MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at tho Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and 5 p. m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a. m, and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Raugitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.ra. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—

From Christchurch at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. .From'. Chertsey, Rakaia, &q. ,at 10.25 a. m. daily.

From Dunedin and intermediate'places at 5.35 p. m. daily.

Fram Temuka and-Timaru at 10.15 a.m. and 5.35 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and . Ashburton , Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DEATH.

Major. —On Sunday, September sth, 1880, at his residence, Ashburton, Mr. Frank Major, aged 43, late of Waimate and Japan. Home papers please copy. 845c-196g

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUEDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1880.

After a two years’ struggle with many difficulties and obstacles, the Borough Council gave to the residents in the township a code of laws to govern their outgoings and their incomings. We do not question the wisdom of these by laws —coming as they do from the con centrated collective wisdom of the town ship, we dare not. But The best laid schemes o’ mice and men Gang aft agley, and the wisest and best law that ever was framed may meet with a time in its history when it is greater wisdom not to enforce it The by-law regarding cattle driving through the Borough has, we think, reached this period at a very early part of its history, and the Borough Council has been wise enough to see that it is judicious to slacken the rein. The Ashburton saleyards occupy a site near the bridge. The railway cattle yards occupy a site almost at the other extremity of the town, so that, cattle to be driven from the one yards to the other must of necessity pass through one or other of the Borough streets. It is preposterous to ask dealers to keep their cattle at the saleyards after the sale till midnight has come, so that they may drive them to the station within the by-law-legal hours; and to drive them along a back street is equally an offence. Still, the limbs and lives of the lieges must be protected, and the only safeguard against danger is to prohibit the driving of cattle through the streets in the daytime; The by law framed for the benefit of the towns people accomplished this, but it would sadly interfere with the cattle trade if it were enforced. While the new cattle yards to the north of the town ship are in course of erection, it is wise on the part of the Council to let the by-law in question lie in abeyance, and to allow matters to go on as they had been going before the laws came into force. But, apart from this question of the by-laws, we would suggest that when the new saleyards have been completed steps should be taken to have the railway cattle pens shifted far enough north to be easily accessible from the saleyards. A siding for Saunders’ mill has already been laid down, and another at no very great cost might be added for the convenience of trucking cattle. The new yards’ site is at present as far from the railway yards as is the old yards’ site, and the distance to drive to the trucks will therefore be as great as ever. The change would certainly be one much to the convenience of those using the yards, and we offer the suggestion to them. Reverting to the by-law, we assume that, though for a time it lies in abeyance, it is not intended that it should always do so, and it would cer tainly be belter to truck one’s cattle in the day-time outside the belt than to be compelled to do it overnight inside.

In Bankruptcy. —Creditors of 0. and W. Risely meet at Messrs. Frielander’s office on Thursday first.

Tenders. —Tenders are wanted for the construction of pig pens at the new cattle yards. Intending offerers may consult the County Engineer.

The San Francisco Mail. —Mails for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will close at the Ashburton Post Office on Saturday next at 10 a.m. Licensing Court. —The usual quarterly meeting of the Licensing Commissioners for tho Mount Somers, Rakaia, and Ash burton district will be held at noon to day. A Strike Imminent. —-The revised scale of wages submitted to the railway em ployees is, we understand, giving great dissatisfaction.

Caledonian Society. —A genei’al meet ing of the members of the Caledonian Society is called for Thursday evening, in the upper room of the Town Hall, at seven p.m.

Cheap Work. —At the Council meet ing last night a contractor’s tender for clearing and burning tussocks was ac cepted at Bs. Od. an acre. Truly times have changed.

Horticultural Society. —“ Tho Plea sures and Benefits of Gardening ” is the title of a paper to be road by Mr. T. Sealy at the monthly meeting of the Hor ticultural Society to be held to-night at the offices of Messrs. Jacobson and Eyton.

Driving Cattle.— The Town Clerk has intimated to the Sergeant of Police that the civic authorities have no desire, —at any rate, at present—to strictly enforce the By-law relating to cattle being driven through the Borough during day-time ; and the prohibition will therefore be removed.

The Longbeach Coach. —The Long beach coach will in future leave Ashbur ton at 4.45 p.m., instead of at 3.30 p.m., as hitherto. This will enable passengers and mails arriving from Christchurch per 4.35 p.m, train to be forwarded to Long beach the same afternoon. Consequent on this alteration, the Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach mails will now close at 4.30 p.m. daily.

The Wakanui School. —ln our adver tising columns a meeting is called for Thursday evening next by four residents at Wakanui to discuss the action of the School Committee there in making a charge for religious services held in the school. In our correspondence column, Mr. James Brown, in his own forcible style, defends the Committee’s action. The Waterworks. —Last night tho engineer reported that only nine inches of a rise at the reservoir was, wanted to flood the newly completed street channels. The inauguration of the scheme ’ being thus so near, the arrangements for a demonstration in honor of the event were left in the hands of the Mayor, so that a gala of some kind or other will take place shortly.

The Cab Stand. —The boulders laid down on the cabstand opposite the Somer set Hotel are of tho most substantial des cription, and the stand much resembles a river-bod. It was ruin to a horse’s feet to stand upon tho. e boulders for any length of time, and the police threatened the carriers with prosecutions for cruelty to animals if the horses stood there. To stand anywhere else meant prosecution for obstruction, or for not using the cab stand. Out of this dilemma tho carriers are to be taken, as the Borough Council are to lay a few' loads of gravel above the petri fied turnips.

Cooper’s String Binder, —On Satur day the new string binder attachment in vented by Mr. Cooper, of Christchurch, was exhibited at Messrs. Jameson and Roberts’ store. The weather was fine, and induced a large number of farmers, etc., to come to Ashburton. Consequently, Mr. Cooper had many visitors. The attachment was fixed to a McCormick wire-binding machine, chosen at hap hazard from those at Messrs. Jameson and Roberts’ store, and the work of fixing took only from three to four hours. The attachment which Mr. Cooper brought with him bore evidence of having been hastily made, as that natty “finish,” so characteristic of the American machines was absent, but the principle of the ma chine was admired by all. This want of “ finish” is a want that a file, some emery cloth, and a paint-brush will readily sup ply ; but it is only the success of the ma chine’s work that will cause it to be popu lar with the farmers. That it will be popular is already assured, for many of those who saw the attachment at work have made up their minds to supply themselves with it this season, the cost being only ten pounds. It appears there will be no difticulty in obtaining in the colony an unlimited supply of twine, and the difference in cost between twine and wire is in itself a great inducement, leaving out of the question altogether the advantage of getting rid of the objection of wire in chaff. The attach ment is a very simple affair, and consists of a lever, a clutch, and the tyer, or knotter. The string, which is threaded through the needle similarly to the wire, is held firmly in a “jaw,” which is finished with a cutting and a holding ed ; ge. These enable it to cut off the string below the knot, and at the same time reoain the end. The string is passed round the sheaf and both ends are brought together below. The tyer (which opens and shuts in a manner somewhat resembling a shifting spannerl then per forms the [operation of tying the knot. By revolving, it forms a loop round itself, and then opens to receive the ends, which it draws through the loop. The “ jaw ” now opens to discharge the end of the string, and take a fresh hold at the same time, cutting off the string below the knot formed. The operation is thus complete and the sheaf is left quietly lying on the platform, to be pushed off by the next ; and then tho needle—in Yankee parlance —goes for the next sheaf. There could be no better guarantee of the machine’s simplicity than the low price of Ll 0 which will be charged for each attach ment.

Drowned.— Two Maoris fishing outside Wangaroa Heads in a canoe recently wore capsized and drowned.

The Auckland Free Public Library is to be opened to-day with a conver sazione, at which Sir George Grey and others will speak. Ashore. The barque Clara Har greaves, in going out of Kaipara, went ashore on a mudbank, but she is expected to be got off wuthout damage.

Auckland Horse Parade. —The an nual horse parade was held at Auckland on Saturday. The quality of the animals was excellent. Musket was the cynosure of all eyes, and is in splendid condition. Honors. —Mr. Speight, M.H.R., is to b e feted at Grahamstown, a soiree in his honor coming off to-day, for his labors in connection with the Railway Construc tion. Bill. A Change. —The directors of the South British Insurance Company have ap pointed Mr. A. Murray, of the Auckland office, to be manager of the office in'Dun edin.

A Maori Killed. —A Nelson telegram says, news from Collingwood states that a Maori named Maketu was killed on Tuesday last by falling over a cliff ah Pakawata. Deceased was pig-hunting with Mr. Dodson, J.P., when his dog was thrown over a cliff by a huge pig, and it is supposed that in. his excitement he stepped over the precipice. The efforts to recover his body were futile.

His Excellency Sir Hercules. —His Excellency Str Hercules Robinson left Wellington for Sydney en route for Eng land at six o’clock on Saturday evening, by the steamer Rotomahana. His Excel lency was accompanied on board by seve ral members of the Ministry. The vari ous corps mustered in force and formed a guard of honor. On the steamer lea ring the wharf H.M.S. Danao and the local ar tillery fired a salute. The Auckland Yacht. —The yacht in tended to compete in the Melbourne re gatta has been commenced in the yards of Mr. Thomas Niccol, Auckland, whose de sign has been approved by the committee of subscribers. The enterprise is not being carried out by public subscription in the usual sense, but takes the form of a company, the expense being shared by several gentlemen, who will hold an in terest in the vessel to the extent of their contributions.

An Alleged Swindle. —At a special general meeting of the New Zealand Pru dential Insurance Society, held at Auckland last. ; jtwoek, Major Green stated that there were 2,143 policies issued, of which 941 had lapsed, leaving 1,174 active policies. The weekly pre mium income in March was L 7, and was now L 750 a year. Tho meeting decided to resist the claim made on behalf of Mrs. Williams, mi the ground that she stated that she was in good health, when it transpired after her decease that she had been suffering from an incurable disease for two years prior to her death.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

POACHERS ON DANGEROUS GROUND.

To the Editor.

Sir, —Most of the press have called the attention of the public to the cases in Dunedin where a number of poor work men, purchasers of land, were defrauded out of their money in consequence of not having obtained legal assistance in their business. Now, it is well within the knowledge of the profession here that an exactly similar state of things exists. The Legislature has provided means whereby the public may be protected from the unprincipled scoundrels who, for the sake of a few shillings’ illicit gain, have placed a large area of land in this district in such a state that it is extremely dangerous to have anything to do with land. The solicitors, to my knowledge, have cases of the kind under their notice at the present moment, and why do they not take means to protect the public ? I should think the last straw has been placed on the camel’s back, and, I await with some curiosity to see the formidable fraternity move in their own, if not the public cause. —I am, &c., Justice.

WAKANUI SCHOOL.

[To the Editor.]

Sir, —The question of why the Waka nui School Committee found it necessary to levy what you called a tax on religious services, is a question on which you seem to be very much in the dark. I therefore beg leave to enlighten you and your your readers on the question. In the first place, I must say that you are in error, for no such tax was ever levied by the Committee. But they have passed a resolution to the effect that no religious denomination, or any person, or body of persons, whatever I —not even Mr. Maguire

—should have the use of the school on a Sunday, or any other night throughout the week, without the consent of the Committee, and the payment of three shillings ; that is L 7 16s. a year, which, as matters stand at present, would have to be paid by the Wesleyan and the Pres byterian denominations. You say that you have no doubt but the action of the Committee will tell on the election in January. lam perfectly sure of it. The Presbyterians will move Heaven and earth to put every man out of the Com mittee that supported the resolution ; and in particular myself, who have done more for secular education in the district than any other man in it. As I have five children attending the school, its good or bad management is, to me, a question of great importance ; and I think that you will not be surprised when I say that I object to the interests of the children being subservant to any religious party. I have received a letter from Mr. D. Wilson—who authorises me to use it— saying that the action of the Committee is a “gross insult to the feeling of the' people ’’ that the principle involved is bad, and could only originate in a “low, mean, base, vicious mind.” Thank you, David. Moreover, he says that he will endeavor, as far as in him lies, to prevent any mem ber who favored “ the obnoxious resolu tion ” from ever again being a member of the Committee. Truly, if his religion may be judged by its fruits,, it is time the axe were ajjplied, for the fruit , is bitter indeed. But what is the reason of this threatening? Simply because I will not be a pliant tool in the hands of a religious faction.

Thy spirit, Independence, let meshare, Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye ; Thy steps 1 "follow with my bosom bare, Nor heed the storm that howls along .the sky. There is a body of men here —practical Christians—who, on principle, cannot avail themselves of the use of the school for nothing ; because they believe that the State should in no way assist any religious body whatever, and that to use a" public school for nothing, and to insist on doing so, for religious service, is simply an at tempt to make the State supply them with a church. I hear that that body are going to apply for the use of the school, juat_to help the Committee out of' thei culties, and set an example to the rigidly righteous, and pay the cash down before hand for the use of it, for the next twelve months. Now, here—but tell it not in Gath, whisper it not in Ascalon—there is a prospect of the present orthodox lot being cut out entirely. Perhaps you have never heard of this Society : but it is no wonder, for their devotions have been conducted privately, and not proclaimed from the house-tops. The reasons why the Com mittee have resolved to make a charge are these :—The Committee are much in debt ; the incidental allowance has been much reduced and many necessary things require to be done about the school ; they have applied to the Board for money, but have been positively refused : more over, the Presbyterians and the Wes leyans have had the use of the school for nearly four years, for their services, for their Sunday schools, for their meetings, and for their singing classes. In fact, they have had it so often, and so long, that I think they have begun to look upon it as their own. Now, they have never given a single penny to the school fund— not even towards tho cleansing of the room. Tho Committee actually thought they would have been glad in deed, delighted, at the opportunity of showing their gratitude. But they were sadly mistaken. Oh, credulous men, they little understand religion. The only recompense that ever I have known them to give was to leave the windows open, and by their negligence damage the school property. Your idea of taxing prayers in summer to buy fuel for winter has completely upset my gravity. But take care, you will have them round your devoted head like a nest of hornets. Would you tax the prayers by their length ? If so, I think it would make them less like the prayers of the Pharisees and more in accordance with Christian precept. Those who give them longest now, I will venture to say, would soon have them the shortest. I have thought the matter over ; I think it would not do. I believe that we could not make a net close enough in the meshes to catch them, they would become so very small. You speak of three white shillings. I cannot agree with you there. Why, let me see that would be one white shilling each ; no, it won’t do. I have weighed them, and take them ad valorem, they would not bring—no, not three brown farthings.

For myself, in this matter, I have been promised my fuel for ever, and ever, and ever. I sincerely hope you will be better provided for, with a printer’s devil to take care of you in your old age. Adieu, James Brown, Member of the Committee. September 6th.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATES’ COURT.

Saturday, September 4.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.)

“ yorkeyV’ playfulness punished.

Robert Hodgson, known as “ Yorkey,” was charged on a warrant with stealing a coat, on the 3rd September, the property of John Harris, night porter at the Somerset Hotel.

David Smart, constable, sworn, said that bo went with the search warrant (produced) to Hodgson’s house yesterday morning, and read the warrant to him. He said “ you are quite welcome to search my place.” Searched the bedroom and then the outer room. A coat was hang ing up behind the door, which Harris, who was with witness, identified as his. Hodgson said “ Oh, I suppose I took it for a lark.” Then locked the prisoner up. He was not sober. This was at 12.30 p. m. John Harris, night porter at the Somer set Hotel, sworn, said—The coat pro duced is mine. I left it in the front room of the hotel, next the bar, yesterday morning, on a chair, and last saw it about twenty minutes past seven. About five minutes afterwards, went into the room and missed the coat. Never gave Hodg son nor any one else permission to take it, The coat is worth 20s. now, but cost a lot more when new.

By prisoner—No ; I never saw you take it, and did not see you or any one else about the hotel. Reported the loss to Mr. Shearman, and went with Constable Smart to Hodgson’s house, and saw the coat behind the door. When the door was open, it concealed the coat. R. W. Shearman, proprietor Somerset Hotel, sworn—The last witness is in my employ. About half-past seven yesterday morning, he reported missing his coat. Told him it was on a chair in the front room, as I saw it there hanging over the back of a chair, and partly on the seat, when Hodgson, Mr. Cotton, and another man came in for a drink of beer. No one else came in but these three yesterday morning. Never gave Hodgson or any r one else permission to take the coat. Re member on a previous occasion detecting Hodgson going away with an overcoat. He was putting it on at the time.' Asked him what he was doing with the coat. He said he was taking it for a lark. He does not frequent my house much. He was not in more than three or four minutes.

By prisoner—The coat was not lying on the floor. It was folded up lying on a chair. It was not in your way, or any one else’s.

Prisoner, in defence, said he and the others with him were very drunk. In fact, just blind drunk. They could just see one another, that was all. Did not remember anything about the coat. He had had some beer at the hotel, and a Jlot

of whisky on the top of itJ He must have been very tight. Must have taken' the coat for a lark.

B. W. Shearman, recalled by the Bench —Hodgson only had one glass in my house, and was quite sober. The police said that accused had been a great drunkard,. and several previous convictions on different charges had been entered against him. His Worship characterised the offence as a most impudent and barefaced robbery, and sentenced the accused to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The Wakanui Road Board met on Thursday, when there were present— Messrs. Hugo Friedlander (presiding), Joseph Hunt, James Brown, and A. G. Earle.

John Black wrote, asking for compensa tion on account of the loss he had sus tained on his contract—Leadley and But tefick’s drain,—the loss amounting to over L2OO, which had arisen owing, to.the difficult ground he had to work. The matter Was held over for a full meeting of the Board.

William Evans undertook to complete the fence around the Board’s section he occupied, if the Board' would supply the material. • Mr. Brown moved that bn the first Wednesday in October the contract with Mr. Wilkie for collecting the rates be terminated,-Mr. Wilkie and his sureties being served with notice to that effect; and also that the latter will be held re sponsible for a,ll rates uncollected through Mr. Wilkie’s neglect. Mr. Earle seconded the motion. .

Mr. Hunt said the Board had allowed ratepayers ,an extension of time to pay, and he > was thqrqfore opposed to tho sureties being lield responsible. The Chairman was also opposed’ to this part of the motion. Mr. Brown.was of opinion that the in structions issued to Mr. Wilkie not to press ratepayers did not exonerate him for neglecting to serve notices. A time for the contract to end should have been stated in the agreement. ' The Clerk, iii' answer to Mr. Brown, supplied the following information : —Last year’s rates amounted to L 1,102 odd, L2OO of which were still uncollected, as well as some rates still due on the old roll. Since last meeting several sums had been re covered, and there were still cases to be heard. , For some:reason or other, the collector had reduced the amount of Ll 4 to L 4, which stood on the roll against Mr. Thomas Bullock.

Mr. Brown, who was of opinion that the sum of L2BO paid by the Board to the Borough was paid in error, and that the Borough had no right to the portion of the surplus land fund which the sum was supposed to represent, moved . that the Board is of this opinion, and that the Mayor be requested to refund the money. He had opposed the payment at the time, and recent, events had only strengthened his belief that the payment was illegal. • The Chairman explained that- the pay ment had not been made to the Borough as such, but was paid to the Ashburton township, which at the time the money acerhed was a 'ward of the Board. Mr. Joseph Hunt said that if the money had been paid by the Ashburton Road Board at the time that body recognised the Borough’s right to the money, there would have been no trouble now.

Tho Chairman said the Borough had no wish to retain money it had no right to, and he would second the motion pro' forma, to raise a discussion. Ultimately it was decided that the reso lution could not pass wuthout a previous one, authorising the payment, being re scinded, and Mr. Brown, therefore, gave notice to move at next meeting. The surveyors’ report stated the quantity specified had not been acted up to in the concrete falls contract" on Leadley’s and Butterick’s drain, and therefore the work, though reported finished, had not been passed. The out fall on Corbett’s road had been cut through Messrs. Wilson and Wright’s property, with their consent, at a cost of L 6. The surveyor desired information as to whether they intended to call for tenders for forming to its full width the Wakanui road near Moffatt’s mill, as it was impossible, owing to the heavy traffic, for the contractor for maintenance to keep the road in repair. They also advised the re-formation of the road, between Messrs. Bruce and Prendergast’s property. Mr.- D. Fitzgerald had not yet removed the obstruction to the watercourse on River road, though he had been' written to on the subject. Filling where' pipes had been taken out had been done on the Suburban road in continuation of Have lock street, at a cost of L 3 Ssj, which in cluded metalling culvert approaches. It was resolved to adopt; the surveyors’ recommendation regarding the Wakanui road, as far as from the junction of the Beach road to Trevor’s road, and to doing several other pieces of forming in the district.., It was resolved to defer action in regard to Fitzgerald’s land in the mean time. .

It was resolved to call for tenders for the road maintenance contract when tho existing one expired. A special meeting was fixed for that day week, at two o’clock, to consider the work of preparing tho rate-roll in connection with the'clerk’s duties.

Sir William Harcouet. —The follow ing anecdote is now being diligently cir culated : —“ Some time ago six gentlemen agreed to have a dinner party. Each was to invite one guest, and the only condition was that the guest was to be the most disagreeable man known to his host. The day arrived, the six hosts assembled, and shortly Sir William Harcourt was announced. After some time, no other guest appearing, it was resolved,to proceed to dinner. This was done, and during the entertainment it transpired that each of the six hosts had invited, as the most disagreeable man he knew, the present Home Secretary. ”

The Property Tax.— Sir Hercules Robinson held an Executive Council at noon on Saturday, presiding for the last time in New Zealand. Messrs. Hall, Dick and Oliver were present. The new Property Tax schedules were to have been laid before the Council for approval, so that an Order in Council might be granted appointing them, but it was found that some verbal alterations, which were con sidered necessary in the draft form, have caused some delay in printing.- The result has been that they could not bo laid before the Council that day, consequently, as the schedules cannot be distributed until thus approved by Order in Council, and as another meeting of tho Executive cannot be held betore Thursday ;next, when the Acting-Governor has been sworn in, it is not likely that the new forms will be circulated for nearly a week. It ir" possible, therefore, that it may not be practicable, to make them returnable even by October 15th, and that it may be necessary to grant a further extension of time. As some exception has been taken to all debts due to the taxpayer being in cluded in the schedule of taxable property, without any provision for bad of doubt jful ones, it rrfay be- explained that it is the value of the debts, and not their amount, which is to be returned, and the ‘value of such property is to be the basis of taxa tion. Consequently, a man will value'his 1 debts, good, doubtful, or bad,-at what he has reason honestly, to believe,he,will get out. of them. He will value good debts to their full amount, doubtful ones at such discount as would represent his probable loss on them, and absolutely bad-debts as nil.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

At the ordinary meeting of the Borough Council, held last evening, there were present—Messrs. Williamson, Weymouth Roberts, St. Hill, R. Ffiedlander, Bullock, Robinson, and ultimately the Mayor.

In the absence of his Worship the Mayor, Mr. Williamson was voted to the chair. , The Chairman stated that the credit balance at the bank was Ll6O Is.; rates Collected since last meeting, L 33 Is@.; licenses, Ll. THE BRIDGE APPROACHES.

Mr- Bennett, assistant engineer of the Railway Department wrote, in reply to a letter written by the Borough, Council to the County Council, and forwarded by that body to the engineer. The letter of the Council stated, that, the north ap proach' being on the railway reserve, the Borough Council had no control over it. The engineer (Mr. Bennett) said his letter on the subject to the County Coun cil was intended as preliminary to having the control of these approaches handed over to the bodies most interested in them, and who should therefore,; in his opinion, maintain them. He contended that, as the decking and road beams of the bridge were kept in repair by the Go vernment, the local Boards ought to maintain the approaches. He was quite prepared to advocate the handing over of the control of the north approach to the Council.. On the motion of Mr. Bullock,. it wes resolved to defer the discussion on the above correspondence. v . . AIT OFFER. t ; Mr. William McAdam, Dunedin, aii engineer, who had been engaged on .the Loch Katrine waterworks, for the supply of Glasgow city, wrote, < offering his sar vices in the construction of waterworks," should the Borough require them, and en closing very high-class testimonials. THE WATERPIPES. j , The Invercargill Town Clerk wrote to say his Council did not require any pipes at present. The Sydenham Town Clerk wrote,, desiring to be informed, of .the ' weight and price per yard of the pipes. The latter letter to be replied to, supply ing the information asked for, . . CULVERTS, EXO/ : Mr. H. W. Roberts wrote, asking that a culvert be placed opposite his gate ;in Tancred street. Granted, on the usual conditions. Mr. R. Bird wrote asking permission to remove a building. ; Granted on, usual conditions. From George Cates and others, asking that Grey street should be formed and ac cess given to their properties. It was de cided to comply with the request as to making the gully referred to passable. ; In reply to Mr. Friedlander, the en gineer said that the culvert at the corner of East and Moore streets would be at tended to at an early date. . nuisances. . , Messrs. D. M'Farlane, John Hefford, and George Kidd, wrote complaining of •the: bad state of the footpaths in Havelock street, between Cass and William streets, and to the foul smell arising from the drainage and slops from the hotel in the vicinity.- Mr, St. Hill moved that the Inspector of Nuisances he instructed to take im mediate steps to abate the nuisance co'm . plained of. He was of opinion that the By-laws on the subject should be fully enforced. The Chairman remarked that if any action was taken on this complaint, the Council should certainly take steps ■ to stop like'nuisances in other parts of the town in perhaps a worse state than that of Havelock street. Were they to do this notice would have to be given to the of fending householders. Mr. St. Hill said that the reason action had been taken in regard to Burnett, street was that at the time the by-laws were not worth the paper they were printed on.. ; The Chairman said they had never been without - the power of stopping such nuisances, as action could have been taken under statute. ■ Mr. St. Hill withdrew his motion on it being understood that at a fuller meeting cf the Council the matter of nuisances of this character would be gone into, and, in the meantime, Mrs. Butler be written to asking her to stop the nuisance. His Worship here took his seat. " The inspector of nuisances in his report said that notices which he had served upon parties 'with reference to nuisances had not been taken notice of, and asked for instructions as to whether he should summon the parties at once or place the matter in the hands of Messrs. Branson and Purnell. It was resolved to place the matter in the hands of the solicitors, THE WATERHOLE NEAR THE BRIDGE. The assistant engineer of the railway department wrote,, saying that the waterhole in the railway reserve near the bridge had been caused by the,formation of the street, and therefore the department did not consider itself liable for the cost of filling it up, . ■ . ■_On the arrival of the Mayor, he saidj with reference to the railway engineer’s remarks as to the hole in. East street being caused while making' the road, he said that such a statement was not consistent with facts. i, ■ ,:,t Mr. Williamson concurred, and said that, on the contrary, a quantity of by the Road Board.. It was resolved that the Railway De partment be replied to in terms of: hia Worship’s statement. > ■ , MR. BULLOCK IN DEFENCE. The Finance Committee applied for an extension of time for bringing up their report until the Longbeaoh Road Board claim was settled, Mr. Bullock, in proposing that the request be complied with, said that some of the ratepayers ware under the impres sion that the subsidy of 1879 had been lost though the action of the late Council. At the first meeting,of the Council held on 9th September, 1878, it was decided to call for tenders to value the Borough.: At a later date it was found , necessary to object to the roll, which they did.' An extension of- time was granted on the 12th March, 1879, and a roll ordered to be cbm- 1 pleted by the Slat March, on which date the rate ought to have been collected. No blame, therefore, could be attached to the Council. It was not until the 9th June that the roll had been passed. :The members of the Council had studied the question prior to the first meeeting of the Council. Mr. St. Hill wished to ask Mr. Bullock whether it was possible, instead of getting a new rate roll, to amend the old roll. Mr. Bullock replied that it was hot in the power of the Council to do that, as it wastog>j<ili the hands of the Assessment ENGINEERS’ 1 REPORT. : . The Engineers reported that when the water had risen in the reservoir about nine inches more, they would be able to turn the water into the channels, which were now completed. ’The con-, tractor for the Burnett street West exten sion had received notice, according to : the 4 Council’s instructions, and the labor gang had been put on the work. ' Tenders had been received for the work .of clearing tussock on Borough • reserves, and the Works Committee recommended that the tender of D. O’Sullivan,, at Bs. 6d. per acre, be accepted. The Works Committee also recommended the ■ formation of various streets in the township, and that the footpath in, West street, -between Burnett street and Tancred street, about five chains, be kerbed and-channelled. * Mr. Friedlander stated that Mr. Wilkie had him there was no time 1

specified in, the specifications for the com pletion of the contract. ... I-' ! The Engineers’i action was approved with reference to the -works mentioned in his report. -

A BOARD 03? HEALTH. , ' ; Mr. St. Hill wished to. known whether the Council had ever taken ipto considera tion the question of forming itself into a Board of Health, If not, he would suggest that steps be taken in the matter at once. The Mayor, while appreciating the remarks made by Mr. St. Hill, thought that while they had' an Inspector of Nuisances, and his reports were acted on, it would be hardly necessary to impose fiitthef "work 1 -on : the Council;;;. 1 Asdt-waSy it was a attend other meetings in. connection with, the Borough’s business. Mr. St. Hill remarked that additional powers would be given if they were made a Board of Health. CATTLE DRIVING. Mr. St. Hill wished to know, ..with reference to a notice in the evening paper,, whether the Mayor or the Council had. power to hang up the by-law regarding driving cattle through the town. He; thought the least drivers of cattle could do would be to obtain permission from the. Town Clerk to drive cattle through the town. The Mayor,said thht. in a conversation with the Sergeant of Police, it had been remarked that the difficulties regarding driving the cattle to and from the sale-' yards were peculiar, and it was thought .that untilthfo’ new,ca,ttle yards' were erected it would nof.behTfiße jtoi l>§ 'too; j The Clerk vtas 'instnictad I 'to ‘ write to the police; stating that the Council did 'not . wish the by-laws to be .strictly enforced whick referred, to, the.driving of cattle in the' streetsi St; B ilk'only objecting. > The; Council, made a’; law buef day and altered it or suspended it another. They hid been two years in making by-laws, and n’ow found them ■ inoperative. : : , ; .'AN ASSET. Mr. Roberts wished to'know, whether some earth which had been purchased. from the Council had been paid for. : The Clerk replied that the amount was still in arrean : ’• i ANOTHER LAMP. ■ Both Messrs. Williamson and St. Hill thought Messrs. Mutch, and M'Kenzie’s application for a lamp hear the “railway bridge, which had been asked for at a pre vious meeting should be granted, and on the motion of the latter gentleman the work was ordered to, be Jiindeftaken J;" •: d WITHDRAWN. Mr. St. Hill asked to be allowed to withdraw his motions re the Borough finances. Granted. THE BOROUGH SEAL. The Mayor suggested that in cases where the seal of the -Borough was used for private individuals- a charge should be made, and moved that wherever the seal was used a charge of one guinea should be made. Mr. Williamson seconded, and the motion was carried. ;■ ~p: ' /:: ;'a'AlßLoW ! buT.’ '\i< ; His Worship also suggested that, as the water' would soon be ready to he turned into the channels, some sort of public ceremony should characterise the event, it being one' Of the most important * works •of the Council, , < R. Mr. Friedlander would, like.to see the affair take 1 place before the retiring Coun cillors W€nt out of office; ; - i J ■ It was resolved to leave -the matter in the hands of the Mayor. THE CAB-STAND. It was decided to put a few loads of clay on the cab-stand in East street, in consequence of the large boulders being injurious to the horses’ feet. ..... .CARRIER’S LICENSE. Robert Cullen applied for a carrier’s license, which was granted. ACCOUNTS. Several accounts were passed for pay ment and the Board adjourned. THE RAILWAY EMPLOYEES’ NEW . SCALE OF PAY — : > The following is a summary of the new scale of pay for railway em ployees issued under ministerial approval by Mr. Conyers ’ , ' Clerks, first class, Ll7O to L 250 second' class, LllO to Ll6O ; third class, LSO to LT00; '■ Station -masters,' first' class, L 250 ; se.con.4 -■•■class,. L2OO ; third class, L 175 ; fourth class, LIOO. House or allowance additional in each class. Roadside station masters, 48s. per week and house or allow ance. Foremen, goods and coaching, 10s. to 12s. per day. Passenger guards, first, year, Bs. 6d.f second year, 95.; to seventh year, 9s. 6d.; e ver seven years, 10s. Goods guards, first year, Bs.; second year, Bs. 6d.; after second year, 9s. Head shunters 10s. Horse drivers, shunters and signalmen, first ctass,: Bs. , 6d, ; secqnd;class, 7a. Gd-.; third'class, 7s.’ Head porters, 10a. r Porters and laborers, first class, 7s. 6d;j second*’class, 7&. : y third bla'Ss/fftat year, 65.; do second year, 6s. 6d. Watchmen, 425, per week. Fitters, turners, smiths, Bb. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per day. Machinists and, strikers, ,7s- to : Bs.; laborers’,' 6s.' Cleaners, first year, 55.; second sa. 6d. j third, 65.; fourth (and maximum), 7s. • Firemen,'first year, 7s. 6d.; second, Bs.; third, Ba. 6d.; fourth (and maximum), 9s. Enginemen, first year, 10s. 6d.; second, 11s.; third, lls. 6d.; fourth, 12s. First class engineers, who must not exceed 25 per cent of the whole, and must have served five years, 13s. per day. (Experi enced and first-class engineers are offer-

ing from Home at Bs. per day.) ! ; . Permanent way, general reduction of. Is. per day.

CAMBRIDGE.

(From our Own Correspondent.)

Last Thursday evening a missionary meeting was held in the Newlands Primi tive Methodist Chapel, Cambridge. The chair was occupied by Mr. • H. Cape-Wil lianason. Suitable addresses were de livered by the chairman, Messrs. Watkins, Lill, Lloyd, and the Rev. A. J. Smith. A very encouraging report of the last gene ral meeting held in England, was read by the pastor, Mr. Smith, who also gave a short account of the mission - work in the Island of Fernando Po. The reverend gentleman stated that he believed they had been called by the Divine will to this, work. The station had originally been occupied by the Baptists, but they had been driven from the island by the Spanish authorities, and for twelve years the island had been without any spiritual teachers. A short time ago the Primitive Methodists had been asked to send ?mis-, sionaries, which they had done,; and though they had once been driven from the island by the. Spanish Government, • they An appeal, had been made to the British Ambassador, and now they were not likely to be dis-. turbed. In addition to the English mis sionaries they had several native teachers. Extreme difficulty had at first been met with in interpreting the services,", but at last one native had ; been found who knew a few words of' English, and he was made interpreter. The climate was very much against a pro-;, longed stay of Europeans, two years being the outside limit. Owing to this frequent renewals were necessary. The mission houses were built I,oooft. above the level of the sea, on the side of a mountain, j This was rendered necessary on account of the

■misisma of the flats. The account was delivered in Mr. Smith’s lively way, and was interspersed with anecdotes and funny incidents of native life. At its conclusion he stated that just before leaving Eng land he had met with one of the returned missionaries, who had given him a good deal of information about the mission, and had also given him a copy of a hymn in the native tongue. This Mr. Smith sang, to the amusement and enjoyment of, more especially the younger portion of, the audience, the risible faculties of , the whole number being greatly tickled by Mr. Smith’s request for them to assist in the chorus. Several hymns were sung at intervals'during the service. - ■' A hearty vote-of thanks, proposed by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Margetts, was passed to the; chairman, who replied - in suitable terms. The doxology was then sung and the Benediction; being pronounced, the meeting dispersed. a-

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

The iVess’, "Wellington '■ correspondent, telegraphing on Saturdayj says .. . ; A‘ Ministers' have not received any iihfor* mation as to the alleged strike - Amongst the Armed; Gonßtabulary r -which- -isi.dis beliaved, --.received a -telegram- from the Native.iyiimiter-to-day conveying intelligence of a fresh native demonstration’opposite Rarihkka) Copies of the : ,Coast .Settlement- Bill, translated into Maori, . were I’disiributed and proclaimed at Parihaka on Thursday. Mr. Thompson,-the Government interpre ter, who returned thence' yesterday,., re ports' that the Act-was read before a laVgo meeting of natives.; -The oply thiiig, Jhat seemed to, excite any great interest ‘ was the final clause empowering two years’ imprisonment with hard labor for obstruct ing the Armed Constabulary. Oh- this being read Tohu remarked contemptu ously, ‘‘That; he had hot sen£h|s men to be imprisoned for their own good,” imply ing that he, cared; ’little; what befel them, as the end he was working for was far more. com fort. He added that the only thing not to be . done is for tyro men not to iabuse one another," the meaning of which he Aid not explain. The first :: fruits.; of Settlement Act have, however, .been rather curious, v Mr. Bryce telegraphs to-day that early this morning no fewer than eighty-three Natives came down from Parihaka ahd began fencing. , ; This num ber comprised’ fifty able-bodied- : yf>ung men, twenty-three boys, and One old man. Notwithstanding; a warning they persisted in fencing across the road, and Mr. Bryce then ordered the-arrest of the whole number. ' This w& promptly carried into effect, no violence being used and no scuffles taking place; as was the case two or three days ago. • On that occasion, how ever, the Maoris were exceedingly violent and insolent, consequently, although no blows were struck, they were by no means so gently used as before by ■ the con- - somewhat roughly handled, receiving some consider able shoves; and shakings, -and altogether were very disrespectfully treated. It seems that they complained ;;to'! Tohu of this usage, and he cautioned them to behave more quietly nextstithe.) jSortce-day they were as peaceful as lambs, and submitted with the: utmost ; readiness ;)taab.o taken into custody. This being effected, Mr. Bryce ■ ordered the old .Maori and twenty two hoys to he set at liberty and turned back. |to- j; Parihaka, , { but i < s the[ fifty-nine young men will be sent to New Plymouth, and being the first prisoners . under the West Coast Settlement Act, will be tried in due course under the provisions of that Act. One of the, prisoners is Mukua, a brother of Titokowaru.” . , ... ' srcyi '

TELEGRAPHIC.

. ' • - •' '., jt’' r t, ; It *l' J ■// latest from Europe! ~ (Per Reuter's Agency.) LosTDON’i Sept. 2. • In the House of-Lords yesterday, the Registration of Y oters (Ireland) Bill, which, had-passed the House of Commons, was finally thrown out. The action of the Lords was discussed 7 in the * iffoSse of Commons tb-day, when Mr. ’ PamelTpro posedi that 'the . measure, should Matacked to the Appropriation. Act._ Lord Hart ington did not; approve of this, and sug gested that-a resolution should be-passed remonstrating against the action of the House of Lords. Mr. Parnell assented to this proposal. . 1 Arrived—Agat-a, from Auckland; Palala, from Lyttelton. ~,,,, The mail per Onent * steamer Liguria,, i via, Brindisi; > ■ which left Mel bourne on ‘July 23rd r .was~deUvered in London to-day.- , ■ ■ .. The total reserve" in, notes and. bullion in the Bank, of England is L16,b00,000. The total stock of tallow in London on the Ist inst. was 19,900 casks.

■ At the -wool sales ! to-day 9,100 bales were offered, making' a /total’of .130,000® bales catalogued since the opening; r The tone of the .sales showed that prices were firmly- miMntained;- Tenthousand/bale* have-been;withdrawn fromi sale:stride the opening. - ... ,

Sept. 3. The combined .fleet has* sailed for Ragusa. In the House, of Commons Sir .Charles Dilke,", Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs,'-.said that- Admiral Sey mour takes command,' .but. consults the other commanders on questions that may come under owing -- to- their combination being of a political character. He believed; . however, that it was not likely that coercion would, be required.

. Latest advices from South America state that r negotiations have been "opened be tween Chili and Peru-for. the . purpose of terminating the war, England 'arid France mediating. ... ” Consols, 97|. : Australian. tallow, beat beef, 84s. 6d.; best mutton; 365. 6d.j Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 475. 6d. The total.quantity of,- wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,820,000 qrs. New Zea land wheat, ex .ship, 435,.. At the wool sale tof day, 10,300'bales were oiiered, making ,a-‘,total•;'ofl4l,2oo bales catalogued, since-the opening./ The tone of the sale was firm. ; ** : ’ 1 , The Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for India, replying to a deputa taion which waited, on Kim to-day, laid stress upon the difficulty and incon venience of retaining Candahar mid hinted that it would - foe necessary to evacuate that province. , .. , " In the ' House of Commons to-day, Mr. Purnell again reverted, to, the rejection by the House of Lords of the'Registration of Voters (Ireland) Bill, and again pro posed to tack the Bill to the Appropriation Act. The Hon. Mr. Forster, 1 Chief Secre tary for Ireland ■ opposed the f proposal, and blamed the Lords for persisting in a course which-was calculated to lead to a change in the constitution; 1 ' Sir’ Stafford Northcote strongly protested against Mr. Parnell's" proposal, arid" expressed his amazement at the.language used*! 1 . I**:- 1 ** : - ’; -' Sept. 4. . At the wool sales to-day, 7jtKH) bales were offered, making a total bf 148,200 bales catalogued since the opening; The trine of the sale" continues firm."

The Orient Company’s".'Ateimship Orient sailed frohi Plymouth' to-day for Melbourne* . ■ v‘- 'ri : v" Vv ; ; The American, Hops ’ and Bitters Com* pany has arranged for a regattW tb be held on the Thames on November 22iid, and gives , prizes to the value, of Ll,ooo. Trickett and Laycock, , the Australian oarsmen,'will compete. The Bank rate of discount at‘Berlin has risen to-day to 5£ per cent.'.: of England’s rate is, 2J ; perVqent.i“dnd the market rate, 2£. ‘ V"'“ * **

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1880.



I'TOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must bo written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, arid charged accord ingly. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. AUCTION SALES. To-Day. Matson, Cox, and Co., at Messrs. Edmis ton and Gundry’s Salerooms—Valuable Town and Country Reserves, Suburban and Town Sections, Freehold and Lease hold Properties. Sale at 1 o’clock. GRAND GALA NIGHT. ASHBURTON AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB. SPLENDID ARRAY OF TALENT. NEXT PERFORMANCE, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, Sept. Bth and 9th, T/57HEN will be presented the two cele- V V brated Plays, Han,' THE GOOD-FOR-NOTHING, - AND GOING TO THE DERBY, With strong cast of characters, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, Under the Patronage of his Worship the Mayor and Borough Councillors, LIZZIE LIZETTE’S BENEFIT (Mrs. Thompson’s.) Wen, in addition to the above pro gramme, Lizzie Lizette will give English, Irish, and Scotch dances, and Messrs. Cullen and Dolman will also give comic interludes. Fun Particulars in Handbills. Admission : Dress Circle and Front Chairs, 35.; Middle Seats, 25.; Back, Is. Seats may be reserved for the 9th on application. 846 c KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR- INC COMPANY (LIMITED,) CAPITAL £109,000 IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. “WORMS of APPLICATION FOR SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23, 1889. CHANGE OF PROPRIETARY. Fiji HE UNDERSIGNED lias much -k- pleasure in announcing to the in habitants of Ashburton and district that he has TAKEN OYER the BUSINESS ot Mr. J. S. SAVAGE, East street, Ash burton, aiid respectfully solicits a con tinuance of the patronage so. liberally bestowed on his predecessor, trusting by keeping a choice assortment of all classes of FRUIT, CONFECTIONERY, &c., to merit a fair share of the public support. T. BENNETTO, FRUITERER AND CONFECTIONER, East street, Ashburton. 814 c mHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING JL FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOY’S WEAR Fit Betier Loon. Better Wear Better And therefore giv any other goods Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk c more satisfaction than offered to the public. Testified to by their thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaru Tim am Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. IT.T.—Our New Winter Manufactures axe now ready. “TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, AND HOISERY ■: of EVERY DESCRIPTION, WHOLESALE PRICES. Ashburton Branch : EA ST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 862 c Manager,



TO LEND, in 'J uvu suit borrowers, rate of interest. P. P. O’E-killy! Ashburton. sums to , at lowest , Solicitor, 424c-835g