Please watch me narrowly.” Then Pater flung the hand kerchief over his hand and arm, and then we could see that he was working away vigorously at something beneath it. He continued for some moments, and still the gold-fish did not appear. Then he began to grow very red in the face, and we saw that something was the matter. Then the perspiration began to stand on Peter’s forehead, and Mrs Brown asked .him if anything serious was the matter.' Then the company smiled, and the'magician grew redder; but he kept on fumbling beneath the handkerchief, and apparently trying to reach around his coat-tails. Then we heard something snap, and the next moment a quart of water ran down the wizard’s left leg and spread out over th 6 carpet. By this time he looked as if joy had forsaken him for ever. But still ho continued to feel around under the hand kerchief. At last another snap was heard, and another quart of water plunged down his right log, and formed a pool about his shoe. Then the necromancer hurriedly said that the experiment had failed somehow, and he darted into the dining-room. Wo followed him and found him sitting on the sofa trying to remove his pantaloons. “Oh, gracious! Come here quick and pull these off. They’re soaking wet, and I’ve got fifteen live gold fish inside my trousers flipping around, and rasping the skin with their fins enough to set a man crazy. Ouch ! Hurry that shoe off, and catch that fish there at my left knee, or I’ll have to howl right out.” Then we undressed him and picked the fishes out of his clothes, and we dis covered that he had two dishes full of water and covered indiaruhber tops strap ped inside bis trousers behind. ’ln his struggle to get at them lie had torn the covers to rags. We fixed him up in a pair of Dr. Brown’s trousers, which were 6in too short for him, and then he climbed over the back fence and weqt home.

TnuitDAY, November 13. 1879.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN.

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District. .Number of Owners of Sheep Owning a less number of Sheep than 500 2000 20000 xooooo Auckland, 1231 owners 1083 107 41 — Napier, 239 do 42 72 104 21 New Plymouth, 90 do 8S 5 — — Wellington, 1166 do 636 386 I40 4 Marlborough, 265 do 167 47 41 IO Nelson, 517 do 464 37 11 5 Westland, 10 do 7 2 I Canterbury, 1534 do 1036 2SI 20s 42 Otago, 928 do 5 2 9 168 180 5°* 5980 owners 4049 I07S 723 132



District. No. Depasturing Total Number of Sheep On Free- hold. OnCrown Land Auckland Napier New Plymouth Wellington Marlberough Nelson Westland Canterbury Otago 45 2 .403 1,359.409 11,264 1.396,473 539,275 243.556 3.732 2,015,017 1,422,760 1,118 43,549 56,770 223,968 121,046 920 1,356,887 2,157,242 453,521 1,402,958 11,264 1,453,243 763.243 364,602 4.652 3,371,904 3,580,002 Totals, 1879 „ 1878 7,443,889 3,961,500 11.405,389 13,069,338 The numbers of different breeds ,of sheep, divided into three classes, are given as follows : — Merinos Long-wool Cross-bred Males 3,048,25. 310,57- 1. S 8 4.96 Females 13,543,86 1! 530,75 72.387,06 Total 16,592,118 5 841,330 ip, 972,031



Cbevalier .Turnon vilie, morn than thirty ye its cashier of the Canal Bank of New Orleans, is a defaule? for 20,030d0k.