Canterbury Corn Exchange and Fanners’ Club.

(by our special reporter.) The annual meeting of members in con nection with the above institution was h ild at the Exchange on Saturday after njon last; About 20 persons were present. The Chairman, Mr. Thomas Bruce, opened the proceedings by requesting the Secretary to read the minutes of the special general meeting, held on the pre vious Saturday. They were accordingly read and confirmed. The Chairman then briefly adverted to ■ the object for which the present meeting had been convened—viz., the framing of rules-for the management of the Exchange during the year 1880. Another question for consideration would be the appoint ment of a Comvnitte *, Secretary, . and others, hi order that the business of the Exchange might be carried on. It would also be advisable, he thought, to appoint deputies in tho various districts, for the purpose of ascertaining the number of subscribers that were likely to bo ob tained during the next or ten days. It would, in his oj. inion, bo well to leave the election of the directors till some future meeting. He would, however, leave tho matter in the hands of those who were then present. Hie meeting held on Saturday last had been called for a special purpose, and it was now for them to consider whether they approved of what had been done. The minutes of the meeting held on the 26th January, 1379, after having been read, were duly confirmed. The Chairman said the next business would be to receive the auditors’ report. Mr. Banks, one of the auditors, said there was not a report to bring forward, as they had, so far, only been able to make a partial audit, owing to the banks having been closed. There were one or tw;o little matters which had come before their notice, and which required a little attention before the next year. The mat ter was a very trifling one, but it ought not to occur again. The Secretary had, in his opinion, rather exceeded his duty in making an advance of LIOO out of the funds to a client. He felt sure, however, that he had done so with none but the best intentions, and solely for the ad vancement of the interests of the Corn Exchange. There were also two or three other small matters, which he thought should be remitted toa finance committee, if they would appoint one, with regard to the position of tho Secretary and tho Treasm er. The auditors would recommend that the Secretary’s salary be increased and that he give a guarantee of say L4OO. The secre tary had explained the difficulty there was in reference to the signing of cheques, the Committee being sometime# out of the way. The auditors would me* t next week, get the books of the Association so as to enable them to bring forward a re port to lay before the Committee. Brett called upon the Secretary for aii explanation, and who in reply stated that in regard to the LICK) ad vanced, the matter resolved itae’f into this—Mr. James Wilson, of Winchester, had consigned a quantity of grain, oats, and barley to him personally as the Secre tary. The grain duly came up to the rail way station,"but as goods could not be left there for a longer period than 24 bom's, lie had them sent to Meaat#, Matson and Go’s, store, and went on with the sale. Mr. Wilson subsequently wrote to him stating that he had taken the liberty of drawing on him for the money; and a# some of the goods had been disposed of he thought he ,was warranted in doing so. The draft came from the Bank in the or dinary manner, and as Mr. Bruce was out of the way it was not possible to get him to sign a cheque. He (the Secretary) after having seen the manager of the Union Bank, returned to the Exchange with the intention of getting one of the Directors to give a cheque for the LIOO, so as not to send the draft back. -He had asked Mr. Perryman. (Mr. Peny man : Yes.) Shortly afterwards the manager of the Bank came up, and said the draft would be paid, and it was done. They would observe that at the time the money was paid there was not only money but also a considerable quantity of things in the way of grain in the shape of secu rity. He bad to go at once to tile Bank, for there was no time to ask permission, and what had been done had been in the ’ interests of the Exchange. (Hear, hear.) In reply to Col. Brett the Secretary said there were still one or two good accounts ; —subscriptions—to come in. The Ex change was not responsible. Tho Chairman, replying to Col. Brett, said the sale of grain was effected through the Exchange, which only made a slight . profit on the sales. Mr. Sawle, as one of the auditors, did not wish to throw any censure on the Secretary, but thought it would be a bad precedent to take the funds for the pur pose. He thought it would be much better if the offices of Secretary And Trea surer were'combined, as there was sonie .. times great difficulty experienced in re gard to the payment of cheques. If the I ' Treasurer guaranteed the L4OO, that would j . cover all which was necessary in connec tion with the business of the Exchange. He was sorry to see remarks had been ! made, in reference to the Exchange, set • ting class against class. With regard to " 1 - the u intermediate” men, he had always ■ understood that the object of the Ex change was to bring the buyer and seller together, so that they might know the cur rent prices of grain. He had found as much as 3d. to 4d, between the buyers in Christchurch, and although he had re ceived the greatest consideration from ' gentlemen, yet ho thought it was the duty of the farmers to see that too much was not got out of them. „ The Chairman said that as the meeting had.heard the report of the auditors, and the explanation of the Secretary, he would like to know whether such met with their approval. Colonel Brett thought that in justice to the Secretary, the meeting could not be 1 otherwise than satisfied with the explana tion given. Sir.Cracroft Wilson thoroughly endorsed the remarks of Colonel Brett, and, after a few remarks from Mr Banks, said doubt less the incoming Committee would take tlie necessary steps as advised by the auditors. He thought a resolution ought to be passed absolving the Secretary from anything wrong. After some further conversation, the Chairman said the next question for con- Visideration was the election of the Co:n 'niittee. He did not see how one could ' be elected , as he had not a single sub ■iriber yet. Could not the incoming

members elect their oWn committee ? A public meeting could be called if' neces sary. A Board of Directors and a Secretary would also have to be ap pointed. Mr. Banks, referring to the constitution of the Association, deemed it advisable to alter it. His impression was that if the buyers were excluded from the Com mittee it would be a wrong step ; and instead of endeavouring to set class against class it should be the object of the Society to bring them together. In his opinion the Committee, instead of being exclusively for the sellers, ought to consist of one-third buyers to two-thirds of the farmers, which would be a fair representation, and would inspire more confidence on the part of the buyers in the working of the institution. He felt certain that the farmers would benefit by such a measure, and that more subscri bers would come in. The benefits would be mutual, and the matter required a little consideration before the next meet ing as, he thought, there was—as the thing now stood, a one sided feeling which ought not to be. In reference to the constitution of the Committee, the Chairman believed that it had been proposed by Mr. Stead and seconded by Mr. Wood, that it should consist of farmers only. He saw no objection to buyers being admitted. Mr. Banks believed that there had been a proposition made to the effect that the Committee should consist of pne-third buyers and two-thirds sellers, but which ’ did not meet with the approval of the sub scribers. He could not quite understand Mr. Stead’s feeling that the farmers should have it all to themselves, and thought there should be no unfair representations. It had also been proposed that there should be three buyers out of twenty-rne in Committee, and rather than have no voice at all in it he would be rather out than in.

Mr. W. Bateman remembered perfectly well that the point had rested entirely with the subscribers, and said it was due to the buyers that the matter had not ter minated as it had done. For his own part he would not exclude any subscriber, as they should be privileged to elect whom they pleased. The Chairman had spoken to several gentlemen in reference to the question— among them Mr. Wood, who distinctly said that the Committee should be con ducted by the farmers only. He had tried to get him on the Committee but could not.

Colonel Brett could not see the advis ability of postponing the election of the Committee till another meeting. It had been understood by the members that the Exchange would still go ou, and, in regard to the subscription list, he thought that when the Secretary requested a member to pay his annual subscription that it would be at once received on a notice from such member of his intention to withdraw fponi the Association. He was under the impression that they were all subscribers, as hitiierto, with their names still on the list, and considered that they were capable of proceeding with the election of Com mittee and Chairman, and should not defer it to another day, fife would, there fore, move—“ That this meeting elect the Committee for the ensuing year, 4

Mr. Bourn seconded the resolution. Mr. Henderson proposed as an amend ment_“ That this meeting adjourns for a week or a fortnight to enable those pre sent to obtain »s many subscribers as pos sible, and report on such, and that they should be at liberty to elect a Committee of management for the ensuing year, and to elect their Chairman. The amendment, duly seconded by Sir Cracroft Wilson, was with the resolu tion put to the meeting and carried —10 being in favor of the amendment and 5 for the resolution.

The Chairman suggested that each mem ber should endeavor to obtain in his re spective district as many members as pos sible. It would be a great help. The Secretary explained that in regard to the accounts he could get a balance sheet ready for next meeting. The funds in the Bank belonged to those who sold through the Exchange, and it only re mained for him to wake out the account sales and thorn together with the balance at the Bank laid before tho next meeting. Some further conversation then ensued a# to the advisableness of raising the sub scription, as the Secretary’s salary wa# to be increased. The Chairman thought the Secretary ehejjJd be called upon to none other than hi# particular business, and that he ought to be paid accordingly. The general opinion was that it would b g inadvisable to increase the annual sub scription, and it would be possible to give the increaoo without it. Colonel Brett intimated his willingness to write to those who bad failed to pay their subscription. After a few remarks from Mr. Btnks respecting the Committee being a mixed one, Sir Gvmoft Wilson moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and the meeting adjourned till 2 o’clock that d»J fortnight.

CONCLUSION OF THE CALE DONIAN SOCIETY'S SPORTS.

The sports were .continued on Saturday at the grounds in use by flip Society, and the weather being i» every W»J faWT» ble, a large crowd was attracted to the ww. It will be remembered that only #> fey, and these the least attractive, of the events were pulled off on Friday, so that there was left for Saturday quite a good sports in itself. The course remarkably well kept, and scai’cely any ditfiewlty was experienced by the Ground Stewards in keeping the crowd within bounds. The Cofewitfee m«n were as energetic as they were the previous day, and their efforts seemed to day to carry fesk with them, everything going well, and everybody being in the best of humor. One Mile Handicap. Groves, 150yds 1 Organ, scratch 2 M'Farlane, 200yds. ... 0 Organ was handicapped clean out of this race, and although h» made a plucky spurt in the last round, he could not pull up the distance given to Groves, who ran a game race throughout, winning easily. M'Farlane never had a show, and gave up on the third round. He ha? g good style, and ought to improve as he ages, WRESTLING. John Flaher 1 Charles Bnprke 2 The last struggle was a moral, the first thr jw was given a no-fall, bgj the second hold was a grand display of science #nd muscle. Bourke, by far the lighter man

of the two, showed grand play, but Flaher’s strength told in the end, and ho concluded the event by a splended back throw. Boy’s Running High Leap.— l, Price, 3ft. lOin. Macfarlane came up well on the win ner, and all jumped well. The entries were Gaukrodger, Escott, Leitch, Maclauchlin, Permain, Louis, Price, Jameson, and Macfarlane. 300 Yards Handicap. D. Gilmour, 12 yards ... 1 Organ, scratch 2 Simpson ... 3 The handicap was a good one, as all the men;finished in a bunch, the second and third men being so close that it was diffi cult to distinguish who breasted the tape first.- Organ fouled a flag and was baulked otherwise he would have probably been first. Irish Jig—Men ; Ist prize, L 3 ; 2nd, 30s. Immense interest centred in this event, and eight entered for the competition, Mr. Con O’Boyle fingering the flute neatly, and giving high satisfaction. The first to take the platform was Mr. Michael Lough lan, a Kerry man, who beat the hoards in graceful and chaste style, and in first rate tune. We should set him down as an honest, straightforward dancer, who knew what he was about, and what a jig was like. Then came T. Gleeson (from County Limerick) got up perfectly for the part he had to play, with a full supply of tho “ green,” and wearing proper corduroys of just the proper length. He went to his work like a business, and had only done a step or two when he took the crowd’s fancy, and elicited the applause of the ring. Mr. A. Williams, a Dublin County boy, took up the strain left by Mr. Glee son. He, too, was “dressed” for the jig, and his get up was very neat, but not a bit more taking than his patter ing.” Then followed our own man Mr. Cullen, a very graceful dancer as most of Ashburton know, and he did not show to any disadvantage amongst the day’s com petitors. Mr. T. Sullivan was “ his succes sor on the platform—active and energetic, and with all an Irishman’s fire and spirit. Then followed the brothers Fitz gerald, quiet, neat, and unostentatious who won much favor of both the judges and the crowd. Mr. Murray, an Aber deen man, was the last, but though he danced well he did not fulfil all the con ditions of his entry, and he was dis qualified. The judges had a difficult task to perform in making their selection, aid after due deliberation they awarded the prizes to Gleeson and Sullivan —equal, an extra one going to Williams. Throwing the Hammer —l6l b. ; Ist prize, L2 ; 2nd, LI. W. Furneaux, 63ft Bin., ... 1

M'Knight, 62£t Cin, 2 Quinlivan, 61ft2in, ... ... 2 The throwing was not up to the usual average. Wrestling —Collar and Elbow, prize, L 5. Entrance money to go to 2nd prize. The canvas jackets necessary for this event were not provided, and a makeshift in the shape of sacks with holes cut for heads and arms were made use of. There being no sleeves attached to the sack by which a proper “ hoult” could be obtained, a dispute arose on the first struggle betwenFlaher and Furneau. The next struggle was something immense. Flahor’s “clothes ” came off, and a sort of scrab bling match followed —Sometimes one on top sometimes the other, but the judge (Mr. Stitt) could give no decision. The “sackcloth” costumes suffered most in this event, and after several attempts to get the men to compete again, the event was abandoned. Three Legged Race—loo yards ; prize, 30s. Five pairs started for this race, but two dropped out of the running near the goal, the order of winning was J.eft thus : Organ and Risely 1 Morsehead and Guy 2 M'Dowall and Gilmour ... 3 Running Hop, Step, and Jump— -Ist prize, 30s ; 2nd, IBs, This contest was not interesting, and re sulted as follows: — Mike Maloney, 37ft. 2in. ... 1 J. Guy, 3(ift, Sin 2 Ike Anderson, 36ft- 3ip. ••• 3 Running Long Jump— lst prize, 30s ; 2nd, 15s. Guy won this event with a bound_ of jUsf|fc., Mooney being second with 15ft. Bjn. Singlestick.—Prize, LI. There were tw proper weapons, and willow switches had to be used. Grant ••• ? Broadbelt 2 Watson 3 WALKING Match —Men, 2 miles ; Ist prize, L 3 j 2nd, 30s. John Smith (220yds) ... 1 J. Baylis (250yds) ... ..... 2 Burke (100yds) 3 Stewart and Gleeson also started. Highland Dancing. Swobp pANOE (Crhilie Galium); Ist prize, L 3; 2nd, 395, For this event only three goiflpetitors entered. Murray’s footing of the cross swords was just perfect. M‘Rae s was as nearly so as may be, and Calder without doubt danced remarkably well. Murrayjgot first place, and M‘Rae second, the judg ing for second place very difficult. Highland Fling— lst prize L 3,295. The same competitors entered for tins S 0 f/oy Ghilie Galium, but the awards were siigjhtiy different. Champion Murray, of Gourse, won fifst honors to the Athole elan, while Gakler," the Gordon representa tive, got second. M-'Bfte (Su%rljand) was a fair third. Piper Eider ble w bravely ip this event, as indeed on all occasions when he was required to “ sfegek his chanter,” and the dancers were in high feather with their piper. HiGHi,A>if/ P-BEL— Ist prize L 3, second 30b.

A new competitor was sddpd 1° the list for reel dancing, in the person of Mf- George Kidd, and after a few figures had bpen gone through the judges awarded. The showed that Mr. Kidd had not entered in vain, ferjje got second prize, Mr. Murray being first. Best Dressed Highlander—prize £S. All i]w men on the ground in the national entered fer this competi tion, but after some plfisg judging the prize was awarded to Messrs.. Kidd ft»d Colder—equal. Old Men’s Race— Over 40 years ; 100 yards ; Ist prize LI; 2nd, 10s. Four yeterans entered for this spin. They were gajpg old chaps, and covered the ground in a manwsr that would not have disgraced younger runners. The baker won, and the little publican was a jpoft second.

Handicap Consolation E.ACt —For boys and men, 200 yards ; Ist prissy, L2 ; 2nd, LI. M‘Farlane ... ... ... 1 Guy ... ... 2 The sports finished just in time to allow everybody to get out of a drizzling rain that began to fall at seven o’clock, and very soon after the ground was thoroughly deserted. Notwithstanding the wet, the brave Highlanders marched into town, following their piper, and after the whistles of all had been “ wet,” they paraded the streets of the town for an hour, when the rain had ceased. All things considered, the first meeting of the Caledonian Society must be written down a success, and tilt experience gained by certain little hitches, that occurred will be val cable next year.

RAKAIA SPORTS.

[By an accident that happened to our reporter on the Sports ground he was un‘ able to forward his report in time for publication on Saturday, and we give it to-day.] The South Rakaia annual spor ts were held at Rakaia on Boxing Day. The weather was gloomy in the morning, and a slight shower fell, but towards noon the rain passed oil’, and the remainder of the day was all that could be desired. The first event on the programme was the 100 Yards Flat Race, for boys under 16 —First prize, 155.; second, 7s. 6d. Joseph Doherty, 1 ; Barker, 2. Men’s Flat Race, 100 yards First prize, 305.; second, 10s. H. Corbet, 1 ; —■ Carey, 2. Running High Jump, boys under 16— First prize, 205.; second, 10s. J. Hood, 1 ; Childs, 2. Hack Flat Race, 1 mile —Prize, L 5. H. Webb’s Little Tom, A. Mason’s Syl vanus, C. Lake’s Baron, A. Mangham’s Flirt, 1. This was a disastrous race. At starting all the horses got well away, but making the second round one of the horses bolted, knocking down our reporter, but fortunately without his sustaining any very serious injury, and before reaching the winning post Baron stumbled, throw ing his rider, over whom the horse rolled. The lad, a son of Mr. 0. Lake, was taken up insensible, and conveyed to his father’s house, and the doctor telegraphed for from Ashburton.

Men’s Race, 1 mile—First prize, LI ; second, 15s. Carey, 1 ; Brown, 2. Putting the Stone —First prize, LI ; second, 10s. O’Connor, 1 ; H. Bayley, 2.

Men’s Running High Jump—First prize, LI 10s. ; second, 15s. Mangham’s and Cronin ties.

Wrestling—Cronin first prize, L2.

Married Women’s Race, 50 yards—First prize, LI ; second, 10s. Mrs. Thompson, 1 ; Mrs. Earringe, 2.

Throwing the Hammer—First prize, LI; second, 10s. Bayley, 1 ; Anderson, 3. Tilting in the Ring—First prize, L 3 ; second, LI. Anderson, 1. Walking Race, 2 miles—First prize, L 3; second, Ll. J. Brown, 1 ; Little, 2. Standing High Jump—First prize, 15s ; second, ss. 440 yards Flat Race, boys under 16— Prst prize, Ll ; second 10s. Doherty, 1; Hood, 2. Men’s Running High Jump—First prize, Ll ; second, 10s. Carey, 1; Corbet, 2. Men’s Hurdle Race, 120 yards—First prize, Cup and Ll ; second, 30s Carey, 1 ; Corbet, 2.

Old Men’s Race, 100 yards—Frst prize, LI ; second, 10s. Fagan, 1 ; Doherty, 2. Vaulting with Pole—First prize, 30s ; second, 15s. Frankish, 1; Hagonin, 2. Sack Pace, 100 yards—First prize, 255; second, 7s 7d. Fagan, 1; Hugonin, 2. Handicap Flat Race, 440 yards—First prize, L 3 ; second, 25s ; third, 10s. Durant, 1 ; Little, 2 ; Corbet, 3. Hack Steeplechase, It, mile—Frst prize, LI0; second, L3—Anderson’s Tam o’ Shanter, I ; Moss’s Terror, 2. There was oply one entry for the greasy pole, and the event was won by the use of rope gjdngs for the feet. The egg and spoon race did not come off, owing to their being no eggs on the ground.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Thp usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held yesterday even ing. Present—His Worship tj;e jV^ayop (presiding), Messrs. Parkin, St. Hill,' R, Friedlander, A. Orr, G. M. Robinson, D. Williamson, and E. Saunders. THE MAYOR’S STATEMENT. The Mayor stated that lie would, by consent of ‘tlje Council, make use of his leave of absence on a future date. He had joined with Mr, Guinness in waiting op Bishop Redwood, asking him to use his influence to stop any procession on Sunday last, and 50 special constables had been sworn ip to keep the peace in case of a dis disturbance. Sis hod received notice from the Minister of Justice of hU appointment as Mayor and J.P. The first meeting of the Association of Municipalities would have to be held in January, Tenders would ho laid before the Council for Scavenger's work- There bad been trouble in the past respecting .tjiis work, and he hoped they would use their dis : cretion in accepting tenders, Mr, Gippp.- had forfeited his seat by clause oi> of the Municipal Corporations Act. He regretted this, as although the late member had not been an active, ha hs.d been a very useful one. FILLING RUTS. A letter was read from Mr. W. J. Sil cock, re repairs to ruts in streets, and offering tp ,<l>7 the work at a low rate. Mr. Friedlander thpt all works should be let by contract. Mr, St, Hid coincided in the former speaker’s remarks. It was resolved that the letter b° acknowledged. THE HAVELOCK STREET WELL. Mr. S, Hardley wrote re pipe well in Havelock Street, string that it was equa’ to any other well in the district, apd ask ing the Council to pass the work inde,- pendently of the Fire Brigade, as the test they had applied to it was an unfair one, and if sunk two feet deeper the well would probably be ruiped. Mr, Parkin said h,e had told Mr. ffaFcl ley before commencing operations that he would have to sink the well 2pft., apd he considered now tb o WO ll should bp sunk 2ft. deeper. Mr. St. Hill spoke on the matter, siiGW iivg tlr.it from the contractor’s point of view the well, if sunk deeper, would bo useless, owing to getting into a sand drift. Mr. Parkin said the well was to be sunk to the satisfaction of the Brigade.

Mr. Robinson said be w s present at the testing of the well, u..J. one Brigade had ‘ ‘ for a consideration'’ thrown a stream over his dwelling-house. Mr. Saunders said as the matter had been left to the Brigade, they should have the passing of it. Mr. Orr was of opinion that a Com mittee should be appointed from the Council. The Mayor thought they should not show discourtesy to the Brigade, and as the Council did not know the conditions of the contract the letter should be re ferred to the Brigade. Mr. tit. Hill protested. The work was relegated oy the Council to the Works Committee. Mr. Williamson said Mr. Hardley’s grievance was that a member of the Brigade was a contractor, and that undue difficulties were thrown in his way. After some further discussion, his Wor ship the Mayor, Messrs. Williamson, Orr, Saunders, and St. Hill were appointed a Committee to inspect the well, the Fire Brigade to be asked to notify the day on which the trial would take place. THE N.E. TOWN BELT. Messrs. 0. E. Fooks and Son wrote, regarding the N.E. Town Belt contract, stating that LSO would not cover the loss sustained by the contractor on the work, it having been taken at a very low rate. On the motion of Mr Saunders, seconded by Mr. St. Hill, the letter was ordered to lie on the table. Another letter from the same engineers, stated that the work on the N.E. Town Belt had been finished satisfactorily. FOOT PATHS. Mr. Friedlander, stated that Mrs. Butler was in attendance to ask for the foothpath to be put in order in front of her new hotel, and said that no footpaths were yet formed there, and the hotel would be opened on the Ist day of January. Mr. Williamson proposed the matter be left to the Work Committee, with power to act. This was agreed to. SCAVENUERING. Tender's were opened for scavengering, and that of E. Gale was accepted at the following rates.—Single pan, Bd.—more than one 7|d. ; rubbish and ashes, 2s. per load ; conditional on his signing an agreement and finding two securities for the performance of the work. THE VACANT SEAT. Mr. Campbell’s seat was then declared vacant, and the clerk was ordered to take the necessary steps for the election of his successor. TREASURER. His Worship the Mayor was elected Treasurer, vice Mr. Bullock retired. MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION. Mr. St. Hill said the first thing which ought to be considered by the association was the stoppage of processions. Mr. Friedlander wished to know if Mr. St. Hill wished to stop all processions Mr. St. Hill—Well you know what I mean. (Laughter.) It was resolved —“ That the Christ church City Council be written to, asking if they will grant the nse of their offices for the meeting of the Association on the last Thursday in January. The appointment of delegates was postponed till the next meeting of the Council. FINANCE. The debit balance in the Bank was shown to be L 614 Is. 9d. Rates collected during the fortnight, L4O 7s. The Mayor was elected a member of the Finance Committee. THE CIRCUS. His Worship stated he had charged the agent of Chiarini’s Circus a rental of L2 10s for the use of the reserve. The pay sheet was read and passed, and the Council adjourned,

INQUEST ON THE YOUNG MAN LAKE.

An inquest was held yesterday, before J. E. Trevor, Esq., coroner, at the Rail way Hotel, Rakaia, touching the death of Richard Lake, who was thrown from a horse he was ridipg in a Hack race at the sports held on Boxing Day. Mr. Caleb Tucker was chosen foreman of thg jury. After the jury viewed the body of de ceased,

Philip E. Thoreau, sworn, said —I am a constable, stationed at Rakaia. Was at the sports held there on Boxing Day. Saw the desejtsgd ridibg in a Hack pace. When the horse deceased was riding was about two-thirds over the course, I saw it stumble, and deceased fell over the horse’s head and the horse rolled over him. With the assistance of several others, picked deceased up. Ho was stiU alive but insensible, Assisted to convey him to his father’s house. I telegraphed to Ashburton for medical assistance, Last saw deceased alive at 1.45 a. m. on Satur day. Saw the race, which was perfectly fair. Consider the occurrence as purely aecidepf;al. I consider the ground was quite nt'fpr pacing op. Charles Lake sworn —I am father of deceased. He was riding in the hack race on Friday last. I did not boo him fall, I was on the course. I did not see him picked up, He was taken to my house. Dj-.Ross was gent ftp, am] attended on him, He never raljied- Ho at 3 - 45 a.m. next day, I have every reason to believe that his death was purely acci dental. I think the race was perfectly fair. My son was a very good rider. The ysiin perfectly quiet. It was not sound, tut Tnever knew it to stumble. I do not think the course was a good one. There were too many narrow places and short turnings in it. The horses had to pjtf? thi'qpgh gijd>3 i|] fences. By the Foreman— 'liluj lead jug horse had passed some yards before deceased's hqrfed. This was tbs qqly evidence, and the Coroner having addressed the jury, a verdict of accidental death was unani mously agreed on. The Coroner read Dr. Ross’s certificate, which stated that the cause of death was compression on the brain, caused by a rupture of a blood vessel in the skull.

THE NEW MEMBERS OF PARLIA MENT.

(From the own cor it of the Press.)

Now that the sec >nd session of 137'.h and the first one of the now Parliament has come to an end, you will have no more thrilling speeches and exciting te’e giaiiis to lay before the pvblic. But it may bo possible to sustain the feverish interest of your readers a little longer if

I send you a short description o£ the new material that was this year introduced into our House of Representatives. It may seem strange to commence a notice of the new members with such an old veteran both in Provincial and Colonial politics as the Hon. John Hall. Yet for this session he is one of the new members, and being one he is entitled to head the list. He looks about fifty-five years old. He is rather under the average stature, with small body and a 1 most feminine shoulders. His forehead is large, prominent, high, with remarkably equal development, the back of the head being rather small. His eye is grey, watchful, patient, and enquiring. The brain power is evidently in excess of the nutritive apparatus, the mental 100 strong for the vital nerves, and altogether he does not give at all the idea of the happy man with a hard heart and a good stomach. He is a good every-day speaker, nothing very brilliant, and nut a bit better on the greatest than on the smallest occasion. His most successful speeches are never the result of prepara- ' tion or effort, but depend upon favorable circumstances, and enough without tod much excitement. But whilst he rarely rises very high, he never sinks low as a speaker, but shows a wonderful store of knowledge, the result of a powerful mind closely concentrated on his official duties. You could never imagine him reading a novel, extolling the quality of port wine, or playing lawn tennis. But the youngest clerk in the Telegraph office is never sure that his work will not be personally inspected by the Premier. His voice is clear and pleasant when not strained, but does not reach very far. Those who know him best trust him most. But no one really doubts his integrity, although his opponents often amuse themselves by trying to make him resent their expres sions of suspicion. His weak point is that he has not enough contempt for such attacks, and condescends to arswerwhat he ought not to condescend even to hear. He wants a more comfortable satisfied assurance of his own powers and unassailable reputation, and of his immeasurable superiority over the little fry that try to annoy him, or of the arch deceivers that want to put him appa rently on their own level. His present position must soon harden him, if it does not kill him. He is not Fox’s equal for slashing, cutting reply. He is by no means Vogel's equal for plausible pro posals. He is not Stafford’s equal in talking constitutional history, or spawning new Acts. But whilst he is less brilliant than his predecessors on particular points, he is free from their special weaknesses, and is more reliable, because his powers are more general, and he is free from their most dangerous defects. He stands far • above Fox in his power of calculation, has none of Vogel’s daring dashing impru dence, and can give a confidence to his colleagues, to his supporters and his friends which Stafford never inspired. Perhaps the next new member who should claim our notice is another old public servant, Mr. Reader Wood. And if the choice were left to the ladies’ or strangers’ galleries, it is juite possible that he would be chosen first, as his speeches are generally far nine diverting than Mr. H-dl's. He stands about six feet high, with no great weight of body, and a large proportion of “ legs and wings.” His head is high and narrow, with an irregular forehead, and prominent shaggy eyebrows. He looks to be ap proaching sixty years of age ; has a rather wiry beard and a large Roman nose; In a political sense only, lie has the appear ance of a gentleman who has seen better days; and after discharging the Onerous duties of Colonial Treasurer, the light amusements of a member of the House are evidently not sufficiently exciting to rouse his energies, so that ho is not re markable for zeal in the discharge of his present duties. When he first entered the House, nearly twenty years ago, ho was just as fluent as he is now. But -then his manner was quite clerical; whereas it is now quite theatrical. He speaks very little, and though that little is always to the point it is always amusing. He looks down with almost equal contempt on both partiesin the present House and is wonder fully indifferent to praise or blame. The next in iinporuinoe, and the first really new member, is Mr. Albert Pitt, who has taken Mr. Curtis’ place for the City of Nelson. He is not equal to his predecessor, as a neat, plausible, success ful speaker, but he surpasses him as a most attentive siovqtbiem' of all the busi ness that comes before the 'House, and naturally possesses that impartial judioAl mind which Mr. Curtis could always so successfully assume. He can express him self clearly in good voice end in gqod English upon any subject, and never talks for thg mere , purpose of .figuring in ‘f Hansard.’- \4|t)iough a lawyer he is transparently honest, and never to special pleading- He looks about forty years of ago, has an open frank face, and nothing in the House has ever ruffled his temper, and that is saying a good deal. The hill, wlute-hevleh meuibpr for Dunedin comes next. He looks as if he had 'never s aid at) idle word iff }|is life. He spooks but seldom, .and never long, but is always listened to. Though solemn and ponderous, there is a slight under current of lunqor, and hist a little indication that hq has originally came from the North. The ‘ listener gjsq feels that he believes what ho ; h saying, Hq looks very care fully before ho follows the present Qo vernmont in anything, but he would cer tainly put on a dust coat if ever he had to go into the same lobby as Sir George Grey. The ,4 whips ’■ on Lojdi sides keep as dear of him as if he were a bomb-shell about £0 explode, and no one ever tells him how he had better vote, or which lobby to' go into. I don ! t mean H anything choleric or explosive about him, but he looks as if he would not value unasked for advise.

No far from Mr. Dick sits another mem ber of the same bijild, and almost the same age, but with a much loss serings countenance, Colonel Trimble, tie speaks a little too often, and makes it his mission to correct Sir George Grey’s misrepresen tations, which v.’ogkj give any member an active life. His speaking is faultless enough, hut rarely goes beyond that, and his bright intelligent face leads you to ex pect a little more variety than you get. His best clays were spent h| England and' Ireland, and like most other men under such circumstances, he cannot refrain from taking his hearers to his old hunting grounds oftener than they are willing to go.

I must now come to the two new repre sentatives for Wellington. And it is

quite a,matter, of opinion which of -thani ■ should rank first, as different judges would be sure to place them differently. ■ For a , „ tea meeting, or, even an agricultural; din-, ner, I should choose Mr. Hutchison, but for a Legislative Assembly I prefer ; his ,; much younger and much less imaginative. ■ colleague, Mr. Levin. Neither of them - are bores, but Mr. Levin thinks twice be fore he speaks once, and then he never • says a word too much. He has a neat ef fective way of saying what is necessary for. ' his case, but has hardly spoken enoi’gh to ■ gain confidence at his work, and probably for that reason never ventures to, diverge - in the slightest degree from the direct ob ject he has in hand. - . Mr, Hutchis-n is just the reverse of : . this. He roams from Dan to Beersheba with the most complete coolness and con fidence, and van .make a..very few ideas into quite a long speech. I think upon . the whole his manner as a speaker, is the . most telling and varied in the House, and- ..3 his voice is a pleasant one. He does not ’ aim at hitring, or I fancy he could .do It. He is not a sound roasoner, and as ha \ swears by Grey he has often to talk one ... way and believe another. There-is, hbw- - ever, more apparent sincerity in, his sym-- pathy for tjie working man than there .is.. in Grey’s, and he . may therefore li&t'.-:,, longer.,,-.. ' • ■: "p., •. I-: will , take next the . member fot., Coieridge;, Mr. E. : G. Wright. He •. has. done verylittle in the way of spealdngypj but that little has been done very well, ... and with so much energy that itmust have been a severe act of self-denial to Kirrt to refrain, as ail the Government sup? porters have had to do, to prevent the whole -session being' wasted in- useless ' talk. He is always at his post, and gets. to the bottom of most things.

The electors of the Buller district have changed their doctor for a lawyer, a younger . man, and one with at least: enough talking power, in the person of Mi . J. B. Fisher. He has a good com mand of language, with plenty, of-voice, and unlimited confidence. He has made some sensible suggestions, and once 6r • .twice scored a point against the Govern ment, and I am not sure that he has. not, proved the most useful man in the House to his own party. He is quitq .the, “ special pleader,” and- sometimes even, calls the Chairman “Your Worship-”. His manner and his accent-betray -an..-ac quaintance with at least non-professional society at some period of his life, which may have been in boyhood or manhood; One of the new members for Hokitika,- Mr. Reid, is said,to be the editor of a paper. Though a very intelligent,-pleasant, unagressive looking man, he talks like one who lives all the year round in politics, with avery suspicious party to uphold. His personal appearance is ah exact index of his speeches, stiff,- formal, and slender. His language aud voice are very good, he is not troublesome, and in deed does not speak often or long enough to make the dry formality of his style much felt.

Mr. Shephard, of the Waimea, belongs to the same class, but his build is of the opposite type. He looks nearly three score and ten years old, but so far from being worn down with his work, he is the fattest man in the House. His occupation, too, is essentially different from other editors as whatever Government may be in power, he.-usually supports the ■ Gor Veminent one month, 'and the Opposition the next month,’which must make his tasjc much, less monotonous. Hedges not seem to enjoy the unlimited eonfidence.pt any party, though he never joins in nhy •personalattaeks.. He. talks like a book, jf you can imagine a book in which every third or fourth line -isa long a-a-a-h. He is a thoughtful member, who • never trifiea with the;time>or temper.,pf does not talk too qnd flgan -Vi- The member for Taieri, little heard, hut. greatly respected by bath sides of the House.. . The few words ho does say are always to the purpose, He is a thoroughly judicial,' impartial uirag gressive man. ■ . Mr. William John Hurst, of‘Auckland City West, has been very unfortunate-in his first entrance upon Parliamentary-life, and has been actually sat uponi by ;the Greyites in a manner that I heVeP (saff practised Ijy qny hfldy of hßffPf.'ll9 is an energetic, active, self-conscious man, of good presence and of no mean ability, but he is howled dow.ii in the' House as if he were some dangerous .wild beast,. he even ventures an ejacqlqtiqn when Sjir Geprgp Qrey is speakipg, Sif; j3;gpgge will stop tj,nd te}l bin} to minC.hw 6wn business. Mels, in fact, the soape-goat for the sins of the four Auckland mem bers who dared to think; and act for them selves. Mr. Reader Wood is 'bbtoftd their reach. lie feels the utmost' con tempt and indifference for . all they .can say to bmp and- fie cqp h|t. tqp )Q return.’ Wei Sw.aqsqn -'hftq ■ a fepuUtlom for honesty and jqdg'nept that outweighs that of all his would be assailants put to gether, and has, besides, some little bits of paper in his pocket-book-which makes it very dangerous for some of them to turn their guns on him. Mr. Colbeck keeps so quiet, and once showed them he coi|lc| fijis pioretfiai} hq barked, that hehas given timin'‘the impression .that they had better let sleeping dogs alone.. And, thus, fhe whole brunt of their disappointment and anger and revenge is .centred on this sensitive, flinching, innocent victim, Something of the same kind, but muoh ieaa in degrde, was' tried on with the new member for the Grey Valley, Mr, Masters, who is a very nervous, delicate-looking man. When the vote of no-confldence in the Grey Government was coming off, this aoxioqa member pvas plied with telegrams from a multitude qf hjs constituents, |hg said telegrams bqiqg iqanqfqciqfqc( • lyglliqgtqo 1 With q vitjW to . the greatest efleet on the known conditions of his nerves at any given hour. He suffered intensely, but stood it all without waver ing, and learned to appreciate the ratn who had under-estimated his character. He speaks very-little, and wnqld need a peal of practice to give him confidence enough for a debater. Mr. Barron is not a nervous mnn, nor apparently a very anxious one. He is on the watch for the ludicrous side of all that trangpireq in the Rouse, and now end then contributes a sort of Punch article to the proceedings. Efe gives the idea of a meiqbep who 13 supporting a party for whom he has not'an atofn of respect. Near him sits Mr. Colbeck, who has made one very good speech, after an immense deal of provocation, in.which he retaliated bn his assailants with an effect that they had evidently not calculated on. Nothing else has ever brought him out in the same style.

[Tr espa y, D ege mbkr V-

4

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN