COMMERCIAL.

Ashedrton Guardian Office, Monday Evening.

Alfred Harrison reports I -held: my weekly sale at the City Yards, when several hacks were disposed bfc'at ijirices: ranging from L 4 2s. 6d. to L 33105. Pigs. 16s. to L2 155., showing a slight fall in value ; geese, 10s. per pair; turkeys, very young birds, 7s. 4d. per pair ; fowls, 2s. 6<L to 3s. 4d.; chick wheat Is. 3d. to Is. 7d, per bushelseconds barley, Is. 6d.; la; 3d.; potatoes, L2 to L2 10s. per ton: carrots,,Ll sa. to 1^110s.; onions, |d. to. Id.’ per lb. ; grkss seed; 2s.- per b'ushel ; pork, 4Jd. io S(J. .per lb,p Hams,,.6£d.; apples, ss. 6d., per case. A quantity of sundries as usual sold at good prices.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1880.

When Mr. Hugo Friedlander stood for the position of Mayor of Ashburton, lie put forward as two recommendations of his canditure,- his business experience and his ability as a financier, and these qualifica tions made available to the ratepayers just at a time when a business head and financial ability were so much wanted to conduct the affairs of the Borough doubtless weighed heavily in his favor with the burgesses. That he has not belied the hopes of those who supported him let the present state of Borough finance bear witness in a comparison with what it was when he took office. He has been ener getic and attentive to a fault, and his success has been so marked, that we have heard one - or two of those who opposed his election heart and soul, confess their agree able disappointment, and express their intention of giving him their cordial sup port should ho see fit to stand again. It may be honestly said of the Mayor that if his keen business eye can spy out a chance of increasing the borough funds, it will be a very hopeless chance indeed if he allows it to slip untried. He is now engaged in a steady warfare with the Longbeach Hoad Board and the County Council over a sum of nearly L3OO, which he feels thoroughly satisfied ought to come from the Longbeaeh Road Board to the Borough, and which the Longbeach Road Board and at least two members of the County Council are just as thoroughly satisfied he has no right to. Our readers are doubtless familiar with the grounds on which the Borough claims this money. The im pounded land fund has become a sort of household word. Twenty per cent, of the proceeds of all lands sold within the pro vince became the property of the district in which these lands were situated, and the Countyof Ashburton having yielded a large sum to the colonial revenue from land sold within the County’s boundaries, became the recipient of not an inconsiderable sum, and remained a creditor of Govern ment for what was still unpaid. Of this sum the old Ashburton Road Board, of which the township of Ashburton before its proclamation as a borough was a ward, received its share. When the Borough was proclaimed and, so to speak, swarmed off from the Ashburton Road Board, that i body without any demur, paid such share - of their funds to the Borough as they f considered belonged to it, and promised to ] make a further division when Government i made a further payment of what land fund | was still, owing. It will thus be seen that i when the township became a Municipality the whole of the land fund accrued to i that date had not been paid, and the I money now claimed by the Mayor is the c share that the Ashburton Road Board would a have paid to the Borough had the Board v remained united, and not been divided s into two—the Wakanui Road Board and a the Longbeach Road Board. When the I division of the Board took place there were d added to the new benches men who f “knew not Joseph,” and who did not n know the history of the township’s claim, a so that it is not surprising to find that s iiclaiia disputed. Perhaps -we may be ii forgiven for fancying, too, that were the c bank books of the Boards plethoric in v figures on the clVebt slue.the claim would t not be very bitterly opposed. But an b empty purse sharpens the wits consider- h ably, and we find the members of both the a new Boards looking narrowly into the w Borough's claim. Mr. Grigg> the Long- c

beach. Chairman, simply repudiates it, while the Wakanui Board has paid it under protest, arid with a condition that a refund be made should the claim turn 1 out to be not. well founded. So far as the Borough’s claim is concerned it appears to, be. perfectly sound, provided always ■that the Board’s claim upon the money in the first instance was sound. And it is just here that the Chair man of the County Council, supported by Mr. Grigg, differ from the Mayor. Both hold that the 20 per cent, of the land fund was not the property of the Road Boards, but of the County Council ; that They could distribute it as they chose, and in such proportions as seemed to them judicious; and that the sums from this fund given to the Boards by the County Council were only a gift. The Council might, if they had chosen, elected to give the money for. the Boards to spend, or they might have taken other modes of distributing it throughout the Country. They elected to give it in cash. If the Chairman and Mr. Grigg’s contention is correct, and the County Council had thus absolute control of the money, then clearly the Borough has no claim whatever upon the funds. But this is just the contention that the Mayor does not seem prepared to admit. If he can upset it—and we know he will not rest content until he has done so, .or satisfied himself that he cannot— then his claim, we should think, must be recognised ; but if he cannot, then the Borough must go without a sum of nearly £6OO, on the possession of which Councillors have built their hopes. We 1 may quote here a letter of the Mayor, which lays down the case- as clearly and as fairly for the Borough as it can be laid : “ When Ashburton was declared a munici pality in September, 1878, a final settlement of accounts between the Borough and the then Ashburton Road Board (now the Wakanui and Longbeach Road Boards) could not be arrived at, as the impounded land fund was held in abeyance by the Government. I may state that this land fund accrued prior to 31st December, 1877, so it was the property of the various Road Boards in the Provincial Dis trict of Canterbury. The Counties Act was brought into force by the County Council on December 2nd, 1877, so that nearly all the im pounded land fund must have been in the hands of the Government before the County Council took upon themselves the full powers under the Act. There can be no mistal e that this land fund was the property of the Road Boards and not of the County Council, who had no con trol of moneys coming to the Road Boards before they adopted the full provisions of the Act. It is clear, then, that. a portion of this money became the property of the Ashburton Road Board, and consequently a small share became due to the township of Ashburton, which formed then one ward of the said Road Board, and which’ body fully recognised the fact, as will be shown from a letter written by their Clerk to the Borough Council at the time of enclosing statement of accounts to date of separation. The portion of this letter refer ring to this matter is as follows : —“I informed Messrs. Friedlander and Saunders that the Borough Council would have a further claim upon subsidy and unallocated land fund, when such payments (which are retrospective) shall be made by the Government.” I have no doubt, were that body still in existence, it would have faithfully carried out the terms of the settlement alluded to, as was promply done by the Wakanui Road Board. It was also hoped that the Longbeach Road Board would have faithfully carried out the intentions of their parent Board, and that their present Chairman would not have repudiated a fair and just debt. As the matter now stands, nothing is left for the Borough Council to do but to avail themselves of the 33rd section of the Municipal Corporations Act, and get the Com missioners of Audit to decide the case in dis pute.”

The Sunday School Centenary. —An extended report is held over till next issue.

Closed. —lt is notified by the Secretary of Telegraphs, that the telegraph station at Leithfield will be closed on and after Ist August next. The San Francisco Mail. —Mails for the United Kingdom etc., via San Fran cisco, will close at Ashburton on Saturday, the 17th inst., at 9 a. m. Money orders to go by this opportunity may be taken out the previous day, up to 4 p. m.

Montague’s Bazaar. —Mr. I. Mon-

tague desires us to state that his visit to Ashburton is only for a limited period, and those of our readers anxious to obtain articles from his very large and varied stock would do well not to delay in visit ing the fancy fair. Catholic Chapel, Ashburton.— The The monthly services at this chapel will in future be held on the second instead of the third Sunday of the month. Last Sunday was the first of the change, and there was a large congregation, Father Chewier celebrating mass. “The Lost Ship.” —The Amateur Dramatic Club gwe their second repre sentation of ‘•' The Lost Ship ” on Satur day night. There was a fair attendance, and a great improvement, as we expected, on the running of the piece. The pauses between the scenes were considerably shorter, and altogether things went well. The orchestra was full and effective, and throughout the evening the applause giver, was frequent and hearty.

Waggon Accident. —On Saturday night while waggoner Spencer was driving across the river, above the bridge, from McLean’s station, his waggon got into one of the washed out holes by the piers. The current was exceptionally strong, and upset the waggon, which, fortunately was unloaded. Spencer unyoked the team, and saved the horses from injury. It was too late to do anything that night with the waggon, and it was left there till day light.

Special. —Owing to the present enormous demand forthe Wanzor’s Improved Sewing Machines in Dunedin and throughout the colony, and anticipating that the present large stock will soon be disposed of, Mr. A. B. Sidford has this day sent the under mentioned Telegram for 300 Machines ; [Copy.] Telegi’aph Office, Dunedin, July 3,1880. Received from Mr. A. B, Sidford, 4 Royal Arcade, Dunedin, the sum of £3 14s. sterling, being the cost of telegram sent this day to Messrs. R. M. Wanzer and Co., America, for 300 Wanzer’s Im proved Sewing Machines. —(Signed) A. J. Yincent, C.C. (Pro Telegraph Office). — Advt.

Auction Sale To-Day. — We would call our readers’ attention to the sale to-day, by Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co., of one of the best properties in the district, the farm of Mr. T. H. Taylor, Waka nui Road. Mr. Taylor has always been known as a careful, painstaking man who knew his business, and the stock and implements to be offered for sale to-day are such as might be expected a man like Mr. Taylor would own. Everything is of superior quality, well kept, and in apple pie order. Farmers and others wanting a good thing will find this a good oppor tunity for purchasing either stock or implements. Besides there is no reserve.

Vagrancy.— At the R.M. Court on Saturday, before Mr. Guinness, Hugh Miller was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Prisoner admitted the offence, and was fined ss, A charge of vagrancy was also preferred, Constable Farmer stating that he had found the accused in a blacksmith’s shop, belonging to Mr. H. J. Edwards. Sergeant Felton drew his Worship’s attention to the fact that complaints were frequently being made of men sleeping in empty houses, and as most of them were in the habit of smoking, there was a danger of fires tak ing place. Miller stated that until re cently he had been in employment, and was willing to work if he could only get it to do. He was without money, and begged his Worship to be lenient with Mm. Mr. Guinness, after remarking that accused seemed to have sufficient money wherewith to get drunk, dismissed the culprit with a caution.

The Giving or Work. — A correspon dent writes, complaining that the Borough Council do not share what work they have to give amongst the married men who are out of employ. He points out that when ever the Council has any work to do it is shared amongst a select few, while numerous other married men, who are equally capable and industrious, never get a‘ ‘ show. ” He suggests that a change in the employees should take place every month, and by this, means some would have a fair chance of earning bread. All are ratepayers, he says, and all ought to bear a portion of the burden during these depressed times. Accident at Rakaia. Yesterday, while Mr. Henry Crooks, farmer, Rakaia, was attending to a wild young cow, she suddenly rushed him, catching him on the left eye with her horn. The whole cf the lower eyelid was ripped up, and the eye itself had a very narrow escape from being completely gouged out. Mr. Crooks had such attention given to the wound as is available in Rakaia, where no medical man has yet taken up his quarters* and then with the first train proceeded to Ash burton, where Dr. Stewart stitched up the wound.

Ashburton-Mount Somers Railway, —ln the Legislative Council on June 25. the. Hon. Mr, Peter moved that there be laid upon the table a plan of the devia tion lately surveyed on the Ashburton and Mount Somers line, for which tenders were advertised on the sth May, and then withdrawn; also, by whose authority such deviation was surveyed, and all corres pondence or; telegrams relating to the same. The Hon. Mr. Whitaker said there was no objection whatever to this motion, A plan showing the different lines was being prepared, and would be readyin a day or two. The motion was agreed to.

Runaways. —There must he something unpleasant about ’ the management of the Kohiraarama Naval Training School, for we find that another five lads bolted from it, on Sunday. They were captured by the police, but attempts at escape from this school are very frequent.

Courage Recognised. - The Colonial and Victorian Insurance offices have pre sented Captain Johnson, of the steamer Grafton, with a gold albert chain, in recognition of that gentleman’s brave conduct when the steamer was in a dan gerous position off the West Coast. Highly Objectionable.— A hoy named Frederick Lane was on Sunday caught in the act of placing cobbler’s wax on the seats of the Durham street Wesleyan Church, Christchurch, and made his bow before the R.M. yesterday, when he was dismissed with a smart reprimand. Dieelict. —A telegram from Invercar gill says that on Sunday the cutter Ulva, when proceeding to Stewart’s Island from the Bluff picked up the cutter Transit drifting about in Foveaux Straits, without a soul on board. It is supposed that she broke away from her moorings at Dog Island during Saturday night’s gale, and that her crew will be safe there. Stabbing. —A man named Samuel Dobbinson was arrested on Sunday morn ing in Christchurch at about a quarter to four o’clock, on the charge of having stabbed his wife. The statement of the wife is to the effect that the accused came to his house in the “Rookery,” North Montreal street, late on Saturday night, the worse for liquor. Shortly afterwards he beat his wife, and then, picking up a knife, stabbed her in the head with it. Not satisfied, however, that he had in flicted a sufficiently serious injury, he snatched up a fork, and with this again stabbed the unfortunate woman in the head. Dobbinson appeared at the Resident Magistrate s Court, Christchurch, in answer to the charge, and was remanded. Mrs. Dobbinson is recovering from her wounds.

Twelfth of July Celebration. —The Christchurch and suburban Orange Lodges commemorated the anniversaray of the Battle of the Boyne yesterday with a pro cession, sports, and a dinner. A proces sion, comprising about 600 Orangemen, wearing regalia, and carrying numerous flags and banners, and headed by a bandof music started fromtheOrange Hall, Worcester street, at noon, and marched through the principal streets, avoiding Barrett’s Hotel, where the previous dis turbance occurred, and proceeded to the sports ground at the north-east suburb. There was an immense number of people in the streets of the city, and the country police mustered in great force under Com missioner Broham, and Inspectors Buck ley and O’Donnell. Everything passed off in an orderly manner.

TWELFTH OF JULY CELEBRA TION.

Last night the members of the Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 23, Ashburton, cele brated the 12th July by a dinner in Shearman’s Hotel. The tables were laid at half-past eight, immediately after the arrival of the last train from Christchurch, where some 15 or 20 of the Ashburton brethren had been taking part in the great demonstration during the day. About 80 sat down to dinner, which was purveyed in Host Shearman’s best style. Most of the Orangemen wore the sashes, etc., of the Order, and the officers the badges of their positions. The chair was occupied by Bro. St. Hill, the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, the vice-chair being filled by Bros. S. B. Nelson, and G. M. Robinson. After the toast of Her Majesty had been honored with due loyalty, proposed as it was in a patriotic speech by the Chairman, Bro. G. M. Rohin-

son proposed the “ charter toast ” of the Lodge. The memory of William the Third called to their

recollection the privilege of freedom of thought they possessed, and the perfect im munity they stood in from the power of all who would arrogate to themselves the right of thinking for them. The toast having been acknowledged, Bro. S. B. Nelson gave that of “ the Grand Master of the Orange Institution of Great Britain, the Earl of Inniskillen. ” This toast hav ing been drunk, Mr. Minnis recited ‘ ‘ the Breaking of the Boom. ” The Chairman then gave ‘ ‘ the health of the Grand Master and officers of the Middle Island, coupled with the name of Bro. S. B. Nelson, Deputy Grand Master of the Middle Island.” Bro. Nelson replied, complimenting the Lodge on its turn out of members, and comparing the attendance that night and the demonstra tion that day in Christchurch with 14 years ago, when only four attended the celebration dinner. The “little one had become a thousand ” indeed. After

the Mayor and Borough Council had been toasted —Bros. St. Hill and Robinson responding—“the Friendly Societies” were given, Messrs. Zouch, and Scott, responding for the Foresters and Odd fellows. “ The Officers of the Lodge ” were then proposed in complimentary terms by Bro. Sealy. The Lodge, he said, was one of great importance requiring good men at its head, and he thought the very best of the lodge had been chosen. The Lodge had increased with great rapidity, for it was only three years old, yet for numbers it took no mean stand amongst the Lodges of the Colony. The Chairman replied for himself and officers, but was not prepared to admit that the very best men in the Lodge were in office. It was owing to the enthusiasm of, and to the aid given by private members that the Lodge was what it was. He had seen a very large number of young members initiated since the last 12th of July, and he hoped to see many more. Perhaps the best proof of the Lodge’s stability was it funds, and he was happy that they were in a position to Jend a helping hand to

any poor brothers who may require aid. Other toasts followed, and throughout the evening songs by various members en livened the time.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

0 t The usual fortnightly meeting of the j Borough Council was held last night. y Present—-His Worship the Mayor (pre- J siding),. Messrs. Roberts, St. Hill, .Fried -1 lander. Parkin, Williamson, and the o Borough Solicitor (Mr. Crisp), e mayor’s statement. His Worship, in his opening remarks, said he had interviewed the County ’ Council regarding the sale of the water g pipes and the subsidy due to the Borough by the Longbeach Road Board. He had £ been so far successful with the question of 0 the pipes that it had been left in the a hands of himself and the Chairman of the g County Council to deal with the matter. g The deed had been received from Messrs. 1 Garrick and Oowlishaw, relating to the supply of water from Saunders Bros’, millrace, and was ready for signature by e the parties interested. His Worship thought that the Borough had not been treated fairly by the County Council with ’ reference to the subsidies, owing princi ’• pally to the arguments of the Chairman e of Longbeach Road Board. However, he ;T would not allow the matter to rest, but would write to the Government to ask for 3 what purpose the money had been allotted. 3 The Mayor also noted that no subsidy had been received from the County Council ■ for planting purposes, aiid as the matter e had been held over by the Council, the e Mayor thought the chances of getting the ■ subsidy were not very bright. The balance 3 in the Bank at present was L 450 lls. 4d.; a the amount of rates received since last meeting being Ll 7 55., and dog fees 10s. THE BY-LAWS. y A letter was read from the Under e Secretary, acknowledging the receipt of r a copy of the By-laws passed by the a Council. ’ „ Mr. Friedlander mo.ved that the By a laws be published, and come into force on Saturday, 24th July. Mr. Parkin seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. THE WATER SUPPLY. r Mr. Crisp read a letter from Messrs. n Garrick and Cowlishaw, forwarding a e deed granting to the Council the use of ‘ the water taken from Saunders Bros.’ millrace, on certain conditions, d Mr. Parkin moved—“ That the seal of a the Council be affixed to the counterpart 0 grant of easement for taking water from a Saunders Bros.’ millrace.” v Mr. Roberts seconded the motion, and e it was carried. LICENSE FEES, i. A memo, was read from Mr. Alexander Rose, Collector of Customs at Lyttelton, d stating that the following had been paid t to the Borough’s credit with the Bank of t New ZealandPublicans’ licenses, LIBO ; e auctioneers’ licenses, LBO ; total, L 260. g Ordered to be acknowledged. 1 CHARITABLE AID. A letter was read from G. S. Cooper, d Esq., Under-Secretary, asking for a re . turn showing the amount of money ex :) pended in the Borough during the year g ended 31st March, 1880, for the indoor e and outdoor relief of the poor ; when the e relief was obtainable ; and the number, k sex, and nationality of the recipients of ; such relief ; the return also to show s whether the sums were paid by Govern a ment, by local bodies, or otherwise. His Worship though s it would t not be !- very difficult to answer such a communi e cation as this, as nothing had been ex -3 pended for such purposes, as far as he n knew. i a lawyer’s letter. A letter was read from Messrs. Btan , son and Purnell, stating that they had re s ceived instructions from Mr. George Compton to draw the Council’s attention a to the state of the open drain opposite his s land, on the East Town Belt , and request e ing. the Council to have the said drain covered over, so that their client might enjoy the Belt road, as heretofore. The letter stated that by the drain being ’ left open, life was not only endangered, 1 but Mr. Compton was deprived of the full use of the roadway, and the footpath | running past his land had been encroached y upon. The letter concluded by expressing ’ a hope that the matter would receive the p Council’s immediate attention, so as to render further proceedings unnecessary, j The Borough Engineer stated that at ' present a cart could not get to Mr. Comp ton’s house without a culvert were put in. Mr. St. Hill moved, .and Mr. Parkin j seconded, that the Engineer be instructed to do what he thought would be necessary to make the road passable without delay. Carried. A CHEQUE WANTED, A letter was read from the Secretary of the Fire Brigade, asking that a cheque for L 25 be forwarded, being the amount I duo by the Borough as subsidy to the Brigade. i Mr. Hill proposed that the matter be I deferred until next November, s There being no seconder forthcoming , for the motion, it accordingly lapsed, i Mr. Parkin moved that the amount of i L 25 due to the Fire Brigade be paid. I Mr. Roberta seconded. Mr. St. Hill would propose an amend ’ ment. The Fire Brigade had always been most courteously and liberally treated by the Council, but the tone of their letter was too peremptory. He had no particu lar objection to the Brigade getting the money, but he thought that body, know ing the impecunious state of the Council’s finances, should have exercised a little leniency, and waited for the money until the Council was in funds. He had been told that the Brigade had a credit balance, andthereforethatbody was able to wait. He would move that the consideration of the Brigade’s demand he held over till next November, when the Insurance Com panies grant would be available. Mr. Parkin was about to speak, when his Worship reminded him that the amendment was not seconded, when Mr. Parkin said he would second the amend ment. Mr. St. Hill’s information on the state of the Brigade’s finances was .pot correct, as being treasurer to the Brigade, he knew that demands on that body could not be met on account of in sufficiency of funds. The amendment was carried. FIRE INSPECTOR. The Secretary to the Ashburton Fire Brigade also wrote, forwarding a resolu tion of the Brigade, asking that a Fire Inspector be appointed for the Borough, \ and suggesting the propriety of the Captain of the Brigade, Mr. James Wilkie, being appointed to the position. Mr. G. Parkin explained that it was ■ necessary a Fire Inspector should he ap- pointed, as at present, if a fire occurred, • no one was authorised to order the pulling ! down of a building to prevent the spread of the fire. | Resolved that his Worship be requested to take action in the matter. ' ( ASPHALTS. Mr. James Bradley wrote, stating that * he had received orders for laying down c asphalte in East street, and requested the 1 Council’s permission to do "the work, subject to the approval of the Engineer. Resolved, that the permission sought for by Mr. Bradley be granted. THE borough’s COTTAGES. I Mr. St. Hill reported from the Works Committee that he and Mr. Parkin had r examined the Borough cottages, and t found that the way in which the window? a and doors were broken was through horses s rubbing up alongside the buildings. It a was dangerous also to children to allow I the horses to be about, and he would c suggest that the owners of horses he s cautioned that if the animals are found b there, after a short notice, they would be i impounded. u

Mr. Parkin corroborated th'e statement ■■of Mr. St. Hill, and draw the Council's at tention to the fact a cottage which had been sold a short time since, oh the under standing that it be removed, was still on the ground, and had:been converted into •a stable. ■ It was resolved .that the occupiers .of the Borough cottages be informed that if they allowed their horses to continue on the reserve, the Council .would give the owners of the horses notice to quit. ENGINEERS’ REPORT. Kerbing and Channelling. —The con tractor is making good progress with this work. The frosts have damaged the facing of a portion of the concrete, which will, however, be made good by the con tractor, who has now made better pro vision for its protection. A suggestion has been made to us to postpone the com pletion of the work, but we believe it more advisable to get it done during the damp weather, and before the commence ment of the usual spring nor’-westers. Water Supply. —We have made up the contract accounts, amounting to L3OC 14s. 9d., and have given Mr. Wilkie a final certificate. We'have to explain with re ference to Messrs, Saunders 1 letter re taking the water from the millrace, that we acted under the Mayor’s authority in allowing the service gate to remain open ; also, that no men were sent to the intake to increase the flow, as represented by Messrs. Saunders ; the overseer, acting under our instructions, went to see that everything was clear, and nothing was done by him to the effect stated. Shingle Supply.— Mr. Black has de livered about 75 per cent, of the quantity contracted for. We find that there will be none to spare for shingling the con tinuation of Burnett street, and we pro pose only filling up and making good holes and bad places on the Alford Forest road, as it would be necessary, before giving this road a proper coating of shingle, to re move vegetation and reform some por tions. Some shingle is required in West street, between Burnett and Havelock streets. Timber Contract. —The delivery of tim ber has not been satisfactory. We have had to reject a considerable proportion, and have been delayed in making culverts and kerbing Burnett street. We have given notice that the Council will pur chase and charge against the contract if a satisfactory supply be not delivered at once. The Labor Oarig have been engaged in reforming and making good roadway and footpaths in East street, fencing at out fall drain, forming footpaths from Post office towards Baldwin’s Hotel, stacking and spreading shingle, putting in culverts, etc. Baring Square. —Eleven tenders, were received for trenching the border and round the trees. That of Anthony Lee for the sum of L2 10s. was accepted. Tenders were advertised for a further supply of cement ; only one tender was received from Messrs. Montgomery and Co., at 235. 6d. per cask. The report was adopted, and the En gineers were instructed to see to the shingling of West street, as suggested by them. CEMENT. His Worship stated that when the ten der for cement had been submitted to him he had advised that the acceptance or otherwise be deferred, and he would sug gest that tenders be invited in Christ church. Resolved that an advertisement he in serted once in eafii of the Christchurch papers inviting tenders for a supply of cement, not to exceed 100 casks. TENDERS. The Mayor remarked that in future the Works Committee would be looked to for opening tenders, as when left to the or dinary meeting of the Council, very often minor; details . were ; overlooked,: which sometimes caused subsequent trouble. It was resolved that the Works Com mittee meet in future at six o’clock on the meeting night of the Council. THE ENGINEERS. In reply to Mr. Roberts, is was stated the engagement with the Borough En gineers could terminate at a moment’s notice. PRINTING AND ADVERTISING. The Mayor read a memo, by the Clerk stating that as voting papers would be necessary for the forthcoming election, he wished for instructions where they were to be obtained ; also, requesting the Council, whenever advertisements were to be inserted in the papers, to give him instruc tions as to which journals such advertise ments were to appear. The Clerk stated he had been accused of favoritism, and he would feel more comfortable if the Council would give expression to their wishes on the subject. After Messrs. Friedlander and Parkin had expressed the satisfaction which they felt regarding the Clerk’s action re print ing and advertising in the past, His Worship said he was of opinion that one paper should be appointed as the official gazette of the Borough for six months at a time. Mr. Williamson concurred, but would like to limit the term to three months. LICENSES. The Mayor said it would be advisable to notify by advertisement that as the By laws were to come into force on the 26th inst., applications for licences should be in by that date. ACCOUNTS Were then passed for payment. NOTICES OP MOTION. Mr. Williamson gave notice to move at the next sitting of the Council—“ That one local paper be the official gazette of the Council for the term of three months, and that the Ashburton Mail be the Council’s gazette for the first three months, being the first paper established in the Borough.” His Worship gave notice to move— “ That the Council take up the question of maintenance of the main roads within the Borough.” The Council then adjourned.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Saturday, July 10.

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

Mcßae v. Harris.—Case, adjourned from previous Court day. Mr. Harris stated that, from a conversa tion which he had had with the plaintiff, he believed that the matter could be settled amicably by a little mutual agree ment.

His Worship perfectly coincided with the remarks made by Mr. Harris, as the im pression left on his mind from what trans pired the day previous, the matter was solely one of account, and as far as he could see, it would be rather difficult for the Court to give an equitable decision. He would suggest that the dispute be referred to

two arbitrators, and in the meantime the case be adjourned for a week. Both parties agreed to the course sug gested being taken, and the case was accordingly adjourned until next Saturday, without costs.'

Monday, July 12. DRUNKENNESS. William Ellington was fined ss. for being drunk and disorderly. John Duncan, a respectable-looking man, was charged with a like offence, with the additional one of using obscene and, profane language. Constable Warring stated that he saw the accused talking to a cabman, and using most filthy language. His Worship fined Duncan ss. for the first offence, and LI for the second. His Wor ship cautioned the accused that if he came before him again on a like charge, he would be liable to a sentence of three '."sionths’ imprisonment.

INDECENT EXPOSURE. John Cochrane, an elderly man, ap peared in answer to the two charges of being,’drunk and exposing his person. The accused stated, in extenuation of his conduct, that he had taken no intoxicating liquor for some time, and on drinking a little the previous day, it had speedily taken .effect. After Constable Warring had given his evidence, showing the con dition, in which he had. found the man, his Worship fined the accused ss. for being drunk and 10s. for the second charge, or an alternative of forty-eight hours’ imprisonment. EMBEZZLEMENT. Chas. Anderson was brought up on a warrant, having embezzled 155., the pro perty of his employer, George Willcocks. George Willcocks, sworn, said—l am'an hotel-keeper at Wheatstone. Know the accused, who has been in my employ for about four weeks. Last Friday I sent him to Ashburton to buy half-a-ton of coal, and gave him a cheque for 305., 255. was for purchasing the coal, and ss. was for the payment of accused’s expenses. He left my house between nine and ten in the morning, and should have returned about three or four o’clock in the after noon, but he did not return tlie whole day. On Saturday morning I left home to look for accused, and- met him at half-past nine at Tinwald. He appeared to be excited from drink. Accused was to have brought home some spirits from Quill’s. There is no account between us ; I do not owe accused any money. He was to get the coals from Friedlander’s. He did not ask me for more than the ss, to pay his expenses. Did not authorise accused to purchase horse-feed. He was told to stay only an hour in Ashburton, and therefore there was no horse-feed neccessary. Henry Zander, sworn—l am in the em ploy of Messrs. Friedlander Bros. Saw accused at our store on Friday last. * He received sacks of coal weighing 8| cvvt., for Mr. George Willcocks. When asked if he would take half-a-ton, he said 8£ cwt. would be sufficient. All the money he could find in his pocket was 14s. 6d., and he said the balance 4s. 9d. was to be charged to Mr. Willcocks, which we have done on our books. Accused was drunk at the time.

Duncan M'Kenzie, deponed—l am a landlord of the Ashburton Hotel. Re- member seeing accused at about 6.30 last Friday night. He came to our house and n asked for a drink, which I refused to give him as he was drunk. He then went out and showed me some sacks of coal and three jars. He told me thej were the „ property of Mr. Willcocks, and that he ° would have to go home. He went as far ’ as the bridge, where he got stuck. Before e I could get to his assistance, he had pro j ceeded over the bridge with the horse and 0 cart, and I followed him to see that he got off allright. He returned to the hotel r at about ten o’clock, and I then gave in s structions for the horse to be taken out of the cart and put in the stable, as he was drunk, and not fit to take care of the horse and cart. Accused did not stay at e my house during the night. Prisoner stated that the action which y he had taken was through his being drunk, and admitted the charge. He was very sorry for what had occurred. 3 His Worship said it was a mistake for r men in prisoner’s position to plead drunkenness as the cause of the crime ; such a plea was no excuse, but rather an aggravation. Sentenced to six months’ imprisonment,' j with hard labor. f OBTAINING MONET UNDER FALSE PRETENCES, Maurice Kane, charged on a warrant with having obtained money under false 3 pretences, was remanded until Friday r next.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the 3 opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

1 To the Editor. Sir—The writer in your Saturday’s 3 issue, re the Ashburton Library, deserves thanks for the explicit manner he has stated the objections which prevent the c success of that Institute. I There are perhaps more reading people i in Ashburton than the genial Chairman 1 of last Wednesday evening’s entertain ’ ment is aware of ; and, if he. inadvertently s opened the bag, causing ‘ ‘ miss puss ” to present herself when she ought to have J remained secret, it was unfortunate on his part, but it has given the public an j opportunity to , protest against their alleged ignorance,- and also to state that 1 while the Library is characterised to such an extent by this { ' social caste,” it will 1 continue decidedly unpopular, and conse r quently unsuccessful. It is useless for the Committee to com plain that their efforts are not appreciated 1 by Nonconformists. If they wish to have friends, they must show themselves ‘ friendly. Why was the Episcopalian ele ment so strong at the last entertainment ? We need no other evidence* than this to prove that it is a misnomer to call the Library a public one. Let the Committee sink this difference of “caste” and “class.” Open the door wider, and give the Nonconformists of Ashburton equal ! credit with themselves for taste and cul ture, and thus practically teach the senti ment of fraternity, and we venture to predict that the present languishing Library will speedily revive.—l am, &., Fair Play. To the Editor. Sir, —In to-day’s issue you publish a letter reflecting on our local Library and its committee, the burden of your corres pondent’s being that the Library is mainly supported and wholly managed by persons belonging to one denomination. Surely our critic does. not mean to imply that members of other denominations are in eligible to become subscribers if they wish it 1 It is my impression that the Library is open to all who choose to pay the half-a crovvn (or 2s. 9d.) necessary to entitle them to membership—how, then, can the insti tution or its committee be held responsible if it happens that most of the subscribers belong to some particular church ? And what possible connection can “social caste ’’have with a Library whose members are not elected or balloted for in any way ? , It is hard to conceive why objection should be made to the holding of meetings in the ; Library Hall, seeing that such meetings form a source of revenue, for no doubt the Gas Company and other bodies pay for the use of the room ; and as regards the entertainment, probably those who arranged the programme would have -been delighted to be assisted by your corres- , pondent, and any of his friends who may j be capable of amusing an audience. There is usually much difficulty in inducing people to come forward, and if I mistake not the committee asked for volunteers! I Your correspondent says he writes with a “ desire to help forward the interests of the institution,” but it is by no means apparent in what way his letter is to a accomplish that end—indeed, to my mind u the effusion is calculated to have a very a contrary effect. In conclusion 1 would say, let us cast aside all these miserable s jealousies, and endeavor to promote the I welfare of the Library by joining it and t inducing others to do so. I, think the t: librarian would have no objection to I receiving anyone’s money, even though he e be a e Hindoo. Ashburton, 10th July, 1880. t ■— To the Editor. Sir,— -I am afraid the writer of the fi letter which appeared in the Guardian and a: Herald of the 3rd has taken a rather 1 ai jaundiced view of that unfortunate bant-1 c.

ing the Public Library. He must, with others, have been well aware-'that a new committee would be elected in June; why did he h.bt fthen, - present him self for election ?.\ It ■■ is ' all very well to sit down an 4 find - fault (nothing easier), but I would suggest that if he have anything to complain df, and thinks he could remedy it, he should come forward and present his views, and I am quite sure they will gladly be entertained by the committee. As to the prevalence of what the writer is pleased to call “caste,” I cannot see that it at all prevails in the present case. Some thirty or forty mem bers of the Library were present at the time of the election of the present com mittee. Several names were proposed arid in many .eases the persons so nominated declined to serve. However, the writer is informed that Dr. Ross posted a notice in the book that at the next quarterly meeting he should move that the number of the committee be nine instead of five, as at present. This will enable the writer to ventilate his grievance and open up a remedy. Perhaps the writer is not aware that the Gas Company and Church have paid' 10s. fid. each time of using the room, and the committee would only be too glad to let all and every “ism” have the use of the room upon the same terms. It is one of the rules that the room may be let for meetings, at a minimum charge of 10s. fid. per night. t I am quite sure the treasurer would be only too glad to receive the writer’s sub scription, if he is not already a member, and as many of his denomination as would completely swamp the present subscribers, and I am quite sure the librarian will not ask any impertinent ‘ questions as to a person’s standing in society before deliver ing books or making use of the reading room. It is a pity that this Library should be made a sectarian question until the treasurer has refused to take subscriptions from any other party than the one spoken of.—lam, &c., . : A Member of the Committee.

THE CONTEMPT OF COURT CASE.

J-J-J.XJ wxi xojiaj. j. . vx 1 uwuja J. vaioju* "TO THE EDITOR, Sir— The writer of an article in the Timaru JSvening. Telegraph, re-published in yesterday’s paper, affirms that “Judges and Magistrates possess ‘ almost un limited ’ power to punish persons for sup posed contempt of Court.” This is an error. No doubt the Judges of, the Supreme Court possess virtually unlimited power in this respect; but Magistrates are on an entirely different footing. Their power of punishing for contempt is strictly limited, and the question involved in Mr. Purnell’s case seems to be whether a Magistrate has any power whatever to commit a barrister to prison for alleged contempt of Court, while engaged in dis charging his functions and cloaked with the immunities and privileges of his profes sion.—lam, &c., Lex. July 9th, 1880.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH EXPENDI TURE.

To the Editor. Sir,—l notice with surprise a letter in this morning’s issue ' of the Guardian; calling attention to our borough income and expenditure, and comparing the same with the .Rangiora accounts for the past year. I should not have taken any notice of this letter had it not been for the support given to the writer in the leading article in the same issue, and the figures being so manifestly incorrect. In your article you state that the income of the Borough of Rangiora for the past year was L 2,459 6s. sd.,and place the departmental expenditure at L 319125. To the latter item must be added fire prevention L 35 Bs., and valuation LlB, to bring the figures up to corresponding departmental expenses debited against our local expenditure. This will make the item L 373 10s. But the fact that the first item of L 2,459 6s. sd. includes L 930 Bs., balance in hand from the previous year, appears to be entirely overlooked ; this must therefore be reduced to LI, 528 18s. sd. as the income of the Borough of Rangiora for the year, and the depart mental expenses will thus bear a proportion of 25 per cent, to the income. '' >

Now take our local balance-sheet for the same period. The income, as shown, is L 3,245 10s.. Id. (exclusive of the grant for water supply, L 4,357 19s; 4d.; which in itself entailed a considerable amount of work on our official staff) while the depart mental expenses are LBl3 6s. Fire pre vention, L 95 Os. 6d.; nuisances, L 24 17s. lid.; valuation, L4O (the LOO shown in the balance-sheet being for two years)— L 973 4s. sd. , or 30 per cent on the income. This includes an exceptionally heavy year in printing, advertising, fire prevention, and the extra office work connected with the water supply. If we compare the rates received by the , Rangiora Borough with our own, they are Rangiora, L5lB Os. 3d.; Ashburton, L 2,204 11s. lid. Thus the Rangiora departmental expenses bear a proportion of nearly 75 per cent, of the rates received, while Ashburton is barely 45 per cent. ■ The result of these figures is that the departmental expenses of the Rangiora Borough are 25 per cent, of the income, and the Ashburton 30 per cent, while we have to credit the Ashburton department with the extra work connected with our water supply, and the necessarily heavy expenses in the formation of a new borough. —I am, &c., W. H. Gundry, Late Borough Auditor, Ashburton, May 9, 1880. [We are grateful to Mr. Gundry for having put us right in our comparison of Ashburton with Rangiora, which we made from figures supplied to us, and not from a complete copy of the Rangiora balance-sheet. Mr. Gundry’s own figures, however, do not attack the general scope either of our correspondent’s letter or own remarks—viz.,’ that the departmental ex penditure of the Borough of Ashburton is high—his own figures shewing that it. is 30 per cent, on the income, quite heavy enough, in any case. Besides, though L 2,204 11s. lid. are the rates actually re ceived . during the year covered by the last balance-sheet, we scarcely think Mr. Gundry means to say that that amount is what we can expect to raise every year from rates? — Ed, -4.G.]

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1880.

The following circular has been for warded to us for the information of our farming readers :

NO. 13.—VEGETABLE PRODUCTS. Addressed to Agriculturists, Horti culturists, and] to all Others ENGAGED IN THE VARIOUS BRANCHES op Husbandry.

This department is under the direction and management of a Committee of Com missioners, who desire thus , .early to address themselves to all persons ' who dre interested in the natural productions of the soil througout the Australian Colonies and Polynesia, in the hope that by so doing they may ensure a thorough representa tion at the forthcoming International Exhibtion in 1880 of the fruits, grain, and every description of vegetable produce, either spontaneous or cultivated. The Committee think that the oppor tunity of a world’s show being held on Australian soil should specially draw together a display of vegetable products from the whole of the Australian Colonies, and from the islands of the South Seas, as will clearly set out the distinctive 1 characteristics of the soil and climate of i

each country represented. The Committee Would therefore urge upon all those persons interested not to defer commenc ing operations, but at once to prepare for a full exhibition of the varied products of the soil..

It is proposed to open the Exhibition some time in October 1880, thereby giving at least one full season before hand for the preparation of any special crops, besides affording ample notice to persons willing to exhibit the products of the soil in a prepared or manufactured form.

The Commissioners herewith publish a list showing some of the many products which it is desirable to cultivate, and ex hibit either in their natural state or in their several stages of preparation . and manufacture.

The Committee, in conclusion, desire to say that they will always be prepared to afford the fullest information in -their power, and any suggestions offered will meet with careful consideration.

1. Alimentary. —Cereals, farinaceous products, and products derived from them.—Wheat, rye, barley, maize, oats, millet, rice, and.other cereals; in grain and flour. Grain without husks, and groats. .Fecula from potatoes, rice; lent ala, arrow root, cassiva, &c. Compound farinaceous products. Other alimentary preparations. 2. Texile Materials. —Flax, hemp (scutched and unscutched.) Raw cotton. Vegetable fibres of all kinds, indigenous and otherwise.

3. Fodder. —Lucerne, grasses, and sub stances specially intended for feeding cattle.

4. Tanning and Dyes.—Wattle bark, and its substances. Other tanning barks. Dye plants, sumach, safflower, fustic|~&o. 5. Oleaginous Plants. —Ahqonds, olives, line (linseed), hemp, sunflower, colza, castor plant; candle nut, &c. 6. Other Farming Products.—Canary seed. Seeds of grasses. Hops. Tobacco in leaf or manufactured. Mustard. Chicory. Vegetable roots—beet, carrots, turnips, &c. ' Vegetables for flavoring— onions, garlic, &c. Gourds, pumpkins, melons., ,

7. Products of the Forest.—Speci mens of different kinds of .forest trees ; wood for cabiriet-work, for building, and for other purposes ; timber for ship-build ing, staves, cleft timber, shingles, and palings; twisted timber for ornamental summer - houses, verandah seats, &c.; wickerwood; charcoal, from variety of woods; exhibits, also, for-showing-’the different systems of re-planting, managing, and cultivating forests. 8. Spontaneous and other Products obtained without Culture.—Truffles ; mushrooms ; wild fruit; lichens used as food, dyes, and fodder; gums, sponge, wax, &c.

9. Horticulture. —Fruits of the gar den, orchard, and vineyard ; fruits of. the orange, lemon, lime, and citron, &c.; fruits, dried and preserved ; ornamental trees and shrubs.

10. Floriculture. Ferns, their management in the open air, and in fer neries, wardian cases, &c.; floral designs ; cut flowers, bpquets ; flowers in pots ; preserved flowers, leaves, and seaweed ; materials ; for floral designs,; \ boquet holders, : papers, &c.; models of fruit, vegetables, and flowers; wild flowers.

11. Medicinal ■ Plants . and . their Products.— Camomiles, henbane, fox glove, aloes ; poppies, for poppy-heads and opium ; lavender, peppermint, &c. 12. Miscellaneous.

BOTTLE LICENSES.

A very influential deputation waited on the Colonial Secretary on Saturday, and urged the retention in the new Licensing Bill of the bottle license, so far, at least, as the Provincial District of Otago is con cerned. They contended that the bottle license was a discouragement to. intem perance, rather than a- fostering agency, and denied that there was any foundation for J the assertion that the bottle ' license aided intemperate women in obtaining drink from stores without their husbands’ knowledge, urging that this cry had been artfully started by the publicans. They farther stated that,-were there any truth in the cry, the abuse could easily; be pre vented by a judicious system of watchful ness, and by increasing the license fee from its present amount ,of LlO This increase, the deputation 1 said, would practically confine, the, trade to respectable shops, not likely to be guilty of improper practices, nor of conniving at deception. We are rather surprised to find the .names tf the Hon. W. H. Reynolds, * M.L.0., Mr.; Barron, M. H. R., and: Mr.. f Driver, M. H. R., on the list of those who composed the deputation to advocate the retention of any such pernicious -system as the bottle license. To their denial of the assertion that dissipated . women use the - opportunity the' 1 bottle license gives them to supply them selves with liquor without their husbands’ knowledge, and have it entered in' the household accounts as some other and less harmless commodity, we have only to answer that it is no use denying what is an ascertained fact, and that in places where the grocer combines ; ■ with his grocery.trade that of retailing;spirits the fact that such practices are; common has been abundantly proved in open Court, and though we have no certain knowledge that such tricks are played in Otago, we have no doubt, from the catholicity to a greater or less degree of avarice and selfishness in human nature, ; that “grocers and spirit dealers” cofild be found in Otago quite willing’to ■ make a pound of butter appear in the household bill when the article actually supplied was a shilling’s worth of rum or gin. The pub licans may perhaps be tempted to giro more prominence to this objection to bottle licenses than it really deserves, and to make a cry of it, but there can bo no question that it has foundation in fact. Another reason why the grocer ought not to be allowed to conjoin the sale of liquor in small quantities with the retail of grocery goods is the door the system opens to tippling. It is scarcely within the bounds of possibility for - the police to exercise proper surveillance over, all the licensed houses that would fall to their care were the bottle license general, and a high license fee would, we think, only tend to increase the retailer’s temptation., We do hope Government will be firm; and strenuously refuse t 6 admit the' -bottle license into their Licensing Bill.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(per press association). ! s

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, July 12. The House met at 2.30.

Mr. Dick presented a petition, from Otago, praying that the bottle licenses be not retained.

Mr. McDonald gave notice that :he would move—“ That a. duty of one shil* ling per bushel be imposed - on maiee -im ported into this colony.” . . Mr. Jones gave notice that he would ask —“ If Government had any objection to call for tenders in the colony for the sup ply of telegraphic forms for a period of five years.” • Mr. Hall moved—“ That the Sessional Order requiring the House to rise at; 12.30 be rescinded. ” < He said if not rescinded the session would’be prolonged far beyond its ordinary duration or else important measures would have to be abandoned. Government desired to bring the session to a close as soon as possible, consistent with the dispatch of- important : measures bn hand. The 12.30 restriction had had a fair trial and had not proved a success,

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. This Day. Acland, Campbell, and- Co. —On the Wakanui Road, two miles from Ash burton, the Lease of an excellent Dairy Farm and Sale of Horses, Implements, &c. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. F-uiday, July IC. Robert Wilkin and Co., at Crawley House Farm, four miles from the Hinds Rail way Station—Horses; Sheep, Imple ments, &c. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. Monday, July 19. W. G. J. Bluett, at the Farm, Brookland, Ford’s Road, Watertoh—Horses, Cattle, Harness, Implements, &o. Sale at 11 o’clock sharp.



T- This Day, H. TAYLOR’S FARM ON THE WAKANUI ROAD. No Reserve, and everything to be Sold —The best of everything. 2Sg 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. J une Ist, 1880. 936 a MATSON, COX, ' & CO. will hold Fortnightly Sales of Stock at Ashburton and Tinwald alternately. Next Sale at TINWALD, TUESDAY, JULY 20th. 9100 MATSON, COX, & CO. NOTICE TO SUBSCBIBEBS. Subscriptions for the Quarter ending June are now due, payable at the office, East street, near Railway Station. A Discount of Is. will be allowed on the Quarter’s Subscription, and 4s. on the year’s subscription, if paid in advance. New subscribers are requested to send in their names and addresses as early as possible, to the Publisher, this being the first month in the Quarter. The Far merr' Sin:qleruent will be pub lished every Month. WEEKS and DIXON, 26.:* Publishers.