INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Dec. 16.

A man named Murray , has been ■ drowned- inthe Makarua Creek., Kaipunn At a meeting of owners of machinery, regarding thei Property tax, Mr. Fraser, : of the firm of Fraser and Tinne r .stated that his firm had L 30,000 worth of ma chinery under cover for want of employ-; ment. Under the proposed Bi}l they would be taxed to a crushing extent bn unproductive plant. The meeting arrived at no definite , result. Under the new treaty with Tonga the High Court for the Western Pacific Islands will deal. with offences committed by British subjects. Hr Maundsloy, Vice- Consul,. Jeft Tonga in the Emerald en route for England with the treaty. Sir Arthur Gordon, has stated Tonga is favorable, to .annexation to Fiji. King George is offered the joint Government of l»oth Kipgdpms, He is willing, to educate Tonga students at the Fiji native college. Emm^.Watson,/wife of Harry Watson, at Palmprstpii, Nprth, lias been charged with gin, old tom, whisky, &0. , "defraud the custoins. She admitted possession, but denied any criminal iptent. .. She brought down the goods. as personal effects, and f«?;he*.o«fri usi?. 'She Was fined £2O, and ' ■ ’ Captehy. Lpurie, pilot at Kaipara, has been suspended by Government. At monster .meeting of unemployed, convened for to-night, 150 were present, principally,; Dempsey’s men. - Mr. J. , Brain. > presided 1 , . and a resolution was pasaejurgipg 'Government to go on with the Newmarket contract, and sub-let the railwjay, : contract; pending ■ettlei»snt.,of -the dispute with thecon tractop and his. men. : Resolutions were also assisting immigration and with falls bf more thaiirlisplvPi f;eet.' ", The' 'meeting was orderly.;:* 'h [ '•.Gbahamstowx, Dec. 16, Council offered at auct^ft;.Jo^d|iy,.lpari£. of the Big Pump security giyenthqm by Goverhment as endfitwnfePhi £ iyqiierfjr; consisted of ropes, boilers', arid buildings,V f jStrJ..Collough, the Mayor, protested, against the sale on’ behalf of the borpugh,and community, as it was evident thejntention. of the' Goverhment was to giv&iheiendpw/uent lor the * whole. com- LiW,‘the. value bf the iron, was the reserve was LfiPO. , was withdrawn. The mining . exoitemqnt is abating much, v, The Waste Lands Board have furnished the-district with, blocks of land suitable for 'settlement under the new Land Act. There is-a meeting, to-night of the Land Association, i i l l Napibk, Dec. 17. The trial of M'Lennan, for wife murder, continues. While crpsa-examining Dr. Spencer, Mr was - suddenly seized with severe palpitation of the heart, arid the examination was adjourned until next day. : • New Plymouth, Dec. 16. The Taranaki Jockey Club have pub lished their programme for the races to be held on March 31 and April 1,1880, as follows :—First day : Maiden Plato, 50 Bovs. ; Handicap Steeplechase, 50 sovs. ; Taranaki J. 0. Handicap, 250 sovs. Second day—Handicap Hurdle, 50 sovs. , Hack Hurdle, 20. sovs. ; Autumn Handi cap; 100 sovs. Selling Race, 30 sovs. ; Ladies - Purse, ,4Q sovs. ; Consolation Stakes,-25 sovs. For the Taranaki Derby bf 1883,f0r, 3yr. olds, ,100 sovs, nomina tions will close on April 10, 1880. •■ n j s . i:.; ; Wellington, Dec. 16. ; At the Magistrate’s Court this morning three men -were fined L 5, L2, -arid L2 respectively, for assaulting, the driver, Soard and stoker, on the Wellington lilway.. . ..■• J Nelson’Dec. 10. The Supreme. Court was opened this Triornirig before the Chief justice. There ■Were no criminal, cases, and of several -civil ■ cases .all had been held over for a - future uniting, except the case of Harper v. in Which the , wife sued for a ■ judicial * separation upon, the, grounds set ‘ ! Wtt .io...*be , The respondent - Emitted the several causes set .but in 1 the ahdri verdict was therefore given ■ifor-* thh .petitioner. , The question of ftliUMSnfy hkanot yet been settled. Lu« oiij . Db»EniN, Dec. 16.’ Amongthe ißingarqoma's passengers 1 'fcrb- Archbishop Steins,. the newly . ap ■ I pointed-Roman Catholic Bishop of Auck- J ririridvaad Mrs. J. 8.. Steele, the well- JikhfoWMabtyesso j«u’iTbes>S<«ijez mail is , expected to reach . ''Diinedinby special train to-night. •ii i pupil'teachers for 'the- -Provincial -scholarships has bbm tnbnced; There are * forty candidates for teachers’ examination, and 1 hfty for the scholarships, The total rium : her ■■ of competitors; for. the Provincial ; scholarships amount to pver 100. ' 1,! r ! At- the> Resident , Magistrate’s Court this morning, before. W. L. Simpson, '• 38*q,,R, -M., ..the, ..petition of Messrs Waiter, Finch, and James, praying that Mr. BL'Sr 'Fish r junr,, be ousted from

• rftp,position, of flayer of Dunedin, to j wap recently elected was heard, it 3 Mr. Macassqy, with him Mr; Stout, ap- Smrad for the petitioners; Mr. aggitt, with him : Mr. F. R. r - Chapipan, for Mr. Fish. Mr. Macassey in .opening; the case said the petition had ■ . been ffipd, by Henry John Walter, James .it Finch, ,and James James. The first named i;j.;,!wss the defeated candidate at the recent .phetioh, and the petition was ■ lodged' under the regulations' of-Local r .iEleations Act of 1870, and the Municipal , ;! - which i>> feit challenged Mr,Fish’s election was' that , / hs not at the.titne capable of holding !, the office, ,(>£ Mayor, inalitiuch as he was .concerned as a sub-contractor in work then ...being performed for tho : Council; The u ,;,w;ojrk .in question consisted of painting and glazing under Messrs Mercer and Low’s

j; ,o contract for the erection of the Town Hall •u, .. in;the Octagon. The Acts bearing on the I.s jnatter .were the Regulation of Local Eleo , i the Municipal Corporations Act, ■i and.the Rating Act, all of which should ■. : 'ondpubtcdly be read together, and had ■•i- a united operation. ; Tire particular por •i ■..tion of the Municipal Corporations Act on r.rjwhirfi the petition relied was sub section ! >, 4of.clause 01, which laid down that no -:.f, personshould he eligible for election who , tl .I bad; any office, or place of profit under or ii , jn the gift of the Council, or was concerned participators in any contract or work I, ytbjbe done for the Council. After hear ing evidence on both ‘sides, His Worship regretted that, ih a'quCation of grave im portance like this, there should not be a

superior Court to which the matter could | be referred. He thought that it was a ; great oversight on the part of the Legis lature in making the decision final. He w>nld reser e his decision, and give the matter as much consideration as possible.

L ATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(.1 S/va'nt. )

London, Dec. 15

The “ Times ’’states that Mr. Berry’s appeal tests the sagacity of the colonies, and hopes the result will restrain the Minister from proceed ing to extreme courses. The res ponsibility rests with Victoria, as Eng land cannot prevent them from going wrong, and suffering the consequences. The landlord evicted the Dempsey family notwithstanding indignation moot ings at Balia. The Viceroy is preparing the Madras army for active service in the event of Earl Beaconsfield directing the invasion of Burmah.

Theebaw declines to guarantee more courteous treatment of residents.

The rebellion in Afghanistan is spread ing among the friendly tribes.

(AV.vbvV.) Calcutta, Dec. 15.

Further intelligence fully confirms that already to hand regarding the fighting on the 14th and previous days. The Af ghans were numerically superior to to the British, and they made a desperate at tack bn the heights to the south of the position occupied by the British forces. This was on the l‘-'th, and the English general, Roberts, consequently decided to abandon the height’s position, and con centrated his troops on Cantonnety Sterzon, north of Cahul. Orders were given to Generals Gough and Arlmthnot to bring iip reinforcements from Ganda mak and Jellalabad.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter’s Te/e# tarns.) ■■ . Sydney, Dec. 17. Mr. Cameron lias given notice of a motion for the suspension of the immigra tion vote till next jrear in consequence of the depressed state of trade and the financial exigences of the colony.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Per our Special Wire. Auckland, Dec. 17. Sailed—The Waitaki at noon for the south, with the English mail per City of Sydney. The latter vessel sailed at noon for Sydney. Wellington, Dec. 17. At the Magistrate's Court this morning a native lad named Tako Maki, was com mitted for trial on two charges of horse stealing. A third charge of larceny as a bailee was withdrawn. The installation of the Mayor was post poned owing to the non-attendance of councillors. Dunedin, Dec. 17. Something new in connection with insolvency matters lias just come to light in the estate of one James Black, a verdict obtained by the trustees against the Sheriff and others having been reversed on technical grounds. The costs of .both plaintiff and defendant have to be paid out of the es tate, and after paying preferential claims, and a dividend of ten shillings' in the pound, there remains in hand L 528 4s. 6d.. Law expenses amount to L 717 10s. lid., leaving a deficiency of LlB9 6d. Id., to meet which a call of 2s. Od. has been made upon the solvent debtors, whose clahns amount to L 1535 ss. Bd. Arrived- —Beautiful Star, from Oamarn, Ringarooma, from Melbourne, via Bluff ; Rotorua, from Sydney, via the Coast. Sailed—lno, for Preservation Inlet ; Ringarooma, for Sydne3 T . The Immigration Department has been advised of the sailing of the ship Canter bury from London for Port Chalmers with 340 immigrants. The annual statutory meeting for the installation of Mayor was adjourned for a week, as a petition against Fish’s return is not yet decided.

The distribution of prizes at the Boy’s High School took place to-day ; Judge Williams presided. The gold medal for dux of the upper school was awarde I to Pe'er A. Lindsay ; silver medal for dux of lower school, to Herbert F. Labatt. A cricket match, Dunedin Club v. Christchurch Collegians, was won by the latter after a good game. In the first in ning’s Dunedin scored 90, and Collegians 103. Harman making 39, not out. In their second innings ihe Collegians lost seven wickets for forty runs, when time was called.

i The annual prize-firing meeting of the Otago Rifle Association commenced to day. : In the , first match, ranges 400yds arid 600yds, the first prize fell to Vol. A. Anderson, Clutha, with the average score of 67 points at each range. Prizes of 10s. each were carried oft’ at 400yds by Vol. McSwan, S.D.R., with the excellent score of 39, and at 500yds by Vol. A. Anderson, with 32.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. . Tuesday, Dec. IG. In the Council to-day the whole sitting was occupied by the debate on the second reading of the Property Tax Bill, which was carried —after a discussion which was at times’very heated, lasting nearly 14 horns—by 14 votes to 10. The Council rose at 9.50 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, Dec. 15. THE PROPERTY TAX. Mr. Dick said be fully admitted there would he a deficiency, and in bringing forth the motion he did, he had kept that in view. He maintained, however, that the deficiency could be made up in another way, for instance a tax on colonial-made beer. The question— “ That id stand part of the question, as against J-d,” was then put, the division being—Ayes 24, noes 29. On the question—“ That J-d be in serted,” Mr. Sheehan moved—That the Chair man leave, the chair.” He looked upon the whole tinny os a mere sham. It was not necessary that any tax should be im posed at all.

The motion for leaving the chair was withdrawn, and the motion for was then put and carried Progress was then reported, and leave asked to sit again. ' Major Atkinson moved—“ That the Bill be recommitted, with a view of in creasing the sum from seven-eighths of a penny to one penny.” Messrs. MriiOan and Dick spoke in opposition, contending that the amount likely to accrue under the tax would ex ceed the amount calculated upon by the Treasury, and at the reduced rate would be sufficient to meet the probable defi ciency. The motion for recommittal was put and carried on the voices.

In Committee clause 2 was again con sidered.

Major Atkinson proposed “That the words ‘ seven-eighths ’ be struck out and the words ‘ one penny ’ inserted. ”

The House divided on the question that seven-eighths of a penny stand part of the question—Ayes, 18 ; noea, 34. Ayes—Messrs Ballance, Brown, De Latour, Dick, George, Harris, Johnston, Levin, Macandrew, M'Lean, Murray, Pitt, : Reid, Shrimski, Speight, Tole (tel ler), Turnbull, Wallis (teller). Noes—Messrs Andrews, Atkinson,Bain, Barron, Beethain, Driver, Fisher, J. T. Gibbs, Hall, Hirst, H. Hurst, W. J., Hursthouse (teller), Ireland, Kelly, Kenny, Lundon, Masters, Montgomery, Moorhouse, Oliver, Pyke, Reeves, Rich mond, Richardson, Rolleston, Saunders, Shanks, Sheehm, Swanson, Tawhai, Trimble, Wakefield (toller), Whitaker, Wright. On the question being put “That one penny stand part of the question,” Mr. Barron moved “ That one-half penny be inserted.” The House divided—Ayes 13 ; noes, 34. The Bill as amended, with the original sum of Id. as printed, was then reported. On the motion leave chair to n-nto Committee of Sup ply,” division too olaco—Ayes, 37 ; noes, 22. Early in the • .ruing the House went into Committeo supply and passed the remainder of the public works estimates, striking out ■y- ono item, that of Thames Orphanage, in aid of building fund, L9OO. Tuesday, Deo. 16. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. PROPERTY TAX. On the motion for the third reading of tl e Property Tax Bill, a division took place—Ayes, 32 ; noes, 23. file Bill was read a third time and passed. MISCELLANEOUS. The amendments by the Legislative Council in the Land Act, 1877, Amend ment Bill, were considered. A number were adopted, and a Committee appointed to draw up reasons for disagreeing to the remainder. The Special Powers and Contracts Bill was further considered in Committee, and on being reported with amendments, was read a third time and passed. The Public Reserves Sale Bill was read a second time. On the motion for going into Com mittee on the Bill, Mr. Do Lautour called attention to the great hindrance reserves were becoming to settlement throughout the country. He hoped Government would see its way to get many of them abolished. The Hun. W. Rolleston admitted the existence of the difficulty, and promised to give the matter consideration during the recess.

In Committee, the Bill was considered, reported, read a third time, and passed. The Otago Beads Ordinance, 1871, Amendment Bill was read a third time, and passed. The Harbors Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, passed through Com mittee, read a third time, and passed. The Electoral Acts Repeal Bill No. 2 was read a second time, passed through Committee, read a third time, and passed. EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7.20 p. m. PUBLIC WOUKH BILL. The Hon. 11. Oliver moved the second reading of the Public Works Bill. Mr. De Lautour said the provision in the Bill for aiding Companies was one which required fuller explanation. A sum of L 408,000 was asked to be appropriated fn the purchase of district railways, and they were don . 1 reasonable information about the line* reposed to be purchased, and the disiii dir which this money is to be appro -I. These lines would only benefit mi that had already been sold. Consul' - ng the position of the colony, it r. ■ oecessary that such large sums as this soould be disbursed so as to add correspondingly large sums to the revenues. The hon. member then wont into details of the promoters of the various lines, and showed that these promoters were the persons whoso lands were the most extensively benefited by the con struction of these lines, and the majority of these holdings were wholly unimproved. Indeed, the owners themselves were non residents in the district. It was evident that the promoters of these lines were solely actuated by a design to cut up their properties, and throw the burdens entailed by the making of the lines upon the purchasers. He had no wish to detain the House, but it was right they should know these facts,, in order that they might be on their guard. These com panies were promoted by the owners of land which was of such a character that it would not pay them to turn it to any practical use. All they aimed at was to get quit of the land at such an advance as a railway line would give them. Messrs. Moss, Driver, M‘Lean, M‘Caughan, Studhohn, and, he believed, the Minister of Public Works himself were all pecuniary interested in this question, and he would submit that these gentlemen ought not to remain in the House and vote on this question. He quoted from Parliamentary authorities, to show that it was the duty of the Speaker in such cir cumstances to direct that members SO in terested should not be allowed to remain and vote on the point. These gentlemen had entered into large engagements in connection with-their lines, not only for formation works, but also for rolling stock, and it was also asked that Government should relieve (hem from the responsibility of these crg-'i' cmenta. Mr. Stud holme said it was incorrect to state that ho was either directly or indirectly interested in any of these lines.

The Speaker ruled that it would not be right for any member interested in these works to vote on the subject. Mr. Montgomery said he won!- do his best to prevent the clause providing for this expenditure becoming law. The money proposed to be sent, could be much more judiciously expended in finning main trunk lines, so as to complete through systems. The proposal could not possibly sutler from being delayed until next session. At the risk of delaying the House much longer than it desired, he would resist the Bill. . Mr. Maeandrew said it was to be re gretted that the Bill had not been brought down earlier in the session, so that they might have had more time to consider its effect. When the through system of railways had been completed, it would be time enough to talk about purchasing these lines. He could see no good reason why the colony should not assist these companies in completing their lines. In Committee, he would move—“ That clause, 30, 31, and 32 of the Bill be struck out, and in lieu thereof, a new clause inserted, to the effect that the Governor in Council may from time to time advance, by way of loan to District Railway Companies, when the lines are partly or in course of construction, or who may have imported rails or rolling stock, sums of money to the total extent of the amount expended by these companies, such loan or advance to bear interest at the rate of 7 per cent per annurn, proper security being taken for repayment of such advances, and all in terest accruing thereon ; such security being taken in such form, and upon such conditions: as may from time to time he presented by the Governor in Council.” He would support the second reading on that understanding.

Mr. Fyke condemned clause 30, and said the Government might just as well bring down a Bill with the few words “ the Go vernment may and is hereby empowered to do as it likes.” He also objected to the powers asked for by clause 28, em powering the Government to modify the contract and construction of the Tapanui railway. Mr. Turnbull spoke in opposition to the Bill, and expressed an opinion that it would ho a mistake to adopt the sugges tion thrown out by Mr. Macandrew. He pointed out that in addition to the appro priation asked, it would take nearly five millions more to complete these Sines. The Ashburton line was nearly completed, and there was no good reason why Go vernment should interfere with its opera tions. Again, nothing whatever had been done to the Waimate line except preparing the plans. The Waimea line was made for the sole benefit of one or two large landed proprietors, and not for the convenience of a body of settlers in the neighbourhood. In the present state of the country large sums will be required for completing main lines, and they would have absolutely nothing left to complete the branch lines. Messrs J. T. Fisher and Shrimski both spoke in opposition to the Bill. Sir G. Grey asked Government to say •whether or not they would withdraw this 30th section. He was sure it would never get through the House. The Bill had been introduced at a period too late in the scission. At the very time they were doing other districts injustice, by telling them they had no money to pay for their lines, they brought down a proposal fur purchasing these out of the way lines. In reply to the,suggestion of the member for Port Chalmers, he would say that if Go vernment had money to lend, they might find much more advantageous invest ments. It would be better to lend the money so as to settle population in the rich swamps, the money to be used in draining these swamps. He thought the clause should not be passed. Delaying it till next session would not prejudice the circumstances of the case. The Hon. J. Oliver admitted that he was interested to the extent of 75 shares in the Waimea line. It was a matter of no importance to him whether he was able to realise upon those shares or not, but others were less favorably situated, and they found a difficulty in paying the con tinued calls upon them. He did not think a member of the House could allow his private interests to clash with his public duty. It was a singular fact that while both Sir G. Grey and the member for Mount Ida pretended great solicitude for the men who proposed buying land, no sooner bad they done so than they seemed to become the object of these two gentle men’s bitter antipathy. Government recognised that money invested in these lines would lie idle, but if the lines were not completed, it would be very disastrous to the Colony. It was certain that either the proposal of the Government, or that of the member for Fort Chalmers, would have sooner or later to be adopted. He had told them that Government would not under any circumstances agree to pay such sum for any one of these lines as would leave a profit to the promoters. The motion was then put and carried. The House went into Committee on the Bill. On clause 30, Mr. Macandrew suggested that LIOO,OOO should bo advanced for the completion of these lines for a period of 12 months, after which they would be enabled to float their debentures. He pro posed a motion to that oll'ect. Mr. Montgomery proposed that the clause be struck out altogether. The House sat in Committee till 3.15 a.m., on the Public Work's Bill. Ultima tely progress was reported, clauses 30, 31, and 32, relating to purchase of district railways, being postponed.

Per Our Special Wire. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The Cornicil met at 11 a. in. The Special Powers and Contracts Bill and Public "Reserves Sales Bill were passed through all stages. There were several meetings and ad journments during the day, waiting for Bills to come from the Lower House. At 10 o’clock a free Conference having been held on the Land Bill, its result was stated to be that the managers had agreed on their differences, except as regards the 14th, Lottery on Auction. The Council adjourned to allow of con sideration of the report of Conference by the House of Representatives. HOUSE CF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The House met at 11 o’clock, and went into Committee of Supply on the Supple mentary Estimates.

The following votes were passed :—For services chargeable on Consolidated Fund, Lit,243 11s. sd; Colonial Treasury, L 0,337 Cs. (id ; Minister of Justice, L7,!123 ; Poitmastoi -General and Com missi mor of Telegraphs, L 559 ; Commis sioner of Customs, 1.5,861 ; Commissioner of. Stamps, 1555 ; Minister of Education, 4.0500; Minister of Native affairs, L 12,557 : Crown Lands, miscellaneous services, L 1204; Railways, L15.80517s 8d; Minister of Defence, 1.09,498 ; Minister of Public Works, L 109,379 ; unauthorised expenditure of Consolidate'! Fund, year 1878-79, L 62.518 15s Id. AFTERNOON SITTING.

On the House resuming at 3 p.m., a message was road from the Governor recommending the House to make pro vision for the purchase of District Rail ways.

Sir G. Grey moved the following reply to the Governor’s message on the subject; —“ The House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, represent as fol lows—They are willing to proceed to the' consideration of the subject read in your Excellency’s message during this session of Parliament, but humbly pray that they may not be required so to do until next session, for the following among other reasons:— (1) The Bill making provision for this matter was not brought before the House for consideration by the Go vernment until the very last days of the session, when membershad either retired or were preparing to retire to their homes. (2) It was brought down in a wholly different form from that set forth in your Excel lency’s message. (3) It proposed, in fact, to authorise Government to purchase four District Railways which were private pro perty, in manner, which would 'entail a charge of considerably more than L 1.00,000 upon the colony (4) None of these i railways had previously or subsequently to commencement of their construction been submitted to or proved by Parlia ment. (5) Throughout the session Go vernment has steadily declined to enter tain proposals for, or to give assistance to, railways or lines of communication which many members considered of great public importance, on the ground" that there were no funds available for additional public works, and members have therefore refrained from making proposals, for several railways or public works for fear of uselessly delaying public business. (0) That the expenditure of any moneys on those district railways, until the claims of other parts of the colony have been fully considered, would bo an act of great in justice. (7) That various other Mans for the expenditure of any surplus public funds —such as settling famines of settlers, many of whom are now out of employment, on public lands should be considered be fore large sums of public money are dis posed of, without due notice to the House or county. (8.) That to the present, moment no information of a definite kind has been afforded to this House by the Government of the sums which have been expended upon these several railways; how far they are completed, or what sums will be necessary for their completion ; what Crown land they open up ; whether they run through public land, or private pro perty, though there is reason to believe some of them run wholly through private property ; nor is there any information before the House to show the number of the inhabitants iff the districts through which they run or are proposed to be car ried, for we do not even know that they have all been commenced. (9) That some members of the House are largely per sonally interested in these district railways. GO) That the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. Mr. Olive’’, who is promoting the measure in the House, is personally interested in one of them. Ill) That the sudden manner in which the Government has varied its proposals for dealing with the question shows bow imperfectly it has been con sidered. (12) That therefore, on the unexpected manner in which the question has been brought before us, the in sufficiency of the information afforded, the injustice it would inflict on other parts of the colony, and on the people of New Zea land at large, the magnitude of the sums involved in it, the fact of members of the House who are supporters of Government being so largely personally or indirectly interest’ d in it, and for various other good and sufficient reasons, we respect fully nray that the consideration of this question may be delayed until next session, that is, for a period of little more than five months, that this House and the people of all parts of New Zea land may in the meantime have an opportunity of considering and discussing a question in which so many and such large interests are involved.

Messrs Mr, can drew and M'Lean spoke against the resolution. Mr. "Reid supported the motion. TTe did not oxpect it could be carried, still he desired it would he placed on record, as a protest against what he considered to be a most unjust pronosal. T)r. Waif's said he had paired with Mr. Hurst on all subjects involving want of confidence in the Govern men*. He would vote for the address unless ho was assured by the Premier it would be an. copied by the Ministry as a no confi dence motion.

Mr. Hall faid it imputed censure on the Government, ard as such it would be accepted by the Ministry as a no confi- motion. Mr. T)e Hauteur said it had been ad mitted bv the member who introduced the Public Works Bill Mr. Oliver was interested in one line to the extent, of L 250. The sum might bo comparatively speaking, small, still, in Parliamentary practice no degrees of that kind could be taken into account. He would vote for each of the twelve propositions, which he sa’d won; literally true in fact. He line! followed a party in the House for years, and it was with deep regret he saw the loader of that party now aiding in carrying through this very questionable proceeding. He woidd now consider himself relieved from all party tics. Sir G. Grey said he had only one object in view, and that was to give time for the fair consideration of the proposal to purchase these railways. He looked upon the fact of these four railways having been selected to the exclusion of all other private railway lines with grave doubts. No one had canvassed him for Ids vote in the matter. He bad been told other members bad been pressed on in a way disagreeable to themselves. He did not regard this matter as a party question ; all ho contended for was that the question he delayed. Mr. Hall said the tenor of the address in reply left no doubt but it must be accepted in the light of a party question. He

would not say-the statements set forth in the address were incorrect; they were simply, however, those half truths which were the worse of all lies.

The question was then put and nega tived.

The question was put “ that the House go into Committee on the Governor’s ad dress ” and a division took place—Ayes, 39 : noes, 14.

Before going into Committee, the Land Bill was reported from the Upper House, with amendments. These . amendments not having been agreed to, the Committee was appointed to draw up reasons for dis senting to .these amendments. EVENING SITTING.,

Mr. Oliver moved to go into Committee on the Governor’s message, recommend ing the House to make provision for guaranteeing the.debentures of the under, mentioned District Railways Companies to the extent of seventy-five per cent upon the amounts which they shall re spectively prove to the satisfaction of Go vernment to have been expended in con struction, or in procuring rolling stock for such railways:—Schedule, Waimate Plains Railway Company, Duntroon and Hakaterarnea Railway Company, Wai inat'e Branch Railway Company, Ash burton Forks Railway Company. On the motion for going into Com mittee

Mr. Barron saidthatalthoughhe objected to the principle of taking over private railways, he would support Government in carrying through the proposal. Still he hope ! they would see their way to withdraw the objectionable clauses. Mr. Turnbull objected to the proposal in toto.

Mr. Macandrew, spoke in favor of these Companies being aided in carrying out their work rather than a proposal for purchasing the lines. In Committee considerable discussion took place, and the Hon. Minister for Public Works explained tht- views of Go vernment at considerable length. They would make the best terms as business men which they could. The House then adjourned in order that there might be a conference of two Committees from both Houses on amend ments made in Council on the Land Bill.

■ After an interruption of an hour, the Committee on the Public Works Bill re sumed, and the Minister for Public AVorks continued his explanation as to the course Government intended to pursue. Several hon. members followed and expressed their opinion in regard to the Bill very generally, but particularly in reference to.the 30th clause.

Sir G. Grey considered the, explanation of Government insufficient, and said he would oppose the proposal at this stage. The report of the Free Conference on the Land Bill was brought up and adopted. It was to the effect that the Council had abandoned its amendments to all the clauses except 14, and that the House should not persist in its objection to the amendment on the latter, clause. On the Committee resuming consideration of the Governor’s message re District Railways, Mr. Montgomery moved an amendment to the effect that the information available on the subject was insufficient to enable the House to come to a conclusion on the matter, and therefore respectfully submitted to the Governor that Ministers should, during the recess, obtain informa tion which would enable his Excellency to recommend more acceptable proposals next session in regard to these lines of railway. The question was then put that the words proposed to be left out stand part of the question, on which the House divided—Ayes, 24 : noes, 13. The resolution being unexpected, waS reported and agreed to, as no new business could be taken up by the House, it being 12.55. Mr. Hall said instructions had been given to detain the steamer Hinemoa until 2 p.m. for the convenience for mem bers who wished to remain until the busi ness was concluded. He moved that the House adjourn till 11 a.m. Mr. Pyke proposed the adjournment be for one month. The adjournment till 11 a.m. was put and carried. The House rose at 1 a.m.

DISTRICT COURT.

• ■ Wednesday, Dec. 17. (Before His Honor Judge Ward.) ' Peter v. Fergus. —Case adjourned for a month on Mr O’Reilly’s application. > Hugo Friedlander v. Duncan. Cameron. —Mr Purnell for plaintiff, Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. 1 On the application of defendant’s solici tor the case was adjourned for a month on payment of costs. Peter v. Fergus.—Mr. Purnell for de fendant stated that his client had been unfairly treated by the absence of Mr. Peter, causing him to have to come from Alford Forest, and In ing hi a witnesses. Adjourned for a month, with costs against plaintiff. BANKRUPTCY OASES. Re Richard Morgan.—Mr. Purnell ap plied for the costs in this case to be paid out of the estate. A fresh affidavit was ordered to be filed. Re James Johnson, of Roxburgh.— Mr. O’Reilly in support of application for production of account sal es. His Honor ruled that an action for, re covery of the money should he brought in tile ordinary way. Re James Johnson, a debtor. Applica tion for discharge—Mr. Crisp fur appli cant A fresh affidavit was ordered to he filed showing that the necessary notices had been gazetted. Re Thomas Dudson—Application- for order for payment of costs. Mr. O’Reilly appeared in support of the application. Mr. Gen. Jameson, as trustee, objected. Fresh affidavits were ordered to be filed. Re James Daly, a debtor—Mr. O’Reilly moved a rule absolute calling upon the Bank of New Zealand to show cause why they should not hand oyer moneys' stand f ing to the credit of George Allen, who had been trustee in Daly’s estate, and had himself become bankrupt since. Mr. Harris appeared for the Bank, and after a lengthy argument, His Honor refused to make the rule absolute, before being com vinced that the balance in the Rank be longed solely to Daly’s estate.

Re Priedlander’s hill of sale : a l' r mn , o’n estate—Application by Mr, O’Reilly on behalf of Munroe’s trustees, to set aside the bill of sale. Mr. Purnell appeared to show cause. After lengthy argument the application was refused. Re Wm. Munroo—Application for dis charge granted.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Ashburton Po: ough Council was held yesterday in the Chamfers at noon. Present—fils Wor j ship the Mayor (Mr. Bullock) presiding ; I Mr. Hugo Friedlander (the Mayor elect), and all the Councillors except Sir. Camp bell. The Mayor said the first business woe the installation of the now Mayor, in ac cordance with the 70th clause of the Municipal Corporations Act. The chair lie (Mr. Bullock) had .occupied for the second term would now be filled by Mr. Hugo Friedlander, and in resigning it to the latter gentleman he toot the oppor tunity of thanking the CouticiUors for the courtesy they Had always shown him. At another meeting that evening he would refer at greater length to past events. There were a considerable number of works required in town, but at present the funds of the Council did not allow of these being Undertaken at once. He hoped, however, that sufficient money would be raised under the powers given by the authority to raise the loan of L 15,000, to undertake the work of concreting the channels, more especially in the three streets where there were hotels and boarding-houses, so that the offensive surface sewage may he drained off. He did not think that the rates to do this would he felt so heavily as was anticipated. He hoped that the Government would yet see their way to be more liberal in the matter of reserves, ' As he had reiiiarkod Jit last meeting the sum of LBOO was not sufficient to cover the cost of a suitable Court House, which he had grind authority for saying could not be built for less than LgCXK). Considering the amount of land sold in the Borough he thought they had a claim upon Go vernment for more liberality than they had displayed, especially when other and smaller Boroughs had been more hand* somely treated. The Mayor then referred to fencing of the railway which he Waa sorry to say had not been seen to, not withstanding the efforts of the Council to induce Government to move in the matter. After a reference to planting and some other minor matters, the Mayor expressed a hope that the floating of the loan of L 0,000,000 would be the starting point of a more prosperous time.

Mr. Williamson said" he hoped the Councillors would not retire without ex pressing their appreciation of the able and efficient and courteous manner, in which the May<>r had dischar e<‘ his duty! Mr. Saunders said ho o ways spoke with diffidence at the meetings {if the Council, composed as that Council was of men. so much older and better able to deal with the matters of varied import that ! came before, it. It was with great pleasure, hbwever, that he overcame that diffidence at that time t«» speak in high terms of the retiring Mayor. At Mr. Bullock’s Election he (the speaker) had strenuously, opposed him, and had done his very best to prevent his election. It was with different feelings now, how ever, that he spoke, for Mri; had conducted himself in that chair in a man ner that had Won the respect of 'all who had had anything to do' with the Council. He would "hot dwell unnecessarily upon Mr. Bullock’s good qualities, which were patent to them, all, blit would 'now draft a resolution he had been requested to draw up. L

Mr. Williamson in moving the resolu tion drafted by Mr. Saunders, said it had been his fortune to be beaten by Mr. Bullock in the first contest for-Mayor. He did not join that contest' from any captious feeling, but simply because being then the oldest resident in the township he had responded to the request of-iuauy fellow townsmen. He scarcely hoped for the position, and was rather relieved than otherwise when the result was declared against him. Mr. Bullock’s; fifteen months'of office had proved that the rate payers choice had been a good one, and he was sure the Councillors would ratify that choice by passings the resolution he would: now lead : “ That this Council wishes to express its thanks to Mr. Bullock for the able, energetic, and guntleihanly - manner iu which he has filled the office of Mayor for this Borough, and trijsts that it wilt not be long before we again see him in that posi tion, of as a member of the Council. We shall be most happy to welcome him amongst us agal n. - The resolution ' was heartily passed, and Mr. Bullock acknowledged, the com pliment.' ’ ■ Mr. Hugo Friedlander then took .the chair, in response to Mr. Bullock’s re quest. In doing so he said he had not sought the office, it had been, soto-speak, thrust upon him bv the urgent request of niahy ratepayers. It was the duty of every resident to take ashare in the public business of the town, and it was from this feeling that he had contested the seat. He felt that his business experience would he use ful at a time when the finance of the Borough was low. He differed somewhat from the late Mayor in what he had said regarding the waterworks. He fancied that with the prospect of very heavy taxation now imposed by Government it. was wise to delay any large expense in the direction of local works that would en tail a heavier rating. In a somewhat lengthy speech Mr. Friedlander referred, to the Court House proposed to be built; by Government. Ho was sorry that he< had not been able to learn that anything; had been said against the smallness of the sum by Mr. Wright when it passed tL« House. Mr. Hart had been condemned, for not taking any steps to increase the sum of LSOO that had first been voted,, and considering that Mr. Hart’s alleged remissness had been made n party cry at the late general election, he was somewhat surprised that a larger sum than LSCKh had not been contended for ly Mr Wright. The various public question*,, such as fencing, planting, Ac., were them not ced, and Mr. Friedlander concluded', by bespeaking the help end leniency ot the members of the Council while he wa» Mayor of the Borough. After leave of al-sence-for a month had been gaanted to the new Mayor to enable him to visit the Hot Springs of the North. Island, the Council adjourned.-

WESLEYAN ANNIVERSARY.

[ The second anniversary of the Ashbur ton Wesleyan Church was celebrated by a. j tea meeting on Tuesday. The tables veto I Lad in the building itself, sod. the j largest crowd aver pioecn. m tiu< S chapel partook ot the good | provided. The following

Thursday, December iB. 1879.1

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

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