TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH & INTELLIGENCE,

( Reuter's Telei p ams. } London, Oct. 27. The total quantity of wlie.it afloat for Great Britain is 1,600,000 quartets. Adelaide wheat, 49a 6d per 49.>lbs, ex warehouse. Adelaide flour, 31s per 230 lbs. ex warehouse ; brandy, 0s 9d. The Garonne’s mail, via Brindisi, was delivered to-day.

London, Oct. 28. In reference to the telegrams stating that arrangements had been made be tween the Orient and Pacific Line, whereby the two Companies were to run steamers fortnightly between London and Australia direct, commencing in January next, the Companies believe that the magnitude of the trade and the increasing attraction of the Colo nies warrant the enterprise. The new service will retain the name of the Orient Line, and will be conducted by F. Green and Co. and Anderson, Anderson and Co., joint managers. Subscriptions to the Canterbury Church Loan amount to £36,000, ranging from 106 to 1075. The balance is offered at 105.

Oct 29. The Marchioness of Lome has arrived from Canada.

Berlin, Oct. 28.

At the opening of the German Parlia ment a loan was proposed to cover the deficit in the revenue. No allusion was made to foreign policy. Constantinople, Oct. 23. Midhat Pasha’s resignation has been withdrawn.

St. Petersburg, Oct. 29. Thirty thousand Russian troops have been ordered to Central Asia.

Calcutta, Oct 29.

General Roberts is storing five months’ supplies at Cabul, and making prepara tions for hutting the troops.

(Argus I'special .) London, Oct. 27.

There is much discussion in the foreign Press relative to the form and object of the A ustro-German alliance, which is generally believed to be merely defensive.

{Herald Special. ) London, Oct. 27.

In addressing a political meeting Sir M. Hicks-Beach denounced Mr Bright’s re marks respecting the land agitation in Ireland as calculated to increase the wide spread spirit of sedition.

AUSTRALIAN

(Reuter’s Telegram.) Sydney, Oct. 30. The cabmen’s strike has ended. Sailed for New Zealand—Wakatipu and Austrian frigate Heligoland. Melbourne, Oct. 30. Arrived—Arawata, from New Zealand. Albany, Oct. 30.

, The P. and O. Company’s steamer Assam arrived at King George’s Sound to-day.

(Special.) .;•* Melbourne, Oct. 30. The “ Australasian’s ” tips are Secundus and Riverton for the Cup. “Augur’s ” tips are Wellington and Secundus, and he thinks His Grace will be the winner of the Derby. The largest wool sales ever held in Australia took place to-day. Messrs Goldsborough offered over 8000 bales. The competition was keen, especially among American buyers. Two ships are now on the berth for Boston to take cargoes of wool direct. France and Germany are considerable buyers. ' Government have notified that if the Sandhurst mines are not kept at work the leases will be cancelled.

Caspian is the favorite for the Derby at 3 to 1.

The South Australian mail proposals have been refused. The Victorian reply states that Government is wholly free from any desire to obtain an undue advantage over the neighboring Colony. Java telegrams report a further advance in sugar, and London telegrams a consider rise in tea.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, Oct. 30. The whale ship Canton called off Russell and reports getting 1,000 barrels sperm oil since here in June last. A bushman named Chas. Hopkins, at Waikehe, narrowly escaped bleeding to death through his axe glancing off a tree and going deeply into his leg. When he reached his mates he fainted from loss of blood. « A memorial expressing the confidence of the electors of Newton in Mr Swanson was in circulation to-day, and received a large number of signatures. William Crawford has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for beating his wife and breaking her ribs. She was brought to Court in a cab. The Chairman of the City West meeting received a telegram to-day from Mr Hurst declining to resign, and stating time would - justify ms conduct. A committee of the Working Men’s Political Association are engaged in revis ing the tariff The composition of the City West meet ing was decidedly of Newton electors. It was resolved to adopt a memorial to Mr Swanson, expressing confidence in him, and thus preclude non-electors taking part. It is confidently expected signatures of 800 to 1000 registered Newton electors will be obtained. Freights are advancing in shipping. : There is some difficulty in getting vessels for the timber and coal trade to Southern ■'ports At the Diocesan Synod Mr G. P. Pierce said, respecting the accounts of the Native School Trust, he had heard Mr ; Burrows considered it was nobody’s - business what he got from the Government . in aid of the school. The President said he would wait on Mr Sheehan and the ' : Native Minister to ascertain whether the *, Synod was held responsible for the money ‘ rveMVea from the Government on account of the schools, Mr Sheehan said he was : OT»tjy«»ti»fled with Mr Burrows’ receipts, end did not hold the Synod in anyway WJWMiWi It wee carried that a full

her throat with a razor. When found by her daughter she was quite dead. She attempted to destroy herself three years ago, but since then has behaved well. A

verdict was returned this afternoon of “ temporary insanity.” Welling! on, Oct. 30.

A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here at 2.20 a. in. The direction was from north to south.

The Licensed Victuallers banquet last night to the delegates attending the Con ference was a great success. Invercargill, Oct. 30.

The remanded Mataura arson case came on for hearing at the Police Court this morning. Fourteen witnesses were ex amined, including some of the principal residents of the district. The most important evidence was given by Con stable Fretwell, who swore to the foot prints about the house seen after the fire, being identical with the hoots worn by the prisoner Wheddon, who, on being arrested by him and Detective Twohey, admitted having fired the building for monetary consideration at the request of Duncan Cameron. The latter was charged as an accessory. He, when arrested, also admitted his guilt, stating tha’ he had received his instructions from Donald M'Kay, a well-known contractor, who was also charged with aiding and pro curing Wheddon to do the deed. W hen arrested some days since, both Cameron and Wheddon admitted their guilt, but M‘Kay held out. The evidence to-day tended to show that the building, bought from Hugh Cameron for £2O, was removed on to a vacant section, and then insured for £l7O in the New Zealand office, the policy having a currency of only two months, and the premium paid being 8s 9d. The policy had only run one month when the fire took place. On the application of Mr Inspector Fox the three accused were again remanded for eight days to allow further investigation. A man named Joseph Weston was put into a stable at Elbow the other evening in a drunken condition, and set fire to some straw. He was brought up this morning at the Police Court, charged with arson, and remanded for eight days. A welcome rain fell last night. The progress of vegetation is astonishing. Invercargill, Oct. 31.

Mr Weil Ferguson, for many years in the Registration of Deeds Department, and one of the oldest residents here, died yesterday. Deceased was an active mem ber of the Caledonian Society, and the success of the annual gatherings were largely due to his exertions. He was also well known in Volunteer circles, having only recently resigned the lieutenantship of R. battery, N.Z. R.A. He will receive a military funeral on Sunday. A. Wheddon, D. M'Kay, and D. Cameron, charged with arson at Mataura, were brought up at the Police Court to day and further remanded for eight days. In course of the hearing, three letters were read from Cameron to Wheddon, in which the latter was advised, in order to make sure of burning the place, to take a bottle of oil.

Experiments were made last night with the fire escape invented by R. Morris. The result was satisfactory. A further trial will shortly be made.

LATEST

LATEST FROM EUROPE (A«e Special.) London, Oct. 29. The Czar is determined to extend Rus sian influence to Central Asia. 40,000 troops have been ordered to reinforce Terglikasoff. News from Afghanistan states that a great force of Ghilzais attacked the British hill fort, eight miles from Kandahar. After a sharp encounter the assailants were completely routed, hut Major Sar toris was dangerously wounded.

INTERPROVI NCI AL.

Per our Special Wire.

Auckland, Oct. 22.

A boy named Williams, aged ten, was committed for trial for breaking into and entering Brook’s boot factory and robbing the till. He entered early in the morning by the window, and used a skeleton key. He was bailed in two sureties of £IOO each. While constable McKnight was bring ing a lunatic named Glover in a trap to town, the driver, in mistake, drove the vehicle over a precipice. The lunatic was killed and the constable injured, but the driver escaped. The notorious ship Minister of Marine was towed down the channel by the Glenelg. Ostensibly she has sailed for Newcastle, but she cleared for Guam. The sailors engaged got, advance notes beyond the value of a Newcastle voyage. She is to remain in the channel until the men are all on board. If this fails the imprisoned men will be put on board, but not otherwise. Wellington, Oct. 31. A very sudden death occurred at the National Hotel this morning. A young man named Robert Sales, recently from Kaikoura, retired to bed at nine o’clock last night. He asked for a drink, which was supplied him, and he then retired to rest. When called for breakfast he was found dead. The cause of his death will not be known till a post mortem examina tion has been held. It is believed he has a wife in Dunedin. Christchurch, Oct. 31.

Thomas Delly, alias Dennis Anglin was brought up at the R. M. Court to-day charged with failing to appear at the Supreme Court, Dunedin, in January last, to answer a charge of perjury. The ship Knowsley Hall, 150 days out is given up. She Wfis a new iron vessel, of 1750 tons, and has never been spoken. Her passenger list contains twenty-five families, numbering nearly 100 people. Under instructions from Mr Conyers, Railway Commissioner, the employes on the Middle Island Railways have lately been subjected to series of tests by means of cards of various colors, with the follow ing results ; ——Of the whole number were unable to distinguish beyond black and white, In Christchurch 13 were partially cplor blind out of 260 tried. On the Daiparu section, one only was color blind out of S3O men experimented on. It ii tho intention of the department to have $ those employed «ha ooaUM tlw psjltlert *1 and pthjri! #9

Some 200 unemployed met in Cathedral Square this morning and appointed a deputation to interview Mr Austin, Engineer of Public Works, asking that men leaving town should be paid 6s a day or receive provisions. To this he promised to attend ; a telegram was also drawn up for despatch to Government as follows : We, tile undersigned, on behalf of the 300 men out of employment in Christ church, respectfully request the Govern ment to find employment for those not only willing, but able to do a fair day’s work, and for which they deem they ought to be paid six shillings per day for such employment, as their experience shows that piecework is not adapted to all parties. In the event of Government not complying with this supplication, a large body of the men, with their wives and families, must immediately, through the Magistrates or other appointed per sons, he supplied with pnvisious to keep them from starving. ” Shearers are at a discount, the price has been dropped 5s a hundred, and applicants for work are much more numerous than the billets to he obtained. Timaru, Oct. 31. At the Waimato Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Alfred Fisher, late pro prietor of the “ Waitangi Tribune,” Waimate, was committed for trial at the next sitting of (lie Supremo Court, Timaru, for an alleged libel on one Michael Green, a farmer. The libel was contained in a letter written to the “ Tribune,” during the late election. A young man named Christian Arras was found dead in a paddock near Salt water Creek to-day. There was a bullet wound in his left side, over the heart, while lying heside his body was found a single barrel gun. There can be little doubt that ho has committed suicide, though no motive that he had for such an act is known to exist. He had in his possession at the time over £3O.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

Wellington, Oct. 30. Mr Wright got the Ashburton Water works Bill through committee between 12.30 and 1 this morning, with a few very slight and unimportant alterations. The Licensing Bill passed through its second reading last evening without division, after about 3 hours debate. The most violent opposition came from Mr Andrews, but he had to admit to Mr Saunders that he had not even read the provisions he objected to.

Two or three orders of the day were got through before the House rose at 1.10 this morning. The House evidently means business now with the exception of Sir George Grey himself, who would of course like to still be the centre of atten tion for the House.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, Oct. 29. EVENING SITTING. In the House last night the debate con tinued on the Local Option Bill. Mr Andrews opposed it, thinking Go vernment should bring forward a complete matured measure instead of such a crude and unsatisfactory one. Mr Pyke agreed with Messrs Dick and Oliver approved the principle, though the Bill could be amended in Committee. j&essra Pitt, Fulton, and J. T. Fisher, incurred with Mr Fulton, saying the Bill would come from the Committee so altered as to be unrecognisable.

Mr Speight supported the Bill, but op posed compensation, as did also Mr Hurst house.

Mr Stewart spoke strongly in favor of compensation.

After further debate the second reading was agreed to. The Resident Magistrate’s Act Amend ment, and tlie Ashburton County Council Waterworks Bills were partially con sidered in Committee, and the House rose at 1.10.

Thursday, October 30, 1879.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30. QUESTIONS.

In reply to questions, it was stated that Government intended basing the expendi ture in Auckland district and other parts of the colony pursuant to agreement with some of the Auckland members on a basis fair to all parts of the colony. Govern ment had arrived at no decision as to the removal of the Commissioner of Railways to Dunedin. A sum would be placed on the Estimates for the erection of a Court house at Warkworth. Government had no power to make arrangements for the sittings of the Waste Lands Board at Grey mouth. A Bill would he introduced to regulate Chinese immigration this session. Government would consider the action re quired for removing doubts as to the efficacy of contributions to Friendly Societies, so that they may obtain full benefit of registration under the Societies’ Act, 1878. NEW BILLS. An amended Land Tax Act, and a Bill to prevent Corruption in Parliament, were introduced and read a first time. OTAGO GROWN LANDS. On the notion of Mr De Latonr, it was agreed, “ That in the opinion of the House, it is clesii’ahle that a Committee should im mediately be appointed to classify Crown lands in the County of Maniototo, and that in the vicinities of Naseby, Hamilton, Hyde, and Blackstone Hill, land which may be classified as ‘ pastoral land ’ should be sold by auction in terms of the Land Act, 1877, on pastoral deferred payments, in sufficient and suitable areas, twelve months before the exphy of existing leases.” HONORARIUM, On the motion of Mr Moss, it was agreed that the honorarium of members should bo fixed by statute. LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT. Mr Sutton moved—'“That it is desirable that the system of local self government at present in existence should bo extended to provide ! (J,,) For the efficient construc tion and maintenance of public works (ex cepting railways and harbor works) All hospitals and charitable institutions. (2.) That ip ovchij,* jo enable local boflis» to fiarry put thfj? dstd’* it i# new«a*j» that thtjif reypuiiy.i |hpuJ4 p? ibcmied h» m eayipfiti fnp'Hlfefyj sml 4«bti ssl. }h ; PtH'h djfdtM ’ jf'jjWltfß

upon land or succession ; (b) by increasing the maximum uf general rates in the case of Counties. (8.) That steps should he taken to prevent the Counties and Road Boards clashing, and to more distinctly define the. powers jand duties of each of these bodies. (4.) That the Government be requested as early as possible to intro duce a Bill for the qmrpo.se of carrying these resolutions into effect. ”

Government acquiesced in the general tenor of the motion, and admitted that it was absolutely necessary to place County and other local administration on a much more efficient footing than it was. If the mover would not press the matter at present, Government would undertake during the recess to give the whole matter careful consideration, and be prepared to bring down a measure next session. At 5.30 a motion for the adjournment of tlie debate was carried.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p. m,

BILLS.

The Heathcoto Bridges Bill was read a second time.

In Committee, the Ovmrii Harbor Bill was considered, the first three clauses passed, and leave granted to sit again re garding the remainder.

OOLDFIELDS DUTY

The adjourned debate on the question— “ That the goldfields duty be reduced Is per ounce,” Mr Pyke moved as an amendment— “ That (id be substituted,” and argued in support of the amendment that the reduc tion hy the other sum would have the effect of cripjiling local revenues. On a division, the amendment was carried hy 30 to 18. The W'aiuku Recreation Reserve Bill was rejiorted with amendments. Friday, October 31. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2’30 p.m. Replying to questions, Major Atkinson said ; Telegrams were sent by the late Ministry on electioneering subjects as public tele grams, and if on examination Government considered it would not be prejudicial to the public service, copies thereof would be produced. Government concurred in the opinion of the late Government that it was inex pedient for the Agent-General to he a candidate for a seat in the British Parlia ment. The Agent-General had been re quested to retire from the Directorship of the New Zealand Agricultural Company, and he would he expected to comply with that request within a reasonable time. Stops would be taken to secure 4000 acres in the district of Wellington, as pro vided for by the University Reserves Act, 1875, and a larger area than 20,000 acres, set apart in Tawhawi, and afterwards ap priated for another purpose, had been again set apart. The amount of loss to the revenue during the last nine months was—tea, £'25,000 ; sugar, £OI,OOO.

A suggestion made by the Conference of raihvay Commissioners, for an altera tion of raiway tariff was under considera tion. FIRST KEADIXOS. A Bill to reduce the price charged for miner’s rights, and Land Claims Arbitra tion. ELECTOR AT. QUALII'ICATIOX BILL. Mr Hall moved the second reading of the Electoral Qualification Bill. Sir George Grey said the Bill was com plicated, and its language obscure. It proposed increasing the powers of pro perty. The property qualification was such as to enable one man to exercise twenty votes, provided he was owner of property valued at £25 in twenty different districts. It deprived Maoris of their electoral rights, v.dicreas by the Constitu tion Act it was provided that Maories and Europeans should he placed on an equal footing in that respect. He would insist on the manhood suffrage franchise. The Bill was not what the country expected, and he would do his best to defeat it.

Colonel Trimble pointed out that by a Bill before the House the Returning Officer could prevent any one from re cording more than one vote at a general election.

Mr Wakefield charged Sir George Grey with having last session defeated an effort made to secure manhood suffrage, insist ing that property should have its fair representation. He denoanced Sir George as practising cant and humbug in the demand he now made to sweep away the property qualification. Mr Gisborne denounced the proposal to take away the Maori franchise until they were in possession of full information as to what was to take its place. He would not oppose the second reading, hut Imped to see the Bill considerably modified in Committee.

Mr Reader Wood advised the principle of manhood suffrage. It was people and not property they were returned by, and consequently people should have the voice in their election. The residential clause was also reprobated. It made no pro vision for men who were compelled to re side away from home for a few months, consequently these men were liable to lose their electoral privileges. lie would do away with the property qualification altogether, and have the residential claim modified. The House rose at 5.30. The debate proceeded at the evening sitting.

Tawhai warned the House that trouble would probably arise if the natives wore deprived of their existing electoral rights. Mr Hall, by way of explanation, stated that Government did not intend to pre vent persons having votes in more than one district if they possessed the needful qualification. The clause in the Regula tion of Elections Bill apparently prevent ing the exercise of more than one vote was a mistake.

ASHBURTON AND MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY.

The works on this line are in full swing, and the contractors, Messrs J. Frazer and Co., are leaving no stone unturned to do the work in an efficient style. The Mount Somers Railway branches off a few chain south of the Tinwald Station, and extends in a westerly direction for a distance of about H miles. It crosses Black’s road near Cagmohr station, at the junction of •he Vaiei r.i road, and then, for the last tw > miles, the present contract wends its way through a dreary waste of tussocks until it reaches a point definitely marked on the plans, but, except for the pegs, not distinguishable from the monotonous desert of tussocks on the land which is to be benefited by the railway. Of course the construction of the line will tend to en courage, if not compel, the owners of these waste lauds to cultivate them, and hy this means assist to gradually convert what is now sheep runs into smiling farms, sup porting human beings instead of siiecqi. The country through which the Mount Somers Railway runs has few engineering difficulties to contend with, in fact an easier job could hardly he imagined in the shape of railway construction ; there is not a single cutting on it, and the embank ments are rarely over a couple of feet or so in height. When the extension to Mount Somers is taken in hand, some rougher country will have to he dealt with before the iron horse can make his snort heard at Mount Somers, a distance of fourteen miles from the end of t he present contract, and the south branch of the River Ashbur ton will have to be spanned to allow rail way communication being established.

In the meantime Messrs Frazer i.nd Co. liave completed the formation to tlio end of their engagement, the ballast is on the line throughout and the plate-laying is finished for about five miles, and the sub contractor for this latter portion of the work is now busily engaged in putting the polishing touch on the metals to enable the engine to start to work next week ; and as Mr Dan Leech, who has under taken this w r ork, is an old hand at plate laying, having been Inspector on the North lino for some years, the railway will have the various grades, curves, and cants put on in the right places and in the right way. The quality of the material being used is of a far superior nature to that used on most of the lines in the colony. The rails are of steel, weighing 401 bs to the yards, and the sleepers are of a superior quality. They are all of New Zealand timber, and owing to the great demand existing just now for sleepers all over the colony considerable difficulty is experienced in getting them from the saw-mills fast enough to keep the work going. Messrs Frazer and Co, n consequence have had to distribute their orders in all directions, Waiinate and Peel Forest supplying some really first-class black pine and totara timber. Picton the same, and Oxford black birch. Some of these latter are of a very inferior nature, and have consequently been re jected as unfit for the work. The fish plates for connecting the lengths of rails together are a new patent, and the best of the kind we have seen, and far superior to the Ibbotsons clip fish joint used on the great South lino ; another new feature is a new stjde of fancy bolt and flange, but it is certainly no improvement on the old style, being both weaker and less effec tive. Notwithstanding the hard times the contractors are still paying full rates of wages, the prices being 8s Gd per day to ballast fillers and 8s to surface men, and even at these rates the men created a little difficulty a week or so back by de manding 9s, but were eventually persuaded that they were getting full market value for their labor at the above-mentioned rates. All hands are “ tuckered ”on the work at a fair price per week, and are a very good sample of long handled shovel slingers. The contractors .are full handed at present, hut anticipate being able to find room for a few more in the course of a fortnight or so. Mr M‘Farlane is the engineer in charge of the work, and spares no trouble to see that everything is done efficiently and according to the strict letter of the specifications. It is expected that the work will be completed by the midule of February, which will be considerably within contract time, when allowance is made for delays caused by extra work done.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON, Friday, Oct. 31st. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) DISTURBANCE IN A LICENSED HOUSE. James Currie and Edwin Thomas w r erc charged with creating a disturbance in the Royal Hotel on Wednesday last. Mr Branson appeared for Thomas, who denied the charge, but Currie pled guilty. Constable Maroney stated that he was sent for by Mr Power, the landlord of the Royal. He went there, and saw the accused fighting. Tried to separate them but could not, and with the aid of the landlord succeeded in ejecting them from the house. Was not present when the fight started ; and didn’t know who com menced it. Couldn’t say whether Thomas was acting in self defence or not. Thought he was. Saw blows struck, and fighting went on for five minutes while witness was present.

Mr Power, landlord of the Royal Hotel, —Saw them fighting, and asked them to stop several times. Consider that Thomas was the instigator of the disturbance. They were fighting for some minutes after Maroney came. 1 gave them in charge. I saw the commencement, and there was some bonnetting going on between Thrmas and Meredith Wilson. I took Wilson out of the way. Wilson used ) revoking lan guage to Thomas. Thomas commenced the row and hit Currie first. I was look ing on. I think Thomas had no provoca tion to hit Currie. Currie was drunk hut had not tried to pick a quarrel with any other people. Mr Wilkie was present on the occasion of the fight. Wilson was a very annoy ing man when in drink. Currie on this occasion was stupidly drunk, ami was pushing against people, and making him self disagreeable. Saw- Thomas and Wilson talking together. Currie pushed himself against hut tho Jotter was in no way annoying Currie. They Wept for each other, and Thomas got the best’ of it. Thomas told Currie to go away, feeing that Currie had got enough, Viade off after‘the Constable !»ipj pijjfiffft*' K‘»V ’

Maroncy, the constable, to take the other man, and lie would take Thomas. Told Thomas that he would have to go to the look-up, and there was no use for running away. To begin with, Currie was struck in self-defence.

George J. Martin, Clerk ; I saw the disturbance, i hoard Thomas call upon Currie t<> knock o.f. Don't think it took more than a minute and a half to sepa rate them. Thomas did not make any violent resistance. Was there four or five minutes before Maroney came in. There was an interval, and the young fe.low starte I again. The young fellow (Came) w.is so drunk ho could md hit a haystack.

•James Wood : SUw the row. Heard Thomas tell Currie to clear out, and Currie still wished to continue the light. Saw Thomas hit him with his open hand.

James Fletcher, farmer, said he saw tlie first of the row. Saw Currie inter fere. While Wilson and Thomas were “barneying” the young fellow got up and pulled his coat otf, and struck Thomas, who then acted in self-defence, and twice called upon Currie to knock oif. When Maroney came in it did not take above H minutes to stop them. Currie was about throe parts drunk. When Thomas called upon Currie to knock off and would not 1 told them to wire in, and they did. When Maroney got hold of Thomas he held him from behind, and Thomas did not know who had hold of him, ami as soon as Thomas knew it was Maroney he desisted. A passage of arms here took place be tween the R.M. and Mr Branson, after which

His Worship fined Thomas and Currie 20s each or 48 hours’ iinpiisoinuent, with costs

E. Thomas was then charged with re sisting Constable Maroney. Maroney stated that he arrested Thomas, who knocked him down outside the Hotel, and then escaped from him. Wouldn't say he was drunk. He was sober enough. Cross-examined by Branson : He did not strike me. He purposely tripped me. Did not tell Mr Wilkie that I was tripped and knocked down.

For the defence the accused was put in the witness box and stated that I did not deliberately trip him. Did not see the constable inside. Don’t know whether Maroney touched me or not. There was a rush through the door and I could not say whether I knocked Maroney down or not. I did not push him down deliberately. Fined 10s. CIVIL CASES. Weeks & Dixon v. J. E. Hyde Harris —claim, £l3 18s lOd. For plaintiffs—Mr Neck ; for defendant—party. Summons incomplete. Plaintiffs non-suited. Costs disallowed.

Hawkins y. Harvey—claim, 12s Gd for a whip alleged to have been bought by defendant from plaintiff who held a shop in Tinwald of Spencer Stevens. Mr O’Reilly took exception to a date given in the particulars and spoke at some length on the matter. When he had finished, Mr Crisp, for the plaintiff, pro ceeded to reply to what he was pleased to call Mr O’Reilly’s “rigmarole.” Mr O’Reilly objected to his learned friend speaking of anything that had fallen from a solicitor of that Court as a “ rigmarole.” Mr Crisp withdrew the word rigmarole, and replied to Mr O’Reilly’s arguments The plaintiff was nonsuited.with 10s costs. SOUTH RAKAIA. Thursday, October 30. (Before Mr F. Guinness, R.M.) William Saunders was charged with driving over the Rakaia railway bridge 15 minutes before the train was due. S. Saunders appeared on behalf of his brother. He stated that his brother only received the summonses just as he was going by the train leaving for Nelson on urgent business, and asked the case may bo adjourned until his brother returned. The case was held over till the 13th November. SLY GROG SELLING. William Morton, boarding-house keeper on the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks rail way line, was charged w’ith this offence. Mr Purnell appeared for defendant. P. E. Thorow, constable stationed at Rakaia, proved the service of the sum mons. Defendant said nothing when summons was handed to him.

Edward Russell deposed that he was a laborer at Mr Passmore’s. Was employed there on the 21st last month. Knew the defendant ; he resided at Mitchem, about three miles from Mr Passmore’s. Went to defendant’s on the 21st of September last. Wheeler went with him. Got there between two and three p. m. Wheeler was still with him. There were throe other people besides defendant there in the sitting room. All were talking to gether. Knew only one by name, except defendant. His name was Lane. Had no conversation with defendant, only asked him if he would give him some pud ding. Had tea and rum as well. Four besides witness and Wheeler had pud ding. Wheeler was in the room in the defendant’s house at the time. The de fendant went to the back place for the rum, and brought it in in a bottle. I did not call for it, but heard Wheeler call for it. He said “let us have something to drink, Bill.” Defendant did not go for it immediately, as they were all talking to gether. Could not say the exact time be fore he brought it in. It may have been ten or fifteen minutes. He placed the bottle on the table. All present helped themselves. There wore five be sides defendant. Did not see anyone pay for it. I paid eighteen pence for pudding, as I understood the rum was to be given gratis. The pudding was all I called for. I ate all the pudding in the house. I .think what I ate was worth eighteen pence. Had pudding, tea, and rum. Did not think the rum included in the meal. Had rum before and after the meal. Had rum often. Wheeler called for rum first. Had more than one nip. The defendant brought in rum thi'ee times. He brought it in in a bottle. The same people were present on each occasion. I saw no money paid, only what I paid myself, Paid the one (inn sixpence between the time I Had the meal and when I went away. To the .Bench i Tim mm and sixpence Was paid after I had the three glasses of ruin. Was thorp from about '4.3Q till S p. m., Wheeler left with ulih Crass-e?ijmiined by Mr Barbell j De fendant did noli say anything lo him alicnjt shouting Wjietrtha first buttju was Tipi 'Wibjjtr T'ilT 'Bnt Inj

could have said anything about shouting without me hearing it.. The second bottle of rum was put on the table later, on behalf of Lane. 1 have not to my knowledge sworn differently on a previous occasion. Defendant shouted the last time. On the third bottle being brought in defendant said lie would shout again. On another occasion I believe I said that defendant shouted once, and Lane twice. When the bottle was put on the table I md Wheeler helped ourselves. Others might haw done so, I cannot say ; but I think they did. Defendant was in the room ail the time. I did not interfere with the distribution of the liquor. The outtles were on the table, and wo were permitted to help ourselves. The bottles ■were not brought in full each time. They were not so largo as the ordinary public house bottle. When 1 paid defendant I put my hand in my pocket, and threw down two shillings, or two and sixpence, and said take the damage out of that. He took one and sixpence, and said it was for the pudding and tea. I have had pudding, tea, and liquor from defendant on pre vious occasions. Did not owe him any thing to my knowledge. To the police :—1 have never hid the bottle placed before me at an hotel. I have seen it done. People pay voluntarily each time for the liquor. The bottle is generally put back on the shelf. George Wheeler, sworn, said that he was a ploughman working for Mr Pass more. Knew the defendant. Went to his house on 'i ue-sday the 21st last month. There were three other men at the defen dant's. When we went there Russell was with me. We had two glasses of rum when we went in. Afterwards h.-d six more. I drank two, and Russell had two. The four others had a drink with me. All were in the same room. I paid for the liquor with a pound note, and received sixteen shillings back. Wont there about two, and came away about five p.m. Did not see Russell shout. Lane shouted, and defendant shouted twice. I paid four shillings for liquor. Cross-examined by Mr Purnell—l paid the pound note for liquor soon after I in. I have not sworn on a previous oc casion that I paid just before I left. I could not say how many nips I had while there :it might have been eight. I had none before I went to defendant’s. I was not quite sober when I left. The rum did not affect me so much that I do not recol what took place. I gave defendant the pound, and knew it was for the rum. Neither of us said anything about what the money was for. To the Bench—l called for drinks, and tendered this money to pay for them It was not long after 1 called for liquor that I paid for it—about four minutes after 1 bad the first drink ; or it might have been ten minutes. It was not long. Could not tell exactly how long, as we were all talk ing at the time. 1 paid for one shout all round. Six partook of it. By the police—l believe I owed defen dant three shillings some months ago, but he said nothing to me about it at this time.

For the defence, Mr Purnell offered the evidence taken on a previous occsision, which was accepted by the Court, the complainants agreeing to it. Mr Purnell contended that the in forma tion must be dismissed, on the ground that the defendant had been tried and dis missed for the same offence on a previous occasion.

The Court reserved judgment on this point and on the case until next sitting of the Court, on the 13th November.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB. SraiNG Meeting. The following entries and nominations were received up to the closing hour : HANDICAP HURDLE RACE. Mr Robert Ray’s Lonehand Mr P. Butler’s Te Whetu Mr J. Lunn’s Robin Hood COUNTY HURDLE HANDICAP. Mr P. Husband’s Raven Mr J. J. Dawson’s Lonehand Mr H. Primmer’s Johnny MAIDEN PLATE. Mr H. A. Anderson’s Tam o’Shanter Mr J. Oakley’s Sir Roger Mr M. Friedlanders Cassandra Mr M Friedlander’s Dagrid Mr F. Standish’s Longbeach Mr H. Primmer’s Johnny Mr J. Smith’s Tim Flaherty ASHBURTON CUP HANDICAP. Hon. W. Robinson’s Numa Mr R. Ray’s Titania Mr P. Butler’s Laertes Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Lara ladies’ purse. Mr C. C. Fooks’ Billy Buttons Mr P. Husband’s Raven Mr H. A. Anderson’s Tam o’ Shanter Mr J. J. Dawson’s Lonehand Mr J. M‘ Amsland’a Orange Peel Mr F. Standish’s Longbeach Mr John Smith’s Tim Flaherty farmers’ plate. Mr J. J. Dawson’s Lonehand Mr M'Ausland s Orange Peel Mr Primmer’s Johnny Mr Herrick s Merlin Second Day. COUNTY STEEPLECHASE. Mr P. Husband’s Raven Mr J. J. Dawson’s Lonehand Mr Primmer’s Ada Mr Primmer’s Johnny Mr M. Friedlander’a Outside RACING CLUB HANDICAP. Hon. W. Robinson’s Numa Mr R Ray’s Titania Mr P. Butler’s Laertes Messrs Mason and Vallance’s Lara tradesmen’s handicap, Mr P. Husband’s Raven Mr H. A. Anderson’s Tam o’ Shanter Mr J, J, Dawson’s Lonehand Mr M. Friedlanders Cassandra Mr M'Ausland's Orange Peel Mr John Smith’s Tim Flaherty Mr John Homek’s Merlin Entries bearing postmarks of 31st iaat. «ru still to b« nduMtl Weights will b<3 declared pn Nov. Ji (keoeptsneos on the i?th,

Saturday, November r, 1879,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

3



Trade with: Peru. —The German barque Dentchland, which arrived in Port Lyttelton on Thursday brought a cargo of sugar from Peru direct. The owner of the cargo, Mon? Sanri, was a passenger by the vessel, and he intends, if possible to up a regular direct trade from this colony to Peru, With this end in view, on the cargo being discharged, a shipment 9? grfin will b« Matt in. It ft) to be feaited tb« SjltWpWBQ flf the spirited pgent >b9J»?rW9ptNe4'S?lU IV'th the pc'; " ■ ■ ; •



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