The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 1880.

The San Francisco Mail. —Mails for the United "Kingdom, etc., via San Fran cisco, will close on Friday, 13th inst. L. O. L. —The ordinary meeting of the local Orange Lodge is to take place this evening.' A full attendance of members is requested. Old Men’s -Home. —The master of the Ashburton Home begs to acknowledge ■with thanks the receipt of two bags of vegetables and one case of apples from Mr. W. Gimblett, of Christchurch. Entertainments. —The limelight ex hibition, which has been the source of more than one evening’s enjoyment to the pleasure-seekers of the • district, was repeated on Tuesday, in the Primitive Methodist Church. There was a fair attendance, and the audience apparently were well pleased with what was placed before them. —An entertainment specially for the young folks was given on Monday night, when the views exhibited were very amusing, and created much fun among the little ones.

South Rakaia School Committee. — The South Rakaia School Committee held its usual monthly meeting on Tuesday evening. Present —Messrs. Tucker (chair man), Cox, Sharp, and Welsh. A circular was read from the Board of Education, notifying that, no teacher will be allowed to act as secretary to any School Com mittee. A letter was read from the Board sanctioning the ' appointment of Kate Doherty as pupil; teacher to the school, subject to her passing the necessary ex amination and signing the usual inden tures. The Chairman stated that Kate Doherty had expressed her willingness to conform to the regulations, upon which he had instructed her to commence work. The action was approved. It was resolved that the master bo instructed not to absent himself from his duties without asking the consent of Chairman in writing and -obtaing- a written reply, or, in the absence ’of the Chairman, the consent of any two members of the Committee.

The Ashburton Fire Brigade. —The usual monthly of the Fifef Bri gade was held on Tuesday, fourteen mem bers being present, Captain. Wilkie in the chair. Correspondence from the Borough Council was read, stating that the L 25 grant would be paid in November ; also that a resolution had been passed, ap pointing the Captain, Fire Inspector. From the Gas Company stating that as the lamp at the Engine Shed was a pri vate one the Company,'had no, control over it. Six members were ballotted for, and three of them elected. The Trea surer’s statement showed a credit balance of L 8 14s. 2d. against which there were accounts presented amounting to Ll 5 13s. 4d. Some discussion then took place as to whether the sum of L 9 9s. Od. to the credit of the private fund should be encroached on, :and it was pointed out that, in case of fire, this was the only amount available for expenses, which had always to be paid on the spot; and on the motion of Lieut. Dolman, seconded by Treasurer Parkin, it was resolved— “ That the private funds be not drawn upon to pay general accounts. ” It was also resolved —“ That a balance sheet be drawn up shewing the present state of the Brigade’s funds, the same to be for warded to the Borough Council with a request to reconsider the resolution passed by the Council at its late meeting re the grant due to the Brigade. . The accounts' were then passed for payment when the Brigade possessed the funds. It was decided that new members should serve a probation extending over at least three practices previous to becoming entitled to uniforms. The Captain was requested to invite the members of the Fire Police to attend the next practice of the Brigade. The meeting then ad journed.

Painful Accident at Tinwald. —On Tuesday, between two and three o’clock, while Mr. Hicks’ bread cart, in which were Mr. Hicks himself and Mr. Brown, coachbuilder, was being driven over the usual bread rounds, and had just delivered bread at Mr. Quarterman’s house, the horse took fright at a hand cart driven by Mr. Williams, builder, and set off at full speed. A few chains off from where he started a deep hole exists, full of water. This is at the junction of Thomson street and' Graham’s road. Here the animal swerved suddenly to the right, and Mr. Brown, who was sitting on the near side of the cart, was thrown out. Immediately afterwards the cart capsized, and Mr. , Hicks was thrown violently to the ground alighting on his head, the cart overturning above him. The cart righted itself and was again overturned, the horse still keep ing on, and getting back through a gorae fence into Thompson street. Ultimately the cart was smashed to matchwood. On help reaching Mr. Brown, it was found that his leg was broken, and he was other wise severely injured. Mr- Hicks was found to be quite insensible, and for some time he was ■ thought to be dead, but he ultimately revived on restoratives being applied. He complains of injuries to his head and neck, but has suffered no broken bones. Mr. Moffatt’s trap being at hand, Mr. Brown was put into it by Mr. Williams and others, and brought over to his house in Ashburton, where he was attended by Dr. Stewart, the Lodge Surgeon of the Oddfellows body, of which Mr. Brown is a member. Mr. Hicks was brought home in a cab. His injuries are not so severe as those of Mr. Brown, who is now doing as well as can be expected. Ashburton High School. —A meeting of the Board of Governors of the Ashbur ton High School was held in the County Council Chamber yesterday afternoon. Present—Dr. Trevor (Chairman), His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs. W. C. Walker, Grigg, and 0. P. Cox. A letter was read from Mr. E. G. Wright, suggest ing that the consideration of the establish ment of the High School should be de ferred until Mr. Saunders and himself were able to attend a meeting. Mr. Eyton wrote, forwarding the names of parents and guardians who were prepared to guarantee the attendance of boys at the High School if it were started at once. The total number guaranteed was twenty seven. Mr. Fooka was in attendance, and laid before the meeting a sketch-plan of a building, capable of seating sixty boys, at a probable cost of L 450. This building would be constructed so that at any future time, when the requirements of the district demanded it, it could be added to, and, in fact, was only a portion of the main building which it was esti mated would cost LllOO. It was resolved that Mr. Fooks prepare specifications, and advertise for'tenders for the ei’ection of the building forthwith. It was decided to advertise/for a master, and the Chair man" and Mr. Walker were appointed a Committee to carry out preliminary matters. The meeting was of.opinion that it would be unwise to attempt to open trie school until after the Christmas holidays. The Board then adjourned until Wednesday, let September.

The County Waterworks Bill. —lt ■will be seen from our Parliamentary re port that the County Waterworks Bill was passed last afternoon.

Saul Srencer. Reuter’s Agency sends a telegram cancelling that which ap peared in the morning papers regarding the resignation of Earl Spencer as Lord President of the Privy Council.

Savage Assault on a Wife. —On Mon day in Christchurch a man named William Lee was arrested for a savage assault on his wife. He struck her on the head with a heavy piece of wood, and inflicted a severe wound. The woman is now in the hospital.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

C. P. COX v. J. S. BRUCE.

To the Editor. Sir,— The report of the above case in the Lyttelton Times of the 28th instant leads to the supposition that Mr. Cox had given up my farm on account of his lease expiring, and that the umpire appointed by the arbitrators had founded his award upon the award of my arbitrator only. Mr. Cox had my farm, on a long lease, which he persuaded me to cancel, and further, solely, at his request, the adjustment of our two accounts settled by arbitration. This was done hy the umpire after receiving the written awards of both of the arbitrators and going over the farm with Mr. Cox, and resulted in the small balance of only L 95 3s. 6d, being given in my favor. This small sum, Mr. Cox, with his gene ralaptitude for what he calls business, re fused to pay me, and took me to the Supreme Court to set the award aside. Mr. Cox was saved a very large sum by my agreeing to cancel his lease during these hard times : Firstly, by a heavy rental agreed upon in more prosperous times than the pre sent ; secondly, as he had cropped all the land he had a right to, and furthermore had laid half of it down so badly in grass that it is almost useless as it is, it would have been a heavy loss to him to continue to keep the farm unless he might break it up, which the lease prevents him from doing. The irregularities complained of by Judge Johnston were all caused by Mr. Cox, and yet he is to have the decision given in his favor. Such are the uncertain ties of law, and proves how very often the ends of justice are defeated : 1. Mr. Cox got me to sign an agree ment which should have been a bond, and which he afterwards stated was not good. 2. He kept this agreement, and never informed the umpire that he had such an agreement, consequently from ignorance of such an agreement (which the law never allows), the umpire did not act in accor dance with it. 3. Mr. Cox communicated on several occasions with the umpire on the matter of the arbitration during the time that the umpire was engaged on his award, which was quite contrary with justice. 4. At Mr. Cox’s request the umpire called a meeting of all the parties in terested in the arbitration, at which Mr. Cox’s arbitrator, Mr. John Carter, re fused to answer any question which was put to him, although the umpire demanded the same of him. 5. Mr. Cox had given all his claims in writing, all of which were included in his arbitrator’s award, so that he had every and the same opportunities of presenting his claims that I had, but the real truth is that after the arbitrators had sent in their awards to the umpire, Mr. Cox wished to bring in fresh claims before the umpire, and virtually to set aside the award of his own arbitrator. In justice to the gentlemen who took so much pains and trouble to justly adjust the accounts between us. I must ask you to be so good as to publish this letter.—l am, &c., J. Stanley Bruce. Ashburton, 30th July, 1880.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

0 _ The usual monthly meeting of the County Council was held yesterday. Present—Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chair man), John Grigg, Duncan Cameron, Julian Jackson, Thomas Bullock, and E. S. Coster. THE chairman's STATEMENT was then read. It detailed the business done by the Chairman during the month, the results of which would be laid before the Council in ordinary course. He had sent a letter to the Minister for Public Works, regarding some rotten planks that existed in the Rangitata traffic bridge, and which might lead to an accident. He had asked the Minister to give the matter his immediate attention, the bridge now being under Government control. The Chair man had ordered the painting of the south west wall of the Hospital with sili cate paint to remedy leakage, and also that the joints of the underground pipes should be attended to, they being defective. He had replied to the Chairman of the Mount Hutt Road Board’s inquiry if the Council has power, or is likely to have it under their new Waterworks Bill to levy rates on land outside the district proposed to be supplied with water, and to apply such rates towards the general expenses of the scheme. This letter the Chairman had replied to to, the effect that under the pro posed Bill an estimate would have to be made, and the cost of the scheme so ap portioned to the district included ; that all interest, sinking fund, &c., will have to be provided by the district, and therefore no necessity could arise for a general rate. Such an estimate, besides being such as to satisfy the ratepayers who can reject it if they choose, must also satisfy the lenders of the loan, and that no possible contingency can involve a general rate, though possibly the Council would have the power to strike a general rate for that, or any purpose. Considering that the Coun cil represents ratepayers throughout the County very sufficiently, there is no reason to fear the imposition of a general rate. The Selwyn County Council had written to Government endorsing the Ashburton Council’s application for a further grant to complete the southern approach to the Rakaia Gorge Bridge, but ha (the Chairman) had learned Go vernment could not entertain the request. engineer’s report. The Engineer’s report was then read as follows : engineer’s report. I have the honor to report on progress of works as follows : i,—Bridge over North Ashburton River, Pud ding Hill. This structure is now all but finished. The trusses are all in position, and it now only remains to lay the planking of roadway over about half the length of the bridge. Tenders for the approaches will be laid before you to-day, as also a letter from Mr. Hoaro, stating the terms on which he is willing to give the land re quired for the approach on south side river. For the embankment on north side, I have specified a section of stone work, which will, to a certain extent, guard against the effects of overflow which periodically takes place from the Pudding Hill stream near that point, but, with a jj view to further securing the north B approaches I would recommend that I something be done in the stream itself. I either in the shape of a bulwark for a dis- I tance of about five chains near the point I of overflow, or by letting the .Pudding I Hill stream into the main river at a point I higher up, which, on account of the great I fall would not be a difficult operation. I Should the Council sanction any protec- I tive work here, I will examine further I into the matter and report at next meet- I i ng. I

2. —Pudding Hill Dam. Operations wore during the first fortnight of July. on account of the flooded state of the-river, but since the work was resumed, good progress has been made, and the foundations have now been got in ' for the full width of the channel, except a small por tion near the outlet. There are 60 barrels cement on the ground, and a considerable quantity also at Methven Station. j>. — Pound , Methven.

Messrs. Nelson and Coutts have, since the date of last meeting, satisfactorily completed this pound. 4. —South Approaches to Rakaia Gorge Bridge. The various contracts for this work are now complete, but the question of fencing No. 2 contract is still in abeyance. j,—Filter Basin, Belmont, Methven. Tenders for this work will be placed before you to-day, also letter from New. Zealand Loan and Mercantile. Agency Company as to their terms for the land which seem very reasonable.

6. —Winchmore and Methven Drainage.

With the exception of Mr. Arthur D every : s section, which will be finished in a few days, the earthwork of all the other contracts is complete, and the contractors are now getting in the fords and bridges for fields and accommodation roads which the Council deputed Mr. Cameron and myself to arrange with the various owners. Accompanying this is our report as to these crossings. In connection with this line of drainage I beg to state that it seems advisable to extend the opening up of the creek as far as the upper end of R. S. 24404, as from its present disconnected form, between that point and the commencement of No. 5 contract, all floodwater goes on to the sur face, much to the injury of roads and land. To the north of point referred to near R. S. 24404 the channel is deep and well defined, and nothing further should he done to it there.

j. — lVillmvs. The contractor for willow planting has finished his work, and has also put in an additional 964 plants at same rate. The planting has been confined en tirely to those portions of the river near which the works recently executed by the Council are situated, but there are many other portions of the river bed where willow planting would be very service able, and as the cost would be small, a few thousand willows might be put in dur ing this month, while the season is suit able, if the Council should so determine. S.—Forks Protective Works. With your authority, I have ordered the addition of some sheet planking for two of the groins recently erected on Mr. Sutherland’s No. 2 contract, where the current is setting in with great violence. The expense of this, together with some stonework required further up, will not exceed L4O. At the upper end of Messrs. Weldon’s land, there is a length of about 10 chains of the river bank in a very precarious con dition. This part of the river has, as yet, not had any protective work. The river bed is there at a high level, and the cur rent is setting in against the low banks in such a manner, that, unless its direction changes, an outbreak at that place seems almost inevitable. The protection would necessarily be a work of considerable magnitude. g.—Timuald Drainage. The contractors have now executed about half the quantity of the earthwork, but the ground has been so saturated with water, that they have not been able to make such progress as will allow them to finish in the specified time, and they ask for an extension of six weeks. 70. - Drasnagt near Wheelers, The owners along the line having now given a free right-of-way, this drainage is being proceeded with, but on a somewhat modified line, so as better to suit the re quirements of the district generally. 70. —Drainage near Bell’s and Davison’s roads . The crossings and floodgates required for this line of drainage have now been completed. With reference to the claim by Mr. McQuilkin for compensation, lie has now named an arbiter to act for him in the matter, and it now rests with the Council to appoint one on their behalf. 77. —Bridge over South Ashburton River, Mount Somers. This bridge has now been completed at the reduced length ordered by the Coun cil— The proportionate amount of contract for this length is ... ,£3,879 9 6 Extras ordeied ... ... ... 4 1 12 3 Total Z3)9 21 i 9 Showing a saving on contract price of ... 1,019 12 O The value of such portion of the ma terial as the contractor had on hand for the portion abandoned, previous to his obtaining notice as to the shortening, and which is now surplus, amounts, at cost price, to L 403 16s. Bd. Part of the material is at the bridge, part at the upper end of Mount Somers Branch Line, and part at Tinwald.

As yet I have not certified any payment for this surplus material, as the Council will have an opportunity of considering the whole question fully to-day. The contractor some time ago called my attention to a grave omission in his tender, which would involve him in a loss of nearly L7OO. This consists in his leaving out of his calculatioi s the trans verse or supporting beams over the entire length of the bridge. He is, I believe, to represent the matter to the Council to day. Meantime, I may say it is patent from the quantities in his tender, that this is a hona fide omission. The contractors for the approaches to this bridge not being in a position to take up the work, I should recommend that it be put into the hands of Mr. Fergus, the next lowest tenderer, who is prepared to commence at once. 12.—Wheatstone Drainage Extension. This work is now far advanced, and is likely to be finished within a fortnight. jg. — Approach , Hinds River Bridge, Sur veyors road. Tenders for this work, which includes the straightening and widening of channel adjoining the bridge, will be placed before you to-day. ij. — Certificates. I have granted certicates for all work done under my charge during the month of July. William Baxter, County Engineer. willows. It was resolved that the Engineer’s sug gestion re planting willows he carried out. protective works. The part of the Engineer’s report refer ring to the protective works at the Ash burton Forks was approved. The En gineer was instructed to report fully, with estimate of cost, on Weldon’s protective works. tinwald drainage. An extension of time was granted to contractor for the Tinwald drainage works. an omission. The following letter wag read

i After a long discussion, Mr. Grigg ' moved, and Mr. Bullock seconded—“ That Mr. Butt be allowed L 422 in satisfaction of any claim he may have on account of the alleged omission in his tender.” An amendment moved by Mr. Cameron, and seconded by Mr. Coster, was carried reducing the sum to L 372. The consideration was post poned of the question of allowing to Mr, Butt the sums of Ll 6 16s. 6d. and L 9 14s. as applied for by him. For the sur plus timber, etc., on Mr. Butt’s contract referred to by the Engineer in his report, an allowance of L 403 16s. Bd. was made. THE SOUTH ASHBURTON BRIDGE APPROACH. This matter was left in the hands of the Chairman to arrange. “terms cash.” Mr. D. Hoare, dating from Timaru, wrote acceding to the Council's request for an acre of his land to form an ap proach to the Pudding Hill Bridge. He would allow an acre on R.S. 30520 to be taken for Ll 5, conditionally on the boundaries of the land being securely fenced where the acre was cut, costs of transfers, etc. being borne by the Council. “Terms cash.” (Laughter). The oiler of Mr. Hoare was accepted—terms and all. PUDDING HILL. The Engineer was instructed to report on the protective works at Padding Hill Bridge, with estimates of cost. THE METHVEN FILTER BASIN. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company wrote offering five acres of land on R. S. 26756 at LlO an acre, for the purpose of a filter basin, the Council to bear costs of transfer and the erection of a sheep and cattle proof fence. FLOODWATER CROSSINGS, WINCHMORE AND METHVEN. The Committee appointed to consider this question reported as follows : I “ Ashburton, August 3, 1880. In accord ance with a resolution passed at last meeting,' we have gone into the question of crossings re quired on the main line of floodwater drainage between Methven and Winchmore. We have arranged for two timber bridges and ten fords over the entire length, one of the bridges and five of the fords being situated in the Upper Ashburton Road District, the others being in the Mount Somers Road District, two of the fords in the latter district being required for roads which are now about to be formed and used as public roads. The fords for field crossings are at nearly equal distances apart, and will, in our opinion, be sufficient accommo dation for the district. The cost of bridges and fords will be about L 330 in aIL Those in the Mount Somers Road District are nearly finished, and others are in hand. Annexed is a tracing, showing the method we propose for giving David Morris access to the road, from which he is cut oft by the new drain along the upper side of Lyndhurst road. This would ne cessitate the purchase of only two perches of land from the extreme corner of one of Mr. Anthony Thompson’s fields, which, from its position can hardly be cultivated, and the in trinsic value is therefore very small. Mr. Thompson, however, declines to sell this piece at all, and, as the line proposed seems t® us the only feasible one, we would suggest that the waste corner referred to be acquired ifnder the provisions of the Public Works Act. A bridge over the new drain there would cost about L4O. —We are, etc., Duncan Cameron, Councillor; William Baxter, County Engineer.”

It was resolved that the recommenda tions of the Committee be adopted, pro vided that Mr. Morris is satisfied with tlie approach suggested ; also, that the necessary steps be taken to _ acquire the land, and that the Committee’s report in general be adopted. The Engineer was instructed to forward the estimate of connecting drain with the Winchmore drainage. WILLOW'S AT DIGBY’s. The Engineer was empowered to fence the willow plantation at Digby’s, as he suggested, with barb wire. THANKS. The Secretary, Agricultural and Pasto ral Association, wrote, conveying the As sociation’s thanks for the Council’s action in the matter of the erection of cattle yards, etc., on the cattle market reserve. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD. Mr. J. E. March forwarded a printed statement of the receipts and oapeuditure ol tho charitable - institutions under tho control of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. ARBITRATION. Mr. J. M'Quilkin wrote, appointing Mr. Cullen his arbitrator in the matter in dispute between himself and the Council. The Council appointed Mr. Cox as their arbitrator. ROAD —digby’s BRIDGE TO THE FORKS. The Upper Ashburton • Road Board wrote, forwarding a tracing of a line of road approved by the Board, for the Council’s consideration. The line ran through reserve No. 1122, and ten chains of a road not much used now would be available by the adoption of the line. It was resolved to inform the Road Board that the Council considered the most preferable course to follow would be that the Board should negotiate and acquire the land required for the proposed road under the Public Works Act, 1876, as the Council has no intention to exer cise any control over roads. The Council approved of the proposed line of road. taylor’s stream bridge. Mr. C. J. Wentworth Cookson, Sur veyor to the Mount Somers Road Board, wrote, acknowledging receipt of the Council’s account for L 27 10s., half cost of construction of approaches to Taylor's Stream bridge. He forwarded a sugges tion from his Board that the Council should connect the bridge on the south side with the main road, and then apply to the Board for half coat of the whole work. The Council agreed to this, but referred to the Engineer, for explanation to the Board, another suggestion, the Board made in Mr. Cookson’s letter, viz.—that a space of one-third of an inch be left between the planks on tho Taylor’s Stream bridge, with a view to allowing the dirt to fall through, instead of close planking, as in the bridge over the South Ashburton. By this space being left, the decking was less liable to rot, and a better foot-hold in frosty weather was obtained. A saving of L2O or L3O would also be made. RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE —SOUTH APPROACH. A letter was read from the Selwyn County Council, enclosing copy of one sent by them to the Minister for Public Works, supporting the Ashburton County Council’s application to Government for)

a further sum of Ll5O, to bo spent on the southern approach to the Rakaia 1 Gorge’ bridge. , “ The Under-Secretary fpr Public Works . also wrote, saying that the‘ whole of the money voted had already been placed at 'the disposal of the Board for , approaches, and and as no vote existed out of which the Ll5O asked for could be paid, the Minister must decline the request. WATERTON DRAINAGE. A letter was read from the Longbeach Road Board Secretary, enclosing part of Mr. Cuthbert’s report on Waterton drain age (which is embodied in our report of the Longbeach Road Board’s last meet ing)- The copy of the report was referred to the Engineer for his consideration' A petition from sixteen settlers in the Waterton district was read, praying for the widening and deepening of the “ gorse fence drain ” from the Toi-toi paddock to the .out-let near the sea. The work prayed for would aid the drainage of the district, and relieve Waterton village of the floodwater in wet seasons. Mr. Thomas Taylor, Waterton, wrote bn the same subject. 1- The whole matter was referred to the [Engineer. I RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE APPROACH. I The Chairman was empowered to aceept la tender for fencing Rakaia Gorge bridge [approach. j RACECOURSE. I The Secretary of tli 6 Ashburton Racing asking for a grant of money for the Blub. The racecourse was gazetted as a recreation ground, and as the Council could not grant to the Club a longer lease than from year to year, the Club was precluded from granting a lease to any person willing to lay it down in grass or crop it. Up to the present date the Club had spent L 389 in permanent improvements, and a further suin was still necessary for urgent works to make the course equal to other country racecourses. Mr. Coster was opposed to any further grant. Mr. Grigg thought this was a recreation ground used by more people than all the others put together. He .contended that a sura of LSO should be given to the Club for fencing and planting purposes. To enable the Club to let the ground for grazing. The Club would be able to obtain LSO or so a year from this source. He did not by this proposal desire to commit the Council to any support or recognition of racing, but simply to put this recreation ground, as such, in a position to realise a rent. He would move that L6O be granted to the Racing Club, to be devoted to completing fencing, ploughing and planting with blue gums a strip of the north-west aide of the race course. The money to be paid on the production of vouchers that the work has been done. Mr. Bullock seconded, and the motion was carried. MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY. The Under-Secretary for Public Works forwarded a tracing, as asked for, showing the original and alternative routes of the Mount Somers Railway. This tracing had been sent to the Mount Somers Road Board, who returned it along with a copy of a resolution passed at their last meet ing on 2nd August, as follows : —“ That j: the tracing of the Mount Somers Railway sent by the Resident Engineer he for warded to the Count}'' Council, with a re quest that they will use their influence in having the lino carried out according to Mr. Triphook’s survey.” After a lengthy discussion, in which some members thought it was' advisable to say nothing about the alteration in the route, as Government only wanted a very slight reason for delaying construction for an indefinite length of time. Mr. Bullock moved that Government bo requested to carry the lino as laid down in Triphook’s survey. This was not seconded. It was ultimately decided to write to the Mount Somers Road Board, stating that the Council does not think it wise to express an opinion on the subject. THE LIBRARIES. The report of the Committee appointed to consider the question of grants to pub lic libraries was read as follows :—“ Your Committee have carefully looked at the matter from every point of view, and ad mit the desirableness of such institutions being properly established, and adequately supported. At the same time the Com mittee felt bound to take into considera tion that this is the first occasion that the County fund has been asked to contri bute to this purpose. Under the present aspect of colonial and County finance your Committee feel themselves unable to recommend any grant for the above pur pose.—W. 0. Walker, Chairman.” The report was adopted. AN “ ALLOWANCE” REFUSED.

Mr. John Boyle wrote, applying for an allowance on three fords constructed by him on the Methven drainage race, No. 3 section. He had fixed his price when tendering in the belief that he would be able to obtain the necessary boulders from the river-bed within forty chains of the bank ; but he found that the contractors for the protective works on the south bank of the river hadappropriated them all. This necessitated a journey of five miles to Mr. Boyle, and entailed a heavy loss upon him, as he was able to cart only two loads per day, in place of twenty, as he had ex pected. He estimated his loss at LB4, and asked for a concession. • The Council refused to entertain the request. THE HOSPITAL RESERVE. The Chief Surveyor wrote, saying that he was powerless to alter the size and shape of the Ashburton Hospital Reserve, but advised an application by the Coun cil and the Domain Board to the Govern ment. The matter was referred to the Hospital Committee. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of L 4,924 ss. 2d. were passed for payment. TENDERS. Tenders were accepted for works as under:— Cattle yards—Nelson and Coutts ,£487 o O Sheep yards—Page and Hodder... 169 9 10 House—Muir and Reed ... ... 177 o o Shingling—J. Griffin ... ... 49 14 8 Filtering basin—Victoi Soland ... 310 o o Hinds bridge approach—Trevurza 67 10 o Pudding Hill bridge approrch— John Boyle 104 5 6 Painting ferry-house—James Hughes 8 10 o RESERVES. Messrs. Grigg, Coster, and the Chair man wore appointed a Committee to re port on the County Reserves. THE CATTLE YARDS. Messrs. Grigg and the Chairman were appointed a committee to pass the work of the cattle yards when finished. SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting was held to confirm the resolution of the Council regarding Methven Pound, the by-laws to come in force the day after the next meeting of Council. HOSPITAL COMMITTEE. The next meeting of the Hospital Com mittee would take place on Monday first. The Council then adjourned.

ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The usual monthly meeting was held on Tuesday evening. There was a fair at tendance, and Mr. Smith was voted to the chair. He introduced Mr. G. Broom field, who at the previous meeting had promised to read a paper on ‘‘ Cucumbers, their growth and cultivation.” Mr. Broom field, however, explained that, owing to a misunderstanding with reference to the night of meeting, he had not prepared a paper ; but, rather than disappoint those who had come together to gain some in formation, he would give some of his own

expedience on the subject, thinking the meeting would agree with him when he said that .practical experience would be of more use than the mere propounding of theories. At his request, Mr. Poyntz here read some extracts from “The Cot tage Gardiner’s Dictionary,” descriptive'jof the different varieties of cucumbers and the modes of raising them. Mr. Broom field then gave some valuable information relative to the raising of cucumbers by means of a properly constructed frame, and calling attention to the necessity of sheltering the young plants from the winds so prevalent here, as, in his opinion, they did more harm even than frost. The seeds should first be sown in pots . half filled with mould, and having a sheet of glass on the top, when they might be expected to come up in three or four days. After the appearance of tiro second leaves they should be trans planted direct to the hot-bed. It was a great mistake to. allow the plants to show fruit too soon. It would be much bettor to cut the fruit buds off, and further, if the plants are not allowed to carry too much fruit, they would keep in growth from six to nine months, bearing all the time. To those who had any intention of growing cucumbers, he would recommend as the most suitable for this country and climate “ Cox’s Volunteer. ” There were many others, such as “Duke of Edin burgh,” “Master’s Prolific,” “Telegraph,” &c., but to his mind the first named was the best. Referring to outdoor cucumbers Mr. Broomfield thought those present were well acquainted with the usual modes of propagation, and it would be unnecessary for him to go into the subject further. A number of questions were then put to the speaker, after which, on the motion of Mr. Jacobson,’ seconded by Mr. Poyntz, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Broomfield for the very interesting infor mation he had placed before them. It was stated that a paper for the next meetJJ ing had been promised by Mr. Sealy, the' subject to be announced in due course. The meeting then adjourned.

LONGBEACH ROAD DISTRICT.

■ I • 1 The usual monthly meeting of the Board of this district took place on Mon day, the 2nd inat." There were present Messrs Grigg (chairman), Chapman, and Dawson. After the minutes of the last usual meeting were read and approved of,. the Government advertisement with reference to the alienation of a portion of this dis trict to be formed into a separate road dis trict was discussed, and it was resolved That, with reference to the petition, that a portion of this district be severed and formed into anew road district, to be called “The Till; wald-Winslow Road District,” as advertised by the Government in the Ashburton Mail of Saturday, the 31st July, this Board has no means of judging if the requirements of the Canterbury Roads Ordinances have been com plied with, and that a copy of this petition, with the signatures be asked for. That, for the information of the Govern ment, the Board would point out that it has been already petitioned by the number of rate payers required by the provisions of “The Canterbury Roads Ordinance, 1872,” to have the whole of the district divided into wards ; hat the Board has complied with this request, and taken action by forwarding a petition to His Excellency the Governor, enclosed in letter to the Honorable the Colonial Secretary, dated 17th June 1880, and that, in the schedule to this petition, last referred to, No. I Ward has got the same boundaries as the portion of the district now advertised for severance. That copies of these resolutions be for warded to the Honorable the Colonial Secre tary, with the respectful request of the Board that the petition for severance be not complied with, for the reasons already stated, arid also because the division of the district into wards would have the same effect, so far as the separate working of the part desired to be severed, as the severance of it from the district would. And lastly, that copies of these reso lutions be forwarded to E. G. Wright, Esq., the member for the district, asking him to kindly explain the matter to the Govern ment. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read from Mr. Thomas White, asking that the drainage of Dawson’s road, near the junction of Bell’s road with it, might be improved. The Surveyor having explained what was required, the work was ordered to be done. From Messrs. Jackson and Sweeney Bros., asking that the road leading from Ealing railway station eastwards along the north bank of the Rangitata river he formed. The Surveyor was desired to inspect the place, and report thereon at next meeting. From Mr. C. H. Dowding, the manager of the Coldstream estate, asking that the repeated applications for the formation of Crow’s road may he complied with. The Board decided to put • the work in hand. From Mr. James Scott, the manager of the Chatmoss estate, protesting against the drainage works now being done on Boundary road, and giving the Board notice that should any damage be done to the Chatmoss estate, owing to the effects of this drainage, that the Company will hold the Board liable for all such damage done. The letter was ordered to lie on the table. From four ratepayers, asking that the Chatmoss read from Boundary to McLennon’s roads be formed. The Board decided that they had not sufficient funds at present for this work. surveyor's report. The Surveyor’s report was read as follows : Ward System. I have the honor to report that since the last meeting of the Board, the petition then resolved on was forwarded to his Excellency the Governor, asking that the district may be subdivided into wards. No reply to the same has as yet been received. The Clerk was desired to write again to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Tenders Accepted. For each of the six pieces of work authorized by the Board to be done a tender wan accepted by the Chairman. The acceptation of their tenders, as well as the performance of some small necessary but unauthorized works, was approved of by the Board. Contracts. All the various contracts are now being proceeded with satisfactorily and certifi cates for progress payments have been granted. Rangitata Cutting. Owing to the diversion of the lower beach road whore the cutting through the terrace into the Rangitata river bed is being made, the road will now be through a greater length of swampy ground at the foot of the terrace than was originally intended. This will require the expendi ture of a small extra amount of money which I would ask the Board to authorize. Agreed to. Timoald. The cleaning out of a ditch at Tinwald to take the water off the Great South road at Mr. Shearer’s workshop is required. The Board decided not to do any more work in that locality until either the sever ance of that portion of the district or the proclamation of the district into wards was carried out. Waierton Drainage. Notwithstanding that the works for the protection of Waterton from the effects of floods are nearly completed, that place was more heavily flooded during the last heavy rain than, I am informed, it ever was before, and from a careful survey of the place and surrounding neighborhood, I am convinced that these works, even when completed, will not be sufficient to carry away the storm water which now accumulates at Waterton and flows over the top of the main rord there in several places. What I would propose , should now be done, would be the construction of a wholly artificial main drain from the'

gully in Mr. Richard Davies’s land, R. S. 18894, right up through Waterton and on into the old toi-toi paddock until Spicer’s creek is sufficiently tapped, for that is the main source of the water that floods Water ton. The details of the scheme might be bi’iefly as follows : —Following the line of a gorse fence which commences at Williams’ corner, on the lower beach road, and continues the whole distance, a strip of land half a chain in width be purchased (I follow the line of the gorse fence so as not to cut through any paddocks and thus cause compensation for corners, etc., cut off, to be necessary). On this strip form a drain with plough and scoop, say sixteen feet wide, at the gully, three feet deep, and decreasing one foot in width every half mile from the mouth upwards. The total length is about four miles and thirty-six chains ; thus at the spot where Spicer’s creek would be tapped the width would be only seven feet, giving an aver age width of eleven and a half feet, and of this work a very considerable proportion is already performed by means of the side ditches alongside of the gorse fence, only that not being properly connected, the beneficial effect is lost. All water-rights, such as irrigation, &c., could be preserved along this course by means of stanks, and overflooding of existing ditches or drains, which might be intersected, could be avoided by using floodgates. This drain being almost quite straight throughout its entire length, and having a very con siderable, yet, in my opinion, not too much fall, its effect would be to render any accumulation of flood-water im possible : and as it would tap a great number of springs, the supply would con tinue all the year round. As for its maintenance, being straight, very little, if any, silting up would occur, and if it did silt up a little at first, the silt could be removed by scouping, at a compara tively small expense. Again, as for scouring, the nature of the soil above Waterton is that it will not scour, and that in the part having the quickest fall for the remainder of the course, I will not now say that it will not scour, but if it was found that it would scour, a number of timber stanks, about one foot each in height, placed across and in the drain would decrease the fall to any amount required, acting in the same way as the locks in a canal. If Waterton is to be protected from floods, 1 am convinced this is the cheapest and most effectual method to obtain that object, as what is required being to cut off the water in Spicer’s and other smaller creeks, the drain leading through Wheatstone cannot take any more water than now finds its way into it, unless it is made very much larger, and it is already quite large enough to be on a road-way, and the other County drainage work following, as it does the zigzag course of a creek, I am afraid will be found, if not useless, at least too costly in its maintenance to be of any permanent service. W. Cuthbert, Surveyor. It was resolved that this clause of the report be referred to the Ashburton County Council for their favorable con sideration, and that the Surveyor make a still further survey of the ground, and attend the next meeting of the Council to render any further information that may be required. The Surveyor was desired to give Mr. Stalker the levels, etc., for carrying the water • across the Great South Road opposite his house, and to instruct him to proceed at once with the work. The pay sheet, amounting to LlB5 3s. sd. , having been examined and passed for payment, the meeting adjourned.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the office, Mount Somers, on Monday, August 2nd, 1880. Present—Messrs. W. C. Walker (chair man), Duncan Cameron, J. E. Taylor, and A. E. Peach.

The Surveyor’s report was read and considered. The following correspondence was read ; From the Resident Engineer, enclosing a tracing of the proposed diversion of the Mount Somers Railway. It was proposed by Mr. Peache, seconded by Mr. Taylor, and carried—“ That the tracing be sent to the County Council, with a request that they will use their influence in having the line carried out according to Mr. Triphook’s survey.” From the Ashburton County Council, also forwarding tracing of the above di version for the Board’s consideration. The Cleric was directed to return it to them.

From Mr. W. T. Chapman, requesting that the Board would repair the road leading to his property. The Surveyor to get the work done. From the Ashburton County Council, re poundkeeper for the Mount Somers Pound, asking the Board if they would recommend that Mr. Clark be appointed. Mr, Clark here interviewed the Board and stated that he would not be prepared to carry on his duties after the 31st inst. for the same remuneration that he was at present receiving. The Board, therefore, decided to call for fresh tenders for twelve months, to be sent in by the 30th August, which tenders would be opened by a committee consisting of two members of the Board.

From Mr. Edward Chapman, chairman of public meeting held at Methven, re the Amended Water Supply Bill, protest ing against its adoption, and requesting the Board’s co-operation. The Clerk to reply that the Board do not consider that the interests of the district are affected thereby, and decline to interfere in the matter.

From Mr. W. Power, requesting that the road near his property may be formed and metalled. The Surveyor to report. From Mr. James Rowe and others, re the road on west side of Gough’s crossing. The Surveyor stated that the necessary work had been let.

Mr. Philip Tisch interviewed the Board relative to the continuation of the forma tion of Sawmill road. The Board decided that the work was unnecessary. Mr. Andrew Macfarlano waited upon the Board, and requested them to form the cutting down the terrace at the back of his house. The Board decided to do the work, provided Mr. Macfarlane and the other persons interested contribute LSO. The Clerk was directed to apply to the Chief Surveyor to lay off gravel reserves in the different wards of the district.

The Surveyor was authorised to pur chase a theodolite for the purpose of mak ing re-surveys of roads where the pegs have been destroyed. The following resolution was proposed by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Cameron, and carried—“ That Mr. A. E. Peaohe be Treasurer to the Board, and that all cheques be signed by the Treasurer, and one other member of the Board.” It was resolved that for the future no cheques sent in as deposits on contracts will be recognised unless marked by the Bank.

Mr. Peache applied for 6-in. drain pipes on Mount Somers Downs road, and offered to do the necessary work if the Board provide the pipes, Granted. It was decided to invite tenders for the Black Mountain Track; poundkeeper for Mount Somers Pound for twelve months ; culvert on Swamp road ; formation twenty chains, Tramway Reserves road (near pound) ; and for groin near Rutherford’s. Tenders were opened and one accepted for each of the following works :—No. 15, footbridge on Hewson’s road, Petersen and Shepherd, L 39 ss. 6d. ; No. 17, Bow yor’s stream road, TimothyKiely, L 267 65.; No. 20, Reynold’s road and Cameron’s roads, John Boyle, L 144 10s. The pay sheet amounting to L 240 ss. lOd. having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Tuesday, August 3. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY, Three first offenders, one of whom was a female, were let off with a fine of 5a., or twenty-four hours’ imprisonment. John Jones, charged with being drunk and disorderly, was fined 10s., or forty eight hours. He had been several times previously convicted. William Power, who had been in com pany with the last prisoner, and shared his joys, was now his companion in trouble, and had also to forfeit 10s., or take the alternative. AN UNLICENSED COACH. Thomas Cotton was fined ss. for carry ing passengers in an unlicensed * stage coach. Accused had recently taken over Mr. Wilcocks’ coach business, and was ignorant of the fact that the license had expired. AN UNPAID DRINK BILL. Baldwin v. Hodgson.—Claim Lsl. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff; Mr. Branson for the defendant. Mr. Ireland questioned whether his Worship had power to alter the decision which was given at a former sitting of the Court, but his Worship decided to re-hear the case. Joseph Baldwin swore that the amounts in the bill of particulars were correct. :.’Ai'l settlement had been made up to the Bth February, which left a balance of L3lloa. Gd. due. From the 9th February- up to ! the last date mentioned in the bill, the items had been supplied in goods and... cash. Most of the items were for bottles of beer sent to defendant’s house. ■ Could not swear as to ho w much Shad been supplied over the bar ; but thought L 3 would cover - what was given in drinks. Mr. Branson objected to the witness looking at a memo, which he had in his hand, and asked his Worship to stop the witness from being impertinent. He (Mr. Branson) had been told that witness had given it out that witness was going to - make a “ holy show ” of him. Witness denied this statement. By Mr. Branson—Defendant has often returned sacks full of bottles, and some of the bottles had been re-filled. s The liquor supplied was colonial bder, drawn out of witness’ casks, and put into:the, bottles. Up to the sth February, 1880,, was paid in full, by the purchasedf a horse for L2O. Never received any other moneys. Have not my books here, but can send for them. . . ; j Mr. Branson asked that the books might be sent for, and the case was adjourned - until the books arrived. < DEFAULT. Jamieson v. Hammond.—Claim,. L 3 Is.. 6d. Judgraent by default for amount and costs, 6s. ENGINEER AND CONTRACTOR. . Anderson v. Passmore.—Claim, Lll os. ; : Id. Mr. Williams for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. John Anderson, jun., deponed—l am a r member of the firm of J. and A. Ander son, contractors for the Rakaia and Ash- ' : burton Forks Railway. Wo carried the goods mentioned in the summons for de- " fendant. A conversation took place with the directors in the presence of the de- * fendant, in which we consented to allow ; goods to be carried on the line at Govern ment rates. The line at the. time was under our control. Mr. Passmore was the engineer who controlled the laying > > down of the line. A certain amount of, ; expense was incurred by the firm in carrying these goods for defendant. Mr. Passmore asked me about the price of & coal. I stated that we could supply coal cheaper than outside persons, as we-were large consumers. The result was that' Mr. Passmore ordered coal from us, and gave us a cheque for the amount. The claim is only for carriage froni Rakaia to Sherwood. If the coal had gone up con-;' signed to Mr. Passmore the expense would have been increased, but being sent up consigned to J. and A. Anderson, the cost of transhipment was • avoided. When the contract time expired the con tractors were to Cease holding possession, and to pass over to the engineer of the'u Company. We still have control of the railway, as we have not received payment from the Company. The conditions for payment have not been complied with. Mr. Passmore did refuse to give a certifi cate passing the work, but that is not the cause of this action. When we ■ had' the -A conversation with Mr. Passmore, I asked him why he did not work : his steam plough, and he answered it would not pay to bring up coal for the work, but !' did not offer to bring up coal free. When the coal was supplied we did not put :in, a • claim for the carriage. The reason why the account was not sent in for carriage > from Rakaia to Sherwood was because the amount was not a large one, and it was not usual for us to send in accounts untiF, they were sent out for carriage for the whole district. , , .

Mr. Purnell explained that the plaintiffs were contractors for the construction of, ‘ the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway,, and Mr. Passmore was the engineer who, managed the construction in the interests. r of the company. When the contract time f expired the works passed ov6r- to the " company. The contract time expired in August, and from that time the contractors , were only allowed to usethe railway. The defendant, as engineer of the company, . was allowed by the directors to use the' ; line also. In a conversation with Mr. Passmore, the plaintiffs had offered to carry up coal for the use of defendant’s steam plough free of any cost. In point of fact it was a friendly action. In conse quence of Mr. Passmore refusing to give a certificate passing the work, this case had arisen.' Mr. Passmore would never, have thought of having the coal brought up for working the plough if he had calcu lated on having to pay for the carriage. On this supposition, he had sold some of ’ ’ the coals to his neighbors, and had not v added the cost of carriage. Mr. Purnell’ .; read portions of the Act to show that:’, the plaintiffs had no legal right to charge : ; for carriage. Mr. Passmore gave evidence bearing - out the effect of his counsel's statements. Cross-examined by Mr. Williamsj- : he said—l am not aware of. an engine having been run specially for the benefit of my self and daughter, but it may have been. In such case the cost would come out of Messrs. Anderson’s pocket. Under soma circumstances coal does not cost anything. When steam, was up and working for the contractors, the cost of coal consumed in going from Rakaia to Sherwood would not cost anything. There was an arbitration case about the line, and it went in favor of the contractors. Messrs. Anderson sent in a bill for the amount claimed, and ? Mr. Alex. Anderson has made an ap plication for the amount, and I told him that the firm had offered : to do the carriage free. Paid for tranship-'’ ment on one occasion, and allowed Messrs. Anderson to charge for any money ’out of’ ' pocket. An ordinary train would bring up sixty-three tons. I had a right tousa the engine after August. The firm had to 1 work after that date under my supervision; I had special privileges as engineer, and it was an understood thing that the engineer : could use the line. • . . r

Oxley, deposed—Am the manager on ' the Ashburton and Rakaia Railway, and remember a conversation between Adder- ‘ son and Passmore. Mr. Anderson 'offered to bring up coals and anything else for Mr. Passmore as a favor. I thought it was a matter of obligation by one gentle* ;, man to another.

Henry Sheppard, agent for J. and A,. ; A nderson, on the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway, was’ present at a con versation between the parties. Mr. Anderson arranged to bring up the c0a1,., but there was no offer to bring up the ;•

THE ASHBURT

HUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. This Day. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co., at Mr. W. 0. Morgan’s, Alford Forest —Postponement of Sale. Saturday, August 7. Alfred Harrison, at liis Saleyards, under Bill of Sale—A quantity of Stock and Plant. H. Matson and Co., at Tattersall’s— Horses, Implements, Harness, &c. Sale at 1 o’clock sharp.