Forestry. —A special meeting of the Court Star of Ashburton is called for this evening, to be held at the Prince Albert Boarding House, at 7 o’clock.

Hoad Closed. —The Overseer of the Mount Hutt Road Board intimates that the road leading from the Back Track through section No. 26,905 and section 26,906 is closed against all traffic.

Holiday Making.— Yesterday, being the first day of the several holidays to come, a large number of people took ad vantage of the glorious weather to do a pic-nic, and quite a procession of vehicles —from the modest farmer’s dray to the more pretentious two horse buggy—could be seen wending their way in search of fresh fields for a day’s outing. One simi larity was, however, observable in all of them—a bucket, a kettle, and a large hamper formed part of the freight in every case ; and from such evidence we take it for granted that the occupants ac companying such articles meant to go in for enjoyment, A Rate Struck —The Upper Ashburton Road Board announce their intention of striking a rate of sixpence in the pound, on all the rateable property in their dis drict, at their next meeting on the 21st inst. The last rate struck was Is in the pound, but as the ratepayers in the Forks ward have announced their willingness more, their anxiety—to be taxed at another shilling for protective works in their locality, the sixpence for ordinary purposes wifi no doubt be found a suffi cient drain on their finances in these hard times.

“Press” Almanac. —The “Press” Com pany has already published its shilling almanac for 1880, and the quantity and quality of the information contained in it is above the average. The information for the benefit of gardene, s and farmers is tabulated in such a manner, under different headings, as to make the details easy of comprehension even to a child. The customs tariff is published in full, and all information necessary regarding stamp duties, mail news, post_ office regulations, telegrams, Resident Magistrate Court charges, the Sheep Act of 1878, —(a most important act for this district, by the way)—and a number of tables of inesti mable value to those who are constantly iii want of local and general information oh all sorts of subjects. Alleged Cruelty.— On Sunday even ing, Mr D. Buckley was given in charge by Mr ,0. W. Ireland, solicitor, forillusing a. mare harnessed to a spring cart. It is stated that the animal was severely hurt.

Election of Mayor.— The writs are out for the election of Mayor for the en suing year. The nominations have to be in the hands of the Returning Officer by noon inst, and the election will take pmee on the 25th inst. At pre sent there are only two candidates for the honor, Mr Joseph Ivess and Mr Hugo Friedlander. There is yet time for the admirers of any other ratepayer to trot him out for the event.

Dangerous Travelling. —Any of our fellow citizens, whose occupations are of such a nature as to lead them to their homes at late, or, may be, the early hours of the morning, have at present good cause for using language of questionable propriety. The gas lamps, which for a time shed their radiance over a portion of tbe town, are now only visible in the day time, and cannot even then by any stretch of; the imagination be considered orna mental ; and, to add to the discomforts of midnight pedestrians, a number of huge rocks have been unearthed in the roads, which are particularly disagreeable to kick against, to say nothing of falling over them. We think that the “labor gang,” although not numerous, but good in quality, would do rare service to the community by spending a few hours in playing “ duck stone with a few of the Obstructions. And a number of trades men do not appear to be satisfied with the quantity of land represented to be their holdings, for we occasionally interview a packing case, and sometimes a crockery cask,, and then there is an anathema pro nounced, aiid an interview follows next morning with Mr Cambridge for the pur chase of sticking plaster.

Damaging Gale in Canada —Loss of Life. —There was a severe gale at Wood stock on Aug. 6th, Trees were uprooted, fields of wheat levelled to the ground and cornfields severely injured. Very few houses escaped injury. Besides that done to the ' spire and roof of the Roman Catholic Chapel, the outbuildings, store house and barns of Rev. Mr Michaud are a mass of ruins. Mias Julia Michaud, niece of the priest, was severely injured. The convent is somewhat racked, but is still standing. Several cords of bark awaiting shipment, with several rafts of deals, were driven to sea. Irving’s ware house was utterly destroyed. The large school building with the furniture and .library are a total loss. Timbers of a ton weight were raised and carried several hundred feet. The old moulding shop and other buildings in the ship-yard were ■wept away. Fences were levelled in all directions. The riling of farm-houses and barns defy description. In many cases they were strewn for iniles along the high way roads. Crops and' valuable forest lands were completely destroyed. Deaths were continually reported. In one in stance a mother was crushed to death, while the child in her arms was uninjured. Several children in Dollard settle ent were missing. They had been picking berries, and were supposed to be killed. Subscriptions to the starving country folk are freely made. TheKhedive’s Vengeance. — The North American “ Review ” tells the following storyln 1833 tho colonel of one of Mohammed Ail’s regiment in Mecca had rendered himself odious to the soldiers, while on’parade, the officer was shot in a discharge of blank cartridges. No notice was taken of the death at the time, and it ..was thought that the thing was forgotten. Two. years afterwards, in the regular course of exchanges, tho battalions re turned to Cairo, marched into the citadel, and , piled arms. A court martial was held, and the battalion was found guilty of murder. As the individual who fired the fatal shot could not be’ discovered, the battalion was decimated, and 134 were A marched outside the gate in separate w squads, and shot hy their owh comrades. •In' the execution; some of the luckless "soldiera' were aitting, some standing, and some on their kneesV stt tKe Iminor of the officers prompted. The statement of the Imperial Bank of Germany shows a decrease in specie of 1, 7£o, 000 njarka,

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

(Reuter's Telegram.) London, Nov. 6. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is £16,625,000. ' Nov. 7. Best Australian beef tallow, 41s 6d per cwt; do., mutton tallow, 43s 6d per cwt. It is rumoured that negotiations have been opened between the Brilish and Russian Governments, with a view to the settlement of the Anglo-Russian rela tions in Central Asia, and arranging the limits of their respective influences. Unconfirmed rumors are current of the probable immediate dissolution of Parlia ment.

The wages of Cleveland surfacemen have been raised ten per cent. The Board of Trade returns of exports for the last month showed a decided im provement, the increase over the previous month being £437,500. Berlin, Nov. 7.

Prince Bismarck is laid up with a severe attack of rheumatism. The rumours of his serious danger were greatly exagger ated. Panama, Nov. 7 Heavy floods have occurred in Jamaica, attended with loss of life and great damage to the crops.

(Ags Special.) London. Nov. 6.

The Porte has sent a circular to the European Powers in reference to Lord Salisbury’s despatch, agreeing to concede all the British demands.

(Argus Special. 1 „ London, Nov. 6. Government purpose extending several millions on public works in the Islands. It is stated to be untrue that the de parture of the fleet for Voola has been stopped.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Melbourne. Nov. 8. The miners’ strike at Sandhurst has virtually terminated.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Nov. 8.

The Auckland volunteers and artillery go to the Thames Review. The guns of the Battery were discovered to have been tampered with. Four linch pins were ab stracted from the gun carriages, and in one instance, where the elevator screw had been left in position, the spring pin was taken away, the intention evidently being to disable the gun, and prevent the Bat tery proceeding to the Thames. The ob ject was frustrated, for new appliances were procured from tbe armoury. Cap tain Payne communicated with the police regarding the affair. Auckland, Nov. 9.

A fatal accident occurred on Saturday afternoon. While George Day and his four sons were bringing down a boat load of firewood from Kauri Point to Auckland, a squal struck the boat, and the father and one son were drowned. The Thames monthly gold return is 3810 ounces, Coromandel 380 ounces. The Alburnia Gold Mine returns are improving and shares are up to 25s with firm market. The Auckland Volunteers left early this morning for the Thames, and were warmly welcomed by the Thames Volunteers on arrival.

Wellington, Nov. 8.

A man named Horace Ford, well known as an hotel-keeper at Napier died suddenly at the Commercial Hotel yesterday. An inquest is not likely to be necessary. Christopher Connell, formerly second officer of the barque Western Belle, was committed for trial tn-day on two charges sodomy on youths. The ship Wairoa has been admitted to pratique to-day. Inveecakgill, Nov. 9.

The Mataura arson case was called at the Police Court on Saturday morning, and further adjourned for eight days, on the application of the police. Inspector Fox, in applying for the remand, re marked that the case was only in iU in fancy.

LATEST.

Per our Special Wire.

INTERPROVI NCI AL. O AMARU, Nov. 10. A very serious accident happened to day to a man named James O’Brien. He was engaged with another man in cleaning a well near the town boundary, and while at the bottom the lining gave way about 15 feet above him, and fell on his head, inflicting dreadful injuries. Assistance was procured, and the unfortunate man was drawn up in an in sensible state, and was attended to by Dr Do Latour. Subsequently the sufferer was taken to the hospital, where an operation was performed by three medical men. They found the skull badly fractured. O’Brien, at latest ac counts, was still unconscious, and is not likely to recover. A still more painful accident occurred later in the day. It appears that a num ber of children were playing near Mr Morton’s milldam in the Oamaru Creek, when one, a boy named John Woodcock, aged 11, took off bis boots and socks and waded into the water. He however got out of his depth and disappeared, and his sister aged 14, radio 1 in to save him. She also disappeared. Despite the efforts of a boy named Brownlie, who bravely endeavored to save them, tho children were drowned. The bodies were not recovered until a late hour this even in °' Dunedin, Nov. 10.

A shoemaker, named Joy, 18 years of age, living at Bright >n, was killed on Saturday night by the upsetting of a wagonette. . , , A small cottage at Hillside, occupied by R. Telford, was completely burned down this morning. It was insured in the Colo nial and Standard offices. As usual, the origin of the fire is not known. The weather to-day is splendid for the ‘holidays, and.alarge number of visitors came to town.' r , , The volunteer parade, review, and sham fight this morning was a great success. Large numbers of persons witnessed the fire brigade demonstration to-night.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Friday, Nov. 7.

EVENING SITTING,

In Committee on the Qualification of Electors Bill, after Mr Montgomery’s single vote amendment was rejected, Mr Ballancc moved to strike out the word “ man ” with the view to insert the word “person,” the effect being to allow women to become electors.

Messrs Swanson, Turnbull, Speight, Trimble, Murray, Wallis, Hall and o f hers, supported the amendment, while Messrs Brandon, Seddon, and J. T. Fisher strongly opposed it. The Committee divided on the question “ That the word ‘ man ’ be retained. ”

Ayes, 2D. Noes, 34. Ayes —Andrews, Allwright, Barron, Brandon, Colbeck,Dick, Driver, J. T. Fisher, Gibbs, Gisborne, Hamlin, Kelly, Levin, Macdonald, M'Lean, Moorhouse, Ormond, Pyke, Rol leston, Seddon, Shanks, Sheehan, Shep herd, Stevens, Sutton, Tole, Whyte, Richardson. Noes—Adams, Atkinson, Bain, Ballance, Brown, De Latour, Finn, George, Hall, Harris, Hursthonso, Ireland, Johnstone, Kenny, Macandrew, Montgomery, Moss, Murray, Oliver, Pitt, Reeves, Reid, Saunders, Speight, Swan son, Tainni, Tavvhai, Te Whero. Tomoana, Trimble, Turnbull, Wallis, Willis, Wright.

The result was received with cheers, and the word “person” was inserted in the danse.

Mr Moss then moved, on the first sub section of section 2, the following amend ment ; —“Every person being a British subject, not less than 21 years of age, who shall have resided in New Zealand for one year, and in the electoral district for which he or she claims to vote, not less than one month immediately proceeding the registration of his or her vote, is entitled to be registered as an elector of such district, and to vote at the election in such district for members of the House of Representatives "

Subsequently Mr v.bced leave to withdraw this bu: v. was rwiused and pro-

gress was reported with leave to sit again, The House rose at midnight.

SPORTING.

V.R 0. Spring Meeting.

(By Cable.)

Melbourne, Nov. 8.

There was a large attendance at the races to-day, and the weather was beauti fully fine. Mares’Produce Stakes, a sweepstakes of 10 sovs each, h ft, 21 ft only if de clared and paid before 4 p. in. on Mon day, Oct. 6, 1879, with 100 added. For three-years-old, the produce of mares covered in 1875 —colts, Bst 101 b ; fillies, Bst 51b. The winner of the V.R.C. Derby, 1879, to carry 51b extra. The second horse to receive 50 sovs, and the third 20 sovs out of the stake. One mile and a q uarter. 18S subs. Mr R. Howie’s g c Suwarrow... ... 1 Hon W. J. Clarke’s Petrca ... ... 2

This race was won by a neck. Time 2min lliseo.

The V. R.O. Handicap, a sweepstake of 7 sovs each, 3 ft, with 150 added. For three-years old and upwards. One mile and three-quarters. Mr G. Fraser’s ch hLe Loup ... ... 1 Mr Mahon’s Tidal Wave ... ... 2 Mr Rouse’s Colima ... ... ... 3 Won easily by Le Loup. Time—3min 12£sec. Steeplechase, a handicap sweepstakes of 10 sovs each, h ft, with 300 added. The second horse to receive 50 sovs out of the stakes. About three miles over such course and jumps as the stewards shall direct.

Mr W. Bailey’s g g Simpleton... ... 1 Mr W. M'Millan’s bl g Starlight ... 2

Thirteen started for the above. Canterbury Plate, a sweepstakes of 10 sovs each, h ft, with 300 added. The second horse to receive 50 sovs and the third 25 s 'Vs old of the stakes. Weight f )'■ age. Two miles and a quarter. Mr R. Howie’s g c Suwarrow... ... 1 Mr J. Wilson’s First King ... ... 2 Mr Johnaon-Boe’s Wellington... ... 3 This race was won by a neck. Time—4 min 13isec. (Pee Arawata at the Bluff.) Darriwell, the winner of tho Melbourne Cup is a live year old hy imported Tim Whifllev, dam Xivnn, and was bred by Mr inglis, of Ballon, and is now owned by a Tasmanian gentleman who races un der the “uomile plume” of Rawlinson. The horse has nothing in his appearance to suggest his fitness to win the Cup, and his name was scarcely mentioned in the betting, bis own stable having hardly put a shilling on him, as they depended on Le Loup who looked fit to win anything, but he was not placed. Suwarrow, the winner of the Derby, is a beautiful little dark grey by Snowden. Some time ago a Melbourne resident dreamt the names of Suwarrow and D.trriwell for the races they have since won, and made his dreams public.

The spring show of the National Agri cultural Society opened on the sth. The exhibits of cattle, draught horses, stock and machinery, were very fine. In the Melbourne Stakes, only four horses started, First King winning easily. Richmond second, and Le Loup third, and the performance of the last-named was a damper on his former admirers. The Hotham Handicap was won by Trump Yoss, Riverton second, Waxy third. For the Maribyrnong Plate a field of twenty-three youngsters faced the starter, and Palmyra won it with ease. Otira and Geraldine ran a dead heat for second place. Time Imin 4secs. Habona’s time in 1876 is the only instance on record where this time has been beaten. In the Derby a field of fourteen took part, and Suwarrow went away with the lead and kept it to the finish, with Belladrum second, and Rivalry third. Time 2mins 43sccs, only equalled by Chester in his victory in 1877. Swiveller won the Essendon Stakes in a canter, Le Loup second, Strath earn third. The Footscray Stakes were won by Tocal after a fine finish with Sir Joseph ; Naomi third. The Maiden Plato was won by Caspian after a close finish with Lohengrin. The Railway Stake was a fine struggle between Mercury and Columbus, the former just winning Respite won the Kensington Stakes by a

head from Dover. Tocal won the Darling Stakes easily. Canard second. Brilliant third.

Wanganui Races. [by telegraph.]

Wanganui, Nov. 8. Railway Plate of £SO ; one mile and a half. Confidential ... ... 1 Protucco... ... ... 2 Queen of the Vale ... 3 Time—2min 53|stc. Consolation Stakes of £2O. Randwick 1 Balmoral... ... ... 2 Tamouri ... ... ... 3

The Wanganui Jockey Club intend having a £IOOO handicap at their autumn meeting in March. A large sum of money is also to be spent in extending the grand stand and making other improvements.

CRICKET.

New Zealand.v. The World,

A very interesting one innings game was played in the Domain on Saturday afternoon between the native element in the two local clubs, against all comers, and resulted in a pretty close thing. The colonials unfortunately had to play with out Westenra, who is always good for a score, and his want was felt in the trundling department, but Bruce howled well throughout the whole innings, S. Saunders and Albert Andrews doing the balance, while the World bad five bowlers to ring the changes on. Fourteen played on each side, and the ground being terribly lumpy, both bowlers and batters were bewildered at the erratic course the hall occasionally took. The batting of Lusk, Hodder, and Bruce for the Home team was deserving of commendation ; and S. Saunders, A. Fooks, and A. Andrews, from whom scores were expected, went out at a very early stage of their batting for 2,5, and 2 respectively. For the World, Denshire made a brilliant display of batting, although he gave a couple of chances during his innings, which wore declined. He went in first and kept his hat going until 8 of his confreres had been disposed of. Grant and Whitley both gave some exercise to the field. The fielding on both sides was for the most part slovenly, with a few exceptions. The following is the extended score : NEW ZEALAND. S. Saunders lb w b Buchanan ... 2 Hodder 1b w b Whitley ... ... 12 E. Saunders b Field ... ... ... 0 A. Andrews b Buchanan ... ... 2 A. Fooks h Buchanan... ... ... 5 Mayo c Buchanan b Whitley ... 0 Lusk c Buchanan b Field 14 Wilkie b Field 11 Bruce c Buchanan b Denshire ... 9 Guinoy c Pratt b Field ... ... 0 Wake b Field 1 E. Fooks c Poyntz b Field 4 Harris b Buchanan ... ... ... 6 C. C. Fooks not out ... 3 Byes ... ... ... ... C Leg bye ... ... ... ... 1 Wides C Total 82 THE WORLD. Crisp c and b Bruce ... ... 3 Denshire b A. Andrews ... ... 35 T. Buchanan c Gainey b Bruce ... 7 Curtis b S. Saunders ... ... ... 0 Amos b Bruce ... ... ... ... 0 Pratt b S. Saunders ... ... ... 0 Grant cS. Saunders b Bruce ... 20 Field bS. Saunders ... ... ... 1 Whitley cS. Saunders b Bruce ... 14 Poyntz bA. Andrews ... ... 7 Main waring bA. Andrews ... ... 1 Moriwitz run out b Bruce ... ... 1 D. Leiteh c and b Bruce ... ... 2 J. Leiteh not out ... ... ... 0 Byes ... ... G Leg bye 1 Wides ... ... ... ... 5

Total 103 Majority for the World—2l. BOWLINC, ANALYSIS. —THE WORLD. Balls Runs Maidens Wkls Wicles Field 85 25 6 52 Buchanan 80 16 S 42 Whitley 36 14 2 20 Amos 16 7 o 1 o Denshire 20 4 1 I I NEW ZEALAND. Balls Runs Maidens Wkts Wides S. Saunders 84 41 4 31 Bruce 114 39 6 7 3 A Andrews 36 9 3 3 0

The next match to be played by the local clubs will take place on Wednesday next in the Domain. The following mem bers will take part in the game Messrs Grant, Murrell, J. E. Buchanan, T. Bu chanan, Guy, Bruce, O’Reilly, Pratt, Dixon, C. Ireland, T. Ireland, Curtis, Mainwaring, A. Fooks, Harris, Hill Shury, Shields, and probably several others whose names we have not yet been able to obtain.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Monday, Nov. 10. Before Mr. Frank Guinness, R.M. LARCENY OF A SCARF PIN. Alexander Macdonald was charged with the larceny of a gold breast pin, valued at £2, the property of Hector Mackenzie. The prosecutor, who is stopping at the Prince Albert Boarding House, having de posed to the loss of his pin, Constable Farmer stated that he was on duty in East street when the accused was pointed out to him by Mr Meant, of the Prince Albert Boarding House. He said accused was suspected of having stolen the pin. Took him into custody and searched him on suspicion of having the stolen property in his possession. Found the pin on him in the inside of his vest. Accused said he had picked it up at the boarding house. Accused then stated that he stopped at the Prince Albert Boarding House on Monday night. On getting up the following morning, saw the pin lying on the floor, picked it up and slipped it in side of his vest, intending to return it to the boarding-house keeper. Went down stairs ; there was no one about. Left the house, returning to breakfast at half-past seven. Quite forgot about the pin. Was walking about town for a few hours until eleven o’clock, then loft by train for Chertsey. Afterwards went to Rakaia. Returned to Ashburton on Wednesday, and mot a man who asked him to go with him to the A 1 Boarding House. Did so. Quite forgot about the pin until stopped

by the constable and Meant, and accused of stealing something. It was by a mere oversight the pin was not returned. The police said that nothing was known of accused. The Magistrate said the accused had, by his own showing, been keeping this pin. knowing that it was not his pro perty. He should have returned it at once. The defence that he had forgotten to do so, was not borne out by the facts. Ho had had ample opportunity of return ing the pin if he had been so inclined, having had it in his possession form Monday until Wednesday. He would be imprisoned for one month with hard labor. The accused was removed, still protesting that he had merely forgotten to return the pin.

NEWS BY SUEZ MAIL.

(Per Auawata at Bluff.)

A Royal Commission has been appoin ted to inquire into the condition and suffi ciency of the means, both naval ami military, provided for the defence of the most important seaports within the colonies, and the stations required within them for coaling—and refutin' of men of-war ; and for the protection of colonial commerce with the United King dom, with each other, and foreign countries. Also to determine what sta tions and ports it is desirable, owing to strategetical or commercial value, should he provided with an organised system of defence, in addition to the general de fence of the navy ;■ and whether such de fence should consist of permanent works manned by imperial or local troops. Fur ther, to consider by whom, and in what proportion, the expense ahouhl bo de frayed. The English press consider the colonies should be more fully represented on the commission.

The Home press award an unqualified condemnation of the Berry Reform Bill —oven the “Spectator” severely criti cises the measure.

It is proposed to construct the Pacific Railway on the land grant system, and 100,000,000 acres of land, with all the minerals thereon, have been apportuned for the purpose. It is thought scarcely probable that the Bacchante will visit the antipodes. She visits the West Indies after Maderia.

Captain J. C. Maling, is appointed Colonial Secretary of Grenada. The situa tion is worth £SOO a-year. The Hon. T. Russell purchased a num ber of Clydesdales and shorthorns at Lord Dunmore’s sales. The animals were bought for New Zealand. He also bought other valuable stock from R. Oliver, of Whittlobery. M'Lean and Co, Auckland, have shipped per the Inglewood, a number of pedigree shorthorn hulls.

An attempt was made to upset the the train from Brindisi conveying the Aus tralian mails. The design was frustrated. The Bank of New Zealand negotiated the £200,000 6 per cent loan for the New Plymouth Harbor Board. £211,G00 were applied for, the prices ranging from a minimum of £OS to £97.

A disagreeable impression was produced on the Stock Exchange by the news that the Australian and New Zealand Colonies contemplated fresh heavy loans. The leading journals point out the danger of the proposed course. Latest from Afghanistan.

The British troops under Col. Baker, an old New Zealand officer, gallantly stormed the high range of hills between Charisol and Cabul, which were hotly de fended by the rebellious troops. After an obstinate resistance the enemy were driven back, losing 12 guns. The British loss was small and the enemy’s consider able. General Roberts entered Cabul on Oct. 12, without any opposition. The mutineers, after being routed outside the city, fled to Turkestan.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(Peii All a wax a at the Bluff.)

Queensland- Local government will shortly be ex tended to the whole of the colony. A 400-ton iron dredge barge has been built for the Government—the largest yet built in the colony. The massacre of the Logan’s crew has been confirmed. The Beagle will punish the murderers.

It is reported that two bodies have been found on the Johnstone river. They ap peared to have been dead only about a fort night, and the flesh looked as if it had been washed by the blacks, who must have killed the men. Deceased are sup posed to have been two diggers attempting to make their way from Timoora to Mul grave. Kennedy Bros., timber getters, weie attacked by blacks at Tam o’ Shunter Point, while driving a mob of horses from Johnston’s river to Cardwell.

The unexpired leases of forfeited runs in unsettled districts in Queensland were sold at auction. The bidding was spirited. The upset price for all was iOs per square mile. Tasmania. The Ministry propose to meet Parlia ment on the 13th May, with measures proposing reduction in expenditure, re vision of customs duties, direct taxation in a modified Conn. Government obtained supplies for the remainder of the current year.. South Australia The insects in the Rosefield Vineyards are pronounced to be comparatively harm less, and not the true phylloxera. Harvest prospects are brilliant, and the yield promises to be unusually large. A wider area is under cultivation than in any provions season. It is estimated the area will yield a surplus of nearly 400,000 tons for export. Mr R. H. Smythe comes out as the re presentative of Cook and Sons, tourist managers, London, who purpose or ganising extensive tourist expeditions to Australia and New Zealand during the Melbourne Exhibition.

H. E. Downer, Commissioner of Insol vency, was charged with indecently as saulting the wife of Joseph Rogers in a private room in the Adelaide Court of Insolvency. The wife went to beg of the Judge the release of Rogers, who was imprisoned for fradulont insolvency. The Commissioner directed his release. It is alleged that during this interview the Commissioner, twice kissed Mrs Rogers, and sought to make another appointment. The bench dismissed the case without calling evidence for the de fence.

Victoria. Three men, promoters of the Totalisator Companies were arrested as keepers of com mon gaming houses. The National Bank has declared per cent dividend. The “ Victorian Review,” the best periodical yet issued in Australia has ap peared. It resembles the “ Nineteenth Century.” Besides the best Austral! in writers, M. About, Emile Castelar, Mark Twain, Mr Sto Idart, &c, have agreed to contribute.

P. Matols, Christchurch, won the £IOOO prize in Bridges art union. Government alleges that it was impos sible LV'PCulloch’s splendid imported stock could have died from water drunk on the quarantine ground. M‘Culloch lost about £IO,OOO worth of stock. The Ercildoun sheep sales yielded nearly £B,OOO in spite of the low prices realised. New South Wales.

Clere, an engineering firm, have inheri ted £70,000. Returned diggers from Mekoal, near Glenden, state that the important gold discovery reported, is a hoax. The B ink of New South Wales bonus amt dividend equals 171 per cent

The Land Act Amendment Bill.

(From the Wellington Post.)

The Hon. Mr Rolleston’s Bill to amend the Land Act, 1877, has now been circu lated. It repeats the Crown Laud Sales Act, 1377, but validates all former procla mations, orders, warrants, &c. L pro ■ ides x ;:ir residence on deferred payment section", may bo declared optional if that course should seem advisable. The upset price of land on deferred payment is to be fixed by the Governor ; it is not to be less than 80s per acre for rural lands ami £4 10s per acre for suburban sections, ar,d the price may be augmented where the land is of special value. Several small contiguous sections may be groups I toge ther if desirable. In regard to bush land, further clearing and cultivation are to b-j ranked among “ substantial improve ments.” Where fencing, buildings, or other improvements have been made on hum afterwards opened for application on de: erred payment, the selector of such land is to pay the assessed value of such improvements. Two or more selectors may hold an allotment as tenants in common, and arc to have the same right to transfer as oi - I inary selectors. It is provided that the Governor may, by pro clamation, sot apart any Crown lands con tiguous to railway or road lines as village settlements, under the following condi tions :

1. The total amount of land set apart as village settlements in the colony is not to exceed 200,000 acres. 2. Every village settlement is to he sur veyed and divided into village allotments not exceeding 1 acre each, and small farm allotments not exceeding 50 acres each ; or, if the Governor so direct, a village settlement may be divided into village allotments only, or into small farm allot ments only. 3. The Governor may fix a day on which any allotments within a village settlement shall be open for application, and may appoint that any of such allot ments shall be sold for cash immediately on purchase, or on deferred payments sub ject to the conditions of the Act. 4. The price of village allotments is to he not less than £5 per allotment, and of small farm allotments not leas than £1 per acre.

5. All applications for land in village settlements are to be made in the same manner as other applications for land. 6. If more persons than one apply for the same allotment on the same dav, the right to occupy the allotment is to be de termined by lot amongst the applicants in respect to small farm allotments ; but, in tlie case of village allotments, they are to be sold by public auction at an upset price of not less than £5 each.

7. Village allotments may be leased, with a ■purchasing clause at a minimum price of 30s per acre. Provision also is made for blocks of rural land being sot apart for special settlements, the conditions being as follows :—l. The total area is not to exceed 100,030 acres in the whole Colony. 2. The minium price is to be £1 per acre. 3. The Governor is to fix the terms of payment. 4 Occupation and permanent ■ improvement of the land to a certain pro portion of its area, to be defined by regu lations, to be a condition necessary to be performed before the issue of a Crown grant. 5. Neither the who’e nor any part of any block of land set asi le as a special settlement is to continue to be set aside for more than seven years from the proclamation. C. All lands within any special settlement block, not taken up with in seven years, are to be regarded as ordinary-Crown lands, and maybe thrown open for sale. It is further provided that the Gover nor may enter into contracts with persons or companies for special settlements, and that a rebate in price may be allowed in respect of immigrants introduced by such contractors, provided the immigrants are actually settled on the land and improv ing it. The Governor is to aflix the class, price, and terms of sale of urban, subur ban, or rural lands, on immediate pay ment. Holders of pastoral licenses are allowed at the termination of their lease to remove building, fencing, or other im provements made by them while lessees. The above are the main provisions of this important Bill, the general principles of which, while the details may possibly undergo some modification in committee, will probably meet with general appro bation as progressive and liberal.

A woman was recently fined iu London for creating a nuisance by keeping nine cats in one room. A Deserted Village. —ln Nevada, midway between Carson and Reno, the traveller sees a decayed and sleepy village, with perhaps a hundred inhabitants. In 1805 that was one of the most bustling camps on the coast. Its population was constantly shifting, but at any time during the height of its prosperity, it numbered over 3,000. The miners, far mers, prospectors and traders flocked in from all the country round to drink and gamble. Its streets were a scene of con stant bustle and liveliness. Such was Washoe City in the days of its glory. But a few years saw it deseted and emptv, its saloons closed, its faro banks “busted.” To-day the tourist, whose careless eye rests upon its ruins, little dreams of its former magnificence.

Singular Case.

[. The following curious action for illegal distress was heard in the Court of Coui -i mon Pleas recently. The plaintiff, “Catheriueßolland, CountessHeiurueth,” t wa* of Irish extraction. She first married . a Russian onicer ; secondly Mr Hicks, a 1 Justice of the peace for the county of , Gloucester; and, as slie owned, thirdly, : Agustus Rolland, Major in tlie French , army, from whom she procured a divorce' in December, 1870, in New York. Being ► engaged in litigation, for the recovery of some property in America, she left for New York in 1872, having executed on the 23 th of September a bill of sale to Charles Furbor to secure an advance from him of £4OO from which he had deducted £4O for interest at 20 per cent for six months. The defendant was a money I lender, and, under the power of the bill, seized and sold the goods assigned thereby. Irregidarities, non-advertisement, negli gence, and excessive sale were charged against the other defendants, the auction eers, Messrs Furber and Price, and that they hail not accounted for nor handed over the surplus of the proceeds after pay ing the advance and all their costs. Th - cross-examination of the plaintiff elicited | frank admission that she had been pro. muineed to have committed pe' jury and forgery in her American litigation by tha Judge who tried her cause ; that she had bigauiously married Major Rollan ■, with Mr Hicks’ knowledge and consent ; he indeed, “ bad seen them off together in the railway; ” and as to « 'Udder from Mr Hicks to her commencing, “ aiy | dearest wife,” and couolu ling P>- I member me most kindly to -'ojaads wif she owned “ That ir me S:;*j hud borne two eluld-en while inn.: nod io ilie major, 'whi .b were by “ another man.” These twins she had endeavored to provide with a rather by charging four different persons with their paternity. Cardinal Manning, when a plain priest, bad been her confessor, and she kept a cafe in EJgware Road. Among the items in her “ gallerjr of valuable paintings,” “an allegorical subject” by Rubens roabsed £1 10s; another by the same mister, “ Belisarius,” £1 8s ; a Murillo, £8 ; a head by Rembrandt, 14s ; “ a head of a saint,” by Caraaci, 11s ; “ a bookcase of Irish manufacture of an early date,” £*(>; a superbly sculptured reclining figure in statuary marble,” £llss ; the whole of the choice and costly collection together with the furniture, fetching £1,017. The unabashed announcement by the fair plaintiff that the deceased Hicks connived in the manner described at her bigamy exhausttd the patience of the Court. Lord Coleridge ; Really, how long am I and the jury to be ir suited by hearing this woman’s perjuries. (To the jury.) Gentlemen, do you believe a word she says ? The jury ; Not one word. Verdict and judgment for the defendants.

A River of Fire.

Park.hr, Pa., Aug. 14 A heavy rainstorm passed over this vicinity this morning, between four and five o’clock, which was accompanied by terrific thunder and lightning. At a few minutes to five the lightning struck a twenty thousand-barrel oil tank belonging to the William MunhaU Company, of Pittsburgh. The tank was situated on a large hill, directly -opposite Parker City, and was filled with oil of the United Pipe Line Company. The stroke aud explosion were terrific, shaking all the buildings in the neighborhood. The top of the tank was found a mile off. The tank burst, and tlie oil spread like a river down the ravines towards the Alleghany river... The burning oil passed through the end of Kollyville, burning the houses, barn, sheds, and fences of William Fenton, the house and barn of Alfred Wier, and the storehouse of J. N. YirJing. The wave then stvuok and destroyed, the oil well, times tanks, derricks, and a number of shanties owned by W. H., Piper, and two tanka of the United Pipe Line. Weir and his family, barely escaped with, their lives. The wave then struck the Alleghany Valley Railroad track, and passed into the river. For a time it was thought that the fire would swim the river and burn the entire town. The flames leapt up four hundred feet above the water, making a grand sight. A stream of burning oil took the other ravine, destroying Rei chert’s brickyard, the well-rig, engine house, and tank of Graham and Jackson, the coalyard of W. Dee, four cars of the Kama City and Butler Railway, a V track, store, and outhouse of Isaac Leisy and Co., Cleveland, and lastly a seven thousand-barrel tank-«of the Graham Oil Company, full of oil, all of which was destroyed. Ditches were dug by the firemen, and citizens saved the depot and other buildings. Great excitement prevails. Later. Since the above was written the follow ing property has been destroyed:— Another house and barn of William Fen ton, worth SOOOdol, a number of derricks, and several wells. A twenty thousand barrel tank of the United Pipe Line Com pany caught fire, but through the great efforts of the employees, who risked their lives, the tank was saved. The fire is now raging fiercely. The loss cannot be esti mated, but will probably reach 75,600d0l or lOOjOOOclol.

It is stated by La France that the Lord Mayor of London has been decorated with he Cross of the Legion of Honour, in re ognition of the reception of the French members of the International Telegraph Conference and the Literary Congress. A Frozen JiriiV in England.—Ameri cans in England will not fail to remember the English 4th of July, 1879. ’ Such weather at this period of the year was never before known. During the whole week it has boon blowing a hurricane and raining in torrents, hailing occasionally, and occasionally reproducing our Novem ber fogs. The weather has been simply abominable, and has been playing all sorts of pranks. In Derbyshire, a little north of London, hundreds of lambs have this week been literally frozen to death. Imagine, if you can, such a degree of frost in July. In another locality one of the frequent showers deposited on the streets and on the houses masses of little worms. The scientists are trying to per suade us that these had been picked up by a water-spoilt or hurricane, and that there is nothing alarming in the occur fljjra. Dr. Gumming, however, does not this, and lots of his followers talk about the opening of one the seven vials.—“ Chicago Journal.'

Tuesday, N ovember m> i 879-1

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

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