SHIPPING.

* STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON V , AS UNDER. For Wellington Waitaki, This Day, Jan. 20. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. -, To be followed by Tararua, Thursday, Jan. 22. For Nafibb, Gisborne, Taueanga, and Auckland — Tararua, on Thursday, Jan. 22. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. ■ train. JTo be followed by Penguin, Saturday, |an. 24. For Port Chalmers —Rotorua, This Day, Jan. 20. Passengers, by 2.40 p.m. train. ; To be followed by Wellington, Thurs day, Jan. 22. For Melbourne, via Bluff —Rotorua, This Day, Jan. 20. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To ba followed by Albion, Tuesday, Jan. 27. For Sydney Rotomahana, Thursday, Jan. 29. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Wakatipu, Feb. 6. For Hobart Town —Rotorua, This Day, Jan. 20. Fob Picton, Nelson, Taranaki, and Manukau Waitaki, This Day, Jan. 20. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1880.

In the session of Parliament recently closed our legislators’ attention was at tracted to one of the most useful institu tions of the judicial machinery of the colony—viz., the District Courts. The establishment of these Courts at various - places in each Provincial district, with areas of country distinctly laid out, over which the Courts shall have jurisdiction, has materially simplified and facilitated legal proceedings, and saved residents in country districts much time and expense that otherwise would have been incurred Had there been no medium between the R.M. Courts and the Supreme Court of the colony. Only a few months ago a District Court was established in Ash burton, and its operation if not a blessing has certaialy been a relief to many who but for its institution would have had to perform many journeys to Christchurch, and bear the accumula tions of expense incidental thereto. The Court has undoubtedly been a benefit, but it would be a still greater benefit if Ash burton were constituted a district by itself, instead of bring only an arm of the Christchurch Court. As it is at pre sent constituted, Judge Ward has no power to grant probates of wills and let ters of administration at the Ashburton Court, even with the added powers given to District Judges under the Act of this session, entitled the “District Courts Proceedings Validation,” the 3rd section of which reads thus : “ Whereas doubts have arisen as to the powers of Judges of District Courts to grant probates of wills and letters of ad ministration within their own districts : Be it enacted that the Judge of every District Court has had and shall have the same power as the Supreme Court to grant probates of wills and letters of ad ministration within his own district, unless the office of the Registrar of any district of the Supreme Court has been or shall be at the time of the granting of the same situate within the district of such District Court. ” The Ashburton Court being within the the District of Christchurch thus prevents Ashburton from pertaking of the advan tages this clause confers. This is a matter that not alone affects the legal fraternity, but every man in the County likely to leave any property behind him when he dies, and every one likely to be interested in proving a will, or in the administration of the estate of a deceased person, is affected by t, and the proper course to follow would be to secure if possible the constitution of Ashburton a, separate District Court district. It is a matter that all the public bodies in the district should take up—County Council, Muni cipality, and Road hoards—and from the importance of the County as a legal centre the question is worthy of the consideration of all. The Inspector of Public Works has visited the Borough of Ashburton, and prepared a plan of a most commodious and well-arranged court-house, and as the whole machinery of the District Court is now in working order, it only wants the power given to the Judge, by the consti pation of a separate district, to complete

its powers, and place it upon an equal footing, as regards its functions, with Christchurch and Timaru. We commend the matter to the public interested, to the public bodies of the county, and to the members of the Ashburton bar, and hope that steps will be taken to petition for a separation, and so reap the benefit of the powers given to the Judges of District Courts by the Validation Act of 1879.

Accident at Rakaia.—A man named Sullivan, while exercising his horse on Sunday, met with an accident which very much injured his knee, the horse rearing and throwing his rider. Sullivan was taken to Christchurch by the 11.40 train on Monday morning. Post-office for Winchmore.—Efforts are being made, by the preparation and signature of a petition to the Postmaster- General, to have a Post-office opened at Winchmore, on the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks railway. The office will be a great convenience to many in the district, who at present are many miles away from the nearest office at Barrhill. Doubtless the Hon. John Hall’s knowledge of the dis trict will be an item in favor of the probable success of the petition. Jones’Art Union.—The drawing for prizes in Mr. H. M. Jones’ Grand Art Uuion closed on Saturday evening with the following result: —Doll, L 3 35., Miss Rundell, Grange; album, L2 10s., Mr. Mulhaney ; desk, LI 155., Mr. E. Felton; croquet set, LI 10s., Miss Alice Orr; concertina, 10s. 6d., Miss Orr ; besides the minor gifts. Professor Wallenberg.—This gentle man, the fame of whose extraordinary success with cases of blindness and deafness, and ailments of the eye and ear generally has preceded him, has arrived in Ashburton, and may now be consulted by those who may desire to give him a trial. Ho courts the severest and apparently the most hopeless cases.

Accident to the Express Train.—On Saturday evening, as the north going express was nearing Rolleston, a spring of one of the smoking carriages broke, and the after end of the spring travelled for some distance on the ballasting. The driver’s attention having been called by means of the alarm rope, the train was stopped, and matters were put to rights sufficiently to allow the train to proceed to Rolleston junction, where the disabled carriage was left.

Accident on the Methven Railway. —One of the men employed on the Methven railway met with a nasty acci dent on Saturday afternoon. He was standing between two trucks for the pur pose of coupling them, and was signalling to the driver to come a little nearer, when —one of the trucks having lost its buffi-.r —he was caught just under the arms, receiving a terrible squeeze. The engine at once started with the man for Rakaia, where it arrived in time to catch the 5.30 p.m. train for Christchurch, whither the poor fellow was taken for medical attend ance.

Obtaining Money under False Pre tences. —Yesterday a case was disposed of by Mr. Guinness in the R.M. Court, the hearing of which commenced on Friday. It appeared that a man named Kelly had induced another named Blair to enter into a sort of partnership with him in the cropping of 150 acres of land near Rakaia. Kelly had represented the land to be unimeumbered, and believing it to be so Blair had paid a considerable sum of money in necessary expenses. On learning that he had been deceived, and that Kelly had given a lien over the crop to Messrs. M'Kerrow and Co., of Rakaia, Blair laid three informations against his mate, with the result that Kelly got a month’s imprisonment with hard labor.

Trial of Reapers and Binders at Ashburton. —A trial of these machines ■will be held in the paddock of Mr. H. T. Smith, under the auspices of the Ash burton Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion, on Wednesday, 28th inst. The matter is, of course, one of great interest to the county, and no doubt there will be a large attendance of farmers and others interested. Gold medals are oifered for the best wire and string binders, and it is expected at least seven will compete. Each machine will have to cut an acre of heavy, an acre of medium, and an acre of light grain, or three acres in all, and we congratulate the Association on having determined to put the competitors to such a thorough test. A shilling will be asked for an entrance fee to the ground, as the Society are not any too rich, and the trial will be a considerable expense to them. Strength, simplicity, lightness of draught, quality of work done, and shortness of cut are amongst those things which the judges are requested to take into consideration in awarding the prizes.

Ashburton Court House. —The Go vernment Inspector of Works visited Ash burton yesterday, to consult with the R. M. and to examine the site for the new Court House. The building is proposed to be erected on the reserve next to the Town Hall, fronting Havelock street and East street. The Court House is intended to be of wood with a corrugated iron roof, and will contain a 40ft. by 25ft. court room ; judge’s room, and jury room of 12ft. x 12ft. each ; a room for the Magis trate of the same size, a clerk’s office 17ft. x 10ft., bailiff’s office of the same dimen sions, and a room for the lawyers, 14ft. x 10ft. The police will also have a 14ft. x lOftroom, and twocellsforthe prisoners will be provided. There will be two entrance lobbies, and the space for the public in the court room will be 25ft. x 12ft. The style of architecture will he Italian, and the whole will be an excellent addition to East street.

Mount 'Somers Road Board. —The Mount Somers Road Board have at last succeeded in getting over their annual meeting, and we must say with all due re spect to the ability and probity of the members composing this public body that the ratepayers have some cause of com plaint. We do not coincide with one ratepayer, who, by the way, has not yet paid his rates, that any suspicion of dis honesty attached to any member of the Board, but there has no doubt been too much reliance and responsibility placed upon the Board’s executive officer. A sum of LIOjOOO odd has been spent on contracts for works, and maintenance of roads, and both have been sadly ncgl ctod, as any traveller may see without much searching. The Board cannot bo held blameless for their part in the matter. At the same time, the conduct of some of the ratepayei’S at the annual meeting dis played an indecent amount of ill-feeling in one case especially. Mr. R. Morgan, on the principle, we as sume, of measuring every man’s corn by his own bushel, made some very im pertinent imputations as to the honesty of the members and past members of the Board, and we were rather surprised to see that his insolence was tolerated by the meeting. He had evidently been schooled for the occasion, but had for gotten his lessons, and the venom ex hausted itself in the transfer from its originator to its mouthpiece. It is, how ever, satisfactory that the accounts have been adjusted so as to be in a state fit to be submitted to the auditor in a few days, and we sincerely trust that the troubles of the Board are now over, and that their business will travel in the easy grooves in which most of our other country Boards do. Meantime we would call the atten tion of the new surveyor to the want of certain repairs to the Alford Forest road, and the necessity of harvesting the thistle crop in various parts of the district. Travelling on the Board’s roads is a work of great difficulty, to say nothing of dis comfort, for the roads comprise, in most cases, thistles, boulders, and ruts.

Local Industry.—Messrs. Baker and Brown have just turned out a new four horse coach, to the order of Mr. George Wilcocks, proprietor of the Wheatsheaf Hold, Wheatston, and contractor for the Longbeach mail service. To day the coach made its experimental trip, with four real good goers in harness, and George himself handling the ribbons. The coach appears to be just the thing for the road, being light, strong, and well set up. Mr. Wil cocks’ horses are not likely to stick him up, no matter what the state of the roads may be, and the jehu, being one of Cobb and Co.’s best whips, is “ undeniable” on the box.

Sporting.—A match was arranged to take place on the racecourso on Saturday afternoon between Mr. E. Saunders’ g! g Gaffer and a bay pony of Mr. J. Carter’s, owners up, and a tolerable number of horsey men attended. About 7 p. m. the two competitors put in an appearance, and after the usual preliminary canter, Mr. J. L. Crawley piloted them to the starting post, and effected a good start, the bay having a little the best of it. Mr. Saunders drew up at the turn and ob tained a slight lead. Coming up the straight it was hard to say who was lead ing, but when the pair got within a couple of hundred yards of the winning post the whip was going on Gaffer, who responded gamely, but the bay was too good and won by three quarters of a length. Had Gaf fer been called on a little sooner the re sult would have probably been reversed. Both horses were mounted by riders lit for any kind of country. An impromtu trot was then got up, and six horses of various calibre were entered, and were duly handicapped, but the distances given by the two “ scratch horses ” varying from 200 to 350 yards in a mile and 30 chains were too much for M'Rae’s roan, Mr. Saunders’ bay mare with 150 yards start passing the three ahead of her and winning easily. The Bell-Coleman Meat Experiment. —One of the most interesting items re ceived during the week per cable is the announcement of the arrival of the steamer Strathleven at Suez, with a cargo of meat preserved by the Bell-Coleman patent. Many attempts have been made, and. up to the present, as many failures experienced, in attempting to bring the underfed population of Europe and the surplus stock of the colonial pastures into contact with each other. The Americans being only seven or eight days’ steaming distant from the mother country, solved the problem, and American beef and mut ton now compete with the British grazier, to the latter’s loss and disgust. Now, however, after repeated experiments, Australasian meat bids fair to be a competitor for the home consumer. More than once in the history of the Australian Colonies the sheep and cattle fanners have found their stock increasing at such a rate that their runs could no longer carry the number depasturing upon them, and were compelled by “boiling down ” to annually decimate their flocks for want of a market wdicreby the animals w'ould be consumed in a legitimate way. It seemed a sin for thousands of cattle to be disposed of wholesale in this way, for the sake of their tallow, when millions of our fellow-beings on the other side of the Equator would have been grateful for the refuse of the boiling down vats. That, we hope, is now a thing of the past, and if the Strathleven arrives in London, as may now be fairly anticipated, with her cargo fresh and sound, then we say that Messrs. Bell and Coleman are worthy of the highest honors ever conferred upon soldier, statesman, or philanthrophist, for their labors will then have done more real good for man kind than all the victories ever won by battle.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. (Association Special.) London, Jan. 16. Mr. Childers has held an interview with Mr. Selwyn-Ibbotsen re postal rates. The Kalioz fracas has caused diplomatic notes to be exchanged between Germany and Russia. January 17. The “Times” approves of Mr. Ser vice’s suggested reform to make finality certain without resorting to revolutionary changes. Mr. Berry’s conduct will only retard a settlement, as the Imperial Par liament will not sanction a plebiscite against the wishes of a large proportion of the colony. It is generally believed that Lord Lytton will soon return from India, Lord Dufferin succeeding him. {Age Special.) London, Jan. 16. Latest Afghanistan states that a strong force is marching on Peshawur to dis perse the Afghans. The Cabuls assert their utter inability to pay the fine im posed for their complicity in the rebellion. London, Jan. 17. The British defeated the Afghans at Dared. The “ Cologne Gazette” declares that hostilities with Russia and Germany are possible and likely to involve England, Franco and Austria. The “ Times ” declares the Berry em bassy wholly inexcusable. The “ Pall Mall Gazette” contends that Berry signally failed to carry out his liberal programme, disappointed his friends, and disgusted his supporters. The Russians defeated the Turcomans at a village on the river Atrek, who wore finally compelled to seek refuge. The Caspian ships are abandoning their war material. (Renter's). London, Jan. 15. Wool is active. The arrivals amount to 40,000 bales. London, Jan 16. A serious railway collision took place to day at Ormskirk, Lancashire, by which seven persons were killed and thirty seriously injured. Reports have reached hero of renewed fighting between the Turcomans and Russians. The latter are said to have been defeated, and compelled to abandon Schikslart, the place from which a Russian expedition to the Turcoman country originally started. The First Lord of the Admiralty stated at a Conservative meeting at Sutton, that their Affghan policy was to adhere to the Gundumuk Treaty, so as to avoid annexa tion, and by holding stragetical positions, secure influence.

Three per cent Consols, 97g. Adelaide wheat, per 49Glbs., ex warehouse, 58s. 6d. Australian tallow, best beef, 365.; best mutton, 395. 6d. Tenders for Wellington Waterworks Loan of L 130,000 opened to-day. The total subscriptions amount to L 500,000. Tenders of LlO3 16s will receive in full, those at LlO3 15s. Cd. will be accepted to the extent of 65 per cent. Paris, Jan. 16. The new French Ministry has announced its programme for the present session. The measures to be introduced comprise laws for the control of the press and a new Education Act in place of Jules Ferry’s law. Changes are also to be proposed in the Customs laws.

Calcutta, Jan. 16,

Bright reports having attacked and dis persed Mohmud’s force of Kohistanis at Albnrghan with serious loss. The British loss was trifling. Bombay, Jan. 16. It is officially announced from Cabul that the appointment of General Sir Fred. Roberts as military governor of the city lias been abolished, in order to give con

fidcnce to the Afghans that England de sires a peaceable settlement of affairs in the country. Wali Mohammed has been appointed administrator of the City of Cabal. Berlin, Jan. 16. Germany has complained to Russia in consequence of the affray between some Russian and German officers at Keiglish during a political discussion at dinner, which ended in a wrangle. St. Petersburg, undated. A nobleman nearly killed tho editor of a newspaper in a duel. Nightly riots are occurring at Pesth in consequence of the populace attacking tho Nobleman’s Club. Several have been killed and wounded. St. Petersburgii, Jan. 16. The Russian Government, replying to a representation from Germany, has officially denied the reported affray between Russian and German officers at Kairsch, and has also denied the statements made regarding massing Russian troops on the German frontier. Cairo, Jan. 16. The Controllers have made their report on Egyptian finance to tho Khedive, who has accepted their recommendations. The Controllers are arranging the organisation of the Department. AUSTRALIAN. (Renter's.) Brisbane, Jan. 17. The National Bank at Ooonaraulla in the Bango district, was bailed up yester day by bushrangers, whose names at pre sent are unknown. Murphy, a storekeeper, went to the assistance of the bank manager, and, in the scrimmage with the bushrangers, received a severe wound in the head. Some residents of Coonamulla assisted the police in the pursuit of the bushrangers, who were eventually caught and are now in custody. INTERPROYIN OIAL. Auckland, Jan. 17. Mr. Lundon, M.H.R., in a speech de livered at Kawakawa, stated that the Go vernment were far more liberal than he expected, and placed L 156,000 more than he asked for on the estimates for North Auckland, and he thanked Mr. Oliver, and had come to tho conclusion that he was tho biggest fool in the House for having voted against the Government. Mr. Firth successfully placed 70,000 white fish ova in Tarawera, 25,000 in Takapo, and 25,000 in Okutairi lakes. Mr. Mclvor, owner of Grey Momus, was brutally assaulted at Cambridge on the evening of the races, having been set upon by several half-drunken men, knocked down, and brutally kicked. His right arm is broken, and one of his eyes injured. It is stated that Winiata has recently been amongst the Ngapuhis in the North to sow dissatisfaction and get fresh con verts to Hauhauism and Tawhiao. It is also reported that in the event of strife tailing place portions of three Waikato tribes are likely to take arms against us and on the side of the Parihaka fanatics, but whether at Waikato or at larihaka is not known. News from Wangaroa states very large numbers of logs were washed down by recent floods in the rivers. The mills are active. The invitation of now tenders for the railway station reclamation works is delayed, pending the authority of the Minister of Works. The Native Lands Court at Te Awamutu was adjourned. The Natives claim that the Government should remove lions off their lands, on which LSOOO were ad vanced, and allow them to sell to private purchasers, the LSOOO being refunded to the Government. The proposed railway runs through part of the land. Major Mair telegraphed to Mr. Bryce for in structions. Auckland, Jan. 19. Two young girls were drowned while bathing in Waioni Creek, yesterday. Their names are Sarah Jane Harrow, 15, and Agnes Fairley, 12. The “Herald” has received a cable gram from the Rev. Shirley Baker, of Sydney, stating that a German man-of war will be sent specially to Auckland to convey the body of the late Prince of Tonga to the Friendly Islands. A"steward of the Lalla Rookh, named Thomas Joseph Smith, fell overboard at midnight from the staging at Onehunga wharf, while getting water. His head was split open by striking the piles of the wharf, and he was killed. Deceased was a steady, sober man, and leaves a wife and family at Mangere. He had only joined the Pride of Onehunga Court of Foresters on Monday night. A boat accident occurred at Whangaroa harbor by which Heighten, engineer, and Hewitt, a fireman, narrowly escaped losing their lives. Their boat was capsized through one of them climbing up the mast to clear the halyards. They were rescued by a man named Bonnatyne, who put off in a boat. Grahamstown, Jan. 17. Pastor Chiniquy lectured on, “ Why he and 25,000 others left the Catholic Church,” in the Theatre Royal last night, to a good audience. The meeting was orderly, but there was a feeling of disap pointment with the lecturer. The desire to sell his books and receive money ap parently supersedes his advocacy of what in his opinion is true Christianity. A great advance has taken place in Waiau shares, which sold a week ago at 305., and now bring 100 s. Grahamstown, Jan. 19. Father Chiniquy preached last night in the Theatre Royal to a very full house. He collected L2i. The total gold received during the pre sent month from the Alburnia was 1133 oz., and shares are getting up to the old figure. A meeting is called by the Mayor re the Irish distress.

Wellington, Jan. 17. The general entries for the Wellington races close on Monday night. At the District Court, in the case of Meares v. Best, for L2OO, alleged to have been fraudulently appropriated, his Honor said no doubt defendant was guilty of fraud, and the whole transaction, so far as defendant was concerned, was anything but straightforward, and would not re dound to his credit. Judgment was given for LlO5.

Frank Hook, lately of the pantomime, and forraei'ly of Christchurch, was arrested to-day on a charge of obtaining LSO from Thos. John Glow, by means of false pre tenses.

The Hinemoa, after landing the white fish ova at the Blutf, proceeds to the Snares to ascertain whether there are any traces of the missing ship Knowsley Hall on those islands.

Colonel Scratchley made another in spection of the Wellington harbor to-day. A fatal accident occurred at the Kai wai'ra rifle range this afternoon. A man named Francis Donald, who was marking at the butts, put up the danger flag and ran out from the marker’s house just as a shot was fired, which struck him, killing him instantaneously. No blame is attri butable to any of the volunteers. Donald was a married man, and leaves a family of young children. Wellington, Jan. 19.

A fire broke out this morning in a shed at the rear of Levy's grocery store, Cuba Street. The fire commenced under the floor, but no cause is given or origin assigned. Damage to the extent of L2O was done before the fire was extinguished. Mr. Yesoy Steuart has purchased from the Government, under the Land Act of last session, the Te Puki block of 15,000 acres, 12h miles south of Tauranga, for establishing another settlement on the Kati Kati system.

The Supreme Court in Banco granted a nonsuit with costs in the case of Richard son v. Bank of Now South Wales. The grounds wore the mis-direction of the Judge, and that the verdict, which was for LI7OO, was against the weight of evi dence. Nelson, Jan. 19. A man named A. Palmer, who was stated to have been convicted on two charges of larceny at Christchurch lately, was sentenced to six months’ hard labor to-day for larceny. It was stated he had deserted bis wife and family, who reside in Christchurch. Timaru, Jan. 17. William Riley and Robert Robertson, two strangers from Dunedin, v ere arrested at the Washdyke for robbery with violence. There are three charges against them of bailing up drunken men in Timaru, and taking money and valuables from them. The prisoners were remanded till Wednes day. John Coll, for fraudulent insolvency, was also remanded. Bail was allowed, himself in L2OO, and two sureties in LIOO each. The violence of the thunderstorm yes terday was so great that two telegraph poles at Otaio were broken, and one splintered. Two vivid flashes passed through the lightning guards in the Timaru Telegraph Office, with reports like pistols, but without doing any damage. The heavy rain of the last day or two has done scarcely any perceptible damage to the crops in this district. The wheat and oats on the plains are looking splen didly, and the harvest will be general in five to ton days. The barley crop is rather patchy. It is anticipated that, the Albury I’ailway line will be taxed to its utmost to convey the grain to the sea port. T 1 e country for forty miles from Timaru to the foot of Bourkc’s Pass is one vast sea of rapidly ripening grain. Dunedin, Jan. 17. A rather peculiar case happened at Ravensbourne last night. Alexander Shand was brought up at the North Dunedin Police Station by a resident of Ravensbourne, on a charge of breaking into his dwelling, and it was then found the man had taken poison, and was tired of life. He does not appear to have vouchsafed any explanation regarding the alleged housebreaking. The man was taken to the hospital, where he was treated, and is now believed to he out of danger. Over LIOO was subscribed at the meet ing this morning of the Irish Famine Committee. Invercargill, Jan. 17. George Smith, one of the men injured at the accident on Friday, died this morn ing. The others are progressing satisfac torily.

THE LATEST.

PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPRO YIN Cl AL. Auckland, Jan. 19. Sir George Grey has written to the Thames, stating that ho visits Auckland on the sth February, to open the College and Grammar Schools, then, if his health permits, he will go and address the Thames constituents. The Wanaka went into Wahi harbor and took 160 tons of the Kawi coal. This is the first trial of the coal by the Union Company. Heavy rains caused an overflow cf the Ohinemutu wharf and the low lands. Some damage was done to the crops. Maori Kingites are preparing for hold ing another great meeting at Hikurangi in March, between tho Ngatihua and Nga timaniapoto tribes. It is not yet known whether the meeting will be open or the representatives of Government be invited. Rewi has quite recovered and is at Te Kopua. Ho says what with the luxuries of civilisation—jellies, syrups, and pastry —he has been nearly killed with kindness. Ho recovered -when lie returned to tho plain Maori diet. Tawhio addressed a meeting of tho principal chiefs the other day. Ijfrr* .strongly advised them to keep aloof from Te Whiti, and said in former times they had suffered through inter fering in the quarrels of others. They had lost all their land but a few acres, and if they took up Te Whiti’s cause they would lose all. To continue their former obstinacy would only meet with disaster. Mr. Sheehan will go into partnership with Grace and others as natives’ agents and solicitors at Cambridge, where they will open an office. Wellington, Jan. 19. At the inquest to-day on the body of Francis Donald, shot a Kaiwarra rifle range on Saturday, tho jury returned a verdict of “Accidental Death;” and added a rider to the effect that some more stringent code of signals should be adopted. Nelson, Jan. 19. Sailed, at 11.30, the Government steamer Stella, for Lyttelton, with 75 im migrants, mostly coal miners, ex Opawa, who came out for Westport Colliery, which is not yet ready for work. Opunake, Jan. 19. There is a very small attendance at Parihaka meeting this month. This fact and Te Whiti’s words show that no im portance is attached by tho natives to the removal of the Maori prisoners to Hoki tika and Dunedin. To Whiti and Tohu both themselves satisfied there will be no fighting. Te Whiti says that he told them in September there would be a company of people sent to Parihaka be fore the prisoners returned. Several Europeans (including two ladies) from Opunake were present at the meeting. They were interviewed in the evening by Tohu, a Maori acting as interpreter. Un less the Royal Commissioners or Con stabulary go up, nothing more is likely to take place at Parihaka till after March. Timaru, Jan. 19. At the R.M. Court to-day, John Guffin, late barman at the Club Hotel, was com mitted for trial at tho Supreme Court for larceny of money from tho till. A number of marked coins were traced to his posses sion. At the meeting of the Geraldine County Council to-day, slaughterhouse fees were fixed—Anyone killing two large or ten small cattle per week to pay an annual license fee of L2 ; and over this number a license fee of L 5. It was resolved to apply to Government for an advance of L2OO. A. hot discussion took place on tho proposal to make Timaru instead of Tomuka tho County town. Tbe question was eventually postponed. The weather is again very favorable for harvesting, and reaping is rapidly becom ing general, tho crops looking magnificent. Dunedin, Jan. 19. A sudden death occured yesterday. A Mrs. Penham, at Brighton, was engaged in her usual household duties when she fell down, death being instantaneous. Heart disease was the cause of death Blue Duck, at Tinkers, washed up with a result of 15700z5. Tho Cornish Com pany, at Mount Burster, washed up with 2500z5. They expect lOOOozs. before finished. Inder and Guffie, at the same place, obtained 400ozs. for three months’ work by six men. In a fortnight hence they expect to wash up another 800ozs. Accounts from Dryhead are equally good. Last weok’s escort from Mount Ida was the largest sent down for years. The calling of the Hinemoa at Port Chalmeis with whitefish ova, was a mis take. The Acclimatision Society had made arrangements with Government that she was to proceed direct to Bluff, the whole of the Otago ova being intended to be sent to Lake Wakatipu for hatching. The mistake was discovered before the Hinemoa left, and the ova boxes were reshipped. Mr. Deane made an early

start this morning with tho ova from Bluff to Queenstown by special train.

Before the holidays there were 700 men at work on tho ‘ • unemployed ” section of tho Otago Central Railway at Hindon ; now there are only 300. On Winton section, near Oaraaru, there are 200 men, in place of 500 before the holidays. Electric fire indicators have now been fixed throughout the city, and connected with tho Central Fire Brigade Station. They work very well. At the Presbyterian Synod this afternoon, the Rev. L. Mackie moved that tho Synod, being made aware that Pastor Chiniquy, of Canada, will shortly visit this part of the colony with a view to raising funds for the erection of a College for the training of priests who have left tho Roman Catholic Church, beg to offer him a very hearty welcome, and suggest to ministers that they should render him whatever help ho may requre in pursuit of his object. It was ultimately decided that notice of motion should be given. Chiarini, tho circus proprietor, has offered a benefit on Friday for tho Irish famine relief fund. The case Davidson v. Davidson, petition for judicial separation, was continued before Mr Justice Williams at the Supreme Court to-day, and the case was concluded. Judgment was reserved. Some 50 persons attended old Knox Church, when the Rev. L. Moore con ducted divine service. Before delivering his sermon ho explained that advanced ritualism was now practiced to such an extent in tho Episcopolian churches that he was compelled to initiate a service at which he, and those who thought with him, could worship God in accordance with the simple form of their Church’s service which was beautiful and effective in its simplicity.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

(per pigeon post.) The adjourned annual meeting was held at Mount Somers yesterday. The meet ing had been advertised for the school house, but owing to repairs now going on there, Mr. D. Henderson kindly placed his new store at the disposal of the pub lic, and the meeting was held there. A private meeting was previously held at Morgan’s store, for the purpose of initia ting matters for the meeting. At noon there were about 25 ratepayers present, and W. 0. Walker, Esq., having taken the chair, read his statement as follows ; —The school being under the control of the Board of Education, they were com pelled to hold the meeting in Mr. Hen derson’s store. The following financial statement had been prepared : Total Expenditure. Wards. New Roads. Other Works. No. 1 447 11 8 135 10 9 2 1018 8 G 1098 2 11 3 1981 0 8 426 9 0 4 3072 5 0 21 16 0 5 2502 9 7 186 8 6 £9621 15 11 £IB6B 7 2 Incidental and general ex penses ... ... ... 1178 19 6 Total ... £12,669 2 7 Return of Work Done. Formation of roads... 38 miles 76 chains Re-formation do ... 33 ~ ,, Ditching ... ... 24 ~ 30 ~ Shingling ... ... 7 ~ 36 ~ Stone picking ... 19 ~ 00 ~ Cutting ... ... 57,684 yai’ds. Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending Dec. 31, 1879. Jan. 1, 1879. Receipts. Balance at Bank ... ... 4,132 17 10 Rates ... ... ... 558 4 9 Grant from County Council 1,193 2 11 Interest on fixed deposits... 1,068 13 11 ~ current account 22 10 7 Fixed deposit matured ... 15,000 0 0 Half subsidy on rates col lected 154 12 10 Grant from County Council for tree planting... ... 91 12 0 Unpresented cheques ... 133 7 3 Overdraft at Bank ... ... 475 17 4 £22,830 18 7 Expenditure. By new roads ... ... 9,621 15 11 ~ other works ... ... 1,868 7 2 ~ incidental and salary ... 1,178 10 6 Sept. 10— Fixed deposit at 3 months 2,000 0 0 „ „ 6 „ 2,000 0 0 „ „ 6 „ 2,000 0 0 ~12 ~ 2,000 0 0 ', 12 ~ 2,000 0 0 Dishonored cheque... ... 39 0 0 Deposit cheques ... ... 76 0 0 Cheques paid for 1878 ... 46 10 0 £22,830 18 7 The Chairman hoped the report would be satisfactory, as under the circum stances of last winter it was thought judicious to spend a larger sum than would otherwise have been done, owing to the depression in financial affairs. In reply to Mr. Tisch, the Chairman said that the amounts did not include existing contracts. The culvert by W. Smith’s was not yet passed and the con tractor had to pay for the material. Mr. Tisch considered this statement wrong, as the agent for Messrs. Montgo mery and Co. had informed him that the Board paid for it. Mr. Tisch also wanted to know why a certain contract of L2OO had been let privately. It was stated that the job had been lot to Mr. A. Mac farlane. The Chairman replied that the Board had let the work to Victor Soland. In reply to a ratepayer as to the distri bution of money to the various wards, the Chairman said the Board had en deavored to spend the money with a view to give access to all parts of the district, and to make all the roads with an eye to utilize the railway system now being initiated ; he was unaware of any district having been unfairly treated ; the Gorge road, he had insisted upon being made as it was done with a view to future require ments. Mr. Craighead asked. the amount of rateable property in each ward. The Chairman said the following were the values ; £ s. d. Wards. No. 1 5211 13 4 2 5804 4 1 3 6268 0 0 4 11,794 22 5 7077 14 0 Total, £30,815 13 7 Mr. Tisch asked what tho Board in tended doing with contractors who were absent from their work for months at a time on the maintenance of roads. The Chairman replied that no money had been paid to tho contractor for maintenance. Mr. Tisch considered that, the contractor should be made to put the roads in good order according to his contract. Mr. Morgan asked to see tho vouchers for a payment of L 320, Mr. Craighead asked for a statement of the rates collected during the past year, and the amounts still due. In reply to Mr. Morgan, the Chairman said he could see no useful purpose to be achieved by supplying tho information asked ; if any ratepayers wished to obtain any information the best way would be to appoint a committee of two or three to in vestigate any or all amounts they want to see. Mr. Morgan said so far as he could see there was nothing to show whether the Board had put this money in their pockets or not. (Laughter). Some remarks were made as to the Board having had plenty of time to pre pare a statement. The- Chairman f said tho statement was full and plain, and he did not see what object could be obtained by producing the vouchers. The accounts would be laid

before the auditor in the course of a week or so he hoped. Sir. Tisch asked if the Board considered they were justified in letting one member let a contract, as they did with Sir. Mac farlane last year. The Chairman said the occasion spoken of was one of emergency, and the Board did the best they could. Sir. Macfarline said Sir. Tisch was under a misapprehension, as he did not let it. The surveyor let it on the authority of the Chairman of the Board. Sir. Tisch asked then if the Board would give the surveyor authority to let such a work privately. The Chairman replied—“ Undoubtedly, if necessary, they would.” The Surveyor then produced vouchers for the amounts asked for by Mr. Morgan, and in reply to Mr Craighead’s enquiry furnished the following particulars of rates :—Total rates, L 917 7s. Bd. ; col lected, LGIB 15s. sd. ; still due, 1298125. 3d. Mr. Craighead said ho would like to know why this amount was not collected, as he saw there was an overdraft at the Bank. The Chairman explained the overdraft was only an apparent one, as it -was really only a cross entry in the Bank account. The Board was anxious to get the rates in, but it was impossible to get all the sums paid. The land tax was equally difficult to collect by the Government. Mi’. R. Todd asked why the road to the Spread Eagle had been altered from a 5-inch crown to a 12-inch. The Chairman replied it was done to bring it within the specification. Mr. Cameron said ho came over the road that morning, and could say it was fit for either light or heavy traffic. The Chairman said he objected to the question of the construction of a load being discussed at a ratepayers’ meeting. The fact, however, was that the contractor had not finished his work, and the Board had taken it out of his hands, and if Mr. Carlton wished to know his (Mr.-Walker’s) private opinion, he would tell him. Mr. Carlton would like to know it. Mr. Walker said it was the most slovenly work he had seen in the district. Reference was made by others present to the manner in which other works had been allowed to pass. Mr. Easton asked why a rate was not struck this year. The Chairman stated that it was by a reso - lution of the members, and the reason was that so many drains were made upon the ratepayers’ pockets that it was deemed necessary to levy a rate. In rep'y to Mr. Hood, The Chairman said it was considered advisable last year, owing to the Govern ment subsidy to be received. Mr. Easton—You landed proprietors and squatters don’t want to tax your own properties. Mr. Walker —We are the best judges. Mr. Morgan considered on such a sub ject the ratepayers ought to be consulted. Mr. Tisch said they had put in the Board as competent men, and did not require to call the ratepayers together on every occasion. Mr. Craighead wished fo know what accounts had been paid to the various newspapers. The Chairman—“ Times,” L3O 125.; “Mail,” L3B Is. 6d.; “Press,” LG 13s. 4d.; “ Guardian,” Ll 5 4s, 6d. Mr. Craighead wished to know why all the advertisements had been withdrawn from one paper and given to another. The Chairman—The advertising had been fairly divided, and the “ Mail ” had had its share and then the ‘ ‘ Guardian ” had its share, and was appointed as the paper for six months. Besides he did not see that the ratepayers had been at any inconvenience, as the “•Mail ” had kindly advertised free. Mr. Morgan asked if Mr. Walker had any interest in the “ Guardian.” Mr. Walker declined to answer any questions as to his private business. Mr. Easton said there had been no row about newspapers until the election. (Cheers.) The Chairman said such was the case, but why it was so he could not say. Mr. Craighead wished to know why the lowest tender for Graham’s road had not been accepted, and what was the cost of it. The Chairman said the Board did not bind themselves as a rule to accept the lowest tender. In the instance referred to the lowest tender was informal, and different to the specification. A contractor complained of birch hav ing been substituted for totara on that contract. The return asked for by Mr. Morgan was then supplied, and he objected that it was not what he had asked for. The Chairman said it was impossible to give satisfactory information of this nature at a public meeting, and advised him to adopt Mr. Edson’s resolution—“ That Messrs. Morgan, Hood, and Harvey, bo appointed a com mittee to inspect vouchers &c., and report to a meeting of ratepayers. ” The auditor would inspect the books on the 27th inst., and the resolution was to the effect that the Board was not to be trusted, and they had better say so at once. Mr. Edson said certain works had not been carried out to their satisfaction, and there had been a waste of money in the district. Mr. Cameron said he was of opinion that as so much ill-feeling was engendered at the meeting, he was quite willing to sever his connection with the district, and there seemed to be a feeling in Mount Somers that there had been dishonesty in the dealings of the Board. Mr. Hood did not think any charge of dishonesty had been made, simply one of carelessness. Mr. Tisch said the whole of the ill-feel ing had arisen from so much power being put in the overseer’s hands in the letting of contracts. Mr. A. Macfarlane said that if the angel Gabriel came down to Mount Somers he would not satisfy them, and all the work done by the Board had been done fairly and above board. Mr. Craighead considered the Board had displayed negligence in not seeing that their servants did their duty. Mr. Edson’s motion was then with drawn. Mr. Tisch was of opinion that no con tract should bo let except by public ten der, and moved, “ That the Board, or the overseer, shall not have the power of let ting any work over L2O, except by public tender. ” The Chairman said he quite agreed with the resolution, but ho must say that the Board had never let any work except in cases of emergency. The resolution was seconded by Mr, Hood, and carried. Mr. Craighead proposed, “ That in the opinion of this meeting the Ward system ought to be abolished.” He desired to point out that the spirit of the Ordinance was that no ratepayer should have more than five votes; but under the Ward system it was possible for a man to have 25 votes. Mr. Morgan here stated that Messrs. Walker, Taylor, and Peters had gone to Alford Forest to vote for another squatter. The Chairman said he supposed that any ratepayer was allowed to votes in any’ way lie liked, and unde"- the Ward system less votes could actually’ be given than in the other way, as where the district is all in one he could exercise 25 votes, while under the Ward system he could only exercise 31. Mr. Peache said so far as the late elec tion had resulted, he would have been returned even if all those who had voted had only one vote each. Mr. Craighead pointed out that there was a considerable difference in the valua

tion of the various Wards, and would press the motion. The voting stood thus—For, 10; against, 7. The motion was declared carried. Sir. Cameron proposed, and Sir. M‘Far lane seconded, “That the Road Board office be removed to a more central posi tion,” which was afterwards withdrawn. Sir. Easton 'wished to know whether the Board had anything to do with the site of the pound. The Chairman answered that the Board had chosen the site. Sir. Tisch proposed— “J|ot all con tracts for maintenance of or fords be gone over -within 14 days of accep tance. ” —Carried. Mr. Hood proposed—“ That the Board take immediate steps to recover all out standing rates. ” —Carried. Sir. Slorgan wished to know how much work had been let privately. The Chairman replied—Hardly any thing. Day labor had cost in No. 2 ward, L 137 ; No. 3, LUG 19s. ; No. 4, L 7 ICs. Sir. Craighead said the Board had ob tained a pile-driving machine, piles and shoes, and he would like to know the cost, as he heard the piles and shoes were now lying down the river-bed somewhere. The Chairman replied they had been procured for the purpose of making a ford which was not now necessary, as a bridge was to be built there by the Gouty Council. The cost of the machine was L 75. Mr. Tisch proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and several left the room. Sir. Slorgan wanted to know why the pound was built in its present site with out consulting the ratepayers. Mr. Walker stated “that the site was selected because it was the most central. Sir. Cameron seconded Mr. Tisch’s pro posal, and it was carried. The meeting then adjourned.

THE FARMER.

FARMERS’ UNIONS AND FARMERS’ BANKS. The following is from a paper, read in November by Mr. A. E. Moore, of Mel bourne, to the Avon Plains Farmers’ Club :—Referring to the proposed far mers’ banks, which, he said, would par take of the nature of a trust and loan agency rather than of an ordinary bank, Mr. Moore pointed out that at present the farmer was driven to obtain accommo dation from the local moneyed man, usually the storekeeper : Of course he cannot be blamed for making a profit, if opportunity offers, but this institution would break this mono poly, and so far as the storekeepers are concerned, it would greatly facilitate their financial operations and extend their busi ness if they had no farmers’ bills to discount. It would greatly increase their profits, because, with money in their hands, they could buy to greater advan tage from the wholesale merchants than on three and four months’ bills, and these advantageous wholesale purchases would be retailed to the farmer at such reasonable profit (he being a cash buyer) as would greatly conduce to the prosperity of all concerned, and leave no bad book debts to the storekeepers, so far as their business relations with farmers are concerned. The establishment of a bank devoted entirely to the farming interests, and in direct communication with the various farmers’ unions, would lead to prosperity similar to that known in America as resulting from the “National Grain Movement and we all know with what energy and success our American cousins push any movement which they take in hand. This successful co-operative body is known as the “ National Grangers, or Patrons of Husbandry.” They are devoted to the interests of and kindred industries. The grange was started at Washington in December, 1867, by two farmers, the object being mutual instruction and security from loss or injury. During the first year 10 branch granges were established, but so rapidly did they increase, and so popular did they become, that five years afterwards,. at the close of 1872, there were 1,100. The principle put forth by the National Grange was union, by the strong and faithful tie of agriculture, with a mutual resolve to labour for the good of the order, the country, and mankind. The following is its motto, exemplifying the sound basis upon which it is founded : “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty ; in all things, charity.” The special aims of the order by which its prosperity is ensued are set out by an American writer thus : —“ To develops a better and a higher manhood and woman hood among those constituting the order ; to enhance the comforts and attractions of home and strengthen the attachment to their pursuits, to foster mutual undrstauding and co-operation, to maintain inviolate the laws, and emulate each other in hastening the good time coming; to reduce ex penses both individually and co-opera tively ; to buy less and produce more, in order to make their farms self-sustaining ; to diversify crops, and crop no more than can be cultivated ; to condense the weight of exports, selling less in the bushel, and more on hoof and in fleece ; to systema tise work, and calculate intelligently on probabilities ; to discontinue the credit system, the mortgage system, the fashion system, and every other system tending to prodigality and bankruptcy ; to meet together, talk together, work together, buy and sell together, and in general act together for mutual preservation and ad vancement as association may require ; to avoid litigation as much as possible, by arbitration in the grange; to constantly strive to secure entire harmony, good will, and vital brotherhood, and to make the order perpetual ; to endeavor to sup press personal, local, sectional, and national prejudices, all unhealthy rivalry, and all selfish ambition.” These are high aims and tangible objects, worthy of our most serious attention, and we could not do better than try and emulate them. It aims to bring producers and consumers, farmers and manufacturers, together in a plain and social manner, and rid them of the middle-men, whose charges and commissions so seriously interfere with the growers’ profits, remembering that har monious action is mutually advantageous, and that the happiness of each individual rests upon the prosperity of the commu nity as a whole. The order believes in the utmost facilities for carriage being provided between the seaboard and the interior, “that the life-blood of com merce may flow freely,” and “ while not enemies to capita), they oppose the tyranny of monopolies, and urge that the antagonism between capital and labour be removed by common consent and by en lightened statesmanship worthy of the present century.” That while “seek ing the greatest good to the greatest number, it considers it the right and duty of every member to use all influence, legitimately, for good, to put down bribery, corrup tion, and trickery, and see that none but competent, faithful, and honest men are nominated to any office of trust.” Further that while protection is afl',rded the weak, restraint is put upon the strong. The Ear] of Rosebery, as president of the Social Science Congress of Great Britain, in 1875, drew attention in his address to the gigantic association in the Jilted States of America, known as the “PSlrons of Husbandry,” commonly called “ Grange,” and characterised it as a great agricultural co-operative independent union with its 20,500 lodges and its over 1,250,000 members, and that their “enter prise and importance was first made mani fest by the fact that the Californian grangers have their own fleet and ship their corn direct to Liverpoool, by which they saved 2,000,000d01. in a single year, their vessels bringing as return cargoes tea, sugar, coffee, silks, and other com

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1880.



REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT THE *EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. Farmers requiring hands can engage men through the “Evening Herald ” Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “ Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-. SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “Herald” Registry Office, and paying I/- ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p. m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will be inserted in the “Evening Herald” in the registry column on payment of Six pence additional in advance, for each issue. Further Particulars on application at the “EVENING HERALD” REGISTRY OFFICE. REAPERS AND BINDERS. fTIHE UNDERSIGNED HAVE FOR X SALE A SPECIAL SHIPMENT OF IMPROVED REAPERS AND BINDERS, With All the Latest Improvements, in cluding a new IRON DRIVING WHEEL. One of these Improved Machines has been used this season in a paddock of early barley, with the best results. The farmer who worked it states it is the Best Machine he has ever seen used. We par ticularly invite inspection of the Sample Machine now on view at Messrs. P. and D. Duncan’s Yard, Christchurch. PRICE £SO EACH. ROYSE, STEAD, & 00., ♦3860 Christchurch. SEALY BROS., SEEDSMEN AND NURSERYMEN, East Street, ASHBURTON. Farm, Garden, and Flower Seeds and Garden Requisites of every descrip tion at Lowest Rates. Nursery —Moore Street 43*