COMMERCTAL.

CORN EXCHANGE. in the report of the Coni Exchange for the Friday evening, the 2nd is little or nothing to report that the state of the grain produce during the past week. Business is heavy. There is, however, a feeling being manifested for feed f~ grains. It must be borne in mind at the % same time that ■ values are not much affected by this inquiry. The exceedingly low prices now ruling has induced specula tion, any material advance in price would probably have the effect of checking this movement. A slight benefit, however, might be anticipated, as competition will prevent a monopoly, and reduce the speculator’s gains. The potato market is a little firmer, but without any advance on last week’s rates. The Sydney market being the only reliable outlet at present, will, it is expected, upon the arrival of the heavy shipment per , Wakatipu—viz,, about 680 tons—give way. This cargo is the largest ever imported in to’that market in one bottom ; consequently, with the supplies arriving from other places, prices may be expected to recede considerably. Recent Advices from Sydney quote potatoes at L 3 to L 3 10s. per ton, accord ing to condition (sacks included), New Zealand grown having the preference. Wheat. —Good milling samples are sale able at for 3s. 6d. to 3s. 7d. per bushel; second rate, 3s. 2d. to 3s. '4d. ; chick wheat, Is. 9d. to 2s. 4d. per bushel. Oats.—The demand for this cereal is still good. A .slight advance on last week’s quotation with an upward ten dency. Good short milling samples Is. 6Jd. to Is. sid. ; feed samples (good.'. Is. 2d. to Is. fid. ; inferior quality, llid. to Is. Id. Barley,—Really good malting samples are in demand, but difficult to obtain. For this quality 3s. 3d. to 3s. fid. is obtain able ; second-class malting, 2s. 4d. to 2s. 9d. ; feed parcels, Is. fid. to Is. Bd. per bushel. Potatoes.—There is no alteration to note in value, 225. fid. to 255. per ton being the prices at which business is transacted. Sacks, extra, for forward delivery in August and September, 355. per ton. Grass Seed.—Little or no business is being done in this article, prices remain as before 2s. fid. to 2s. 9d. per bushel. Cheese and Butter, —The former is in good supply with a very slack demand a? 41. to 4|d. ; for the latter a moderate de mand exists at from 9d. to lOd. [by TELEGRAPH.] Dunedin, July 2. Prime beef, 275. fid. per 100 lbs.; mutton, 3d. per lb.; wheat, 3s. fid. to 3s. lOd.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 5d.; malting barley, 3s. fid. to 3a. lOd.; potatoes, L2 55.; hay, L 3 to L 4; bran, L 3 ; pollard, L 4; flour, L 9 10s. to LlO ; cheese, 5d.; bacon, 10d.; hams, Is.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at G a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, Ac., at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Eangitafca, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Tiinavu, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longheach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at G 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 Chertsoy, Rakaia, Ac. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p. m. daily. Fr*m Temuka and Tiroarii at 9.25 a. in. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas,

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1880.

Postal.— Mails for Australian colonies, per Albion, close at Hokitika this evening at 7 o’clock. Cement.— The Borough Engineers in vite tenders for the supply of from 50 to 100 casks of cement. Planting. —ln another column the County Engineer invites tenders for planting willows in the Ashburton Porks District. Drunk.: —At the R. M. Court yesterday morning, before Mr. F. Guinness, Henry Dudley, charged with being drunk and disorderly, did not answer to his hail, and was fined 20s. County Hospital Additions. —The tender of Messrs. Baker and Brown was accepted yesterday by the County Council for extra buildings in connection with the Hospital, and Mr. Jenkins’ tender was also accepted for fencing. Unclaimed Letters. —The following is a list of letters from places beyond the colony received at the Ashburton Post office during the month of May and re maining unclaimed on Ist July, 1880 : Bishop, James ; Collins, Patrick; Coles, W. ; Ryan, Richard. Tlie Christy’s.— To-night the Amateur Christy Minstrels are am oicce l to give another of their entertaining cuii coris in the Town Hall, when an entire change of programme will be placed to’ore the audience. Change of Proprietary.— lt will be observed from a notice in another column that Mr. George Willcockg has transferred his coach business to Mr. Thomas Cotton. Tom is well known as an expert driver, and has piloted the Longbeach coach for some time past. We wish him every suc cess in his venture. Courtenay. —Presbyterians in the Ash burton district will be glad to hear that the Rev. H. B. Burnett’s charge of Kimberly, Halkett, and Weedon is mak ing great progress. A bazaar, &c., in aid of the manse fund, held in the Orange Hall, Courtenay, last week, realised about Ll2O, a sum which almost wipes off the debt on Mr. Burnett’s manse. The Channelling. —The recent ffrost to some extent interfered with Mr. Bradley’s progress on Ins contract for concrete channelling, and the wet weather that followed also caused some hindrance to the work. But we notice he has essayed the channelling of Burnett street, and we hope soon to record the agreeable fact that the curse has been repealed under which life in Burnett street has been dragged out. The Illegal Roll. —The Under-Secre tary has informed the Wakanui Road Board that the law officers of the Crown have come to the conclusion that the Go vernor has no power to interfere in the matter of the rate roll. Such being the case, wc presume, the Board will be at the mercy of the ratepayers for the next twelve months, as it will have no power to enforce the rates. It is to be hoped the number of those who will take what can only be termed as a mean advantage of the Board will be a very small proportion of the ratepayers. Conthmptof Court. —At theß. M. Court yesterday afternoon, Mr. Purnell, while conducting a case, declined to obey his Worship’s" order to sit down, and after some words his Worship sentenced him to seven days in prison for contempt of Court An hour afterwards, however, yielding to the advice and counsel of friends, Mr. Purnell came back to Court, and tendered a qualified apology, which was accepted by his Worship, and Mr. Purnell was discharged from custody. A full account of the matter will be found ift . ou.-. ul the R.M. Court, which - -nrit-till IIO;n ly STXTTCTUCTC; £IOOO Damages. —Mr. C. R. Leadlcy, of Prebbleton, who made a claim some time since against the Wakanui Road Board for alleged damages to his property sustained through the action of the Board in cutting a drain near his property, which claim the Board ridiculed at the time, is apparently in earnest, and a big law case is looming in the future. The Wakanui Road Board had a letter before it on Thursday from Mr. Leadley, in which that gentleman stated that as the Board had refused to meet him in the matter, he had no alterna tive but to refer the matter to arbitration, and after naming the gentlemen whom he had appointed as arbitrator, Mr. Leadley stated that the affidavit would be filed in the Supreme Court in due course. It was decided to refer the matter to Messrs. Branson and Purnell. Judgment. —At the R.M. Court yester day morning his Worship gave judgment in the case of O’Neill v. Jones and Brad shaw, in which plaintiff sought to recover Ll 5 for damages sustained through the negligence of defendants, by which a number of sacks of chaff were destroyed by fire. The evidence was given on Tues day last, and appcai'ed in these columns. His Worship—said-ihnt he had carefully ' "considered the merits of the case, and had come to the. oonoluoiuu chat the weight of evidence was in favor of the plaintiff, for whom judgment would be given with costs LI His. Mr. O’Reilly gave notice of appeal, but his Worship would not entertain the application. Encouraging. —lt is very pleasing to notice that, in spite of the disparaging statements which outsiders make regard ing the business prospects of Ashburton, that enterprising individuals are still found who feel that the palmy days of our little township are not altogether a thing of the past. Mr. I. Montague, of Christchurch, evidently shares this opinion, and with a view to testing the grounds of his feeling on the matter, has taken one of the com modious shops recently erected by Mr. J. Fowler, where, to-day, Mr. Montague is going to astonish the natives by such a show of fancy goods as has never yet been seen in the township before. A shilling (able, loaded with articles, both useful and ornamental, is to bo a special feature, and Mr. Montague calculates by the very varied assortment of novelties on this table to meet the taste both of young and old, grave and gay. A Spree. —Tyson Hodgson was charged before his Worship yesterday morning with being drunk and creating a disturbance in the Central Hotel, Ashburton, on the 12th June. Joseph Baldwin and William Beyliss were called by the police for the prosecution, but neither of them put in an appearance. Sergeant Felton wished lus Worship to put on record the fact that Mr. Baldwin was tiro licensee of the hotel in which the alleged disturbance took place and, as he had neglected to appear when subpooned, he (the Sergeant) should certainly make reference to the matter at the next sitting of the Licensing Court. His Worship ordered a warrant to be issued for the appearance to-day of the two witnesses, to which time the case would he adjourned. Edwin Thomas, wlio it was alleged was also a participator in the disturbance, was charged with the same offence. Mr. Purnell asked that the case against Mr. Thomas he postponed for a week as his client had been called away to Rangiora, a death having occurred in his family. The case was adjourned to Friday, 9th July. Suspicious Fire. —On Thursday a cottage, six miles from Napier, took fire, but the neighbors put out the flames. One room was found to be saturated with kero sene, and this, in connection with the fact that the insurance policy is only a mouth old, does not look well.

Diphtheria. —Several cases of diph theria are reported at Kaiapoi. Supreme Court. —The criminal ses sions of the Supreme Court, Christchurch, open on Monday next. Tb White —Te Whetu, secretary to the prophet Te Whiii, has paid a formal visit to the camp of Colonel Roberts. Masonic. — V Mark Master’s Lodge, under the Scotch constitution, was opened in Lyttelton on Thursday, the Rev. J. Hill being chosen first master. Melbourne International Exhibi tion. —Exhibitors are requested to for ward their goods to Messrs. Jameson’s store, corner of Cashel and Manchester streets, which has been kindly placed at the disposal of the local committee for the temporary reception of exhibits. All ex hibits will be forwarded to Melbourne free of cost by the Tararua, leaving Lyttelton on the 20th inst. A New Lighting Invention. —One of the late inventions in domestic economy is the non-explosive kerosene powder, in troduced to Canterbury by the agent of Professor Howitz, the patentee. It is claimed for this compound that by its use “ a brighter light is obtained, less oil con sumed, and danger a matter of impossi bility,” and no smell arises from the oil where the non-explosive powder is used. Directions for use accompany each packet. A Bump Prevented. Captain Dick, of the schooner Endeavor, which arrived at Wellington from Oamaru on Thursday, states that he narrowly escaped running down a steamer (supposed' to be the Stella) off Wellington Heads this morning. The Endeavor was standing towards Sinclair Heads with a strong breeze, when Captain Dick alleges the steamer at tempted to cross his bows. The schooner was brought up in the wind, and a collision averted. The Property Tax. —A public meeting on the subject of the property tax was held on Thursday evening in the Christ church Oddfellow’s Hall. There was a large attendance, and the meeting was addressed by several of the leading citizens —the Mayor presiding. After a lengthy discussion, resolutions in favor of a land or income tax being substituted for a property tax were passed, and also the imposition of a tax on wool. The resolu tions will be forwarded to the city mem bers for presentation to Parliament. Another Royal Commission. The Post understands that is the intention of the Government to appoint a Royal Com mission to report on the Supreme Court system and practice, with a view to the simplification and cheapening of legal pro cedure. It is believed that the Commis sion will comprise the five Judges of the Supremo Court, District Court Judges, Attorney and Solicitor-Generals, two Re sident Magistrates, and six barristers of the Court, two to be appointed by the Government, and the other four chosen by the Law Societies of Auckland, Wcl ington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

THE ODDFELLOWS’ BALL.

Last night the looked for Oddfellows’ Ball came off in the Town Hall, and was indeed what the Committee have all along desired to make it—one of the greatest affairs of the kind that has been held in connection with the Order in Canterbury. Some sixty or seventy couples wore pre sent, but these, wo understand, did not represent all tho tickets that had been taken by the many friends of Oddfellow ship, both inside and outside the Ashbur ton district. As it was, a fair number of strangers from a distance attended. The hall was splendidly decorated with evergreens, and wreaths of such flowers as are available at this season, while by each window was secured one of the many certificates of merit held by past officers of the local Lodge and members who have earned their honors elsewhere. Cross rods at intervals round the hall exhibited insignia of the various <1 eg -="-i,ue mngyiacwnito, tnescarlet, tho purple, Ac., —the purple degree occupying the chief position in front of the hall stage. In the centre of the hall was hung tho splendid blue silk banner of the district, inscribed with the mottoes of the Order and emblazoned with its emblems. Just over the main entrance to tho hall, the dispensation of the Lodge was displayed, and at nine o’clock the proceedings opened with’a very imposing Oddfellows’ pageant, the members marching in procession three times round the room under arch ways formed of the dispensation, the ban ner, crosses, Ac., the whole closing with the master of ceremonies giving the password for the evening, and the past master giving the • “initiation fire.” On tho conclusion of this pageant the ball opened, the music being supplied by Gardiner’s band from Christchurch, with a spirit that “ put life and mettle in the heels " of the dancers. The recent alterations on tho hall proved a great enhancement to the comfort and enjoyment of tho company, as the large room behind the dress circle served admirably as a suppcr-i’oom, while tho dress circle itself provided an excellent “coign of vantage” from which the older and more staid members and their lady friends could view the gay scene below. The space between the right ante-room and the dress circle staircase being now covered in, a jmauA-ecm-rtiiiTent passage-way afforded access from tho hall to the upper rooms without going into the open air. The commissriatdepartment was under the charge of Mr. George Eagle, the genial representative of the Somerset, and was in every way satisfactory. It would be invidious, perhaps, to signalise by special mention any individual mem ber of a Committee whose united efforts have been crowned by so pronounced a success as was last night’s bail, but we think special credit is due to Mr. Williams, the Secretary, for the admirable decora tions. This work is always difficult, especially so in midwinter, when “Flora’s blazing bloom” is past for the year; but notwithstanding all difficulties tfic hall was hand somely adorned, and the recent reno vations on the building materially aided in giving brilliance to its appearance. The duties of master of ceremonies were ably discharged by Mr. G. F. Scott, the N. G. of the Lodge, and his management gave every satisfaction. The list of dances was a long one, but it was faithfully told out, keeping the company active till an early' hour this morning.

THE NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE.

No one ever doubted that the result of the no-conficlonce debate would be other than a victory for Government, but not everybody expected that the majority would reach fifteen, and that in a House of Representatives numbering eighty eight members. The division took place on Thursday, and the figures were forty five for, thirty agsinst Government. The victory, which was always sure, only goes to show by its decisive character how thoroughly Ministers are supported by the independent members, and how the Liberal and progressive policy adopted has met the sanction of all the thinking men in the House whose political vision has not received an oblique cast by party feeling. The last trial of strength between the party in power and the present Opposition was only decided by the votes of the cele brated Auckland four, whose secession from Greyism saved the colony from a continuance of the disastrous regime under which the colony suffered, but the division above reported shows how strong Govern ment have become since then, and how in proportion tho Oppoisition have weakened. Tho continuance in power, for this session at least, of the Hall Govern ment is thus assured.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of ■ this Board was held at the Board’s office, Moore street, on Thursday. Present — Messrs. H. Friedlander', Hunt, Earle, and. Brown. Air. Friedlander apologised for the absence of Mr. Winter, and tho former gentleman was voted to the chair. correspondence. A letter was read from the Clerk of the County Council, forwarding corres pondence from Air. G. S. Cooper, Under secretary, in answer to a letter sent to Government expressing the hope of the Council that the request Of'.the Chairman for a validation of the irregularity by the Governor in the Wakanui Rate Roll under section 68 of the Rating Act, 1876, may be granted. The reply was to the effect that the law officers of the Crown, who had been consulted in. the matter, con curred in the opinion given by the Board’s solicitors, that the omission in this case was not one of mere form, and that therefore the Governor has no power to interfere under seetion 68 of the Rating Act 1876. It was resolved that the member for the district, Mr.- E. G.. Wright, be com municated with, requesting him to take whatever action he might think proper in the interests of the Board. The following letter was received from Air. Roberts ; Dear Sir, —In reply to yours of the 3rd instant, I am not disposed to refer the matter of gravel-pits on R.S. 26710 to the decision of Mr. C. P; Cox in the shape proposed by your Board, but I am quite willing to put the case clearly before Air. Cox, and take his decision as to whether Ll 5 per acre or L 25 per acre be paid for the land taken ; the smal'er being your offer, and the latter demand. —I am, Ac., W. -Roberts. The Chairman, Wakanui Road Board. " The letter was ordered to lie on the table Mr. C. R. Leadley wrote as follows : Prebbleton, June 29, 1880. Gentlemen, —Permit me to call your attention to the fact that my fences are being destroyed by the Board’s employees in the construction of Buttericks and Leadley’s drain, and that, in conse quence of the destruction of the said fences, my property is left in an exposed and unprotected condition. As no means have been provided or steps taken to close the gap made in ‘ the fences, tho paddock through which the drain is taken is constantly infested with stray horses and cattle, and as the said X>addock is now sown with wheat, serious injury to the crops is the result. I tliere trust that you will give tho matter im mediate attention, and that you will have he before-mentioned gaps repared with posts and rails, or other 'material, and thus prevent any further injury to the growing crops through trespassing horSes, cattle, - ctc. And I herewith give the Board notice that as the Board has re fused to meet me in the way suggested in my letter to the Board I have no alterna tive but to refer the matter to arbitration ; and with that view, I give you notice that I have appointed Air. William Flesher, of Bingsland (late Chairman of the Avon Road Board), to-be my assessor, and an affidavit to this ’ effect will be filed in the Supreme Court, Christchurch, in due course.—l am, &c., C. R. Leadley. The Chairman and Members, Wakanui Road Board. After a lengthy conversation, it was decided to get the fencing referred to in Air. Leadley’s letter executed at once, the matter of compensation to be referred to Alessrs. Branson and Purnell, and in the event of the affair being gone on with, Air. C. P. Cox be asked to act as assessor for the Board. Mr. David Ross wrote asking that a drain be made on the road near the East Belt, in the absence of which the road was being much damaged. mrssrrmoivea to get'iho work done. A letter was read from Miff Marshman, Commissioner of Crown Lands, in answer to one sent by the Clerk to the Board, requesting tnat a Crown- grant be issued for the Board’s offices. Air. Marshman stated that on certain facts being sent to him, attested to by the officers of tho Board, that he would recommend the request be complied with. The Board decided to communicate with Air. Marshman asking that a Crown grant be also issued for the gravel reserves in the district. Mr. James Wilkie, Collector to the Board, wrote forwarding a list of rate payers who had paid their rates, also, a defaulters’ list. Tho Collector stated that owing to the complicated and incomplete state of the roll, the difficulty in tracing ownership, dividing accounts and acreage between separate ratepayers, which had occupied so much time in explanations and lengthy correspondence, he had been unable to get in all the rates as expected by the end of June, but there was every probability of tho rates being got in in tho course of a fortnight. It was resolved that tho Collector be written to, drawing his attention to a dis crepancy in the statements he had ren dered to the Board and tho rate roll; also, that he be instructed to take pro ceedings at once against defaulting rate payers. surveyors’ report. Beach Road. —Forming to full width from finger post to school. The contractor has finished this work. Metalling Beach Road from finger-post to school. The contractor is making favorable progress with this w r ork. Leadley's to Bntterich's Drain. —No. 1 section—This contract is jus! upon com pletion ; there only remains some trim ming to the drain and road to be put in order Ac. The contractor has experienced considerable difficulty in pushing forward this work, owing to the very hard condi tion of the ground. Repairs and Additions to Road Board Cottages. —This contract is completed. Re-formation Ac., of part of Seajield Road. —The contractor is progressing with this work, which will be completed in a few days. Drainage.— During heavy rainfalls a considerable quantity of water stand on the road near corner of R.S. With a small drain and culvert put in to carry water into the gravel pit at that corner, this could be obviated with a small ex pense. Maintenance of Roads. —We have re quested the contractor to pay particular attention to roads under his contract, as, after the late rains, they are liable to be considerably cut up. As directed at last meeting we have taken the necessary levels for draining part of Corbett’s road, plans and particu lars of which will be put before you. It will take a very small expense to get lid of the water standing on the road referred to in Air. S. Wright’s letter. Wo have given certificates for work done and in progress. The suggestions of the Surveyors re garding drainage were agreed to, the work to be gone on with at once. WAKAUI ROAD. Mr. Hunt said that the Wakanui road in one or two places - was in a very bad state, and if not seen to at once, would be impassable in a very short time. The Surveyor was instructed to employ extra labor to get the road put into repair. DRAINAGE PIPES. The Surveyor said there were a number of pipes on the East Belt which, if the Board were to authorise their being taken up, would be worth about L4O. They were useless in their present position, and liable to bo destroyed. Mr. Hunt calculated it would cost about Ll 5 after the pipes were taken up to. fill in the holes.

Mr. Brown said that if the value of the pipes only cleared the expense of getting them up it would bo worth rvhile taking the work in hand, and thus giving the work 1o some of the unemployed. The pipes were useless where they were. The matter was left in the hands of the Surveyors and Mr. Friedlander to take action. accounts. were then passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

The Board, held its usual monthly meeting on Thursday. Present —Messrs. C. N. Mackie (chairman). J. Lambie, D. G. Holmes, W, L. Allen, and E. S. Cos ter. The Surveyor’s report was read and received. A letter was read from Mr. A. Makieg, Returning Officer, informing the Board that Mr. VVm. L. Allen had been duly elected to the seat resigned by Sir. Neil Maclean. The Chairman reported that he had written to the Commissioner of Crown Lands re the immigrants’ cottages at New Town, fixing the price of the wooden cot tages at LlO, and that of the sod cottages at L 9. V? A letter was read which had been writ ten to the Mount Hntt Road Board re the boundary road. The letter was ap proved, Messrs, Harper, Harper, and Scott wrote enclosing an account for L6O, amount due to tho Now Zealand and Aus tralian Land Company for land taken for gravel pits. It was resolved that the amount-be put on the pay-sheet. The Clerk to the Mount Hutt Road Board wrote, enclosing a cheque for ac count between the two Boards. Tho Ashburton County Council wrote, acknowledging the receipt of a letter from tho Board re brand book, and stating that the Council had drawn the attention of the Colonial Secretary to the matter, and requested him to provide copies. Several letters wore received from rate payers in the township asking for , the formation of footpaths near their pro perties. Referred to the Works Com mittee. A letter was received from N. Welsh, asking permission to erect a verandah in front of his premises in Railway Terraco West. The request was granted. Mr. JohnM‘Lean wrote offering to take Ll 5 per acre for land taken by the Board for gravel pits. It was resolved to accept Mr. M‘Lean’s oflei'. It was resolved to form part of Bowen street. Mr. Lambie reported that he had had a footpath stripped of tussocks from Mr. Dcarden’s corner to Kyle school. The action was approved. It was resolved that a well be sunk near the corner of Chapman and Bowen streets for drainage purposes. Accounts to the amount of L 239 19s. were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE DOMAIN.

To THE EDITOR. Sir, —I am glad to notice that raj' en quiries re the Domain have evoked a reply—unsatisfactory, but still a reply. I am for the first time made aware that L. 15 of public money have been spent in preparing a croquet ground. By whose leave or from what grant ? I should like to ask. I think, Sir, this shows more then ever the necessity of having the actions of the Domain Board under the control of the public, so that they may be brought to-account, as all bodies controlling the expenditure of public funds ought to bo. Why should this body be exempted from having their accounts audited and pub lished when all other public bodies have to go to the expense of electing auditors and paying for Returning officers ? “ Mallet ” says Ll5O has been gi’auted to the cricket-ground, perhaps the autocrat of the Domain will tell us how it has been spent; the information will be welcome to more than one. Ratepayer.

MR. JOHN GRIGG’S PAPER.

To the Editor.

Sir, — I ha\ e perused with considerable interest the paper read by Mr. John Grigg last Tuesday at the meeting of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, entitled, “ Will Farming Pay ? ” which was published in the Guardian of Thursday’s date. Mr. Grigg deduces a very satisfactory result from the system he advises, and owns that he is “ most agreeably surprised, he may say astonished, at the result of his own figures, ” and I am sure that his ideal farmer would have far greater cause for surprise and astonishment if he netted L 292 16s. Bd. per annum. I will not say more about the rotation of crops that Mr. Grigg advocates than that the land would require a great deal more labor than that of two men to keep it free from weeds. I think that such a farm would require at least two laborers to keep it in proper order. To begin with, in a farm so sub divided there would be at least 500 chains of gorse fences, which represent no incon siderable item in the year’s work— especially' on first-class laud. I assume the fences to be gorse, as wire fences, especially where the paddocks are so small, would not hold cattle and cross-bred sheep. While on the subject of labor, I think that before coming to the net profit the farmer should charge his own labor in the account, and also his wife’s—as, although Mr. Grigg does not mention that they have to work, I take that for granted, as even with two farm laborers I do not think the farmer would have a great idle time, with ten cows to milk, pigs to feed, etc. Then, again, is it fair to charge no interest against the farmer’s own capital of L 471, which is worth, say L4O per annum? Mr. Grigg allows only L2O for “ black smith and wear and tear of harness.” Where is the allowance for deterioration of farm implements, horses, cows, etc., which represent in his capital about L 320, and on which ten per cent, would be a very moderate allowance to cover wear and tear and loss by death, etc.? Extra labor at harvest for 100 acres of heavy crop is estimated at L 5 (exclusive of cutting), being one shilling per acre. To say the least of it, this is very moderate where there is only one regular hand allowed for, and even ho would expect good wages through harvest. Oats are fetching one shilling per bushel this year, and Mr. Grigg has put them at that price—but I should say 2s. 6d. was a fairer average, which would make a differ ence of L 22 10s.; and where no oats are grown on the farm, and therefore no oaten straw for chaff, I think 300 bushels a short enough allowance. To proceed to “Annual Return.” The yield of grain estimated is a large one for an average, but as the land is supposed to be first rate, of course a large yield would be expected. Next comes “ clover—s head of cattle fed each year,” L4O, or L 8 per head for two-year-olds. Mr. Grigg must take current prices for his stock if he buj'S his oats at the same—and I see in Friday’s Christchurch papers two-year old stock are quoted at L 4 ss. to L 4 15s. The next item I should like to call atten tion to is—“ three-year-old colt sold, at L 25.” On referring to 41 Capital,” I.fiud two young horses are allowed for at that figure. I suppose that is at the com

mencemenfc of the year, and the sale at the end, so that estimating the yearling at LlO and the at Ll 5 (Mr. Grigg lumps the' 4 -two at L 25), the colt pays LlO for his‘year’s keep, which is very handsome, as he can’t expect many bushels of oats from the 300 allowed for the year’s consumption. In fact, would it not be more profitable to devote the whole farm to the rearing of colts ? From 200 acres of good land a man should be able to sell 25 colts, which at L 25 would realise L 625, and with a little in the pig and poultry line (which seems very profitable) he might make it up to L7OO, with very trifling annual expenses beyond rent, es pecially if I may be allowed the same privilege as Mr. Grigg— i. e. , to suppose mares that do not die or deteriorate, and to get the services of an entire for nothing. But to proceed. I think Mr. Grigg estimates the returns from the three next items —pigs, potatoes, &c., and poultry—very highly. Lastly, where does the farmer get his fifty sheepskins from? I refer to his list of stock, and I find twenty-five sheep. Does Mr. Grigg wish the man to skin his sheep twice a year ? I have heard that somewhere the old hen wives pluck their geese twice a year, but I never heard of sheep being skinned more than once, and then, I believe, they are generally killed about the same time, so that Mr. Grigg, in his yearly estimate of expenditure should allow for the purchase of fresh sheep. To conclude, Mr. Grigg has allowed nothing for incidental expenditure, which always comes to a good sum—such as in surance on stacks, oil, nails, medicine for stock, blue stone for wheat, &c.,- —which cannot bo pot* less cnan L2O, Leaving Mr. Grigg’s annual returns (even induct ing the sheepskins) as they stand, I think the following items should be added to the annual expenditure, and deducted from net profits. I will not add another farm laborer, though I feel sure that one could not do the work : Items not included in yearly expenditure. £ s. d. Extra labor at’haivest, Lao—less L 5 allowed ... ... ... ...15 o o Oats —300 bushels at 2s. fid. instead of is.—extra cost ... ...22 10 o Farmer’s and wife’s work ... ...80 o o Service of entire, say... ... ••■3 3 0 Deterioration of live stock and imple ments, 10 per cent, on L 320 ...32 o o Inteiest on farmer’s capital, say ...40 o o Incidental expenditure ... ...20 o o £212 13 o £212 135.. deducted from L 292 10s. Bd. leaves LBO 3s. Bd. , which I consider is all that the poor farmer can claim as net pro fits.—l am. So , A Country Subscriber. June 2G, 1880.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN

(Per Reuter’s Agency.) London, June 22. Fever and famine are extending among the inhabitants of West of Ireland, .and great distress prevails there, despite all elforts made on the part of the Central Committee to distribute relief throughout the suffering districts. In Charleston, in the County of Mayo, 20 deaths have oc curred from the effects of fever and desti tution. In the House of Commons last night the debate of Mr. Labouchere’s motion that Mr. Bradlaugh bo allowed to make an affirm ation instead of being sworn, was resumed. The radical element strongly supported the motion, but the Conservatives and many Liberals opposed any special ex emption being made in favor of Bradlaugh. Upon a division the motion was de feated by a majority of forty-five, Government voting in the minority. Great excitement prevailed when the Speaker declared the result. The Tories were jubilant, and cheered enthusiasti cally. A motion had been tabled the pre vious day by Sir Harding Gifford declar ing that Bradlaugh should not be sworn, as he admitted that ho recognised neither the sancitity nor the binding nature of an oath ; neither should he be permitted to make an affirmation. The resolution was adopted without a division, and created considerable interest. London, June 30. Latest intelligence from Central Asia is to the effect that the Chinese, since their recent victories over the Russian troops while marching on Kuldja, have made rapid advances, and have now occupied the district of Eastern Khodam, beyond the disputed Kuldja territory. Three per cent. Consuls, !)7J. The match between the Australians and Harrogate was resumed to-day, and won by the former by ten wickets. Bonnor was not out, 59. Nows has been received that serious fighting is taking place between the Moslems and the Christian residents at Haifa, in Palestine. Her Majesty’s ships Bittern and Rapid, on the Medi terranean station have been ordered to the Bay of Acre, whore Haifa is situated, to protect the lives of Christians. London, July 1. The British revenue ret urn* for the last quarter shows an increase of Lloo,ooo, compared with the corresponding period last year The Times of to-day publishes a para graph stating that the Opposition in the House of Commons will consent to a Bill which Government propose to introduce for the purpose of permitting an affirma tion instead of the customary oath of allegiance. Buenos Ayp.es, June 29. Peace has been established between the insurgent troops and the National Guard, and the rebellion is now ended. Pams, June 30. The decrees which were passed by the French Chambers against the Jesuits in France are being rigidly enforced. Berlin, June 30. The representatives of the Great Powers now sitting in conference for the settlement of Turkish affairs have adopted an identical note to their respective Govern ments setting forth the decision arrived at in the Turko-Greek frontier question, and defining the limits of the extension of the Greek frontier as already announced, namely, to the towns of Janima and Metzovo, in the South of Albania, and including the district of Zagova in • Thessaly. A copy of the note will, it is announced, be forwarded to both Turkey and Greece as the announcement of the decision of the Conference on the frontier question. AUSTRALIAN. (Per JR cute As Agency.) Melbourne, June 30. It is currently reported that Hart’s brother, with fifty armed men, is at Greta township, about seven miles from Glen rowan, the scene of Monday’s tragedy, and intends to resist the holding of an inquest on the bodies of Dan Kelly, Steve Hart, and Byrne. Strong bodies of police, fully armed, have been sent from Benalla and Wangaratta to Glenrowan. It is feared that terrible bloodshed may result if the rumor prove correct, and there is great excitement everywhere in consequence. Later. Nothing further’ has been received from Greta. The Coroner has permitted the burial of the bodies without holding an inquest. The police therefore refrained going to Greta, and the excitement is gradually subsiding. Melbourne, July 1. Arrived—Te Anau, from the Bluff. Ned Kelly is progressing favorably. The excitement is now subsiding, and the police, having abstained from interference with the bodies, they were buried with out any disturbance taking place.

Sydney, July 1. The Rotorua has arrived from Auck land. In tho Legislative Assembly last night, the Treasurer moved that an export duty be substituted for the proposed royalty on coal. The resolution was adopted by the House. An inquiry has been held into the loss of the steamer Wanganui, and the Marine Board has decided that the same was due to the default of the master, Captain Bayldon, who has now been required to show why his certificate should not be suspended or cancelled. Advices have been received from Hew Caledonia that the new convict regulations are having a very bad effect, and the officials are apprehensive of the result. Arrived—Rotorua, from Auckland. INTERPROYINCIAL. (Per Press Association.) Grahamstown, July 1. At a meeting of the Borough Council, the following resolution was passed un animously—“ That this Council has heard with alarm the intended stoppage of subsidies before the expiration of the time stipulated, and fears its ability to keep up contributions towards the maintenance of local hospital and charitable institutions, unless the subsidies are continued, or pro vision made other than that provided for iu the Government proposal. ” Auckland, Julyl. Mr. Sheehan proceeds to Wellington l»r Rotomahana on Saturday. Edward .Lawler Litcher, of Wakefield street, has been charged with bigamy. It appears one of his wives has just come over from Australia. He was remanded. Auckland, July 2. Owing to the interruption of school work by the examinations and holidays, the city School Committee decided not to give mid-winter holidays. It is alleged the teachers by concerted arrangement practically evaded the order given, and some members of the committee threaten to resign if such conduct is to be tolerated. The committee have requested the Board of Education to institute inquiries. Angelina Harvey, a barmaid, was charged with robbing Ernest D. Brown, at the Greyhound Hotel, of Ll2. Com plainant had been drinking and was put to bed there by women, of whom accused was one. After hearing evidence prisoner was discharged. Wellington, July 1. Arrived—Paeroa, ship, from London, after a passage of 97 days ; passengers all well. An apprentice named George Free man, aged 13, a half-caste native, while engaged at the main chains, fell over board and was drowned. All endeavors to rescue him were unsuccessful. It is supposed he was struck by the main sheet blocks. Wellington, July 2. The schooner Ponoke, owned in Wel lington, bound from Greymouth to Picton, is missing. She is supposed to be lost. She loft three weeks ago, and there has been very bad weather since. The crew consist of James Lee, master, and five men. She was insured in tho South British for LI,OOO, of which L 656 was re-' insured in the "Victoria and Colonial offices. She was owned by Waddell, M'Leod, and Weir. Hokitika, July 1. Mr. Cowlishaw, of the firm of Cowli shaw and Plaisted, was a passenger from Melbourne, per Albion. While tranship ping in the roadstead, the stage from the Albion to the Waipara turned over, and Mr. Cowlishaw fell in the sea, and was drowned. The night was pitch dark. Invercargill, July 1. At a large and influential meeting of settlers at Forest Hill, held in the school house, a resolution was unanimously car ried that those present take the earliest opportunity to solicit the support of their fellow colonists throughout Hew Zealand to drive the Hall-Atkinson-Yogel-M'Caug han Government from office. - The Philarmonic Society’s concert of the “ Creation ” drew a large audience, and was a great success. Dr. Moffatt, of Winhon, has been ar rested for manslaughter. He was called to attend Mrs Cameron in labor, but went away and refused to return. Another doctor was called in, but in consequence of the delay, mother and child both died. 'lnvercargill, July 2. The boy Asher who was run over by the Bush tramway locomotive, expired last night from injuries in the region of the groin. Remainder of News see Fourth Page.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 8, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. This Day. Alfred Harrison, at his saleyards—Draught Horses, Implements, Harness, Ac. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. Tuesday, July 6. K. F. Gray, at his salerooms, Temuka— Freehold Town Sections. Sale^ai—l - sharp. Wednesday, July 7. Alfred Harrison, at the Temperance Hotel, Havelock Strset—Furniture and Effects, Sale at 11 o’clock sharp. Friday, July 16. Robert Wilkin and Co., at Crawley House Farm, four miles from the Hinds Rail way Station—Horses, Sheep, Imple ments, Ac. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. NOTICE TO FARMERS. P~|pHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with fanners and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP AISNT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. . JOSEPH CLARK. February 23, 1880. 550a"‘ NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. AIATSON, COX, A CO. Messrs, h. matson a go. 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, A CO., Ashburton. June Ist, 1880. 936 g MATSON, COX, A CO. will hold Fortnightly Sales of Stock at Ashburton and Tinwald alternately. Next Sale at ASHBURTON, TUESDAY, JULY 6th. 910 a MATSON, COX & CO.



For Sale, BAR Framed BSE HIVES. T. A. Gates, Saunders’ Buildings. 8280 To Let. STUBBLE LAND TO LET. GOOD STUBBLE LAND, on the Lag mohr estate, within easy - distance of a Railway_ Station, TO LET. Apply for “particulars to ’ — 977 g D. M‘LEAN, Lagmohr. Wanted. WANTED KNOWN—That 0. Haw kins, thcTinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Bates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805(3—417c Robert Wilkin and Co. FRIDAY, 16xn JULY, ~ CLEARING SALE OP STOCK, FARM IMPLEMENTS, &c., AT CRAWLEY HOUSE FARM, (Four Miles from the Hinds Railway Station). A. Moore, Esq., having let the,above pro * perty, and having no further uae for the stock and implements, has instructed Messrs. Robert wilkin & co. (in conjunction with Messrs. Jame son and Roberts), to sell on FRIDAY, 16th JULY, without any reserve, the whole of his Farming Plant, consisting of OKf\ VERY SUPERIOR YOUNG AOXr CROSS-BRED EWES, (in lamb to long-wooled Rams). 0 FIRST CLASS DRAUGHT HORSES 2 DOUBLE FURROW PLOUGHS Harrows, Broadcast Sower, Reaping, Machines, 2-horSe power Chaff cutter, Drays, Harness, and a large collection of useful Farming Imple ments. Also, (Ron BLBHELS OATS, and several W/l/ other small lots of grain. The sale will commence at 12 o’clock sharp. Luncheon provided. A conveyance will be at the Hinds Station to meet the train leaving Ashbur ton at 11 o’clock to convey persons to the sale. ROBERT WILKIN & CO., Christchurch. JAMESON & ROBERTS, lg . Ashburton,



Alfred Harrison. .This .Day, SATURDAY, JULY 3. 12 o’clock. LURED HARRISON has received instructions from Messrs. Saunders Bros, to sell by PUBLIC AUCTION, at his Yards on above date, the following valuable stock and plant:— ; tj' DRAUGHT HORSES (GOOD) TJ YEARLING ’ . HACK CAMBRIDGE ROLLERS D.-F. PLOUGHS S.-F. PLOUGHS SETS HARROWS CHAFF CUTTER DRAYS SPRING CART (nearly new) And a quantity ef Harness and Sundries. Without reserve. Terms at Sale. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. ALFRED HARRISON, 996g-607c Auctioneer. 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 Under Bill of Sale. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7th. At 11 o’clock sharp, ALFRED HARRISON has received instructions to Sell by Public Auction, on the Premises, THE TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Havelock street, THE WHOLE OF THE FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, Comprising— Bedsteads, Bedding, Chairs, Tables, Cutlery, Cheffoniers, Dining Tables, Sofa, Carpets, Clocks, Lamps 1 large Cooking Range, complete, And Sundries too numerous to particularise. Without Reserve. Sale at 11 o’clock sharp. ALFRED HARRISON, 613c-7g Auctioneer. K. F. Gray. IMPORTANT SALE OF FREEHOLD TOWN SECTIONS, IK THE TOWN OF TEMUKA OK TUESDAY, JULY 6th, 1880. K. to F. GRAY has been favored with instructions from W. Grant,Esq., SELL BY PUBLIC AUCTION, At his Salerooms, Temuka, on the above date, ALL THAT VALUABLE BLOCK OF LAND, being part of Rural Section 2417, containing by ad measurement 30 acres (more or less), having a frontage on the Main South road, joining the north side of Te muka, and fronting bn the Main Line of Railway. The whole of the above block of land -hao— boon ...fjvna'oyod «ncl CUt Up into Quarter and Half-acre Business and Building Sites, and conveniently sized Sections for Market Gardens and Villa Residences, and will be sold upon the fol lowing unexceptionably favorable terms, viz.: 25 per cent. Cash 25 per cent, in Twelve Months 50 per cent, in Three Years, Bearing Interest at 8 per cent, per Lithographed Plans of the above may be seen at Temuka, Timaru, Point, Win chester, Geraldine, and Ashburton. Sale at 1 o’clock sharp. K. F. GRAY, Auctioneer. The Auctioneer desires to draw the attention of capitalists and others to the above Important Sale, as the terms : ra so liberal that those possessed of limited iheans may become owners of Valuable Freehold Sections bn the most easy terms ever offered to the public as the land is very rich, and well adapted for nurseries or gardens. 045 a Tenders. ASHBURTON COUNTY/OOUNCIL. ITIENDERS are invited fo’/PL ANTING JL WILLOWS Ashburton Forks Dis trict. Particulars be obtained at County Council lOffice, Ashburton, and tenders Chairman te be sent in not later than 11 o’clock a.m., WEDNESDAY, 7th July next. By order, WILLIAM BAXTER, ,3g County Engineer. ; LAND DISTRICT OF CANTERBURY. TENDERS are invited for LEASING GOVERNMENT RESERVE No. 2165, containing 1,280 acres, situated near Seafield, for a term of Seven Years, upon conditions to be ascertained at the Land Office, Christchurch, and the office: of the Resident Magistrate, Ashburton, where a plan of the land may also be seen. Tenders, addressed to the undersigned, will be received on and up to the 26th July next. JOHN MARSHMAN, Commissioner of Crown Lands. ’ Land Office, Christchurch, 25th June, 1880, 994 q