SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LSAYS LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington—To Anau, This Day, Thursday, Feb. 19. Passengers by 2.40 p. m. train. To be followed by Wanaka, on Satur day, Feb. 21st. For Napier, Gisborne, and Auckland— Te Anau, This Day, Thursday, Feb. 19th. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Wanaka, on Satur day, Feb. 21. . For Port Chalmers Taiaroa, Tins Day, Thursday, February 19. Pas sengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Hawca, Saturday, oi of 17oTirnfl W For Melbourne, via Bluff—Roto mahana, on Tuesday, February 24tli. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Te Anau, Tuesday, 2nd March. For Sydney —Tararua, on Thursday, Feb. 20. For Hobart Town —Te Anau, Tues day, March 2. For Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Taiaroa, on Tuesday, Feb. 26th. For Nelson, Wesport, Greymouth, and Hokitika —Maori, This Day, Thurs day, Feb. 19th. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. Cargo till 2 p.m.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. This Day. By Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, at their rooms, East street, at 1.30 p.m. —B7 building allotments, near Saun ders’«Mill. By Mr. Alfred Harrison, on the premises of K. Sando and Co., East street, at 12 o’clock sharp—groceries, stationery, drapery, Ac.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1880.

The decisions arrived at by the Judge of the Assessment Court on Tuesday were not to our mind exactly in accordance with the spirit and intention of the Eating Act; nor is it in consonance with the now generally accepted opinion held by all local bodies possessed of rating powers, that unimproved lands, held for speculative purposes, should be assessed at an equal valuation with improved pro

portics. This principle is as obvious as it is fair. It is a notorious fact that a largo number of town sections are held merely for a rise in price, and are, as such, un occupied and act as a dray on the progress and advancement of the Borough. Many of these sections if sold at a fair and reasonable rate by the owners of them, would bo at once built upon and would add to the importance of the town. But these sections are now, in consequence of the land shark proclivities of their owners, locked up, to the detriment of the town. Moreover, they owe an actual source of danger to the residents, as the growth of tussock is a direct peril in case of fire, and no simpler accident could happen than that a conflagration should some day arise by the mere fact of some smoker dropping a lighted match in one of these unoccupied, but valuable sections. If an intending resident offers to purchase one of these quarter-acres, the holder at once asks such an exorbitant price that the figure is prohibitive to any ordinary tradesman, and thus buying and building on the waste ground are prevented. But, when the assessor of the Borough rates the section at half or one-third of the price asked for it, the land shark at once objects to the valuation, and moves all the machinery of the Rating Act to avoid the payment of anything more in the shape of taxes than he can possibly get out of. One of his stock arguments is that the land, not being occupied, is consequently not profitable to him. Another ground the speculators base their objections on, is that probably the section has no formed or metalled road leading to it. How on earth can these speculators expect a local body to expend their revenue to make roads to unoccupied portions of the town when sections with stores or cottages require and deserve prior attention ; and how can streets be made without raouej’, which is now only obtainable from rates and taxes 2

But the land speculator seems to have a sympathiser in the Judge of the Assessment Court. His Worship does not feel that it is necessary to abide by either the spirit or the letter of the Act. The Act says that the “ rateable value ” of any property means “ the rent at which it would let from year to year, deducting therefrom 20 per cent in cases of houses, buildings, or other perishable property, and ten per cent on land ; ” but the rateable value shall “in no case be less than 5 per cent on the selling value of the property.” The Act is clear, and the intention quite intelligible: but the Judge seems to have put a con struction of his own upon it, for on Tues day in some cases lie charged the rate at 10 per cent on the selling value, where buildings were valued, and 5 per cent where lands were not occupied, for the the reason that the former was in profit able occupation, and the latter an unpro fitable investment for the owner. Why ! such a decision simply amounts to offering land sharks a premium to continue their system of holding empty sections, paying the minimum of rates, so as to profit by the first rise in the market, and line their already gorged pockets at the expense of the Borough and those who have helped to build up the fortunes of all who have an interest in it. Take an instance of hiw this thing will and does work in practice. Wo will take a hypothetical case of three sections contiguous to each other—num bers 1 2 and 3. No. 1 belongs to Pewters, a publican ; No. 2 to Latitat, a Cristchurch lawyer ; and No. 3 to Jack Smith, a carpenter. Pewters, with a view to supplying the liquid necessary to quench the thirst of his friends, erects a magnificent hotel ; Jack Smith builds a two-roomed cottage for self and wife, and also puts a potato patch on the balance of the quarter-acre. Latitat leaves his No. 2 section, intervening between the hotel and the cottage, in its natural state, ready for the first swagger to throw a lighted match into, to cause a conflagration and burn down the build ings on Nos. 1 and 3. Well, Pewters has his hotel valued at say LSOO for the section and L 2,500 for the hotel—total, L 3,000. ■ Deduct 20 per cent, for build ing, Lsoo—and 10 per cent for land, LSO; there remains net value for rating pur poses L 2,450, at 10 per cent. L 245, which, with a shilling rate, is L 24 10s. Pewters has to pay into the coffers of the Borough treasurer as his annual rate. Jack Smith’s section is valued at, say the same, LSOO ; and his cottage at Lloo— rating value, as above, L 530 ; rates payable, L2 13s. Latitat’s section, taken at the same price, LSOO ; with the ten per cent, deduction, is rated at L 450, and is rated at five per cent on that sum or L 22 10s., and his contribution towards the revenue is LI 2s. 6d., so that there is absolutely an inducement to the Latitat class of land ownei to keep his «e;tion in tussock. We consider that it is necessary for the benefit of the town that absentee section holders should be made to pay their quota of rates, and we cannot endorse the ruling of the Judge on the cases heard before him the other day.

Hops —The Nelson hop crop is reported as abundant, and the quality good. Dog Collars. —Owners of dogs will notice by an advertisement in another column that the various Registrars of dogs have been gazetted, and it will be necessary for all who own “ curs of high or low degree,” to at once pay the 10s. per head on them or go before the R. M., as we understand the police have received strict instructions to Hunt np all the animals not having a license to wander at large.

South II a kata School Committee.— A special meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held on Tuesday evening last. Present Mr. C. Tucker (Chairman), Wm. Cox, and G. Shellock. The Chairman read a circular from the Board of Education, giving the names of the gentlemen who had been nominated to fill the vacancies on the Board, caused by the retirement of throe of its members. On the motion of Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Shellock, it was resolved “ That the South Kakaia School Committee support the election of Messrs Saunders, Tancred, and Webb.” The Committee then ad journed to Tuesday, March 2nd. A Trade Picnic. —Wo hear that a pub lican’s employees’ picnic is to take place on Monday next. It is intended to in clude all grades of those who are engaged in the'licensed victuallers’ business, from the propiietor down to the scullery boy, and the inevitable barmaid will of course be a prominent feature in the arrange ment. Longboach is to be the scene of the festive operations, and as the subscrip tion list has been handsomely filled up by the trade with contributions varying from L 3 3s. down to a pint of colonial, we ex pect to have a good record of the day’s proceedings, which is to wind up with a ball for those able afterwards to take part in a set of quadrilles. A Stolen Steed. —On Friday night last the horse which is used by the telegraph linesman went missing, and the head-stall by which he was tethered was discovered to have been cut. No trace was found of the missing animal till last night, when Mr. Lindsay brought him back, having found him in Mr. M'Louglilin’s paddock, Upper Ashburton, with a new saddle and bridle on. It might have been possible for the horse to get away without assistance, but the hypothesis that he took French leave of somebody else’s bridle and saddle can not be entertained for one moment, and there is therefore a strong presumption that there was assistance rendered by human hands to the telegraphic steed. The saddle and bridle have been handed over to the police, and anyone who has missed such articles can inspect them at the lockup.

The Old Men's Home.—The master of the Homo acknowledges the receipt of a box containing clothing, boots, &c., and thanks the unknown giver. Smuggling. —Two men were fined on Tuesday L 25 by the Auckland R M., for smuggling ashore from the Fcrnglen a box of tea on which no duty had been paid. Ciiiniquy.— The old Pastor was enthu siastically received at Timaru on Tuesday. The Orangemen gave him an address of welcome, and escorted him from the train to the Presbyterian parsonage. In the evening he lectured to a great crowd in the Presbyterian Church. He is the guest of the Rev. W. Gillies. Seafeld Christmas Tea Meeting.— In answer to inquiries for information we learn that the financial results of the Sea field Wesleyan tea meeting last Christmas stand as follows :—Sunday collections, 19s. Bd.; tickets (in part), Ll2 Is. Gd.; donation, 11s.; sale of food, 45.; total, Ll 3 IGs. 2d.; expenses of tea, B 6 75.; balance for church purposes, L 7 9s. 2d, Some tickets are yet to be accounted for.

Special Settlement for Colonists. An Auckland telegram says ; A new feature has been introduced in land settle ment by Captain Colbeck, namely a special settlement for colonists exclusively. His first intention was to settle two adjoining blocks belonging to him from England, but as inquiries were made for land here, Captain Colbeck was persuaded to try the experiment of forming a special settle ment locally. Already 5000 acres have been applied for. 1.0.G.T. —The usual weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held on Monday. The lodge was opened in usual manner by Bro. Poyntz, W.C.T. Some routine business was transacted. The W.C.T. informed the the lodge of the order of procession arranged to take place on Monday, the 23rd, on the occasion of Dr. Roseby, G.W.C.T., visiting Ashbur ton. Dr. Roseby would address the Templars at 6.30 on the evening of the 23rd in the Templar Hall. Rechaihtes. —The annual meeting of the Hew Zealand Central District I. O.R. was opened in Christchurch on Tuesday. Over 30 officers and tent representatives were present, the D.C.R. being Mr. R. Coupland Harding, of Napier. A falling off in the membership to a slight extent was reported, owing to the recent de pression in trade, but there was a solid increase in the Order’s funds notwith standing. A tea meeting was held in the evening.

Native Affairs. —A telegram from Opunake of Tuesday’s date says : —The Roytil Commissioners who were at Oeo on Saturday, sent a Maori known as Napo leon, a son-in-law of Hone Pihama, to Parihaka, to request the natives there to attend a meeting of the Commission to be held at Oeo. Te Whiti’s answer was : —‘ ‘ There are only two places at which the Commission should meet —Wellington and Parihaka ; let them come to Parihaka, or return to Wellington.” The Commis sioners have come hack to Hawera, but will return to Oeo on Wednesday. It is generally thought that the Maoris will in no way recognise the demand. Both Europeans and Maoris regard the whole proceedings of the Commission as a farce. The meeting at Parihaka to-morrow is ex pected to be very largely attended, and important results are expected to follow.

South Rakaia Township.— The above township was on Tuesday visited by Mr. John Marshman (Chief Commissioner of the Waste Lands Board) and Mr. Baker (Chief Surveyor) with a view, we believe, of making themselves personally ac quainted with the best site for laying off ‘ ‘ village allotments ” on the reserve ad joining the township. It is also the in tention of the Government, we hear, to shortly hold a sale of township extension sections, lately laid off in quarter-acre blocks, which ought, if time is allowed fertile annual “after harvest” settle ment of accounts, to realize first-rate prices. There appears to be a good deal of haziness in the minds of the townfolks as to the school leserve of 20 acres, which is supposed to he in existence. Whether it does really exist at all (the supposed site was some time ago pegged out by the Government Surveyor into quarter-acre sections), and whether the school-house and buildings are situated upon the reserve, is a matter of considerable doubt in the minds of many.

A Maori Monument. •—• A handsome marble pedestal, raised on a block of granite, and surmounted by a bust of the old warrior, Rauparaha, has been erected within the enclosure of the Jubilee pole at Otaki. The inscription originally lore, in addition to the name, age, date of death, Ac., a few linos in regard to the prowess of the deceased chief, and made reference to the number of natives he had killed. As relations of those who were killed by Rauparaha are living at Otaki (says the Foxton paper) they were naturally indig nant at those unpleasant lines being in scribed on the monument, and the obnoxious part was therefore erased, and some words of a loss objectionable charac ter arc to be substituted.

AVheat Crops in New Zealand, 1879-80.—The Government statist’s return last year (1879) gave, as the total yield, 6,070,597 bushels of wheat, for the whole of which the province of Canterbury is credited with contributing 3,621,829 bushels, or 59.6 per cent, of the whole. It lias been roughly estimated that the acreage this year will bo 300,000 acres, yielding say 28 bushels per acre, or 8,500,000 ; seed needed for next year, say for 300,000 acres, at Ih bushels, 450,000; home consumption, estimated at 450,000 population, 2,250,000 or 2,750,000; estimated surplus available for export, 1880. 5,800,009, or at 33 bushels to the ton, 152,632 tons. Taking the last year’s estimate, by the Government statist, after allowing for seed and home consump tion, it would give available for export from last season’s wheat crop 91,693 tons. It is, however admitted that the estimate yield last year, as compiled by the Govern ment was far in excess of the threshing machine weights. The yield this season, based upon the above estimates, is an in crease over that of last year’s of 35.9 per cent., or 54,669 tons.

Escamng fiioji Prison. —The “ Times ” has the following : —At the Police Court, the Resident Magistrate commented upon the exceedingly slovenly construction dis played in the Addington gaol. A woman named Minnie Bench effected her escape from the cell in which she had been duly lacked up, and his Worship remarked that no one—without seeing the place— ‘ ‘ would believe the extraordinarily slovenly way in which this place of con finement had been constructed.” Prom inquiries since made, it would appear that the iron bar which was supposed to pre vent exit by the window, was simply let in behind a light piece of woodwork, without being really fastened in any way whatever. Evidently the prisoner dis covered the flimsy pretence, and then made herself acquainted with the relative position of the various parts of the gaol, her conduct meanwhile being irreproach able. When her scheme had been duly matured, she removed the window bar, and it was conjectured that she then made her way along a lino of roof until she reached the exercise yard used by invalid prisoners. The surrounding wall might be pretty easily scaled by a strong and determined woman, such as the prisoner is. When recaptured, Bench was still wearing the prison dress, and it is there fore evident that she did not get much assistance or shelter. She had, moreover, a rather bagged look, as if she had not been able to get sufficient food. It may per haps be well to add that any person know ingly harboring an escaped prisoner, is liable to severe punishment.

Come to Light. — A skeleton has been found in Raukapakau (Auckland) bush. It is supposed to be the remains of a man named Butler, who was lost there 20 years ago. A pair of boots, moss grown, with a piece of gold lace attached, were found near the skeleton. Sunstroke —A boy named Thomas Adamson, eleven years old, died at Albury at midnight on Sunday. He was found insensible at 5 in the afternoon, three miles from his father’s residence, and between that time and the hour or his death he had several fits. The jury at the inquest re turned a verdict of death from sunstroke. Uncle Tom’s Cabin. —Harriet Beecher Stowe has made a great deal of money out of her story “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” but not a cent from its adaptation for dramatic purposes, although no modern play has been voted a greater number of times. The Rev. Thomas North, a Chicago clergy man, is about (says the “ New York Sun”) to start out with a company which will perform the piece exclusively in halls and churches, but never in a theatre. He wrote to Mrs. Stowe on the subject, and she replied as follows : —‘ ‘lam in sym pathy with the plan you propose, judging that, if you present it in churches, or rooms otherwise consecrated to religious thought, you will avoid all accessories that would be undesirable. ” Christchurch Cathedral. A con tract has been let to Messrs. W. Stocks and Co., builders and contractors, of Madras street south, for the completion of the nave of the Cathedral, inclusive of the great .arch at the east end, the clerestory and roof, together with a temporary apsi dal sanctuary to be constructed of wood and iron. The contract price is L 9588, but this is exclusive of Minton tiles esti mated to cost L3OO, and window glass L 220. In venturing upon this contract the Commissioners have outstepped the limit of their available means, as L7OOO is all the money at their command from the Church Property Trust Loan, but it is confidently hoped that—when the public see the building is assuming a tangible shape, and that divine services, will of a. cei’tainty be held in the Cathedral within a year or fifteen months—subscriptions will be forthcoming to relieve the authori ties from any pecuniary embarrassment. Short Shifts. —lt being a legal doc trine, laid down in Bacon’s “ Abridge ment,” that a husband was answerable for his wife’s debts, ‘ ‘ because he acquired an absolute interest in her personal estate,” it was inferred by the populace that if he acquired no property with her he could not be compelled to satisfy the claims of her creditors. “ When a man,” says Brand, “'designs to marry a woman who is in debt, if he takes her from the hands of the priest clothed only in her shift, it is supposed that he will not be liable to her engagements.” Malcolm’s “ Anecdotes of London ” are cited in the way of illustration :—“ An extraordinary method was adopted by a brewer’s servant in February, 1723, to prevent his liability for the payment of the debts of a Mrs. Brittain, whom he intended to marry. The lady made her appearance at the door of St. Clement Danes habited in her shift; hence her inamorato convoyed the modest fair one to a neighboring apothecary’s where she was completely equipped with clothing purchased by him, and in these Mrs. Brittain changed her name at the church.” Again the “Chester Currant” of 24th June, 1730, is quoted At Ashton Church, in Lancashire, a short time ago, a woman was persuaded that if she went to the church naked her intended husband would not be burdened with her debts, and she actually went as a bride like mother Eve, but to the horror of the clergyman, he refused the damsel the honors of wedlock. ” Other instances are cited as follows ;—“ In Lincolnshire, between 1838 and 1844, a woman was married enveloped in a sheet. And not many years a similar marriage took place ; the clergyman finding nothing in the rubric about the woman’s dress, thought he could not refuse to marry her in her chemise only. Holloway’s Pills. —lmportant for the Delicate.—lt is difficult to determine which is the more trying' to the human constitution—the damp, cold days of the autumn and winter,or the keen, dry, easterly winds of springs Throughout the seasons good health may be maintained by occasional doses of Holloway’s Pills, which purify the blood and act as whole some stimulants to the skin, stomach, liver, bowels, and kidneys. This celebrated medicine needs but a fair trial to convince the ailing and de-ponding that it will restore and cheer them without danger, pain, or inconvenience, as by a timely recourse to them the first erring func tion may be reclaimed, suffering may be spared and life saved. —Advt.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Reuter’s). London, Feb. 16. During to-day’s sitting of the House of Commons, the House went into Com mittee on the Irish Distress Relief Bill. An amendment was proposed that the ad vance should be made towards the Relief Fund from the Imperial Treasury instead of from Church surplus, but it was de feated on a division. Three per cent, consols, 97f. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,760,000 quarters. (Argus Special.) London, Feb. 16. In its money article the “ Times’' pub lishes a memorandum by the representa tives of certain industries who purpose meeting to consider the withdrawal of their application for space, owing to the Victorian tariff. It is regretted that the protective system was unmodified previous to the dissolution. Fresh legislation is regarded as impossible in sufficient time for the advantage of exhibitors. The policy of New South Wales is contrasted favorably. Wheat is unchanged. Small purchases are made pending the collapse of the American ring, when a fall is expected. {Age Special.) London, Feb. 16. Ayoub Khan, with 6000 men, left Herat for the purpose of joining Mahommed Jan at Ghuznee, whose forces are decreas ing. General Stewart attacks Ghuznee within a fortnight, from Candahar. Gene ral Roberts despatches a column from Oabul to assist. London, Feb 17. The Marquis of Salisbury is still in a critical condition. The Chimborazo sailed on the 16th. Rome, Feb. 16. The Pope has issued an encyclical letter, declaring that the Law of Divorce has an immoral effect. AUSTRALIAN. {Association Special.) Melbourne, Feb. 17. The Tararua, with the Suez mail, sailed this afternoon. (Reuter's.) Sydney, Feb. 18. In the Legislative Assembly last night, two motions were brought forward by David Buchanan, that the Lieut Governor should not be allowed to be a member of the Legislative Council, and objecting to the Governor’s use of his prerogative of mercy in the case of two of the Wanta badgery bushrangers. The motions were rejected by a large majority. Vital statistics for the last year were published to-day. They show an unprece dented increase in the population of the colony. Brisbane, Feb. 18. The bushranger who stuck up the •

National Bank, at Connamulla, in the Warego district last month has been tried and sentenced to death. Melbourne, Fob. 16. It is reported the British manufacturers are disinclined to send exhibits on account of the tariff, which they declare excludes their wares from this market. It is rumored that Mr, Parnell, on completing his American tour, will visit Australia and India. Melbourne, Feb. 17. Tire trial of the directors of the Pro vincial and Suburban Bank commences on Thursday. Numerous election speeches are being delivered throughout the country. Arrived—Garonne. Sailed Tararua. Sydney, Feb. 17. At a meeting last night preliminary steps were taken for the despatch of an expedition to seek corroboration of the recent statement of a half-caste about Classon. The subscriptions to the Irish relief fund now amount to L 15,000. • PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Feb. 18. Great indignation, is felt here at the landing of twenty-five Communists, nine of whom were convicted under the criminal code. In a strongly-worded article the ‘‘Herald ” called on the people to rise to a man and resist, if need be forcibly, the “ scandalous attempt of the authorities of New Caledonia to saturate this colony with the off-scourings of their bagnios,” and demands that Sir Hercules Robinson shall support any measure his Ministers may take. New Plymouth, Feb. 18. The monthly meeting at Parihaka was held yesterday. Little interest was mani fested by the natives, and there was only a very small gathering, not above 300 in all. Several loads of apples were added to the customary feast. There wore nine Europeans present. Te Whiti did not manifest any desire to display his powers of oratory, contenting himself with a very short address of little or no significance beyond the ore' inary exhortations to his people. He advised his followers not to be alarmed at the course of events. In his speech he did not allude to the advance of the Armed Constabulary on the plains, nor to the Native Commission at Oeo. The report that Te Whiti asked the Native Commissioners to come to Parihaka was quite unfounded, as neither he nor any of his people are likely to take any notice of the proceedings of the Commission. Wanganui, Feb. 18. A fire destroyed the dwelling-house and workshop of Donald Reed, cabinetmaker, situated at St. George’s Gate. Wellington, Feb. 18. The Hon. Native Minister returned from Hawera last evening. The Government have completed the necessary arrangements for bringing into operation the Registration of Electors Act passed last session. It is understood that Government intend taking prompt and decided action- regard ing the proceeding of the French Govern ment in chartering a schooner to convey a batch of French convicts to Auckland from New Caledonia, whose term of penal servitude had expired. A rumor is current here that a large re duction is about to be made in the Railway Department. The Suez mails, which left Melbourne yesterday by the Tararua, are a supple mentary batch forwarded bj' the P. and 0. steamer Deccan, which left Southampton on the 27th December, and Suez on the 3rd January. She arrived at Melbourne on Friday last. The Governments of New Zealand and New South Wales have suc ceeded in effecting a very satisfactory re arrangement of the San Francisco mail service by which the time of transit be tween England and New Zealand will be shortened by at least two clear days. At the Magistrate’s Court this morning five publicans were fined L 3 each and costs, for allowing barmaids to remain in the bar after 11 p. m. Several drapers were treated in a similar manner for allowing females to remain at work later than 2 o’clock on Saturday afternoons. The R.M. intimated that in the future, in glaring cases of breach of this Act, he would inflict the full penalty of LSO. Nelson, Feb. 18. The Reception Committee of the Rifle Association have determined to give a grand ball to the visitors at the close of the meeting. Proceedings are again pending at the Warden’s Court, Oollingwood, relative to the ownership of gold mining claims situate near Motueka, for which a certifi cate was granted to Burnett and Co. for three months, and who have been taking steps with a view to forming a company. Blenheim, Feb. 18. The races to-day were very successful, and the weather was superb. Christchurch, Feb. 18. The Volunteer Review Committee con tradict a press telegram from Invercargill re deficiency of accommodation. They are prepared with excellent accommoda dation for any number of Volunteers. Dunedin, Feb. 18. The Lincolnshire farmers’ delegates ex pect to reach Dunedin on Saturday even ing, and to spend two or three days in the neighborhood of Dunedin. Peter Dyraant, a Dane, was drew ned in the Shotover on the 14th inst. He was travelling along the track a little above the sandhills on the evening in question, whexrhe slipped, falling some 59ft. down a precipitous bank into the river. It is stated that Dymant had been drinking. The tramway was to-day opened as far as Ocean Beach. A circular from the Lord Mayor of Lon don, re the Rowland Hill memorial, will be considered at the next meeting of the City Council. The Middle Island Native Land Pur chases Royal Commission commenced its sitting at the Foresters’ Hall, Port Chal mers, at two o’clock this afternoon. The Court was constituted as follows ; -Ex- Judge Smith and Mr. F. E. Nairn, Com missioners ; Mr. James Gray, of “Han sard,” official shorthand-writer ; and Mr. Hopkins Clarke, secretary and interpre ter. Mr. Izard, of Wellington, who ap peared as counsel for the natives, ad dressed the Commission at some length, and wound up by stating that the Maoris were there in consequence of promises not having been kept that -sufficient lands would he reserved for them. Afterwards Judge Symonds, of the Native Land Court, was examined, and the Commission adjourned till tomorrow at 11 a.m. A boy named Fullarton, whilst bathing at Observation Point, Port Chalmers, yesterday was seized by an octopus. His companions rescued him with difficulty. An Arrow telegram states that the clearing up of the Homeward Bound Com pany’s claim gave H2ozs. gold from 208 tons of stone. The mine is looking well. The Martin’s Bay expedition returned to Queenstown last night, ail well. They were enabled to make a careful examina tion of the country, which they report to be admirably adapted for cattle farming. Contributions from Dunedin, South Dunedin, and Port Chalmers, to the Irish Famine Relief Fund amount to LI,OOO, L2OO more will probably be received. Volunteer Hislop, North Dunedin, and Gunner Mitchell, D. Battery, have en tered for the Nelson meeting, making eighteen representatives from Otago, besides Captain Muir, B. Battery, and Storekeeper Pastin, attached to the staff

The Licensed Victuallers’ Association have decided to take legal advice -whether a license fee is demandable for a billiard table.

At the City Court, Henry Epps was charged with fishing with a net for trout. The R.M., Mr. Watt, held that section 2 of the Fisheries Act did not apply to the creek where the fishing had taken place, as it was not mentioned in the section. After the case was dismissed Inspector Mallard pointed out that under section 7 fishing with a net was prohibited in all creeks. Mr. Watt admitted taking a wrong view of the matter, but said it was unnecessary to re-open the case. George Stevens was charged with forging an order on the Green Island Coal Company or Ll 5. As the sura was due to prisoner as wages, Mr. Watt decided not to send the case for trial, and dismissed the information. The Dunedin School Committee bring the compulsory clauses into operption on April 15th. M‘Loughlin lias heou committed for trial for tlie manslaughter of James Robertson near Roxpurgh. Extensive frauds have been discovered in connection with sales of spurious gold by Chinese at Cromwell. The manager of the Colonial Bank there detected a parcel of ninety ounces containing one-fourth spurious gold. Ah Sin was arrested at Naseby through Chinese influence. The Banks at other places purchased small quantities. It is believed that an exten sive spurious gold manufacture exists. The hush fire at Kaihiku destroyed Potter’s old mill and 200 acres of bush recently purchased for L6OOO, besides LSOO worth of sawn timber. Invercargill, Feb. 18. Two deaths from diphtheria have oc curred. At the parade on Monday of the Rifle Company, only twelve out of a large muster voted for going to the review at Christchurch. Dissatisfaction is felt at the accommodation likely to be provided. Soon after the train left town for Clinton on Monday evening, the driver missed the fireman, John Leonard. The train was stopped, and he was found alongside the line insensible. It is supposed he had gone out on the stage and missed his hold, falling backwards. He was removed to the hospital where it was found he was suffering from concussion of the brain. Leonard has a wife and family at Clinton.

THE FARMER.

AMONG THE FARMERS. (By Oue Rambling Rbpcetbe.) From Tinwald to Waterton is the best drive in the county, that is, so far as the road is concerned. Being formed the full width, and not having the high crown and large boulders on it so fashionable in other parts of the Ashburton, it is capable of carrying traffic over the whole width of it; indeed, the Longbeach roads are far and away the best made anywhere within 30 miles of the township. The first farm after leaving Tinwald is Mr. J. R. C. 0. Graham’s, one of the pioneers of that district. He has done little in cropping this year, being more in the pastoral line, and has only 80 acres in oats and 20 in barley, and 1000 acres laid down in English grasses. On the oppo site side of the road is the farm of Messrs. Crowe and Lysaght, who possess a long irregular strip of first-class land, between Graham’s road and the river, and who make the best use of it. They have 100 acres in wheat, 36 in oats, 216 in barley, and 36 in grass, and remarkably good crops. Mr. IV. H. Smith has a small holding, with 43 acres of wheat—about a 20-bushel crop—and 10 acres of oats and 100 of grass. On the bye-road towards the swamp, Messrs. Gudsell have about GO acres of oats, and the next holding on Graham’s road, that of Mr. Dalgetty, has 20 of wheat, 25 oats, 25 barley, and 18 in grass, fairish looking crops ; and adjoin ing is Mr. Wood’s farm, on which there are 70 acres wheat and 70 of oats, which will give 25 and 35 bushels respectively. Mi’. George Biddings holds a large block of some 1000 acres, mostly swamp land, which ho is now engaged in draining, and when this is done he will have a grand lot of grazing land. Even now there is an immense quantity of surface sown grass on it. This block is one of the numerous educational reserves held in this district, and like most of them, is held at present at a low rental. Most of the reserves having been selected in the early days, they are on the pick of the land in the country and will, when the present leases fall in, bring an enormous revenue to the Board of Education. Mr. Biddings has 20 acres in wheat, 170 in oats and 45 in barley ; heavy crops. On the same road, towards Wheat stone, Mr. Bishop’s farm is on the right, and he has a very decent sort of a farm, especially towards the swamp, where horses and cattle revel in the richest kind of pasture. Mr. Bishop has 130 acres wheat, 130 oats, and 20 of barley some of this acreage being included in another farm he holds near Waterton, the balance being in grass. Opposite to him, Mr. John Small, an early settler, pos sesses a compact block of land, upon which he fattens more than the average of his neighbors of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. Mr. Small is great on pigs— they are perhaps the best paying stock on a farm of this sort. Mr. Small has in crop this year 100 acres in wheat, 55 in oats, 15 barley, and 120 laid down in permanent grass. Two of Mr. John Brigg’s paddocks adjoin him on each side, from which large stacks of hay have been saved this year. Between Mr. Small, and the township of Wheatstone, is Mr. W. Prebble’s selection —a nice block of land partly swamp and partly dry land, with an immense growth of feed upon it. He has CO acres of wheat, and 163 of oats, besides his grass paddocks. Along side his frontage is the long curve on the Longbeach railway of the future, which here _turns off from Wheatstone towards the Longbeach road, the surveyed line joining that road opposite Mr. F. Standish’a residence. It is to be hoped that ere long this necessary work will be initiated, and although none of the people about this district can com plain of their roads or the coaching accom modation provided for them, yet the iron horse is by far the most preferable method of travelling. The Wheatstone Hotel, of which Mr. Seorge Wilcocks is proprietor, is close at [and is a particularly welcome sort of a place on such a hot day as 1 visited there. The house is really a credit to the host, and would be belter patronised if in a larger centre of population, the furnish ing and accommodation being first class ; good stabling is provided, and as Mr. Wil cocks combines the business of coach pro prietor and mailman with that of selling beer to thirsty travellers, he has to keep some good horses fit for the long journey from Longbeach to Ashburton and back every day, and he makes the hotel a sort of half-way house to divide work among his steeds.

Just here the County Council con template some extensive and necessary drainage works, which are required to relieve the farmers nearer the sea from the immense floods which occasionally deluge their lands, and as there is ample fall from the lower end of Mr. Prebble’s farm to the Ashburton river, passing Wheat stone on the track, there are no engineer ing difficulties in the way of carrying out the work. I am sure that the Council will receive the hearty thanks of the Ashton people when the work is done. Down towards the beach I drop in on some small holdings which have all the right ktnd of men on them to make good colonists, and George Gilnour is one —a canny, clear-headed farmer, whose advice among his neighbors is looked upon as being worthy of notice, and as he is a clear-headed and logical kind of an indi vidual, Mr. Gilmour is necessarily a man

of mark in Ashtor. As a pork breeder Mr. Gilmour is “facile princeps,” and as lie comes from that part of the Old Country where bacon curing is a science, it is not to be wondered at that- his bacon is con sidered worthy of special mention a show where particularly strict and impartial judges adjudicated on the quality of the pork. The reason for this is twofold. First, his knowledge of the correct breed of porkers to keep—and his fancy lies in the same direction as my own, viz., Borkshiros —and, secondly, his knowledge of what to do with the pig when defunct, and it is in this process that Mr. Gilmour shines. Adjoining Mr. George Gilmour, and, still more public spirited, is Mr. Thomas Taylor, erstwhile the Joseph Hume of the Road Board, and a very much “res peckit ” member thereof. Mr. Taylor always kept an eye on the expen diture of the Road Board, and always kept his weather eye open to have all necessary works done in the district he represented in the local body, and is con sequently looked up to with that degree of respect his success commands in getting all the needful roads and bridges made in the locality necessary for its due comfort and convenience. Mr. Taylor has done more. He has set a good example to his neighbors in the direction of making a comfortable home, and one pleasant to the eye. with a plantation and a garden, and suitable outhouses, stables, &c. His is perhaps one of the most promising and ■well-conducted farmers about this part of the district, and the conveniences for reaching this part of the world, in the shape of good roads, are deserving of the thanks of the public to hi in more than to anyone. To hark back a bit: Mr. James Croy is a man who cannot be passed by, although not a farmer on an extensive scale. He and his brother do more in the line of road contracting than farming, and whilst making money that way, leave their better halves to add to the family store by converting the produce of the farm into cheese and butter, and for small farmers, I don’t know of any in the county whose example could be followed with advantage to themselves and the country at large ; and whilst I am on this farm, it is just as well to state that, as a contractor, Mr, James Croy held the medal, so to speak, as being the prize road maker of the Ashburton, and his work can be detected by its quality wherever the traveller wends his way. I can also conscientiously state that his cheese and butter are quite as good as his roads ; and we would be glad to see many more of the same sort as the Croy family settled on small freeholds, and there would then be no fear of the prosperity of Ash burton.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

CHINIQUY.

To this Editor. Sir, —Thinking, as I finished reading the cri'ique on “ Pastor Chiniquy’s con version ” in this morning’s “ Mail,” that I scarcely understood the writer’s aim, I read it a second time ; and as I put down the paper after my task was over, it oc curred to my mind that I once met with a story of this kind ;—As an out door preacher was on one occasion giving a gospel address, an iconoclast disturbed the audience by saying—“ He tells lies ” —“He is be-fooling you”—“He don’t know what he talks about ” —&c. At length the preacher turned to hinT%Tid said—“ Now let the folks alone and attend to me. Suppose I had a pot of honey into which I put my finger, and having tasted the honey I said ‘ It’s very sweet!’ Then I handed it round to the congregation for them to taste, and they all said— ‘ Yes it’s very sweet!’—But you came up and said— ‘ No, it's not sweet— he’s just deceiving you, ‘He knows it’s not sweet.” ‘Now what would that prove V Why it would prove you had not had your finger in the pot. ” —Yours, &0., Reader. Ashburton, 17th Fob., 1880.

OLD MEN’S HOME, ASHBURTON.

To the Editor. Sir, —There are at present 31 inmates at this institution. The master earnestly urges upon the benevolent consideration of all parties the necessity of the aged and infirm having suitable clothing, &c., for the coming winter. Parcels of left-off clothing, boots, &c., addressed (for the Home) to the Charitable Aid Office, Christchurch, or to the master, Ashburton, will be thankfullyreceived and acknowledged.—l am, &c., S. G. Maodison.

PASTOR CHINIQUY AT THE WES LEYAN CHURCH

-UHI i \jXXUXWJJ.. To the Editor. Sir, —Please allow me to inform en quirers that in accordance with the wish of Pastor Chiniquy, after an average of last SunJ.i.y’s collections had been taken by the Wesleyan Church stewards for ordinary purposes, the surplus was given to him as under : £ s d

SUNDAY “CLOSING.”

To the Editor. Sir, —I read, with amusement mixed with contempt, a letter on the above sub ject in yesterday’s “ Herald,” signed “Zacchous. ” Your correspondent does not go far enough. Why should we stop at the covering up and hiding from view our wares only ? Surely anyone who would be shocked at the sight of our goods would be, or at ought to be, doubly horri fied at seeing our shops in all their naked majesty. If we are to hide from view our goods a fortiori wo ought to cover up the places where we stow away our goods, and obliterate all trace of our names and the nature of our business. Your correspondent is hyper-sensitive, Zaccheus, though, as Luke tells us, he was “ little of stature,” possessed a big heart, and was a man of sound sense. Your correspondent is sadly wanting in the last two attributes.—l am, Ac., Anti-Humbug. The following is the letter referred to : Sir, —May I, through the columns of your journal, draw the attention of the majority of the Ashburton shopkeepers to their apparent disrespect for the Sab bath in the manner in which—perhaps un intentionally—they expose their wares to the public gaze on Sundays. A few of our local tradesmen do endeavor by shutters or blinds to show that they recognise the first day of the week as being different, in a religious sense, from other days of the week, but such cases are exceptional. When rigid Presbyterians and precise Wesleyans are conspicuous among the delinquents, this disrespect for Sabbath customs' is all the more noticeable, espe cially when our townsmen of the Hebrew persuasion set an example worthy of imi tation by patting up their shutters on the first day of the week. At present, a stranger perambulating East street on Sunday would, from a cursory glance at the places of business, come to the conclu sion that the people of Ashburton were not a Sabbath-loving community. To some of our townsmen, 1 am sure a gentle hint will not be without its effect.—l am, Ac. Zaccheus.

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTON— Tuesday, Feb. 17. Before His Honor Judge Ward. JOSHUA TUCKER V. C. C. HURBELE. In this case his Honor delivered the fol- d lowing judgment:—The facts proved in this case are as follows :—One Ford brought an action in the R.M. CourtjSome months ago against Bluett, and obtauWfejudgment for LSO. As it appeared at Vf£niearing of the case that Bluett had a*, case against Ford, it was ordered bymtfie Resident Magistrate that he (Bluett) URSuld pay the LSO for which judgment was given into Court, and that the Clerk of the Court, the present defendant should hold that sum until the action Bluett v. Ford had been decided, in order that the cross judg ment might be set off. On the 10th Dec. last Bluett paid this LSO into Court. On the 13th one Orr obtained a j udgment with an order for immediate execution ,in the R.M. Court for LSO against Ford, who thereupon filed a declaration of insolvency. On the same day at 12.30, after the filing of this document, Bluett discontinued his action against Ford. Then Orr obtained an order from the B. M., purporting to be under clause 65 of the Resident Magis trate’s Act, 1867, directing the defendant, as Clerk of the R.M. Court, to pay the LSO in his hands to the bailiff, after which the said bailiff, by the instructions of the defendant, drew out a warrant of distress, went to the R.M. and got it signed, and returned to the defendant who then produced the order previously given under clause 65, and handed over the LSO to the bailiff who paid it to Orr, although he held at the time a prior unsatisfied warrant against the goods of Ford. This action is brought . by the creditors’ trustee of Ford’s estate to recover the LSO so paid over by the defendant, in as much as he was the Clerk of the District Court, and became ex officio trustee of Ford’s estate on the filing of the declaration of insolvency. It was also shown that defendant was warned by Ford’s solicitor, at the time of such filling that he must not part with the LSO paid in by Bluett, and that he promised to hold it; and that, on being further warned by Mr. Harris on the subject, he declared he would pay over the money if the Resident Magistrate ordered him to do so. Had the defendant been merely the Clerk of the Resident Magistrate’s Court I should not have had muchdoubtasto my decision. It would scarcely have been for the Clerk to question the legality of an order given by the Magistrate, andto refuse to obey it on the ground of its being. erroneous. The difficulty here arises from his being ex officio the trustee of Ford’s estate. The question is, whether, as Clerk of the District Court and trustee, he can shelter himself from responsibility behind an order of the Resident , Magistrate : and, after careful considera- J# tion, I am of opinion that he cannot, especially as he knew it to be irregular. The blunders of all the officers are some what singular. The R.M. in his private room, instead of in Court—before signing the warrant of distress instead of after— and without any inquiry whether there were other warrants out, or whether the debt or had filed his declaration of bank ruptcy’made ah order in effect directing the Clerk of his Court to hand over the whole of the debtor’s assets to the bailiff on behalf of a single creditor, thereby de feating the chief object of the bankruptcy laws—viz., the securing an equal division of the insolvent’s property among the creditors, and also depriving--?, prior ex ecution creditor of his legal right to this L 59, if it were to be seized at all. The Clerk of the Court, having promised to retain this fundbeen warned - that the order R.M. in respect of it is illegal,'and knowing it to be so, nevertheless gives it up without dispute, and the bailiff pays it over to Orr, having at the time a prior unsatisfied warrant of distress in his hands on behalf of another creditor. There can be no question but that, on the filing of Ford’s declaration of insolvency, the LSO then in the hands of defendant as Clerk of the R.M. Court vested .in him as official trustee of Ford’s estate, and he had no right to part with it save in due course of law. As trustee it was for him to see that the order of the Resident Magistrate was legal and valid.. It is shown that he obeyed it, knowing it to be irregular; and, consequently, judgment will be given against him ; but as his duties in the dual capacity of Clerk to the District and R.M. Courts were calculated to puzzle better lawyers than he, no costs will be allowed against him. A. J. HOUSTON V. S. SAUNDERS & ANOTHER. Mr. Branson for plaintiff; Mr. O’Reilly for'defendant. Claim LSO. The action was brought to recover the amount claimed as damages for a breach of contract entered into by defendant with plaintiff, whereby plaintiff was to supply defendant with chaff to the extent of 35 tons at L2 15s. per ton if paid in cash, and L 3 if paid within six weeks from delivery. The con tract was entered into in October last. Plaintiff alleged that he was at liberty under his contract to deliver the chaff at anytime convenient to himself; defen dant contended the agreement was to have it delivered at once. Through delay in delivery defendants refused to accept a large portion of the chaff contracted for, as they could not sell it, the price having fallen. The plaintiff contended that there was no delay according to the agreement, .48 and sued for damages suffered by him in losing the market. His Honor after hearing evidence that occupied an hour and a half, decided that the defendants had themselves to a great extent caused the delay by the non-de livery of the bags, and gave judgment for L 39 odd with costs. In Bankruptcy. Re George Thompson, a debtor. —An application was made by Mr. Purnell for final order of discharge. Granted. . Re John Y. Ward, a debtor. —Mr. Harris applied for a final order of dis charge. Adjourned till next Court day. Re J. P. Parker. —Application for costs by Mr. Purnell. Granted. Re Thomas Williams.—Application for payment of costs, .by Mr. O’Reilly. Granted. Re Thomas Dudson.—Application for payment of costs, by Mr. O’Reilly. Mr. Parnell opposed on behalf of trustee. Adjourned till next Court day. An application was made by Mr. O’Reilly for probate in re Dennihay. His Honor stated he could not grant it without proof of the absence of the Judge that day from the district; that the better - > course would be for the profession to apply to him to have Ashburton made a separate district, and he would represent the matter to the Minister of Justice.

ASSESSMENT COURT—ASHBURTON BOROUGH ROLL.

* « (Before Mr. F. Guinness, Judge.) OBJECTIONS. G. Yincent.—No appearance. Valua tion upheld. James Hayward.—Not lodged in time with the Town Clerk. Valuation upheld. G. F. Ritso.—No Valua tion upheld. Mr. Jameson Appeared to objeCT to the valuation set against Mr. H. B. Johnston’s name. i f The Mayor objsftted to Mr. Jameson appearing as an agent in the matter, he not being a solicitor. His Worship held that an authorised agent could appear, and he did so know ing that such ruling obtained in other courts. Mr. Jameson then objected to town sections 42, 43, 44, 51, 52, Kcrmode and Dobson streets. The Valuator pointed out for the sake

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1880.



Morning collection ... 0 12 0 Evening do ... 7 0 3 Donation ... 0 2 9 Total ... ... 7 15 0 Deducted ... 2 15 0 Handed to tke Pastor ... 5 0 0 W. Keall.



v. ■ NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. DUNEDIN AUTUMN DACE MEETING At Forbury Dark, 26th, 27th, and 2Sth February, 1880. SINGLE FARE Tickets will be issued on 23rd, 24th, 25th, 2Gth, 27th, and 28th February next from all stations be tween Christchurch and Invercargill in clusive, with branches to Dunedin, avail able for the return journey up to and including Tuesday, 2nd March. WM. CONYERS, Commissioner of Railways. Commissioner’s Office, Dunedin, 10th Feb., 1880. 74c-515 MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, February 17th, 1880. C. PERCY COS, 427Q* Agant, Ashburton. WHEAT FREIGHT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE undersigned, having completed their charters for the ensuing grain season, will regularly despatch first class iron ships to various ports in the United Kingdom. Several other equally high class iron vessels are also chartered, and will follow. For freight, apply to P. CUNNINGHAM & CO. ; Or to ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 488c'* Christchurch. ENGLISH WHEAT SHIPMENTS. THE Undersigned are prepared to ship wheat to London or any other Port in the United Kingdom for farmers or others, making liberal CASH ADVANCES against same on favorable terms. Farmers placing their Wheat in our hands for shipment can rely upon the ENGLISH CHARGES being REDUCED to a minimum, and upon receiving PROMPT ACCOUNT SALES. Intending shippers wishing to avail themselves of the present opportunity of testing the London and other English wheat markets, are recommended to make IMMEDIATE APPLICATION for space. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 489g* Christchurch. ' BARLEY. BARLEY. THE UNDERSIGNED are PUR CHASERS of really choice bright MALTING BARLEY. Only extra line samples are wanted. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., 5120* Christchurch. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Go., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those promises situated in Tailored street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he_ is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a