District Code a* Sittings. —TI io mo nt hly sitting of, the District Court which ought to'jwro taTton - place yesterday iniS' nh igttiUSjmi postponed' bn Account of' the ’Judge Ward. ' To-day being ■> pdbuc'holiday the Court lias beSrt fixed • for’ tb-ttpiTOW (Wednesday). ’ f , Tmt Fibe.—The inquest on the. late fire which was held yesterday, (a fu)l. report ; of thoeviden.ee being piiblisnqd jp this issue) attracted a large number, of listeners during th® hearing. ’ Tlip jury were ;ejppanelled at half-past eleven, had • half-hours at half-past 1, •pi) fgain' at ,2 p.m., and sat till 0-30 pm, and; again met, at Quill’s sample rooips at 8 p.m., giving their verdict at throughout j were, yery. wearisome to all •(..by .those. who had listened, throughout i' ; Alt Scavenger's Fees.' —Last night tWUtwißpil ..voted!the balance due ..to the SiaCVOngerp BS): .odd, and.;:gave him < the dtrtJMof Jcollfectin? the'outstandittg Tees, at a'x«d»milsilifW of; five per cent,' Defaulters ottf ■ihafoSM.Vengers’a . roll will now -be vHHcd fhy;tfeei gentleman himself; The CdUdetFhave' dadided fin future to make them contt&ctctr;'collect his,own fees, a bd wtflhdnW prtgriosticate tliat ho will haye atTffutytaskifhe Insists on prepayment; . 'thp; Mayjorai/ Banquet.—The.close of term will be cele- Jn, the ’to which his Worship has: iqvited %e Borough Council' lom, Bprpqgh officers,. and others.

Borough Gousrcit,: —Last night the Borough Coundil had a narrow sqndak for of’.‘its ’members were Syirig the peitifßy bf citizenship b.V doing duty .M jurors pp the fire' inquiry, and one.dthw 'ihferiibOr' Was hot to found. I^una&ly 1 :lfe : *: ! »b»VaJd WilliamsO* JoWed ipe three geritlemeiv whose presence 6n th’e J bf Jtirym&h 1 was riot wanted, HA; for helped the ‘ Council, cnppiejiaS' it was, to get through its busi new. - <, l< F«* the'-last nieetirigr under the BreudeßCTbf'Mfc'lßhirdclc as Mayor; it ww wh mb^thihiy I .attended that; has yet hei4 SShei business dohfe Was got 'tbrbiigfi than' Ve have eccentricities -of th© weather r ow. n nday did hot affect the Gh«reh-;*► ■mjt&mk. extent,,.iherp, being ; Mod cpn igregtftibas at both services. Ihe Bey., .W. :Ba«Tßher;; of Cfoistplurch,, occupied thh pulpit; both- morning and. evening, ‘‘ The !Transfiguration/’ and “ Christ .weeping over Jerusalem,” .being . the sub jects- selected for the occasion. Liberal collections were' taken up at both services.. ;A* previously announced a tea and public -meeting, takes -place in the church f this-evening. . The .ladies of the con gregatlon ere sparing neither time nor trouble in the preparation of delicacies; &c., anditis to be.hoped.the weather will prore propitious, so that the meeting may . .be* financialsucceaa. .

"t" 1 *‘C*fcKßT--T : -A, match was played on Saturdayafternoon in the Domain between sidea chbseh by Messrs- G. Andrews and respectively. ' Several leading •memberaorthe Club were conspicuous by 1 tlwjht absence. ' We ' have : noticed that ' there' rife niritiynicmbeiu of the Club who 'the' flahriel' when more 'thim oMSiftoy'.’: importance u attached to fchdido riot considers, small '- fwwwyt hi ptriptice rit'odd times necessary,, 5 tlmt every member of ij CMspare the time : wiH put ' ! 'hphreyaht!e> hbt only in the big v ‘yijuaiUff bdt <ori 'rill other bCcassions where, jjw.fr Thfe scores made on *-■ 3l : r 2nd innings;. 27. Mr.. 3 AridreWs’ < side l —lst innings 41; 2nd —We were ' Idmwn ,on Saturday a patent wipe pipo .’ cleaner brush, attachfcd,' piiich was f , fpM. .purchared. at the shop of a Ohrigt *,, church: baker. ■} Tbla pipiCclpw'rter : when . .thrown am Jim: eyjidenfly been saturated frt Jris' the hard, coating of flbur, v PTOfT ;. ‘ftTfomdWl for a considerable ; ilGlppp' And apdiled'severalppufidsofthe heed; be ‘ 3hMHng‘Wnolrfng inmde;all

‘ - f,; 1 DifiWnct RAitWAYS-J-The following in a * Hitt district railways said to be ‘-intfe)(idfcd td-betakefi-civer by Gbvernnient, ■- ’■ttifftf/ cost: L74j00»; Waimate P ' briufelf; li 'ihildsi 'cost eLIOO.OGO ; Dufi - twwo J ■' fitefcahtfanien, 41 miles, ' • Cost L 125,000; Waftnea Plains, 35 miles, .' cost L 109,000; Canterbury Racecourse, ‘■peveiPeighth’s tjf a mile, L 2,000; Shag. ' : Wile and seven-eighths, LBOOO ; J Puaysn Pdnhisula; three miles and one : ■ LyffjpjW t KAitangata. four; miles 1 * and h4f>°,WP {: ,r*q om :o e •! of :■ r ■ -did weetfpg ;or v f directors -of the Caledonian Society -wji* liulff- 'in .-Quill’s 1, Hptel on _ -Saturday • nrthe 're fer the ' tethering/ -It was resolyep that ,id th«,flertdfces>o| the Ashburton brass band »J-should -bCi ;obtained .fpr .the gathering. .

Ki' yUßftrribme .other, business bad beendone', >' -thO Mdrbtfijr brbugjrt to the meetings no -1,, tace«reference by “ Cbjspa” in Saturday’s v inadb }Rfl;lie paTOgraph,a3.untrue v Some' J i e : .paragraph wnd*. ealcumtodn to injure; the ei'i«wUAy<Ptth .thepublio, and ooght.to be JjfrjixintrMicWiby.tho secretary. . ,Th» chair-' i maii/Dtf .Stewart, -thought, the paragraph was perfectly ( harudesaj-and: ;«nly a piece of ‘f'Ohiapaf’achaff. ■>, Mr, Frazer thought the mabtep was not, worth the time the' / I'mggtapg badr bestowed upon it... After a f ; }jyg]y discussion the matter was allowed’to drop. Mp •.fhofUßf* Quj}l > ./ appointed rtreasurer ppp tgp.j yiep Mf. p. «£fwmpbeU. resigned, The meeting fhfm' » t J) proceededitOsh*;Jhe,,amounts tobe giyen t |»£p*h»» va*iqu§ pygßts *p thp pro r wti • • , i , ~ ri M»e • day Bittiagjl PpHpcd the buwnearweti not important, and aw how ;h' ,£,i ims WWlthltt dlscnising ipoihti ;of order, 9 -/imothdHKmrheing taken in Committee tn phtbfc Slaughter home Act .Amendment nf* pipWahiii rend’.a time. The P' lßwtldent MagiiKJratesf "Afat. Amendment, arid the For eS t'Trees plantii ig Act Amend i lueftt Ittllswere read a third time. JAn n. adjotirtvaieiit took" place to allow members * ‘ trqfrnft.-'--- 1 .?».•

Fiek will take place to-morro'w afternoon at 6 o’clock sharp. , Seafield School —The following is an extract from the Inspector’s report on the tjfealiejd School taught, by Mr. Isaac :(V Atkinson,;—“ This school is conducted in a satisfactory, manner, and the attain ments, for:a,-school of, about six months standing avie. ;yeiy creditable. The chil dijeil present , were orderly and attentive, and the general ■condition of the school is hopeful.. A clock and summary register are .required. : W. L. Ldge, Inspector. November, 1879.” , 100 per cent, of those presented for examination made satisfac tory passes.

Benefit Concert. —An entertainment was given last-night in the Good Templar Hall; : iff aid of the family of Mr. J. Hyde, a ’sUffferer 'by thb latdfire; Owing to the inclemeiicy of the Weather the attendance Vas limited, The chair was ably filled by the Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, and a really good programme was provided. Mr. H. Stephenson ptesided at the piano, and the following songs, &c. . were rendered. Part song and chorus, “Men of Harlech,” by the Templar Glee Club; duct, “The Gipsy ;Countess,” Sister Vaughan and Mr. .Stephenson; reading, “Sprouts on ; chignons,”Brother Poyntz; song, “The Union Jack of Old England,” Brother Jessop ; cornet solo. Master G. Savage ; song, “ Love at home,”’ Sister E. James ; song, My grandfather’s clock,” Mr. Stephenson ; recitation; “Women’srights,’ Brother Henry; song, “ Silver moonlight winds are blowing,” Master Gates; reading* by Bros. Andrews and Williams ; duet, “ The Gipsies’ Warning,” Sister Vaughan and Mr. H. Stephenson ; sbng, “ The Same old Game,” Mr. H. Stephen son ; song, “ The German hand,” Bro. Jossbp ; recitation by Sister M. Anderson. The entertainment passed off most suc cessfully, Master Gates deserving special ffotice.’ Sister E. Jones was loudly ap plauded The gem of the evening was Mr. H. Stephenson’s song “My grand father’s clock. ” The usual vote of thanks to the chairman was passed and the Na tional Anthem terminated the meeting. Auction Sales, —At Mr. Harrisjm’a sale •n Saturday a large number <>f interested parties congregated, the licensed vic tuallers being present in full force. The auctioneer commenced business by selling a few lines of poultry, aiid the value of hens in good condition is fixed at 3s fid per pair. * The , auctioneer , next Went fipr the ‘framework of a horse, and succeeded. fa .disposing tofthe article for 57s and aq. specimen of the equine duffl, a bridle and saddle thrown * in, 'brought 40s without costa. A,, good Sample of cheese found buyers at from fid to' 7d per lb. The privileges for the Wiiislow' Sports and the’ Caledonian’ fathering were then submitted, and' the following is a list of the purchasers and prices realised: Winslow Sports Pub : lican’s booth, Mr. Harris, ,L2; confec tioners’ booth, Mr, Savage, L 4 17s fid ; right of cards, Mr. Dudson, . 55.; right of sports, Mr. .Wilkie, 30s. Caledonian Sports—Publican’s booth, No. 1, Mr. Scott, L2l; refreshment booth, |No. 2, Mr, Davidson, L 3 155.; refreshment booth, No, 8, Mr. Savage, L 3 10s.; right of sports, No. ,4, passed in at L 3 ; gates, No. 5, Mr. Quill, L 29 >, right of cards, No. 6, passed in, 12s fid. ■ Tenders. —The tender of Mr. R. McLaren for the extension of the tf Guardian ” offices has been accepted. Timaru Press y, Christchurur Press. —Elevens from the Timaru Press Club qjid the staff off the Christchurch Press played a friendly game at cricket in the Domain on Saturday, with the following re sult,Timaru; 28 > Christchurch, 41. The best part of the play was the bowling, Knights, of the Tiuiani, getting 8 wickets : Timaru —Nqrfie, b Board, 3 ; Hardqastlc, b Ednionds, c Smith, 2 ; Osborne, c Ed monds, b Smith, 0 ; Knights, c and b Smith, 0 ; Ellis, b Board, 0; Campbell, b; Smith, 3 ; Chapman, b Smith, 4: ' Robin*, b Board) J; Hill, b Board, .5; Long, b Smith, 3; Jones, not out, Q. Extras, 7 ; Total — 2s, ohristchurch,r=-Byton, p knights, 5; Aaq#h, b 'idb,,; i ; Bdmbn'da b do.', 0 ; Board, .fe dp. y 3 { Smith, b do., o; Bffck land, c Robins b Knights, 2 ; Ryce c and b Knighis, .’ 5,; Rpjhtesrth, b £}U}sl • 4 ; Carnarvon, b Ellis, 2 ; Meadows, riot put, 0. . Extras, 12. Total—4l.

The . ; Blenheim Libel, , Case. —The ipy in.the.Eayl v. Doherty libel case at Bjgnipeim Retired at , half-past five on. Thursday, and after three, hours’ absence brought in a verdict of l( guilty ’’ on all the counts against Doherty. He addressed the court for an hour, . but, he was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment in Pietpn .Goal with hard labor. , The Judge in passing sentence, remarked that if the, charge of. trying to obtain money .from. Earle had been included in the in dictment, he would have given , a much heavier sentenoe, The verdict of the jury .was contrary to general expectation, and a petitipp ip Doher,ty ! s fcyor gppkep of. ,F#nny Tpwifgenjia evidence was of most yile eepduet op tlio part of Earle towards

IRLEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH &. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

• (Reuters TeUgtams.) London, Dec. 11.

The New Zealand Loan has completely succeeded. Tenders were opened to-day, aiul nearly three times the amount re .nmrsd wm aiibgcriM; , , • ... total reserve ftf notes and bullion .in the Bank of England is L 15,500. Berlin, Dec. 11.

The German manufacturers have promised their co-operation in the Mel-, bourne International Exhib.iti9 n - Naples, Dec. 11. A very severe snow storm has occured in the southern parts of Italy. • S|.. Dec. 11. Thp perWbS srfej|tpd acknowlpged making the attempt qp the Czar's life, and the to complicity. ; , ‘ ALEJfASPEA, f}ec. 11, . A letter frojp King dohr, Abyssinia, to the Khedive, declares his readiness for peace, provided the, Great Powers rec rg niso the conditions,

Calcutta, Dec, 12.

. Notwitlistan ding the complete preven tive measures taken by General .Roberts, an outbreak of hostility, followed by a general rising of the tribes near Cabnl, lias taken place. Ten thousand Afghans commanded'by Mahomed Khan, attacked ,a force of British cavalry and artillery going/ to joifl . General. Macpherson’a

Brigade, which was ordered to punish the hill tribes. The British made a desperate defence, but wore compelled to spike four guns, which wen: 'afterwards recovered frbrii the enemy. • The hi test news states the fighting continues. British loss un known. The Afghans suffered a- heavy loss. ,

(slrgits. S/mj'ia’.) Lon box, Dec. 11. Dayob Khan, with twelve regiments, left Herat to attack Candahar.

The French Admiral Duperre has been ordered ■ to seise Tonquin in Cochin China.,

The floods in Hungary are spreading. Temesvaar and Arad are endangered. The Seine, Loire, and Upper Thames are frozen. The winter generally is severe in Europe. A company are appealing to German patriotism for funds to continue Gode froy's business, to prevent it falling into English or American hands. The steamer’ Indus met with a terrific hurricane in the Bay of Biscay, and lost four boats; , The Turkomans threaten Tchikislar. The Revolutionary Committee of Russia has issued a proclamation con fessing the attempt on the bfs of the Czar. They style his Government a des picable despotism, and will only leave him in peace on condition of tarnsforring his power to an Assembly elected by universal suffrage. (fferald Special. ) London, Dec. 11. The “Pull Mall Gazette” compares New Zealand’s promise not to apply for a loan for three years, to a confirmed drunkard promising abstinence until the stock in band is exhausted. It is rumoured that Herat is to be ceded to Persia in return for equivalent advantages. The policy followed in Zulnland of dividing the country among the leading chiefs will probably be applied to Afghanistan. The British at Gundamak are suffering from cholera and scurvy. The German merchants are coalescing to retain the direct trade with Samoa. Large sums have been collected in America and forwarded to Dublin to assist the agitators. Colonial debentures are flat. (Aoe Special.) London, Dec. 13. The police have discovered a Nihilist plot to blow up the Czar’s winter palace by dynamite. Goddefroy has appealed to Germany to guarantee the interest on the proposed Samoan Company’s shares. The applica tion 1 has been favorably considered.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Special.) Melbourne, Dec 3.

It is believed that the Government con template dissolving immediately, with out further supplies* if the Governor con sents; with the view of preventing dis cussion on Mr. Munro’s motion.. Pro bably Sir B. O’LonghUn will stand for Carlton, and oppose Mr, Munro,

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, I*;. 13.

At a meeting oi the Work ng Men’s Political Association a resolution was car ried urging the exemption of stock-in? trade and machinery from the Property Taxi

The number of criminal cases for trial in the Supreme Court is already over average. Nineteen are set down, three for civil libel, and one for seduction,

Labor is getting scarce in the country districts. The fabulous prices of gum are clearing out men'for the gum fields. Te Kopeta, the celebrated horse stealer, who was lately captured on the borders of the King Country, and committed for trial for two previous escapes from custody, has been sentenced to six months’ hard Iftbpr, An open air meeting of the unem ployed has been called for Monday. Their ranks have been swelled by Dempsey’s men.

A man named Horne stabbed his wife during a quarrel, and has been : arrested. A little bqy named Edward Cullen, who had committed wholesale thefts an the Kyber Pas's Road, was sent to the Indus trial School for five years. At a meeting of the Committee of the Working Men’s Political Society, it was decided that a course of tw r o free lectures be delivered by Mr, James Craig on “England before the passing of the Reform Biil,” and “ Random recollec tions Of how the Reform Bill was carried.”

The annual benefit in aid of the sick and accident fund of the Auckland Fire Brigade yielded L2l. At the annual meeting of the Sunday School, Union, the President’s report allowed 121 schools ftfli%ted, receipts L 1847, expenditure 14813, aggers .L 778. 1 Captain Fraser has entered a plaint re questing the owners of the big pump to hand the property over to him on the plea that it is' hold'upder the Miners’ Right Act qf 1806, and that the present owners have ho such miners’ rights. The matter will come before the Warden’s Court. It is tantamount to jumping the property. New Plymouth, Dec. 13.

Mr/ Joseph Beale, officer in charge of the telegraph station here since it wag first opened, died this morning. fie wrs universally and a most ol>- Ijgi'nS ’ officer ’ ’He, leaves a widow and two small children. Mr Beale Came here from Waikouaiti, where the members of his family are now living. Wellington, Dec. 13.

It is understood that the “ New Zea lander ” and “ New Zealand Times ” changed hands—the formpy Mf fJaip, M.H,R,, and ®*r. ttirkecV:. <\wd the. latver ffj My, Chanfry Harris; ' ’ .’ ’ The house belonging to the Life Mr. Miller, who with his/ yvif<s was recently murdered by their spn, wapqfd for iihop. Qgilyie, lately piapagev. pf the Opera tive Bqilding Society at Sydney, and who has been arrested here for forgery while there, left in the steamer Wakatipn for Sydney this afternoon, The man Flanagan, who was stabbed on Saturday week, is in a critical condition, erysipelas having set in. Wellington, Dec. 15.

At the Magistrate’s Court a man named Regot, charged on an information with issuing valueless cheques, was remanded, as it is believed that a charge of forgery WiU be preferred %gainet him,

A colored man, n recent arrival by the Arothusa, has been committed for trial for stealing L 7 10s from another passenger. The Court of inquiry into the conduct of Sub-Lieutenant. Leary, of the Naval Brigade, while at boat practice a short, time back, concluded to-day. Judgment was deferred.

Dunedin, Dec. 13.

Art’mr Graves, a clergyman, formerly of Oxford, who recently arrived by the ship Herpripnev and -acted as ‘chaplain oh tile voyage, was lodged in gaol on Saturday afternoon, charged with forgery. . His credentials are signed by the Bishop of Carlisle. On Sunday Last prisoner offi ciated at All Saints. He is said to have been about to marry‘a lady who was apas senger by the same vessel, and intended to settle in Canterbury. The fourth exhibition of the Otago Art Association opened yesternonn. The pictures are not of first-class quality. A young man named Stenhouse, em ployed on the reclamation contract, had his left leg crashed by a truck oh Satur day. Amputation was necessary.

LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

( Matter's) London, Dec. 12. It is denied that the Empress Eugenie goes to Zululaml. The subscriptions to the N.Z. Loan amounted to 12,000,000. Allotments equal to 40 per cunt, of the subscription were made at § premium. Dec. 14. Adelaide wheat, GOs. sd. per 49(1 lbs ex warehouse. Hennescy’s brandy 12s. Best Australian beef tallow, 375. Three per cent consols, 97J. The “ Times ” publishes a paragraph to the effect that the trial of the Irishmen for sedition, will bo abandoned. Killen has been admitted to bail, Deo 12. Great distress prevails in France. The Chamber of Deputies voted 5,000,000 francs for the relief of the sufferers. Si’. Petersburg, Dec. 13. Arrests continue to be made in Russia in connection with the late attempt on the life of the Emperor, including one who had in his possession a plan of the winter palace. Calcutta, Dec. 12. The Viceroy, • on arrival to-day, was twice fired at, but escaped unhurt. The would-be assassin was arrested. He was a drunken native. The matter is of no political significance. General M-Thersou attacked and dis persed the force of the enemy, who cap tured supplies. Latest news from Cabal state the British troops were attacked by .the Afghans south of Balakissa. The enemy was re pulsed. General Roberts reports a coalition of the tribes to bring about a great engage ment. The British loss in thedate engage ment was 43 killed and wounded.

Per our Special Wire.

INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Dec. 15. The brigantine Sarah Pile, from Wel lington, arrived at TokfJea, Kaipara, with the telegraphic cable for the River Wairoa, which has been successfully laid. The schooner Caledonia, arrived from the Islands, brings intelligence that the new treaty of friendship between Tonga and Britain has been signed, New Ppywquth, Dec. 15. A lytjer has been received by the natives here from the prisoners in Dunedin, giving a description of prison life. The writer complains that the fond is insufficient, that the climate is very cold, and that confinement is exceeding irksome to a free born Maori. The letter- also states that John Haugh, half-caste, had been placed ip solitary confinement for in stigating the Maoris to refuse, to work. Wellington, Dec. 15. The Public Petitions Committee on the petition of Mr. Henry -Jackson have reported asfollows : —The petitioner prays ■ for redress of his grievance. - He alleges that he was summarily and unjustly dis missed, . I am directed to report that the Committee has not ex amined witnesses in this case, hut the result of the examination of the com mittee appointed under the Civil Service Act Amendment Act 1871, and of the Select Committee of the Legislative Coun cil, and other official documents had been submitted to the Committee. In conse quence of the late period of the session the Committee is unable to make such an ex amination into the case of the petitioner as would warrant making final recom mendations to the House. The Com mittee is, however, sufficiently informed to state that in its opinion the ca«e <d the petitioner has potheen, dealt with in such a pptpngr fta-tft satisfy the ends of justice, and go insure the proper discipline of the service, Considering the position he pre viously held jn the Civil Service as chief surveyor, and recognising hia ability and devotion to hia profession the Committee consider (hat such disobedience, if it actually occurred, should have been inquired into and dealt with at the time, and. should pot have been allowed to sleep nearly two years- Tho charges were first officially made to Government on the 15th November, 1878,, but Government did not consider them to be of very grave character, as another appointment wks preposed to bo given' to the petitioner if a suitable one could be found. Subse quently, however, thecharges were referred, to a Commission appointed under fhd Civil Services Act Amendment 4\ct, 1871- The Committee consider fhat the petitio’pE b? referred to a Cy.umiission, provided - - such Com misdon siiqul'd be composed of of I sufficient' independence apd. \iigh, ■ outside the ‘ Cly\l iSfrvic^. —TitoxjAS : Kelly, Chairman- Dec, 15.

A clerical gentleman named Arthur Graves was charged at thfe City Court this morning vith forging the name of ArcWnticnn ¥vl\vavda" t» a pvornisory note.; He arrived in the Hermione recently, acting as chaplain on the voyage, and preached at All Saints Church , here on the 7th instant. His credentials profjss to be signed by his Lordship the Bishop of Carlisle, hut it is said that ho was prohibited fIWU preaching before leaving fflr l\vis tnfr.W-. In conducting liifl. tp-day he made some statements, amt en deavored ’ tp inake out that he was ignorant as to the nature of the premia

sory note, the subject of the charge. After his committal Archdeacon Edwards sug gested that he should be medically ! sounded as to his sanity. t i'i’.; eai;K At; Gi.'Lr-: v>».. who arrived from Glasgow a couple of months with the intention of settling ! in this d : -i‘went to cimrcb yesterday ! evening in g<<od health Ho aperr. » liv-ic time with his family,- and ■ msi-re-V- -o n V. • afaboiu the- us ril'huiir,' Irif -'.riv d;or!v ■afterwards seized with a ‘paniiyHo - and expired at four this morning. The deceased, who was about sixty years- of age, leaves a large family. Prior to-the collapse of the Glasgow • Bank, ■ which affected his commercial position . most disastrously, Mr. Gilkinsou' a leading position in Glasgow, he having been senior Bailie of that town, -and identified with - many social and political movements. The credentials which-the deceased gentleman brought with him to the colony shewed that he' was greatly . esteemed-by-the'people Pf Glasgow-.-. -v.:

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Saturday, Dug. 13. 1 The House met at 2 p. m. QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr. Macandrew, The Hon. J. Hall said Government did not think it would he expedient to lay correspondence re the. ham on the table. HI.STRICT RAILWAYS. On the question of going into Com mittee of Supply. Sir O. Grey moved—“ That the names of shareholders in the district railways proposed to be purchased by Government, be supplied for the information of the House. ” On being put, the motion was lost on the voices. The following railway votes . wer§- passed: Kawakawa, £10.500;,. Wan, garei to Kamo; £40,000 ; Kaipara to Waikato, £202,000 ; Waikato to Thames, £115,600 ; Waikato..to Taranaki, LSOOO ; Wellington to Napier, LG5,000; Welling-, ton to Woodville, with branch.es to Grey town, L 225,000 ; Wellington to Foxton, L 55,000 ; Foxton to. New Plymouth, L 148,000 ; Carlyle to Waitara, L 23,3,000 ; Nelson to Greymouth, with Greymouth harbour works, L 147,000 ; jPort of Nelson, to Roundull, construction and land, L 55,215 ; Greymouth to Hokitika, L4G,500 ; W T estport to Ngakawa, L 14,000; Picton to Hurunui, L 37,500 ; Hurunui to Waitaki, with branch lines, L3(51,000 ; Canterbury interior main line, L 42,600. On the vote Waitaki to Bluff, with branch railways, L 498,000 item, “ com pensation ..to Otago .Harbour Board, L 25,000,” Mr. Macandrew spoke-in strong terms against it. Mr. Hutchinson moved—That the item be reduced by one-half.”. On being put the motion was carried on the voices, EVENING SITTING. A division took place, on the question whether the item, roads, ..bridges, and wharves, L 50,000, should lie struck out — Ayes 21, Noes 44. . .. Mr. Shrimski moved: —‘ ‘ That the items, roads and bridges in unsettled districts of Patea and Taranaki, L 50,000, be struck out” The House divided—Ayes 18, Noes 45. The vote passed as printed, The votes--Nelson South-West Geld-, fields roads and bridges, L12,2G4 West land roads and bridges, L 9,000 ; Hokitika-. Christchurch construction, supervision, and damage by flood, L 12,000 ; Roads to open up lands before sale, L101,G42 ; (amount required for present financial quarter, L71,G42 ; Water rqcea—North Island, L10,38<!; Middle Island, L29,500'; WGrG Miscellaneous Public Works, L 239,512 (required for present financial year L 200,312). Mr. Do Lautour moved LIO,OOO be struck out. ” , At 11.45 Mr. Macandrew moved that progress be reported. The House divided —-Ayos 20, Noes 37. Mi - . Macandrew said that although not ; a Sabbatarian, sitting on Sunday morning j was most disgraceful; and he would ask all of his opinion to leave, and allow Govern- , meat to get through the estimates as best i they could. . ~ Dr. Wallis said ho was doubtful when j Sunday began. ; By some it was. assented that it began at sunset; by others a small j section, at midnightand again, by ; others, at sunrise. , Mr. Macandrew,and. one or two others then left. , ( The, Hon. J. .Hall said that if thqy r .' would not obstruct business as they ' had done there would bo no need to i encroach on Sundays. It was perfectly ' childish to object to go on with the busi- - ness because it was a quarter past twelve on Saturday night, They had lipped,, in ] deference to the wishes of members, to j get on with the business, and soi close the .' session on Monday.. That would be run- j dered impossible, . j Mr. Stewart,,. Mr. Moss, and Mr. ] Tawhai .objected to the House sitting on Sunday. i It was eventually agreed to report pro- j gross. The House adjourned at 12.25 • a. m. till Monday at 11 a.m. ] Per Our Special Wire. ,; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ! '■ MdNTjAV* Diec. 3‘5. I lii the Covpibid to-day, business began at 11 a.m, The Property Assessment,-,. ; GustpnfS, Tobachd; - Public Revenues* and ! Treasury Bills- wore passed through all i their stages. Thp Tb A?o, Reclamation !' 1 Bill and thp sjtea; for Wof-king Men's Cfixb BrU weye read a second fln,K\ The Wanganui 'Endowed ’School and the : Gtagp. Harbour Improving Bills were : shelved. Council adjourned from 5 to 7.-30. . EVENING SITTING. THIRD READINGS. Thames Harbor Board Bill, Auckland Harbor Board Bill, and Working Men’s Club Sites Bill. The Otago University Reserves Bill \va* thrown out by 10 to 5. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House mef at 11 a. m. VSE FOR THE LOAN. . Mr. Ireland asked the Minister for Pub lic Works if, in the event of tfip L’5»000,000 i loan being obtained.! they (the Govern ) merit)' will cause a survey of the railway I line from Lawi'ence to Ettrick and Rox ■ burgh to be made. 1 Mr. Oliver replied that inquiries would.

r' heniale, and if it was found to be a de - sirame work for construction, and funds • at the disposal of Government, then the survey 'v<.nld he ordered. i _ « ' <-r,i) , l vlr. r -:t ■•!.!.asked the Munster of Do r I , -,'e (I.) V\ nol her he has boon inf-omed • I tr- i TluVaior.'Navr' lifigadc boat, i li-' - | mope;-;- -d ' o company. 1! and. i case, .ho would cause the necessary sum to be provided to render the boat of ser vice, on the condition that the members of the brigade do all- the work of repairs , and sailmaking free of charge. Mr. Hall said an application on the sub ject had been .made. , Government, would not be. justified in placing any sum on the‘ Estimates for the purpose,, but they would • .cause, inquiries to,be made ; . and if found necessary, other provision would be. made ...v.p .yMOKKy.oN cSristmas day". ;■ ” . :,.:..®epiying.':tq,Mr. Allright, ’ ■■■? (Mr.. Union, gteiiiiishipl ■ Company lumo made application-'for. Go-' .vernment officers to work on Christmas Day at-the Bint of Lyttelton until ;9' o’clock on that'morning.- ' A GENERAL AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE COLONV. Mr. Acton Adams asked whether the Government vvyiil take into consideration the desirability of promoting the establish ment of a National Agricultural and Pas toral Association, and whether they will place a sufficient sum on the Supplemen tary Estimates for that purpose. Mr. Hall replied that Government fully . appreciated the importance of the ques tion, and recognised that it would he their duty to encourage such an institu tion. No association of the kind had yet been organised. Such being the case, be would not be justified In asking the House to vote any money for the pur pose. TUB ELECTION, TBLEGR* MS. Replying to ( Mr. Tole, ' Mr. Hall said Government did not in tend taking any farther action with regard to the report of the Electioneering Tele grams Committee., WHO MAV NOT BE A COUNTY CHAIRMAN. , Replying to Mr.-Swanson, ■Mr. Hall said it was contrary to the Civil Service Regulations for a General Government Returning Officer to act as a chairman or member of a County Council or a Road Board., WAU'U RIVER. Replying to Sir G. Grey, Major Atkinson said steps would be taken to examine the entrance into the Waipu River, to ascertain what improve ments cun be effected in its navigation. TELEGRAPH EXTENSION. Replying to Mr. M‘Dpnald, Mr. Hall said Government would not promise at present to extend the telegraph line to the township of Ormond, in the Poverty Bay district. The House re-assembled WAYS AND MEANS. The House went into Committee of Ways and Means. The Public Revenues and Treasury Bills passed without amendment. They were reported, read a third time, and passed. . A LOST BOAT. On going into Committee of Supply, Mr. Tole moved consideration of the claim of Edmonds, in respect of a boat belonging to him, which had been captured in the year 18(35 and destroyed by hostile natives. The value of the boat was LI2BO. Mr. Bryce said this was only one of a number of similar claims, and Govern ment desired to see the whole of them dealt with on a general basis. These claims were now based on a most exaggerated estimate, and this was no exception to that rule. Still he thought there was some basis for these.claims, and would like to see some general scheme adapted for adjusting them. His opinion was that the total award of these just < claims would ho foupd..to be between L 50.000 and LOO,OOO, Mp Kelly move<| as an amendment “That all these claims be enquired into by Government, and that provision be j made for their.discharge. ” i Sir George Grey thought it better that i each claim should be decided on its" own i merits, and as it came before them fdr that' i purpose., he would support it sum' being ■ placed on the Estimates. , 1 i Mr. Tole asked leave to withdraw the *1 motion, which was at first refuse’d, but afterwards agreed to. , 1 THE’ ELECTION TELEGRAMS. ] Mr. Speight moved— 11 That the House do.now proceed to consider the Elections i .Telegram Committee’s report. ” ~ - Sir G. Grey alluded to the telegram, I sent by mistake by his secretary, as a j public telegram. He ought to have been i asked to pay for that telegram before it, j was produced, and the Premier having' i neglected to do so, had violated every I principle of honor as between gentlemen. 1i ■ Then, when he tried to bring tip the 3 matter of these telegrams the Premier ic. tried to slink away. Ho tried to debar ; J him from bringing on the ivvdt r. It |o was true he afterwards thought better of n it, still that did »ii>t change the fact that f in the first' instance he tried to burke the a point. The member for Geraldine might i laugh. That hon. gentleman, invariably a laughed at wliat was wrong, and sneered v at what was right. What he complained c !of was, this attempt had been made to u injure others. For himself he did not <i care if every telegram, public and private, t had been produced. He hoped the House ] would pass strong censure on Govern- t I mend fdr its actions in the matter. h MIC Hall had after day to submit to in | suit and slander at y'the hands .of the t ! mover of this moiion-ixnd his followers. j f ’ Mr. Macandrew said this was a case v.f l\ party spirit over-roftching itself. This was, ! t itself the whole bother. It had arisen out , f of a'Parlianientry question of LHO. He j was perfectly'satisfied in his own- mind i that the previous Government had made i Use of the Telegraph Dojcntuieiit, although front the iqitvVw of things the,fact, could ( now be Ciljettriy established. ■ , -< Mr, Saunders said the-q.uestiqn was not j about whether or not the , colony had lost f L3O. What was wanted was to, ascertain i the nature of the-influeuco brought to hear « on the late elections hy Ministers. Two t of these telegrams were directed to editors j of newspapers, asking them to support one particular class of candidate ,to t,he , prejudice of the other. That was file ( nature of the influence they desired to in- ! rive at and not the mere question of a paltry sum of money. [1 The debate was interrupted by the 8.30 | p.m.

EVENING SITTING. The House returned at 7.30. The debate was resumed by Mr. Hutchi son. He advised the Premier to say that lie regretted tlie telegrams had been given, up, and he (Mr. Hutchison) believed that | would satisfy the House. " ’ .''luuneiit put jind negatived on the ■ i.ei , i'lii* original motion bein'' put. , \p !. ' ■ i: .a;.;,.. ~,.orher - < . •••>• ■ !:;■ v.,.«.•••;toent : • an e: '•.••• of the I 0.iv.:5”- : motion. v, i!i\ V, to allow tn.e y.iicr business to ho .rone on with, the suggestion was agreed" to, and the .business, on the order paper proceeded. THE PROPERTY TAX. Mr, Dick said that in Committee he would propose the amount he reduced one, halfpenny. Mr. Pitt said he would vote for the amount, being made one halfpenny. Sir G. Grey condemned the Bill.; It was altogether unnecessary.. An income tax would have been fairer. He would rote against the Bill hi every form when the question, was brought;up in Committee. As to whether the amount should be ,Id or id, he did not know how he would go. Ho w ould be guided by facts then adduced. He, thought the cost of collecting would be very large. Indeed it most unfair to ask a man to value Iris own property. Major Atkinson said it was monstrous for members of the Opposition to say there was not need for increased taxation. These gentlemen had spent during th« the time they wore in office 3i million* of money, and left liabilities to the extent of 2i millions. In the face of that, it was perfectly absurd for them to speak about dispensing with increased taxation. There was, as shown by figures he had brought down, a deficiency of L 140,000, indepen dent of supplementary estimates, which may be set down at an additional L 70,000. With strict economy they hoped to be able to reduce that deficit. On a division that the Bill be read a second time—Ayes, 41; noes, 22. The Bill was read a second time and committed. Mr. Dick moved the words “ one penny” be struck ont in clause 2and “ one half-penny ” inserted. Major Atkinson said at the penny rate Government would not be able to raise more than to L 208,000. He hoped they would not insist in the proposed reduc tion.

The House divided on the question that “one penny” stand part of.the question —Ayes, 24; Noes, 3(5. The words ’“one penny” were therefore struck out; and on i.'iu < nestion that “a half penny ” be inserted—Ayes, 24; Noes, 3(3.

Mr. Hall said the reduction from Id. to id. was a great disappointment to Govern ment. He had no doubt hut members were sincere in their, avowal that next session, if Government found that id. was too little, a penny would be voted. Major Atkinson moved a further amend ment—that the sum be fd. A Mr. Dick said lie fully admitted there would bo a deficiency, and in bringing forth the motion ho did, he had kept that fact steadity.in view. (Left sitting).

INQUEST ON THE RECENT FIRE IN TANCRED STREET.

An inquiry was hold yesterday at the Courthouse, on the late (ire—before Mr. I l ’. Guinness and a jury, of whom Mr. 1). Williamson was chosen foreman :—D. Williamson, C. Reed, W. Anderson, G. M. RobinsOn, W. Sparrow, A. Orr, T, Brnadbolt, W. Power, T. R. Redder, Thos. Quill, Jaa. Mutcb, G. St. Hill, IJ. Henderson, R. Bean. Mr. Branson appeared to watch- the case on behalf of Mr. John’ Fowler. In spector Pender conducted the inquiry. The Jury having visited the scene of the fire, the following evidence was taken : Miv W. 11. Gundry—Am a partner of the firm of Edmiston Bros, and Gundry. Our firm are agents for the South British Insurance Company. I know Fowler,i premises, which were destroyed on Nov, loth last. There were two fllopa ia the building, one occupied by MK Fowler, and the other by Mr. Hicks. Mr. Fowler effected an insurance on the two buildings on Nov. 15th, 1877—0 n his ovn for L2SC„ and on Hicks’ for Ll5O. , liere Was also* an insurance for LSOO on Fowler’s stock,, which was effected on Oct. 16th, 1877, int our office. The policies were in force bhi *the day of the fire. The policy for thei L4OO expired on <he <lay of the fire, andl was renewed on that date. In September; last Fowler’s insurance on his stock was; L4OO, in the London and Lancashire' ini addition to the risk ofLSOO in the’ SOiitlu British. We objected, to the amount; aiull the insurance was reduced in the London; and Lancashire to L2(X). The reason we> reduced the risk was btcause we did nob think the stock enough to cover LOW). F dopot know of any other insurance ®tu We buildings or ptock ether than 1 hast® mentioned. , I have examined tw«n Mr. Fowler’s day-books. The one pro duced, marked A, wasigiven to m® by Mr. Fowler after the fire I obtainjedi the other front among the salrage stock on ttlue morning after the fire, k ledger was also found, which I returned ti> Mr. Fowler, as being of no assistance to me in exauiih ing the accounts. 1 eodd not have arrived at a correct estamah of the stuck: without the, book markedl|X I made ai careful examination of'the >ooks. I was; able from these books, to rrivo at the goods sold from JSuue 11th t> the date ofi the tire. I ajso bar® a. list of all Mr.. Fowler’s purchases from mediants during; that time,. I estimate the alue of thei stock ow; Nov kSth was LC4O. By Mr, Brausoa—We do nt insure. fio> tlift value of. goods, generally bout tbjKim i fourths of ttbuf* value. We wee sati-Meity, j when my partner inspected tlnstock.thatr. there was sufficient value in tl> slcee, on; Sept. 20th, leaving a fair mariu. (>nr policy on the stock vas the ,fi;t in date . and with “ur consent a furUiniak was; taken in the Loudon and Laiic^ure. Uy Mr. Orr— 1 could not nsfetain from i (he books the anioun rof go,oil sold for ■cash, but I took the ;.verag-* M. Fowler .gave me of bis ca- h takv'igs, vhich he ■ said wej-o about L4O per loiontli. I have-' not ■ received any casbrfiook. hiid an estimate of stock giv>m hy Mr. : , ; ,wlev at tlie meeting of his ci editors on prij Bth 187!». ” ” .By Mr. St. Hill—Mr. Fowler.-tme me evt'iy.assistnqfe he could in miing the; estimate. IleVstiinated liis stoclct Llo2oi ’ a few days after the fire. ' By Mr. Quill—Mr. Fowler ejmatedl his stock in April at L4BO. I tlix the; L4OO on the buildings a fair figui Mr. Fowler told, me he did not kee^cath^

Tuesday, DECEMfefeft i 6, ovi.nwifciwiiw m

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

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