TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

(Reuter's Telegrams .) London, Doc. 8. Obituary—Duke of Portland. ■ Constantinople, Dec. 8. The Bulgarian Assembly has been dis solved, in consequence of the impossibility of forming a Ministry frdm the members of the Chamber. Naples, Dec. 8. Mount Vesuvius is in great agitation. St. Pktkesbubo, Dec. 8. Prince ■ Gortsohakoff has resigned the portfolio of foreign affairs. '■ i. r ‘':.(Age'Speriaf.)- - i-> ; London ; Dec. 7. ■ King Theebaw has sent an ambassador to the Viobrby. ! Lord Lyttoh declines to re ceive hiiU Until the King guarantees to refrain boa t repetition of the acts which causeddiplomatie ruptures. ■ T he.fAlbanians : have attacked Monte negro. ' 'Remonstrances .have been ad- the Porte. ■ 1 : {Argus special.) A ■■ - London, Dec, 8. At an excited meeting of 6000 persons at Gastiereagh,' the Committee refused to admit l ' the' Government reporters, who attended - under police protection. The police, presenting their rifles, repelled an onslaugat on the- reporters. Mr. Parnell pre«enfed a collision. Great floods have , occurred ft Gross Wsifdein, in Huagary, and thousands have been rendered homeless. The ad joining villages are threatened. - The Wesleyan Chapel in the City Road has been down;

AUSTRALIAN.

t-ri: .ic-ftci •■•. T" • Svninsvv Dec. 8. ifljij triid r oftheburiiratigets is proceed . Stock Show takos place onSaturday, for New Zeakndl r'v : *^ !UJ v '■? ‘ ‘ - SvmnsT, Dec. 9. ■ Noprixes weie awirded to New Zea land exhibitsat the cattle show. Messrs. Maclean’s Duke of Newcastle was com mended. ' ' The trial of the bushrangers has been adjourned until to-iborrow. > = V- u 1 Melbourne, Dec. 8. Government have consulted ten coun sel to Ascertain whether a statutory minority was obtained on Thmsday. Meters. Michie, Webb, and Williams, have expressed opinions adverse to Go vernment. Theopinions of the others are utdftlowh. v Melbourne, Dec. 9 J|r. Berry stated in the Assembly that the Ministry had recommended the Go vernor to dissolve parliament, and that thi Marquis of Normanby had accepted the todommendation unconditionally, and will ; grant a dissolution before Christ- A large majority, of . the Upper House a» adverse to boutne)’s opinion that the GoVeitoiteht Beform-Bill should not be Sentto the legislative .Council. 1 S^MidbomheDaily Telegraph ” was naSfe&doTii the Courc of Appeal, which Corporations were unable to •dHßnawilWri/;:': r: - ." toajue'i, I {Sfeeial.) or i • gYDHIiY, Dec. 8. Two ladies were drowned in the - harbor by the, utufetting of 6. boat. Two men who we&imh “ them were saved. They supported f tko girls for half an hour in ■ijjrht'-'trf the' passengers On the Manly steamer.. Her boat was lowered, but it wttATeAkyi and gofc sWamped. The bUflhrangers display great levity at their trial. , wif ■ ■ •• ■ ' Melbourne, Dec, 8. atm stated that Government, as an out conjbof the 1 recent division; intend to sub ■rituto'ft 'rdbderate Reform Bill, or perhaps subjectto amendment. Four baSnMfs ponsulted are known to have ex pressed Opinions adverse to Government; lii^etoit^pituon : of-the Bar is against the position taken up by the Ministry; Cabk adviotes' Aabetarittate" the rise in !i 7' v ' 5v !

INTERPROVINCIAL.

’.ri ■■Acqcimn, Dec.. 10. ,At tlu« mommg , broke , out intAepremisea of Rafton, basket-maker. W on th ® Sand suppressed it after some hadheen done, ;The.origm i» un ■HoUHk IMP# QWPW; *??! i i Pwding, - ojfj)SKl,by bookbinder, insured .’■« »d of the VQgfapipf jby , recent .expb?aioa ,on the Naya!. Brigade pinnace, Caj>tain . Leßoy I*aM«Bted : Petty ilecpgmajng hia gjJhintry in sftving y ttf»)tp l |bfttpceewon.., i ; ; V^ ; . r jtogbiwi. Ail .tap single girlp by<the Arathusa f «?»P%P«nt at fair wages: I ji. jThe fwllpwing were the amendments &e Property. Assessment Bill: — ; to the tex pn shipping ' WllfrfrlMinllliV l ' 11 fjinVMipftfjy te be valued jPpfcrnriqa ■ it would bring, at auction for #p£b„ \ The Governor is empowered by an suspendthe operation atoim-Mm promised before,the third reading,to,state tne amouhlu£Jax.pjbpoiediiP: be imposed 87,;. r ; DuNßbiN, Dec, 9, Star ” We hear Jthrn of Mr., 'justice Williams rgill, Mr.M‘Dbnald,acting Williamson and Gilbert iutfnds applying for an in istrain the Juvenile Trouba- Wfik*;? Pinafore.” ed that pr<>cee dings will be ■Tpwle.and Ogden for an ih- T wie “ Authora’ Copyright ilttee of the Otago Cricket let last evening at five o’clock etter from the Canterbury iring Afonday, January 12, (neneement of the Interpro - nuncnes. It was resolved to re- to agree to an alteration, * jj)b f M.io include a Saturday in the days of '/he'weather to-day has been very un pleasant, and farmers in thd Country dis tricts are beginning to complain of to much rain.

LATEST.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's Telegram.) Sydney, Dec. 10. The estimates put the expenditure of next year at L 4,084,183, showing a de crease of L 8,500 compared with last year.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Per our Special Wire. Auckland, Dec. 10. Another difficulty has occurred between Dempsey and his workmen at the rail way reclamation works. The men struck work to-day. The Gold Mining Company declared a dividend of 2s. 6d. per share, absorbing L 750. Rewi is said to be seriously indisposed. The Natives are looking forward with interest to the great Native meeting next month, when the land transactions Nga taraukawa will be reviewed. The Regatta Committee met to-uight and decided for a champion schooner race—first prize LIOO, second prize L3O; large cutter race, Ist prize, silver cup, value L 35, presented by the members and Ll 5 added ; second prize, L2O ; third, LlO. Two other silver cups were pre sented for open boat and yacht races. There is every promise of a successful meeting. Gkahamstown, Dec. 10. A fire broke out this morning, at 2 o’clock, in Pollen' street, and destroyed Brien’s (furniture dealer) and Wood’s (fruiterer) shops. The cause is supposed to have been from a gild at Brien’s leaving a candle burning on going to bed. In surances—Brien, Royal, L 15 0; Wood, Norwich Union, £SO on building. Five Naval Brigade bandsmen are to be tried by Court-martial next week for refusing to attend a church parade. Wellington, Dec. 10. The Wellington City Waterworks Loan, which was about to be placed in the Lon don money market, has been tempoarily withdrawn by the Lana agents of the Corporation bankers, owing to the fact that the issue, of the five million loan has affected the market to a considerable ex tent A Maori boy, Jako, was arrested at Carterton yesterday for stealing a horse, the property of Mr. Green, formerly his employer. He was brought to town to day and will be charged at the R.M. Court to-morrow. Timabu, Dec. 10. The weather is now warm, but heavy floods are still coming down in most of the rivers. The annual regatta on Anniversary Day promises to prove a very great success. Dunedin, Dec. 10. A London telegram of the Bth inst. advises that Trust, Barrows, and Co., the leading South Staffordshire makers of bar iron, have withdrawn all quotations, and that prices continue to advance. On Monday night the Rev. Dr. Stuart, while walking in his garden, slipped and fell heavily, dislocating his shoulder and sustaining a rather severe shaking. Ho was attended to by Dr. Blair and is pro gressing favorably. At the Board to-day, iff was stated that for convenience of new arrivals and in tending settlers, statements would' be pre pared and posted in public places, giving all information regarding land open for selection. The annual session of the Loyal Orange Institution was opened at she Oddfellows’ Hall, Rattray street, this afternoon. R.W.G.M., Bro. Revell, and 25 delegates were present. Part of the business will be the considering of a motion to take Father Chiniquy under the Society’s pro tection during his New Zealand tour. The Caledonian Society have resolved to make a first prize of LSO for Band com petition at the New Year’s Sports, and make sixteen the minimum number of members in each band. At the City Police Court this morning Peter Preston was again brought before the bench for failing to support his seven children, already inmates of the Dunedin Industrial School. He was ordered to pay 36s per week. Edward Brogan was ordered to pay ss. 6d. per week towards supporting his child. He admitted his liability, but urged in extenuation that he had only received 625. 6d. for 6 week’s con tracting at Mullocky Gully. Kate Walker waa*fined 20s. an d costs for obscene lang u age. Henry Huer and Geo, Mantel were charged, on the information of Mr. Street, J. P., with cruelly ill-treating a dog. His Worship held the case was not sufficiently proved, and dismissed the action.

ASHBURTON LICENSING COURT

Tuesday, Dec. 9; Before Messrs. P. Guinness (Chairman), and H. T. Winter and C. P. Cox, Com missioners. MBS. bottler's NEW HOTEL. Mr. Crisp appeared in suppor t of the application. It appeared that the build ings were not yet completed, but would be within a fortnight, and the Bench resolved that the license should be granted on Jan. Ist, 1880, if the house was then finished to the satisfaction of the police. NEW HOUSE AT METHVEN. Mr. Robert Patton applied for a license for a house at Methven. This application had been made in June, and adjourned to September; but owing to the illness of Sergeant Felton, who had promised to see to the matter, and the long distance at which the applicant lived from Ashburton, the matter had lapsed. After argument, the Bench allowed Mr. Purnell to make a formal application, and the Court would be adjourned for a month to consider the same. The house would cost from LI,BOO to L 2,000, and would be called the Meth von Hotel. TRANSFER OF LICENSE. The transfer of the Hindhope Hotel from Max Friedlander to Robert Little was confirmed.

SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

By our Special Wire.

Timaru, Dec. 10. The half yearly 'criminal sittings of the Supreme Court opened to-daj r , before Judge Johnston. ■

True bills were returned in the follow ing cases ;—Thomas Griffin, stealing from the person. William Charles Kiddey, forgery and uttering. Edward Jeffery, maliciously placing an obstruction on the railway line. Edward James, forgery; Harry Daniel Manning, aiding and abet ting to commit a forgery ; Albert Godfrey Saunders, aiding and abetting to commit a forgery. John Doyle, forgery and utter ing. William C. Graham, .attempt to murder. Thomas Hunt, cattle stealing. Mary Hunt, wilful damage to property. Frederick Noiber, obtaining money by false pretences, two charges.-'

No bills were found in the cases of Alfred Fisher for libel, and W. B. Nightingale for larceny. The following prisoners were dealt with : —Thomas Griffin, 12 months; W. C. Kiddey, one day ; Patrick Finn, 12 months; Edward James, forgery, two years ; John Doyle, 12 months; Mary Hunt, one day ; Frederick Neiber, 1 year on one charge, acquitted on the other. Blenheim, Dec. 10. In the Supreme Court yesterday, the cases of Kir wan, Goff, and Gowrie, for cattle stealing, and Yates, for assault with intent on a young girl, were dismissed. In the case of Earle v. Doherty, for libel, Mr. Travers, who appeared for defendant, made a special plea, alleging the allega tions in the libel to be true, viz., that Earle had actually seduced his niece, and had had-intercourse with her during the past two years, and, further, that the alleged libel was made with a view to hav ing the allegations inquired into for the public benefit. 9 p.m. Doherty’s case is still proceeding. The effect of Mr. Travers’ speech was that Mr. Doherty was not guilty; that the libel complained of was true in sub stance and fact ; that W. B. Earll had seduced his niece and had had frequent intercourse with her while living under his care and protection; that the publication was for the public benefit, as Earll had been a Councillor of the Borough of Blenheim just previously ; that at the time he was a candidate to fill a vacant seat ; that he held a high office as Grand Councillor in the Good Templar Order for the South Island ; that he held office in the Presbyterian Church ; and had served, and was entitled to serve as a Grand Juror ; and that it was for the public good that the allegations should be cleared up, and such a person prevented from holding such offices. Mr. Connelly asked for an adjournment to consider the plea, which was granted for an hour. On re-assembling, Mr. Connolly said the evidence must proceed. The case went on, and publication of the libel was proved. Mr. Travers opened the case, and out lined a most horrible story, comprising it serious of alleged offences of a grossly in decent nature. This afternoon Fanny Townsend gave her evidence in chief, and detailed a number of indecent acts, and the com mittal of a capital offence. Other impor tant witnesses are to be examined to night.

SUEZ MAIL NEWS.

(Per Sydney Mail Steamer at Auck land.)

London, Oct. 8. Political canvassing is going on in view of a general election. * Professor Fawcett, speaking on the Irish question, said it was better for the Liberal party to be excluded from office until its youngest members were grey with age than that it should obtain power by any compromise with the Home Rulers that would lead to a dismemberment of the Empire. Sir M. Hicks-Beach, speaking at Bir mingham, defended the annexation of the Transvaal, and showed that the Liberals offered no opposition at the time the measures were taken.

Lord Lyttelton, at the Liberal banquet, said that if the Liberals were returned to power the Afghan policy would bo reversed, Cyprus would be given up, and the national finance placed in a sound con dition.

The Tranmere baby fanning case has been concluded, the Bayne’s havifig been convicted of manslanghtar and sent into penal servitude tor life. Russian papers state that if war occurs between China and Japan, Russian sym pathy will be with China. Information received at New York ad vises that the commander of the United States war steamer Hackawanga, from the Samoan Islands, states that if Sir Arthur Gordon annexed Samoa, or es tablished an English protectorate, it was intended to protest against the annexa tion of Pagopago Harbor, and its use as a coaling station, and he would take his vessel there to protect the station if necessary. Adolphus Rosenbury, the publisher of “Town Talk,” has been sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment for libels on Mr. and Mrs. Langtry, and has en tered into recognisances of LIOO to keep the peace for eighteen months after the expiration of the sentence. For a libel on Lord Londesborough he was also sen tenced to six months, and to six months for a libel on Mrs. Cornwallis West. The Judge regretted being unable to add hard labor to the sentence, and said the prisoner’s should not have been treated as a first class misdemeanor, but as a felony. The printer of the paper was ordered to enter into recognisances of LlOOto appear for judgment when called upon. Indian advices to Nov. 7, state that re wards have been offered for the capture of men concerned in the attack on the Presidency at Cabul. The rewards are graduated thus : —SQ rupees for sepoys, 75 rupees for a captain, 100 rupees for a field officer.

A committee has been appointed in India ta arrange for the despatch and col lection of Indian contributions to the Melbourne Exhibition.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Dec. 9. The Native Prisoners Bill was opposed by Sir G. Grey and his most obsequious followers until two o’clock this morning, after which the House went into Committee on the Property Assessment Bill, andsorne hard fighting took place over clause 21. Mr. Saunders ''carried hio exemption of agricultural machinery. from taxation against the Government, but the beneficial effect of his amendment was .much better by an addition of the words “in actual use,” which the Government carried against him by a narrow majority. This leaves the tax on agricultural machinery in the hands of salesmen and will of course reduce the price to the farmer. The land owner is required to pay a tax on a sum equal to fourtimestherental insteadof twenty times the rental as proposed in the Bill. Mr. Saunders could not carry the exemption of draught and breeding horses, and was fighting against odds for the exemption of steam engines, and all machinery, when the Colonial Treasurer retired with his Bill at daylight this morning, No. 21 clause being still under discussion. Wellington, Dec. 10. Yesterday evening, after the Statement, the House went to business in earnest, and got through the Property Assessment Bill in Committee about 3 o’clock this morning. Several hours were spent in further fighting clause 21, which, after all, received no further alteration. Mr. Saunders’ motion to exempt agricultural implements from taxation was the only amendment carried. His motion to exempt steam engines was only lost by a majority of one in a full House —38 to 37. His motion to exempt grain, roots, and growing crops, was lost by a majority of 5. A great number of divisions were taken, and attempts were made to exempt house hold furniture, farmers’ dairy cows, gold and coal mining property, but all failed. The Colonial Treasurer resisted every amendment, and with the exception of agricultural implements, had everything his own way.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, Dec. 9, AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS. Mr. Fultor asked Government whether they would during the recess, devise some method for the more speedy apprehension and punishment of those who deserting their wives and children leave them a burden upon the charity of the public, and whether they would endeavour to secure the united efforts of the Australian Colonies in this matter.

The Hon. J. Hall promised that the proposition should be favourably consi dered by Government.

Replying to Mr. Swanson, The Hon. J- Hall said that the Chinese Emigration Regulation Bill was one they desire to see passed ibis session. Mr. Ireland asked if Government had succeeded in making arrangements for the completion of the Tapanui railways, and when the work was likely to be finished. The Hon. R. Oliver replied that Go vernment had not attempted to make any arrangement, but intended to ask the sanction of the House for that purpose.

Major Te Wheoro asked what lands are given as security for the loans from Eng land, and whether Maori lands ware in cluded.

Major Atkinson said that Maori lands were not given any more than Europeans. Replying to Major Te 'VVheoro, The Hon. J. Bryce said that Govern ment would not undertake to bring in a Bill to provide that, in future, roads should be enforced through Native lands that are Crown granted.

Mr. Shephard asked whether Govern ment would make provision for paying the present rate of subsidies to local bodies, for the quarter ending June 30, 1880. Major Atkinson said he could not make the promise asked. It would be the duty of Government to bring down a general proposition on the subject next session. Mr. Reeves asked if it were true that no tender had been accepted for the con veyance of mails between Westport and Reefton ; also if it were true that tenders for a pack horse system had been called for between these two amportant towns. The Hon. John Hall replied that this was one of those cases to which it was felt that retrenchment ought to be appled ; henee the pack-horse system had been accepted. In renlying to Mr. Reeves, The Hon. John Hall said that at present Government would not be justified in undertaking a pack-horse m.iil service between the Waiau and the Ahaura.

Replying to Mr.‘Reeves, Mr. Rolleston promised to consider the necessity for the periodical removal of Wardens of Goldfields at least, once every three years.

Mr. Han is asked Government—(l.) Whether they were resoonsible for the damage to fences caused by sparks from locomotives on New Zealand railways. (2.) If they would cause enquiries to he made into several claims, made by settlers in Franklin, aeainst Government for compen sation for damage done to their cattle by locomotives on the Auckland and Waikato Railway, with a view of redressing their grievances. (3.) If they will cause enquiry to be made into certain alleged unbilled promises in regard to fencing, slated to have been made by Government to settlers in Franklyn on their giving their land to Government for Jail way purposes. (4.) If they will erect fencing on the Auckland- Waikato Raiway line, where settlers can prove that Government promised to do so. Mr. Oliver replied that they were advised that they wore not, responsble for damage so occasioned. When cases of the kind occurred they were strictly enquired into. When a well-founded claim was established, the repairs would bo made by Government. THE BEMAININO BUSINESS OF THE SESSION. Replying to a question put yesterday by Mr. Maoandrew. The Hon. J. Hall said that the follow ing was the order of business proposed by Government .'—-They would pass before the close of the session, the following Bills ;—The Customs’ Duties, Tobacco Manufacturers, Revision of Statutes, Pro perty Assessment, Land Tax Collection, Building Societies Act Amendment, and Electoral Acts Repeal. The other Rills set down would depend on the time of the 1 House. If time permitted he hoped to

I get through the Special Powers and Con tracts Bill, the Counties Bill, Public Re serves Sale Bill, and Regulation of Elec tions Bill. They saw no hope of proceed ing with the Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill. The other Hills on the order paper would be dropped, including the Repre sentation Bill, Electoral Petitions Bill, Gaming and Lotteries Bill, and Alienation of Maori Lands Bill. If members would condense their speeches as much as pos sible Government hoped to be in a. position to have the House prorogued not later than Tuesday. EVENING SITTING. The House re-assembled at 7.30 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. The Public Works Bill, 1879, was in troduced and read a first time. After the Public Works Statement had been read, • - Mr. Macandrew said that the Minister for Public Works was to be complimented upon the clear and businesslike statement he had just made. He was glad to find the policy as originally' initiated was to be carried out in its entirety. . The Bill was ordered to bo read a second time on Thursday. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT BILL. The House then went into Committee on the Property Assessment Bill. A motion was made to include steam engines in the exemption clauses. The House divided—Ayes, 37 ; Noes, 38. The motion was lost. Sir George Grey moved an amend ment— “ That the words ‘ and machinery of every description,’ be inserted.” Tiie House divided—Ayes, 35 ; Noes, 40. The amendment was lost. It was moved, as a further amend ment—“ That the following he exempted: Steam-engines used for manufacturing purposes, steam Vessels, and machinery for mills and agricultural pursuits or timber industries.” A division resulted as follows :—Ayes, 31 ; Noes, 37. The amendment was lost. The next amendment was by Mr. Seddon, for the insertion of all properly belonging to or vested in persons for mining other than gold mining. This was lost on the voices. The next amendment was for the ex emption of draught horses employed for farm purposes, and dairy 7 cows, the division being—Ayes, 22 ; Noes, 37. The remaining clauses of the Bills were passed through Committee without sub stantive alteration. The House rose at 2.10. Per our Special Wire. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, Dec. 10. In the Council to-day a large number of notices for leave of absence were with drawn on the understanding that the session was soon to end. motion to appoint the colony’s Agents-General for short terms lapsed through Colonel Whitmore’s absence. Dr. Menzies’ motion that persons taking railway seats should hold the same seats all through the journey, was carried. The Jackson and Kinross cases again came up for discussion, and were finally disposed of—the first by the Committee’s report being adopted by 18 .to 17 votes ; and the second by being shelved with the proviso that the Councillors and officers might appear as witnesses in any future action against Mr. Kinross. The Registration of Electors Bill was read a third time. The Council adjourned from 3 till 7.30. At the evening silting, the second reading of the Ashburton County Council Waterworks Bill was passed..

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House resumed at 2.30, HANS'RD. Mr. De Latour brought up a report from the Reporting Debates Committee to the effect that the cost of translating “ Hansard ” into the Maori language, so as to he available forthe native race, would he L 750, and recommended Government to make provision therefor if they see fit to do so. THE KAMA AGAINST MR. SUTTON. The Report of the Native Petitions Committee, on the petition of Geo. Davey, making certain imputations against the character and dealings of Mr. Sutton, M.H.R., in the acquisition of nativelands, was brought up and read. The Report recommended that no action be taken in the matter.

Sir G. Grey moved that the report be referred back 1o the Committee. There were persons on the Committee who had never been present until the vote on the report was taken. As a member of the Committee he had moved aresoluiion that these members be not allowed to record their votes on that motion. An amend ment was moved by Mr. Ormond, which had the effect of burking all further dis cussion. That amendment was carried, which, under the circumstances, was most unfair, and prevented him from putting his viewsbefore those members who had not been present when the evidence was taken. What he now wanted was the re port to be sent back, so as to afford him an opportunity of placing Iris views on record.

Mr. Ormond explained the action he had taken in the matter. After sitting for about a month, a determination was come to, the effect of which is embodied in the report. Upon that Sir G. Grey proceeded to move a number of resolu tions, embodying his particular views on the subject. All that he did was to move a resolution ‘ that these views of Sir |George, which in his opinion, were erroneous and calculated to mislead the House, should not be embodied in the report. Mr. Rolleston, a member of the Com mittee, also made an explanation of the facts of the ease, as they transpired in Committee, defending the report as made. Sir G. Grey, in reply, stated that his resolutions could not have come before the House, and thereby have, as alleged, produced an erroneous opinion. Unless these resolutions had been adopted by a majority of the Committee, it was mon strous that a member of Committee, who had attended all the meetings, and listened closely to the evidence should pot ho allowed to bring his viewshef f >X<> the Com mittee. The resolution was carried by the Committee and the amendment treated with unseemly merriment.

Mr. Rolleston denied such was the case, and the accusation was reiterated by Sir G. Grey. The motion for re-committal of the report was lost by hi to 36. On the motion of Mr. DeLautour, it ’.viii agreed the m : nutea of the evidence should be printed. eoahs ix h,okxi:y. The adjourned debate on the question “ that thiivHouse resolve itself into Com mittee to consider an address to the Go vernor, praying that ‘JO,OOO acres of land in Rodney County be set aside for the purpose of constructing roads in said County,” was resumed. The motion was carried on the voices. OTAGO HAHBOK, Mr. Dick moved the second reading of the Otago Harbor Board Endowment Bill. ■ . Mr.'Macandrew opposed the motion as it now stood. He was prepared to give them the endowment asked, but was op posed to the extensive borrowing powers proposed. There were great differences of opinion as to the beneficial expenditure of the L 250,000 already expended by the Board. His opinion was the money to a large extent had been misapplied. They had no legal claim to the land asked for. To settle the disputes that had arisen, he was willing to concede. He hoped the Bill would be withdrawn. What was asked was 88 acres of water to be reclaimed from the sea, and at present they had not the means for carrying on reclamation works. In fact they would be as far forward next session as they could possibly be if the Bill passed this session. Practically speaking the Board consisted of one man, who was left to do much as he liked.

Mr. Oliver said that originally L 600,000 expenditure was contemplated, and at pre sent not half that amount had been spent.' The work already done was practically speaking no use until further expenditure had been undertaken. The railway ran along the line of small bays proposed to be reclaimed, and the sooner that was done for the benefit of the railway the better. Mr. Stewart explained the reason the Bill had not been brought up at an earlier period of the session was the difficulty of getting the Committee together to agree as to the provisions of the Bill. The grant was required in respect of land taken from the Board for railway pur poses. The position of affairs was this— If money was not available for carrying out the proposed works, then money would have to be provided to bring the harbor back to its original state. To stop the work at the present stage would be most disastrous to the district. The gentlemen who constituted the Board were all gentlemen who had devoted a large amount of time to the work. These gentlemen thought it was wrong for Mr. Macandrevv to cast imputations on their bona tides.

Mr. Fulton said a great deal of dissatis faction existed, both in Dunedin and else where, with the proceedings of the Board. He had no objection to the tndowment, but in common with many others, he objected to the borrowing clause. Mr. McLean thought the Bill would not be carried at this late period of the session. Mr. Macandrew’s election fer Port Chalmers depended upon the opposi tion he gave the Board. It was to be regretted he had gone the length of stating that the members of the Board were not equal to the occasion, and that the work was left in the hands of one man. That was not the fact of the case.

Mr. Barron spoke in opposition to the borrowing powers. They had com menced operations at the wrong end. The proposed reclamation operations were judicious in respect that it would enable the Port Chalmers and Dunedin Railway to be improved in a vai iety of ways. Mr. Dick replied, and the motion was put and carried on the voices, and ordered to be referred to the Waste Lands Com mittee. MINES. The amendment proposed by the Legis lative Council on Mines Act 1877 Amend ment Bill were not agreed to, and Messrs Reeves, Finn, and De Lautour were ap pointed t'? draw up reasons for dissent. EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7.30 p.tn. MISCELLANEOUS. A resolution to be reported from a Com mittee of the House on the Charleston Water Race was considered. Mr. M'Lean moved the adjournment of the discussion. The House divided—Ayes, 27 ; noes, 34. A motion that the resolution be agreed to w’as carried on the voices. The Slaughter-house Act 1867 Amend ment Bill was passed. Onamofionto gointocomniitteeon Tara naki Iron Smelting Works 1876 Amend mentßili, awarding the company 8000 acres of land, a lengthened debate ensued- The House divided —Ayes, 34 ; noes, 24. The Bill passed through Committee, was re ported, read a third time, and passed. On the second reading <>f the Civil List Act, 1873, Amendment Bill a division was taken—Ayes, 25 ; Noes, 35. sib geoege’s pets. The adjourned debate on the second reading of the Elective Legislative Council Bill was brought on. The House divided —Ayes, 24 ; Noes, 35. The Bill thrown out. On the motion for going.into Committee on the Prevention of Corruption Bill a division took place —Ayes, 28 ; noes, 29. The Bill was thrown out. ° The Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, Amendment Bill was also thrown out on the motion for committal.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

Tlic usual monthly meeting of the South Rnkaia Road Board, which was adjourned from last Thursday, was held on Wednesday, 10th inst. Present— Messrs. C. N. Mackie (Chairman), E. S. Coster , 17. M‘Lean, and D. G. Holmes. Tire Surveyor’s report. was read and received.

G. Shellock, - pnundkeeper, Bakaia, wrote asking tae Board whether it was their wish that ho should impound all cattle and horses found straying on the roads and streets in the district. After a lengthy discussion during which several of the members expressed opinions to the effect that it was Mr. Shellock’s duty to look after the pound, and the duty of the police to impound stray cattle. On the motion of Mr. Holmes it was resolved— “ That the duties oi poundkeepers not being fully defined in the ‘ Trespass of Cattle Ordinance,’ the Board cannot give any further information.” A letter was read from Mr-- W. L. Allen, Acton, coverings claim of I<6o for four acres of land acquired by the Board for shingle pits. It was resolved that the Board pay the amount, also all customary charges for transfer of title, i ,

A letter was received 'froih Mr. H. Slater, Ashburton, claiming the refund of the proceeds of sale at the Bakaia Pound of one gelding belonging : to him, and enclosing a statutory declaration as to ownership It was resolved that the amount he paid. A letter was received from Mr. F. B. Passmore, Resident Engineer to the Bakaia and Ashb irton Forks railway, asking, in view of the near completion of the railway, whether everything in con nection with the Beard’s roads had been done to the satisfaction of .the Board. It was resolved that the roads he inspected as to whether all instructions to the con tractors had been carried out and a reply forwarded to Mr. Passmore. A letter was read from the Ashburton County Council, asking the co-operation of the Board in keeping the water courses of the district clear.

A letter was received from Seafield ask ing the Board to form the road from Sea field to Kyle. The request was not granted. - A letter was read from Mr. Baxter, County Engineer, asking for particulars -a* to the position and dimensions of the pro posed new jx.und at Rakaia. It was resolved that the Rakaia pound be similar to the Ashburton pound, with sheep-proof paddocks.

A letter was read from the Bank of New Zealand, Rakaia, asking what were the Board’s wishes with reference to the LIO,OOO fixed deposit with-accrued' in terest as that amount would soon fall due. It was resolved that LB,OOO be a fixed de posit for twelve months and the balance of L 2,000 be earned to current account. A deputation of Mr. W. A. Brown and another waited on the Board asking the Board to purchase a road from Bushy Park road to Great South road at Chort sey. It was resolved that Messrs Brown and Copeland be asked to state what price they are willing to part with the necessary land for, when the Board will be able to give them a reply. At the request of Mr, Brown it was resolved to form 75 chains <rf the Great South road near Chertsey railway station. It was resolved that, the Chair man, Messrs. M'Lean, Coster, and the> Surveyor visit Jones’s road and report as to the'necessary work there. It was resolved that two members of the Board retire, the same to be eligible for re-election. A ballot being taken, it fell to Messr. Holmes and Lambie to retire.

The pay sheet amounting to L7BO la. 3d. was passed for payment, when the Board adjourned.

The Taratahi Outrage.

In reference to the Taratahi outrage a report has lately been circulated that the injured man Busch was himself the perpetrator of the mutilation from which he is now suffering. The rumor appeared to us so absurd that we declined to take any notice of it. The report as far as we have traced it appears to have originated with the police, and as these gentle men have made a decided failure in their attempts to catch the authors of the outrage, it is easy to find a motive for their wishing people to believe in it. Busch himself strenuously dentes the rumor, and has written to the Wairarapa Standard a strong l ettcr on the subject, which he concludes with the following words:— “ Another opinion is, I hear, gradually getting hold amongst the people—that I have injured myself purposely in order to arouse pity. In answer to this most absurd report, I can only say it most likely have originated from that person or parly Mho have reason tocastofT alt suspicion from themselves.” For our own part we trust that the circulation of such a rumor will not he accepted by the police as a sufficient excuse for relaxing thefr efforts for the discovery of the brutal perpetrators of this crime- They should on the contrary atse every means in their power to remove the stigma which must attach to their reputation until the offendersarc brought, to justice. — h'orihtnt E-. r/tanfft.

ThORSPaVj Prcrmrkh l«t

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

3



A Religious Maniac at Rotherham.— Early one morning, last October, the people at Rotherham were astonished to see a n\an in his night-dress run rapidly along the street carrying a baby, which was also in its night dress. He was taken to the pdice-station, and behaved so violently that four officers could scarcely restrain him. He had a Bible with him, which he clung to most tenaciously. He declared that according to the behest of the Almighty he was saving the child from hell and eternal perdition.



Carriages and Made Servants.— ln the year ended the 31st of March the British Excise duty on carriages amounted to j£555.749 2s-j and on male servants 10^146,061 15s.



Straight.— Bank managers are usually sauve, affable, and polite gentlemen. They do squeeze customers with terrible tight ness sometimes, but that is all in the way of business ; but in a general way they are “bland,” if not “child-like,” in their ways. But there is a bank manager up. Wanganui who does call a spade a spad«v and who wires into those who annoy him in a very trenchant fashion indexed. It seems that Mr. W. H. Watt, the chair man of the Wanganui Education Board, wrote to Mr. W. F. Russell, the manager of the Bank of New Zealand there, com plaining “ that tW bank had charged in terest on the Board’s account while it held £4OOO to its credit. This,” wrote Mr. Wi V', “was discreditable.” Mr. Russell, in reply, calls Mr. Watt a “false wit ness,”'and says “that his charge of dis creditable action is a lie and a vile calumny.” Of course there was a row at iho Board about the letter, but we gather that in the end the irate banket 1 had, the best of it,—“ Chronicle,”



“ Your husband it) sick a good deal of. late, isn’t he I ” remarked a Southern. Illinois woman to another. “Yes,"' answered ihe wife, “he’s tuk down, mighty hat'd with them ’ere ager-shakes agin.” “1 shod think it ’ud be sorter distressin’ ter have him ’round the house," remarked the other sympathising!? j. “ ’spoc’ly when you’re at iVouse cleaning’ “ Yfal, so it wud be,” replied the wife, in wolf consoling tones, “ bht wbed he’s, got inter one of his chi/ls, arpf I Vant the' rag carpet shuk, yer see bp’s a powerful 1 , smart hand terhiteh onto it.” Then the* other woman wended her' way home, envying her neighbor the knack she had! of utilising her husband. Singular Discovery i»ubino a-Salb.— Mr. John Bernal, auctioneer, was con ducting a sale of household furniture and a collection of antiques and old paintings the ether day, in the residence of aiLold gentlcman, in Mallow street, Limetick, who took a delight in the possession o" such articles. a Mr. Bernal was. about to offer three worthless-looking boxes and whatever they contained “on chance," when an intending bidder kicked one of the boxes with his foot, and, finding it; heavy, he made further examination, whem the box yielded up the stun of £4O in' silver. This led to a search of fhe second 1 , box, in which £2O was found. The third’ was next tried, and in it were found three gold watches, jewellery, and diamonds in; antique settings, and other valuables. The accidental discovery of the intending: bidder will put a considerable sum inter the pocket of the owner, an eccentric 01. gentleman, who might otherwise have Ip'i the treasury of money go for ahnow nothing. —“ Northern-Whig.”