book. The buildings have deteriorated in value suit e they were insured in 1877. 1 They were insured in the name of the ! ■ Land and Building Investment Society of ■■• Christchurch. The stock was insured in Mr. Fowler’s name. ' Sergeant Tratt deponed— Recollect hearing the fire beil about 10.30 p.m. on Nov. loth, and went to Fowler’s store. The upper part of the building was on fire. The flames had not extended to the lower floor of thu shops. Hyde’s and Hicks’s shops were both on fire ; all three shops wbi e joined together. I was on the spot within five minutes after the fire bell rang. The Fre Brigade had just arrived. The buildings were all destroyed. I went to the rear of buildings, and saw that the fire was confined to the upper portion of the buildings. I saw Mr. Fowler, jun., assisting at the engine. Saw Mr. Fowler after the fire at his own house, about 2 a.m. When I went he was lying on the sofa. 1 asked him if he could give any information as to the origin of the fire. He said he could not tell how it started, and he had. only saved two books and a cash-box, which he had brought away with him. The cash-box contained the policy. Mr. Fowrlov said the fire had quite upset ' him ; he had been doing a good business ; he had been banking LIOOO a month, as liis bank book would show ; there was L10X) worth of stock in the shop when riie fire occurred, and LSOO worth not paid for. He had left the shop about a ■quarter to tin that night, but had let Amos out by the front door. He then fastened the door and turned out the gas ; then went into the office, where his son was with a candle ; poured some water on the fire in the grate ; picked up some Imoks and the cash-box and went into the ;y ard. His son put out the light and followed him ; he then locked the door and they went hope. They had just arrived when they heard the fire tell. ' They went towards town when they f nww met by a person who told tliarit was his place (Fowler’s) was on fire. He then gave the keys to his son, ’and todd him to run on and let the horses but of the stable. . Fowler’s house is ab:>ut a quarter of a mile from the store. The two kerosene tins produced (the ser geants,lid) I found at the back of the office. ’ The oil can produced was given to me by the boy Hyde. The fire burnt -yery rapidly. ' .• By Mr. Branson—There was no fire nex’f the tins when I came there first. Tho.v smelt strongly of kerosene, but they may have been empty for months. Don’t ‘ know if Fowler had gas on his premises ; understood so from him. Don’t know if he,used kerosene on his premises. Young Hyde got the oil tin near Hicks’ bakery. There were a good number of people JaJoout that night. I could see that the bulk of the fire was in the top of f IjViWler’s rikop- There was a chimney in this shop, alia one in Hyde’s, and another in Hicks’. Hyde is a tinsmith, and I am not certain if he had another chimney. ’By"Mr. Quill —I went in at the back ■ door, hut there was no appearance of fire ■ downstairs. By the Coroner—Fowler told me he always took his books , home since a pre ..yiaus fine occurred in his shop. '' Henry Fowler, sworn, deponed —Am a fson of John Fowler,.,' and assisted in .the store. The (business was a general •one. I looked lifter the drapery moat of ttne time. Me. Aanos kept the books. , IThe store was about SBO feet by 20. The wines and spirits were kept in a small j i&ace between the office and drapery. T here were three rooms upstairs. There wa * mothing stored upstairs but crockery and’ iclothes pegs. These rooms were rou< -lined. There was nothing stored there ’lßfcely to explode. My father, Amos, and m were at the store all day. I don’t. wnsjgnise the tin with a tap in ; we had qm iamnething like at in the store, but don’t tl arikihe one in Court is ours. We usually laqptthe one we had outside. Ours was omp %’tflbat day. Wo only had one tin in st »lk that day ; it was kept in Hick’s ft wtUheuse. The tin was about three-part. « ifulL After the fire I found ! i kre .tin in the trap shed. Id ariltftmßw who put it there. It. seemed to . Wie<abeut the same quantity of kerosene 5n iit. We only did a small tiade in ket wsone. I was in the store on thepight, />»,;! (ffiie ffum till nearl.v 10 p.m. My father s ®# myself left toget her. He blew the can oi.'t, locked the .door, and we came awa} (together. We had 1 gas laid on, which was'J turnac.’ out shortl y before w,e left. Th e gas was' confined to the store, and the pipes were fixed under the ceiling. There ha d been a fi*®.- l “ the office that day—a coal fire * whiclr niy father threw some y /ater on be. foT ° Everything seemed safe when v’*•***“ rj there had been a fire up stairs ’ 1 have seen it befem . leaving. Ai '*• 'j two or three must ites before we > _ w«a in the shop ud l en he left ti l ' my i and ! left. W®& xi no safe. We use take home the Lad- -rer and cadi book a day book every n : ight. We kept a cas ' book, but did. nc ,t take it home except occasionally witen we wished to balance. Wo had a» securnc [ ledger which was kept ,in the-officei. 7 Jhe two books we took homeuhowwfi th 3 state of our affairs. e took'them home every night. We kep po. record offeaal 1 sales, and could not tell the extent affonr r transactions at the end of tlie. week. Did not always take the boolt 1 ©me, as the records •ifijere? made ik) the day book as well, bemgTiomexnf 'ewminutes, heard the fire fyU ringing ;,a id my father and I went out. and me it I ■ ,fr. Tait on the road. He told us thfedgn. , was in our store. I ran there andfiM the horses loose. The roof was-allindMn ie3 -when I arrived. I tried to getbinttoith e office but could not get in for amokce.l believe the insurance policies were uaaril; j icept in the cash box. I knowt&atcnr • y father was trying to dispose of thattinsiar - JBg previous to the fire- We wereribihger ery well, his reason for wishing to gjire .usiness was bad health. There wa*s tftrisw .laT amount of stock in the plftod: ‘"Wi .• . , en xe ran out of stock wo got small'(plan titles to cany on from Bullock an<D Cftv and others, but dealt mainly with/Offlr .stchurch merchants. We got . stocks" off< lotliing and bouts in just before the firoa Our stock was usually L9OO to LlOhO I® 1 value. Am sure there was no q!)0 Idfil fter we did. Jiy -'lf r , Branson—The roof was of shiiljj^B», T ‘ and there was no lining on the ' „p stairs. There were three chfpiaeg , ■ i n the pudding. Hyde also had ■ a fIMSf ' ,tove in his workshop ; the smoke * ’, e ,i awav by a pipe, which was • onTjroa; - U p to the height of the de - * ’ ‘Wilding. The spark from this pipe woaldft we driven with the breeze that night ops tt»( jut shop. The wiai was blowing

directly across Tancred street. There wore three seperate roofs on the building, and when I got there they wore all on tin-. I have seen sparks c ;raing out of Hyde’s chimney. It was about six or seven yards from our roof. By a juror—Did not know the amount of Hie cash sales. About 18 months previously a fire broke out in the store. We did not burn kerosene in the store. Knew Hyde did not hare gas laid on. By the Coroner —It would bo about twenty-five minutes from the time we left the store till I got back. David Amos, deposed—Was storeman for Fowler up to the date of the fire. _ A few goods were sent out that day. Think there was a whole tin of kerosine sold that day. There was a very small quantity left any how. The tin with a tap is one we used : it was kept outride, Mr. Fowler sold some small quantities that day. The gas was turned off when I left the store. I loft at the usual time, about 10 o’clock. There was one candle burning in the office when 1 left. I was generally the first to leave. Heard the lire bell first as I arrived home about 20 minutes after leaving. The flames were in the shop when I got back. Mr. Fowler always carried the ledger, day book, and cash-box home with him at night. The books saved would not show the whole of the accounts. I to keep the books. The business was doing very fairly ; can’t feay the extent of it. Mr. Minnis left just before me. I don’t recollect having any conversation about fire or insurance that morning.

By Mr. Branson There was no shutter to the shop ; there was a blind on the drapery window, but none on the other windows.

By a Juror —A person in the street could have seen a light in th® window up stairs. Mr. Fowler kept the cash-book himself. VVe sometimes put the cash sales in the book. I have never seen sparks coming out of Hyde’s chimney. It had a cap on it, and was lower than the store, and about 14 feet from it. The fire in the office was nearly eut when I left. Ada Gates —I recollect the fire at Fowler’s. 1 was at the store on the mom ing of the fire between 10 and 11. I heard Mr. Amos say that the buildings were old. and if one was burnt down the rest would be. Don’t know who he was talking to. I heard the words “ insurance on fire ” made use of. I knew Mr Amos previously to this. He was putting some parcels into a cart at the time. _ . t The inquiry was continued at Quill s sample rooms at 8 p. ra. John Fowler deponed—l was owner of the premises burnt down. Inspector Pender here desired Mr. Fowler to make a statement. Mr. Branson objected to his being called upon to do so, and Inspector Pender refused to ask any questions. The Coroner said any of the jury could ask questions. By Mr. G. M. Robinson —I estimated ray stock at LIOOO. About I*soo worth of that stock was not paid for. There was an alarm of fire once before, but I was at the time absent in Christchurch. No damage was done on that occasion. I was then residing there. By Mr. Broadbelt—On the last occasion I extinguished the light myself. I have seen sparks coming from the chimney at Hyde* workshop. I complained to him about % and he put a top on it. The monthly sales of my business were about L4OO. I can’t say from memory what amount oif goods I have purchased since I made an arrangement with my creditors —I think sbest L3OOO. By Mr. Botanson—My cash sales were about L4O asaontb- I kept a cash-book occasionally. B *** destroyed. I think it was about twenty from the time I left the shop tiß I heard the bell. I returned at once. The lire seemed to be a|l ’ °° the roof. The two centre gables seemed to be on fire. On my arrival I went into the office ; it was full of smoke. The kerosine tin with the tap In It had been put near Hick’s fowl-house a fortnight previous. I deal in kerosine, and I sold some on the day of the fire. There only remained about half a tin after th© fire. Don’t know if the chimney in the office was foul or not. Since the fire I have seen a crack in the chimney. It is pos sible the fire may have been caused by that; it was about on a level with the upper floor. The upper rooms were not lined, and the rafters were exposed to view. The roof was of rough lining covered with shingles. I left the premises about two minutes after Mr. Amos. I think it was he turned the gas off. I saved a rug and a coat out of the office when I went in. I think I stayed about half an hour at the fire before going home. I did not feel well. The dry book I took home had about ten weeks entries in it. The other one saved went back fffiout five months. I think my bank book must fcave been burnt. I don’t think I stated Sergeant Pratt that I was doing a bnsi [ of a LIOOO a month. I stated that I t rtf passed a LIOOO through the bank in 01 anson ere attention been impop Bible for me to go from the office to opS l*e frontdoor, and had 1 opened it it*would have taereased the draught and made the fire boro more fiercely. I was not up stairs mvriU that day, nor do I 1 ‘ « .nvniw else having been up. know of anyone eiws ■*=”' » r . Emma Hyde, smith —We lived next d»wr to Mr. Fow- W r store. There were five rooms in our house. There was a workshop detached children h»| P o *, 4 ? {“i-Fiifthl before the’ fire occurred; I was in tne kitchen. I heard Fowler’s office door locked five or ten minutes before the fire. I heard a crackling, and went out to the back and saw that the fire was up stairs. Kould see a glare through the window It was not n**o than ten mmutes after I heard the door locked till I * a , wth ® fi /r , Mv husband wsa in the workshop, »nd l told him of the fire. I went in again to fetch out the children, and when I came out again the roof was on fire, be coming through our part of*he houso coming from Fowler a. 1 got the children out and went away, bell rang W a few minutes after the fire broke out. My husband had a fire in the workshop when I went out. The room in whten I the fire first was over Fowlers Whop. Joseph Hyde, sworn—Am a I occupied a store next Fowler s. On the night of the fire I was in ray woAship. It was about six feet from the im*m build ag, I bad no fire that night, nor all day.

Fowler had complained about the danger I of the chimney in my workshop. I ..then I lengthened the chimney, and pat a cajton ! the top. When my wife told me or the • fire it was a little after ten. Ther e was ( no fire on the roof when I first came : tt. I saw the light in Fowler’s upstair window. That was all the fire I saw then. I took it to be the. light of a candle, and shortly afterwards saw it increase rapidly. 1 then fpve Chapman the alarm. There was no ight below, and there was no appearance of fire near the chimney. After sending the children out I came back to the fire. I was away about two minutes. My up stairs room was full of smoke. I tried tq* save my goods, and did not observe the fire. I was not insured at the time of the fire. I was about to leave the shop, and had given notice to the landlord. By Mr. Branson—l was very much ex cited at the fire. There was one window up stairs in my shop, two in Fowler’s, and two in Hicks. The window .1, first saw the fire through was one of Fowler’s. There was no fire on any of the roofs, when I first looked at them. I could see all over the roofs.

Thomas Hicks—Am a baker. I occu pied a shop in Fowler’s block. Tho bake house is some 30 yards away from' the building. I rented the place from Fowler. I whs about to leave the place, as the lease was out. The building was insured by Fowler, and my stock and furniture were insured. I was in the habit of going to his store every day. I did not take any notice of the stock before the fire. I was a customer of his. He was out of white sugar shortly before the fire. I went to my bakehouse at 10 o’clock, and came back in five minutes. I could see all the buildings. I saw a light in Mr* Fowler's office, another in the shop, and one up stairs. The one upstairs was a steady light. My wife had been in bed about an hour or so, and I went to bed about eight minutes After, wards ; my bedroom is up stairs next to Fowler’s, and I shortly afterwards heard a;cry of “Fire” from the street. About 10 or 15 minutes elapsed between the time I went in and the alarm. I went out into Tancred street. Did not see any fire from there. I then went to the back and saw fire coming through the roof ; it was, a large blaze, in about the middle of the roof, it was near the chimney. lam sure the light I saw up stairs was in Fowler’s, there was no light in my bedroom when I went up stairs to bed; there would an in terval of 25 minutes between the time I saw the light, and the breaking out of the fire. I thought the light up stairs was a candle.

By Mr. Branson —I did not notice any one in the shop ; it was open. Did not see any figures or shadows moving about up stairs. Mary Anne Hicks, wife of Thomas Hicks, sworn—Lived in the premises burnt down on Nov. 15th last. I went to bed about 9 o’clock that night ; I was awake when my husband came to bed, about 10 or 15 minutes past ten ; I heard Mr, Fowler and his son and some other person talking in the shop up till the time my husband went to the bakehouse. I heard a crackling noise like wood burning a few minutes after he came to bed; the sound seemed to come from Fowler’s shop ; 1 called my daughter and asked her if she was putting wood on the fire, she answered “ No,” and I then heard some one call “ Fire;” the crack ling noise kept 011 increasing; the sound seemed to come from below; before I had time to dress the fire had reached the partition near my bed. About ten or fifteen minutes elapsed between the ceasing of the conversation in Fowler’s shop until I heard the crackling. I saw the flames coming through under the skirting boards, I don’t think it was more than 3 or 4 minutes after my husband was in bed that 1 heard the noise. I did not hear any person up stairs in Fowler’s after I went to bed. I had to be assisted out of the house as the flames gained so rapidly. If any one had been walking in the adjoining room I could have heard them moving about. W. x\ Davison, storekeeper, sworn —I keep a store in Tancred street, near the site of the late fire. I heard an alarm of fire that night. I saw Mr. Fowler and his son about ten to fifteen minutes before the alarm, on their way home. By Mr. Branson—lt might have been a quarter of an hour, but I can’t be cer tain.

William Hyde, aged ten, son of Joseph Hyde, was sworn—Know the oil tin pro duced. Saw it on the morning of the fiie at Mr. Fowler’s back door. I saw Mr. Fowler emptying another kerosene tin into this one. There was no kerosene in it when I showed it to Sergeant Pratt. By Mr. Branson—l found the tin by Hicks’s on Sunday about 9 o’clock. Am sure it is the same tin. Mr. Branson asked that Mr. Fowler be allowed to deny the hoy’s evidence. After argument, Mr. Fowler was ex amined by the Coroner—l did not pour any kerosene into the tin in Court on that day. I poured some into a bottle. I did not move the tin that day. By the Jury—l had noothertinslikethat on my premises. The kerosene I had was in a tin with a patent tap. The kerosene is booked to Neville on that date in the day book produced. The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that Hyde’s evidence was not reliable. Hicks’ evidence was important, as he swears to having seen the three lights in Fowler’s, and Mrs. Hicks’ evidence also bore out her husband’s evidence. He called upon the Jury to give their atten tion to the case.

At a quarter past one this morning the following verdict was given by the fore man ;—“ That the fire originated on the premises of John Fowler, and was the act of #n incendiary, but who that incendiary was ihere is no evidence to show. ” The ectroner said that the verdict re turned was neither an open one or suffi ciently explicit to show the intention of the incendiary, and directed the jury to find a verdict to the effect that the incen diary committed the act with the intention of defrauding an insurance company, or of injuring a certain person. Several of the jury expressed an opinion that the intention of the incen diary was to defraud the insurance com panies, Mr, Hodder asked if it would not be competent to return a verdict simply that the act was one by an incendiary. The jury then found that some person or 'persons unknown did wilfully and maliciously get fire to the building with the intention of defrauding the South British and London and Lancashire In surance Companies. .The jury were dismissed at 2.30 a.m.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual r ,’tnightlv meet Hi-J , lust night, ft ‘ Mayor pros’There | vote alsopre- at Messrs. - 1-wler, Willia ason, and Roberto. mayor’s statement. Tlie Mayor said it would be necessary to take round the petition for signature, regarding the proposed Board of Conser vators. The Reserves Committee had not been able to visit the Borough Rural Reserves as yet. It had been found to be a most difficult thing to lease land forcropping just now, and neighbpring boroughs had not been able to crop their reserves. He had telegraphed to Mr. Wright point ing out the fact that many ratepayers were dissatisfied with the amount of money voted by the House for public buildings, only LBOO, ’ and had drawn his attention to the fact of Waimate receiving L4OOO. LBOO was not in proportion to the land sold within the Borough. THE NEW MAYOR. A letter from G. S. Cooper, Esq., Under Secretary, was read, acknowledging receipt of a letter notifying the election of Mr. Hugo Friedlander as Mayor of the Borough. THE SCAVENGER. A letter was read from Mr. Henry Dudley, stating that he had started work, and found the private places very dirty, blaming the last contractor. He asked a return of his deposit. FIRE BRIGADE. From Mv. Arch. Scott, Secretary Can terbury Fire Insurance, forwardingcheques for 25 guineas and 15 guineas, being annual subscription to the fire brigde, and contribution to the new bell. Resolved to ask for L 75, in fulfilment of a previous resolution to solicit LIOO. SCHOOL PRIZES. Mr. Ward wrote, asking for a vote from the Council in aid of the prize fund. Resolved That the Council had no power to dispose of the borough funds in that manner, but individual members of Council would help as far as possible. DOG COLLARS. The Clerk of County Council wrote, asking definitions of sizes of collars wanted by the borough. The Clerk was instructed to supply the information wanted. BOARD OF CONSERVATORS. On a letter from the County Council it was resolved to employ ■ a man to obtain the signatures of ratepayers within the borough to a petition re of Con servators. TUBE WELLS. Mr. Hardloy wrote stating that his well was ready for use, all but a coupling to arrive by that night's train. The Mayor said the pump would pro bably be a success, but tha well would be tried in a day or two. FILLING. A contractor wrote asking liberty to level Baring Square with the object of obtaining the surplus earth for filling a contract hehftd on hand. The request not granted. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. J. F. Butler asked liberty to erect a lamppost opposite his new hotel. Mr. J. Talt wrote'complaining of the state of the gutter opposite his premises, occasioned by the state of the drain at Saunders’ Buildings. Mr. Saunders said there should be no nuisance there if the scavenger did his work. FOOT CROSSING. Resolved to petition the Commissioner of Railways to institute a foot crossing at Havelock street. '' DEBT TO SCAVENGER. It was resolved to pay a debt of L 9 15s. sd. due to R. J. Hughes for scavenger work, and to ask him to collect outstand ing scavenger fees at a commission of 5 per cent. , ACCOUNTS Accounts to the amount of L 213 ss. Cd. were passed for payment. The Mayor reported Ll 6 11s. rates col lected since last meeting, and L 919 2s. 9d. altogether. The overdraft was L 477 14s. 7d. Council adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A CORRECTION.

To the Editor. Sir,—Allow me to correct an error in your issue of the 11th, stating that “The new County Waterworks Bill introduced by the Hon. W. S. Peter in the Upper House passed its second reading last night.” This is quite erroneous; the Bill was introduced by the Hon. George Buckley at my request, and the Hon. W. S. Peter strongly opposed it, though unsuccessfully. The Bill has passed through Committee, though in a sadly mutilated form. It will, however, enable the Council to make a commencement, and steps will have to be taken to secure a more complete Bill being passed next session. I am, &c., Edward G. Wright. Wellington, 12th Dec., 1879.

DISTRICT COURT.

The following cases were set down for yesterday, but the Court ad juurin,d till to-day : W. S. Peter v. W. Fergus.—Lls6. Messrs Hanmer and Harper lor plaintiff, Messrs Branson and Purnell for defen dant.

Pauling v. M‘Kie—L67 10s. Messrs Branson and Purnell for paintiff. Messrs Friedlander Bros. v. D. Cameron —L7O. Messrs Branson and Purnell for plaintiff. Mr. R. D. Thomas for defen dant.

W. S. Peter v. W T . Fergus—Lllßlßs 9d. Messrs Hanmer and Harper for plaintiff, Messrs Branson and Purnell for defendant. Re Win. Monro —Application to take evidence re bill of sale to Harry Fried lander. Re James Johnston, of Roxburgh—Ap plication for discharge. Mr. Crisp. Re Richard Morgan—Application for payment of coats. Messrs Branson and Purnell. Re Thomas Dudson—Application for payment of costs. Messrs O’Reilly and Ireland. Re James Daly—Application to deal with certain moneys in this estate now in the Bank of New Zealand. Messrs O’Reilly and Ireland.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. —Monday, Dec. 15. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) Cookson v. Gardiner—Adjourned case. Mr. Crisp for plaintiff. E. Cookson—l produce my ledger. The defendant’s account is shown. I never heard defendant dispute the account be fore last Friday. By defendant—l cannot give the names of the men to whom passages were given. Robert Davis stated he was coach driver for Mr. Cookson. Remembered taking up men to Gardiner's contract at Mount Somers. Told Gardiner of the men being brought up, and he said ho weuld settle with Cookson. To plaintiff—Did not give the names of the men. James M‘Kellock—Was on the work, and knew of men coming up, but they were to pay their own fares. By Mr. Crisp—l was foreman for Gardiner for about four months at Mount Somers. I made one or two trips, and paid my fare. Judgment for plaintiff, with costs, L 5 10s 6d. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. Charles Matthews was charged with the above offence. Constable Beaumont de posed that prisoner was very drunk at Quill’s Hotel about half-past eleven on Saturday night. Prisoner begged hard to bo let off. He was fined 10a, or 24 hours’ imprisonment. William M‘Kenzio was charged with a similar offence. Constable Rouse said lie was very drunk at Ede’s stable about 9 o’clock on Sunday morning. Prisoner said he was drunk, but not disorderly, The Magistrate pointed out that it was not necessary for a man to be noisy or fightable to constitute the disorderliness, and as prisoner had been up a few days before, he would be fined 40s, or a weeks’ imprisonment.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary month!}' meeting of the Board was held on Monday. Members present were Messrs W. C. Walker (Chairman) Taylor, and M'Farlane. MINUTES. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. overseer’s report. Overseer’s report was then read and considered. TENDERS. Tenders were then opened as advertised, Nos. 31, 32, 33, 34, and one in each case accepted. CORRESPONDENCE. From the Ashburton County Council informing the Board that at its last sit ting it accepted I. Butts’ tender for L4i)4o 14s. Id. for the construction of a wooden bridge across the South Ashburton, Hood’s crossing. Also informing the Board that the Government having pro mised to take in hand the extension of the Rangitata traffic bride by utilising the material received from England, the Council thought it best not to interfere with this material, thinking that a diffi culty might arise therefrom. From the same asking the Board’s co operation in endeavoring to cause all owners and occupiers of land in the County not to obstruct any natural water courses, nor to interfere with the free pas sage of storm-water along the natural de pressions in the plains. The clerk was instructed to acknowledge receipt of the same.

From the Secretary to the Treasury re subsidy on rates collected up to the 31st March, 1879. From George Gumming Cox, enclosing his account.

From James Carleton, in reference to his contracts. The overseer was instructed to employ labor to complete both con tracts, and to write to Mr. Carleton in forming him of the same. . The Clerk was directed to invite tenders for shingling Fergus road, and reforming the Alford and Spread Eagle road. The Chairman stated it was the wish of the County Council that the Board con sider recommendations for a pound keeper for Mount Somers pound. The Chairman and Mr. M‘Farlane were ap pointed a committee to consider the mat ter with power to recommend. The Clerk was requested to advertise the annual meeting of the ratepayers to take place on Monday, January sth, 1880, The Chairman, Mr. W. C. Walker, and Mr. Cameron, retire by lot, but are eligible for re-election. The Clerk was instructed to advertise that all claims against the Beard be sent in before 31st December, 1879.

Mr. M'Farlane tendered his resignation as a member of the Board.

The Clerk and Overseer’s resignation was accepted.

Accounts were then passed, and the Board adjourned.

THE FARMER.

Health of Horses.

The health and comfort of horses have of late years been greatly improved by the better construction of stables. They are made more roomy and lofty, and provided with means of thorough ventilation. In many new stables loftsare done away with, or the floor of the loftsiskeptwellabovetha horses’ heads, and ample shafts are intro duced to convey away foul air. By per forated bricks and gratings under the

manger and elsewhere round the walls, and also by windows and ventilators, abundance of pure air is secured for the horses, while, being introduced in mode rate amount and from various directions, it comes in without draught. Too much draught is almost an unknown stable luxury. To secure a constant supply of pure air horses require more cubic space than they generally enjoy. Even when animals are stabled only at night a mini mum of 1200 cubic feet should be allowed. In England the new cavalry barracks give a minimum of 1509 feet, with a ground area of fully 90 square feet per horse, and the best hunting, and carriage horse stables have more room. Subsoil Irrigation.

A limited amount 'of water (says an American contemporary) will irrigate ten times the amount of ground on the sub irrigation plan than it would on the flood ing or surface method. It is only a question of limited time when this new method of irrigation will be generally adopted in all countries where irrigation is required, and especially in Southern California, where it will soon bring thousands of acres into cultivation that otherwise would remain in a wild state for years to come. That the reader may have a more definite idea of sub irrigation, we will explain the modus operandi, and when once understood it commends itself a success to every intelligent mind. It consists of pipes made of lime and sand, made by machinery (and is continuous if desired, without joint) and laid along each row of trees, 18 inches or two feet below the surface, so as to be out of the way of the plough. At each tree there is a small orifice in the pipe, from which the water issues. This orifice is protected by a pipe which rests on the main pip 6, and extends above the ground six or more inches. The water passes out under the lower end of it on to the roots of the tree, sending them down instead of to the surface, as in -sur face irrigation. Evaporation takes place under the earth, and spreads moisture for many feet around, so that the ground mid way between the rows is sufficiently moist to grow any kind of crop. Exciting Milch Cows. The “ National Live Stock Journal ” in treating on the effect of exercise and ex citement on milk, says :—The dairyman’s pocket is sensibly affected by a proper understanding of this question. But there are very few, comparatively, who have discovered the real effect of exercise upon the milk product. Many suppose that advere exercise in the cow simply affects the quantity, but not particularly the quality ; and a still greater number have never given the matter any consi deration, but evidently do not think it has any bad effect, as witness those who worry their cows with dogs. Many allow their cows to be driven on a run to and from pasture, no doubt regarding this as so much gain in time. But any violent exercise has a very serious effect upon the most valuable element in the milk—the butter. Liebig observed that the milk of the cow had a much larger proportion of casein when subjected to much exercise. Dr. Car penter suggested that this comes from the breaking down of nitrogenized tissues. He also states that cows in Switzerland that pasture on the sides of steep moun tains, and are obliged to use great mus cular exertion, yield a very small quantity of butter, but a large proportion of cheese ; yet, the same cows when stall fed, give a large quantity of butter and a very small proportion of cheese. It seems to be well Jaettled that active exercise or excitement eseens the proportion of butter in milk. How important the application of these facts are to the profitable dairy ing must be evident to any one. Those who have been in the habit of driving their cows long distances to pasture, and returning them in the evening to be milked, will see the necessity of discon tinuing this, or if that cannot be done, they will see the propriety of driving them as steadily and leisurely as possible. Any large amount of exercise is at the ex pense of the yield and quality of the milk ; but excitement from rough treatment is most unprofitable of all; and a dairyman who employs a rough, passionate milker among his cows, does little better than he who worries them with a dog. Such a man may easily reduce the yield and quality of the milk in the herd more than all his labor is worth. He deserves to be treated as he treatshis cows—kicked off the premises—but as violence only excites violence, it is better to restrain such in dignation, and inform him, with all due courtesy, that bis manners cannot longer be suffered to demoralise the herd. In deed, this is not a small matter ; it would take millions to compensate for the losses sustained from the rough, brutal treat ment of dairy stock. We trust that daily men will begin at the commencement of the season to study, not only the points given in this article, but everything to the improvement of their herds. Let every cow be examined, and her good and bad qualities noted, all from the standpoint of profit; that is what they are kept for, and it is not unlikely that when brought to the standard of profit, mmy in most hprfis of much size will be found unprofitable, and they should be weeded out.

The “ Book Farmer.” —No farmer can succeed at the present day unless he be a “ book farmer,” and the first book he will need at this time will be a memo randum book in which he may jot down whatever may occur to him as needing to be done. If he attends to this “ b»ok farming” properly, he will find that a good many entries will have to be made, and everything set down should be taken up in or4eff. The secret of those who are known as gvea(.workers, is that fhey work methodically, and do everything at the proper time, and there is no business in which so much will fail, unless the work be done when it should be, as that of farming. One day’s delay may not be re covered during the whole season.

Caledonian Societies

It has been facetiously said that when, the North Pole is discovered, a Scotsman will sr.ep out from the long hidden shore and bid the discoverer welcome with a hearty, “ Hoo’s a’ wi’ ye, man,” and then-, with pawky banter, Scottie will sing for the amusement of his guest a verse or two of the Jacobite song, “ Oh, but ye’ve been lang a coming. “ Lang, lang, lang, a coming.”

The North Pole has not yet been dis covered by anyone that we ever heard of, so we are not in a position to say whether Lowland Scotch or Highland Gaelic is the language spoken in the undiscovered country. But there have been new lands discovered elsewhere, and old lands have been travelled to, and in every land under ■ the sun where a white man has a chance to live, move, and have his being, there ’ most assuredly may be. found some rep resentative of the “ land o’ cakes,” some “ brither Scot ” whose Doric will glad the ear of his wandering countrymen, and ‘ proclaim the speaker’s nationality at once,. to the English listener. Notwithstanding the Scotsman’s weakness for travel, he is . credited above all other kinships with possessing a strong love for his country, ■■ his countrymen, and the institutions and!, and associations of the land that bred him.-; This feature of the Scottish character been immortalised by every poet the coun try has yet produced, and so well known is its existence that ill-natured persona have set down Scotchmen as clannish to the last degree, and ready to defend or favor a countryman, no matter how wicked or how worthless. Those who - know Scotchmen thoroughly will be.per fectly ready to acquit them of any such unworthy feeling, though allowing that the Scot is ever ready to help a deserving fellow countryman. Wherever he goes the North Briton carries with him cherished recollections of his home, and as he always meets, no' matter where his wandering feet may carry him, some men whose accent is as familiar to him as his to them, these re collections are refreshed at every "fof gathering. ” . One result of this home love in the Scotchman is the existence all over the world, where Scotchmen, are found, of what have been called in places Caledonian Societies, St. Andrew’s Societies, Celtic Societies, Highland Societies, as the whim of the members may will. They are found in many Eng lish and Irish towns more or less flourish ing. Scarcely an American township of any note but registers a Caledonian Society in its list of public institutions. They crop up in every British colony; they are found here and there over the Goii tinent of Europe; Asia and Africa help also to swell the list; and last, but not least, the Australasian colonists owe many a gala day to the annual sports meeting of the Caledonian Societies, which under some name or other keep green his country’s memory in the Scottish-Austrs lasian’s breast.

In many cases people believe that the sole function of the Caledonian Society ia to get up an annual meeting at which- con tests in the national sports of the. country are contested. But this is only , a se condary object of the Society’s existence. Amongst its other aims it endeavor* to promote benevolence amongst its members, and it has an organisation for raising funds to aid such charitable, institutions as the Directors may select as . worthy recipients of the Society’s 'help. No particular nationality is selected for this aid as the Society in the dispensa tion of its benevolence, while it does not forget the country that gives ititsname, has in remembrance the great of humanity, and strives to alleviate suffering whether lodged in the person of a white man or a black. Specially is its help offered to newly arrived immigrants, and special cases of destitution, no matter what the birthplace of the destitute ones, are cared for as the Society’s funds- may be able, and as the Directors may deem expedient. It would be extraordinary 'in Scotchmen, born in a country that:, has; done so much for the education of .'her. sons, were the question of education ! to have no attention from such a Society as the Caledonian, and it is only to hfe ex pected that as soon as their funds will permit they should offer prizes - to be com peted for in our Educational Institutions,. A further educational aim is to procure and disseminate information regarding the poetry, history, and archaeology of Scot land.

Most prominently, however, the Cale donian Society comes before the public as the preserver of the customs and ac complishments of the Scottish people. We say the Society comes most prominently before the public in this because this part of the Society’s duty takes the form of an annual gathering, at which all the gamea and sports in which the Scotchman takes delight are engaged in. The sturdy Highlander heaves up the ponderous cabar, and throws the heavy sledge, the stalwart Lowlander puts the stone, or struggles at the “ sweer tree.” .. Kilted clansmen dance the Highland ding, or ghillie callum to the music of the bagpipes, contesting for individual honors, while “ foursomes ” of the same picturesquely clad Highlanders beat the turf to ■“ hum canes of Highland reels,” and liting strathspeys. All the other athletics com mon to Anglo-Saxons are indulged in, and the whole meeting usually forms an attractive gathering, not only to the Highlander and Lowlander, but to the SsSsenach who never saw a sprig of heather civ a bine bell in bis life.. So long as Irishmen die the “ wake” will live as a custom, and so lang as Scotchmen live Caledonian Societies will never die. They tend to keep alive the best part of a Scotchman’s nature and cherish kindly feelings within him not only for his countrymen but for his neigh-, hors who are not his countrymen jp the sense of birth ; ap4 ft proof of the good they do, and the better feelings they engender is given in the fact that a third part of nearly every Caledonian Society’s membership comprises men who have no more idea of what the “ bonnie hills of Scotland” are like than they have of the characteristics of the mountains in the moon. In the nobler purposes of the Society every good man will wish it “ God speed.”- •

4

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN . . wiwr . . igrnwa.oi

f Tuesday, December 'l6 iS?q

MtBSMP*



A Hio Whale.— A dead whale, 30ft. in lengthjhas been stranded at Kirkcaldy, Scotland, having been killed, in is supposed, by a steamer. The Opera— H. M. S. Pinafore, —Ash burton may live on in blissful ignorance of the enjoyment of which some of the best creatures of the present day dramatists are so full, were it not that now and again a wandering star comes our way and gives, under many disadvantages, an earnest of what may be expected when the drama or the opera is produced on a well appointed stage with all things fitting. To Mr. D’Orsay Ogden and his company we are to be indebted for a production of the comic opera H.M.S. Pinafore, a piece that has been the rage everywhere for many months. It has taken England, America, and Australia by the ears, and in our colony wherever it has been performed it lias 11 fetched ” the audience. The “ Doctor of Alcantra," as played in Ash burton the week before last, ought to be a sufficient guarantee to those who saw it that “ Pinafore ” will get a fair handling, and judging from the reception D'Orsay Ogden’s company met with, we should fancy a hearty one awaits them again on Wednesday evening when they produce the new piece. It is worth of reutarK to that they play “ Pinafore ” with a threat regarding copyright hanging over them, but notwithstanding they have the pluck o proceed.



An Early Note-Takee.— Examiner ; “ And who reigned after Saul ?” An swer ; “David.” Examiner: “And who came after David ?” Answer : “Solomon.” Examiner; “And who came after Solomon ?” Sharp little girl: “ Oh, please, sir, the Queen of Sheba!”



The Htphen. —ln a primary school, not , '>Very long ago the teacher under took to convey to her pupils an idea of the hyphen, She wrote on the black board “ BirdVnest,” and pointing to the hyphen, asked the school, “ What is that for V’ After a short pause, • young son of the Emerald Isle piped out, “Plaze, ma’am, for the burdto rooshton,"