tnys/V -as. the ; term is, viz :—Mes tl -ones Buchanan, 'Causey, Clark, Chap man (S. >, Hodder, Jones, Moisman, !S lien. Tasker, Ofr (J.), and Weeks ; v lib the bachelors of the congregation i und all the accessories of the ever-present <■ ilibatos’ table. Donations in money v fire given towards the furnishing of ( ..bb". by Meadamea Collins, Potter, Car r m, T. Andrews, and Mr. Garnett. The meeting was presided over by the i :cv". Mr. Koall, and after the choir had i mdered very ell'ectively the anthem, ‘ • Lift up your heads,” Mr: J. B. Buchanan spoke briefly on t he finances of the church, which . although not all they could wish them to be, yet were in;a hopeful condition. He made a very happy reference to the crops, busi ness;-&c., of the country. Tire Chairman said that although there had’ been much distress in Canterbury and, Otago, yet.there was u. : general feeling of hopefulness existing, and this state of hopefulness was shared in by the church. He entertained a deep feeling of indebted ness'for-the help of ministers of other churched who were met there that evening, as well as ..to those members of other denominations who were assisting in the musical part of the programme; The finances of the church showed L 1,600 to the bad, and while they had not been promised pecuniary aid, yet those to whom they owed the money had helped them in allow big them time to tide over the pre sent depression. It . was encourag ing to see such a large attendance, and he haiTbecn told tint the present gathering was more numerous than any of its pre-

dccessors. Anthem—“ The Palace of the King.” Tiio Rev. A. J. Smith was the next speaker. Hs had felt just us much interest in the success of the pres., nt anniversary as if he had been a Wesleyan himself, and the state of the weather had been a matter of iqucli concern with him. Mr. Smith . remarked he bad never been in a town where there was so little money and so much hope as in Ashburton. While listen ing. to what he might term the key-note of the'meeting—the reeling of hopefulness— the thought had suggested itself, what was thejiqppof the Church I and the reply came—the 'children. It was pleasing to observe how much was being done towards educating the young. Progress was the watchword of the age, and no walk of life was being neglected. Books were now printed for the assistance of the miner as well as for the minister, and while so much was being done to educate the masses, it was the duty of the Church to pay par ticular attention to the spiritual education of the children. If the children were saved, then the Church of the future would be successful. The speaker concluded with a homely, illustration of the means which were sometimes necessary to awaken Church members to a sense of their re sponsibility in reference to the young. Mr. Keall.refemng to the remarks of the last speaker, said that a united meet ing of schools had been arranged to fake place in the Presbyterian Church on the last Sunday in December. Rev. A. Beattie thoroughly reciproca ted the kind expression which had fallen from the Chairman during the evening, and did so not only on his own behalf, bqt on behalf of his congregation, who would always be found ready to help in whatever way they could. The subject huhad chosen to address the meeting on was the following:—“ Some of the characteristics of a good man,” and what ever he had to say with reference to a gqbd man would apply to a good woman. One feature in a good man was courtesy ; not the fussy kind of officionsness adopted by some, but civility in the best sense of the word. This courtesy must be the natural outcome of one’s nature, and not a sticking to and studying of certain con ventionalities. Civility in every sphere of life was a necessity to success. Cheer fulness was another characteristic of a good man.. Tribulation often causes a despondency of spirits, but it should be remembered that the same Teacher who said,ln the world ye shall have tribu lation,” had also said, “ But I have over come tho world. ” Wherever he (Mr. Beaftie) saw a man who could take a good round laugh, ho felt there was'some thing good in that man ; on the other ■ hand he always felt suspicious of a man who thought it was wrong to laugh. ; Truthfulness was another desideratum of a good man, and he would warn parents to check any sign of deception in their - offspring, as it would eventually end in the children becoming loose in their regard for truth. Intelligent men had argued .with him that in some cases a lie was ; legitimate, but he had never been con vinced, neither did he ever know of snch a case. Men had gone to the martyr’s death rather than bear false testimony, and in this they followed in their Master’s ..footsteps. Unselfishness was another , trait in a good man’s character. People were too apt to forget their obligations to one another. Both ministers and people had duties to perform to their fellowmen, enforced by the command, ; “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Firm ness was a characteristic of a good man, and in this many people were deficient, not being able to give a decided negative. ; in the hour of temptation. There was need to stand in the evil day, and so long ; 'as there was sin in the heart, and vice in in the world, it would be an evil day. He cautioned young and old to be firm when their principles were brought to the test. Single-mindedness and honesty were .. qualities possessed by a good man, but - Hie character of Jesus Christ should be studied to know what a good man really ■ was. , The Rev, W. Baumber observed that if a cheerful man was always a good man, then everyone in Aah burton must be good, for they . all seemed cheerful. The rev. gentleman gave a most interesting address on the principle of carrying religion into busi r ’’•moss hfe; .The employee would thereby be more willing and industrious ; the em ''. ployer more considerate and conscientious. It was a mistake to suppose that religion v interfered with success in life ; the path .of truth and honesty was always success fill, although that success was not always apparent to an on-looker. Mr. Baumber >" concluded by proposing, in a humorous style, a vote 1 of thanks to the ladies, • which ■. < • j> iMr. -Allison seconded. • ' ft i The ilev. B. J. Westbrooke said that V many-.theories.* were held as to the causes of monetary/depression. The batiks Efvere credited with it by some ; the loose ..way. in which credit was given, being a theory held by others; others, again, . would make the government of th»day '’rasponsiblj; while scientists argued that

the number of spots on tho aim had an indirect influence on financial life ; also, climate and soil were affected, and hence the earth did not bring forth its usual increase, and depression ensued. The speaker attributed all the prosperity or depression in the world to an over-ruling Providence, in whose hand all the affairs of life were con trolled. Mr. Westbrooke brought his speech to a close by proposing a vote of thanks to the choir, whose efforts during the evening had added so much to their enjoyment. Mr. Puddicombe seconded the motion, remarking that he was totally unaware that such good singing could be produced in Ashburton.

Mr. Weeks, organist, briefly acknow ledged the compliment. Mr. Buchanan, in a speech which caused inuch merriment, proposed a vote of thanks to the ministers present, and also to those who had worked so heartily during the anniversary. Mr. John Orr briefly seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The doxology was then sung and the proceedings terminated.

THE MAYORAL BANQUET.

Last night Mr. Thomas Bullock, who has so acceptably discharged the duties of Mayor of Ashburton for the past fifteen months, entertained the members of Council, and the Council staff to a banquet in the Somerset Hotel, and the occasion of his retiring from the office into which Mr. Hugo Friedlander hajl that day been installed. The Somerset’s table was fur nished temptingly as usual, and after it had been duly honored, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and re ceived. After the “ County Council” had been proposed by Mr. Williamson, and the “ County Road Boards” by the chair man (Mr. Bullock) Mr. Williamson asked a bumper for the toast of the evening “ the Retiring Mayor.” He had known Mr. Bullock for many years, and had had many opportu nities of observing his conduct and noting his character. Mr. Bullock had occupied the chair of the Council for 15 months —two terms, one a short one to be sure—but during his two terms he had connected feelings of deep friendship amongst the Councillors, and won the esteem of the people. They all knew how much the Mayor had done for the town ship during its early history, and he thought they could not say anything that would enhance him in their eyes. The toast was enthusiastically drunk. Mr. Bullock, in replying, thought Mr. Williamson was giving him a higher character than he deserved, but it would be quite fair for him to say that he had always taken a keen interest in the town’s progress. If they went back over the past few years, say to 1867, they would learn that the only places in the Ashburton were the hotel they were now in, Turton’s place, Friedlanders’ store, Williamson’s, and his own. Now,. though the borough was only a year or so old, it presented an appearance that was creditable, and and a history that was remarkable. The speaker, after making reference to the question of asphalting the streets, drainage, the water supply, and other questions, took the opportunity of again thanking the Council for the continued courtesy they had shown to him. The borough's funds had been low, and there had been difficulty in getting both ends to meet, but ho was quite sure there was a good time coming, and that a bright future was in store for Ashburton. He felt that the time would come again, and was not far off when property would be so enhanced in value as to bring double what it was worth now. Mr. Bullock concluded with proposing the toast of “the Mayor elect.” He felt fatherly towards Mr. Friedlander, who was like a child entering upon a career. He hoped the new Mayor would get from them the same flattering expres sion of good will that had been given to him that night. Mr. Friedlander, in acknowleding the toast, recounted some of the “ dangers of the way ” that were experienced in the early days of the township, and drew a flattering comparison between the Ash burton of then and the Ashburton of now. Much of the progress and good appear ance of the township were due to Mr. Bullock, who was a man of steady and perservering energy, and whose public spirit had been profitable in a high degree to the township. Mr. St. Hill proposed the “ Commercial Interests,” which was replied to by Messrs. R. Friedlander and W. H. Gundry. Mr. Gundry proposed the “ Agricul tural Interests,” which were so closely allied to the “ Commercial Interests ” that it was difficult to say where they divided. Both were dependent to a very great ex tent upon the harvest, and both were now looking anxiously to the heavens. If the weather should be fine and dry until Christmas he had every belief a good har vest would be reaped. Mr. Robinson replied to the toast. He denied that there was any rust as yet amongst the wheat in this district, and he put down the average of the new wheat crop of the county at 27 bushels, the barley at 37, and the oats at 40. Mr. Williamson also replied. Mr. Saunders proposed the healths of “ The Council Staff. ” It was a very dis agreeable duty always, to have to discharge men with whom there was no fault to find, and he hoped the time would soon come round when the Council would be able to renew engagements that had been ter minated, and to renew them at salaries far higher than they have been paid before. He coupled the names of Mr. C. 0. Focks, Engineer, and Mr. C. Braddell, Town Clerk, who both replied. The other toasts proposed were “ The Ladies,” “The Press,” the “Borough Solicitor,” &c.

H.M.S. PINAFORE.

D’Orsay Ogden and Towle’s Opera Bouffe Company appeared at the Town Hall last night to a splendid house. The opera produced was the famous “ H.M.S. Pinafore,” with scenery and effects from the Accudemy of Music, Christen r h. Miss Thorne, a; Josephine, was excellent, both in singing avi acting, and dressed the part most appropriately. Mrs. Florence, owing to the unavoidable absence of Miss Beatrice, undertook the part of Buttercup, and made a decided hit, her pure con tralto voice telling well in the con certed music. Madlle. Murriell, a new aspirant to lyric fame, was very happy in her part as the Cousin Hebe, and won golden opinions from all. Mr. Mack D. Alexander fully sustained his reputation as a careful and conscientious vocalist and actor. His bye play and “official” utterances were always provocative of well earned mirth. Mr. J. W. Marshall was very creditable as the Captain, his magni ficent baritone voice being very suitable to the role. Mr. Florence, as Ralph Rackstraw, was all that could be desired, his exceptionally robust tenor being specially suited to the lively music of this the first of opera comiques. Mr. Warren was the Dead eye and acquitted himself remarkably well ; Mr. Cahill was amusing as the Boatswain. Sir Joseph Porter introduced, very felicitiously an interlude in the first act, which was very well received. Mr. Marshall sang maguificiently the “ Slave chase,” Mrs Florence the favorite scena “ Rocked in the cradle of the deep. ” Mr. Florence then delighted everyone by bis artistic rendering of the “ Death of Nel son.” Miss Murriell followed with “ Marble Halls,” and received a well deserved encore ; her top notes are really wonderful, reminding one of Sherwin or De Murska, they are so pure, clear, and unforced. Mr. Marshall finished the melange with a spirited rendering of “ Nancy Lee.” It is sufficient to say that Mr. H. F. Towle presided at the pianoforte to guarantee the excellence of the We shall be glad to welcome this Company back again, and as we hear it is comtemplated after the Christinas and New Tear holidays to produce and with all the scenery effects &c., the pantomime with the classical burlesque of Acis and Galatea, with a con siderably augmented company, we can fairly presage a treat of no ordinary nature is in store for tho Ashburton and sur rounding districts. Mr. Ogden and Mr. Towle deserve great credit for their pluck and enterprise.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

ROAD BOARD CONTRACTS.

To the Editor. Sib, —I beg to bring before the notice of contractors a fact which will probably alter the present low prices at which work is taken in the Mount Hutt district. I, among others, tendered for certain works, and, on completion of the same, having my jobs passed, naturally looked for my cheque at the usual monthly meeting of the Board. I took the work a very low figure, and ex pected my cheque, so as to have funds to pay men and bills. But you may judge of the disappointment I and some ten or a dozen other contractors experienced, when we were informed that, owing to the Board’s funds having been placed in tho Bank on fixed deposit, they would have to wait until the interest matured, before they could draw their money. I may state that we (the contractors) have taken work at very low prices, on the understanding that payments would bo made by the Board in a manner similar to that followed by other Road Boards In the County— that i's, a cheque on first sitting of the Board after the work is passed. As the matter stands contractors cannot pay their accounts, or their wages men, and their creditor (the Board) has plenty money to do it with. I am, ike., Horse Scoop.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRAN CISCO MAIL AT AUCKLAND.

SUMMARY OF NEWS. Auckland, Eec. 27. Among the passengers by the P. and O. a. s. Pera were Archbishop Stein, the new Auckland Catholic Bishop, and Fathers Domey, O’Hara, and Baggioli. The Governor of Bombay travelled 15 miles on a locomotive on the railway through the Bolan Pass. Princess Clotilde is wintering in Paris at the suggestion of the King of Italy, and her husband, Prince Napoleon, is sur rounding himself by a complete diploma tic court, putting on the airs of a preten der. The miners’ association of the United Kingdom are assisting miners to emigrate, and have fixed the allowances at—to America, L 6 ; Australia and New Zea land, Ll2. There is great improvement in the coal and other industries in Eng land. At the Guildhall Police Court Edward Froggatt, solicitor, whose connection with the tariff frauds will be remembered, was brought up on a charge of misappropria ting to his own use of LBO,OOO which had been entrusted to him as trustee under a marriage settlement. One hundred thousand copies of a pro scribed publication are reported dis covered in Moscow. The pamphlets had counterfeited the permission of the censor. A scheme has been formed to build a canal from the river Maine, at Frankfort, to the Rhine. Frankfort will give 125,000 marks for a harbor. The famine in Upper Silesia is assuming alarming proportions. A Copenhagen despatch reports that the police have arrested a student upon a charge of writing to the Queen of Sweden, demanding 20,000 crowns, and threaten ing, in case of refusal, to assassinate the Crown Prince of Sweden. The St. Petersburg “ Gazette ” is for bidden in the streets of the towns of Germany, on account of several articles entitled German women, which are full of insults to the German nation. The French revenue for the ton months of the present year, including October, exceeds the estimates by 123,000,000 francs. The Austrian Budget produced a bad impression. The deficit is nearly

double the an; unt stated, and the Finance Minister is unable t > cover the deficit by increased taxes. He had re course to street loans. Prince Bismarck lias requested the Russian Government to withdraw a force of 20,000 cavalry from Poland, on the the borders of German territory. Russian officers on leave of absence ha 'e been ordered to rejoin their regi me.its immediately. Letters from Constantinople confirm reports of the extreme distress in financial matters of Turkey. The pilgrimage to Mecca, which hitherto has been provided for attlio expense of Government, is unable to get any assistance—an event that never before has occurred since the establish ment of the Ottoman Empire. The Lorussia sailed from Liverpool on the 20th November, for New Orleans, with sixty-five farmers and families, bound for Texas, mostly from Lancashire, York shire, and Durham, with a few from Scot land and Ireland. The French Government has sanctioned the lottery of 21)0,01)0 francs arranged by a committee o‘ journalists for tin benefit of the suffice! . by the Hoods in Murcia. Considerable alarm is felc in Go! ..in mat the fortificatic .h which have been oc.run at Dunkirk, at Lille, Maine oerg, and Valencia. The Danish War Minister is expected to resign. 1 aving said in public that Germ a- i • sov.o the first oppor tunity 'I. ■ ' o’ '.nuu.r'v. Toe Ge-. "i 1 Trustor of War ordered the re-mirve ■ of 'lie Bailie Coast to see if forth•. ' i v n neudt'd. Tin lb.-: -i’ rn h p Tor rbe -hinese line to Honoluh- rid Canton is taking in passengers. Latest dates report active preparations for war against Japan are going on in China. Captain Rowles, of the English steamer Baltimore, from Baltimore for Loudon, with cattle, was killed at sea during heavy weather, a block falling on his head. The mate was also disabled. There being a heavy sea running, the ship put back to Baltimore. The mother of ex-Empress Eugenie died, aged one hundred, just two hours before her her arrival from Paris. Jules Hotel, the French painter is dead. San Domingo advices to the Bth Nov. report that a fight occurred between the forces of President Guillermo and the resolutionists at St. Pedro. Guillermo was dislodged from his position, and had to retreat to the capital. Gladstone commences his election cam paign at Edinburgh. A “ Standard ” despatch from Thegete mego, Burmah, says a serious affray occurred on the 13th at Mergyon, on board a steamer between the crew and a number of Burmese coolies, in which six persons were wounded. The insurgents have been again defeated at Cuba.

lii a gale on Lake Ontario, on Nov. 17, twelve small vessels sunk, and thirty-one persons drowned ; other wrecks and loss of life are reported along the Atlantic coast.

The Russian press allege that neither Government nor the people want war, the bad financial position of the Empire enjoin ing peace, but every day convinces them that a great struggle is impending. Winter has set in very severely in the eastern and north-western States of America ; heavy snow fell in Geotgia. Two men of questionable character have been lynched by Yigilants at Dead ville, who number 700. They warned D. Belly, the accused, of giving bribes to White, the City Marshall, and warned Jim Bush to leave town, or be would be hanged. The thieves and rowdy charac ters have also enrolled a number of 750, and threaten avenging their companion’s death. They also warn persons suspected of participating in the hanging business to leave town or they would burn it down. This would be an easy task, the town being built of wood, and having insuffi cient water facilities.

Navigation from St. Lawrence to Mon treal closed on Nov. 22 for steam boats, the river being frozen in. Meetings were held in England on Nov. 28, sympathising with Irish political pri soners, but not very enthusiastic, except at Birmingham 20,000 attended. Liverpool, Nov. 24. California wheat 10s. 7d. to 11s. 5d., averaging 11s. sd. to lls. 9d. per cental. Cargoes of wheat are in fair request at full prices for Home and Continental des tinations. IRELAND. The Irish agitation has attained alarm ing proportions. 17 warrants are reported issued for seditious language, including five clergymen. The garrisons of West port, Clare, Castlereagh, Belfast, and other places in Ireland have been strongly reinforced. The constabulary have been under arms day and night. The news of the arrest of the three agitators, Davitt, Killen, and Daly, caused great ex citement in Ireland and among the large Irish population of Dundee, who had been addressed by them. The English press, except the “ Daily News,” approved of the arrests, the Irish press are divided in opinion. Many Irish landlords are leav ing the country through fear. Three ad ditional regirnents-are under orders to pro ceed to Ireland. A new source of appre hension concerning the military has arisen —a large proportion of soldiers about to be sent to Ireland are Irish, and hints are thrown outthat if ordered to fire upon their countrymen they will refuse to obey. In the barracks of these regiments Home Rulers and “Nationalist” journals of Ireland are often seen, and emissaries from Ireland are frequent visitors to the soldiers. A despatch from Pittsville, Pennsyl vania, of Nov. 22, says there will be a general turning out of Irish Nationalists throughout the States to-morrow. At a recent meeting of Nationalists, at Mahoney City, it was resolved to take up the cause of Davitt, Killen, and Daly. In nearly every village, town, and city in the coal and iron country are lodges of Irish Nationalists, or branches of Fenian confederacies, and a meeting for organisa tion has been called for to-morrow. The leading officers of the Ancient Orders of Hibernians say hundreds of members are anxious to get to Canada to invade the British possessions in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment of three advo cates of Ireland’s liberty. The British Government’s arrangements for watching the Fenian movement in America is very perfect.

Preparations continue to be pushed forward in India with undiminished vigor.

Pukkakour and Dobar railroad is open for engines nearly to Jellalabad, and is being constructed at the rate of over a mile per day. A large number of cars, and a quantity of war material are being shipped at Bombay for Kurrachee. It is finally settled that the railroad from T,i..' tali shall be extended to Kandahar. The Viceroy of India telegraphed that an expedition has started for Ghuznee, where there are malcontents, stirred up by Mollahs. The investigation into the massacre at the British Legation continues. Forty Afghans have been hanged for complicity. The inquiry into the Ameer’s conduct in relation thereto progresses. It has been discovered that on the night before the battle of Oharasick he was visited in his tent by Naid Mahomed, who commanded the enemy next day. Yakoob Khan is now practically a prisoner. Ml his at tendants except four have been dismissed. A sentry is consequently on duty inside his quarters, and a strong guard outside. It is still a mystery as to what has been done with the bodies of Major Cavagnari and liiii companions. The ' ‘ Manchester Guardian’s ” London correspondent hulieves that documents were found in Cabul compromising the Russian Foreign Office. Lord Beacons field is urged to publish the documents, but declines. A Cabul telegram of Nov. 20 says the en quiry into the conduct of theAmeer Vakoob Khan and his Ministers in connection with the massacre of the British Embassy has ter minated, and the report of the Commis sion of Inquiry and has been forwarded to the Viceroy. Nothing has transpired to alter the unfavorable opinion hitherto current regarding the Ameer’s course of action. The first number of “ Aurora,” a daily paper, jdanned and issued by the Vatican, will appear on Ist January a* a more authoritative exponent of the Pope’s views than the existing clerical papers. Marshal Canrobert, having been elected to the French Senate against the Repub lican candidate, resigned his connection with the French army. Henri Martin has been elected a member of the French Academy, in room of M. Thiers, deceased. Gortschakoft’s retirement from the Russian Chancellorship is not unexpected, owing to diplomatists. It was known lie would resign as soon as the German in trigues against him ceased. French influence at the Court of Russia has shelved Count SchouvalotF. Gortschakoff is suffering from mental depression, and there is little hope of his recovery. Baron Donbriel, Russian Ambassador to Germany, has been summoned to St. Petersburg to explain the relations of Russia and Germany. The Moscow Committee on Volunteer cruisers has called a meeting to discuss ways and means for raising subscriptions for the construction of cruisers in view of Russian relations with England.

Pecularities of Witnesses.

One would naturally think it to he the easiest thing in the world, on entering the witness box of a Court of justice, for a witness to give his or her narrative of what they saw and heard succinctly and briefly. Yet it is one of the most difficult things imaginable, and even policemen fail occasionally to come up to those re quirements. Then the manner of giving evidence differs according to the idiosyn cracy of the witness. We ha ,r o the cautious witness, who always “ remem bers he is on his oath,” and depones “ to the best of his belief and knowledge.” Then there is the secretive witness, out of whom nothing is to be got save with a

corkscrew or Ivy hydraulic pressure ; he is well matched hy the garrulous witness, who depones over much, and whose evi dence is particularly annoying to both bench and bar from the trouble involved in sifting the legendary from the canonical; and finally we have the confidential wit ness, gushing and familiar, who informs the bench, in an undertone, “that she has never been in a court of justicejnefore, is the mother of ten children, and in her evidence treats the audience behind the bar as one of the family, and alternately unbosoms herself of her experiences to the bum-bailiff standing beside the wit ness box and the magistrate on the bench. But it is when the accused is permitted to cross-examine a witness that the real trouble commences. It is difficult enough for a witness to give evidence properly, but it is far more so for a layman to extract in cross-examination just the essential facts and no more, which i;e desires to elicit from a witness. This is the usual style of thing to be heard any day in a police court : —Magistrate : “ You can ask the witness any questions you desire before he stands down.” Accused: “ When I says to him, says I ” Magistrate : “You must ask the witness a question.” Accused : “ Well, lam after asking a question, your honor. When he says to me, says he ” Magistrate : “That is not a question!” Accused: All right your Honor. Well, as I was saying, when I says to him, says I ” Magistrate : “ I can’t permit this sort of thing to go on. ” According!}', the cross examiner subsides into a state of pulp with vexation and nervousness, and wishes, like the Lunatic in Han well, that “ he was a teapot, and someone to pour him out! ”

CHISPA’S LETTER.

(From the Ashhntton Herald, December 13) “I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains. ” —Lo.vgkellow. The Resident Magistrate’s Court news is wbat Mrs. Chispa generally looks for of an evening, and wo usually discuss the troubles of our neighbors from the columns of the Herald after retiring to our virtuous couch. As your reports are drawn up in a style well calculated to act as a sleeping draught, Mrs. C. generally commences a basso profundo by the time 1 have got to the end of your first column of locals. But for a change she has been very wakeful this last week, and I have a sore throat through having to read and expound to her the various circumstances connected with Ford v. Blueot, Orr and Co. v. Ford, Montgomery and Co. v. Ford, and Bluett v. Ford. I got on very well in explaining Ford v. Bluett, but when it came to the rust of the business there was a doubt in my own mind as to how the thing got mixed up, and I wont into a long explanation as to the various kinds of legal process, and used some of Mr. O’Reilly’s Latin, in the hope that she would do what I did in listening to the cases—go to sleep. But she didn’t, and as a paragraph had appeared in your paper about the fords in the river being in bad order this week, the wife of my bosom w.mld have it that this poor man Find was connected with the river some how, and £ told her that Ford sued Bluett for LSO and got judgment, and Ford ow'ed Orr LSO and Orr sued him and didn’t get judgment at first, but did afterwards ; and then Bluett sued Ford back for the LSO, and she gave lue snore and saiu “You had better Blew it, Or go to sleep, and don't go crossing no more Fords when the river is high.” Well you know this kind of thing is discouraging, when the head of a family' goes in for elocution, so I am going to gi"u up reading the Herald in bed for the future, unless you can find something which will come within the scope of my family’s understanding. This business of Ford’s has been a good line for the lawyers. Mr. Bluett, the New Zealand counterpart of the Tichborne claimant, had to part with LSO and costs. It was a hard case, as he received nothing for it, but still it must be looked upon as being so much foreign capital coining into the district. But Ford didn’t get it. Oil no ! There was a rush for that LSO. One of the legal fraternity held it for 48 hoiii-s and nearly wore the cheque out feeling if it was safe during that brief period, and, he had no sleep over it for two nights ; and then he gave it to the Clerk of the Court to impound it ; and an hour or so before, Mr. Ford quietly gave his previous legal adviser the slip aid filed his schedule with a lawyer who was a stranger to the case altogether. The creditors got wind of the business and made a rush to the Court to put their warrants in execution against this LSO cheque ; and the cleverest of the crowd got euchred, for he had sent the bailiff away 011 a ten mile trip an hour previously to seize a horse and cart which didn’t belong to to the bankrupt, and creditor No. 2 stepped in with his warrant and nailed the cash.

Five shillings, and costs divided. Such is valuation by his Worship of dam ages sustained by a breach of con tract, a brutal assault, and a damaged re putation. This case against the managers of racing matters took a lot of fighting both out of Conn; and in Court, and when the plaintiff imported legal talent from Christchurch, we all looked forward to the cock of the Ashburton legal roost hav ing liis wings clipped. Mr. Branson was, however, equal to the occasion, except in one part of the case, which by the way occupied the Court nearly six hours. The local legal Jupiter, gave the benefit of his legal knowledge to the Bench in a speech of about an hour and a half’s duration, he did it to help his case for one thing, but I think the main point he had in view was to keep the Christchurch solicitor so long in Court that he was bound to lose the ex press train to Christchurch. Mr. Joyce was either so much flabbergasted by Mr, Branson’s arguments, or he was so vexed at not getting home that night that his

reply was simply an appeal to the Bench for mercy ; and the solicitor for the racing men looked more disappointed than I ever saw him, as he had nothing to reply to. I hear the defendants in the case will have to appear before Mr. Guinness again in an ocher case arising out of the same transaction.

“A prophet is not without honor save in his own country.” So wo arc told by an ancient and re liable authority, and I find that the old proverb is applicable even here. Our local spouter Mr. Joseph Ivess, finding his little game played out in Ashburton, has had to seek refuge in Ohertsey, of all places in the county, to air his well known platitudes, but he missed his favorite admirers there —the larrikins and butcher boys. I should recommend him to take a fresh departure, and try Hind hope for his next exposition of Greyism. Chispa.

The Impeachment of the Prime’Minis* ter, the Minister of Lands, and Messrs. Saunders and Moorehouse, M.H.R.'s.

A petition, said to be signed by 500 people, has been presented to Parliament. It is a most extraordinary indictment, and contains “articles of impeachment against William Sefton Moorehouse, John Hall, William Rolleston, and Alfred Saunders, being members of the House of Represen tatives of New Zealand.” The first article, “inter alia,” says —“Yet it happened that the said Governor Gore Brown—being corruptly instigated thereto by one Sefton Moorehouse, as member of the Canterbury Provincial Council and Superintendant of Canterbury; also by one John Hall, as a runholder and member of the aforesaid Provincial Council—did break the Royal Instructions and the Constitution Act for the personal and indirect profit of the said instigators in the following manner, vie ; Without authority of Parliament they did procure an advertisment called ‘ Waste Lands Regulations,’ to be brought into force by insertion in the Gazette on the 9th. February, 1856, whereby they and their friendsand relatives, directly and in directly, were enabled to appropriate without payment the waste lands of the Crown, to sell the said lands without' a law passed in Parliament, and in fiat violation of Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s Royal Instruction, No. 5. Article No. 2 ‘inter alia’ declares that William Rolleston, as Superintendant of Canterbury, did allow the trustees of certain foreign land jobbing and money lending companies to be appointed on the Waste Lands Board, and, did allow them to manipulate the land laws to the profit of their own companies, and of their friends more particularly, in a system of land jd under known as ‘ gridironing,’ and that William Rolleston did all this in full and guilty knowledge, and in breach of his oath to God, Crown and country.” Article No. 3, “ inter alia,” declares that “ one, Alfred Saunders, as Superintendant of Nelson Province, did wilfully and corruptly concur in and make no efforts to disturb the wrongful possession of hundreds of thousands of acres of free and sacred soil, the heritage of his brothers, the common people of New Zealand/ which illegal possession to the full and guilty knowledge of the said Alfred Saunders, had corruptly obtained in flat violatiou of the Royal Instructions. ” ■ We pass on to Article No. 6, which “ inter alia ” declares :—“ Whereas the passing of most illegal ordinances was procured in the Provincial Council by runholders and their mortgagers, notably John Hall and Isaac Thomas Cookson, his mortgager, voting upon questions in which they had direct interest, and were signed,corruptly and wickedly by William Sefton Moor house lie being interested , for his two brothers, Benjamin Moorhouse and Thomas C Moorhouse, and also his brother-in-law John Studholme. ” Article No. 7 is as follows :—“Therefore being moved by these six articles, we, your humble petitioners, do ever pray that you will take these facts into full consideration. That you will specially remember the similar, but not so wicked, case of Michael De La Bole, Earl of Suffolk, Lord High Chancellor, who, for being too greedy in buying land, was impeached, degraded, forfeited, and punished by our ever glorious fathers before the corruption of Parliament, by the 40s franchiae ot the Sixth Henry, 1429, and by the .niock ‘ Reformation ’ which disgraces England and Ireland to this day. That you will also bear in mind clause 6 of our Act of Settlement, 1700 12 and 13 William, the third cap. 2, whereby no person having profit under the Crown can be a Parlia ment man, and under winch clause the aforesaid William Sefton Moorhouse, John Hall, William Rolleston, and Alfred Saunders, have committed treason against God, Crown and Country in procuring a profit to themselves or to their friends and to their relatives in flat defiance of solemn oath or in allowing' these things or some of them to be wrong fully done. That you will also notice clause 8 of the Act of Settlement, which shuts out all power of the Crown, or of the Governor, or of the Legislative Coun cil, to interfere with or to ple4d pardon— a pardon to an impeachment by the' ‘Com mons of New Zealand, and that you are a free Parliament under the said Act of Settlement. That you will guard sac ed our Common Law Right, “ that no man may justify himself of his wrong, which right has been trampled under foot by the said W. S. Moorhouse, John Hall, W. Rolleston, and Alfred Saunders. That you carefully weigh and examine the law, and take such action both for us and for our dear children, that the injustice done to us may be righted as speedily as pos sible, consistent with good order; also that our property may be restored. That if you do find the aforesaid instigators, and Parliament men guilty of these offences, you will forfeit them, and degrade them, and forbid them or their seed to touch our free and sacred soil of New Zealand for ever. ”

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TKfe ASHBOPTON GUARDIAN.

Thursday, DgmiKßß t&, i£ 79

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A Little fellow was out riding with his father the other day, when, noting the name of a street, he asked if it was named after Mr. 8., a well-known politician. “By no means,” answered the father ; “it was not named after him, but after his father, who was very popular and very much esteemed. ” The boy said nothing ; so his father, who thought he saw a chance to preach a little sermon, continued, “it’s very apt to be so. A boy has a father whem everybody loves and respects for bis good qualities and abitities, but in too many cases the boy does not amount to anything.” Said the boy, after a pause, “Your father was yery much esteemed, wasn’t he, sir ? ”



Would bk Cooks.—lt is terrible to contemplate what mischief a little well directed energy may accomplish. Miss Pidler, a young lady who started busi ness in Dunedin some time ago as a teacher of the art of domestic cookery, has just completed a professional tour of New Zealand, and is about to leave for Tasmania. While Miss Fidler has done a large amount of work in the boiling and stewing lino, it is .alleged that her lessons have utterly ruined the decorum and domestic peace of many a well-regulated establishment. Ladies whose tender fingers were rarely soiled by anything worse than the keys of a piano, have betaken themselves to the kitchen, and it is quite a common thing for their husbands to find them enamelled with dough. One gentleman informs us that some fancy fowls that he would not have taken any money for, perished during his absence, his helpmate on returning from a cooking lesson having decided to try her proliciency in boning fowls. Another declares that his household and all that inhabits it is being ruined and surfeited , with puddings, pancakes, and dishes bear ing unpronounceable names. It is quite possible to have too much of a good thing.



“ Five Sundays.” —lßßo is leap year, Then the ladies have it all their own way. whey have an extra chance this time as there will be five Sundays in next Feb ruary. This fact occurh but three times in a century. Tims, after 1880, we shall have to wait until 1020 before the shortest month in the year can again boast of five Sundays. Colonial Loans.— -The London Times of September 29th, in the money article, says:—“ There seems to be among many of the principal people interested in Colonial securities a fear that the Australian Colonies are seeking to raise too mueh money. At present the different Legisla tures have sanctioned in all the raising of L 20,000,000, in addition to the present indebtedness, which in some cases is quite large enough. The market for Austra lian bonds has hitherto been a good one, and it would bo a great pity if distrust were created by an indiscriminate launch ing of new loans. The works for which most of the authorised borrowing is re quired would undoubtedly help forward materially the different colonies, but the readiness with which previous appeals have been answered here should not lead our antipodean brethren into the mistake of supposing that all future applications will be as readily responded to if judg ment is not shown in selecting the oppor tunity.”



Labor-saving Machinery. —What is to be the ultimate result of the constant “ improvement ”in machinery? It is easy to answer that by cheapening pro cesses of production, articles which only the wealthy could formerly enjoy are brought within the reach of the poor, and that in this way the consumption is great’y increased, and a market opened for the increased supply. Up to a certain point that works admirably, but may there not be a point beyond which it will not work ? Does the demand increase in a ratio suffi cient to furnish employment to those whom improvements in labor saving machines throw out of work, and if it has done so in the past, will it continue to do so in the future.? A person visiting a cotton mill will be struck by the loneliness of the vast halls in which the weaving is done. Busy minds are constantly seeking means to make it more lonely—that is, to reduce the number of persons necessary to carry on the work. A vast change has been wrought in this respect during the past decade, and the end is not yet, by any means, indeed, in some branches of manu facture it is claimed that the machinery has been made so nearly perfect that one person can tend a large roomful of machinery and have but little to do at that. Should the advance in this direc riou of labor saving be as great in the next decade as in that which has passed, it is difficult to believe that the old arguments will hold good. There is much food for earnest thought in this.