Prince of Wales’ Birthday. —The Prince of Wales’ Birthday this year falls on a Sunday. It is intimated, therefore, by a notice in the Government “ Gazette,” that the usual holiday will be observed at the post offices within the colony on the 10th inst.

Ashburton Racing Club. —We direct the attention of our readers to an adver ment in another column requesting mem bers of the Ashburton Racing Club to pay their subscriptions. Those not paying will forfeit the privileges attaching to membership.

The Unity of Man and Wife.—Dur ing the hearing of a libel action in the Supreme Court, Wellington, Mr Travers quoted a case in which the defendant sent a defamatory letter respecting the plaintiff to the wife of the latter, and it was held to be publication of the libel. His Honor Mr Justice Richmond drily remarked that there were some things which a man might wish should come to anybody’s ears rather than his wife’s although man and wife were said to be one.

Special Settlement. Fitzgibbon Louch, Esq., has applied for 25,000 acres of the lands of Ranguira and Pahika, Bay of Plenty district, with a view to planting a special settlement thereon after the Vesey-Ste wart plan. Should Government grant Mr L inch's request, he will at once proceed to the United Kingdom to bring out families, with capital, sufficient to settle the lauds, and he is also prepared to pay the sum that may be agreed on by himself and Government. He proposes to apportion one-fifth of the land so granted for settlement by colonists.

' Bank Holidays. —The Banks are to have a merry time of it this month as they have no less than six holidays or parts of days set apart by proclamation as bank half-holidays, viz., November 10, for the Prince of Wales’ Birthday ; November 11, 13, and 14, for the Christchurch Spring Race Meeting; and the 12th, for the Show. The latter is a full day, and the Race days half holidays, and December Ist a whole day. In addition to the above, which are applicable to the whole of Canterbury, we understand that the County Council have been applied to to declare the 18th, 19th, and 20th half holidays to enable the bank officials to attend the local Show and Races ; this will no doubt be done, and the overworked officials will consequently obtain a little harmless recreation.

Okicket. —A match will be played on Tuesday, November 11, between an eleven of Ashburton Borough Cricket Club and an eleven of the Avonside Cricket Club in the Ashburton Domain. The names of the Borough eleven are Messrs A. Andrews, G. Andrews, T. Buchanan, T. Hodder, D. Amos, H. Whitley, F. Shury, D. Leitch, F. Wright, J. Ashwood. Emergency men : S. Poyntz, Hoskyns, and T. Groves. —Members se lected in the following matches are re quested to be in attendance punctually at the time stated, viz., for the Association match at 1 p.m. punctually on the ground; for the match, Ashburton Borough Cricket Club v. Avonside, the team are requested to meet the Avonside team at the railway station on arrival of ex press train at 10.45 a. m. on Nov. 11.— An Association match, 15 World v. 15 New Zealand, will be played in the Domain on Saturday next. The following gentlemen have been selected to do battle for their respective sides, viz., The World —Messrs Mainwarmg, Whitley, E. G. Crisp, R. H. Pratt, D. Amos, A Curtis, J. Ashwood, Hoskyns, S. Poyntz (captain), St. G. Douglass, D. Leitch Denshire, Grant, Field, and T. Buchanan ; emergency—C. Broadbelt, Hoskyns, J. L. Crawley. New Zealand —Messrs Hodder, S. Saunders, (captain), E. Saunders, Fooks, G. Andrews, A. Andrews, Bruce, Lusk, Wright, West enra, H. Fowler, Wilkie, Groves, J. Leitch; emergency —Shury, J. E. H. Harris, May. k. The following gentlemen have been selected to play against the Ashburton County Cricket Club in the match on Monday next to take place at Mount Somers; Bailey, Burden, Chapman, Ccok son Corsbie, Gifkins, Honor, Hood, Lovell, Mitchell, Polhill, Potts, and Tomlinson. We have been requested to call attention to the alteration of date from Saturday, Bth November, to Monday, 11th Novem ber.

I.O.G.T.—The usual weekly meeting of the Star of East Lodge, No. 62, was held on Saturday. About 70 members were present, and the following quarterly re ports were read and adopted, Secretary’s, which showed that during the early part of the quarter the depression gating in the country had militated somewhat against the attendance, hut the last month had shown a decided increase in numbers present at Lodge, and alto gether the Lodge was again progressing favorably. The Financial Secretary’s report showed the total receipts of the quarter to be £8 13s. The Finance Committee’s report was considered favorable, as also the W. Marshal’s, to whom a hearty vote of thanks was ac corded for his untiring energy in con nection with his office. Two new mem bers were proposed for initiation, and new 'members having been duly initiated took their seats as members of the Lodge. The office of Lodge Deputy havin" been declared vacant, Brother T. Scott was recommended to the Grand Lodge for the office without opposition. The ballot was sent round for a candidate from one of those nominated for the office of DD., viz., Brothers Sando, R. Elston, and Galloway. Brother Gal loway objected to his name appearing as candidate, and questioned the present D.D.’s authority to place his name on the nomination paper. Brother Elston addressed the Lodge, refuting certain charges made against his ability to attend to the duties of the office if elected. The ballot papers were also sent round for the office of Grand Lodge representative, the candidates being Brothers Sando, G. Andrews, and R. Elston, The installa tion of officers was then proceeded with, and the following officers were installed by Brother T. Scott, acting for G. W.C.T., assisted by Brother Galloway, as G.W.S., and Brother Williams, as G. W.M., viz., Brother G. St. Hill, W.C.T.; Brother Smith, W.V.T. ; Brother J. Bradley, . W.S. ; Brother T. Scott, W.F.S. ;

Brdther H. R. Johnston, W.T. ; Brother G. .Tutty, W.M. ; Brother G. Henry,

W.C. ; Brother T. Muir, W.I.G. ; Brother T. Smith, W. O. G. ; Brother T. Lib ell. W.D.M. ; Brother Charlton, A.S. ; Brother H. Bickford, W.R.H.S ; Brother S. Sargeant, W.L.H.S. ; The Lodge then closed in the usual form.

Ashburton Gas Company. —A meeting of the Ashburton Gas Company was held yesterday afternoon at the Secretary’s office, Burnett street, Th os. Bullock, Esq., in the chair. The annual accounts were submitted to the meeting, and the sub ject of appointing auditors was discussed, and eventually postponed to an extra ordinary meeting to be held on the first Monday in December. It was resolved that the Manager be instructed to collect all amounts due, and any persons not pay ing their arrears after the prescribed time should have notice that the gas would be cut off their premises forthwith. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminaated the meeting.

Typhoid in Christchurch. —Dr. Ned will, who has been appointed permanent health officer of Christchurch, made his report to the Board of Health yesterday. Dr. Nedwill succeeds Dr. Powell. The report presented yesterday gave two cases of typhoid fever in one family. These were of children who had been employed in sweeping out one of the public schools, where the drainage was in a terribly bad state. Dr. Nedwill was inclined to attri bute the origin of the disease to this fact, but happened to think of visiting the dairy from which the family obtained their milk. There lie found that there was no artesian wells within forty yards of the place, but that a stinking creek ran through the ground. He said in his re port it was quite possible infected milk was the cause of the outbreak. His re marks on the state of the schools were par ticularly strong, and he advised the Board to have the school shut up till proper ar rangements were made, but the school authorities have in the meantime had the evil complained of remedied. The Board of Health having no power over dairies, simply regretted they could do nothing in the matter. The Rabbit. —The Premier stated in the House last week that Government in tended to establish a phosphorous manu factory for the colony, with a view to the extermination of bunny. Divorce. —Mr Turnbull, M.H.R., wants Government to simplify and render less costly the proceedings in the divorce courts of the colony, so that it shall not be necessary in all cases for suitors to appear before the Appeal Court. In America, we have heard it said, a divorce can be pro cured by a couple during the time a rail way engine takes to water.

Wesleyan Home Mission Meeting. —The annual public meeting of the Ash burton auxiliary branch of the Wesleyan Home Mission was held in the Cameron Stieet Church last evening, and was well attended. The Rev. W. Keall presided, and stated that the money obtained for the fund was not, as some thought, de voted to the assistance of Church work outside the colony. The designation “Home” mission did not apply in this instance to England, but solely to the colony. Mr Keall then introduced the Rev. Alex. Reid, who spoke to a consider able length on the objects of the Associa tion. To help forward Christian work amongst the Maori and Scandinavian population ; to provide college training for ministerial students ; to help weak, and struggling circuits ; and to provide occas ional services tc sparsely-populated locali ties ; were the objects for which the money was obtained and spent. During Mr Reid’s address, which was listened to by an attentive and appreciative audience, he related some very interesting remini scences of his work among the North Island Maoris in the early days of the colony’s history. Mr Reid paid a passing tribute to the interest which the Govern ment and people of New Zealand had always taken in educating the native race, and thought that by so doing it was a feather in the colony’s cap. The amount taken up last evening amounted to £3 odd, and t.e total sum which the Ashburton circuit contributes this year will amount to nearly £7.

An Old Beginner.— An old woman of 70 made her appearance before a Magis trate last week in Wellington. She had never been in Court in her life before, and this appearance was for having been found helplessly drunk in the public street. She was fined 5s and costs, but she “ took on ” so, that no fewer than four kind hearted gentlemen offered to pay her fine, she having no money.

His Excellency. —Sir Hercules Robin son will probably visit Chrischurch for the Metropolitan Meeting.

The Lighting op the French Pass.— The French Pass, between D’Urville Is land and the mainland of Nelson, one of the most picturesque places on the New Zealand coast, is to be lighted in rather a novel way. One fixed light will do the duty of two, and will appear, as a red light on one aide of the channel, and as a white one on the other. This is managed by a very simple and ingenious contri vance. The actual lighthouse will be fixed on the mainland, which is high and precipitous, with a deep channel close in shore. It will show red to vessels ap proaching the Pass from either dirretion, but will project a brilliant white beam directly across the narrow part of the channel. This beam will fall on a powerful double reflector pfaced on the opposite side, where the beacon now stands, and set at suitable angles. The reflector will catch the beam and throw it in both direc tions, so that it will appear to approaching vessels a bright white light on the side of the passage opposite to the red light. A steamer will have no difficulty in discover ing the channel between the two lights, even in comparatively thick weather, and this will save much of the detention or necessity for making the stormy passage round the island now experienced by steamers in bad weather.

Petty Thefts. —Small thefts are becom very common in the Empire City. The last development is systematic robbery of gardens, and many valuable plants have disappeared. One gentleman offers a reward of £5 for the discovery of the robber. In Nelson, too, we observe a reward of £2 offered for the discovery of the thief who stole flower roots from a grave.

Suicides in London. —In August 51 suicide occurred, the average of the same month during the previous ten years being but 22. Sixteen occurred during the last week—six by hanging, three by drowning, two by gunshot, two by poison, one by cut throat, and two by other means. The new Title. —We heard the Ilall Government called the detective Ministry. The “ Chronicle ” now call them the rat catching Ministry.

The Mayoralty. —Our readers will notice by an advertisement in another column that there is one candidate less for the Mayoralty. Our respected fellow citizen Mr Knud Sando having, through business engagements, found it impossible to give the time and attention to the affair's of the Municipality—which would be required were ho successful in his candidature, and from the number of prominent burgesses who signed his requisition it is evident that Mr Sando’s election was one which could have been looked upon as a “ moral,” arid we must say that ho possesses qualifications which no other candidate before the public can lay claim to. He is fully as fluent as Mr Joseph Ivess, and he possesses far greater business foresight than Mr Hugo Friedlander, and one point about Mr‘'Sando, if it can be called a point, is that graceful rotundity of figure and the supreme good nature, which is considered so necessary in the old country before a citizen can qualify for Lord Mayor. We sincerely regret Mr Sando’s retirement, as we consider his candidature would have opened the eyes of more aspiring office seekers.

1.0 G.T.—A meeting of the Sunbeam Juvenile Temple was held last night, under superintendent Bro. J. Ashwood, S. J.T. Sixty members wore present, 113 members being on the roll ; throe new members were initiated. In the Secre tary’s report for the quarter, Sister C. Andrews had introduced eight new candi dates ; Bro. G. Kidd being second with five proposals. The installation of officers was proceeded with, the following being the result: —Bro. E. Felton, C.T.; Sister A. Andrews, V.T.; Bro. D. Leitoh, R. S.; Bro. G. Savage, F. S.; Bro. D. Ross, T.; Sister E. Savage, C. ; Bro. G. Kidd, I. G. ; Bro. 0. Wood, S.; Bro. W. Pickford, M.; Sister Constance Andrews, D.M.; Sister M. Hepburn, R.H.S.; Bro. Lewis Mac donald, L.H.S.; Bro. Weymouth Roberts, AS. The Temperance Service of Song was rendered, under the able guidance of Sister Taylor, assisted by Sister Hardly, whose teaching had evidently improved the vocal powers of the juveniles. Several adult brothers amused the children with songs and recitations, and the Temple closed in the usual form.—The weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held in the Templar Hall last night, and the Lodge opened in the uaual form. Two new members were proposed, and Bro. Albert Andrews was recommended to the Grand Lodge as Lodge Deputy. Bros. K. Sando, G. Andrews, and S. Poymz were elected as Trustees. The installation of officers for the ensuing quarter was then proceeded with, and the following were installed by D.D.G.W.C.T. K. Sando, assisted by Bro. Bradley as G. W. M., and Bro. Isaac Scott as G.W.S.: —W.C.T., Bro. Ashwood; W.V.T., Bro Jessop ; W. S., Bro. J. Hardley ;W. A. S., Bro. J. Leitch; W.F.S., Bro. S. Poyntz; W. T., Bro. T. Andrews ; W. C. Bro. Quarterman ; W. M., Bro. Bowling ; W.D.M., Mayo ; W.1.G., Bro. J. Baylis ; W. O. G., Bro. J. Knight ; W. R. H. S., Bro. Sims; W.L.H.S., Sister E. James. The appointment of Standing Committees was postponed till next Lodge night. The Lodge closed in usual form. The Rotomahana. This splendid vessel made the run down from Wel ington to Lyttelton in 12 hours—consider ably below the best time 4 made by any steamer that ever sailed on the coast.

A. A. and P. Show. —We beg to call the attention of our readers to the extra private prizes offered on Show day at Tin wald, and as they are extra to the prizes given by the Association, the owners of anything in the agricultural line possessed of stock or produce worth showing have good inducements offered them this year.

The Church Loan. —The £50,000 loan for the Church of England has been floated by the Union Bank at an average of £lO5 Bs.

Embezzlement. The pseudo reporter Robertson, who recently figured before our R. M. Court, and ultimately got run to earth by the Christchurch Magistrates for passing valueless cheques, has just finished his six weeks imprisonment, was arrested at the prison gate yesterday on seven or eight different charges of whole sale swindling. The man Valpy was also remanded yesterday by the Christchurch R. M. Valpy has been hiding in the bush a few miles from Christchurch for some months, and was arrested on Saturday.

Fat Cattle. — "We noticed to-day some prize beef on its way by train to Christ church. There were fifteen head in the trucks, three being for the show, and the balance tor the sale yards ; they are from the Longbeach estate, and a dozen head are now sent down to Christchurch weekly and, by the auctioneer’s reports, Mr Grigg generally topsthe market. The cattle are mostly bred on the estate, from pure bred shorthorn stock, Mr Grigg having paid great attention to this line.

Drunk in Charge of a Team.—M. Wilson was fined 20s yesterday morning for being inebriated whilst being in charge of a team on Saturday. He was not difficult to capture as he drove his horses up to the lock-up gates and constable Rouse at once assisted him to free lodgings for the night. Vagaries of Councillors. The usually quiet proceedings at the Borough Council meetings were last night diversi fied when the consideration of tenders for valuing the Municipality came to be con sidered, and as there was a considerable range in the opinions of the would-be valuers as to the value of the work, the tenders being from £ls to £55, a some what lively discussion took place ; Mr St Hill constituting himself champion of low prices and the Mayor of efficient work. For an hour or so there was a perfect de luge of resolutions and amendments, and during theproceedinga Mr StHill rode his hobby horse against the Town Clerk in his usual artistic style, the discussion culmin ating when one of the four, reporters pre sent handed to the councillor the follow ing as a joke. < “ Propose that the Town Clerk perform the valuator’s duties in his spare time.” The sapient legislator at once saw an opening to make himself famous, and fired the motion off at the Mayor as his sixth resolution on the valuation tenders and lost it; he then proposed that Mr Friedlander’s tender at £lO be accepted, and, to bis dismay, the motion was car ried, tills being the very point he had en deavored to oppose all through the de bate. The Council have, wo think, made a good selection, as the valuer appointed by the Council is well acquainted with the work ho has to do.

Lunar Rainbow. —The sky this morn ing between 1 and 2 a. m. had a peculiar appearance. The moon was encircled with a series of rings, showing the pris matic colors, similar to a rainbow, wh Ist on the opposiie side of the heavens was the rare phenomenon <’f a lunar rainbow, very bright at first, but gradually growing more dim. The night was clear and mild, and the sky slightly f ggy.

An Awkward Yawn. —The Rev. C Dallaston, we learn from Christchurch, while dressing himself on Sunday morn ing, indulged himself in a yawn, and im mediately thereafter discovered that his lower jaw was a fixture. Medical assis tance was procured, and it was found that the case was one of mild lockjaw. Though no permanent inconvenience need bo feared, the result for the day was that the rev. gentlemen was unable to preach on Sunday, and will probably be incapacitated from delivering lectures.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Friday, October 31. EVENING SITTING. After a brief reply from Mr. Hall, the Qualification of Electors Bill was read a second time on the voices. The Regis tration of Electors, Regulation of Elec tions, Corrupt Practices Prevention, Elec tions Petitions, and Triennial Parlia ments Bills were also read a second time, with very little discussion. The House rose at 12.40.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Reuter’s Teles;tarns.)

London, Oct. 31. Best Australian mutton tallow, 41s Gd. Obituary—John Baldwin Buckstone. St. Petersburg, Oct. 31. Two Russian cruisers have sailed for the Pacific.

Naples, Oct. 31. Mount Vesuvius is agitated, and the eruption is increasing. Paris, Oct. 31.

Government have threatened to expel Carlos unless he forthwith ceased all political demonstration.

(Special to the Globe.) London, Oct. 30.

General Roberts is trying the Ameer and his Ministers (or the Ameer’s Minis ters) for complicity in the massacre of Sir L. Cavagnari and his escort. October 31.

The money market is active. With drawals of gold from the Bank of England are large. Sugar has advanced Cd per cwt. The wheat market is quiet. Australian is selling, ex ship, at 50s per 4801bs. At a public sale of Australian tallow nearly all offered was disposed of. Finer qualities of beef tallow command 30s to 40s. The invention of a mixture is announced to preserve butter in ordinary kegs without the use of salt. (At;e Special.) London, Oct. 30.

News from Afghanistan states that General Roberts, instructed by the Vice roy of India, has issued a proclamation announcing that Afghanistan has been permanently placed under the administra tion of the British, who will occupy the principal cities and strongholds. General Roberts will act temporarily as Military and Civil Commissioner of Afghanistan, supported .at Cabul by a large bodj l, of troops. Several Indian regiments will reinforce the troops at Cabul, Candahar, and Jellalabad. The announcement has created a profound impression on the Con tinent of Europe. India generally ap proves. General Roberts has discovered that the massacre of the Embassy was inspired by powerful advisers of the Ameer, but that Yakoob was not implicated. He will arraign the Ameer’s Ministers before a Military Court for complicity in the massacre.

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney, Nov. 1. Best hcef is selling at a half-penny a pound. The squatters are subscribing liberally for its shipment. Chester is scratched for his engage ments.

Melbourne, Nov. 1. An early dissolution of Parliament is expected.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, Nov. 1

The Minister of Marine, owing to the wind changing got away to-day, and was last seen off the Barrier.

The memorial expressing the confidence of the electors of Newton in Mr Swanson was in circulation to-day, and received a large number of signatures. The Government have ordered the release of the Minister of Marine as soon as the vessel is clear away.

At the Diocesan Synod, religious in struction in State schools came up. A resolution was agreed to recommending the provision in the New South Wales Education be urged upon the Legislation through the General Synod. Entries for A.R. C. Summer Meeting ore one-third more than last year. The Auck land Cup Handicap, 300 sovs, has, 30 entries ; the Racing Club Handicap, .200 sovs, 37 ; the Steeplechase, 150 sovs, fclO. Auckland, Nov. 3. Arrived—The Hero, from Sydney. Mrs Peacock, wife of the Mayor has died suddenly. An inquest has been held on Robert Glover, killed by a cart accident. From the evidence it appeared that the accident was largely owing to drink. The party called at two public houses on the road, as they went, and the lunatic Glover had a glass of rum given him. The cart cap sized twice, the last time with a fatal re sult. A verdict of accidental death was returned, and no rider was added. A large number of men have struck work at Dempsey’s railway reclamation contract. A fortnight’s wages are due, and the men are apparently under the im pression that the new rule of fortnightly

payments by Government contractors ap plied to them. Fresh non have been

pnt on. New Plymouth, Nov. 1. Te Whiti’s inllnence is on the dcj'iue. The sickness at Parihaka and the non release of the prisoners have caused mmy to lose faith in the prophet. Te Modi, the opposition prophet, has succeeded in getting thirteen of the prisoners’ wives under his protection. Wellington, Nov. 1.

William Crawford has been sentenced to six mouths’ imprisonment for beating his wife and breaking her ribs. She was brought to Court in a cab. The Chamber of Commerce passed a re solution to the effect that, under the pre sent law imprisonment for debt is abol ished, except in cases where the debtor can, but will not pay, therefore Mr Hutchinson’s Bill is wholly unnecessary. Copies of the resolution were sent to the members for Wellington. It is reported that the “ New Zealand Times ” changed hands yesterday. It is understood that Joseph Saunders, of Wellington, is the successful tendeier for Thorndon reclamation, and the first section of the West Coast railway, for the amount of £75,000. A tender from an other part of the colony was very close. One of the Government’s conditions was that the contractor should find work for the unemployed. Mr Saunders under takes to find work for all unemployed within a fortnight. The Agnes was unsuccessful to-d iy iu picking up the Lyell Bay end of the cable, which is supposed to be buried deep in the sand. She lias sent for fivsh ap pliances, and will resume work at daylight to-morrow.

An inquest was held on the body of a man who died suddenly at the National Hotel. The post mortem examination led to the conclusion that ho died from narcotic poison. Close by a bottle was found labelled “ One or two spoonsful as re quired.” The stomach was handed to Dr Skae, Government analyst, for examina tion, and the inquest was adjourned. Amongst other suggestions offered by the licensed victuallers’ conference is one that public-houses should be opened for a specified time at mid-day and evening on Sunday. They are not opposed to local option coming into force provided com pensation is allowed. Westport, Nov. 1.

A boy nine years old, a son of Mrs Maumson, dressmaker, has been missing since Thursday afternoon. He is supposed to have fallen off the coal siairs into the river.

Dunedin, Nov. 1,

The City Councillors will take action at next meeting re the tramway traffic. A limit will probably be put to the number of passengers to be carried, and engines will give place to horses. Trade during the week has been un settled, owing to the belief that a revision of the tariff was about to take place, and that heavier duties would in all proba bility be imposed. Large clearances of tea, sugar, and tobacco have in consequence taken place. Messrs Cargill and Co’s wool telegrams state that transactions by private contract since tke close of the last series amount to 5000 bales. Prices on an average show fully a penny higher than the close of last series. The tone of the market is very firm.

An inquest on the bodies of the two children of Mr O’Brien, who were killed by the recent fire in Great King street, was held, and after the parents and other witnesses having been examined, the jury returned a verdict of “ accidental death,’" and did not wish any blame attached to the mother.

LATEST.

Per our Special Wire. INTERPROV~I NOI AL Gbahamstown. Nov. 3. The Mining Inspector has summoned the manager of a mine for a breach of the Goldfields Regulations for using an unsafe winding rope in the shaft after it had been condemned. This is the first case of the kind here. Timaku, Nov. 3. The first vessel will be brought along side the Breakwater to-morrow, when she will be discharged and loaded. A vessel drawing 13 feet of water can now come in without danger in ordinary weather. Pre parations are on foot for holding a grand festival in a day or two, in honor of the successful completion of the first con tract.

At a meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club, it was resolved that the annual race meeting be held about a fort night after the Chrirstchurch Metro politan meeting. The stakes to be given at next meeting were fixed at £630. Two inquests were held to-day. The first was on John Magie, injured last week at Albury railway works, and the verdict given was accidental death. The second was on the body of Moses Bolgan, in which a verdict of died from excessive drinking was returned. Doctor Rayner, one of the oldest x’esi dents in South Canterbury, and who was for years a member of the Provincial Council, died yesterday. The now Roman Catholic school was opened this morning. It will hold over 200 pupils. O AMARU, Nov. 3. The weather for the past few days has been very changeable, but the crops are looking splendid. A man named Thompson, alias Gregor, has been sent to gaol for six weeks for vagrancy. He has for some weeks been assiduously following the occupation of beggar, the proceeds of which have been previously spent in drink. Sailed—Eliza May, for Auckland.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting was held last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Messrs Friedlander, Williamson, St. Hill. E. Saunders, and A. Orr. On the minutes being read, Mr St. Hill objected to the item of the Clerk being retained for twelve months, as the under standing was that three months’ notice should be given. THE MAYOR’S STATEMENT. The Mayor regi’etted having to state that he had heard from Mr Wright that

(J>i. crumcm wind 1n -t gram aiy fir Hu r endowment, ami ho hoped tli.it t m pr - sent ii ivom.iioiit. w add see lie o' ».ty ,o gia:U to those boroughs which ha I not r--- cei ■ cd fair endowments asometung in the shape of compensation. Mr books an I himself had male arrangements with the contractor for the East Beit, to m ike approaches t > the level crossings on the railway. H.d also seen Mr Lowe, and had agreed with Mr Trevurza to fill up the hole near the Railway station. No com munication had been received re the amount due to the Borough for the land fund, and he anticipated soon to receive the 20 per cent duo since the formation of the Borough. The committee appointed to interview Mr Fooks reported that he had acted very generously, and had agreed to forego four months’ salary, any work done by him in the mean time to be paid for. The Mayor would ask the Council to decide upon the action the Council would take re the reserve of 422 acres on the Hinds ; and he would recommend the immediate lease of it. A good deal of outside talk had taken place in reference to the leasing of the reserves within the borough, which would also have to be considered, 'ren ders would be submitted for the valuation of the Borough. mu Lit! buildings. A letter was read From W. Montgomery, Esq., M.II. R., stating that he wotTld be happy to give his support to a reasonable amount being voted for the erection of public buildings in the Borough. IHE BOKOrOH ENDOWMENTS. The following letter was read From B. (4. Wright, Esq., M.H.1l “ Wellington, 20th Oct., 1800. “ Dear Sir, —I find upon investigation that you .are absolutely precluded by the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Act of last year from obtaining any other portion of the 2000 acre endowment by any means short of the repeal of that Act, which is not likely to be sanctioned. “ Failing in the above, I have requested that Crown Grants may be issued to the Corporations for all the reserves now nominally vested in the municipality, (see copy of letter enclosed). Had I seen a possibility of obtaining tha balance of the 2000 acres you may be sure I should not have abandoned the effort.

“ Yours faithfully, “ Edward G. Wright. “Thomas Bullock, Esq., “ Mayor of Ashburton.”

The following is the enclosure referred to :

“ Wellington, 20th Oct, 1879.

" Sir, —On behalf of the municipality of Ashburton I have the honor to request that you will sanction the issue of Grown Grants to the Corporation for all reserves within the Boroughs which are now merely placed at the disposal of the municipality, but are not absolutely and indefeasibly vested in it.

“ I have, &c., “ Edward G. Wright. “The Honorable the Minister of Lands, “Wellington.”

BOROUGH RESERVES TG BE CROWN GRANTED. “Wellington, Oct. 29th, 1379. “ Dear Sir, —I have much pleasure in forwarding the enclosed letter from the Minister for Lands for your information, as it will place these reserves beyond the risk of any act of spoliation. “ Yours faithfully, “E. G. Wright. “ T. Bullock, Esq.,

“ Ashburton.” “ General Crown Lands Office,

“ Wellington, 28th Oct., 1879. “Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th inst., requesting that the reserves within the Borough of Ashburton may he granted to the Corporation, and in reply to inform you that the necessary steps will be taken to vest the reserves as you desire. “ I have, Ac , “ W.m. Roli.eston “ Minister of Lands. “E. G. Wright, Esq., M. H.R., “ Wellington.” The Council considered the reply very satisfactory.

INSPECTOR OP NUISANCES’ REPORT

“ The Inspector reported that in refer ence to Mr Mobsman’s letter, re the drain on the oast side of Tancred street, and had seen Mr Shearman, of the Somerset Hotel, who had since flushed the channel, but in the absence of concrete channelling the water is liable to remain stagnant, thus causing the obnoxious smelb This would be very difficult to remedy until proper surface drains are provided. There are several similar drains at hotels and boardinghouses, and the proprietors have promised to use every endeavor to keep them clean.

“ I am, &a. , “ Harry Fhiedlander, “ Inspector.” fire brigade site. A letter was read from the general Cravvn Lands office, stating that the re serve applied for for fire brigade pur poses, was a school site, and that the Go vernment had no power to grant the ap plication of the brigade, and recommended the Council to apply to the Education Board. The Mayor said this had been disposed of at last meeting. Mr John Cambridge wrote stating that he had been instructed by the officers and members of the fire brigade to have re serve 502 granted in place of No. 434 for their shed and tower site, and stating reasons for the proposed change. the scavenger. Mr B. J. Hughes wrote stating his ob jection to the terms on which the Council were willing to release him from his scavenging contract. Mr St. Hill stated that the work was not being done. The Mayor said no complaints had not been made, and he was inclined to let him off his contract.

Resolved that Mr Hughes he requested to cany out the work and that fresh tenders be called for the work at next meeting. Mr St Hill moved that the scavengrr collect his own fees. —Carried.

The proposed Municipal Association communications were read from the Ran giora Borough Council stating that they had considered the proposal to form a “ Municipal Association of the Provincial District of Canterbury, and had deemed it advisable not to co-operate. ” From the Waimate Borough Council on the same subject, advising that the matter

ha i been ivf -r ed in their i’■ ye-L .ws Coin, inilte...

b’ro.u the Sy 1 ■ ih ■. n B iron'll Council, c-r liiii) va •i e(vn ■; with the suggestion of the Aslilmi- on B rough Council. Fr mi ihc Akaroa County Council, a iMoing to the advisability of united ! action being taken by the various Muni-

cipal lio lies. No replies bad been received frem Christchurch or Tiniaru, and Rangiora was the only Corporation that had sent a negative answer to the Council’s request for co-operation in the Municipal Associa tion movement.

HIDE CHANNELS FLOODED. Mr Alfred Harrison applied for a pipe to be inserted under the footpath to draw the water from section 228. THE UNPAID RATES. The Rate Collector wrote regarding the collection of outstanding rates, and suing defaulters. He asked the sum of £l2 10a fur the work of recovering the outstanding rates.

The arrears were stated to amount to £3OO. VERANDAH. An application was made by Mr W. Birtwcll fur permission io erect a verandah in East street.. .MUD DOLES J. 11. Lowe, Esq, wrote slating hit an pro a of the arr.mgernout with Mr 'l'. Ture.ii’/.a, contractor, for filling up the hole opposite Qu ll’s Hotel, at the rate of Gil per load. Regardin' the fillin' up of a similar hole opposite Mr Lancaster’s shop, the Mavor suggested th it a price be obtained from a contnctor and die same submitted to the engineer for appoval. IMMIGRATION COTTAGES RESERVES. James Taylor wro o concerning the number of broken windows in the immi grant cottages. The Mayor exp-osaed a wish that the Government would give the Council (lower to give long leases of these cottages, and he would like to see them removed so as to front on the street, and each cottage have a quarter acre, belonging to it. The mat ter dropped. RETRENCHMENT COMMITTEE. The consideration of the report o.' the committee appointed to consider the re duction of expenditure was then taken, and led to a considerable amount of dis cussion. The item in the report referring to the clerk being retained and his duties to include the collecting of rates without extra pay was approved of. Mr Fo ik e offer, that as soon as the works in hand were completed, he would be willing to re tire for four months without, salary, was considered satisfactory, and it was further agreed on the exninitiou of the four months to give or take four months notice.

It was reso'vod to dispense with the In anoctciv of Nuisances, and combine the duties with those of the Foreman of Works, and to retain the Borough Soli citor till the end of his term. Mr Friedlander asked how it that the report of the Retrenchment Com mittee had appeared in print. Mr St. Hill acknowledged to having had something to do with making the report public. WORKS COMMITTER REPORT. The WorksOommitt.ee reported that the contractor for the Neath Town Belt had nearly completed his work; that ar rangments for filling up the gully near the railway station had been made with him on favorable terms and sundry minor works were dealt with in the report. VALUATION OF THE BOROUGH. Tenders were opened for valuing the municipality, and the following were sub mitted : J. G. Anstee ... £ls 0 0 E. Wadman ... 24 0 0 H. Friedlander ... 40 0 0 E. Be veil ... 50 0 0 S. P-yntzik Co. ... 55 0 0

consideration of the tenders led to a large amount of discussion, and several resolutions and amendments were pro posed, His Worship pointing out that to accept a low tender for work of such a nature as this was that there would be a probability of repeating the mistake made last year by which the Borough was at present minus about £3OO of uncollected rates, owing to a-number or properties being charged to “Owner” and cautioned the Council against accept ing a low tender, us in his opinion it meant a heavy loss. Mr Saunders was of opinion that none of the tenders should be accepted without a substantia! guarantee, and reminded the Council that the Finance Committee had pledged themselves to have a rate struck and collected as soon as it could legally ho done, and if the roll did not pass the Judge of the Assessment Court they would have no rates to collect during the ensuing year.

Mr St. Hill proposed, and Mr Ans tee’a tender be accepted. Mr Orr stated that he had known Mr Anstee for a number of years, and con sidered they were hound to accept the lowest tender.

The discussion after this became very irregular, a number of amendments being put. and the resolution was lost by the Mayor’s casting vote, the voting being as follows F-t the motion—Messrs St. Hill, Orr, and Williamson. Against— Messrs Saunders, Friedlander and the Ma > or.

A proposition was then made that fresh tenders be called, with a proviso that securities be found for the due per formance of the work. Another that the Clerk be paid £2O extra for compiling- the roll. Another that Mr Anstee's tender be accepted, providing ho found sureties for £2OO, followed by an amendment that the sureties he £IOO, and the Mayor refused to put either of the latter, as they were out of order, and finally Mr St Hill proposed, and Ids Worship seconded, “ That Mr H. Friedlander’s tender be accepted. ” Motion put—For : The Mayor, and Messrs St. Kill and Orr. Against : Messrs Friedlander, Saunders, and Wil liamson. The Mayor gave his casting vote with the Ayes. Accounts anunounting to £53 Ifls Cd were passed for payment, and the Council adjourned.

Tuesday, Novkmkku 4, 1879.]

THE ASHBURTON GU A R DIA N

3



At the Melbourne Horticultural Show each visitor received a present of either a plant, bulb, or packet of seedi. Many of these gifts were individually worth more than the entrance money.