COMMERCIAL.

ohbistchubohcobnexohange, The following the week' * d Christchurch ad ending tion to note.in M There kttle or no a d enquir y M values during lces are 0 for feed grams still ex sts, ou i dt not materially sal nples are in J Wheat.-Good xndlmg sa i ohriat . tl throUghaui«fil®f i ‘ a nd prices are 6 demand .for cemd. and o P mming , slightly improved. Gooa bnshel; , ram fted IS Vto ls. 4d. . .. * r s ■ I". 6i.‘° StMdfe“.mmd » *f- Potavdos h orders coming to hand, supplied, with tew a ny sign The local market does n therefore be of improvement. Kates y quoted the same as limited business ;„ 26 . P « being done. Bee gemen t for ship- • 35,. . "^sSasssr»H«io;» x o ie #a. for fte fonner ; 9d. to 10d. for the latter. (by telegraph.) Dunedin, J , 2 Prime beef, 255. to 275. 6d. per iQO . mutton, 3d, to 3jd. per 18, g /d samp i e milling wheat, 3s. 6d. to o . d .; fowls’ S.t'2,, 6d to feed« .f. ls . 3 d. to Is. 4d.; milling, Is-od., ‘ iting barley, 3°. 6d. to 3s. 10d.; feed, • A to S 3s . 3d . potatoes, L2 T^ S,; , °l d to ‘7> L 4 ; new oaten hay, D 3 ; chaff, y j; straw, L2 ; bran, L 3; pollard_D4= , J iour> L 9 10s to DIO ; oatmeal, L 9 19 3 - y pearl barley, L2O; onions Id.; cheese, Bd.; jacon, rolled, 9£d; hams, lld-5 sides baco’ n | d .

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1880.

In another column a correspondent writes to -us regarding the departmental expenditure in the Borough. Assuming “ Ratepayer’s ” figures to be correct—and we believe they are; not far from the mark —we think there is room for some of the “ sweeping reductions ” so frequently talked about in these days of economy and retrenchment. Our correspondent has not, however, made as bad a case against the Borough as he might have done. For instance, printing and advertising cost last year according to the Council s balance sheet, £lB7 3s. 7d.; petty cash and insur ance £l9 4s. Bd. Fire prevention, £95 os. 6d., which amounts, leaving out other departmental expenditure, tots up to the respectable sum of £3Ol Bs. 9d. This, added to £660 mentioned by “Rate payer ” as the expenditure on salaries, &c., equals £9Bl Bs. 9d., and as we understand the Engineer is also paid a commission on work outside the town, we may safely put down another £2O for work done there, thus show ing a total of “charges” for depart mental work of £l,lOl Bs. 9d. The actual rates, when collected, amount to £1,195 10s. 6d., and, allowing every rate to be paid in full, we have a surplus left of £94 Is. 9d. for the maintenance of our streets; for we imagine that out of that sum there cannot be much put on one side for new work. We trust the two candidates for the vacant seat, together with their supporters, will endeavor to set us right, as we hear much comment by the public upon tho subject. As a matter of fact, other and larger boroughs do their work efficiently with less expensive staffs, and we are of opinion that our local self government could be conducted in a much more economical style. As an instance, we may cite the Borough of Rangiora, whose income is £2,459 6s. 6d.; and whose actual salaries,and fees amount to' £175; office expenses and advertising, £l3B ; legal expenses, £l4 15s. —total de partmental charges, £319 12s.

School District of .Hinds. - undaries of the school district o- _ iu this issue. Hinds Tenders. —The South Rak f nard call for tenders for b ia lloatl r: which intending ten ere jme work, Lyertisement. ra may see Mou.nt Hu xt. —The Or [ount Hntt Hoad Boan .airman of the hapman summons a me Mr. Edward ay next, in the Hoad 1 eting for Tlmrs istrict, to consider th ,oard office of that he passing of the tr 0 advisableness of rmeudment Bill nov junty’s Waterworks Tradesmen’s Qu r before Parliament. )n Wednesday ? adrille Assembly. — private Quadril; light the Tradesmen’s lance in Mr. Qu’ ,e Assembly held their ivas a large al Jl’s sample rooms. There was of very er -tendance, and the music refreshments .cellent character, while the was kept up were abundant. Dancing The Asse' with spirit until four o’clock. Wednesdr Ably holds a practice every Bailv ‘■y evening. Esq-, T /ay Arrangement. —Fred. Back, turn 1 .raffic Manager, announces that re- Timr tickets for ordinary fares issued at war ,ru or any intermediate station north -16 1 , is to Christchurch, on the 15th or

,h inst., will be available as late as the i& 17th for return. This concession has jeen made to suit those desirous of visit ing the Industrial Exhibition to be held on the 15th and 16th in Christchurch. Inquest.— Yesterday the Coroner, Dr. .Trevor, held an inquest on the body of Mrs. Wilkinson, the wife of a well-known Chertsey resident. The inquest was held at the residence of deceased, and Mr. L. Langham was chosen foreman of the jury. The evidence of two sons of deceased was taken, which went to show that deceased had partaken of strychnine. Dr. Ross gave evidence also, proving that from this poison deceased had died. The jury having retired, brought in a verdict that deceased met her death by taking strych nine, while in a state of temporary in sanity. The Alford Forest Sheep Stealing Case. —The charge of alleged sheep-steal ing made against Benjamin Corry, manager for Dennis Hoare, runholder, Alford Forest, was heard before the Su preme Court on Thursday. The evidence given before the R.M. was repeated. Mr. L, E. Corsbie stated t]iat Corry had told him a deliberate untruth, in that Corry had promised to do nothing in mustering without giving notice, but bad given no notice whatever, and had marked all the strong lambs of the Alford run, when he mustered. The other evidence was sub stantially the same, and the jury, after an absence of thirty minutes, returned a ver dict of “Not guilty.” Methven. —A meeting was held at the Road Board office, Methven, on W ednesday, to consider the advisability of the passing of the Ashburton County Council Water works Amendment Act now before Par liament. The meeting was poorly at tended, very short notice having been given. Mr. Julian Jackson was appointed chairman. He read the Bill, and explained the object of the meeting. Mr. Thomas Jackson proposed to adjourn the meeting to Ip.m. on Thursday, the 15th inst., to ensure a larger attendance, as the greater part of the ratepayers had received no notice of. it. This was seconded by Mr. Morgan, and carried. A meeting of per sons interested in the building of a school in the township was held immediately afterwards, to consider the reply received from the Board of Education in answer to their petition. Mr. Edward Chapman occupied the chair. This meeting was also adjourned until Thursday, the 15th inst.

Sunday School Teachers’ Con ference. —A very interesting gathering of the teachers and office-bearers of the various Nonconformist bodies in Ashbur burton took place at the Cameron street Wesleyan Church last evening. The .Rev. W. Keall presided, and suitable addresses were given by the Revs. Beattie, West brooks, and Smith. The former part of the meeting took the form of a more de votional character, interspersed with the addresses of the gentlemen mentioned. The latter end of the meeting was of a conversational style, and many useful hints were thrown out for the Sunday afternoon service at the Town Hall. A motion was proposed and carried that a meeting similar to the present be held once a quarter. An amendment to the e&ect that the gather ing take place only once a year was lost by a large majority. A proposal that the Episcopal Sunday school teachers be asked to co-operate at the next reunion was withdrawn, it being explained that on the present occasion they had been asked to join in the affair, but had respectfully declined. The meeting terminated about ten o’clock. The scholars of the schools interested in to-morrow’s gathering at the Town Hall are requested to be punctual in their attendance at their respective schools at two o’clock. “The Lost Ship.” —The Amateur Dramatic Club gave their first representa tion last night of “ The Lost Ship.” The performance was for the benefit of Mr. Charles Bourk, scenic artist to the Club, and we are glad to say that the public responded very heartily, all parts of the house being fairly filled, the dress circle more especially. The scenery, thanks to Mr. Bourk’s efforts, was excellent, and the painter was called before the curtain to acknowledge compliments paid to him. The piece was very well mounted indeed, and the cast of characters was very judicious. In one or two cases there was a manifest want of acquaintance with the text, but the lead ing parts were well pourtrayed. There were complaints made about the length of the intervals between the scenes, and the audience, a remarkably good natured one, showed some im patience, but as there always is stiffness in a first representation, we may expect to see these intervals shortened to-morrow. The company are fortunate in the acces sion to their strength they have secured in Mrs. Thompson, who was very telling in Rose Lindon. The cast was as follows : Ben Trennant (well played by Mr. Jessop); Ned Martin (by Mr. Franks, who would lose nothing by a closer application to the text, but would save the prompter a world of trouble); Jan Dunsterswyvle (by Mr. Poyntz, the part could not have been put in better hands); Nicholas Nibble (by Mr. Felton); Timothy Trim (by Mr. Elston, who was as usual quite at home, and tickled the audience much); Vivian (by Mr. Higgins, whose rich voice belied hie assumed years, but otherwise made a good old man) ; Mark Lindon (by Mr. Tippet, who had not much ho do, but filled the part well); Sally Popple (by Mrs. Tippel, always popular, and highly so last night); and Rose Lindon (by Mrs. Thom son, as already mentioned). The Christys’ orchestra supplied the music. Mr. Nettle ton’s violin vras missed from the little circle of musicians, but he will appear to-night. As it was, the orchestra was very useful, and we hope to hear them very often. With steady practice they ought to make an orchestra of no mean merit. We hope the pernicious habit of whistling that some of the Ashburton youths indulge in at entertainments will not be further cultivated. Everybody is satisfied of their proficiency in this accom plishment, and having, proved their ability last night they will perhaps take the hint, and not treat the audience to a gratuitous performance of the inharmonious sounds to-night. Something should be done, too, withthegas arrangements. Itis exceedingly awkward that every attempt to lower the gas in the sunlight should end in total ex tinction, and necessitate re-lighting from the centre of the hall. Wo do not know whether the fault lies with those who have charge of the taps or with the taps themselves, but surely it is not a neces sity that the lights should go completely out when a dark scene is brought on.

South Rakaia Domain Board.—Td a Gazette of July 1, the following gentlemen are appointed members of the South Rakaia Domain Board :—Messrs. Charles Norris Mackie, Georgb Robinson, Walter Hartnell, James Rowland Sharp, Arthur Makoig, Charles Albert Creery Hardy, and James Bruce. The Board will meet for the transaction of business on the first Monday of each month at 4 p.rn., in the Road Board oliico, South Rakaia, or at such other time and place as they may fix, the first meeting taking place on Thursday next. The Charge of Manslaughter.—J. Walsh appeared before the Court yes terday, on remand, charged with the manslaughter of his wife Anne Walsh, but Sergeant Felton stated that after the result of the inquest he would not pro ceed with the case. Walsh was accord ingly dismissed from custody.—A boy of about four years of age, the son of Walsh, was brought before his Worship under the Neglected and Criminal Children’s Act, but as Walsh stated he was prepared to see that the child was attended to and well looked after, his Worship dismissed the case, but instructed the police to visit Walsh’s house occasionally, and if the boy was not cared for, as promised, to again bring him before the Court, when he would be sent to Burnham.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE TOWN HALL.

To the Editor. Sir, — Ort Saturday evening last I saw at least one representative of the press in the dress-circle at the Christy entertain ment, and I am somewhat surprised to observe that no notice whatever has been taken of the fact that at least a dozen men were sitting in the hall below smoking. The smoke rose up very offen sively to the dress-circle, where a number of ladies were sitting, and some of them complained to me about it. Placards, saying, “Smoking strictly prohibited,” are hung up all over the hall, but the larrikins smoked all the same, and nobody found fault with them. Who is to'blame ? —I am, &c., Counter-Blast. THE VACANCY IN THE COUNCIL. To the Editor. Sib-—Two gentlemen are before the burgesses as candidates for Mr. Edward Saunders’ vacant seat. Are they going to address us 2 Because I would to know their views on this subject—We have a borough income of about L 1,200. We pay away in salaries—clerk, Ll5O ; en gineer, Ll5O : solicitor, LIOO ; foreman, Li 30 ; valuator, L 35 ; collector, Ll 5 - LSBO ! ! for spending L 1,200 ! ! We have a gas account of LIBO to pay besides this, which brings the total departmental slice out of our rates up to L7GO. Supposing our income to be L 2,000 a year, L7OO is a big sum to get rid off in this way, and I would like the candidates just to say in public meeting if they think the figures I have given are what they ought to be, when works that are useful and necessary, cannot be done for want of funds.—l am, &c., Clod-Hopping Ratepayer.

THE ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

To the Editor. Sir,— lt is to be regretted that the de tailed statement respecting the Library, which was rendered by the genial chair man last Wednesday evening, has not appeared in the papers for public criticism. The views then put forward are assumed to be those of the Library Committee or Trustees, if there are such, and may be reduced to something like the following : We have a Public Library. The public do not appreciate it. Unsupported, it does not pay, and is a burden upon a few per sons. The public ought to strive against the evil of ignorance by Joining the institution. Then wo should soon have LIOOO worth of books and a self-support ing cause. To analyze the above sentences is by no means a pleasant task, as it appears to call in question the sincerity and sympathy of the promoters of the Library as a com mittee. It is hard to deal with a diffi culty which is perhaps intangible; and only the desire to help forward the interests of an institution, so useful as a well conducted public library, nerves one to enter upon the work. Those who know the chairman will be sure that he did not intend, in his remarks upon ignorance, to convey the idea that all non-subscribers to the Library were ignorant people, and that all who joined it were wise ; but did he unwittingly let a cat out of the bag which ought never to have been put in, and it is to be hoped never will again ? Did he unconciously say that those who belong to the Library feel that they are the people, and wisdom pertains only to them ? Please, Sir, to understand that the re marks’ now made are not in any dishonor able or disparaging spirit, but solely on account of what has frequently been heard, read, and observed, and with a view of testing the sincerity of the ex pressed regrets that the Library is in a poor way. If it is a fact that the public are apa thetic in this matter, there must be a cause for it, which those who deplore it might do well to discover. Judging from what has appeared in the papers about tin's and other local institutions, and from what can be observed, the difficulties are at home, and can bo grappled with. Plato is said to have had written over the porch of his school —“ Let none but geome tricians enter here” ; and in playing upon words, it might be gathered that Plato was a believer in “caste. 1 ' Some, who have resided in Ashburton long enough, say that with the creation of the town there was somehow an importation of what is known as “social caste,” which has tainted every local institution with its pernicious influence. While its influence is everywhere blighting, it is- especially so in this county. It is said that the fact that a Gas Company assuming the Library to bo a proper place for holding share holders’ meetings, and the fact that a church vestry, conceiving the Library to be the place for its ecclesiastical business to bo carried on, is proof of the existence of this “ social caste.” And, further, that if the courts of other churches were held there, they would be quickly made to dissolve. Then the sympathy of the Com mittee, as at present constituted, is felt to be more with a class of residents than with the public interest, otherwise the conditions of that Committee would be such as would approve themselves to a discerning public, and be followed up by a general and speedy participation in the blessings which the Library seeks to con fer. As at present managed, the institu tion seems to say—“ Good to all, but not at the expense of social caste.” As regards the meeting of last Wednes day, how was it that with few exceptions, both the audience and the platform were so unmistakeably of one denominational type? If more varied talent was not sought, why not ? If others were asked to take a part, and could not, why was not their absence accounted for by the chair man ? People are not insensible to even an unspoken discourtesy, though it may not be worth the while to say so. How ever high one’s self esteem may rise at the thought of being one of the elite of a town, such a thought is a snare and a de lusion. “ Caste ” is properly a thing of the past, and has no affinity with the living present, and this may go a long way to explain why so few persons caic to join the Library. Though this letter may bring down

upon the writer a diverse criticism, yet if kindly done, and without any intention, to wound anyone’s feeling, the attempt to put into shape the thoughts that burn in many minds, may be productive of some good results. One Who Was Present at the Entertainment. 9th July, 1880.

INQUEST ON MRS. WALSH.

DEPLORABLE STATE OP AFFAIRS. An inquest was held at Quill’s Com mercial Hotel, on Thursday last, on the body of Annie Walsh, who died suddenly on the night of the 6th inst. Dr. Trevor was coroner, and Mr. Andrew Orr was chosen foreman of the jury. After the jury had viewed the body, the evidence, as under, was taken. Mr. Crisp appeared on behalf of John Walsh. Inspector Pender conducted the examina tion. - Robert Neill deponed—l am a constable stationed at Ashburton. From instruc tions received, at about 11 p.m., on Tues day, the 6th inst., I proceeded to the house of John Walsh, in company with Dr. Ross, Constable Smart, and Michael Murphy. I saw John Walsh, the body of the deceased, and a little boy lying in bed. The deceased had on a night-dress, and her husband was also undressed and in a state of intoxication. I arrested Walsh, and brought the lad away, and left him at Mr. Quill’s. The bedding was in a most filthy state ; the worst I ever saw. Saw a two-gallon jar which contained either brandy or whisky. ‘ There was also a number of glasses and bottles about the house. Dr. Ross was with me. There was o, black mark under deceased’s right eye. By the Coroner—lt was about a quarter' to one on the 7th when we reached the house. By Mr. Quill —The jar containing the liquor was nearly full. By the foreman —Walsh told Dr. Ross his wife was dead. Michael Murphy, sworn, said—l am a laborer, living at Ashburton. Have been living at Walsh’s for tho last ten months. I am not a relative of Walsh’s, but have been workina about the place. Walsh lived near the Alfred Mill, with his wife and one child. Walsh lived on his income. The deceased and her husband lived on very good terms, but both were given to drink. I have had a nip now and then, and could get it whenever I wanted it. The weekly consumption of whisky since the cold weather commenced was two gallons for the three of us. There has only been a dozen of beer in the place during the last fortnight. Walsh and his wife did not eat much, and lived mostly on spirits. Mrs. Walsh had been confined to her bed for the last three weeks. She was always craving to wet her lips, but she did not complain of anything particular. Walsh has been about the house as usual lately. No medical man was called in during Mrs Walsh’s recent illness, nor for the last twelve months. She did not ask to see a doctor. I knew deceased had been sink ing for the last three weeks. Walsh would not allow a doctor to be sent for, as he said she would be “said” by him. Deceased only had some beef tea and gruel during her illness. Walsh thought deceased was only put ting on. The day before the deceased died Mrs. Griffin was in the house, and washed and cleaned deceased. For three weeks previous deceased had had no at tendance, nor was her clothing changed. Walsh never gave any reason for not ob taining a woman to see deceased. ‘ I was about the house ail clay on the 6th, but deceased did not seem to bo any worse. On that day deceased had from me two drinks of whisky, but none from anyone else, to my knowledge. I should think Mrs. Walsh died about 10 o’clock on Tuesday night. She shook hands with me, and said, “ Good-bye,” and I gave her a drink. This took place twenty minutes before she died. She then kissed the boy and said “Good-bye” to Walsh. She did not say she was dying. For the last week she had been saying “good bye” to me and her husband, and asking me to keep company with her to see the last of her, but I did not think it neces sary to go for a doctor. Noticed she had a black eye in the early part of last week, but do not know how she got it. There was no quarrel. The only other people who were in the habit of coming to the house, were the butcher and the baker. Walsh is a man of means, and I believe is paying his way. Know Mrs Roberts. She came to the house on Mon day, and with my assistance lifted Mrs Walsh up in bed, and put a clean night dress on her, and a clean sheet under her. Walsh was in bed at the time. Deceased was in the habit of taking whisky nearly every hour. Used to take about half-a dozen nips of whisky myself during the day, hut have not been drunk during the last three weeks. Cannot say how much Walsh drank. There were two gallons of whisky brought in the day deceased died. The previous two gallons came about the middle of the previous week. By the Coroner—l used to give Walsh his nips about every hour. I brought the two gallons to the house about five o’clock on Tuesday afternoon. By Mr. Quill —Walsh was neither drunk nor sober on Tuesday. I used to buy the liquor by Walsh’s instructions. By Mr. Garnett—Walsh was sober when I assisted to change the clothes of de ceased. By the foreman—About a month ago deceased sent me for a policeman to take her away, as she would prefer being in Addington goal again to living in her house. The policeman told me to see Sergeant Pratt. Deceased gave no reason why she preferred Addington gaol. By Mr. Quill Mr. Walsh was not always sober when he instructed me to go for the liquor. By Mr. Boyle—Walsh was quite sober when he told mo to go for the liquor on Tuesday. By the foreman-—I always felt that it was my duty to [do what my employer told me. By Mr. Puddicombe —Do not know when deceased was last out of the house. By Mr. Crisp—When she said she was craving to have her lips wet, I used to attend to her and give her whisky if it was in the house. Whisky was usually in the house. Liquor was usually locked up, but I could get at it. By Mr. Allison —I had to lift up Mrs. Walsh’s head to give her the liquor. [The jar of whisky was .produced, and it was calculated about two quarts had been taken from it.] Jane Roberts, sworn—l am the wife of Weymouth Roberts, living at Ashburton. Have seen the body lying outside. Re cognized it as that of Annie Walsh. On Monday last saw her at her own house in bed. On [Sunday, the last wit ness begged of me very hard to come down to the house, as deceased was dangerously ill. When 1 went into the house, Murphy was under the influence of drink. Walsh was in bed, and was not sober. Deco vsed was very bad, but I do, not know what it arose from. The state of the house and clothing was very dirty. The bed-clothes were filthy ; the whole place smelt very bad. It was as much as I could do to get deceased changed, because of the dirt. Never saw such a filthy place before. There was evidently muchj neglect on the part of some one. When I went in I made up a lire and made some beef tea for deceased, as she was craving for drink, and changed her clothes with the help of Murphy. I asked last witness to go for a doctor, but he said, “ Oh, no : the doctor won’t come.” On the Sunday I also suggested to Murphy to go for a doc tor, or for Sergeant Felton. I asked

Walsh why he did not get a doctor, and he said it was no use, as..the doctor would not comd. I remained in the house two or three hours and made the place quite clean. Deceased was sensible the whole time I was there, but beyond telling mo when I first went in that sho was very bad, she never afterwards spoke to mo. It is about six or seven weeks since 1 saw deceased out. Mary Griffin, sworn,-said—-! am the wife of John Griffin, laborer, residing at Ash burton. Have known the deceased for about four years past, but was never in her house until last Monday week, when I went upon some business. 1 knocked at the door, and Mrs. Walsh called out for me to come in. When I got in, Mrs. Walsh and her hus band'were in bed; Mrs. Walsh asked me to stay and do some washing. The place was in a most filthy state. Saw Murphy there, he was at work washing the floor. The boy was there, but he was not very dirty. Deceased said she was very bad, and I noticed that she had a black eye. There was nothing said about going for a doctor. Last Sunday Murphy came to my house, and asked me to go and see Mrs. Walsh, as he did not expect her to live. I said I could not go as I was out nursing, but advised him to go for a doctor or the police. While I was in the house, saw Walsh get some whisky ; I. do not know how often, but he got out of bed several times for a drink. By Mr. Crisp—l did not consider Mrs Walsh very bad in health, as I thought that she was suffering from the effects of drink. The place was deplorably dirty. Sergeant Felton, sworn—l am Sergeant of Police, stationed at Ashburton. Saw John Walsh, husband of the deceased, at the lock-up before eight o’clock on the morning of Wednesday, the 7th. I said, “ Hallo, Walsh ; you’ve been drinking again.” He said, “Oh, I was not very drunk, sergeant; my missus is dead.” I took him into my office, and told him that he was charged with causing the death of his wife, and that he was in custody fox manslaughter. I explained to him that the meaning of the charge was that he had been the cause of his wife’s death by some means. He said, “ You ought not to [charge me with that ; you ought to charge some one else ; you know I have always tried to keep her from drink.” I said, “I know nothing of the kind ; you are in a serious position, and if you want a solicitor, you had better see one.” Walsh said “ Oh, well, she died in my arms. Mr. Crisp is my lawyer.” Saw deceased last alive about three weeks ago, near the Post Office. She said she was glad to see me so well. Told her I hoped she was not going to be up to any of her old tricks again. She said she did not drink xxow. Told her I hoped it was true, aiid said that if she took to drink again , I should send her away again. She was well-dressed, and had the little boy with her, who was also looking like herself —both clean and healthy. Told her I was glad to see the boy looking so well, as I had intended if he was nut well cared for to have taken him from her. Have known both Walsh and deceased for a long time. When I fix-st knew them they were very respectable, but latterly they have been much given to drink. They were both committed once to Addington Gaol as habitual drunkards. Walsh is well off, and has been living on his means for some time. Walsh was well able to pay for medical or other attendance. Murphy has been locked up for drunkenness. By Mr. Crisp—Walsh is sodden from drink, and consequently of weak intellect* I did nokcaution him at the time I told him he was charged with manslaughter. Dr. Ross, sworn, said —At about twelve or half-past on Wednesday morning I was called upon by two constables, and went to the house of John Walsh. Found the man Walsh, with his child, and the body of deceased, in bed. I instructed the constable to take Walsh into custody. Examined the body of deceased, which was warm, but not very warm. I turned down the blanket which was over the de ceased. Everything about the bed and the body was in a filthy state, from the natural discharges of the occupants. Saw a jar, and asked that it be removed into another room. The constable shook the jar, which sounded nearly full. Saw a cupboad in another part of the house, with a big pad lock and chain on it. Walsh was in a state of chronic alcoholism and verging on delirium tremens. Murphy was drunk. Have made a post mortem examination of the body. Externally the only things noticeable were the filthy state of the skin, and discoloration just below the lid of the right eye—l should say of four or five days’ standing— and excoriation on tho thighs and but tocks from the natural discharges of the deceased. The condition of the heart was healthy, and full of thin dark blood. The lungs were oedematous. This was the im mediate cause of death. The liver had undergone a deal of fatty degeneration, and was of enormous size. The kidneys had undergone granular degeneration. All the serus contained fluid. The disease of the liver was or old standing. The stomach and bowels were empty, the former being in a state of chronic con gestion. The body was well nourished. I consider the black eye as of no consequence. The whole of the diseases were from drink. I do not think deceased had taken any great quan tity of alcohol for a few hours before death, as I did hot detect the smell in any of the organs. The neglect which de ceased was subject to accelerated death ; but even had she medical treatment life could not have been prolonged for a long period. She required attention and cleanliness more than medicine. By the Coroner—Under any circum stances, even had she had attendance, she must have died shortly. By Mr. Crisp—To my knowledge, the woman had the diseases about a year and a-lialf ago, and whenever she took alcohol it would make the diseases worse. The woman’s death certainly resulted from alcohol. The coroner stated that what the jury had to do was to decide whether John Walsh was guilty of manslaughter— whether the deceased died from neglect, and whether that neglect was criminal ne glect. Mr. Crisp protested against the coroner making such a statement to the jury, as all that the jury had to do was to consider how the deceased came to her death. The Coroner declined to accept Mr. Crisp’s objection and went on to say that the evidence of the only medical witness was to the effect that deceased could not have lived long. The evidence went to show there was a deal of neglect, but how far that neglect was due to the deceased’s own 'fault was not stated. Walsh was, as stated by the Sergeant of Police, a man of weak intellect through his con stant drinking habits, and he (the coroner) thought that Walsh was certainly not responsible for his actions. He thouglit the charge of manslaughter had broken down. But that point would have to be’decided by the jury. The Coroner deplored that such a state of things which had been revealed by the evidence should exist in any civilised community ; in fact it would be a disgrace to a heathen com munity, and he was very sorry that it should exist in Ashburton. , The jury then retired, and after an hour’s deliberation, returned and gave the following verdict: —“ That the deceased died from excessive drinking, and that her death was by the neglect of her husband', John Walsh, and Michael Murphy.” The foreman, in explanation, stated that the jury considered that the neglect was not intentional or criminal, but arose more from stupidity or ignorance than from anything else. A rider was attached to the verdict to

the following effect :—“That the jury are of opinion the parties are much to blame who supplied Walsh with such quantities of liquor. Mr. Parkin said it had coine out in evi dence who sold the liquor—Messrs. Ed miston, Gundry, and Co.—but it was not recorded. The Coroner explained that there was no necessity for recording the fact of who sold the liquor, as it did not bear upon the case. Mr. Quill wished to state that the pub licans of Ashburton, in accordance with instructions from the police, had refrained from supplying either the deceased or her husband with liquor for the last twelve months. The Coroner (after requesting, the re presentatives of the press to take note of Mr. Quill’s statement) called upon the witness Murphy, and severely censured him for his conduct throughout the pain ful affair, a course of action which showed that his (Murphy’s) conscience was in a ver}- bad state, especially when he fetched liquor for the deceased and her husband, knowing that it was killing them. Re ferring to Murphy’s own drinking habits, the Coroner advised him to at once re linquish them, or ere long he would be committing a greater crime—that of sui cide. , The Coroner, addressing Walsh, said that the remarks which had been made to Murphy would also apply to him self, hut anything further he would re frain from saying, as Walsh would come before the Magistrate the next day. Dr. Trevor instructed Sergeant Felton to notify to the hotelkeepers and others that they were on no account to supply Murphy or Walsh with intoxicating liquors.

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Cambridge Schoo l Committee was held in the school last Tuesday evening. Present—Messrs. Megsoa (in the chair) Watkins, Lill, Grayburn, Lloyd, and Margetts. Alter the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed, the Chair man read some correspondencs he had had with the Board on a matter which had cropped up since last meeting, and on the motion of Mr. Watkins it was resolved that the Chairman’s action be approved. The schoolmaster’s report was read and considered satisfactory. Re the gymnastic apparatus mentioned in it, Mr.'Lill pro prosed, seconded by Mr. Margetts, that, the Committee ask the Board to sanction the erection of some gymnastic apparatus and swings. Carried. The ground between the school door and gate requiring some gravel it was proposed by Mr. Watkins, and carried, that tenders bo called for carting ten loads more or less, of shingle on to the groun d and that the Chairman accept tenders for the same. The master having asked for some fire wood, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Grayburn—“ That a quarter-cord of wood bo obtained and cut up for school use.” Re Mr. Williamson’s insolvency, the Chairman stated that at a meeting of the creditors held on the 3rd of July, Mr. Williamson had offered to pay twenty shillings in the pound, by monthly in stalments, which had been accepted, and that he had given an order to the trustee, drawn on the Chairman, to retain each in stalment, and pay it over to the trustee. After some discussion on the matter, it was moved by Mr. Watkins, seconded by Mr. Margetts “That the Committee refuse to endorse the order, or in any way become responsible for his liabilities, he being qualified to make each payment himself.”—Carried. The Chairman tendered his resignation, but he was unanimously asked to continue in office, which he consented to do. The master having applied for the use. of the school to hold entertainments for the purpose of raising funds for tho pur chase of a harmonium for the school, it was unanimously resolved to grant his re quest. Mr. Williamson,,who was present, noti fied that he intended to commence the series of entertainments by a lecture on an early moonlight evening, on “ Agricul tural Chemistry,” illustrated with experi ments. Several small accounts were passed for payment, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting adjourned till the first Monday in August

MR. PURNELL’S CONTEMPT OF COURT.

(From the Timaru Evening Telegraph.-) Contempt of Court is either an offence committed against the dignity of justice herself or tho saying or doing of some thing which amounts to a refusal to comply with the prescribed rules of form and order. Contempt of Court is to be classified under two heads, direct and consequential. Direct contempt is an open insult to the Judge himself, or re sistance to him, or others, officially em ployed, and the law provides' heavy punishment to . meet any such cases. Consequential contempt is the persist ence in acts or speech* which tend to obstruct the business in hand, or in directly detract from the assumption of dignity with which justice enrobes her Judges while in. their official capacity. It is absolutely necessary that the pro ceedings of our law courts should be conducted in such a manner that any disrespect or insolent behaviour, on the part of either counsel or witnesses, should he promptly suppressed, and, if advisable, punished. To ensure this, power, almost unlimited, is permitted to our Judges and Magistrates to deal with cases of the kind at v ill. This provision is certainly a wise one, but one that calls for tho exercise of great discretion in its application. For a judge to use his prerogative hastily, and perhaps when under the influence of excitement, attendant upen the usual circumstances in which he is placed, must as surely tend to lessen his dignity as the supposed contempt he seeks to punish. We are led to these remarks on reading an account of the “scene in Court” at Ashburton the other day, when Mr. Purnell was sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment for alleged contempt of Court. Mr. Purnell, from what we can gather, was interupted, while con ducting his case, by the opposite coun sel, to which he properly objected. We know little of law courts’ routine, but we certainly consider that one side of an argument at a time is necessary to en able the presiding authority to arrive at a just and equitable decision. Both at once, and Judge, counsel and witnesses altogether, can only lead to confusion and a total subversion of dignity and fair play, and is liable to cause the pro ceedings to be esteemed only in the light of a farce, and the court to become a favorite resort of the omnium gatherum. The contempt of which Mr. Purnell appears to have been guilty consisted in his respectfully declining to sit down, in the middle of his case, leaving the advantage to the opposite side. We are inclined to commend him for, this, provided he acted becomingly, and with all the respect and obeisance due to the immaculate Bench. For refusing to sit down when ordered, he was adjudged guilty of contempt and for answering back to tho Magistrate’s querulous offer of half an-hour to consider the matter that “ he did not want any time for consideration,” he was awarded seven days. To most people it will be obvious that the offer of conciliation was misplaced. If Mr. Pur nell had rendered himself liable to the censure of the Court, it certainly savors of weakness and undecidedness, that he should have been offered a parley when in the custody of the constable, and half-way 1

out of the room. It looks as if the; Magistrate had repented of his somewhat' hasty ruling the moment it was given, and desired to compromise. Seven days; imprisonment inflicted on a barrister of the Supremo Court, in a lower Court, is a heavy sentence, and v e fail to see that Mr. Purnell merited such 'an extreme stretch of judicial authority. Wo have no knowledge of Mr. Purnell, we do not remember to have heard of him before, and our arguments are deducted from the aspect of this case as we see it. Whether or. not he was guilty of con tempt of court, the arbitrary and irrit able exercise of a power that at all times should only be resorted to in grave cases, cannot lend to uphold the con sequences and dignity of . our .Halls of Justice. In accepting Mr. Purnell’s statement, we cannot term it apology, the Magistrate showed clearly enough that, on his side, he was only too wil ling to grasp at any excuse that opened the way for mature reflection to retrieve the error of rash and petulant com mission, and wc hardly know who comes out of this paltry affair the best, the Ma gistrate, the Lawyer, or the Policeman. For our part, if we had given a man seven days, we should have taken precious good care that he got it, especially after we had signed the warrant for his committal. Or, had it been our lot to have stood in Mr. Purnell’s shoes, we would have taken the seven days, knowing that we could fall back on a sufficient remedy for the ap parent injustice and stigma cast upon us. As the case stands at present, the lawyer has achieved a splendid advertisement for nothing, the easilj aroused dignity of a minor court of justice has been mollified at a loss of self-respect; and—-the constable is minus his prisoner ; perhaps, • after all, the most desirable consummation towhich this unpremeditated farce in three acts , cuuld have been brought.

BOOKSO AND READING.

The following is the original paper read by the Rev. W. Keall, at the entertain ment. ' ■ ■ ■ - Southey, tells the story of a' certain Quaker who took a MS. to Franklin to print and publish. Franklin looked over it, and said to the author that it was somewhat deficient in arrangement.- “ It’s no matter,” said the Quaker, “Put any part thou pleasost first.” The reader of this paper almost fears lest he should seem by the broken charac ter of his subject, to lay himself open to a similar criticism. We are frequently told that ours is a reading age, and truly many things indi cate that it so. And this is to our credit, for by reading books we educate our thoughts, enlarge our'stock of information, obtain ideas, and secure evergreens and flowers, as well as luscious fruit to the soul. It is essential to read if we would ac quire and maintain mental vigor. If we do not read we can never make good our claim to be intelligent. Without reading, our knowledge will ' be superficial and vain. Some men live almost exclusively on what is spoken by their fellow men— they become mere hangers on at public meetings, frothy lectures, and political orations, until in the long run their men tal and moral life, is destroyed by spon taneous combustion. To young people, especially, it is a reproach hot to like reading. A disposition to spend ' our spare time in reading good, solid,'and pro fitable books is one to covet, and such a reader is a blessing io the community. Some one has said that ‘ ‘ books are windows through which the soul looks out.” A house without books is like a room without windows. Though books are not made for house furniture, nothing, can more completely furnish a house. The plainest row of books, on the plainest shelf, is more significant than the most elaborately carved sideboard. Men are not accustomed to buy books unless they need them, and the man who con tents himself with cheap; and plain fare that he may be; able , to buy books, com mands esteem. He who throws aside the questionable luxuries of pipe, beer, and such things, for the purpose of adding a few volumes yearly to his bookshelves is to be congratulated, for “ he is prudent and dealeth with wisdom.” A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life. If it is possible for us to purchase books, it is our duty to possess them. To bring up children without sur rounding them With books is a ! sin tb them. They learn to read by being in the presence of books. The love of knowledge comes with reading, and grows upon it, and this love in a young mind is almost a warrant against the inferior excitement of passions and vices. But do not be a book worm. That is a character not' to' be coveted. Some of you may have seen a picture of one irr “The Cottager and Artizan” for 1872. He sits at his study table, bn which several books are piled. Re . is intently reading one. Over his eyes he wears a shade to protect .them from the glare of hislaiiip. His locks are frizzy, as if accidentally singed with the flame of a candle. A pen is behind his ear for the purpose of taking .notes. ,-He lms one elbow* on the table, and the hand propping the chin, while the other hand holds on his eyeglasses. His face is shrunken and shrivelled, and he looks the very picture of selfishness, captiousness, and cynicism. He keeps his knowledge to - himself, and is a mere cold critic— keenly watchful for the slips of speech or pen that others make, and appears as if he will die of indigestion. So, be no mere bookworm. And, now*, having said this much on books and reading, let me add a little on reading aloud. For sociality, pleasure, and improvement, reading aloud is a good practice, and ought to be far more general than it .is. , There would then be leas idle talking, and many precious evening hours that are now wasted in sheer gossip by circles of acquaintances would be well spent if one in the company would take a useful book and read aloud for the good of the rest. That there is so little reading aloud is perhaps partly due to the selfishness of readers. This sin sadly besets many of them. Who 1 hat sees the head of a family indulging in his newspaper at breakfast, and commanding the profoundest silence from all at the table, so that he may the better keep his hews to himself, .but' feels what a lump of selfishness that domestic lord is 1 When a book or paper worm lolls back in his easy chair, with his slippered feet on hob or fender, and a new serial in his hand, he is not just then, accustomed to, experience that "boundless charity divine,” which makes .him exert himself for the instruction and happiness of those in the parlor with him, by offering to read aloud to them. As the miser counts his pelf, and as the glutton snatches the choicest food on the table, so is that swinish joy, which in company devours the intellectual dainties in selfish silence. Whose conscience now says, “Thou art the man ? ” 0, ye mental epicures, whether bachelor chums, husbands, or fathers, when will ye in this particular learn to “ love your neighbor as, , your selves 1 ” No longer withhold good from 1 them to whom it is due, seeing that it is in the power of thine hand to do it, for this very good reason among others, that in reading aloud “giving does not im poverish you, neither doth withholding enrich you.” You can impart knowledge without impairing your own stock. The light by which one now reads enables all to see, for it fills the place. The reader does not see less clearly because the light which shines on him shines on the audience also. “ As we list to the song of the lark as she flies,” her strains are not 'be less delightful to us because they thrill other ears besides our own. As in read ing aloud, the pleasure and instruction •

which the reader derives is not diminished because liis hearers share the same. Another reason we have so little read ing aloud, is the fact that but few persons feel they possess the necessary qualifica tions for imparting pleasure to others by this practice. And being unable to read properly is a very serious objection, but it is not necessarily a fatal one. Yery few persons can so read as to make an audience spell-bound, while their words go forth with power to the understanding and heart. The sins of elocution are many, and easily beset. One person has an indistinct utterance, a second whines, a third drones, a fourth has a nasal twang, and a fifth hesitates. Does not every evening party, testify to these faults if any thing is required to be* read 1 What with weak lungs, squeaking voices, choking , fits, tendency to,' hoarseness, nursery singsong, a waggon-wheel rumble, or a : monotone, it is quickly discovered that no body can read. Still let us not be; hindered from ready ing aloud. _ Attempt a thing so beneficial.-; If beaten in + he beginning of such prac tice it need be no disgrace. ‘‘Put- a cheerful' courage on,” let your audience hear what you are reading, mind your stops, and don’t go on for ever. /’ . While reading pleases, but no longer ‘ read. A RMSTRONG.

UPPER ASHBURTON LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

This Board held their annual meeting on Tuesday 6th inst. Present—Messrs Donald McLean (Chairman), Stitt, Sargent, and Poole. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The Board’s official reported as to the general very satisfactory state of the' health of the S district, arid the absence of anything .in the shape of contagious diseases. A few cases ,of chicken-pox had occurred, but he was happy to say that this complaint had entirely disappeared. The Board re quested him to fill up the form required, and forward ; the . same ,; to the.- Central /f i Board.' ■’■■■■■■■■• - ' ‘ ; ’ ■ ; The Board.then adjourned. 4 ; t [ 5

ANOTHER GREYITE JOB.

[By Telegraph..] (From our own Correspondent.) '' Wellington, July 8. Sir George Grey’s bribe of L3OO to Mr. Rees, and Mr, Sheehan’s LBOO *illegally paid to another friend and advocate of - his Government, are now both before the ... Public Accounts Committee, ahd in a few ’ j days another little irregularity of the late Government will probably be 14id before the same tribunal, almost equally dis graceful to that Government and. more ... alarming to the cotmtry, as it shows that they had a means of paying public money , to their friends, not ;only without the icon sent but without the: knowledge of Parlia-; ment. A few days before he left office, - Mr/ Macandrew handed a bonus of LSOO to his friend Mr. Conyers, in addition to his salary. This has [been .known-'for a long time past, but members supposed that they had in ' some' way voted the money without -seeing it. It now turns’ * out that they had' not even been-tricked into any such vote, but the sum was taken from a lump sum of ,L 69,000. voted for. railways, and the auditor seems to have allowed the * sura to pass , without calling, i. the attention of the House to the matter. Mr. Saunders (who has quietly heard all » the attacks the enraged Civil Servants can ; . make or procure on the Civil Service re port) has now given notice of a motion for Monday evening* that will give ' “■ opportunity to give his version of the Civil Service matter, when it is expected that he will put, an end to the brief, ~ triumph of Mr. Conyers and’ .his abettors,'.

THE WANGAREI SHOOTING CASE.

Auckland, July 8. Another jury was empanelled to try the - Wangarei shooting case yesterday, .but • could not agree., ;The foreman came into ... Court and stated this at three, and at five o’clock. Finally they were locked up for ■ ■ the night, like their predecessors. Later. The jury after being locked up, all , night, came into Court, atid said they ■; could not agree. Prisoner said he desired to be honorably acquitted, and demanded a third trial, . • ... ' f .

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Fkiday, Jgly 9. , ; ; (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) THE WKBSTI.XNG, CASE. . • Edward Thomas, defended by Mr. Purnell, was charged with being drunk and creating a disturbance in a licensed !t ’ : house on the 12th July last. ‘Accused 1 pled not guilty. . , - . , , Joseph Baldwin deposed that accused.,,!', and Mr Hodgson, who was in ‘Court last 1 “ week, were wrestling in-his hotel on the’’-' 1 date mentioned. Witness- told ‘ the meiß _■ to go outside and leave off wrestling. Both •mett were worse for liquor. .One or two, {y blows were struck by Hodgson. Tire men went out, after some.persuasion, .and I then closed the doors. -The police werer j sent for. This occurred about 10*30 p.m ; > > Mr. Thomas had been in the house fo’r some time ; but' Hodgson had only been'’ i : there for about twenty;minuteai ■» St/me J noise was made by the men wrestling. The first time X saw -themen wrestling/ was in the passage. i, .• p By Mr..Purnell —The passage, is,at the ; [ back of the House ; it is not private, : hut comparatively so. It is open to the'public. .. The two men were “larking”—merely.'a V trial of strength. Accused has never created a disturbance in my house before. I have known him for eighteen months/;,! and always known him as a respectable . man. : - Wm. Bayliss, sworn—l remember being outside Baldwin’s Hotel on the date'men tioned. Thomas and Hodgson, were . , wrestling. Could not swear that blows' ; * were struck. There was a deal of noise ;l the men who Were standing round made -:.,, more noise than the accused and Hodgson. ' Heard Baldwin tell the/men to go out- , I* side and stop their wrestling.; ’ ’Both men - were,a little the worse for liquor.* . . ; By Mr. Purnell —About a dozen men' i were in the passage. The passage is about 1; 15 xlO feet; I thought > the accused, and Hodgson were “ larking. ” Sergeant Felton, sworn—Know the accused very well. Ho was fined .LI qn , ■ ; Ist October, 1879,. for creating a dis-, turbance in a licensed house. , He. was-, . , also fined 10s. the same day for resisting . the arresting constable. By Mr. Purnell—The two convictions both arose out of the same offence. Tho relations between the police. and accused are of a friendly character. Do not know, that the. police have expressed a desire to' tackle Thomas. 1 ' ' * i *> Mr. Purnell submitted that the evi dence did not prove the charge. The two principal Witnesses had stated that the men were only larking, and had gone out when asked by Mr. Baldwin to do so. His Worship expressed his opinion that r v both the charges had been substantiated. Accused would be fined L 5. ' ‘ A second charge was preferred against the accused for a continuation, of the d;s-, turbance outside the hotel. , . Mr. Purnell submitted that'the ac cused had been convicted, of tho charge .. j within the last five minutes. After evidence ; had been taken, the case was dismissed. Mr. Purnell drew his Worship’s atten tion to the fact that the penalty which he had given in the previous case was in ex cess of his power, and stated that he - . should:appeal, i ' ‘ ’’. His Worship said he had the power to amend the conviction if he found a mis-

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1880.



AUCTIOT SALES. FiiiDA- j CLY IG . Robert Wilkin ar Co., at Crawley House Farm, four nr j es from the Hinds Rail- Tray Station —Horses, Sheep, Imple ments, &c. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. m uawaKunmir an i mgimiymiMW«»iHga» NOTH JE OF PARTNERSHIP. 'MATSON, COX, & CO. Masses, h. matson & co. having taken Mr. 0. PERCY COX, who has lately been acting as their agent at Ashburton, into partnership, their business at Ashburton will for the future bo conducted under the manageihent of Mr. Cox, under the style of MATSON, COX, & CO., And they hope by erecting large business premises, and thus giving increased facili ties to their clients, to merit and obtain ■ a fair share of the business hitherto so liberally accorded to them by the public. MATSON, COX, & CO., Ashburton. June Ist, 1880. 9360 MATSON, COX, & CO. will hold Fortnightly Sales of Stock at Ashburton and Tinwald alternately. Next Sale at ITINWALO, TUESDAY, JULY 20th. 910 g MATSON, COX, & CO.



R.M. Court, Eakaia. —Owing to the absence of the Resident Magistrate the Court at Rakaia was ad journo i till Thursday next 15th inst. The Borough Election. Messrs. Harrison and Quill are the only persons who have been nominated to till the vacancy in the Borough Council, caused by the resignation of Mr. Edward Saunders. A poll will be taken on Wed nesday, 21st July., Cattle Stealing. —The now notorious Graham Flowers, accused of cattle steal ing, was tried before the Supreme Court, Christchurch, on Thursday, and was found “ Guilty.” His Honor sentenced the pri soner to penal servitude for three years, saying the case was one of the most flagrant instances-of cattle ■ stealing he had ever met with'. The Other Side. —At the R.M. Court on Tuesday last Sergeant Felton stated that a man named Addison had gone to the police station the night previous with a most pitiful tale regarding hia inability to obtain work, and his consequent desti tute state. Addison appeared before the Bench under no.-.specific charge, and the Sergeant asked that the man might be remanded so that inquiries could he made as to his character. Yesteaday Addison was again brought up, when Sergeant Felton stated that the accused was well known to the police at Tornuka, who had reported that Addison had recently spent LlOatan hotel there, the amount of a remittance he had received: from home. He was known as a confirmed drunkard, and spent most of his time loafing about hotels. Upon such evidence his Worship sentenced the accused to fourteen days imprisonment.