MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows; — For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Eakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. 3Tor Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m., and 420 p.m., daily. For Greenstx’eet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 am. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 430 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Eakaia at 10.25 a.m., 435 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and ' intermediate places at 6.35 p.m. daily. Fr*m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.ni. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, October 2. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association Grounds — Entire Horses, &c. Sale after the Parade. Saturday, September 25. Quill and Co., at their Mart, Saunders’ Buildings—First-class Harmonium, and Household Furniture. Sale at 12 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1880.

Good luck to the hoof and the horn, Good luck to the flock and the fleece, Good luck to the growers of corn, With the blessings of plenty and peace. Tltper. What to do with the unemployed is a serious question nowadays. The country has received a rude awakening from its golden (borrowed) state of pros perity, and whatever we may have thought of Sir Julius Vogel’s statesman ship, it is now sure that his grand policy has, like a cheap mirror, a very reverse side. It is with gratification that we notice the ardour with which our neighbors are taking up the “ local in dustries” subject, and we are hopeful that much eventual good will come from their efforts. This is a very big subject, and capable of extension ad infinitum almost, when we consider our bill of imports, even including grasses for our pastures, after over fifty years of farm ing (?). But more of this another time, as our present intention is io consider the “ unemployed ” question. This is one of the effects of the Vogelian policy which we must attend to and manfully face, as we deliberately brought it on ourselves by importing these men, and that by a costly process too. Had this unemployed question been the outcome of natural increase, as it is at Home, we could then quite justifiably fall back on political economy and Mr. J. Stuart Mill, or even to his predecessor, Rev. Malthus, and say that we are the victims and effects of causes origin ating with our forefathers, and for which we are not persofially respon sible, although to lighten the burdens to the coming generations would still be our duty, by urging our countymen to recollect that it is every man’s duty to see his way clearly before him, ere he brings children into the world, to be able to start them fairly earning their livelihood, and to be dependent on no one, not even the State for their ex istence. For we take it to be nearly as muchamoral crime to call into being lives that will be sure to suffer poverty and the pangs of hunger, with their attendant miseries, as to sin politically and de stroy superabundant infant life. We have not, however, arrived at such a pass as to require to grapple with this most painful subject yet. The un employed are men we paid to come amongst us, and it is our duty to give them an opportunity of earning a sub sistence. And how are we to do it re muneratively is the problem ? ' r he long talked of water supply for our thirsty plains seems to us the first work the County should take in hand. Our farmers’ wells are costly to commence with, are a continual expense, are not a tithe plentiful enough, and cannot be then looked upon as anything like ade quate to the wants of the land, to say nothing of the probability of having to go over the work again within ten years. See what irrigation has done for China, and quite lately for Utah — transformed the latter from a howling wilderness to (as many amongst us have seen), a splendid farming country. We have the Bill passed to empower this splendid enterprise to be done. Let us be earnest in the matter, be up and doing, and back up our energetic representative, and by so doing, give justice to the unemployed, and and lay the foundation of our farming prosperity. We munificently bulid for and support the ministers of the Almighty. Let us also remember that the age of miracles is past, and that if we want water for our stock, water to make our land more fertile, water to make our plantations flourish —which latter will react and induce rain—we must be in earnest, and learn from the ancient .riSsop, “to put our shoulder to the wheel.”

The Latest Bit of Red Tape.—Go vernment, done to rags, have been re duced to their last penny, and require every receipt for wages given by the work men in their employ to bear a receipt stamp—as a sauce, we presume, to the ten per cent, reduction!

In Bankruptcy. -4Mr. Paritt has been appointed trustee in the estate of Joseph Bryant. Wakanui School. —A public meeting to consider “ ways and means ” is to be held in the -Wakanui School-room on on Tuesday, September 28, at 7 p.m.

Lecture. —We would remind our readers of the Rev. Mr. Beattie’s lecture on the “ Five Senses ” in the Presbyterian Church to-night.

Further Retrenchment. —lt is noti fied that on the 27th inst.; the officer in' charge '. of the Balcairn station will be withdrawn, and after that date the station will be treated as a flag station.

Property Sale. —Messrs. H. Matson and Co. disposed of several Alford Forest township sections on Saturday,, at the land sale rooms, Christchurch. The allotments brought fair prices. New Auctioneers. —Messrs. Quill and Co. make their opening announcement in to-day’s issue. This new auctioneering firm have commenced business in Saunders’ Buildings, as auctioneers, and their first sale is to be held on Saturday. They are going very energetically about thoir work, and if push means success, the elements of success are certainly not wanting in f he new firm. “Spouted” Lamb. —A writer in the Dunedin Star says :—“ Now that the season for lamb ; and veal has again come round, I trust that the butchers will stop the reprehensible habit of ‘ winding ’ and spouting, the purpose of which is to deceive the purchaser and consumer. I understand that the animal is first blown, the slaughterman exhaling his breath into the carcase and then filling his mouth with melted mutton suet to ‘ spout ’ or splutter this over the meat. Is it not both un wholesome and disgusting 1 ”

A Gauge of Character. The Premier’s visit to the Maori prisoners on board the Hinemoa at Wellington does not appear to have made a very favorable impression upon them. After his depar ture Captain Fairchild informed the natives who their visitor was, explaining that he was the “ big minister,” the “ boss of the whole crowd,” but the Maoris’ view of Mr. Hall was that he was “ no good,” inasmuch as he had not presented them with either tobacco or biscuits, and therefore in their eyes he had no qualifications for the office which he holds.

The Irish Pilgrim. —Mr. J. P. Arm strong, who is well spoken of by Southern papers as a humorist, is to give one of his entertainments in the Town Hall to-night. Mr. Armstrong does not seem to have s itisfied the highly critical taste of the two Christchurch morning papers, but the Satur day Advertiser, quite as good an authority, thus speaks of him—At a time like this, when maudlin lecturers are so plentiful, and who only succeed in making their hearers as stupid as themselves, it was really a great treat to listen to Mr. inn strong for an hour and a-half last evening. The high praise bestowed on the lecturer by such a man as Judge Chapman, who has spent a lifetime in literary pursuits, is no little reward to Mr. Armstrong. It was, in every sense of the word, a great treat. The Tailors’ Strike. —A case arising out of the tailor’s strike was heard at the Christchurch R.M. Court yesterday. John Mendal was charged with having threatened to break the arm or leg of Mathias Sorenson, because the latter refused to join the Tailors’ Society and act with the men on strike. The Bench ordered the accused to be bound over to keep the peace for six months, and ex pressed his determination to inflict the severest possible penalty on the slightest attempt at anything of this kind in future. A Claim Duo up prom the Past.— A claimant has arisen to a number of valuable sections in Hastings street, Napier, in the person of the Hon. P. S. Solomon, the lately appointed Acting Attorney-General for Fiji. It appears that years ago Mr. Solomon, who was afterwards practising as a solicitor at Sydney, bought those sections, and gave power of attorney to Mr, Charles Davis to act for him, but it is alleged that, the power of attorney gave no authority to sell. Mr. Davis did sell the sections, and they subsequently passed through many hands, and are now in pos session of Mrs Adamson, Messrs. Ryes, J. Monteith, H. Monteith, G. Williams, and G. Scott. The Bank of New Zealand is acting for Mr. Solomon, and Mr. Las celles has been instructed to take proceed ings to recover the property.

Reef Hunting in the North. Some time ago a prospector named Moss came into Palmerston . North with glowing accounts of a reef he had discovered. The townspeople selected an experienced pros pector to go out and verify Moss’s state ments. The town’s representative was a man named Henderson, who had a lifelong experience in California, Australia, and New Zealand. He has now returned from his excursion and reports that the reef said to be discovered by Moss is a hoax. Henderson, however, picked up in a gully large lumps of rich quartz, with gold plainly discernable all through. Although no definite reef has been discovered there is no doubt that gold is in the vicinity. Several parties have left town to try their luck prospecting. Mr. Henderson says that the whole features of the country warrant the asuraption that gold will bo found all through the ranges. The Oxford Cement. — Samples of Messrs. Ingram and White’s cement, made from the Oxford chalk' are now in Christchurch, and are spoken of highly by practical men The Press says : —lt is in tended to subject the cement to an analysis, and practically test it against the celebrated Portland cement, all the good qualities of which are claimed for the colonial article. The weight of the latter is 1181bs. to the bushel, as against HOlbs. to the bushel of Portland cement. The test is anxiously looked forward to by those in favor of fostering local industries, and as the area of chalk and blue clay in the vicinity of the works at Oxford is practically limitless, and as the cement can be sold cheaper than the imported article, the hope may be reasonably expressed that the time is not far distant when the money expended on the great staple of the building trade will be retained in New Zealand. The Intrusive Detectives. —The Wel lington Chronicle publishes the following explanation of the alleged intrusion of Detectives Brown and Benjamin into Miss Blyth’s sick room : —The young woman claimed some cutlery, a new travelling bag, the through ticket to San Francisco (for which a refund of LIS will be made), a railway rug, and some other things mentioned in a statement which is in the hands of the police. Now it so happened that in a conversation which Mr. Brown had with the Rev. Mr. Lingard, the latter stated that Mrs. Henderson had missed cutlery and other articles after her hus band had levanted. Upon the detective examining the clergyman more closely about these goods, he ascertained that all the things that had been claimed by Miss Blyth evidently either belonged to Mrs. Henderson or to tradesmen in Christ church, from whom they had been pur chased and paid for by Henderson with post-dated cheques. The detective was in a dilemma,' but it was his duty to see the matter “straight,” which he did by visiting Mrs. and Miss Blyth, at the Em pire, and calling the former side into another room to ask if the articles claimed by Miss Blyth were her own—a question to which Mrs. Blyth at once answered “No.” The detectives (Benjamin, ac companied by Browne) did not speak to Miss Blyth at all. about the matter, and she was not in the sick room at the time, but downstairs, in the sitting-room.

Four, and Twopence. —The Auckland unemployed won’t break stones at 4s. 2d. per yard. Times must be looking better.

A New Town Hall. —A new Town Hall to accommodate 500 persons is to be built at Sydenham.

A. Big Price Refused. —At the Mel bourne Ram Show, Mr. Cummings refused L 1,500 for his champion ram, Duke, find ing it impossible to replace the animal. Joe Emmett. —Joe Emmett (“Fritz”) has gone so far to the bad with drink that it has been found necessary to send him for a time to an asylum for inebriates.

Healthy Sign. —The Dunedin Star says traffic on the Otago railways .is largely increasing, and mentions one day last week on which 100 waggons with native produce of all kinds arrived at Dunedin from the South. • Sticking Out. —We learn from a Wel lington correspondent that the officers in one branch, at least, of the Civil Service refused to take their cheques on the first of the month, in consequence of their un willingness to bo subjected to the inevit able ten per cent reduction. Meanwhile, the men continue work, and on the return of the Minister to Wellington under whose control the department is, a deputation is to wait on him and make such representa tions as it is thought will put them on the same rate of pay as heretofore.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR. GRIGG’S PAPER.

To the Editor. Sir, —Having watched with great interest the results of Mr. Grigg’s paper on farming, and reading the answers elicited by it, I am surprised to see Mr. Grigg’s silence on the subject. He says in his paper that he is prepared to fight his position “ inch by inch,” and yet allows his theory to be knocked on the head without saying a word in defence at all. Now, if this is Mr. Grigg’s way of fighting “inch by inch,” ho has different views on the sub ject to what I have ; and, for my own part, I certainly hold with “ Roscoe,” that sorrel should be backed against the 60 per cent, profit in Mr. Grigg’s paper.— I am, &c., A Little Sorrel.

RECKLESS DRIVING.

To the Editor. Sir, —I crave the indulgence of a few lines of your space to draw attention to a dangerous practice that is becoming all too common among'us. I refer to the reckless driving of vehicles and riding of horses along the Ashburton Railway Bridge, especially on Sunday nights. Sunday night, returning from worship in Ashburton to my residence in Timvald, I very narrowly escaped being run over by one of four half drunken yahoos—three of whom were in charge of as many horses, and the fourth presided for the time being over the destinies of a horse and trap. The quartette were evidently racing, with the utmost indifference to the life of any pedestrian who might be upon the bridge. I myself was not the only one whose limbs, if not life, were jeopardised by the wantonness of the individuals I have re ferred to. Shortly after my own narrow escape, a lady was as near as possible run over by the same agency. Sir, I think it would not be amiss if a member of the police force were to have a look down this bridge occasionally during the earlier part of the evening, especially during the summer months, when the bridge is a favorite resort for pedestrians. The sum moning and conviction of a few of the offenders might have salutary effect on those who are now so regardles of the safety of other people.—l am, &c., Sept. 20. X.

AN ALL ROUND PETITION.

To thk Editor. Sib, — The last idea that has come out, Is an all round petition. Which, not to sign, with some folks is, Both treason and sedition, But who’s to sign—no matter who, Ot what, or age, or stat’on, It’s hawked about the town at times — There’s drinks, too, for the occasion. ■ A signature’s'a signature— A long roll looks imposing ; And what your moral standing is, The paper ain’t disclosing. . You goodly list of bankrupts come, Roll up all in a cluster— You’ll find some of the great whitewashed, Enrolled among the muster. Once on a time, it used to be, Your friends petitioned for you ; But that’s old-fashioned now, you see, i And shortly, lest I tire you, A fashion new has here been set— We do our own petition, And boldly ask J-B.’s to sign, A land broker’s edition. Affix your name ; Affix your name. Unto this precious scroll; you Will find the agent ready, on The least chance to enrol you. An agent prompted—so they say— And very well directed, By the petition’s lauded child, Though this ain’t yet detected. Affix your name ! Affix your name ! Or, boys, by gum, you’ll lose him 1 Oh, sign, oh, sign, ye sons of toil, And let the few abuse him. No matter if the object’s weak, And stale the means selected, No matter still if this same scroll Is with the “ craft ” connected. No matter if you understand— If you are interested— Oh, join ye with the “mystic ” band, By signatures it’s tested. They’ll find you paper, pen, and ink. Nor cause you slightest trouble ; And if you’re member of a firm. They’ll let you sign it double. Roll up and sign, and send your name (It makes you all important) To Wellington, though well you know As how you didn’t ought to. Oh, sign your names, oh, sign your names, Until you all can measure The precious document by the yard, And keep your ancient treasure. Slog.

THE WAKANUI TROUBLE.

To the Editor. Sir, — I was much surprised to see an account given in your issue of the 14th inst. of what was called an “ anti-Christ ian” scene. I cannot see why a man should be called an “anti-Christian” simply because he upholds his rights and privileges : hut my object in writing to you is not to show that I consider myself as good a Christian as your correspondent, who, I suppose, feels aggrieved at being locked out last Sunday. Now, I intend to give an account of the key of the schoolroom, as the- state ment made on this point is, either through gross ignorance or wilful falsehood, most incorrect. The truth is this : Whan I locked up the schoolroom after our last entertainment, which was on the 30th of July, Mr. Guiney not being at home, I took the key away with me, and kept it till the following Monday morning, when Miss Leach took it down with her to the sehool. On arriving there she found the door open, and forgot to leave the key. Since then Mr. Guiney has unlocked the door every day with another key, and, apparently, found no difficulty in doing so. I went down to lock the school door on Thursday, the 9th inst., because the use of the room had not been asked for, and, as usual, found that the master was away from home. The door of the school was wide open. I shut it, and went home. After tea I walked back to the school, taking the key with me for the purpose of

opening the door, as soon as the use of the rooip should be asked for. To my astonishment, when I got there the room was already occupied. As I was going away, after the meeting was over, I had both keys in my hand, and offered them to Mr. Guiney, who said he did not want them both, and that I could keep one'.if I liked. I replied that if he really did hot want them both I would take back the one I had brought down with me, which I did. I then gave Mr. Guiney instruc tiohs to keep the school door locked on Sunday, and not to give the key to anyone. Now, Sir, the key he had opened the door all right the next morn ing, and locked it at night. On Sunday! had some business at the school—(it was to look up some old papers relative to the original constitution of the Committee) — and I asked Mr. Brown if he would kindly come up and help me, as he was Chairman of the Committee at its first constitution'- This circumstance accounts for our being in the school on the Sunday. When we had finished our business we went away. I shut the door and took the key home with me, as Mr. Guiney had told me on the Thursday night that he did not want it. Imagine my surprise'when about half-past eleven on Monday morning, Mr. John Wright came riding down to where ! was working, and told me that the children had as sembled at the school, and the master had sent them all home again because I had taken the key on Sunday afternoon. lat ohce saddled a horse and rode down to the school as fast as I could. ( When I got there Miss Guiney told* me that Mr. Guiney had gone off to Ashburton. I asked her if she knew how it was there was no school that day, and she said I had taken away the key and they could not get in. Now, Mr. Editor, this is the true story of the key, and do you not think that the Wakanui people have a nice man for a schoolmaster. Do you not think that even if I had had both the keys (which I posi tively deny), and as the Committee have always allowed him to keep a horse in the school ground, that if he had wanted to open the school, he could have ridden up to my house for the key and back in ten minutes, or could have sent one of the scholars for it. However that may he, it so happened that one of the boys did get in through the window, and undid the catch of the door, and nearly all the children entered the room. But Mr. Guiney was determined not to he done like that. He ordered them all out, and then said that he was afraid to hold school in case he might bo had up with tho rest of the culprits, as he calls them. Hoping you will kindly insert of these lines in your columns.—l am, &c., A. G. Earle, Chairman of Wakanui School Committee. Wakanui, Sept. 18, 1880.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

Services in connection with the third anniversary of the Cameron street Wesleyan Sunday School were held on Sunday. The Rev. Edward Best, of Dunedin, at the request of the teachers of the school, preached both morning and evening, and in the afternoon gave an address to the children, their parents, and teachers. In the latter service Mr. Best showed that he possessed the rare ability of engaging the attention of young folks, and keeping them interested for a lengthened time. , The services were on each occasion well i attended, the congregation in the evening i being unusually large. The children of the Sunday school, who have been under training for some weeks, rendered suitable , melodies at each service, and the very creditable manner in which they sang secured for them the highest commenda tion, and equal praise to the church choir-master, who had the children in hand for the occasion. The collection for the day amounted to nearly Ll2, the handsome sum of L 7 15s. having been taken for the Sunday school, the balance being the usual contributions in envelopes. Last evening the usual tea meeting took place, followed by a public meeting. The providore for : the tea was Mr. A. O. Aitken, whose maiden effort in this direc tion gave great satisfaction. Amongst others who were noticeable for the very energetic manner in which they were dis pensing the good things were the Misses Hodder (3),, Misses Andrews (2), Misses Davis, • Jones, Long ; Mesdames Hop kins, Ling, Knight, Sargeant, Bayliss, and G. Andrews. On the tables being cleared, the public meeting commenced, and after the Rev. W. Keall had made a few intro ductory remarks, Mr. T. R. Hodder, the superintendent of the school, took the chair. Mr. Hodder made a brief speech, in which he took occasion to refer to the hearty sympathy shoxvn by other denomi nations, as manifested by their attend ance that evening. The Secretary, MV. G. W. Andrews, then read the report and balance-sheet for the year. The report showed that there were on the books at present Male teachers, 10 ; female teachers, 7 ; total, 17. Average attend ance of teachers, 13. Scholars—Male, 72 ; female, 67 ; total, 139. Average at tendance for past four months, 77. The good attendance had not been secured by the attractions of tickets or prizes. The scholars had collected a sum of L 6 towards defraying the cost of a new mission ship the John Hunt ; the children themselves had also contributed the sum of Ll (mostly in pennies) in aid of the Home Mission and Library Funds. Reference was made to the formation of a class for young men, under the leadership of Mr. J. E. Buchanan, and to improve ment in the children’s singing attain ments, under Mr. Weeks’ tutorship. The balance-sheet showed the pleasing condi tion of a credit balance of Bs. 4d. The Rev. A. M. Beattie then addressed the meeting on “New Things,” and was fol lowed by the Rev. E. Best, who, in a speech characterised by much native humor, considered the colony was far from being faultless. There was a ten dency, especially amongst the young people, to going too fast. Mr. Best con gratulated the school on the gratifying condition of its finances, in so far that while they were not rich they were with out debt. ■ It was the first school he had come across in the colony which had net the burden of debt. In fact, wherever he went in the colony, he found that the School, Church, and State were not with out debt, and the whole three institutions could unite in singing, “ Come on, my partners in distress.”. Wherever he went in the colony, he was pleased to see the healthy children, who also had the ap pearance of being intelligent and smart, in fact he thought sometimes rather too smart. Taking all things into considera tion he considered tlxere was a good future for the colony. Speaking of the Sunday school, Mr. Best said that’although he was not prepared to yield to all Brother Jonathan’s claims to pre-eminence, yet in regard to Sunday school work he felt the Americans tooK the foremost rank. Especially was this noticeable in the way in which persons of high social standing threw their energies into Sunday school work. From the wife of President Hayes downwards in the social scale, the people were willing to take their part in the labor of Sabbath school teaching. In conclud ing a hxost interesting and forcible address, Mr. Best paid a high compliment to the success which attended the labors of lady workers in Sunday schools, and fob lowed up Mr. Beattie’s speech with an appeal to the .children to obtain a “ new ” heart. Mr.. Smith, who spoke briefly, suggested that a “new ” name, should be given to Sunday schools. He remarked that many lads had not very pleasing recollec tions of school, a fact, which our readers may imagine, evoked a smothered assent from the lads. Mr. Smith thought the Sun- I

day schools would be more appropriately designated churches for the young. In concluding, he moved a vote of thanks to the choir and their leader for the manner in'which they had acquitted themselves. Mr. Westbrooke spoke on the “ work” of teaching, and seconded the motion of the last speaker. . Mr. Keall followed, - and referred to the hearty assistance which he had, as pastor of the church, received from the organist, and made allusion to friends who had contributed what was sometimes more valuable than money— labor. He apologised for some little irregularities which had been observable during the tea, and proposed a vote of thanks to tlie/Rev. B. Best for his atten dance both on Sunday and that evening. The Rev. E. Best responded, and after singing the Doxology, the benediction was pronounced, concluding the moac satis factory anniversary celebration of its kind held in Ashburton.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers last night. Present His Worship the Mayor (presiding), Messrs. Roberts, Robinson, Friedlander, Parkin, Ivess, Williamson, St. Hill, and Harrison. HIGHER ASHBURTON. A petition from twenty-nine ratepayers in Wills, Peter, and Cox streets was pre sented, praying for immediate steps being taken for the drainage of those streets. Owing to the filthy state of the side channels the locality had become un healthy. The footpaths in Cox street, too, it was pointed out, had not yet been formed. Messrs. Leggett, Pavitt, Duncan, Wood, and Cookson waited upon the Council as a deputation from those who had signed the petition to urge its prayer upon the members. Mr. Joseph Leggett desired more especially to call the Coun cil’s attention to Peter street, which, through the refuse that flowed from Quill’s Hotel, was in a very had state. It was so bad at times that he could scarcely live in his own house, and jieople very often avoided the street altogether. Mr. Wood could support all that had been said by Mr. Leggett. There was no out let for the offensive matter in Cox street, where it collected from Peter street. Mr. Fred Duncan also spoke in favor of the petition ; and Mr. Cookson spoke strongly against the state of the street behind Saunders’ Buildings. He had drawn the attention of the Inspector and of the Mayor, and of several Councillors to the nuisance. His Worship said his attention had been called to it, as Mr. Cookson stated, and the Council had had the matter of nuisances generally under their considera tion. The By-laws would now be put in force against all those owners who allowed nuisances on their premises. Mr. Duncan said that all the work that had been done in the quarter the deputa tion came from had been done by the Road Board, and nothing had been done by the Council, except the filling up of a small gully. Mr. Cookson said that he attributed the recent death of a child of his to the un healthy state of the locality in which he lived. He was a large ratepayer, and he thought that even one year’s rates he paid would be sufficient to remedy the evil ho complained of. Mr. Ivess, in a lengthy speech, spoke strongly against the apathy displayed by the head of the Council in this matter. He hoped the Council would not be con tent to see a body of gentlemen who had taken the trouble to attend personally put aside in this manner by a simple assurance that the by-laws would be en enforced. He was not so well acquainted with the borough’s finances as he hoped to be, but. he recollected that it was intended to remedy nuisances existing in the town ship as soon as the funds were available. The crying nuisance at that time was Burnett street, and now that that was put right, he hoped the others would be undertaken. The question of nuisances had now become an alarming one, and he was saddened to see the apathy displayed, especially when pestilence and death were stalking over the town. He for one would take every opportunity to advocate the removal of these nuisances. Mr. St. Hill defended the Council against the accusation of being apathetic in the cause of sanitary reform. He would remind Mr. Ivess that at a recent meeting of the Council it had been de cided to take the worst streets first. Bur nett street had been completed, Peter street would follow, and then the next worst street to that. , His Worship was sorry to see personal matter introduced into the Council dis cussion, especially by anew member, and on his first attendance. He would assure the deputation that their remarks would have the fullest consideration, and the Council would clo their best to meet tbeir wishes. The deputation then withdrew. mayor’s statement. His Worship, in his opening remarks, said that the credit balance at the bank was L 69 Is. lOd. ; the rates collected since last meeting amounted to L2 4s.— previously, L 1,025 12s. 9d—making in all L 1,027 16s. 9cl. Rents had been paid amounting to LG 4s. ; dog licenses Ll— previously, LI2G ; while a refund for re pairs to streets liad been received from the Gas Company of L 4 15s. Bd. He had ar ranged with the Borough’s banker for an overdraft of L 750 to tho 31st March 1881, by which time the new roll would be struck, and the Council would then pro bably be in a position to pay it off. In regard to the subsidy he hoped to be able to secure a certain proportion of the sub sidy which was supposed to be lost. He had explained to Government the reason why it was impossible to have made the application for tho subsidy at the proper time, and he had a hope that the applica tion now made for a proportion of the subsidy would be received. His Worship then referred to the water supply, which had been successfully tasted, and in the course of his remarks highly eulogised the care and attention Mr. Fooka the engineer had bestowed upon the work, and also the close application of Mr. Brown to the works at a critical time when they wanted much looking to. After a re ference had been made to the letting of tho reserves, his Worship took occasion ■ to remark upon the speech of Mr, John Orr, one of the defeated candidates, in the recent elections, regard to the latter’s state re ent that he had spoken to councillors, on the subject of sanitary matters, but had been put off with a reply that they could do nothing. He took this occasion of giving tho councillors an opportunity of stating what conversation they had had with Mr. Orr on the subject. Messrs. Parkin, Robinson, and others denied having had any talk with Mr. Orr. Mr. St. Hill could not say definitely that he had had a conversation with Mr. Orr on the subject, but he did not recol lect. Ho had had, however, many con versations with ratepayers on this and other subjects, and had often said that the want of funds stood in the way of doing work. THE RAILWAY RESERVES. The assistant engineer wrote in reply to a letter of of the Council, dated 13th inst., to say that he did not accuse the Council of interfering with the railway reserve near the bridge, bub only meant to say that the formation of the street interrupting the natural outlet caused the vvaterhole. The railway department did not therefore feel qualified in filling up the hole, but had no objection to the Council’s workmen doing it, . Letter acknowledged. THE RESERVES. The Under-Secretary, Crown Lands

office, wrote, forwarding Gazette with notice of reserves that had been vested in the Council. Mr. St. Hill facetiously remarked that these reserves would give the Council a far greater extent of frontage to the river bed. ■ THE TUSSOCK-CLEARING CONTRACT. Sullivan, the laborer, who undertook the contract for clearing tussocks at such an absurdly low figure, wrote, acknowledg ing his mistake, and asking for an increase. Ho thought 14s, per acre all round was not too low. Af er some discussion, it was resolved to defer consideration of the matter till the Engineers’ report had been read. THE FIRE BRIGADE. The Hon. Sec. Ashburton Fire Rrigade wrote, asking the Council to communicate with the Fire Insurance Association, with a view to an increased grant from that Association in aid of the Brigade’s funds. The Association's Secretary had written for a statement of the brigade’s expendi ture for the past twelvemonths, which he had supplied, and now enclosed a copy for the Council’s information. The expendi ture amounted to L 222 18s, The Mayor said that he had put the claim of the Borough’s Brigade before the Association, but he had no hope that the grant would be increased. Mr. Friedlander moved that the Associa tion be written to as requested by the Brigade, urging the Brigade’s claims for an increased grant. Mr. Williamson seconded, and the motion was carried, as also a further motion by the Mayor that the agents of the various companies be asked to repre sent the matter to their principals. THE NEW MEMBERS. The Clerk reported the election of Messrs. St. Hill, Ivess, and Roberts, and these gentlemen signed the usual declara tions. THE ENGINEER. A letter was read from the Engineer on the subject of his allowance. His engage ment terminated by notice on the Dtli of August, but he had continued to supervise the general work since then. No charge had been made for his services on the o;d nary work, but Mr. Fooks was willing to act until the Council had come to a decision as to future arrangements at a reasonable commission on work that may be carried out. Work on the water supply was carried out by a separate ar rangement. Mr. Ivess moved that the Engineer’s letter be not considered till next meeting. He (Mr. Ivess) had a motion to give notice of that night which would materially affect the Engineer’s engagement with the Council. That motion would come on for discussion next meeting night. Mr. Parkin seconded. Mr. St. Hill moved as an amendment that the thanks of the Council be given to Mr. Fooks for his able services in connec tion with the water supply, and that his services for the carrying out of that work be retained at the rate per cent he was at present paid. Mr. Harrison seconded the amendment, thinking that it would be a great loss to the Council if they should let go their hold of the services of such a man as Mr. Fooks. Mr. Williamson paid a high tribute to Mr Fooks’ abilities. Councillors might smile as they liked, but it was a fad not withstanding that lie was an excellent engineer. Mr. Fooks had been patient with the Council at a time when the Council was short of funds, and had sub mitted to his services being dispensed with for four months. After some further remarks by members, Mr. Ivess disclaimed all intention of standing in the way of a vote of thanks to the Engineer. No member of the Council would be more ready to accord it than he would. He would withdraw his motion with the consent of his seconder, if there was a belief in the minds of the Council that he was standing in the way of a vote of thanks to the Engineer. The motion was withdrawn, and Mr. St. Hill’s motion was passed. BURNING TUSSOCKS. Several residents obtained leave to burn tussocks upon their sections, subject to the condition of being held responsible for all damage done, and the work to be completed by the Ist of November. THE BOROUGH SOLICITORS. An agreement drawn up by Messrs. Branson and Purnell, embodying the terms on which they were engaged as solicitors for the Borough was presented for sign and seal by the Council, but as the members were not wholly satisfied with the wording of the document, a depu tation consisting of the Mayor, Mr. St. Hill, and Mr. Ivess, was appointed to in terview the lawyers on the subject of their agreement, and to report at next meeting. THE INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. Mr. St. Hill said he had been com plained to against the Inspector of Nuisances, who never seemed to be where ho was wanted. There were a good many places such as the Triangle, and the boardinghouse locality in Tancred street that had been complained against to the Inspector, but nothing had been done on the matter. There ought to have been a report before the Council. His Worship explained that the In spector had taken action and those who caused the nuisances would be proceeded against. The delay had arisen through the agreement between the Council and their solicitors not being complete. THE BOROUGH SUBSIDY. At the request of Mr. Friedlander, the Clerk read the letter written by the Mayor to the Colonial Treasurer on the subject of the subsidies, in which the claim of the Borough to a share of the subsidies, notwithstanding its inability to comply with all the technicalities of the Act, was strongly urged, .In it the diffi culties of a young borough were strongly set forth. Mr. Harrison moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor for his action in the matter. Mr. Robinson seconded. Mr. Ivess would give the motion what support he could, but honor should be given where honor was due. It was a little premature to give honor for a work before the work had been brought to a successful issue, but it was a fact that the member for the district, Mr. E. G. Wright, had been the moving spring in the matter. Mr. Harrison—Question. Mr. Ivess —I have it on the best autho rity. The Mayor—l wrote first to Mr. Wright about it. Mr. Ivess still held to his words, and after some farther discussion, and a passage-at-arms between Mr. Harrison and Mr. Ivess, the motion was passed. The Mayor replied in a few words, de precating the attacks that had been made upon him by Mr. Ivess on the first ap pearance of that gentleman at the Coun cil. engineers’ report. Water Supply, — The quantity of water in the reservoir is steadily ir creasing. We have taken advantage of the late freshes in the river to admit as much of the muddy water as the supply channels will carry, in order to obtain as much silt as possible to stop the percolation in the bottom of the gully. There is now a height of inches at the reservoir above the delivery in Cameron street, the height of the overflow being about S inches above the pre sent level. It is to be hoped and expected that a smaller quantity of water than is now running in the supply channels will soon be found to keep the reservoir full, as the volume we have found necessary to pour in to exceed the amount absorbed in the shingly bottom is larger than the channels ought to carry; they therefore require constant inspection and occasional strengthening. The upper part of the gully, where the water has been running longest, shows there is now comparatively little absorp tion, it is therefore to be concluded that in a few weeks the lower partior reservoir will have 1

become sufficiently watertight to render a third of the present head supply equal to keeping the reservoir at a proper level. The late freshes in the river have silted up the mouth on two occasions. On the first the supply was stopped, but on the second we were in time, by scooping, to keep the channel open. At this season of the year the mouth of the mill race will require to be con stantly watched and re-opened. On Friday last we mnde a trial of the work with respect to the delivery and levels of the channels. Then there was only a head of three and a half inches, but the result was quite satisfactory, both as to the flow of the water and trueness of the work. We would here venture to urge the continuation of the concrete channelling in the side streets as early as practicable, as some of the side channels are in a filthy state. As there is now plenty of water, we intend to try duriug the week what can be done with re spect to them. Ike Labor Gang have been employed in completing the formation of Burnett street west, putting lamp-post at South and East streets, and guard posts at the corners of the principal streets, claying arid shingling carriers’ stand, also at works connected with the water supply, and have commenced the cutting as directed in the gully crossing Grey street. Ac cording to your instructions three of the hands have been discharged. About eighty yards of fine shingle are required in East street foot paths, and three hundred and fifty yards for Burnett si reet west extension. As directed by i he Works Committee, arrangements have been made with Ibell for the supply as and when re quired, at is. 3d. per yard. Mr. St. Hill moved that the first clause of the report he referred to the Works Committee, as lie had a motion to move on the matter. Mr. Ivess called the Mayor to a point of order. The report had not been received. It was customary to have it received before it was considered. He would move the report be received. The motion was not seconded, and the consideration of the report went on. Mr. St. Hill’s motion was carried, and the remaining clauses of the report were adopted. The contract of Sullivan, the tussock clearer, was then taken into considera tion, and the Engineer explained that the man was under a misapprehension as to the “letting” of the reserves. The heavy work had been done, and Sullivan was under the belief that he was to be deprived of the lighter work. It was ultimately decided that Sullivan be written to to carry. out his original contract, and if he desired, he could have more reserves at the same price. ■ TIMBER. The Akaroa Town Clerk wrote, offering for sale 5,000 feet of totara heart timber, suitable for footway kerbing. The letter was received. Mr. Sri Hill moved and Mr, Harrison Seconded —That the kerbing and chan ( a ling of the three streets to which the Co ncil’s attention had been called by the j 3, putation that night be decided on, and in L tenders called for at once. Another point of order was raised here "$y Mr. Ivess, who interrupted the Mayor when his Worship was asking a question as to the cost of the work. Mr. Ivess having been sat upon, the Engineer gave an estimate of the cost of the work, and it was ultimately decided to invite tenders for kerbing and channelling Peter street to the East Belt, and part of Wills street, and also for material —ten- ders to be in by ten o’clock on the 28th, and to be opened by the Works Com mittee. Mr. Ivess took occasion, now that the Engineer was present, to ask how the Engineer was paid for his work on the drainage and water supply. He was in formed that Mr. Fooks was paid a per centage on his work from the water supply fund. THE INAUGURATION OP THE WATERWORKS. The Mayor announced that on Monday next, at twelve o’clock noon, the cere mony of inaugurating the waterworks would take place, and a banquet would be given in the afternoon, to which he in vited the members. COMMITTEES. Messrs. Roberts and St. Hill were re appointed on the Committees of which they were previously members, and Mr. Ivess took those Committeeships held by Mr, Orr. RESERVES. On the motion of Mr. Williamson it was resolved—That this Council let by public tender any reserves applied for, always provided that the price be not less than a reserve fixed by the Council. The Council at a late hour went into Committee on this subject, a motion to that effect having been passed. Our reporter left them to their delibera tions.

TELEGRAPHIC SUMMARY OF NEWS.

The City of Sydney with the San Fran cisco mail arrived yesterday afternoon at Auckland. San Francisco. Aug. 28. There has been a heavy importation of gold to New York from France and Eng land. A hurricane at Jamaica has caused great destruction, and rendered thousands homeless. A famine is imminent. The House of Commons debated the Supply Bill on the 26th and 27th. ’ Lord Hartington assured the Irish members that they were mistaken if, they supposed they could wring pledges from Government by obstruction. The Supply was finally passed. A proposal of Mr. Parnell was adopted to vote the Irish Estimates after the re cess, and the Constabulary Estimates on Monday. The Indian Rami Chundar, long resi dent at St. Petersburg, and a relative of Nana Sahib, is en route for Afghanistan to meet Abdul Rahman, who is suspected of being concerned in Russian intrigues. Precautions are being taken against an expected resistance to the evictions in the west of Ireland. Among the through passengers. by thef mail steamer for Sydney is the celebrated American actress Louise Pomersy. The French Jesuits have made two settlements in Wales. The Archbishop of Canterbury (Tait) is reported to be about to marry a well known society lady. Wm. Thompson, formerly known as “Bendigo,” a famous prize-Bghter is dead. He was latterly a revival preacher. A footman named Donovan has been arrested, charged with sending threatening letters to Lord Oranmore for advocating the Irish landlords. LSOO is on, hand in London to hack Trickett in a match against Hanlon. At the Home Rule demonstration a serious riot took place. Whilst the pro cession was passing an Orange Lodge the police were overpowered, and two were badly injured and not expected to live. Anglo-American Cable shares are firm in London. Negotiations with the French Company are practically complete. A uniform tariff of two shillings per word has been agreed upon. • Miss Adelaide Neilaon left L 40,000 to Rear-Admiral Barr Lynn, to whom she was to be married, with a bequest of LI,OOO to Edward Compton. A scene of great con fusion, almost riot, took place among the crowd at her grave. The ex-Empress Eugenie intends to quit Chishelhurst, and take the remains of the Prince Imperial with her. W. Collinson offers to stake LI,OOO against a similar sum that Dr. Tanner will not fast forty days and forty nights, the brothers Collinson to watch him. The emigration returns for LiverpoO show an increase of 5,000 compared with July, 1879. Thirteen thousand emigrants went to America during the month.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBEE 21, 1880.



Amusements. fJIOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. This Evening. THE IRISH” PILGRIM WILL APPEAR IN HIS HUMOROUS ENTERTAINMENT, Entitled— LIFE ON THE AUSTRALIAN GOLD FIELDS IN 1851. Musical Director Mr. W. Leslie. Business Manager Mr. Hastings. MILLION PRICES—--35., 2a. and Is. 2360 To-Night. POPULAR LECTURE. A LECTURE will be delivered in the PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ASHBURTON, on TUESDAY, 21.5 r., Sept. Subject : “THE FIVE SENSES.” By the Rev. A. M. Beattie, M.A. Chair to be taken at 7.30. Proceeds for Sabbath School. The CHOIR will render some MUSICAL SELECTIONS. 2230-896 c Miscellaneous. ANTED to PURCHASE, 500 bushels of Rye Grass SEED. Must be a good sample, and clean. EDWARD G. WRIGHT. 18th Sept., 1880. 2320 ■f OST—A large BLACK RETRIEVER @ J DOG, had registered collar on. Finder will be rewarded by leaving same at Messrs. Fooks and Sons’ Offices. 229 g STRAYED into my Paddock, on 16th Sept., 6 Long Wool RAMS, coupled together with chains and leather collars. The owner can have them by paying for advertisement. Apply, WM. H. RULE, 230 g Pendarves Farm, near Chertsey. TO LET for CROPPING, about 900 Acres of Land close to Methven Station, either for One or Two Crops. Ap ply N. Welsh, Saddler, South Rakaia. WAEANUI. A PUBLIC MEETING will be in the Wakanui Schoolroom on TUES DAY, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m,, for the purpose of considering the best means of paying off the debt on the school fund. A. G. EARLE, 235 g Chairman. TWENTY POUNDS REWARD. THE above reward will be paid to any person who shall give such informa tion as will lead to tin conviction of any one committing a breach of the Law Practitioners or other similar Acts or Odinances, by preparing Deeds or other Legal Documents, or in any way what ever. BRANSON and PURNELL. F. P. O’REILLY'. EDWD. G. CRISP. C. W. IRELAND. 853c-198g KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED.) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. FORMS of APPLICATION FOR SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23, 1880. HE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OP AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). Established 1869. Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, F. I. A. The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, and Hobart Town. The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident.. Secretary Thomas Swain, Temple ..Chambers, Fe'atherston street, Wellington. Agent for the County of Ashburton — S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bros.), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 169ff-821c



Circular. To STATION-HOLDERS, LANDED PROPRIETORS, FARMERS, CATTLE - DEALERS, AND THE RESIDENTS IN ASH BURTON AND SURROUND DISTRICTS, Messrs. Quill & Co,, AUCTIONEERS, STOCK, LAND, & ESTATE AGENTS, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, “OEG to announce to station-holders, landed proprietors, farmers, cattle dealers, and residents in Ashburton and the surrounding districts, that they have COMMENCED BUSINESS in the above line ; and, from their long experience in the various departments, feel assured that all commissions en trusted to them will be conducted satis factorily to their patrons. Sales will be held as required, at the Salerooms and Yards in Ashburton, or any part of the district. They will also hold a Regular Sale of STOCK, LAND, FARM PRODUCE, FURNITURE, and GENERAL MERCHANDISE, at their Rooms, every Saturday, particu lars of which will be duly advertised. The interest and the support of sellers and buyers are respectfully solicited. Cash Advances made on all classes of Goods placed in their hands for sale. THE FIRST SALE Will be held at their Rooms on SATURDAY NEXT, SEPTEMBER 25. For particulars of Sales please see advertisements. AUCTIONEERS, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Ashburton. & Ashburton. 238g*



ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRAN CISCO MAIL AT AUCKLAND.