SHIPPING.

STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON AS UNDER. For Wellington— Each Tuesday, Thurs day, and Saturday. For Napier and East Coast— Every Thursday. Fob Picton and Nelson— Each Tuesday and Saturday. For Taranaki and Manukau— Every Tuesday. For Port Chalmers— Each Tuesday and Thursday. For Melbourne via Bluff— Every Tues day. For Hobart Town— Each alternate Tues day. For Sydney— Each alternate Thursday. jßKMaMuatmimwfl i r mu ifwafrg-'-w

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Thursday, 8:h April. Edmiston, Gundry, & Co., at Messrs. Cannon Bros.’ Farm, near Chcrtsoy—s sacks oats, 5 sacks barley. Sale at 2 o’clock. Matson & Co., at Tattersall’s, Christ church, 200 horses. Sale at 11 a.m. Friday, April 9. R. Davies & Co., at Rakaia—lmportant sale of horses, farm implements, sheep, Ac. Sale to commence immediately after Messrs. Bluett and & Co. 's sale. Messrs. Matson & Co., at Mr. Ben. Ede’s Farm—Clearing sale of stock, Ac. ; also a quantity of good agricultural land. Sale at 12 sharp.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, APRIL, 6, 1880.

We cannot congratulate those concerned in the production of the Wakanui valua tion list upon the success of their efforts. One of the gravest wrongs that a farmer can suffer is unduly high rating by the local body to which he contributes ; and should he be rated at double the value of his property, he has, after the roll is officially confirmed, no appeal against such rating. A rate roll to he perfect requires, 'lst, that it should have the names of occupiers in alphabetical order; 2nd, that the Christian and surname should be given in full ; 3rd, that the various pro perties should be equally rated in propor tion to their value, so as to have a uniform value throughout; 4th, that each property should bo accurately described by having the number of section or lot and the acre age of each set down against it for the purpose of identification ; and sth, that all houses and improvements should be described on the roll, and the values placed on them separately stated. Not one of the necessary conditions have been complied with in the document which Mr. Guinness passed on Saturday last, and instead of possessing a complete roll of the district, the Road Board is saddled with an incubus, the half cost of which they will have to pay to the County Council, and on which we imagine they will have very great difficulty in collecting a rate even if struck. Those who appeared to object to their valuations obtained almost any concessions they liked to ask for, whilst the land of many of those who neglected to attend the Court is rated much above its value, and in some instances large properties are set down against persons to whom they do not belong, and in others persons owning property arc omitted altogether. When the County Council first inspected the rolls of the County they at once gave orders that all blanks should be filled up, but those necessary additions were certainly not made to the Wakanui roll. When the various rolls came up before the Assessment Court they were, in most cases, thrown out, and fresh ones ordered to be made, and Mr. F. G. P. Leach was again appointed valuer without pay, and further time given him to perfect them. This delay does not seem to have enabled him to approach perfection, as the proceedings of the' Assessment Court on Saturday have shown; hut one of the features must to be regretted is that a judge who previously, in a cursory exam ination of the roll, threw it out, should now by the strict wording of the Act and the negligence of the Road Board in hav ing omitted to give the required notice of their objection, be compelled to pass a roll very slightly better than the one pre viously rejected. One other point in con nection with the business is the wholesale manner in which the word “owner” is made to stand for the proprietor of land where the assessor had neglected to make proper inquiries as to the ownership. Altogether, the incapacity of the assessor will be the cause of endless trouble and expense in the future collection of rates, as there is hardly a single name on the roll but which bristles with non-suit points if the Board has to take any claims for rates into Court. If the Rating Act confers the necessary power, we trust the County Council will consider the advisable ness of withholding full payment from the assessor for his very incomplete work.

Tkaiw Arrangements. The train alterations we noticed on Saturday as very soon to come into force will be intro duced on the 15 th inst. Postal. —Mails close for the United Kingdom at the Ashburton Post office to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 10.30. Correspondence 'for this route should be specially addressed. Clerical. —The Rev. Mr. Hands, who has recently arrived from the Old Country, has been appointed to the charge of the Ashburton parish, vice. Rev. W. E. Paige, resigned. The Courts. —During the sittings of the Supreme Court in Christchurch, and owing to the absence of the local officer, the R.M. and District Court offices will be closed till Thursday. The Volunteer Larrikins. —The dis graceful conduct of the Southern Volun teers which took place in Mrs. Furness’ shop on Good Friday, is not going to be allowed to blow over so quietly as some people have been led to suppose. Two officers of the Port Chalmers Brigade arrived in Ashburton on Friday morning, the object of their visit being to thoroughly sift the matter. The Ivess Libel Case Withdrawn.— We believe Mr. E. G. Crisp has withdrawn the libel case against Mr. Joseph Ivess that was to have been heard at the Christ church Supreme Court now sitting. The particular reasons for the withdrawal wc have not heard, but it appears to be a fact that the case will not be heard, and Mr. Ivess retires without even requiring to tender an apology. St. Mark’s Sunday School, Rakaia. —The children attending the Sunday school in connection with St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia, had their annual treat on Saturday last at the parsonage, where they, and their teachers and friends were entertained by the Rev. Mr. Elton and Mrs. Elton. The afternoon was spent in cricket, racing, and other sports, till tea time, when they were all seated on the lawn and supplied with tea and cakes in profusion. Cheers were given by the children for their entei tainers, their teachers, and friends, and the party broke up after spending a most enjoyable after noon. “ Ashore and Afloat.” —The amateurs repeated their performance of “ Ashore and Afloat” in the Town Hall on Saturday to a very fair audience, though not so numerous as on the previous night. The piece went very smoothly indeed, and was altogether an improvement on the repre sentation of Friday night. One or two of the actors received hearty hursts of ap plause for their rendering of particular passages, and the lady who played the part of Ruth Ringrose was called before the cur tain for her effective acting in the old mine scene. The scene painter, too, Mr. Bourke, had his merits recognised, and at the conclusion of the scene in which the Turkish war sloop is destroyed and the captain taken prisoner, Mr. Bourke re ceived quite an ovation, and came before the curtain to acknowledge the honor. The incidental music for the piece was supplied by Mr. Horace Gates, whose piano playing, it is needless to say, was in every way satisfactory. The enterprise of the company, we are gratified to learn, will be rewarded by the financial success of the two evenings, and we are told that another representation elsewhere —pro- bably in Rakaia—is under consideration.

Timaru Races. —Return tickets issued for the journey to Timaru during the races will he available up to the 10th. The Grain Trade. —There are only 105 sacks of grain at the station waiting for despatch, and the station-master an ticipates that the rush is over. Yesterday 55 trucks .were sent down the lino from here to bring up such accumulations of grain as may he lying at the roadside stations. Tinwald shed, wo believe, is also very nearly cleared. Native Game Season. —The season in which native game may be killed is pro claimed by the Governor as being from March 29, until July 31, both days inclu sive. Native game is specified in the “ Gazette” notice to mean : Wild duck, of any species, bittern, pied stilt plover, wild geese, dotterel!, native pigeon, teal, black stilt plover, curlew, and quail. 1.0.G.T. —The usual meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held last night. There was a large attendance. Four new members were initiated. It was an nounced that a total abstinence lecture would be given by the Rev. Mr. Keall on Wednesday evening next ; also, that the next meeting of the Degree Temple would be hold on Wednesday, the 10th The Lodge then spent some time in har mony, and closed. Presbyterianism. —During the history of Presbyterianism in Ashburton the Session of the Church has only been com posed of three members—the minimum required by the Church, —viz., the Mode rator (the pastor), and Messrs. Moore, of Waterton, and Henderson, of Methven. It has been found necessary to increase the Session by at least four members from the township, and on Sunday the Rev. Mr. Beattie announced that an election will take place on that day month. Civil Service Commission. —The mem bers of the Civil Service Commission are now sitting in Dunedin, and will he en gaged in that city until Thursday evening next. They will then proceed to Camara, and from thence on Friday afternoon to Timaru. They are expected in Ashbur ton on Saturday, and will hold a sitting here during the day. Leaving here they will visit Christchurch, remaining there for about a week, and then proceed to Wellington and the east coast of the North Island, returning by the west coast to Nelson, Blenheim, and Wanganui, finally meeting in Wellington to complete their report. Gas Lit. —On Friday night the Town Hall was lit for the first time with gas, and we must compliment Mr. Hardley, the fitter, on the excellence of his work. The body of the hall is lighted by a single sunlight, beautifully enamalled, and gilt, and the light it sheds is abundant and mellow. Its substitution for the old kerosene abomina tions is a great relief to the audience as well as a marked addition to the appear ance of the hall. The stage is very effec tively illuminated by two ranges of sus pended lights, that may be used singly or together at will, while a course of fifteen jets run along the front of the stage by way of foot-lights. The gas had a very cheery effect last night, and aided the per formance of “ Ashore and Afloat ” not a little. The Boxing Entertainment. —Last night the Town Hall attracted a large crowd, who came evidently prepared for a classical entertainment in the pugilistic line. The proceedings opened with some horizontal bar practice of a very common place character. A nigger entertainment of a very second-rate description followed, and the jokes perpetrated were of the shadiest nature. Some very excellent In dian club exercise followed by one of the West Brothers, and a set-to took place be tween that performer and his brother. The science displayed was not of a high class ; hut everybody was on tip-toe to see what the two champions would show the audience when they were brought face to face. More singing and dancing— partly Irish and partly nigger— then fol lowed, neither musical nor characteristic, and the looked-for event of the evening came off. Only three rounds were fought, in which Lea made most of the play, but Hioken showed the greater patience and science. Lea was evidently too short winded to stand up to a man of his op ponent’s mettle for any length of time, and his bellows gave way at a very early stage. The last rally was worthy of hav ing been fought out with the bare knuckles as both men evidently meant business. We very much question if the Carandinis or the Lyster troupe were to give free access to the Town Hall to one of their really good entertainments, they would get half the house last night’s sadly inferior exhibition did —inferior even of its very inferior kind. Attempted Suicide at Rakaia.—A man named Henry Ward, a laborer, who had been taken on a few- days ago with a contracting party camped below Acton station, Rakaia, was brought up to Ash burton by the 10.30 train cn Saturday morn ing on a stretcher, in charge of Constable Rowse. We learn from the constable that the man had acted ratherstrangely on Friday night at the camp, and had madeasmall cut on his throat sufficient to bring blood, but not otherwise of any consequence. This morning, Mr. Leach, the foreman at the camp, sent Ward in a dray to Rakaia, in charge of a young man named O’Connor, to bo given in charge to the police. On arriving at Rakaia O’Connor left the dray outside M'Namara’s Hotel and went for the con stable, who shortly arrived and took charge of the man. On raising him from the bed of the dray, it was found that the unfortunate man had made another attempt on his life, unknown to the driver, while on the road, by severely cutting his thrort light across, severing the wind pipe. A quantity of blood was found under him in the dray, as ho was lying face downwards. The constable questioned Ward about his action, who replied he had been in very low spirits, and had no friends or money. Ho had not been drinking. On arriving in Ashburton, the unfortunate man was conveyed to Dr. Ross, who attended to the wound. His windpipe is 4 completely severed, but it is possible he may recover. He is now at the Old Mens’ Home, and his wounds are healing.

A Re-uniox. —The wives and families of the “unemployed” roadmakers at Stoney river and Stratford, to the number of 00, have been sent on by the Hinemoa from Wellington to New Plymouth. Pedestiuanism. —Young Scott at Auck land, finished bis feat of walking 112 miles in 24 hours with 8 minutes to spare, and showed no signs of distress. Boyd, at Wellington, failed to accomplish the same feat. Special Settlements— The Government do not seem to favor special settlements, and in reply to the Wellington Small Farms Association, who urged the necessity of setting aside a block of land for special settlement, have advised the Association to take advantage of the deferred payment clauses of the Land Act. Lost in the Bush. —From Wellington we learn that a man named Douglas was lost in the bush near Woodville for eleven days, and subsisted on berries. He states that he saw the footprints of a boy and man whom he met on the road, and fears are entertained that they also are lost in the bush, as they have not since been heard of. A School Carpenter. —Such a large amount of money is annually spent by the Dunedin School Committee on repaii’s to buildings, that that body has determined to permanently employ a carpenter. At a recent meeting of the Committee it was resolved to call for applications for that position, at a salary of Ll5O a-year and a free house.

Divorce in France. — M. Alexandre Dumas's book on divorce is to be published immediately, so as to anticipate the discus sion of the subject in the French Chamber of Deputies. Adopting the form of a re ply to an Abbe, he endeavors to prove by examples that the church, while rejecting the principle of divorce, has admitted it in practice by recognising in numerous cases the nullity of marriage. The Victoria Cross. —Since the insti tution of the Victoria cross for bravery in 1856, it has been bestowed on no less than 3GB officers and men in the military and naval services. Seven who had gained the cross died before it was formally conferred upon them, and 29 have died since they received that honor. Of the 3GB heroes who won the distinction 171 were com missioned officers, tire remaining 197 being non commissioned officers and men in both services. A pension of LlO per annum is bestowed upon the non-commissioned officers and men who receive the cross. The Napier Arms. —A correspondent, “ J. H. ” inquires whether the borough of Napier has any coat of arms. The “Napier Herald” replies—“ We are not aware of any, but it is about time we had one. We suggest as appropriate the figure of a judge in wig and gown, seated under a canopy. ‘ln bankruptcy ’ on a scroll underneath. The judge might be blind folded, with a pair of scales in his hand, with ‘ liabilities ’ on the lower scale and ‘assets’ (shadowy) on the other side kicking the beam.” More Churches. —The number of people, says an Auckland paper, wandering about during the hours of Divine service, smoking and blaspheming would lead a stranger to think that there were no churches in the city. Yet there are, and always well failed. The truth is there are not half enough of them. But to get more is the question that seems to be asked. Are there not church lands and endow ments that might be hypothecated to this end ? If so, where and what are they, is what people would like to know you know. A Bad Habit. —Young man, don’r swear. Swearing was never good for a sore finger. It never cured rheumatism not helped to draw a prize in a lottery. It isn’t sure against lightning, sewing machine agents, nor any of the ills which beset people through life. There is no occasion for sweating outside a newspa per office where it is useful in proof-read ing and necessary in getting formes to press. It has been known also to materi ally assist the editor in looking over the papei after it is printed. But otherwise it is a foolish habit. Emerald Isle.—A recent arrival from the land of failed potatoes was fishing the other day, not far from Seymour. He experienced some difficulty in obtaining worms for bait, and a companion advised him to look under a large sheet of bark near at hand. Worms in abundance were there, and so was a 15-inch snake. Pat rick joyously announced to his friend, “ Sure enough here’s a fine lot of worms, and the ould mother of the lot !” The great deeds of the saint he was named after had left him innocent as to the ap pearance of vipers.—“ HSgles,” in the “Australasian.” The Grain Yield op Waitaki.—We a few days ago (says the “ Oamaru Mail”) published an official statement showing that 2,181,512 bushels of grain would be produced in this county this season. The total is made up of 765,168 of wheat, 1,233,388 of oats, and 182,956 of barley. To transport the whole of this by rail to a market would require four trains per day of 10 trucks each for a period of 226 days. Bat as it is likely that the bulk of the oat crop will be stacked in anticipation of an improved market, the amount of grain to be transported to market will only be about half that of the total yield. Even this will give the railway department as much work as it will be able to get through with present appliances. Land Settlement. —On this subject the “ Hawkesßay Herald’says : —“After everything is said that can be said for the land, what inducement do we offer to pioneers to clear the bush and extend civilisation ? We insist that they shall pay an unduly high price for the land, and though we grant them time in which to pay the money, this favor is counter balanced by many conditions as to im provement and residence. We believe in the deferred payment system, for it com pels the occupation of the land, but the clause relating to personal residence is un duly restrictive, and likely to retard settlement, while the price at which the land is offered is extravagantly high when it is remembered that the clearing of the bush will cost even more than the original purchase money— and the bush must be cleared before the land can be rendered productive. ” Thrift. —Agood“goak” comes from “Sleepy Hollow.” It is told of a theatrical manager who recently ran a show there that, to save expense, he took the money himself—or rather he was in the box to take it. In one of those intervals which frequently occur in Nelson between the ad vent of patrons, a young man, with the signs of twenty-ouo on his upper lip, walked boldly up to the window, and pro ducing two threepenny pieces and six cop pers, asked for a Is. ticket. The manager rose, and grasping the hands of the youth, to his astonishment said—“ Glad to meet you ; you heard about this show a long time ago 2” The youth, blushing and stammering, inquired “ Why 2” On which the manager replied, “ Because you ap pear to have been saving up for a few months ; you are one of Nature’s noble men, and a true patron of the theatres. Pass in a dead-head, and my blessings be with you. —“ Dunedin Star.” A Brave Mother. —The “ Braid wood Dispatch ” states that one day recently Mrs. George Williams, of Nimbi Rimble, near Corang, left her child, about seven months old, sitting on the floor of the house while she went outside. She was only r ab sent for a few minutes ; when she re turned a sight met her eyes which threw her into a state of the utmost consterna tion. Her little girl was sitting on the spot where she had left her, and round her waist was coiled a large brown snake, the child playing with its tail. The mother thought that she saw the reptile biting the child's breast ; she thereupon pro cured an iron hook, which she fixed in the child’s dress, and lifted her outside the house, the snake meanwhile uncoiling it self. The mother, snatching her up, in her arms, ran up the creek to the spot where some men were at work digging. They immediately examined the child, but coaid see no marks. The snake was ulti mately killed. Tub Wool Export to England..— The following figures, given by the “ Wool Trade Review,” show the importation of colonial wools (Australian and Cape) into the English ports during the years named; —1834, 16,279 bales ; 1844, 70,908 ; 1854, 183,881 ; 1864, 371,486 ; 1865, 432,551 ; 1866, 455,812 ; 1867, 541,059 ; 1888, 633,134 ; 1809, 633,959 : 1870, 673,314; 1871, 693,201 ; 1872, 601,601'; 1873, 706,871 ; 1874, 816,189 ; 1875, 873,383 ; 1876, 938,292; 1877, 964,300 ; 1878, 951,550; 1879, 978,420. The importa tion for 1879 is brought up to Decem ber 17, and shows an increase upon the year just closed of 26,870 bales. So far as prospects are concerned, we have reason to believe that business is tetter already, and that it will now gradually improve. Wools are still at a reasonable figure, sufficiently so, we think, should trade spring up as anticiqated to be remunerative both to the grower and to the manufacturer. Neither do we look for the present to a great alteration in the prices for wool. We look forward for a good supply from all our colonies, as they have not been so much troubled with drought this year.

ASSESSMENT COURT.—WAKANUI DISTRICT.

Saturday, April 3rd. (Before Mr. P, Guinness, Judge.) Mr. F. G. P. Leach appeared to sus tain the Valuation list, and Mr. H. T. Winter, Chairman, and Mr. 0. 0. Fooks, Clerk of the Wakanui Road Board, were in attendance. Mr. Winter objected to the whole roll on the grounds that numerous objections had been sent in, some 110 in number, that several properties had been omitted from the list, altogether, that the valua tion in many instances was excessive, and that most of the Christian names of the ratepayers wore only described by initials and not in full. The Judge said that as no written objection had been sent in by the Road Board according to the Act, lie could not do otherwise than listen to the objections in detail. Certainly the roll would be totally useless unless the Christian names were in full, as the Board could not sue unless they could give full particulars of their claim. The Rev. W. E. Paige objected to the valuation set against him for LSO on 1 rood, Wakanui township, on section 4984, on the ground that it was purchased by the church trustees and was church property, and therefore exempt. After some discussion as to what pro perty the assessor intended to assess, it was atlast found that he meant to value the parsonage, which was not on section 4984 but on 4904, and instead of being a quarter of an acre was 10 acres,- and the valuation was increased from L 66 to LBO, and the quarter acre originally charged was left out altogether. Mr. D. 8. Melvile, per Mr. Shury, objected to his valuation on the ground that he was only charged for 73 acres whereas he held 143, but the price per acre was too high. If the Court would fix the price per acre at what the land was really worth it would not make a great deal of difference to the amount of the rate, but it would assess the land at some thing near its value. The assessment was then fixed at 140 acres, L3l. Thos. Bullock—No appearance. W. Alexander —No appearance. George Roberts, valued at L 558. Mr. H. T. Winter applied to have his objection heard jointly' with Mr, Roberts, as they held the property together. He considered 7s per acre too high a valua tion, the land not being worth more than 4s. rental. Mr. S. Saunders, sworn, his opinion was tha f - the selling value of the land was not more than £2 per acre, and taking improvements into consideration, L 3. Mr. Robert’s valuation was ultimately reduced from L 550 to L 416. John Harrison, L 137 After a long examination as to the value Mr. Harrison set on his land, he was further questioned as to what his fences and other improve ments were worth, and after endeavoring to explain to the Court that the price per acre he set upon his land also included the fencing, he was informed that, according to his own statement, he had made his property out to he double the value the as sessor had put it down at. It was then pointed out to the judge, that in making this estimate he had taken the selling and not the letting value of the objector’s valuation of his house and fencing ; and his Worship said he thought Mr. Leach’s valuation too low, and would fix the value at L 155. Upon it being shown that this was about double the price per acre fixed on Mr. Jamieson’s property contiguous to it; the Court allowed the valuation to stand at L 137. D. Ling, valued at LSO for 2 acres and a rood. Reduced to L2O. W. White objected as not being owner of property for which he was rated. As Mr White was understood to own property somewhere in the district, the valuation was sustained. F. Mayo, valuation L 25. Reduced to Ll 3. Edward Saunders, valuation Ll5O. Re duced to Ll2O. Samuel Saunders, valuation Ll5O. Re duced to LI 20. J. W. Parker. Reduced to 200 acres, value LSO, and the balance put down to “ Owner. ” H. A. Pickford. The Clerk stated that this name was incorrectly stated on the roll as Thomas Pickford. The name was altered, and the assessment reduced from L64to Ll 5. H. T. Winter, reduced from LS2O to L4IG. John Moore, who applied to have his name placed on the roll, did not appear. Application refused. James Brown. No appearance. The Clerk to the Board informed the Court that Mr. Brown, being a member of the Board had expected the roll would have been thrown out on the Chairman’s pre liminary objection, and consequently did not attend the Court. The Court ruled that in Mr. Brown’s absence his objection could not be considered. Gideon Scott. No appearance. The schoolmaster at Greenstreet wrote stating he owned no property in the colony and had received no notice. E. A. Field, per S. Saunders, valuation LOO. Reduced to L 43. J. Leggatt, LB3. Reduced to L 53. After this reduction had been made the Chairman of the Board informed the Court that a section of Mr. Leggatt’s had been omitted from the roll, and the as sessment was, after an examination of the map, fixed at LBl. W. B. Denshire per S. Saunders. Re duced from L2lO to L 144. John Brown. Objection dismissed. Ghalmer Bros., reduced from L 557 to L 504. Edwin Watkins, whose name appeared in two places on the roll as Edward and Edmund had the necessary alteration made. A. Dines, Thos. Greenaway', Meredith Wilson, John Williams, F. P. O’Reilly, L. Rattray, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, J. R. Dodson, Thomas Dalton, George Coe, P. Peterson, .A. James, W. R. Boyle, Peter Rattray', G. Davidson, Wm. Crooks, Peter Stewart, Bryan Connor, George Lee, and Alfred Herrick, did not appear to sustain their objections, and these were conse quently dismissed. James Wilkie appeared on behalf of the following objectors :—David Fitzgerald, L 267, reduced to L 135 ; James Jameson, L 255, reduced to L 13 6; W. J. Silcock, struck out; G. B. and E. B. Cooper, struck out, James Quigly substituted, and valuation reduced from L9O to L 62 ; Martha Gibson, L 628, reduced to L 368 ; Collison Bros., LlO6, reduced to L 66 ; George Millar, Ll2, reduced to L 5; Thos. Trevurza, L 92, reduced to L4O ; Francis Cass, L 214, reduced to L 12.1 ; John O’Grady', L7O, reduced to LSO; Thos. Scott, L 45 reduced to L2O ; Murdoch Bruce, L 93, reduced to L 67 ; Thos. Quill, altered to “ Owner; ” Samuel Brown, LG2, altered to L 47 ; David Johnstone, L 169, reduced to LB9 ; Thomas Wilson, L 262, reduced to L 152 ; F. Doherty, altered to “Owner;” G. J. Martin, L2B, reduced to L2O ; George Cole, Lllß, reduced to L 9 4; Thos. Richardson, L7O, reduced to L 45 ; P. Innes, L9O, reduced to L 75 ; James Quigley, altered to “Owner;” George Aston, LSO, reduced to L 45 ; Hugh Smith, L4B ; reduced to L 25 ; B. Hamp ton, L 75, reduced L6B: J. Pearson, altered to James Wilkie ; Thomas Bran kin, Lll3 ; reduced to L7B. E. G. Wright, L 598. Mr. Wilkie ap plied to have the name struck off, as Mr. Wright did not own one acre in the Wakanui district. He had held land, hut it was all sold. Moreover, the sections charged against Mr. Wright were also charged on the roll against Saunders Bros.

The judge scrutinised the roll, and said ha would assess Mr. Wright at LUO, and he would be able to recover from somebody the amount of the rates ho would have to pay on that amount. .Robert Maxwell, L 57, reduced to L4B; S. Scott, objection withdrawn ; F. Lo Breton, Ll2(i, reduced to Llls ; George Fletcher, LIJLO, reduced to LB3 ; David Evans, L 74, reduced to L 43; Hay T. Smith, L2OO, uphold ; Geo. Grice, L 75, reduced to LOB ; C. Hill, Ll2l, reduced to LOG ; T. Paynter L7B, reduced to L 33; John Black, L3i, reduced to L 24 ; Nicholas Fitzgerald, L 149, reduced to Lll7. David Wilson’s name appeared on the roll as owner of 721 acres, but with no value stated against it. Mr. Wilkie here asked his Worship if he was not yet satis fied that the whole roll was a blunder. The instance now before him was of so glaring a nature as to show the utter worthless ness of the roll as a document on which to recover rates. The assessor said the omission was a clerical error, and he would like to know what price Mr. Wilkie would have the land charged at. Mr. Wilkie declined to do work for ■which Mr. Leach was paid, and said further that Mr. Wilson only occupied 33S acres, the balance of his land being in tenants’ hands ; and as the acreages of the various sections were not set forth in the roll, it would be impossible to correct such an abortion as the valuation list was. After a deal of discussion, interlinea tions, and erasures, Mr. Wilson was eventually assessed at LI GO. T. M. Jones’ name was inserted in place of W. J. Silcock’s, and the valuation reduced from L7O to L 45. Thomas Kelly, reduced from L 35 to L 22; William Jameson, reduced from L 35 to L2B ; William Brown, reduced from L 75 to LSO ; Proctor Bros., reduced from L 193 to LOO ; James Wilson, re duced from Lsl to L 32 ; John Hardwick, reduced from L 127 to L9l ; Tyson Hodg son, reduced from L 26 to Lll. The Judge then proceeded to initial the alterations, and the Court closed at C. 30 p. in.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last night. Pre sent—Mr. Bullock, presiding in the ab sence of the Ma3'or ; and Messrs. St. Hill, Williamson, Parkin, Saunders, and P. Friedlandor. The minutes of last ordinary meeting and of the special meeting held on Wed nesday last, having been read, and the former confirmed, Mr. Williamson took exception to the passing of certain paragraphs in the latter as they referred to business that had been transacted at that meeting, but which should legally have been transacted at the present ordinary meeting. The paragraphs objected to were not passed. FINANCE. The Chairman reported that the debtor balance amounted to L 173 7s. 9d. The rates collected up to date amounted to L 531 165., and Mr. Bullock stated that this was very satisfactory, as the rate had only been struck one month. It would be necessary, he added, that the Finance Committee should make fresh arrangements with the Bank, as those previously made terminated on the 31st of March. THE WATER SUPPLY. Mr. E. G. Crisp, Borough Solicitor, wrote stating that the deed, under which the right to tap the mill race was granted by the Messrs. Saunders, only provided for protecting the Council against any claim that could be made by Mr. Edward .and Mr. Samuel Saunders, but did not de fend it from any claim by any other owners of the property. Under the deed the water could be cut off at the will of the Saunders Bros., and upon notice given by them. Mr. St. Hill said there would require to be some more definite and tangible tenure of the water than Mr. Crisp’s letter seemed to indicate was likely to be given. Mr. Williamson pointed out that at least a notice of twelve months, of any intention to cut off the water, should be given. He fancied that period would be sufficient. Mr. Saunders said he did not know that such a clause had been introduced into the deed, but he believed it had been in troduced to cover any deviation of the river that might interfere with the supply of the stream. In that case they might then have to divert the course of the race. It was to provide for a contingency of this kind, he believed, and not for any other purpose that the clause had been inserted. It was ultimately resolved to refer the matter to Mr. Williamson and Mr. Saunders, to have a clause inserted in the deed providing for twelve months notice to the Council by the firm. GAS LAMPS. The Gas Company wrote offering to supply gas to five more lamps. Referred to the Works Committee. CHARITABLE AID. Communications regarding this question were referred to the Committee already appointed to consider the mattter of charit able aid. THE ENGINEER. It was intimated that the engineer’s term expired to-day, and on consultation with Mr Fooks, he agreed to go on with any work they may have to do on a fair commission, but that no salary as Borough Engineer would be paid for the next month. BY-LAWS. Mr. Friedlander reported a meeting of two of the By-laws Committee on Satur day last. There had been no quorum of the Committee, but Mr. St. Hill and him self had talked the matter over, and they had not altogether agreed to the clauses proposed to provide for building. Mr. St. Hill said the Committee re quired some opinion of the Council on the matter of the area to be covered by those clauses. He himself believed that only the East street line of sections should be included, as were the laws proposed to be accepted they would have the effect of stopping building, as they were as string ent as the building laws of Melbourne or Edinburgh. Mr. Bullock thought the area should be deeper than one section. Mr. Parkin thought they should go three sections deep. Mr. Williamson hold it would be unfair to stop the influence of the building regu lations in the centre of a block, as it would be a hardship for one man to have to build a brick building and his next door neighbor be permitted to build a wooden shanty. Mr. Williamson moved that the build ing clauses be referred back to the By laws Committee, and that they report to the next special meeting. THE WATER SUPPLY. Mr. Books attended with the plans he had prepared for the water supply, and after full consideration it was resolved to advertise for tenders for the work at once. The question of procuring timber for the proposed water supply was referred to the Works Committee. FOOTPATHS. Mr. Bullock pointed out the worn out state of the roads in Tancred street, from the railway to the Old Men’s Homo, and in East street. Referred to the Works Committee. THE RATES. Mr. St. Hill suggested the propriety of getting in the rates from such defaulters as the Town and Templar Hall com panies. It was ultimately resolved' to advertise that all rates unpaid on the Ist of May be sued for without further notice. THE COURT-HOUSE. Mr. Bullock said the Borough had been sadly neglected by the Government, and

another instance of this was the delay of the Court-house. Ho suggested that some steps be taken to hurry the matter on. Mr. Parkin thought it inadvisable to “ shake the matter up ” just now, as there might be a possibility of getting a better building than the one proposed, which was barely fit for the requirements of the town, and ought to have been of brick. ACCOUNTS. It was resolved to pay the Fire Bri gade’s account of L 25 at next meeting, and bills to the amount of L 75 2s. lOd. wore pass od for payment. THE WATEK PIPES. Mr. Saunders gave notice of motion for next meeting to appoint a Committee to consider the advisableness of disposing of the iron pipes now held in stock by the Borough for the purpose of water supply. The Council then adjourned. i

SIR JULIUS VOGEL.

The great originator of the Immigra tion and Public Works Policy of New Zealand has experienced a reversal of tlie words that have passed into a proverb—A prophet hath no honor in his own country. To Sir Julius Vogel Now Zealand was ip deed his own country, for it was here lie rose to the high position that gave him what little fame our small and isolated colony could afford to anyone. But lie found out his mistake when, leaving the land hurriedly, and not with all the credit imaginable, from a political point of view, ho essayed a contest for a seat in the English Parliament. Sir Julius has been rejected by the electors of Falmouth, and it now remains for the disappointed and rejected one to grin and bear his disap pointment, and to lie on his oars for another Parliamentary term, and do his best to nourish his spirits on the pleasures of hope. Had any colonial as pirant to colonial Legislative honors agi tated the grievances of the community whose favors ho sought to win as Sir Julius lias agitated for a progressive push to the harbor of Falmouth, the kindness would have weighed well in the eyes of the colonial electors, and the chances are that a seat would have rewarded the kind efforts. But England is not the colonies, and the colonies are not England. The “ public works” cry is here a talisman to conjure by, but unfortunately for Sir Julius Great Britain has long ago emerged from the Road Board era, and its electors are difficult to catch with chaff, as poor Sir Julius finds. But patience is a virtue that, combined with perseverance, over cometh all difficulties, and the time may come, when the quondam Premier of New Zealand will have his merits recognised— but his hour is not yet.

SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[by telegraph.] Christchurch. April 5. The Supreme Court criminal sessions opened to-day. Mr Joynt informed his Honor that the libel cases against the “Otago Times and Witness” Company and against the “ Ashburton Mail” would not be proceeded with. A youth named John O’Brien, for horse stealing, got two years. The Crown Prosecutor refused to pro ceed in the case against the notorious usurer, Michael Murphy. The prosecu tion was to have been undertaken pri vately, but no bill was presented. In the case of the two lads charged with obstructing the Methven railway line by placing a log of wood, there was some doubt as to whether the offence was really an obstruction, and as the lads pleaded guilty, his Honor said he felt in a diffi culty, and would hold the case over till he could consult his brother Judges. Justice Johnston expressed a determination to treat this sort of offence very severely. The father of one of the lads was in Court, but refused to defend his son. Frederick Sandberg pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing sugar and other articles, the property of his employer Mr. Soren son, betwen Oct. 1 and Deo. 10, 1879. Mr. Sorenson gave evidence as to the character of the prisoner. Witness believed him to be of weak intellect, and recommended him to the mercy of the Court. The gaoler said prisoner had been in confinement since Feb. 2. His Honor, under all the circumstances, sentenced prisoner to imprisonment with hard labor for one day. John O’Brien, another lad, pleaded guilty to taking away a horse an Feb. 8, from the yard of the Ashburton hotel. Evidence similar to that given when the case was heard at Ashburton was adduced. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and his Honor sentenced him to im prisonment with hard labor for two years. Wellington, April 6. The Supreme Court sittings commenced this morning. The Chief Justice, in his address to the Grand J ury, said the calen dar was of the usual average for the dis trict, and the cases were of a class which required no particular comment. Frank Hooke, for larceny, was found guilty and remanded for sentence. True bills were found against Samuel Jackson for attempted suicide ; A. Weber, obtaining money underffalse pretences ; and against Charles Stewart Burns, for larceny. The indictment against the lat ter was withdrawn, owing to the prosecu tor attending Court while under the in fluence of liquor. Samuel Jackson, on a charge of at tempted suicide, and A. Weiber on one of obtaining money under false pretences, were acquitted, Jas. Harris of larceny, and George Vickorstaff of stealing a letter were found guilty and remanded for sen tence. The bills against Caroline Good win for arson, and Henry Beattie for in decent assault wore thrown out. Alex. M‘Gregor, charged with larceny, pleaded guilty and was remanded for sentence. True bills were found against J. Thompson for the larceny of a cash-box, and against Geo Ward Berrie for fraudulent bank ruptcy, and Geo. Longhursh for rape. Dunedin, April 5.

The sittings of the Supreme Court opened this morning. Judge Williams, in his charge, regretted that the calendar was the heaviest for many years. In a considerable majority of the cases, the crimes committed were as usual traceable directly to the drunken habits which were unfortunately prevalent in the colony. He spoke of Butler’s case as one standing alone in its horrible pre-eminence. Crimes of the kind Butler was charged with were exceptional, fortunately for human nature, and could not be accounted for by any of the social forces and influences that operate upon the ordinary run of men. The Grand Jury returned true bills in the following cases, the prisoners pleaded guilty, and were sentenced as under : Ernest Sydney James and Henry Conway, both lads, robbery, three months each. Edward Featherstone and James Murphy, also robbery, one year. Henry Fell, for gery, two years. James Midgeley, cut ting and wounding, eighteen months. James Gibson, for larceny, got six months. The Grand Jury threw out the bills in the cases of William Chalmers and John iVlowat, robbery, and David M'Neill, high way robbery. They also discharged the bill against Robert Sewell for cutting and wounding. William Mathieson was con victed of robbery, and got two years. Butler’s case will be taken on Thurs day. Auckland, April 5. The Supreme Court was opened to-day by Mr. Justice Richmond, who, in charging the Grand Jury, regretted the heaviness of the calendar, in which twenty-six persons were on trial, excluding the five natives charged with mis demeanor. Referring to the case of forcible entry at Ohinemutu, his Honor said that persons might commit this offence by violently entering upon a tene ment though they have a legality to it.

It appears that amongst, or in some way connected with the forcible entry, was a bailiff, who pretended to distrain. The right of distress was a somewhat bar barous remedy, and the landlord availing himself of it must do so in a peaceable manner. The persons who ' forcibly entered were natives, and the nations entered upon were Europeans, jfuiich showed the danger of such proceedings. But, as representing the magistracy of the district, he felt it his duty to say that if violent proceedings were instigated by European movers in the business, they deserve censure, and should they .be found to come within the reach of the law, they should receive exemplary punish ment. . It was intolerable that private persons, in pursuit of private gains, should jeopardise the peace of the coun try. He hoped publicity would be given to the matter, so that the guilty persona might receive public reprobation. Sydney Beetham (breaking and enter ing) and Frank Foxton (embezzlement of the funds of the Bank of New South Wales, Auckland branch) pleaded guilty, and sentence was deferred till to-morrow. John Dods Rentin, for bestiality, got six years.

GENERAL ELECTIONS AT HOME.

{By cable fom Reuter's Agency.) London, April 2. The election for Falmouth too place to day. Sir Julius Vogel w-is a candidate, but was rejected. The election returns, so far as known, show that 175 Liberals and 103 Conserva tives have been elected. The Liberals have gained forty-eight seats and lost 18. Leeds has returned Mr. Gladstone by an enormous majority. Lord Hartington has been re-elected for New Radnor with out opposition. The Conservative papers foreshadow a change of Ministry. Both the Liberal candidates have been elected • by a large majority for Southwark, thus reversing the decision of February 13th, when a Conservative was elected to fill the place of the deceased Liberal member. Both the Liberal candidates have also been re-elected for Chelsea. London , April 3. Liberals have gained nineteen to-day, the total now gained being—Liberals, 50 ; Conservatives, 20. The sitting members ■for Lambeth and Tower Hamlets have • been re-elected. Two Liberals have been elected for Marylebone by large majori ties. Bradlaugh, a Radical candidate, has been elected by a large majority for Northampton. The Right. Hon. James Lowther, Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, has been • defeated by a small majority for York. A change of Ministry is considered, inevitable, and the “ Times” publishes a paragraph stating that it is quite probable that Lord Gran ville will form a Ministry.

GAR ENING

NOTES FOR THE PRESENT MONTH, BY A PROFESSIONAL GARDENER. APRIL. KITCHEN GARDENING. The principal crops will now be either all sown or planted, and the encourage ment of their growth the object of atten tion ; but, where omitted last month, Onions, Cabbages, Cauliflowers and Turnips should be sown at once, to insure success. If not done before the middle of the month, it is better to defer sowing until spring. Where Brocoli. planted during summer months, freely, growers would find it very advantageous to cut the roots, which is easily done by inserting the spade under each plant. For instance, go down one side of the row and come back on the other. Care should be taken not to cut too close to the plant. Brocoli treated as above will resist the frost much better; for by choking its growth at this season it gets hardy as a natural consequence, and will come in ready for use much earlier than it would if not disturbed. Barth up all crops of growing Celery. Care should be taken not to allow the earth to get in between the leaves, which is done by holding up the leaves with one hand, while with the other, use a piece of slate or other flat tool to draw the earth carefully round each plant, which keeps all the leaves together until you have followed with the spade and banked up. Care should also be taken not to earth up too much at once, as it only tends to weaken the plants. By' treating as directed, say once in ten days, the trouble will be well repaid by the pro duction of fine heads of blanched Celery for either cooking purposes or desert. Make a general clearance of all ground not wanted for present sowing or planting. Dig in in a rough state, so that it will be exposed to the action of the weather. Dig Potatoes ; gather Onions, as they r : pen, and store them in a dry place. Vegetable Marrows and Pumpkins should also be gathered as they ripen, and stored in a dry, warm place for winter use. When properly stored they will keep nearly all winter, and are much prized when such vegetables are scarce. Strawberries may now be planted from the runners. Either make new plots or fill in any blanks in old beds or borders; After selecting plants for all new planta tions, let all the runners that remain be trimmed off, care being taken not to cut off all the leaves, as is too often done not only by amateurs but by persons calling themselves professional men. It is most barbarous treatment, as it tends to weaken the plants and the result —the following summer—is that there will be little or no fruit. Having got the runners and weeds cleared, put a good covering of well decomposed manure over the bed, and let it lie on the surface. Don’t dig it in, as is the general practice. , In this way it nourishes the plant at the root and mulches the ground in summer. FLOWER GARDEN. Plant Bulbs of the following kinds— Hyacinthus, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Liliums, Narcissus, Jonquils, Daffodils, and Tulips —any of the above. For window decoration, plant in pots in a good mixture of loam, rotted manure, and sand. Plunge the pots in sand, and keep them there until the bulb begins to grow, when it might be removed to where it is required to flower. To those who desire an early display of annual flowers, by a careful reserva tion of those self-sown which abound at this season in great numbers, and sow ing again in spring, the flower garden can be kept going from early spring until late in autumn. All tender plants, such as Geraniums, Cinerarias, Cupheas, etc., that have been turned out during summer should now be brought in and housed to protect them from frost; and all herbaceous plants that have done flowering cut down, so as to give the garden a neat appearance. THE ORCHARD requires little care at this season, further than gathering the fruits as they ripen, and keeping the ground clear of weeds, but where young fruit trees have been planted last year the ground should be kept dug round them and free from weeds, as, by keeping the ground loose, it en courages the growth of wood, keeps the trees healthy and better able to resist the attacks of blight. It only hap pens that trees are planted,’and' done, they are never looked near%|lrain ; and still those to whom the trees belong wonder why their trees do not grow like their neighbors’, who cultivate them in a proper manner. A few trees properly cultivated is much better- than a larger number cultivated indifferently.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1880.



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 13, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Ox’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a NOTICE TO FARMERS. undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 23, 1880. 550g* THE NEW ZEALAND HO, THING FACTORY WAS started about five years ago. The proprietors at first in tended to manufacture for the Trade only, but, owing to the persistent op position of importers and Shop keepers who could make a better profit on the imported article, they were compelled in self defence to open Branches for the sale of their goods direct to the public. In this they but followed the example of some of the largest manufacturers at home, and the Public, by purchasing at the undermentioned Branches, will SAVE THE PROFIT OF MIDDLEMEN, AND OBTAIN A SUPERIOR ARTICLE.



BRANCHES. Invercargill Christchurch. Wellington Dunedin Ashburton Auckland Oamaru Nelson New Plymouth Timaru Wanganui Napier A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. W. SPARROW, Manager, Ashburton Branch, 588g* New Zealand Clothing Factory. Lost. A Brown Mare PONY, about 13 hands high, no brand visible. Finder will be rewarded upon giving information to 659 g SAUNDERS BROS. TEN SHILLINGS REWARD. LOST from Ashburton, Bay Hack MARE, Branded on near shoulder, wart on near flank. Apply, E. Cook son, Livery Stables, Ashburton. GGBo Tenders. TO BUILDERS. fBTENDERS required for BUILDING J. 8-roomed HOUSE at Seafield. Plans and specifications can be seen at the office of Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and G undry, where tenders will be received up to noon on Saturday, April 10. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. G7Bg-478c rjIENDERS are invited for CROPPING 430 Acres of land at Chertsey, in one or two blocks, for one year, 150 acres stubble, the remainder skim ploughed. Tenders received till March 31st. G. SILVESTER, Chertsey. Or J. SILVESTER, 656 g Springston. MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD. TENDERS. TENDERS are invited for the following works : No. I—Formation, full width, from south comer of section 2521 G to . dry creek at Broom Park. 2—Chertsey road, formation, 20 -feet wide, and picking stones off sarSST No. 3—Shingling No. 2, 25 yards to the chain, about three miles. No. 4—West Coast road, formation, 20 feet wide. No. s—Shingling No. 4, 25 yards to the chain, about three miles. No. o—Lowering places .on the main Rakaia road, to allow storm water to cross. No. 7 —Fencing gravel pits. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman at the office, Methven, will be received up till noon on Thursday, the Bth, and £5 per «ant. deposit required on the work ten dered for. Q 790 W. B. COMPTON, Overseer.



Peeseverancb can sometimes equal genius in its results. “ There are only two creatures,” says the Eastern proverbs, “ that can surmount the pyramids—the eagle and, the snail.”