MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Clxristcliurcli and North at G a. m, 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertscy Rakaia, &c., at 9 a. m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuku, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and. Ashburton Gorge, oil Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a. m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge bn Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. in. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W, St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

BIRTH.

O’Reilly —At Ashburton, on the 16th inst., the wife of F. P. O’Reilly of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1880.

“ Economy and Retrenchment. ” These •words form the refrain of the Financial Statement, and they have also become a sort of watchword and rallying cry from the Land’s End to the John o’ Groats of the colony. Looking at what the Govern ment now in office have done in the direction which these words indicate, he would be ungracious indeed who would not accord them a fair mead of praise. In fact they have done more than ever was attempted before, but as a set-off again it may be urged that the circumstances of the colony never before required so many turns of the screw as the state of affairs to-day render imperative. On the other hand, with the estimates before us, and some time spent in looking over what they contain, it is palpable that far more could be done—and, wo fear, must bo done —before the colony is satisfied that economy and retrenchment have been carried to their utmost point. It is easy to find fault, easy to point out diffi culties ; but a far different thing when, burdened with the responsibility of ad ministration, one is called upon to act, remedy faults, and rectify errors. Still, those estimates show strange figures- The census gives us a population of 400,000 over, while column upon column of the 128 foolscap pages of the Estimates show amounts to be paid away as salaries lo Government officials, until,roughly totting up these sums we find that more than a million is thus annually disposed of. We say it is easy to find fault, but not so easy to suggest a remedy. Government tells us that they have already reduced the pay-sheet by £50,000, and they purpose a still further reduction. But on the face of it a million pounds paid away for the conduct of public business amongst a population not so great as some provincial cities in the old country is surely extraordinary, and much could yet be done in the way of retrenchment that has not been attempted by Govern ment. We are fully aware that much hardship will be entailed if the pruning knife is ruthlessly inserted, and many public servants dispensed with ; but then,

again, economy and retrenchment are the cry, and without economy and retrench ment exorcised in a very great degree we must submit to additional taxation. Even with these virtues exercised as Government have exercised them, we must still face a property tax, a beer tax, and increased stamp duties. But is the country to be taxed simply because the Government do not care to bring the Civil Service within the limits that the circum stances of the colony can afford 1 When a man in business can no longer afford employment to a large staff of men, he does not keep them on, —however much he would wish to, —and pay them out of capita], simply because he knows they will encounter hardship if he discharges them. Were a large contingent of the public officers now in the service of the Govern ment to he discharged, and sent out to seek a living from other masters, there would doubtless be hardship encountered by many of them. But bow much hard ship has been encountered, and is now bring encountered, by hundreds at this moment, who have never enjoyed the sunshine of Governmental favor, nor pocketed a penny of Go vernment money. As soon as employment became scarce through the inability of employers to pay wages, hundreds were drifted off, to find a living as best they might. In how many in stances Government pays salaries ranging from £6OO to £I,OOO a year, it would not take long to find out with the estimates before us, and we do not think it would be very difficult, if earnest and firm men set themselves the task, to say how many of these could be “ regretfully dispensed with owing to financial difficulties.” Salaries like these are not such as should bo paid at the present time, especially when additional taxation has to be re sorted to to find the money to pay them with. If the colony cannot afford to pay the rate of wages, nor to employ the number of servants, that are paid out of the public funds, then clearly they ought to be dispensed with. It is all very web to raise the cry of the public service being impaired by a too free issuing of the walking ticket; but when such efficiency as we already enjoy is only secured at a cost to the taxpayers that they cannot afford, and can only meet by dipping further into not too well furnished pockets there ought to be some preparedness to risk the threatened inefficiency. We do not fear the advent of this inefficiency— there are too many competent men threatened with a relegation to the ranks of the unemployed for the threat to have any meaning, and Govern ment servants know the state of financial affairs throughout the colony as well as other men do. The above remarks refer only to servants of the General Govern ment, and when the host of officials em ployed by local bodies are taken into consideration some idea of the extent to which officialdom obtains in this over governed colony will then be obtained.

The Norfolk. — The Norfolk steamer leaves Lyttleton to-day for Wellington and Sydney. County Council Balance sheet. —ln another column of thi=t issue will be found the half-yearly balance-sheet of the County Council for the six mouths ending 31st March, 1880. South Raeaia.— Mr. J. W. Sharp and Mr. William Allan were nominated o i Tuesday to fill the vacant seat on the Eoad Board recently caused by the resignation of Mr. Neil Maclean. A p )!1 will be taken on Wednesday, June 23. Sudden Death. —Sergeant Felton re ceived a telegram from Rakaia on Tuesday, to the effect that a man named Charles M'Carthy, a character well-known to the police, had died very suddenly at the residence of Mr. Carruthers. San Francisco Mail.— The next mails for the United Kingdom, etc., via San Francisco, will close at Ashburton on Saturday the 19th day of J une, 1880, at nine a.m. Money orders to go by this mail should be taken out before four p.m. on Friday. Mutual Life Assurance. —Mr. J. M. Templeton, F.S.A., the Secretary of the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia (Limited), visited Ashburton yesterday, and we understand made arrangements for having this favorite office represented in this district. A. and P. Association.— The monthly meeting for the reading and discussion of papers is announced to bo held on the 22nd of June, in the upper room of the Town Hall. Previous to the meeting a plain dinner will be partaken of in the Somerset Hotel, by members only. Scalded to Death. —A child of Mr. Frarapton’s near Longbeach, about five years of age had, by a misadventure of one of her elder sisters, a dish full of boil ing water tipped over her on Monday last. Dr. Stewart was sent for, but by the time he arrived the patient was moribund, and expired yesterday. An inquest will be held. The Property Assessment. —It is in tended, we understand, to so alter the assessment papers that a landowner of ordinary intelligence will be able to make his return in due form. E. G. Wright, Esq., who was here yesterday, informed our reporter that new schedules in a simpler form would shortly be issued, and the time for returning them be extended. Land Sale.— Mr. Alfred Harrison held a sale on Tuesday afternoon of Mr. George Parkin’s properties in and near the town ship. The three sections upon which the dwelling-house and workshop stand brought L 155 being subject to a mortgage of LSOO, and a section at the corner of Wills and Tancred streets brought L 55, being mortgaged for LIOO. The axle was continued yesterday, when _ the whole was disposed of. T 1 0 morticing machine brought LlO ; the saw bench, with saws complete, tanks, and four-horse engine, brought L4O; and a “general joiner,” LSO. Other effects brought pro portionate prices. St. Stephen’s Church, Ashburton. — A Committee of ladies has been formed to make arrangements for a Bazaar and gift auction proposed to be held on the 21st of July next, at the Town Hall, in aid of the funds of the churches in this district. The following ladies have assented to canvass the town, and will gladly receive any gifts which may be sent to their respective houses :—Mrs. Bullock, Mrs. Fooks, Mrs. Crisp, Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Felton, Mrs. Gundry, Mrs. Shury, Mrs. Scott. Con tributions to the refreshment stall may be sent to the house of Mr. J. W r ard in Burnett street. Masonic. —On Tuesday evening, the annual installation of officers in the St. John’s Lodge, E.C., took place at the new Masonic Hall, followed by a banquet, given by Bro. Gundry, and catered by Bro. Thiele. The ceremony was conducted by the D.D. Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thomson, from Christchurch. There was a good attendance, and the whole pro ceedings passed off in a highly satisfactory manner. The officers installed for the ensuing twelve months were as follows : Worshipful Master, Bro. W. H. Gundry ; Senior Warden, Bro. W. H. Zoucli ; Junior Warden, Bro. Edward Saunders ; Treasurer, Bro. Crisp; Secretary, Bro. C. C. Fooks ; Organist, Bro. H. J. Weeks ; Deacons, Bros. 0. C. Hurrell and W. H. Bristow ; Tyler, Bro. Cullen. The ceremony was conducted in a most im pressive manner by the D.D.G.M., who, in conclusion, addressed the officers and brethren in the principles of the Order ; after which, the whole attended the ban quet, in the room upstairs set apart for such purposes. The usual toasts were proposed and responded to, and the Ma sonic Choir enlivened the festivity by some solos and glees. Altogether the evening passed in a most pleasant manner.

Another Sodden Death. —A man named Daniel Campbell, a waggoner, died rather suddenly at Mount Somers on Tuesday last. Our information on tie subject is but sparse at present, but from what we can learn, the deceased com plained to his mates on Monday night of acute pains in his left arm. Although nothing serious was imagined, they tried to alleviate the poor fellow’s sufferings by rubbing the part affected with pain-killer and administering to him doses of whisky, but the man gradually sunk and expired o,t two o’clock on Tuesday moning. The deceased was about fifty years of age. An inquest will be held to-day. Caught Napping. —At the sitting of the District Court last month, it will be remembered that a man named Williams appeared and objected to the discharge of bankrupt Patrick Sullivan, alleging that Sullivan had had the wages due to his mates paid to him and had immediately thereafter filed, by which means he had appropriated his mates’ money. The debtor was not in Court at the time, and the Judge adjourned the application of discharge till Tuesday. Williams was promptly up to time on Tuesday, and hung about Court all day long, waiting for Sul livan’s case to come. Seeing no apparent end to the cases against Messrs Friedlander he went out for a few minutes, but he had made a mistake. Suddenly (to his ideas at least) the civil business closed like the shutting of a knife, and in his absence Sullivan’s application was heard. No opposition being entered, the man who was accused of swindling his mates got his discharge without any trouble and the apposing creditor was left fuming Sporting. —A trotting match of more than ordinary interest is to be run on Saturday afternoon. A L2O a side match has been arranged between Mr. George Willcock’s grey gelding, Deceiver, and the celebrated mare, Gentle Annie, for a five mile run from Wheatstone to Waterton and back. Of the two, the old mare as a trotter, has a reputation second to none in the colony, but she must be now getting into the “ sere and yellow ” leaf, as we recollect her as a trottist fully thirteen years ago on the West Coast, and she was then entered by Sam Garforth as an aged marc, so that she has the penalty of over twenty summers to carry inde pendent of her rider. Deceiver is a crack of a very different character, being a weedy looking but well bred hack, and he made a very good shape at the big water jump at the recent steeplechases. Since then his owner, Mr. Willcocks, lias put him in harness, and ho shows indications of being able to cover a lot of ground in a small space of time as a trotter. As a tip “ Telephone,” after having so successfully picked the -winners at the steeplechases, gives the result of this event as follows ; —Deceiver wins by half a mile bard held. Mrs. Brown, the nurse at the Auckland Hospital, -who confessed to not accounting for money received from dead patients, has sent in her resignation. A Respecta dle Burglar. —At the Christ church Resident Magistrate’s Court yester daj Richard Wood, very respectably con nected here, was charged with breaking into the shop of B. Cass, draper, and the New Zealand Clothing Factory, and steal ing money and goods therefrom. He was remanded for evidence. New Licenses. —At its last |sitting the Licensing Bench in Christchurch refused to grant any more licenses until the passing of the new Licensing Act. This action practically prevents the establish ing of a new hotel for a twelvemonth, and is intended, apparently, to bring every now application under the principle of local option, which has been introduced into the new measure. Barret’s Hotel. —Over the renewing of the license for Barret’s Hotel, the Christchurch Licensing Bench sat for along time on Tuesday, and the whole question of Barret’s connection with the Boxing Day riots was again opened up. Ultimately it was decided to grant the renewal until the next quarterly licensing day, but only with a view to enable Barret to dispose of the house and business, he himself being the reverse of a fit and proper person, in the Commissioners’ opinion, to hold a license. “Parcels.” —At a meeting of Volun teers held recently at Blenheim for prize firing, a number of “parcels” -were pre sented by private individuals for com petition, the opening of some of which by the winners (the Expaess says) was pro ductive of much amusement. Mr. Car ter’s parcel, won by private Wemyss, con tained a miscellaneus assortment of articles, and comprised a straw hat, a lady’s ruffet, three boa, a matron’s bonnet, a couple of bustles, a pair of stockings, a crinoline, and a belt. Mr. Hustwick’s parcel, won by Mr. Tarawiti, contained some nursery powder, a baby’s ring, two baby’s bibs, and a feeding bottle. Obituary. —A telegram from Welling ton briefly informs us that Dr. Bennett, an old resident, has died, at the age of seventy-two. The deceased gentleman was a colonist of many years’ standing, and came to New Zealand in its very early days. He resided in Auckland for a con siderable time, and was appointed by Go vernment to the post of Registrar-General of the colony. While in Auckland he took a lively interest in all matters asso ciated with the social well-being of the community, and was president of the Young Men’s Christian Association, we believe, up to the time of his leaving the place. When the seat of government was transferred to Wellington the doctor, along with the rest of the Government officials, went to the latter place, where he fulfilled the duties pertaining to his office for several years, when the infirmi ties of ago and declining health, com pelled him to relinquish the position of Registrar - General, and retire on his pension, being succeeded in the office by Mi-. W. R. E. Brown. The last few years of the deceased gentleman’s life were spent in absolute retirement, and, although the meagre telegram states that he had attained the ago of when he passed away, we shall not be sur- - ' prised to learn that this is a mistake, and that his real age was an addition of ten to that number. An Unrehearsed Scene. —During the performance of “The Stranger” at the Theatre Royal, Wellington, on a recent night, a most flattering tribute to Mrs. Hill’s impersonation of the afflicted wire came from an unexpected quarter. The incident is thus narrated by the Timex. During the painful interview with her husband, the Stranger, in which ho is obdurate to all her appeals for sympathy and forgiveness, the chivalry and sym pathy of one among the occupants of the stalls was thoroughly aroused. He, good, honest soul, did not quite see why, after all the trouble the unhappy pair had en dured, a reconciliation could not be effected, and evidently, fully imbued with the idea that he was witnessing a stern reality in domestic trouble, lie approached the footlights, and, addressing the obdu rate husband, told him he might at least forgive his wife, and take her-again to his bosom. As might be _ expected, such an interpolation in the original text had the effect of for a time stopping the play, each attempt to proceed being met by fresh expostulations on the part of the champion, and avowals that he, and his mates also, would stand by to help the lady if her old man wouldn’t come round as he ought to.” A Yankee editor, speaking of poultry) says :—“ Much attention has been paid to the rearing of poultry in the West, and the method now in use of hatching chickens I consider far superior to the Egyptian one of hatching them in ovens. It is simply to fill a barrel with eggs, head it up and sit a hen upon the bung.”

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT

A DEN OE TILTH.

Monday, June 14, 1880. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY, William Roberts, for being drunk and disorderly, and the additional oftunce of having used obscene language, was fined 30s. for his ill manners, or the usual sacrifice of liberty for a period.

Joseph Barriera was charged with having no lawful visible means of sup port. Constable Neil deponed to arresting the prisoner in a brothel in Havelock street on the 11th instant, at 11.30 p.m;-, and • charged him with having no lawful visible means of support. There were pro stitutes in the house, and one of them told me I was a mean man to arrest the accused. He said his lungs were gone, and he had been living on his heart for the last two years. He said he did not knock men down and rob them. I have known accused for the last two years, and during that time he has always kept a brothel. I have known his house as a house of call for prostitutes. I have never known him do any work, but sometimes he would hawk about blacking. Ho told me when I arrested him that he had sub let the house to a prostitute named Jessie Davis for L 5 a week, and that the rent would be his means of support. Constable Warring, sworn—l know the prisoner. On the 17th of last month, at 10 p.m., I visited a brothel in Havelock street, where I saw the prisoner, and im mediately on my entering he hid himself under a bed. E. Higgins, a prostitute, who was nearly nude, was lying on the bed in a state of intoxication. Another prostitute, who was also very drunk, and was using most foul language, was with two men in another room. There were a number of men and women there drunk, and also a lad of about sixteen. Accused said he was the proprietor of the house. The house is notorious as a brothel, and I have seen a number of drunken men and women visit it. Was instructed by Sergeant Felton to visit the house. Thomas Hicks, sworn—l know the prisoner. He lives in a brothel. I have been in the habit of supplying prisoner with bread. I know the house to be one of ill-fame, and have seen lads of sixteen and upwards go there. Alexander Wilson, Sergeant of Police, Christchurch, knew the prisoner for years in Christchurch. Ho has always lived on the prostitution of women, and I ordered him to leave Christchurch cr I would arrest him. He has been the proprietor of a house of ill-fame in Christchurch, touted for men, and used to supply the house with drink. He does no work of any description. His character is utterly bad. He was arrested for larceny in January last, and attempted to poison him self coining from Cashmere. He was laid up for a long time in the hospital, and was convicted and discharged for the larceny, on account of what he had suffered. Sergeant Felton sworn —I visited a shop in Peter street, occupied by the prisoner, in May last, at 10.30 a. m. It was locked up, and a few tins, pies, and dried fish were in the window. Three days after, at noon, I visited it again, and found it in the same condition. 1 know that prisoner kept a brothel in Christchurch and one in Ashburton. I have passed his shop several times, but never saw it open, or any one in it. The house in Havelock street was under police surveillance. Have seen cabs take drunken men thei-e I was present in Court and conducted case against a cabman for obstructing the thoroughfare opposite accused’s house in Havelock street, and the man was fined a pound. Last Saturday prisoner told me he was not able to work, as he had disease of the lungs. He said he had bought good furniture for the house in Havelock street, so as to keep it clean and comfort able, as he could not get a living by work ing, He said the girls were renting the house, and hoped I would not he hard on him. After prisoner had made a statement, in which he tried to excuse himself, and concucled by saying that in former times he had earned a respectable living, his Worship sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment, with hard labor. A VAGABOND. George Skites was brought up on two charges : the first for being drunk and disorderly, and secondly for being illegally on the premises of Mr. Knight, East town belt. For the first offence he was fined 10s., and the second charge was adjourned until the next sitting of the Court. While in custody, prisoner made several statements to Sergeant Felton to the effect that he had been robbed of his watch, some new blankets, and a valuable fur cap. The man who had robbed him, he said, hak knocked him down, gagged him, and then took his things. A num ber of persons were brought to him for the purpose of identification, but he failed to point out the culprit, and the Sergeant eventually found out that what he had said was totally false. Tuesday, June 16. drunk. William Smith, charged with being drunk and disorderly said “it was cor rect,” and was fined 40s. THE BOARDING HOUSE CASE. William Mahoney appeared in answer to the charge of assaulting Samuel Lucas. The case had been heard at a previous sit ting of the Court, and had been remanded for the purpose of obtaining the evidence of Constable Smart. This evidence was taken, but it did not materially affect the case ; and his Worship inflicted a nominal fine of 55. , as, although the charge had been proved, yet the conduct of the com plainant had been somewhat indiscreet. ALLEGED SHEEP-STEALING. Benjamin Oorrio was brought up on remand, charged with sheep-stealing ; and was defended by Mr. Crisp. Sergeant Felton stated that upon enquiring into the matter, he found that the charges against the accused could not be sustained, and would ask leave to withdraw, the case. Mr. Crisp applied for costs, as the accused had been put to a deal of inconvenience and expense. His Worship said it was beyond his power to award costs, and the information would be dismissed. ILLEGALLY ON PREMISES. George Skites was brought up on remand, charged with being illegally on the premises of Mr. Knight. Joseph Smith, Iraper, gave evidence to the effect that accused had created a dis turbance near his premises on Saturday night last, and when asked to leave had refused to do so. He and Mr. Knight had given him into custody. Prisoner had only been recently dis charged from Lyttelton gaol, where he had been serving a term for the larceny of a watch, and taking this fact into consider ation, along with the man’s well-known habits, His Worship sentenced him to three months’ hard labor. CIVIL GASES. A number of civil cases was held over, in consequence of several parties and solicitors who were interested in them, being absent at the District Court. His Worship said that he would endeavor to prevent the recurrence in future of the two Courts clashing one with the other. It was just possible that by mentioning the matter to Judge Ward, the latter gentleman would have the sitting of the District Court appointed for a day on which the R.M. Court was not usually sitting.

DISTRICT COURT.

[Before His Honor Judge Ward.] Tuesday, June 15. V. . Fergus v. W. S. Peters.—Mr. O’Reilly applied for an adjournment on behalf of the defendant, which was granted. W. Sutherland v. James Steele. —Claim LIOO. Mr Branson for the plaintiff ; Mr. O’Reilly for the defendant. The latter declined to act because defendant did not appear. The claim was one for damages, estimated at LIOO, caused to certain stacks of grain, by the spreading of a fire from defendant’s land to that of plain tiff. Janies Sutherland deponed that the stacks burned consisted of two stacks of wheat averaging 400 bushels each, the whole quantity was about 800 bushels, and was worth about 2s. 9id. per bushel as it stood on the ground un thrashed. The evidence of a witness who saw the fire was taken. His Honor gave judgment for the plaintiff, for amount claimed, with costs. H. G. Luscombe v. J. Grigg.—Claim LSB. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Branson for defendant. As no particulars were attached to the summons, plaintiff was non-suited with costs. George Roberts v. Friedlander Bros. —Claim L2OO. Mr. F. Garrick for plain tiff ; Mr. Purnell for the defendants. George Roberts deponed that he knew a person named Gardiner, who was a tenant on his land, and owed him for rent. Friedlander Bros had since paid this rent, taking an acceptance from Gardiner for L4OO, which was due on the sfch February last. Witness received a letter from the defendants after this bill was due. Received also several accounts from Gardiner. Mr. Purnell objected to those accounts, being put in as they were handed to Gardiner by Messrs. Friedlander. His Honor over-ruled this objection. Witness—Messrs Friedlander knew tha a sum of L4OO would be due to witness by Gardiner to January, 1880 in August of the previous year. g&'Had received no part of the money from anyone. Took no pro ceedings against Gardiner because the latter had 600 acres of crop, and did not want to press him at that time of the year. Believed the funds would be ample to satisfy all requested witness not to press Gradincr, and ho did not do so. Gardiner became bankrupt in April, 1880. Friedlander Bros, received the whole of the crop or nearly all. Had seen the liens given by Gardiner to Fried lander Bros. Mr. Garrick asked that the lien be pro duced. Mr. Parnell objected, as they were sued on a guarantee. His Honor ordered the liens to be pro duced. Witness—On the representation of the defendants, witness did not take any pro ceedings against Gardiner, as he (witness) had been given to understand that as soon as they had possession of the grain there would be plenty to pay his claim, and the Friedlanders had written to him to say they would part with nothing until witness was paid. By Mr. Purnell—The L4OO was due to witness as a first instalment on the land. Knew that there was a bill of sale and a lien given to Friedlander Bros. Was not surprised to hear that these were to cover certain advances made to Friedlander Bros. Gave an indemnity to Gardiner against any claim by the Trustee in Bank ruptcy. The sum claimed (L 200) would not cover the loss and depreciation in the property. Was not aware that Gardiner had insisted upon the wheat being shipped to England. James Gardiner deponed Was a farmer, living at Ashburton. Filed his schedule about six weeks ago—being forced to do so by Friedlander Bros. Gave a lien and bill of sale over crops and farm implements to Friedlander Bros. After' these bad been seized there was nothing left. His liabilities were about L4OO, besides what he owed to Fried lander, and exclusive also of rent. By Mr. Pu vsell—The wheat crop would probably average twenty bushels per acre, the oats forty, and the barley thirty, at the time the liens were given. The crop, however, only turned out thirteen bushels of wheat, forty of oats, and eighteen of barley per acre. It was his wish that the wheat was to be shipped home. Fried lander offered 3s. 7d. per bushel for the grain. Told Roberts that he (witness) owed Friedlander LI,IOO. By Mr. Garrick—The price agreed upon with Friedlander Bros, was 3s. 6d. per bushel for the wheat at Promore station. Mr. Purnell spoke at some length urging that the defendants were entitled to a non-suit. [Mr. Garrick—We will Hot be non-suited.] Mr. Purnell then said that in this event judgment ought to be given for the defendants.* The Tetter of Messrs. Friedlander founded on by plain tiff did not amsunt to a guarantee, as no promise could be particularised, and no sum was specified as guaranteed. Only an interview which was to bo held was re ferred! to. If the correspondence that had passed between the parties contained any guarantee at all, it was useless, inas much as the letters were not stamped, and besides the subsequent bankruptcy of Gardiner released defendants from any liability that could possibly arise under the alleged guarantee, inasmuch as the bank rupt’s estate then passed into the hands of a trustee. The defendants had made a fair estimate of the crops as they appeared at the time that estimate was given—an estimate that was not different to the one given by Gardiner himself, and they could not be expected o have control over the yield, which, as it turned out, was not so high as they cal culated, nor over the prices, which sub sequently fell. It was absurd to accuse the of having made false representations, as the position of Gardi ner was open to the inspection of plaintiff as much as it was to defendants, and it was plaintiffs duty to have made an examina tion. It was imperative on plaintiffs part to prove loss, and this he had not done ; but he now sought to recover a sum of L2QO, with the land and all the improve ments upon it. If he succeeded in this case he would be vastly better than if the defendants had paid him all he asked before, for now he would secure Gardiner’s land and reap the benefit of some L9OO of improvements made upon it. Defendants had offered him L4OO if he would hand over the land, so that no loss could have fallen upon plaintiff, while the loss of L2OO had been suffered by defendants. He would now call Hugo Friedlander, who said that Gardi ner being in difficulties, his firm were making advances to carry Gardiner on through the harvest. Not wishing matters to be complicated by any action on the part of the landlord, he proposed to Mr. Roberts that the latter should permit his claim to stand over until the harvest was reaped, and defendants would undertake that after their own demands were satis fied, they would not part with any moneys realised from Gardiner’s crop until Mr. Roberts was a}so paid. At this time it was anticipated that the crop would yield far more than actually turned out to be the case, and the net result was that de fendants’ firm had lost L2OO by the transs action. They nevertheless paid Robert - L2lO for rent, 'Roberts giving them an indemnity. The indemnity was not given against the trustee in bankruptcy, because Gardiner had not filed then. Defendants insisted on this indem nity being given because they did not recognise any claim on Roberts’ part. As for the claim of L4OO, the land on which it was due had reverted to Roberts. Defendants offered to pay it if Roberts

would place them in the same position as Gardiner occupied, which, however, ho refused to do, insisting upon receiving the L4OO without consideration. With refer : ence to tho statement as to the secured account, amounting to L 230, witness said that he saw Mr. Roberts two or three days after his letter was written, and then ex plained to plaintiff that by “ secured ac count” he meant tho bill of sale account, and that Gardiner owed his firm L 450 on another account secured by lien. Mr. Garrick, for plaintiff, in addressing the bench, admitted that there was per haps no legal guarantee given by de fendants in the strict legal sense of the word ; but he held that the letters that had passed between the parties amounted on the part of defendants to as much. One of these concluded with this passage, “ There will be sufficient to pay all, and we will not part with any money until you are paid.” To his mind this was a guarantee, and was equivalent to de fendants saying they would take over Gardiner’s responsibility to plaintiff, and was binding upon them. He would at tribute no fraudulent motive to de fendants, but the fact remained that throughout the whole correspondence they had assured plaintiff that there would be plenty of funds in the estate to satisfy all claims, thus lulling Mr. Robert's anxiety, and keeping him off until the crops were gathered when they swept in everything themselves. Without dealing with the motive, the action of defendants amounted to a false representation. His Honor said he could not see any guarantee had been made, but the de fendants had certainly made representa tions which were not borne out. He would find for plaintiff for the amount sued for, with costs. Mr. Purnell gave notice of appeal. G. Roberts v. Friedlander Bros.— Claim, L2OO. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Branson for defendants. Mr. O’Reilly stated the causes of action which were— (l) a special count for breach of agree ment to give a promissory note for L2OO, and three counts for goods sold and de livered, goods bargained and sold, and on accounts stated. It appeared from the evidence of the plaintiff that the de fendants had furnished the extra parts of a Wood’s machine, and agreed in writing to accept a bill at four months from the Ist June. When this was tendered they refused to accept. These facts were ad mitted, and Mr. Branson raised the ob jection that no damages wore claimed on the special count. ; Mr. O’Reilly said the claim applied to all the counts, and as it was clear the action lay in the special count he would strike out the common counts. This having been done, his honor suggested a settlement, and the defendants agreed to accept the bill, each party paying his own costs. Pavitt, trustee of J. Smith v. Fried lander Bros. Application for an order to deliver up property of the debtor. Mr. O’Reilly for the trustee. This case was settled out of Court. IN BANKRUPTCY.

Be Patrick Sullivan, debtor. Applica tion for order of discharge. By his Honor—l am a laborer, and was working on the plains with some others. I never received any money on account of my mates before I tiled. Discharge granted. Be J. Y. Ward, debtor.-—Application for order of discharge. Mr. Crisp for ap plicant. Order granted. Be Eisely Bros—Mr. Crisp for appli cants. Adjournment granted on applica tion of Mr. Crisp. Be George "Rickard, debtor. Mr. Bran son applicant. Order of discharge granted.

EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS.

The Minister for Education publishes in the Gazette, 10th June, the results of the examination held at the end of March last. He says :—lt must be understood that the granting of a certificate depends only in part upon the result of an ex amination, and that candidates who have not had the experience required by the re gulations, or who do not receive the neces sary marks from a School Inspector, have no claim to a certificate. The following are the North Canterbury teachers who have passed the examination for Class D. William Dixon, * Edith Sydney Dunnage, William Hale, * Charles Dorey Hardy, Hemy Kitchingham, Emily Peach, Isabella Eupheraia Ross, * Isabella Spensley, * Joseph Thomas. For Class E. —* John Charles Allen, Alice Buxton, *AliceElcanorHenderson, *ChristinaKirk Henderson, John James Mahood, Annie Emily Mannering, Egbert John Mayo, Florence Ockford, * Robert Curer Whit ham. Partial success recorded towards Class D.— * William Alexander Banks, Bethia Jack, Ann Kitchingham, *Fred. William Wake. Partial success re corded towards Class E. * Laura Malbon Allison, * Susan Barrett, Harry Vernon Chichester, * Helen Lad brooke, * Mary Mills. Passed in subjects required to complete former examination —James Thompson Allsopp, Isaac Atkin son, Archibald Binnie, Jessie Bowmaker, William Brook, Alice Eliza Chapman, James Baird Chisholm, Eleanor Sarah Collins, Frederick John Cumberworth, Sarah Elizabeth Derry, Caroline Ada Edwards, Ada Emily Foster, Thomas Adkisson Gates, * George Gilling, Mary Anderson Gordon, James Grant, * Mary Hall, Martha Gibb Amy Har band, Annie Emma Hookham, Charles David • Husband, * Mary Elizabeth Jenkins, Edward Ivory Jennings, Martha Hortensia Kaufmann, Margaret Ann Kelly, William David McClure, Alice Blanche May, James Boxer Mayne, Elizabeth Monk, * Albert James Morton, Peter Murray, Albert Proudcock, Agnes Scott, Martin Sheard, John Simpson, John Cox Sopp, Mary Taylor (Miss), Joseph Thompson, Lucy Eleanor Ihomp son, Walter Tipler, Margaret Whiteside, Christina Whyte, Henry Wilson, Eliza beth Wright, * Mary Zweibruck, Those who had attained only partial success in classes D and E will be allowed to qualify by passing in those subjects in which they have been unsuccessful. The list of those who have passed in subjects required to complete a former examination held a “ provisional ” status previously, and are now entitled to a full certificate. An asterisk (*) against a name signifies that the candidate is too young to hold a certi ficate. In addition to the Gazette an nouncement, every candidate will receive a private intimation of his or her success or failure, and those who have been only partially successful will be advised as to the subjects in which they require to be examined again.

INQUEST AT RAKAIA.

An inquest on the body of Charles McCarthy, who died at South Rakaia, was held at the Railway Hotel yesterday, before J. E. Trevor, Esq., coroner for the district, A jury (of whom Mr. T. A. Winter was chosen foreman) having been sworn, and having viewed the body of the deceased, Constable Rowse was sworn, and de poned—lt was reported to me yesterday morning that a man named Charles McCarthy had died suddenly the night before at Beachgrove farm, near Kyle, South Rakaia, the residence of Mr. Car ruthers. I proceeded to the place, and found deceased lying on a bed in an cut house. He was quite dead, and partly dressed. Examined the body. Found no marks of violence abont it, nor disturb ance of the clothes. He appeared as though he had died quietly in his sleep. I had the body removed to the Railway Hotel,'Rakaia, where it.now lies. David Carruthers, sworn, said —I am a farmer, living near the beach at South Rakaia. Deceased was in my employ for the last few weeks. He had been addicted to drink, and was generally out of health

after drinking. He had not been drink ing lately. On the morning of the 14th deceased complained of a pain in his stomach. Carried him some warm tea, which he took, bat soon threw it up again. Ho said a little brandy might do him good. I returned to the house and fetched him a small quantity of brandy, which deceased drank, but presently threw it up. He continued vomiting. I applied a mustard plaster to his stomach, which remained on for about a quarter of an hour. 1 proposed going for a doctor, to which he objected, on account of the ex pense. I said I would wait two or three hours, when, if he was no better, I would fetch a doctor. About 2 p.m. I started to fetch a doctor from Southbridge. Saw Dr. Chapman, whom I told of the man’s symptoms. Dr. Chapman said it was too late to cross the river that night. He gave me a prescription, and instructed me as to the man’s treatment. I brought the medicine home, where I arrived about 7 p.m. I thought he seemed better. T gave him the medicine, and carried out my instructions. Saw deceased about 9 p,m., when he appeared quite comfort able. Returned to him about 6 a.m. next day, and found him dead. He was lying in the same position as I left him in the night before. I then went to the Rakaia, and informed the police of the death. De ceased was suffering from the effects of drink when he came to me, a few weeks ago. He had not been drinking since. He appeared to have died in his sleep.

Dr. Ross, sworn, deponed—l examined the body, which I found to be that of a thin and spare man. It was fairly nourished. There were no marks of ex ternal violence. The nails of the fingers and toes were intensely congested ; the features were pinched. I opened his chest, and found the left lung adhering to the side. The substance of this lung was much congested. The right lung was bound down throughout nearly its whole extent by a recent effusion of plastic lymph. It would have been impossible to remove the lung from the side without lacerating the substance. The right heart was gorged with blood, and the left empty. All the other organs were healthy, but much congested. The stomach and bowels were empty. The small intestine was congested. The death resulted from acute pleurisy. By the foreman—lt was a case for medical attendance, but it would have been impossible to have benefitted the man.

The jury gave a verdict that death rc suited from natural causes.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

IRISH RELIEF FUND.

To the Editor. Sir, —With your permission I wish to say a few words respecting “ Subscriber’s” letter in your issue of the 12th inst. He asks whether it was not part of my duty to have seen that the money was sent in proper time, etc.? I answer, No. I have admitted myself to be a member of the Committee, but only in replying to “ Subscriber,” and because I was con sidered by the promoters to be such. His wholesale condemnation seemed to me to be very unfair—considering the difference between such as myself, who had nothing to say in the matter, and those who at tended the meeting and all to say. Fur ther, I have never seen a notice by the Mayor calling a meeting of the Committee, but I have no doubt that he did so. Moreover, I had a better opinion of your burghers until now, than to allow a meet ing to lapse for want of a quorum. lie next makes a comparison betwixt myse'f and Mr. Ivess—an accomplished journalist—who baffled the learned triumvirate in the law. Surely “ Sub scriber” cannot be serious, for it is like comparing the twinkling of a little star to the influence of the great orb of day ; otherwise it is surely a compliment to a horney-fisted son of the plough. He uses the word “ meagre.” If it is in con nection with my subscription, to say the least, it is uncharitable. X wish him to take my advice in such a cause. Let him remember the words of the Great Teacher concerning the widow’s mite. That a certain part of my letter was irrele. ant I admit. I admire the way he has treated it, and hope that some of your burghers will take it to heart—hypocrisy I detest. It appears to me that I have been treated with something like Jeeddart justice I was made a member of the Committee without my assent ; I was requested to leave my cornfields in the heat of harvest and canvass the district for subscriptions ; and because I did not do so—what then. Stand forth, “Subscriber”—you are the judge, and your sentence is that my con duct has been “disgraceful and inhuman.” I forgive him, and think the end he has in view may somewhat justify the means. I will have nothing more to say on the matter, and I hope the money will be at once forwarded, and without further delay. Now, sir, concerning your paper. How is it that we cannot get the Saturday’s issue till the following Tuesday ? Why should your courier come lagging along behind his fellow like a poor wounded deer. Advise him to use a little more of Jehu’s style of riding—not the Jehu that came to grief at Baldwin’s hotel, but the one mentioned in the old book —that we may be able to descry him in the dis tance : “ The herald of a noisy world, With news from all nations lumbeung at his back. The important budget, the grand debate. The popular harangue, and tart reply — We long to know them all.” I am, &c,, Wakanui James Brown. [Jehu has obtained a new whip, which he will use on Saturday next. —Ed., (?.]

SCENE AT THE SUPREME COURT.

(by telegraph. 1

Napier, June 14.

There was an extraordinary scene in the Supreme Court this morning, when John Boyd alias Hutton was brought up on a charge of obstructing the railway. He pleaded guilty, but when asked if he had anything to say for himself he launched into most horrible profanity and filthy language, swearing at Judge Rich mond, at the gaoler and police. His Honor remarked that the man must be mad, when with a string of oaths he de clared that it was his Honor who was mad. He was sentenced to fifteen years’ penal servitude. His Honor said that he was either a dangerous lunatic or a criminal of the worst class. He added that he would represent the case to the Minister for. Justice. The charge against Kerika of roasting Henoana, another Maori, was pro vocative of much amusement. His Honor, in his charge to the Grand Jury, treated the offence very lightly, and expressed a doubt as to whether the Crown Prosecutor should present the indictment. The jury however brought in a true bill. The evi dence for the prosecution was the same as already reported. Kcrika’s defence was to the effect that he was treating the man to drive out a devil or cure him of blind ness, and he mentioned Mr. Colenso’s letter to the Herald as proving that this was a proper Maori surgical practice. The jury returned a verdict of “ Guilty.” His Honor said that he did not think the prisoner had acted with any wrong inten tion, and inflicted a sentence, of one month’s hard labour. The Maoris in their evidence showed a strong feeling against the prisoner, and taunted him with cowardice in roasting an old, blind, infirm, and Weak man, when there were plenty of strong ones to operate on.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(Per Press Association.) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, Juke 15. After the presentation of papers and reports and the disposal of some formal business. The Hon. N. Wilson gave notice again to bring up the question of the J.P. roll, by moving that this Council is of opinion that the Government should remove from the commission the names of all insolvents and others unfit to be there. The Hon. Captain Fraser, in moving for a return, said that the Mines Department was worked very badly, and detailed two fatal accidents, the result of non-enforce ment of the regulations. The inspectors of mines were given no power to sue breakers of the law, and the whole question de manded reform. In moving the second reading of the Gaming and Lotteries Bill, The Hon. F. Whitaker gave notice of a new clause prohibiting the totalisator, ex cept to responsible racing clubs. The Bill was read a second time. The Council adjourned at 3.5 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, Juke 15. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr. J. B. Fisher drew the attention of the Government to the fact that the Statutes of the last two sessions had not been gazetted in terms of the law, and suggested grave doubts whether they were really in force. The Hon. John Hall replied that he was much indebted to him for calling at tention to the subject, and that it would have the immediate attention of the Go vernment. ’QUESTIONS. Mr. Moss rtsked whether the Royal Commission on the Civil Service is autho rised, among its other duties, to enquire how far the cost of the service might be reduced, and its efficiency increased, by extending local government so as to de centralise the administration of the rail ways, and other great departments of the public service ; also, whether the Royal Commissioners are likely to make an in terim report in time to enable the Govern ment to say before the debate on the Financial Statement to what extent a saving by this or any other means is likely to be effected. The Hon. John Hall replied that the instructions to the Commission had been published, and that he understood the report of the Commission would be before the House in the course of a week. Replying to Mr. Reeves, The Hon. John Hall said the Mr. A. J. Burns whose name appears in the corres pondence laid before this House relative to importing colliers ' for the Westport Colliery Company was the same Mr. A. J. Burns who was appointed one of the Com mission for Native industries, and that ho (Mr. Burns) was a gentleman who had always taken a deep interest in the development of local industries. ' Replying to Mr. Ireland, The Hon. John Hall said Government . intended to bring in a Bill to mitigate the ' hardship under Which hawkers labor with respect to their licenses in connection with County Council fees. Replying to Mr. Seddon, The Hon. W. Rolleston said that Go vernment had no intention this session to bring in a Bill altering the constitution of the Waste Lands Boards of the colony by making them elective or partially so. Replying to Mr. Whitaker, The Hon. T. Dick said that Govern ment had no objection to lay before this House all correspondence having reference to the classification of wool, and the pro vision of a suitable place for the exhibi tion of samples of the various brands of wool, which has passed between the Go vernment and Mr. Albert Potter, of Hamilton, Waikato. Mr. Bowen asked (1) Whether orders have been given for the transmission of correspondence from England to New Zealand not specially addressed at certain specified dates ; (2) who is responsible for the great inconvenience which has lately arisen from the forwarding of letters and newspapers from London by various routes without regard to the arrangements for through transmission ; (3) whether the Government will take steps to put an end to the inconvenience as soon as pos sible. The Hon. John Hall replied that letters not specially addressed were sent by San Francisco. By that means the postal revenue of the colony was benefitted. Recently, however, that practice had been neglected by the London office, but a re monstrance had been cabled on the sub ject. The London office was alone re sponsible, and another effort would be made to remedy the mistake. Replying to Dr. Wallis, The Hon. R. Oliver said that most cer tainly Clause 23 of the general conditions of Government contracts, providing for the payment every fortnight in cash of workmen’s wages, would be enforced. The Government knew of no infringement of this provision, and had their attention been drawn to - any such infringement, action would certainly have been taken in the matter. THE FINANCIAL DEBATE. The Hon. J. Hall said that in con sequence of the papers connected with the inscription of the. L 5,000,000 lean having only been circulated that day, and as it was necessary that these papers should be studied by members before proceeding with the discussion on the financial pro posals, he proposed to defer that discussion, and instead the Native Minister would proceed with the second reading of the Native Land Sales Bill. Sir G. Grey demurred to the Native Land Sales Bill being taken up until they had the whole of the proposed Native Lands legislation before them. Mr. Seddon proposed that they should have the local administration measures be fore discussing the financial proposal. The Hon. Major Atkinson said that he had consulted the leader of the Opposition, Mi\ Macandrew, as to the postponement of the discussion on the financial pro posals, and he agreed that it should be delayed in view of the importance of the papers laid on the table. If, however, that course were objected to, then the Government would be prepared to pro ceed with the debate on the financial pro posals. Mr. Macandrew said that he had been consulted on the subject, and in view of the importance of members making them selves acquainted with the contents of the correspondence placed on the table, he thought a postponement was the be§t course to follow," The IJon. W- Gisborne supported §ir G. Grey’s proposal, and thought the whole native policy should be before them before they proceeded with the Sales Bill, The Hon. J. Bryce said that the policy of the Government was before the House. Of course they oould hot tell what course the Legislative Council would adopt with the measures now before that Chamber. Still that did not affect the fact that the whole native policy was before the House. REGULATION OF ELECTIONS BILL. The motion for going into committee on the Regulation of Elections Bill was then put and carried. In committee, Mr. Hutchison moved the amendment of clause 28, which empowers the return ing officer to question the elector as to whether or not he had already voted in this electoral district. The amendment proposed was that the clause should bo

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 1880.



MEMORANDA. AUCTION SALES. Saturday, June 19. Jameson and. Roberts, at Messrs. Robert Wilkin and Co.’, New Zealand Wool Stores, Hereford street, Christchurch— Farm at Dromore, containing 1,050 Acres. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. Tuesday, July 6. K. F. Gray, at his salerooms, Temuka — Freehold Town Sections. Sale at 1 o’clock sharp. CHRISTCHURCH AGENCY. MR GEORGE MAULE, is authorised to receive orders and accounts for the Ashburton Guardian and Evening Herald. All orders fir Advertisements left at his office, near Tattersall’s, will receive prompt attention. 955a* WEEKS & DIXON. NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. MATSON, COX, & CO. Messrs, h. matson & co. having taken Mr. C. PERCY COX, who has lately been acting as their agent at Ashburton, into partnership, their business at Ashburton will for the future be conducted under the management of Mr. Cox, under the style of MATSON, COX, & CO., And they hope by erecting large business premises, and thus giving increased facili ties to their clients, to merit and obtain a fair share of the business hitherto so liberally accorded to them by the public. MATSON, COX, & CO., Ashburton. June Ist, 1880. 9360 MATSON, COX, & CO. will hold Fortnightly Sales of Stock at Ashburton and Tinwald alternately. Next Sale at TINWALD, TUESDAY, JUNE 22nd. 910 a MATSON, COX, & CO. NOTICE TO FARMERS. fJIHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1880. 550g* ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. THE Second Monthly Meeting, for the reading of papers on Farming matters will be held in the upper room of the Town Hall, on TUESDAY EVENING, 22nd JUNE, at 7 o’clock. A dinner will be provided at Shearman’s Hotel for members of the Association at 6 o’clock. Tickets 2s. 6d. each, can be obtained from Mr. Shearman. GEO. JAMESON, 960 a Secretary.



A Frenchman who attended a fox-lnmt was asked where the meet came off. He had been thrown ; so he replied that it came off his hands and knees.