NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

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The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 1880.

Space. —Owing to the length of the County Council and Road Hoard meeting reports, leading and other matter is crowded out. A. «fc P. Association. —A general meeting of the members of the A. and P. Association takes place in the Somerset Hotel to-day at two o’clock to consider the wisdom of altering an important rule, and to settle the time and place of hold ing the proposed reaper and binder con test. Mount Hutt Road Board. —The poll ing at Methven for the Mount Hutt Road Board election was as follows :—Mr. Cameron, 36 ; Mr. Pannett, 31 ; Mr. Chapman, 30; M.i. Holmes, 26. The Barrhill returns have not reached us. Mount Somers Road Board. —The election for a member for Ho. 2 (Alford Forest) ward took place yesterday, and there was a good attendance of ratepayers. The election resulted in the return of Mr. A. E. Peache, with IS votes, Mr. W. T. Chapman polling 11. Mr. P. Tisch re tired from the contest. A meeting of the Board will be held to-day. Cricket Association. —A meeting of the Ashburton Cricket Association was held last evening in Messrs. Saunders Brothers office. Present—Messrs. S. Saunders (in the chair), Main waring. Poyntz, Wilkie, and Amos. Mr. Poyntz proposed, Mr. Mainwaring seconded, and it was carried unanimously, “That it is desirable the County and Borough Clubs amalgamate.” It was resolved to call a general meeting of cricketers at the County Council Offices at 8 p m. on Fri day next to confirm this resolution, and arrange details of the amalgamation. Fire Brigade. —The regular meeting of Ashburton Fire Brigade was held on Tues day night, at the Borough offices, Captain Compton in the chair. A report was read from Lieutenat Dolman re the well at Saunders’ buildings, stating that "the sup ply was ample. Some routine business Ixaving been transacted, it was resolved to have a supper in celebration of the anni versary of the Brigade, on the first Tues day in February, and to ask the co-opera tion of the Fire Police. Arrangements wore made to issue certain tickets of in vitation, the general arrangements being left to the Standing Committee for the month.

Presbyterian Meeting at Mount 7 Somers. —The Presbyterians at Mount Somers held a meeting at the schoolroom on Monday evening to elect a Committee for the ensuing year, and to consider the proposal of the Rev. B. J. Y/estbrooke to hold monthly services. A Committee was duly elected, to decide on the matter at a meeting to be held on Monday, 19th inst., to mako the necessary arrange ments.

Cambridge School Committee. —A meeting of the Cambridge School Com mittee was held at Mr. Megson’s house, on the 7th January. Present—Messrs. J. Megson (Chairman), Wat-kin, Loyd, Ashton, Margetts, and Dale. The Chair man read the correspondence from the Board of Education re appointment of Mr. Williamson as master of the Cambridge school, and ro fencing, painting, &c. It v.'as resolved that the Committee approve of the business done by the Chairman since the last meeting, and that the Chair man, upon receipt of the sanction of the Board for the painting, let the same, and also the fencing. Resolved that the schoolmaster’s duties commence on the Ist of February, 1880. The master then interviewed the Committee as to hooks and other matters. Resolved that the Chairman arrange for a supply. After a a oto of thanks to the Chairman, the Coi-a mitte adjourned. Longbeacii Road Board. —The annual meeting of Longbeach ratepayers, which was to take place yesterday, fell through for want of a sufficient number of rate payers to constitute a meeting. At the advertised time there were present Mr. Cuthbert, Returning Officer, and Messrs. Dawson and Taylor, the retiring candi dates, and —nobody else. The candidates, with becoming modesty, declined to pro pose and second each other, although they would have been quite justified in doing so, and the law would have homo their action out. It therefore now devolves upon the Governor to appoint two mmn bers to fill the vacant places. Times seem to have changed with elections since the one held in July last, when the poll was topped with 119 voters. Flower Tributes. —The magistracy of the City of Vienna lias just passed a reso lution “ ncmino contradicente ” that the Common Council shall be requested to ordain that the graves and monuments of Mozart, Gluck, Joseph Haydn, and Beethoven (all of which are to be found in the old Friedhof), shall he decorated the whole year through with flowers, as long as the City of Vienna exists, at the cost of the citizens. These musical magistrates declare that a debt of honor lies upon the Vienna community, which has enjoyed so much delight from the works of these great “ tone-poets,” to say nothing of the monetary aspect of the case in a great capital of opera, and they believe that the citizens will gladly consent to bo taxed as a proof of them gratitude to these great giants of music. A Chinaman in Trouble. —A Chinaman named Ah Gee was charged on Monday at the GreymouthßesidentMagistrate’s Court with an attempt to evade payment of the gold duty on a parcel of gold. He pleaded ignorance of the British law, but had to forfeit the gold notwithstanding.

The Cause or the Wet Season.— Dr. Hector has formed an original and some what curious theory of the reason for the exceptionally wet season we are ex periencing. He thinks that the Gulf Stream which passes from the equatorial regions to south of the Auckland Islands has changed its course, and in passing through Cook Straits has enveloped the Colony. As it flows to the eastward, it carries with it a great quantity of mois ture, which, meeting the prevalent easterly wind, is condensed, and descends on the land in the form of rain. In confirma tion of this theory, it is mentioned that some fishermen outside Wellington Heads caught some strange fish, which they took to town, when the fish were recognised as belonging to the equatorial seas. Some few days ago a shoal of fish, declared by some to be entirely strange to this coast, Were caught in the Napier Harbour, and it is suggested that they were of the same family. Cetewayo AN M.P. ! —The very free and independent voters of Tipperary (writes “Atlas” in the “World”), the men who returned O’Donovan Rossa while he was in prison, and John Mitchel while he was in exile, have an idea of a daring originality—one which leaves Dr. Kenealy’s notion of the Orton candidature completely in eclipse. They propose, I am credibly informed, to put up Cetewayo as the man of their choice at the coming general election. His recommendations arc fourfold. HeJs a Home Ruler, he is an enemy to the bloated British Empire, he is a captive, and as his sppeeches in the House would have to be interpreted, sentence by sentence, he would be in valuable as an auxiliary to Mr. Biggarand the Blue Books in a match against time and the Ministry*. Sir Julius Vogel. —A London corres pondent thus writes to a Sydney paper : —The New .Zealand Agent-General, Sir Julius Yogel, is doing his utmost to secure the good will of the electors of Falmouth. All the outward-bound emigrant ships to this colony now stop there, and the other day ho persuaded Mr. William Inman (of the Inman line of N. S. packets), to pay the town a visit, with a view to seeing whether it would not make an eligible port of call for Atlantic steamers. Fal mouth has a splendid harbor.

A Cremation Funeral.— The “New York Times ” publishes a despatch from Washington, Pennsylvania, making tho following statement The burning of the body of the modern apostle of crema tion, Dr. Julius Le Moyne, was done on October 16, in the furnace on Gallowshill. There was one departure from the usual custom of these scenes. In this instance it was preceded wit/i religious services. These were held in the Le Moyne home stead, and were conducted by the Rev. George P. Hays, D.D., President of Washington and Jefferson College, who delivered an address on the occasion of the cremation of Baron de Palm. The family, the relatives, aud some friends assembled at the house where the services were held. The Rev. D. S. Brownson, of the Presbyterian church of Washington, assisted Dr. The religious services were brief and simple, consisting of the reading of some Scrip tural selections, and the offering up of a prayer by Dr. Hays. The clergymen also accompanied the remains to the cre matory. Upon arriving there it was found that about 100 curiosity seekers had assembled. After the body had been placed on the catafalque, Dr. Hays, stand ing on the steps of the building said ‘We have now brought our deceased friend to the place of his choice, aud here we leave him. ’ After announcing that the relatives requested all persons to return to the town, tho doctor pronounced a benediction, and the door was closed, shutting ort all but the re latives and those employed to do the work. It is said that in Dr. Le Moyne’s will there is a danse making it void un less the persons benefited sign a paper agreeing to be cremated after death. As lie was wealthy this is an interesting clause. Only two members of the family, it is said, have signed the agreement.” Conscientiousness. —A Wesleyan minis" ter in a neighboring Colony borrowed a horse from one of his flock. The steed was restless, and in the operation of mounting the worthy man fell over the saddle on the off side, striking the ground heavily with his head. A doctor who re sided some miles off’ was immediately sent for, and during the time which elapsed before his arrival the unfortunate gentle man was kindly attended to by the most intelligent and best-educated person in the neighborhood—viz., the master of the Government school When the doctor arrived he made inquiries as to the condi tion of the reverend gentleman since the accident, and whether he seemed to be much hurt. The schoolmaster replied that he feared the concussion was a serious one ; “in fact,” said Mr. Decimal, “it was fully two hours before he recovered his conscientiousness. ” —ZEgies. “Encoring.” —At that cricket dinner the other evening little Wickets enjoyed himself immensely. After a capital song, well sung, there were cries of encore all round the table. “Rang your encores,” said Wickets, “ let him sing the song over again.”—ZEgles.

An Uncomfortable Boat. —Some ad vertising genius is going sarcastically for a certain Auckland steamboat proprietary. The following wanteds appear in tho Auckland “Herald Wanted, a pas senger - steamer for Riverhead, free from bugs and grog. Apply Post-office, box 94. —Wanted, a few bottles of Phillip’s dis infectant fluid, or a two-pound hammer. Riverhead steamboat. —Wanted, a Scotch terrier, to destroy vermin. Apply ‘ God Bless the Duke of Argyle,! Box 0.” Strict Impartiality. —At a public dinner in one of the Australian colonies a learned judge of sprightly disposition, in response to a complimentary toast, spoke of his own strict impartiality. He informed those present of the remarkable domestic fact that he had had born to him 18 children, nine by his first wife and nine by his second; nine boys and nine girls ; nine born in one colony and nine in another; twins twice, once twin btrys, once twin girls. Now this is really a curious experience, apart from the signi ficance of impartiality pleasantly attributed to it.

Inopportune Music. —Sir Star Blank, a distinguished citizen and public man in one of the Australian colonies, has been, and I believe still is, dangerously ill. In fact, his sickness, it is feared, is of mortal character. Now, in the city whore he lives a volunteers’ brass band has been lately organised, and the members are enthusiastic and eager. They occupy for their band practice a house next to that in which Sir S. B. lies ill. The band determined to be prepared for the worst contingency—isvigorouslypractising “The Dead March” for his funeral, which, although considerate in itself, does not tend to greatly cjheer J;lie spirits of the sick man next door. —iEgles. Rock Oil. —The editor of the Poverty Bay “Herald” offers to contribute five "uineas from his own purse, and endeavor to induce the directors of the paper to subscribe double that sum, towards raising a fund to be expended in boring for oil in the Poverty Bay District. Another Strike. —In consequence of the reduction of wages, tbo whole of the men employed at the Greymouth quarries and protective works struck on Monday. The reason assigned by the Engineer is that the wages are higher in other parts of the colony. The Dutch Arctic Expedition has returned to Hammerfest, alter having penetrated as far as Francis Joseph Land,

TELEGRAPHIC.

—* BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Age Special.) London, Jan. 5. A large ante-rent meeting has been held at Killarney. Inflammatory speeches were made. The O’Donohue denounced the landlords, and attributed the whole ills of Ireland to them. The Kohistan expedition has returned to Cabul without discovering the enemy. Ammunition is nearly exhausted at Cabul. General Roberts has telegraphed to Peshawar for immediate supplies. [Renter's.) London, Jan. 6. In consequence of the excitement of a tenant, serious riots occurred to-day at Connemara, in Ireland. The police fired upon and bayonetted the rioters, who were ultimately dispersed. None were killed, but several were wounded. Berlin, Jan. 5. The “North German Gazette” pub lishes an article to-day in which it is stated that Germany warmly supported Sir Henry Layard, the British ambassador at Constantinople, during his recent rupture with the Porte. The affair is likely to bring about a closer understanding be tween England and Germany. Calcutta, Jan. 5. The Viceroy, Lord Lytton, made a speech to-day in the course of which he said his first task would be to endeavor to reassure and conciliate the Afghans, with a view to an amicable settlement of of the Afghan question. Rangoon, Jan. 5. King Theebaw of Burmah, having failed to come to an amicable understanding with tne Viceroy of India, is now sending an embassy to the various European Courts. _____ AUSTRALIAN. (Renter’s Telegram.) Melbourne, Jan. 5. Sailed —Arawata. A movement is on foot at Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney 7, for the relief of the Irish distress. Sydney, Jan 0. The Executive Council to-day declined to commute the sentence of death passed upon Scott andßogan, the Wantabadgcry bushrangers. INTERPRO VIN OIAL. Auckland, Jan. G. Pastor Chiniquy’s lecture at Otahuhu passed off quietly without disturbance. 100 Orangemen from Auckland, duly equipped, were distributed in the hall, as well as 25 Constabulary under Superin tendent Thompson and Sub-Inspcctoi Pardy. The Constabulary returned to Auckland at midnight by special train. It is believed that these measures effectually dispelled any notion of violence if it ever existed. The body of Mr. Thomas’ son, two years of age, has been recovered in the Waikato river. He was accidentally drowned on December 21. His Excellency the Governor returned last night from Waikato, and loft Manu kau in the Hinemoa for Wellington this afternoon. It is reported that Sir H. Robinson has offered 500 guineas for Mr. Walters’ colt Libeller. It is not very pro bable that Mr. Walters will sell him, as he is in very light for the Dunedin Cup. At the Supreme Court sessions, Francis Montague Pemberton was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for embezzle ment on Mr. Morris of the “New Zea land Herald,” on three charges, sentence to run concurrently 7. He was recom mended to mercy by the jury on account of his wife and family. King, for unlaw fully wounding, was sentenced to five y r cars’ imprisonment. A disgraceful scene took place at the meeting of the Parnell Borough Council, some of the Councillors nearly coming to blows. Councillor Melton got up to speak, and the Mayor and Councillors left the meeting. Auckland, Jan. 7. Government are issuing summonses against land tax defaulters. Sir Win. Manning, senior judge of New South Wales, arrived in the Zealandia. He makes a tour of this Colony 7. The Bank of New Zealand shipped L 20,000 worth of gold to Sydney yester day 7. Colonel Scratchley, who arrived from Sydney yesterday, goes South in the Rin garooma to-morrow. By request of Go vernment he will inspect Lyttelton and Dunedin harbors with a view to defence, and return to Auckland. Grauamstown, Jan. C. Pastor Chinquy opens here on Jan. IS, and a committee is being formed to pro tect him. Alburnia shares are falling, notwith standing the dividend of 20s. It has been suggested that as there is a difference of opinion as to the speed of coasting steamers, the Auckland Regatta Committe should offer a prize to be con tested for between imported and locally built steamboats. The sixth annual session of Good Tem plar Grand Lodges of New Zealand com menced its sitting to-day, at the Templar Hall, Thames, when about 30 representa tives from subordinate Lodges situated in different parts of the colony wex - e present. The G. W.C. Templar, the Hon. Sir W. Fox, of Wanganui, is prevented from being present by 7 serious illness. In his absence, the chair was occupied by Mr. W. Johnson, the G.W.C. Councillor from Wellington. The programme provides for the Grand Lodge sitting four days, hold ing of public temperance meetings on Wednesday evening and social meetings of members on Thursday or Friday. Napier, Jan. G. A gentleman who has been all round Hawke’s Bay informs the “ Herald ” that rust is not nearly so common as is gene rally supposed ; only a few fields of wheat and oats here and there have been at tacked. Barley is quite free, and heavy crops are anticipated. It is noticeable that the wheat on the hills has suffered quite as much as that on the flat from rust. Wellington, Jan. 6. At the Supreme Court to-day Thomas Wisdom, alias Ramsay 7, was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment for larceny ; J. G. Lee, alias Webb, alias Smith, con victed of larceny, to two years. F. Nicholson, for embezzlement, was .ac quitted, but another charge will ho pre ferred against him. Dennis M'Cormack, for unlawfully wounding, was found guilty, and remanded for sentence. Wil liam Hales, for dual voting, was found guilty of the offence, but with uo wilful intent. His Honor inflicted a fine of L2O, the fine not to bo estreated until the opinion of the Appeal Court had been ob tained on several points of law raised by defendant’s counsel. At the Police Court George W.Becr was charged with concealing portions of his estate from the creditors’ trustee. Accused was committed for trial. At the Compensation Court to-day the Wellington Corporation was mulcted in damages for injury sustained by several property holders, owing to the Corpora tion lowering Willis street. Wellington, Jan. 7- Fifteen families, principally miners, who landed at Nelson from London re cently, with the intention of proceeding to the West Coast, have refused to go there, and arrived here this morning en route for Christchurch. The native lad Toko Mace, convicted of horse stealing, was sentenced to two years in Burnham Reformatory. Mark Bryott, for forgery, was sentenced to two years.

The Bankruptcy Court certificate of John Owen, formerly of the Melbourne Hotel, was suspended for four months through his neglect to keep books. Nelson, Jan. 6. A little girl under three years of age, whose parents reside at Toi Toi Valley, before the latter rose, obtained possession of a box of matches, and dressed in her nightgown, was playing with them out side the house, when her night-dress caught fire. The child’s screams [caused her father to run out, who got his hands much burned in extinguishing the flames. The child died from the effects of the bums this morning, although medical aid was procured at once. An inquest will be held to-night. A boy named Hamilton was seriously scalded while sitting on the wharf, fishing, alongside the s.s. Taiaroa. Mr. Lowe, the second pilot, was showing a party of visitors the new windlass, and on starting it, the boy, who was opposite the steam pipe, was blown back on the wharf, his face, chest, abdomen, and legs all being severely scalded. Remedies were im mediately applied, and the boy was wrapped in a blanket and taken home. Blenheim, Jan. 6. The Borough Council to-night accepted a proposal for establishing gas works in Blenheim, made by Mr. Hutchison, 0.E., of Dunedin. Dunedin, Jan. 7. The criminal sessions concluded last night, a Chinaman receiving 18 months for forgery. The telegraph strike is ended here. St. Matthew’s bazaar realised LOGO. Dunedin, Jan. 11. Anglin lias been convicted of perjury, and sentenced to three years’ hard labor. The Rev. Arthur Graves has been con victed of forgery, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. Ah Foo, charged with forgery, was sentenced to eighteen months’ hard labor. No bills were re turned against the lads Thoms and Stafford, for arson at Otaria. The Grand J ury were then discharged. Between LI3OO and LI4OO was taken in gate money at the Caledonian gathering. At a full meeting of the Committee of the. Dunedin Jockey Club on Monday evening last, the action taken by the Stewards of the late meeting in calling upon the Handicapper, Mr. Moore, to re sign, was reported to the Committee and fully discussed. After a number _of motions had been discussed, the following were passed ;—1 “That the Committee, while endorsing the action of Stewards of the late meeting in dispensing with the duties of the Handicapper, are of opinion that it was nor within their power to ap point a permanent Handicapper for the Club (2) That Mr. Moore he re-ap pointed Handicapper to the Club until the end of the financial year.” Tho first motion was carried unanimously, aud the second by 7 votes to 4. Mr. Hazlctt, Vice-President of tho Club, has resigned in consequence. Mr. Keith Ramsay was to-day elected Chairman of the Otago Harbor Board.

THE LATEST.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. {Renter’s Telegrams.) Bombay, Jan. G. Despatches from General Roberts, dated Cabul, January 4, announce that all is quiet within tho city. An annesty has been granted to all except the leaders of the rcbelion. General Gough’s force has occupied the Bala Hissar. St. Petersburg, Jan. 6. Her Majesty the Empress has suffered a relapse, and "is again in a critical state of health. (Argns Special.) London 7 , Jan. C. Reports state that Mr. Parnell’s speeches in America are extremely moderate. Several collisions have lately taken place between the police and tho people owing to eviction processions. At Conne mara, 400 assailed with stones 60 con stables. The latter fired amongst the crowd and charged with their bayonets, wounding several severely. Several arrests have been made. Government have grave anxiety in con sequence of the flight of Abdul Rahman Taskent to Balkh with the connivance of tho Russians, who supplied money. It is regarded as the beginning of an un official war, and altering the aspect of the Afghan question. The Khan of Merv sent an embassy to Calcutta for media tion or assistance. [Age Special.) London, Jan. 6. The police Rilled several rioters at Connemara. Tho “Daily News” Central Associa tion was ordered to leave in consequence of his criticisms. Sir Garnet Wolseley is on tho point of leaving Natal. AUSTRALIAN, [Age Special.) Melbourne, Jan. C. Last year 214,000 ounces of Victorian, and 91,700 ounces of New Zealand gold were exported. ( Renter's 7 cleg rams.) Sydney, Jan. G. The revenue for tho December quarter is L 1,250,000, being a decrease of L 291.500 as compared with last year. The land revenue has decreased L 438,750. Tho revenue r last year shows a total of L 4,481,000, and there is a decrease of L5i0,000 compared with 1878. The actual expenditure last year was LG,090,000.

PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE.

INTERPROVINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. 7. The Natives are mustering for the great meeting at Waitan. Major Ivlair will re present the Government. The Rev. J. Berry delivered a lecture last night at the Lyceum Hall, Hamilton, Waikato. Subject; “My trip to Eng land.” The Hon. F. Whitaker occupied the chair. Messrs. Grant ard Foster, re presenting tho Lincolnshire farmers, also addressed the meeting, referring to tho hospitality they had experienced. They like the quality of the soil. They go over to Williamson’s swamp and proceed to Fouconrt aud Parc ora, afterwards to Mata wata. It is now said that Jno. Smith, draper, and not His Excellency, offered 500 guineas for Libeller. A young man named Walter Tine, who caned some larrikins who insulted his female relative and annoyed himself, was fined 40s. It has transpired that prior to Chiniquy’s meeting at Otahuhu, a deputation from the Orangemen (Messrs. Donald and Reid) waited on Archbishop Steins to acquaint him of the rumors as to expected disturb ances at Otahuhu. A satisfactory inter view with the Archbishop and Vicar- Gencral ensued, aud the deputation were assured that all the clergy could do would be done to prevent any of their people committing a breach of tho peace. At the conclusion, the Bishop shook hands with the deputation, and thanked them warmly for having come to him and openly stated their opinions. Napier, Jan. 7. It appears probable that the streets of Napier will shortly be lighted by kerosene, the price charged by the Gas Company being so excessive that the Council has declined to renew their contract on the terras specified. The gas is not of the best quality, and the price is from 18s. for cash to 255. on credit.

A youth named Arthur Barnsley, who was about two years ago found guilty at Wellington of forging a telegraphic money order, was to-day arrested at Waivoa on a charge of forging Mr. R. A. Maney’s name to a cheque. A fellow named Russell was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by the Wai pawa Bench for a brutal assault on his wife. The neighbors interfered, or it is believed the poor woman would have been killed. So roughly did her rescuers use the brute that it is believed several of bis ribs are broken. Wellington, Jan. 7. The strike among the telegraph opera tors lias terminated, Blenheim and Dune din having resumed work. It is believed Mr. Vesoy Stewart is about to complete arrangements for the purchase of a largo block of land in Poverty Bay district from the Govern ment, for the purpose of forming another settlement on tho same basis as that at Kati Kati. Subscriptions to tho regatta are coming in fast, and it is expected the regatta will be a great success. At the Bankruptcy Court yesterday tho Chief Justice pointed out that not only every trader but also private individuals who became bankrupt were liable to have their certificates suspended if no books had been kept. The meeting of shareholders of the “ New Zealand Times ” Company this afternoon approved of tho sale of tho paper to Mr. Chantry Harris, and passed a resolution to wind the Company up. The directors, however, refused to give Mr. Harris possession until the resolution is confirmed at a statutory meeting to be held 20 days hence. At the Supreme Court to-day the fol lowing sentences were passed :—Christo pher Connell, unnatural offence, 10 years ; Honora Morgan, larceny, 3 months. The Hinemoa with His Excellency and suite on board arrived at 0 p.m. this evening. She was delayed owing to a slight accident to her machinery. It is understood that tho result of the inquiry into the conduct of the sub lieutenant of Wellington Naval Brigade is that he be permitted to resign bis com mission. The inquiry was held in con sequence of complaints made that Leary was intoxicated while at boat practice. The Government steamers Stella and Hinemoa have been supplied with 259 rations and one week’s provisions for their crews. It is believed both steamers arc under orders to sail at 4 o’clock to-morrow morning, but their destinations are not made public. Christchurch, Jan. 7. A conviction for arson lias at last been obtained here. In the Supremo Court to day the youth Edgar Osborne, charged with setting fire to a store in St. Asaph street, was found guilty and sentenced to six years’ penal servitude. D. O’Brien, for forgery and uttering, got two years with hard labor. David Tucker and T. Jones, were charged with house breaking and entering, the former received four years’ penal servitude, and the latter was acquitted. The riot cases will not lie heard till Friday as there are still several cases to be heard. Proceedings are to be taken immediately for the recover} 7 of all Land Tax due for the past year. Gretmoutii, Jan. 7. Tho strike among the Public Works employes is over. Some returned to work yesterday, and tho remainder to-day. The amount of gold exported from this port for tho year ending 30th December, 1879, exceeds' by 15000x7 the previous year. Tjmaru, Jan. 7. Chiarini’s circus is drawing crowded houses. Last night and to-night over 5000 persons were present. It lias now been definitely decided to hold a grand Orange procession on July 12. The weather continues favorable to the crops, which are looking splendid. Busi ness of late has shown a marked im provement in all branches, and though money is still scarce, a very confident feeling prevails. Wool is coming in freely, and the clip promises to be well up to tho average, despite tho heavy losses of sheep in the back country last winter. Dunedin, Jan. 7. Arrived at the Heads —-Marlborough, ship,.from Glasgow. At tho City Police Court to day, James Midgoley and Thomas Cnrreu wove charged with having feloniously stabbed Elisha Harris on Dec. 30. Currcn was discharged and Midgeley committed for trial. At the City Court to-day John David Cheeno, a new arrival, was sentenced to nine months for theft. It was proved ho is very respectably connected at Home. The final selection of the Otago eleven has been made as follows ;• —-Cargill, Clark, Collinson, Conway, Cooke, Craw shaw, Haskett, Paramor, Spring, Horuon. Emergency—Parker. They are con sidered a weak team, and Canterbury should have no difficulty in disposing of them.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

The members of the South Rakaia Road Board met at Rakaia on Wednesday, 7th January. Present Messrs. C. N. Mackie, John Lambio, and Neil M'Lean. NEW MEMBERS. .A letter was read from Mr. A. Makeig, returning officer at the late elections, testifying that Messrs. John Lambie and D. G. Holmes had been duly elected to the vacant seats at the Board. CHAIRMAN. Mr. N. W. Mackie was unanimously re-elected Chairman. BUSHY PARK ROAD. A letter was read from Mr. Copeland, offering the Board so much of his land as was necessary for tho work for Ll 5 per acre ; and Mr. W. A. Brown wrote, ask ing L2O per acre for any of his land that might be required. Tho Chairman in formed tho Board he had replied to Mr. Brown that the Board could not sec its way to give more than LlO per acre for the land in question. The action of the Chairman was approved of. dobbin’s eord. Mr. Lambie reported that ho had ex amined the locality, and recommended that nothing be done till the river has re turned to its original channel. Agreed to. GRAVEL PITS. 'Mr. M £ Lcan drew the attention of the Surveyor to tho unprotected state of the gravel pits on the Acton Road, a man having nearly ridden into one of them. DISTRICT MAP. Mr. B. 0. Latter wrote, asking whether tho Board could let him have a copy of the map of the district. It was resolved to let him have a copy. TENDER. A tender by Mr. L. Maugham for the formation of eighty-three chairs of Upper Chcrtsey Road, at 7s. Cd. per chain, was accepted. The Board then adjourned.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the County Council was held to day. Pre sent—Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman), E. G. Wright, Alfred Saunders John Grigg, Duncan Cameron, Julian Jackson, and E. S. Coster. chairman’s statement. I beg to congratulate the Council on taking possession of their new offices— on taking over the Chambers I insured them in the Union Insurance Company for L7OO, the residence has also been in sured for LGSO. Mr. Murray-Aynsley has signified his willingness to meet the Coun cil in the matter of exchange of land for the road to form the southern approach to the Rakaia Gorge bridge. On receipt of this letter I instructed the Engineer to call for tenders for the work of forming the road ; these will be before you to-day for your consideration. The Hospital being so near completion, I obtained the services of a caretaker for that building, so long as he is required, until’the matter of forming a staff for working purposes has been arranged for. I should ask you to-day to state the office in which you wish the above to be insured. A report on the building from the architect will be laid before you. 1 have entered into an agreement with the owner of the land on the Porks side of the Ashburton for the purchase of the necessary land to form the approach to the bridge at Digby’s. Cheque for the amount agreed on on the certificate of the solicitor will be placed before you to-day for your signature. The Govern ment have gazetted 80 acres as Ferry Re serve Lower Rangitata. This acreage contains the ferry house, which will, I presume, be now available for the use of the authorised ferryman. The County Valuer has delivered duplicate copies of the valuation lists of the different Road Boards in the County, and most of the Road Boards have been supplied with their several copies. As there is a difficulty in obtaining copies of “The Canterbury Trespass of Cattle Ordinance, 1872,” for the use of the poundkeepers and others,'! wrote to the Selwyn, Akaroa, and Wai raate County Councils asking them if in conjunction with the Council they would share the expense of printing 500 copies of that ordinance. The Selwyn and Akaroa Councils have agreed to the ar rangement, and I think the Waimate Council will also agree to it. Tenders for the erection of the bridge near Pudding Hill and of the pound at South Rakaia will be before you to-day. Several re newal slaughter-house licenses will also be placed before you for your approval or otherwise. The Inspector of slaughter houses just before his serious illness, reported to the Council that the holders of slaughter-house licenses were conducting business satisfactorily. ENGINEER'S IIEPOUT. Ashburton, 7th January 1880. I have the honor to report on the fol lowing works I. South Approach to Rakaia Gorge Bridge. I have prepared plans, sections, and specifications for this approach, copies of which have been on view at the Council’s offices here and also at Road Board office, Rakaia, for tlie use of intending contrac tors, and tenders for the -works will be laid before the Council to-day. With reference to the report of ihc Committee, laid before the Council at last meeting, suggesting an alteration of a portion of the recent work, about two miles from the ferry, I find the improvement required can bo obtained by altering the gradients merely, without any alteration of the line of road. I have prepared sections accord ingly, and tenders for this work will also be placed before you to-day. 2. Pound, South Rakaia. In accordance with instructions received from the Council, I have made out plans and specifications for this pound, tenders for which are also called for to-day. These will include the cost of sub-division fences for eight acres of ground pertaining to the pound. j. The Pound A ; ear Waterton will be finished about the end of this week. 4. Bridge for Aborth Ashburton River, Hear Pud din-; Hill. Tenders for this bridge will bo laid before you to-day. e. Bridge over A\>rth Ashburton River, at t-Rigby's. Considerable progress has been made with this structure since the last meeting of Council, although some delays have also taken place during that time, arising partly from the flooded state of the river, but due principally to an insufficient supply of timber for the super-structure, the reason for this assigned by the con tractor being his inability to procure rail way trucks for conveying the timber from Oxford. Twenty-four of the piers have been securely driven. I have in hand the preparation of sections, Ac. , for the approaches to this bridge, and beg to request the Council’s sanction for the calling of tenders for these against their next meeting. 6. Bt idge over Taylor's Stream. The pile-driving for this bridge has latterly become loss difficult as the work has extended into the bed of the stream, and operations are now proceeding satis factorily. Seventeen of the piers are in place, and good progress has boon made with the super-structure. 7. Bridge over South Ashburton River, Alount Somers. The contractor has lost no time in get ting forward the ironbavk and other material for this bridge, a- largo quantity of which has just been unloaded at Tinwald, ready to be conveyed to the site of bridge. <?. Porks Protective Works. The recent floods have interfered con siderably with the progress'of those works, and havo also necessitated some slight modification of tlm plans, but I do not anticipate that on the whole any extra ex pense -will result from this, so far as the Council are concerned, although some of the contractors must have suffered loss in carrying out the work under circumstances so disadvantageous. The state of the river is now very favorable for continuing the works, and those should bo pushed forward to completion without delay. At your request I have, in company with a deputation from the Upper Ash burton Road Board, examined a few points for river protection not jjroviously re ported on, and which it appears that Board meant to be included In the present scheme. The chief of these is a gap in the south bank of the North Ashburton river, which opens into an old crock below the Winchmore Road, It is certainly of small extent, but, as it might become dangerous, I arranged to have it shut up at once. The other portion is on the north hank of the South Ashburton river, on the upper side of road leading to Mr. Reed’s mill. The property threatened there extends for a mile or so up the river, and is about half a mile in width, but it is situated entirely in the old river bed, and quite on a level with the present channel of the river. After fully examining that portion of the river bed which is situated between the present channel and the terrace (which forms the natural boundary of the river) the deputation seemed to think it would be highly imprudent to enter on protective works to any considerable ex tent at that place, or in places similarly situated below the terraces of the river. They wish, however, to secure the road at the entrance to the river, by placing faggots, Ac., in some portions of the river bank adjoining the road. The expense of this, and the cutting of a small grip in the river there, should not exceed L3O, and I would suggest that the Road Board carry out that protection themselves, even

if the Council should think proper to con tribute half the expense, or Ll 5, towards it. 9. Drainage Map. I have not been able to devote much time lately to the surveys necessary for the compilation of a County drainage map, but I have, at intervals, done something towards it, by levelling over several miles in the Wheatstone and Ashton districts, and fixing bench marks there, more especially with the view of carrying out the details of the scheme lately reported on for that district. I shall continue to prosecute this work at every available opportunity, but if the Council determine to have it carrried through within an early period, and without inter mission, I hope they will consider the propriety of granting me the services of an assistant engineer for a time, or other wise get part of the work done by contract, as the extent is such that one person un aided could not hope to (overtake it all satisfactorily in addition to supervising the other works now being undertaken by the Council in the various districts of the County. 10. I have granted certificates of pay ments due to contractors for works executed since last meeting of Council. William Baxter, County Engineer. brotectivb works. It was resolved that the means of pay ment for the protective works on the Upper Ashburton be determined prior to the settlement of accounts with the Upper Ashburton Road Board for the con struction of the bridge at Digby’s. TUB COUNTY HOSPITAL. Mr. J. Stanley Bruce, architect of the County Hospital, reported on the various works in connection with it. On the future extension of the hospital he sug gested the building of a ward with re quisite accessories, corresponding ex ternally to present private and public wards, capable of holding 24 beds, and having a temporary division in the centre, so that it could virtually be utilized as two wards, one beingau accident ward. With perhaps the addition of an isolated fever ward, the hospital would then be suffi cient for the county’s requirements for a considerable period. If the suggested ex tension should be made, the present public ward would be the best to utilize as a ward for females. The architect be lieved the six private wards provided would b e a great boon to the public, and thought their existence should be made widely known throughout the country, as they ought to be a source of profit to the institution. There was no building in the township more requiring to be lighted with gas than the hospital, but the Gas Company was unwilling to go to the cost of L3OO for laying mains for the sole supply of this building. The architect suggested that the usual course was for the parties interested to pay a fair proportion of the cost of laying mains, so that gas might be introduced. Regarding the work of building, Mr. Bruce complimented the builder, Mr. Carle ton, for the satis factory carrying out of his contract, aud in regard to the Council offices he said he could nut ascribe too much praise to Mr. David Imsk, and the gentlemen who had acted as Clerk of Works for the manner in which the building had been com pleted. Regarding the gas mains, it was re solved to write to the Gas Company to as certain the cost of laying the mains. THE RACECOURSE. The members of the Racing Club Com mittee petitioned the County Council for a lease of the racecourse, at a nominal rent, for a term of years. They were in formed that it had been vested in the Council, and owing to a mistake in the Land Office the reserve had been gazetted for recreative purposes, aud not for racing purposes. The Club had expended L 317 12s. 3d. in improving the reserve, which comprised 146 acres, and they desired a lease so that they might be enabled the more safely to make such further improve ments as may be necessary. Mr. Wriglit was of opinion that the racecourse should be leased to the Com mittee at a nominal rental, but a condi tion should be laid down that any charges fixed for the admission of the public, &c., should first receive the sanction of the Council. It was ultimately decided to lease the ground for a term of 14 years at ten pounds per annum, that sum to be ex pended annually in planting, and the Council also to reserve the right of re vising the price of admission of the pub lic to the races charged by the Club. HIGH SCHOOL, The Secretary to the Board of Educa tion wrote informing the Council that they would shortly have to exercise their privilege of nominating two members of the Ashburton High School Board in terms of section 3 of the Ashburton High School Act, 1878. Messrs. Wriglit and Saunders were appointed members of the Board of Directors. BOUNDS. Mr. W. Price, poundkeeper, asked for a reduction on the amount of his rent of the Ashburton Pound, seeing that other pounds were being erected in the district. It was resolved to consider the applica tion after the new pounds were opened. The Mount Hutt Road Board _ wrote asking that a pound be established in that district. The Clerk was instructed to ascertain where the Board wanted the pound erected, and the acreage required. RIVER BRoTECTION CONTRACTS. Mr. William Sutherland wrote asking the Council to consider the loss lie has sustained in completing the contract No. 1 of the River Protection Works at the North branch of the Ashburton, owing to the late floocis. Ho also asked for ah ex tension of time for the completion of No. 3 contract. An extension of three months was allowed on No. 3 contract, but the Council declined to meet Mr. Sutherland’s refer ence as to damages. DOG COLLARS. Mr. Walsh, of Rakaia, wrote complain ing that, having read the acceptance of his tender for collars in the newspapers, he had proceeded to work and had made 700 collars in black leather according to sample. Eight days after lie had received a letter from the Council stating that his tender had been accepted, but the leather must bo brown and not black. He pointed out that he could not supply collars in brown leather at less than Dd. each, and having tendered in black, and made 700 in that color, an unfairness was done to him. It was resolved to take over the 700 collars at the tendered price, and let the rest of the tender bo executed by Mr. J. Tait, Ashburton, in brown leather. WAKANUI CREEK. Mr. Corbett, Wakanui Creek, wrote asking the Council to take steps to direct the flood-water from the creek, as the water from the creek had damaged his property. Mr. W. Stoddart also wrote re the ob struction of the creek on his land at Willow Earm. The Council decided in regard to Mr. Corbett’s letter that it was a matter in which they could not interfere, having given no authority for him to take the water. WATERTON BOUND. Mr. Holland was appointed pound keeper. THE MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY. Mr. Wright road the following memo, which had been forwarded to him by tho Hon. Mr. Oliver’s direction : Memo, for Hon. J. Macandrew : An urgent treasury question has to be answered, to do which, please inform me on the following point :—Tlie Mount Somers and Ashburton Railway was

originally intended to be made by the County, and L 12,000 worth of raila were ordered, of which amount Government had in hand say L7OOO, and proposed to stop the balance of cost, amounting to about LSOOO, out of subsidies. Last session, there was, however, a vote taken for the line, and the first sod of the con tract was turned the other day. What I wish to know is, what arrangement was made by you verbally with the County, as there is nothing in writing ? Does Government take the rail and pay liabili ties thereon, and make the line, or istGo vernment to stop the cost of the ordeivfor rails from subsidy, as originally agv&f 'i J. Knowles. June 12, 1879. The letter was forwarded to Mr. Wriglit by the Hon. Mr. Oliver's direction on Nov. 20, 1879. It bore a memo, by Mr. Macandrew to the effect that the under standing was that all material ordered on behalf of the County should be paid for by them and handed over to the Govern ment towards the construction of the line. This memo bore the date of 16th June, He (Mr. Wright) had replied as fol lows ; ” Ashburton, Nbv. 27, 1879. “ The Hon, Colonial Treasurer.—l am instructed to call your attention to the unwarranted action of the late Govern ment in withholding from the Ashburton. County the moneys due to it in the shape of subsidies, and 20 per cent of land fund, for nine months ending 30th Sept, last, amounting to L 4078 9s. over and above County’s share of LIOO,OOO surplus Canterbury land fund, so long overdue, amounting to L 14,938, or a total of L19,01G. lam aware it is intendedto pay the latter sum of L 14,938 out of the first instalment of the new loan, and only introduce this item so long overdue to show the greater injustice of withholding subsidies, &0., justly due to Ashburton, while it is notorious that large sums have been spent illegally in other districts. The sole cause for these moneys being withheld appears (from inquiries made at Wellington) to be the arbitrary and totally unjustified order given by the late Minis ter of Public Works on 9th June last to impound those moneys in payment for rails ordered for the Ashburton and Mount Somers Branch Railway, a precedent for which he had no warrant, either in law or equity. In order to place you in posses sion of the facts leading to the purchase of these rails, X will briefly recapitulate them. In 1874 the Canterbury Provin cial Government voted LIO,OOO as a first instalment towards the construction of a railway from Ashburton to Mount Somers, and rails for the full amount were pur chased, and delivered at Rolleston, on the main south line. No farther action was taken till early in 1878, when the County Council resolved the lino should be made, and applied for rails delivered three years previously at Rolleston, when it turned out that they had been appropriated by the Public W*rks Department, and used on colonial railways throughout Canter bury. The County Council, as the cus todians of County property, were clearly entitled to demand the cost'price of these rails and interest, which would have amounted to upwards of Lll,ooo. How ever, the Public Works Department assorted that, owing to the then low price of iron, they could replace them for about L 6400, and offered to purchase rails to that value on behalf of the county, ox pay over that sum in cash, and to avoid litigation the Council decided to accept this offer and requested the Government to purchase rails to the value agreed. At a later date the Council requested Go vernment also to obtain sufficient ad ditional rails to enable the Council to con struct in all twenty miles of this branch line with sidings, and guarantee the. pay ment, estimated at LSOOO. The 'CgjAnl also negotiated the acquisition of quired for the line free of cost, either for land or fencing. So much has been done towards making the said railway where the Minister of Public Works in 1878 de cided that this line should form part of the colonial railway system, it being made evident from Mr. Blair’s estimate of L 40,400 for the whole twenty miles that the line would be the most inexpen sive in the whole colony,. while the pro spective traffic was great, and in an-. ticipation of its construction from 1874 to 1878 the district had already contributed to the colonial exchequer more than suf ficient to pay for the work twice over. There were good and sufficient reasons to justify the determination of the Minister for Public Works to adopt the line. But now comes the most extraordinary pro ceeding on the part of the Minister for Public Works in attempting to confiscate all the rails which the County Council had obtained for the work as a county rail way. It will be manifest that while the Council would have been justified in buy ing rails, and acquiring land for a work which would have been county property, and as such could have been let, or other wise dealt with in the interests of the dis trict, they would clearly not have . been justified in defraying at least one-third the cost of constructing a railway to be come the property of the colony. Nor, in point of fact, were they ever consulted in the matter. Under these circum stances, and for the reasons assigned above I have the honor to request that you will direct that the moneys now due to the county be paid at once, and that it may receive full value for all the materials taken over for the construction of the Mount Somers line.—l have, &c., “E. G Weight, ' ‘ ‘Treasurer Ashburton County Council. ” Mr. Wright further explained the action he had taken, and was happy to. state that though no official communica tion had been received the money would be forthcoming for the County’s use. DOMAIN BOARD. Mr. 3. G. Wright wrote stating that he would oppose the Plantation and Domain Board parting with its endowment for any purpose, but he would agree to let the Wakanui Road Board have 5 acres at a low rental on lease. It was resolved to aslc the Wakanui Road Board if they still required to have a portion of the reserve for the purpose of erecting offices ! WATER SUB PLY FOR BRAINS. Mr. Wright explained that the Bill which had boon passed for the water sup ply on the plains, authorised the Comity to commence the works and expend the LIO,OOO voted, but did not empower them to strike a rate for that purpose. A new Bill would be necessary next session, to give the ratepayers borrowing powers, but ■ r it was thought by Parliament that as there were some 40 public bodies who were anxious to “ tap the barrel it would , soon be found empty. He then proposed that a Committee consisting of the Chair man, Messrs. Saunders, Grigg, and the mover be appointed to initiate an amended Bill for the water supply. He wished to have power to deal with the Bill in the House either as a private Bill or as a local bill. He would prefer it to be the latter, owing to the cost of get ting private Bills through the House. Mr. Saunders thought it advisable to incur the expense of preliminary state ments and advertisements, so as to allow Parliament to treat the Bill as a private one. The resolution was then put and carricch_^ DROMORB GOODS SHED. Mr. Wright stated ho had used Lis endeavors to have a shed erected at Dromore. He had been promised by the Minister for Public Works a good supply of trucks and tarpaulins, but not being satisfied with that, had applied for the shod according to promise. He had tele graphed to Mi-, Blair, who had replied that he had received no instructions; so . that the shod would not be erected this year.

"TWTSHHUMI'UW UUAiWLWJ, Thursday, January 8, isso.



Special Notices. REAPERS AND BINDERS. TTJ-Vn? TT(TR. PRICE £SO EACH. 55g ROYSE, STEAD, & CO. SEALY BROS., Seedsmen and nurserymen, East Street, ASHBURTON. Farm, Garden, and Flower Seeds and Garden Requisites of every descrip tion at Lowest Rates. I SALE A SPECIAL SHIPMENT OF WALTER A. WOODS’ REAPERS AND BINDERS, With All the Latest Improvements, in eluding a new IRON DRIVING WHEEL. A sample machinehas been fitted up. and is now on view at Messrs. P. and D. Duncan’s yard. Nursery— Moore Street. 43*



“Cologne Gazette”) which is received from Varzin respecting the German Chancellor’s state of health, continues without varia tion of an unfavorable character. Prince Bismarck suiters the most acute pains, and the recent death of the Minister Billow, who had been so long and intimately as sociated with the Chancellor, has increased his depression of spirits. Among other utterances of Prince Bismarck of late he is reported to have said that, “ if his pre sent condition should continue, he felt he should soon share Billow’s fate.” An Ice Showeu. —A heavy meteoric shower of lumps of ice fell recently at Takapau, according to the “ Waipawi Mail,” which states that the ice enclosed what appeared to be sonic mineral sub stance.