POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails leave the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and ■'forth at 10,20 a.in. 4 p.m., and 7.30 p.m., drily. For Chertsey at 10.20 n.m aaily. For Rakaia rff 10.20 a.in and 4 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwaid Winslow;, Hinds, Coldstream, Kangilata, Orari, _\vinchester, and Gera 1 dine, at 10.20 a.in, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.in and 3 p.m daily. For Grcenstrect, Ashburton Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on 1 nosings and Fridays at 10.30 a.m I'or Ashton, AVaAcrtovi, nnd Longocn,c-T ( n.t .15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Scaliekl, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1880.

The mail just arrived from San Francisco brings sad confirmation of the intelligence that has already reached us by cable regarding the distress in Ireland. For several seasons in succession the crops have been, if not a total, at least a comparative failure. The farmers have been going steadily backwards, until many of them have got so deeply and hopelessly into debt as to bo beyond re covery. The harvest just over has yielded merely nominal returns where the land lias yielded anything, and the com bination of ills has culminated in a repeti tion of the evils of ’47 and ’4B. With gaunt famine staring the Irish people in the face, it is not matter for surprise that, with the chronic disaffection to wards the English Government of a large section of tho population, there should be wide-spread dissatisfaction, and fre quent tumults, and stern demands on the part, of the farmers for a reduction of rents. In most cases wo are told these re ductions have been granted, but in many others where all payment of rent lias been refused by the tenants, evictions have fol lowed, with the usual results that at tend such proceedings in Ireland. Tlie Irish landlords have been noted for their cold neglect of the estates they own. In many instances the landlords have never been once upon the soil that yields them their income, and the rents arc collected by agents as stern and unrelenting as the sea. It is on estates so managed that most of the evictions have taken-place, and as the telegram puts it, some of those who served the eviction notices have been “roughly handled.” Those who know anything of tho Irish farming population will be able to trans late for themselves those two words. At Connemara a large meeting was hold, which ended in a riot that was only quelled by the bayonet charge of tho police, and all over the country the spirit of the hungry people has been roused. We are told in the mail summary that Govern ment has been apprised of the rapid spread of Fenianism throughout the island, owing to the state of the country, but the same mail brings us the cheering information that the appeals for -relief which have been made to Britons in every part of the world have been liberally responded to. America is now being canvassed by Mr. Parnell, M.P., and he has been successful beyond his expecta tions. Australia is starting a fund for the relief of the starving ones, and New Zealand, though she lias not yet been called upon, will freely contribute her share. Of all Her Majesty’s colonies, ours is the most warm-hearted in her giving when distress appeals to her purse strings thromh the tender strings of her humanity, and when the suffering ones are those of her fellow-countrymen - at Home, the appeal will not remain long un answered. Let us hope that such response as is to be made to the appeal of want will earn the double blessing that awaits the cheerful giver and the giver that giveth quickly.

The Municipal Association. —ln Tuesday’s issue of the “ Lyttelton Times,” a paragraph appears regarding the_ pro posed Municipal Association, in which it is stated the condition of co-operation in the movement by the Christchurch City Council was the amalgamation in the proposed Association of all the Boroughs in New Zealand. It is further stated that this wide condition does not meet the views of the promoters —the Ashburton Borough Council —and so far the Associa tion willbeconfined to the smaller boroughs of the Canterbury Provincial District.. We are desired to state that this is a misstatement of the Ashbur ton Borough Council’s views on the matter. They would only be too glad to see the proposed Association including every borough in the Colony, but will certainly be content to see it start with even only the boroughs of Canterbury forming the nucleus of membership. It will be remembered when Mr. Bullock, the then Mayor, first mooted the idea he suggested including all or as many of the New Zealand Boroughs in the Asso ciation as could be got to join, but, failing a wider range, to be content for a begin ning with the Canterbury Boroughs.

Suez Mail. —The outward mails for the United Kingdom, Ate., via Suez (for specially addressed correspondence only) will close at the local Post Office at ten o’clock on Thursday morning. Visitors.'—Among the visitors to Can terbury just now is a gentleman troll known in church circles In Australia - the Rev. V. G. Turner. Throtigdi partial failure of health a few years ago ho relin quished his ministerial charge in Mel bourne, and has since then, while travel ing through the colonics, been represent ing the Australian Mutual Provident Society—well known as the wealthiest and most successful of our life assurance societies. Ho will be but one day in this district, and is announced by advertise ment to lecture on life assurance in the Good 'Templar Hall on Thursday even ing nest. As so many of our leading residents arc, members of the Mutual Provident Society and express themselves as highly gratified with its operations, wo have no doubt that the snug little hall will bo well filled with a fairly representative audience. Cricket. —A match will bo played on Wednesday afternoon, between sides chosen respectively by the Captain and Deputy-Captain of the new Club. Mem bers are requested to be on the ground to commence play at 2 p. m. 1.0.G.T. —The usual weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was hold last evening. About 50 members were pre sent. After the usual business, the Lodge was thrown open to hear matters of im portance from the Rev. 0. Turner, of Sydney, agent for the Mutual Investment Society. The rev. gentleman intimated that lie would deliver a lecture in one of the public halls on an early date, ami gave the Lodge a short address on total abstinence. A vote of thanks was ordered to be recorded on the minutes. Bro. Ashwoud gave an account of the works of Tompfary in the Nelson and Wellington districts, fraternal greetings having been sent to the Lodge by all the sister lodges in these cities. Bro. Hamil ton spoke of the work in the Oamaru district in high terms. The vote of the Lodge was taken, on the motion of Bro. Poyntz, re application for charter for instituting a Degree Temple. The motion was sustained. Bro. Ashwood tendered his resignation as Superintendent of the Juvenile Temple. After harmony, the Lodge closed. The “Freemason.” —We have re ceived the first copy of a handsomely printed little newspaper entitled “ The New Zealand Freemason,” published by Mackay, Bracken, and Co., of Dunedin, and edited, we understand, by Bro. Gum ming, lately of Waimate. The pages are surrounded with a very pretty border in red, and the matter in them is of much interest to members of the craft, to whom we commend it as a valuable shilling’s worth. It is published monthly. In another column we publish a translation the “Freemason” contains of ■ the National Masonic hymn of Saxony, sung at the close of every lodge supper. Musical Masons will find a suitable Eng lish tune to it in “ Wait while I touch my guitar. ” Mare Drowned. —On the day of the Mount Hutt election, while one of Mr. Pocock’s men was carting grain to the station, and had unhitched his horses to feed, one of the team, a valuable marc, made for an open well near Morgan and Hibb’s yard to drink. Losing her balance site fell in, and was drowned. The animal was in the well two hours before they were able to get out her carcase with a block and tackle. The well was about four feet square, and only seven feet deep, being simply made to drain off the race through the shingle. Mount Hutt Road Board Offices. — The new offices for the Mount Hutt Road Board are now finished, and are a credit to Mr. S. B. Nelson, of Ashburton. The Board-room is an apartme’nt of 20ft by IGft clear inside measurement, and the clerk’s cottage is a comfortable house of four rooms, with a lean-to. Besides these there is a five-stalled stable and feed-house. School Committees —The annual meet ings of ratepayers in the various school districts will bo held on the evening of Monday, the 29th January, in the school rooms where these are built, and in the houses or hotels whore meetings have been hold hitherto of such committees as do not yet possess school buildings. The Ash burton annual meeting and election will be held on the above evening in the school room. Closed Doors. —We are sorry to ob serve that our respected Resident Magis trate does not see fit to exorcise his aight to clear the Court when a case of indecent assault is heard before him. It is re markable that when a filthy case is be fore the Court there is always a crowd of men in attendance with mouths wide open, and eyes half out of their heads. Would it not be better for all concerned, and especially for females who have to give evidence, if those louts wove shown to the door. 'Tliis course is followed elsewhere, and surely when the press decline to print the evidence the Court might decline to allow it to bo heard by the only people who delight to listen to it. An Unfulfilled Mission. —The Patea “Mail” says;—“The following is too good to be lost : —A newspaper proprietor at Ashburton, contesting the Mayoralty of that town the other day, was so san guine of being at the head of the poll, that lie had a gorgeous banquet laid out for his supporters ’ 1 honor of the occasion. He didn’t get in though ; and wo have not heard wdiat became of the banquet” Firewood.- —ln a bare country such as our plains arc, the chance of obtaining cheap firewood is not to be lost, and in the course of forming roads and drains on the Laghmor Station near the Hinds, a considerable quantity of old forest was exposed. This has been freely taken away by residents in the locality, and Mr. Donald M‘Lean now warns them that the appropriation of the firewood is stopped, and trespassers will in future be prosecuted. The Intkeprovincial Cricket Match — Canterbury v. Otago. —This match commenced on the Dunedin ground 011 Saturday, and was resumed again yester day. In their first innings Canterbury made 189, while Otago only succeeded in making 105, and followed on with their second innings, securing in it only 99. With 15 to wdn Canterbury went again to the bat, and got the requisite member with the loss of one wicket. The match throughout was an excellent display of cricket, and 1,000 peoxilc attended to see it. Canterbury is to be complimented on their success. Printers’ Devils.-— Printers’ devils are generally supposed to bo remunerated for their labors with the coin known as “ mon keys’ allowance ” —more kicks than half pence—but that they are occasionally people of very great consequence, is shown on the authority of his Honor Judge Hardcastle. During the hearing of a recent case at the District Court, Wanga nui, he quoted from an eminent legal text book the following extract with regard to damages: “Therefore, where some printers’ devils, who had been unlawfully imprisoned for six hours, brought their several actions, and the j ury gave each of them L3OO damages, the Court declined to meddle with the verdict, although it was proved that each of the plaintiffs had been civilly treated, and been fed upon beef steaks and porter during the period of their imprisonment.” The reading of the quotation (says the “ New Zealander ”) gave much amusement in Court, and for the nonce those despised atoms of humanity —the P.D.’s—went considerably up in the social scale.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. {Agi Special.) London, Jan. 8. An impression prevails on the part of the Belgian Commission appointed for the Moibourne Exhibition that, if the application for extended time bo granted, the Belgian Government will ask the Chamber to vote a subsidy towards the due representation of Belgium at the Exhibition. [Renter's ) London, Jan. 9. Eurl Derby, speaking at Huddersfield to-day, referred to the agitation in favor of Protection as a remedy for the dis tress and depression of trade in England. His lordship said he was averse to the proposal for Protection, and thought that the Protection policy of some of the colonics would eventually fail. London, Jan. 10. Throe per cent, consols. 93J. Australian tallow—best mutton, 40s. Gd. Cape Town, Jan. 10. The Cape Government is continuing to take steps for the suppression of sedition in the Transvaal, and have issued warrants for the arrest of Kruger and another Boor. The former was at one time President of the Transvaal. London, Jan. 10. Serjeant Parry died suddenly. The shock of hearing of his death killed his wife. Two chiefs on the Gold Coast have ceded the seaicoast to the British. It is believed it is intended to acquire Popoc, a seaport near Abomoy, the capital of Dahomey. January 11. A loan lias been issued of L 130,000 for the Wellington waterworks. Berlin, Jan. 11. The Lower House passed a resolution voting G,090,009 marks for the relief of the famine in Silesia. Calcutta, undated. General Roberts held a durbar at Cabul on the 9th. He assured the chiefs that the Indian Government would re spect the lives, religion, and property of the inhabitants of Afghanistan. Panama, Jan. 10. The Bacchante has arrived at Barba docs, with the sons o, the Prince of Wales on board. The Bolivian troops at Tacna have re volted. Special.) London, Jan. 10. It is understood that the Sultan was personally answerable for his action in connection with the rece.nt Mollah inci dent, and it is feared that he is passing under Russian influence ; hence Consul Layard’s pressure. The duties imposed by the Gorman protective tariff are an increase of one tliivd. The result is that the German shipping trade has declined. AUSTRALIAN. [Association Special.) Melbourne, Jan. 9. Tasmania considers the proposed Brin disi postal rates of Cd. on letters and Id. on newspapers too low. Melbourne, Jan. 13. The Government have consented to provide 109,000 ft. extra space at the Ex hibition. The Lord Mayor of Dublin telegraphs to the Mayor of Melbourne that the dis tress in Ireland is increasing, and urgently requires publication throughout the colonies with a view to relief. Sydney, Jan. 9. Cross',veil, a lunatic alleged to be Arthur Orton, has been discharged from the asylum on a judge’s order on the ap plication of his brother. The Eulli miners have struck against drinking in consequence of the publicans raising their prices through the now tariff. ( Rente> V.) Melbourne, Jan. 11. Mr Berry has authorised the Exlubi bition Commissioners to provide 100,000 ft. additional space, and pro bably will extend the time for receiving applications. INTERPROYINCIAL. Auckland, Jan. 10. The notice served by Mr. Stewart, dis trict engineer, on Dempsey, re railway reclamation contract, expired to-day. There is general dissatisfaction at the summer weather passing over and nothing being done. Thomas Vernon, charged wfih un shipping a quantity of drapery which had not paid customs duty, was fined LIOO, and costs L 3 10s. Mold Tawhai, M.H.R., for the northern Maori district, leaves for Wellington, having been telegraphed for to go there at once, being required as one of the commissioners on the Waimate Plains. For some time past rumors have been circulated about a Ngaruawhaia goldfield ; to-day the result of a trial test that was made at the Thames was received. It was fifty specs, as lino as flour, from 105 ounces of quartz. At a meeting of the Acclimatisation Society a letter was read from the Premier requesting Mr. Firth to undertake the un packing and transfer of the white fish ova from the mail steamer, and forwarding them to their destination. The total number of boxes is 41, eleven of which are for Auckland. It was agreed that Mr. Firth should deposit ova in Lakes Tara wara and Taupo, the council guaranteeing the expenses of transport. Mr. Firth said he would hatch one of the parcels of ova in the domain ponds by way of ex periment. Webb has compromised the action for alleged libel against Edgecmnbo, which was set down for hearing at the present cull sittings. January 11. The Anglican Mission for merchant seamen in port was inaugurated. Bishop Oowio conducted the first service to-day in the long room of the New Zealand In surance Company’s buildings. Normandy, Jan. 10. The nows of the removal of the Maori prisoners is received, by the natives generally with indifference, and an ex pression of faith in To Whiti. They do not fear for the safety of the prisoners, but think that the Government wish to make To Whiti discontinue his strife for the land. Wellington, January 11. A stabbing case occurred 011 Friday night. It appears that two seamen be longing to tlie barque Bebington had a fight, 'when one of them named Alexander Martin took a sheath knife and severely stabbed the other man in the neck, making three incised wounds. The police have arrested Martin for unlawfully wounding. Wellington, Jan. 12. Ludwig, a well known jeweller, died on Saturday, and Shaw, also a well known jeweller, died last night. Dropsy was the cause of death in cacb case. The civil sittings of the Supreme Court have adjourned. Alex.' Martin for cutting and wounding was remanded. Port Chalmers, Jan. 10. A smart shock of earthquake from N.E. to S.E. was experienced here at 2 a.m. , Dunedin, Jan. 10. Joseph Sutherland, aged eight, whilst gathering chips on the new bridge at Otakia, caught hold of a rope beneath to swing himself down. He slipped his hold, falling into the river, which was about

nine feet deep at the spot. The body was recovered an hour afterwards.. Dunedin, Jan. 11. At the inquest on William Desmond, the jury found that death was caused by epilepsy, occasioned by excessive drink ing, and accelerated by poison. Neil, the herbalist, who sold poison to the deceased, was censured for not taking bettor precau tions in selling the same. The poison consisted of vermin killer, which contains strychnine. Dunedin, Jan. 12. Arrived—Ship Margaret Galbraith, 87 days out. One death, an infant, and two births. At tho City Court Charles Bilson, with five aliases, received twelve months for stealing a coat. Seven previous con victions of larceny since 1870 were proved against him. 'William Watson got twelve mouths on two chrrges of stealing a horse and saddle. Invercargill, Jan. 11 The Jockey Club have fixed the races for the 17th and 18th March. Yesterday Tlios. 'Williams, aged 11, was drowned while bathing in Alakarewarc river. Edward Turner, a stowaway by the last trip of the Rotorua, died in hospital on Saturday. He had been engaged in a row and kicked in the abdomen on the 7th.

THE LATEST.

AUSTRALIAN. ( Renter s 7 digrams.) Brisbane, Jan. 11. The ship Scottish Knight, bound from Gladstone (Queensland) to London, struck on a shoal at Sandy Cape on Friday last. According to latest reports she was in a sinking condition and had been beached to save the lives of those on board. PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE. INTERPROVINCIAL. Dunedin, Jan. 12. The quarterly attendance at the schools during the quarter ended December was 10,979 at the beginning, 17,784 at the end of the quarter. Average attendance • —7,732 boys, 0,905 girls, which is an in crease of 1,230 on the previous quarter, and the highest ever reached in Otago. C. Bode, hairdresser and tobacconist, was drowned in tho harbor yesterday by the upsetting of a dingy. Oamaru, Jan. 11. Harvesting prospects arc splendid. Harvesting will commence in about a fortnight. Young Gloeson, the pedestrian, walked 00 miles in 11 hours 50 minutes. Tx MARTI, Jan. 11. In more than one field of oats this year the stalk is between Oft. and 7ft. long, with a correspondingly large head- Har vesting of oats will be general in another week.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

— l usual fortnightly meeting was hold at the Borough Chambers yesterday. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Coun cillors Parkin, Saunders, Robinson, R. Friedlandcr, St. Hill, and Orr. The Mayor made his statement which referred to tlie action taken by him dur ing the fortnight, c anniented on tho cor respondence to be laid before the Council that evening, and gave a digest of the financial position of the Municipality. THE CIRCUS. The Rev. W. Keall wrote complaining that the circus had been allowed to pitch on a Sunday by his dwelling, disturbing his quiet, and inducing trespass by boys and others upon his ground, destroying his (prick fence and vegetables, and gene rally damaging his rest by the barking of a herd of dogs. Mr. Robinson thought a bye-law had been passed prohibiting dogs from bark ing. Mi. St. Hill thought the letter an in sult, and proposed it be returned. The Mayor stated he had instructed the the clerk to reply to the letter in question as follows ; “ Ashburton Borough Council, “Ashburton, Cth Jan., 1830. “ Sir —lam instructed by his Worship to reply to yours of the 15th, and to ex press Id's iegret than any annoyance should have boon caused to Mr. Keall. Permission had been given to pitch tho circus on a reserve two sections distant from his property. The Mayor had no power t" prevent the circus from breaking in upon the Sunday quiet, more especially as the Government shifted them from Christchurch to Ashburton on that day. ” The Council approved of the reply sent by the Clerk. COURT HOUSE. Mr. E. G. Wright wrote re his action in Parliament in reference to the Court House. The Mayor explained that he had inter viewed Mr. Wright on the matter, and he had stated that if it were left in his hands the Borough would not faro badly. THE FIRE BRIGADE. The Insurance Association wrote, stating that they could not subscribe more than L 25 towards the Fire Brigade, which was in proportion to the amounts subscribed to other districts. AT--, George Parkin thought the amount subscribed a miserable one from so larg e an Association. Mr. Saunders considered it ought to bo pointed out that tho amount was inadequate to the requirements of tho Brigade, and as the town had in creased the expenses of tho Brigade had proportionately increased. He would move that the Insurance Association he communicated with, pointing out tho necessity of supporting the Brigade, and requesting them to re-consider the amount of their subscription. Mr. St. Hill seconded, and the resolu tion was carried. THE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION. Mr. C. T. Hick. Mayor of Christchurch, wrote, stating that there was only room for 15 persons to sit in the room pro posed to bs rented. The Mayor explained that Mr. Bullock had advised him that it would bo bettor to hold the meeting after harvest was over. Air. G. M. Robinson thought delay only meant aggravation of tho evil, and it would be more difficult to got a full meet ing in one, two, or three months than at present. Mr. G. St. Hill would move that tho meeting be postponed for a month, in consequence of the busy season. His Worship would like to consult the Council as to whether it would be possible to advise other Boroughs as to the preli minary business, and as full harvest operations would not commence for three weeks, it would perhaps bo advisable to delay the meeting for a time. It was finally resolved, on the motion of Mr. St. Hill, that the meeting be held on Wednesday, the 28th day of J anuary. Mr. Geo. Parkin proposed, and Air. Orr seconded, “That the Mayor and Mr. Thos. Bullock bo delegates from the Ashburton Municipality to the Con ference,” which was carried. His Worship thanked the meeting for the honor conferred upon himself and Air. Bullock, and asked the Councillors present to bring forward any matters 0 interest to the Borough. PROCESSIONS. Mr. St. Hill brought forward the sub ject of public processions, and asked that the delegates would make it imperative that they should bo authorised by Govern ment.

MESSRS. ROOKS AND SON’S ACCOUNT. Messrs. C. E. Fooks and Son wrote, stating their account was for work entirely outside the terms of their agreement for the work of the Board. Mr. Friecllander stated that he was one of a Committee appointed to inquire into this account, and as Mr. Fooks, senr., had not returned, ho hoped the account would be allowed to stand over until his return. It was ultimately resolved that, as prior arrangements bad been made in reference to the account, it be paid. WORKS COMMITTEE. Mr. Parkin, Chairman of the Works Committee, reported that the footpath at Butler’s Hotel had been completed, and a well sunk in the Borough property. The report was approved of. A BROKEN LAMP. Mr. Friecllander reported a lamp-post having been broken by a runaway buggy. His Worship stated that the owner of the buggy had expressed his willingness to pay for the damage. hardley’s well. His Worship said the Committee could not report fully on tins matter at present as they intended having a further trial. SLAUGHTERING LICENSE. An application from Messrs. Robson and Co. i'or a slaughtering license was left in the hands of the Mayor. FIRE BRIGADE ACCOUNT. The Fire Brigade applied for the sum of LSI 15s. due by the Council. And re ported that after some trouble they had succeeded in sinking a well competent to supply the engine at Saunders’ Build ings, but could not draw the tubes of the old well. Mr. St. Hill would like to know who passed this tube well at Saunders’ Build ings ? It had cost L 32, and nothing had been said about it, and it had proved utterly useless. Mr.' Friecllander said he had fully ex plained at the time that the cause was the depth of the water at that part of the town. Mr. Parkin corroborated this statement, and pointed out that tho present well was a success. DEPUTATION. Messrs, J. Ivcss and E. Mossman here attended as a deputation in reference to the Burnett street drain. Mr. Moss man stated that he had suffered incon venience and ill-health from tho effects of the nuisance, and proposed certain remedies. He pointed out the cause as being easily discoverable, and the neigh bors were willing to take legal measures to relieve themselves of the nuisance, but thought it better to first consult the Council. Mr. Ivcss corroborated Mr. Mossman s remarks, and further stated that on Thursday last disinfectants had to be resorted to to relieve the nuisance. He hoped tho Council would take measures 10 redress the grievance. The Mayor said the Council would endeavor to meet the views of the deputation to abate the nuisance, but difficulty of drainage precluded tho entire removal of it. THE FIRE BRIGADE ACCOUNT. This question was resumed. Mr. St. Hill wanted to know if the cause of the pipes not being drawn was not from the fact that they had been driven so hard that they had been beaten up like an octopus, Mr. Parkin said every endeavor had been ma.de to draw the pipes by levers and tackles, and all attempts were unsuccess ful. Mr. Friecllander proposed that the pipes be allowed to remain where they are, which was carried. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Friecllander, —“ That the sums of—L2s, Insurance Association’s grant ; Ll 5 155.,. special grant by the same for fire-bell ; and £25, grant by the Borough— total Ls6lss.—be paid to the Brigade, and the balance of the LSI when the Borough is • in funds.” The report of the Brigade was then re ceived and adopted. DEFECTIVE -DRAINAGE. The Inspector of Nuisance reported on several sti’oets, which were a nuisance, in consequence of defective drainage. Considerable discussion took place on the matter, and it was resolved to put a man on specially to keep the water chan nels clear, Burnett street to receive par ticular attention. His Worship said the subject of the drainage of the town was a largo one, and he was only waiting for the return of Mr. Fooks to go carefully into some defi nite scheme. At present he did not see how the evil could be cured. He could inform the Council the pipes for the water scheme had arrived in port. It appeared on explanation that it was not by any means certain if the pipes belonged to tho Borough, as they were consigned to the County Council. SUNDRY WORKS. Some work in connection with the im migrants’ cottages was referred to the "Works’ Committee. SHARE OF SUBSIDY. Mr. Friedlandor brought forward tho subject of the share of the subsidy due to the Borough from funds now in the hands of the Longbeach Road Board. His Worship was appointed to wait on the Board in reference to the matter. The question of a necessary culvert in West street was left to the Works Com mittee. The clerk was instructed to apply to the Upper Ashburton Hoad Board for pay ment of the balance of cost of tho con struclion of the North East I own Belt. THE BYE LAWS. Tho Borough solicitor’s account was submitted, and complaints were made as to tlie unfinished state of the bye laws. His Worship explained that Mr. Crisp had offered to retire from Ids engagement, but as Mr. Fooks would soon return and make arrangements for the building clauses of the bye laws, it would bo ad visable to continue tho engagement. UNPAID RATES. It was resolved to instruct the collector to sue at once fur all unpaid rates. VALUATION LIST. A committee consisting of Messrs. Fried lander, Saunders, Orr, and St. Hill was appointed to inspect the valuation list. The pay sheet was passed, and the Council adjourned. Robbery at Rakaia. —For some days past this town has been visited daily by swarms of men of all descriptions on the look-ont for work, so many of them arriv ing that numbers of them have be unable to find sleeping room at the hotels and lodging houses, and as a consequence they have had to pass the night under the gorse hedges. On Friday night one of these men was robbed of L4O, the thief cutting out the man’s pocket with a very sharp instrument, probably a razor. The man, who was drunk, was in the company of Mary Ann Cook, who was brought up at the Court held at Rakaia on Wednesday on the charge of vagrancy. The woman was apprehended by Sergeant Pratt on Saturday morning and taken to Ashbur ton. Her husband, who was also with them, is not to he found. A man known as Piccolo Charley was apprehended with the woman. A New Tramway. —A tramway has just been opened in the fine old City of Brunswick on a new principle. The rail has no groove. It is laid exactly flush with the road’s level, and may thus be passed at any angle with any description of convey ance without any jar or disturbance. The car is guided and kept in its place on the rail by slight steel studs on the tyre of the wheels, which fit in to corresponding holes punched in the rail at a distance of every five inches. The invention is that of an architect at Birmingham, and may be said now to have merged from the experi mental stage into that of accomplished fact.

MOUNT HUTT ROAD BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board was held at Mcthveu on the Bth instant. Present— Messrs. Allington, Jackson, Panuett, and M'Millan. Mr. E. Chapman wrote, apologising for his unavoidable absence, and was re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. Allington was voted to the Chair for the present meeting. THE WATER SUPPLY COMMITTEE. The Committee appointed to inspect and report on the best means of obtaining a water supply for the Plains, asked for and were granted an extension of time. WATER CHANNELS ON HOADS. The Overseer was instructed to attend to all watercourses emptying on roads, and to turn off all water likely to flow down any roads and thereby damage them. POUND. Mr. John Grigg wrote to the Board, offering a site on his land, in any con venient position, for a public pound. It was decided to choose a site adjoining the Road Board premises, and recommend the same to the County Council. THE RAKAIA AND ALFORD FOREST RAIL V/ AY. It was resolved that Mr. M'Millan should accompany Mr. F. B. Passmore over the Rakaia and Alford Forest Rail way, and point out all crossings, &c., con sidered unsafe for traffic. BROOM PARK ROAD. No tenders were received for formation or open crossings on Broom Park Road. GRAVEL PITS. The Board resolved that where gravel pits were taken on private lands, an area of one acre should be taken in all cases, and that the pits should be fenced before being opened. SUNDRY BUSINESS. The Clerk of the County Council wrote, offering a safe for sale. The Board con sidered the one offered too large for their requirements, and decided not to purchase one at present. Mr. Robert Patton applied for a cul vert on the coach road. Granted, pro vided the applicant carted and erected the same. The pay-sheet was passed, and the Board adjourned.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRAN CISCO MAIL AT AUCKLAND.

Summary of News. Auckland, Jan. 12. Tlie Australia made the passage in 19 days 7 hours and twenty-six minutes, in cluding all stoppages. She leaves for Sydney at midnight. She brings the following news San Fuancisco, Dec. 23. Six ladies from the Sacred Heart Con vent, Chicago, go to Now Zealand by the Australia to found a Convent of their order there. Over two millions of white fish eggs, for warded by Mr. Creighton, per Australia, for the Government, were shipped in prime condition, packed in mountain ice. They were brought from Sierra Nevada ranges. Cardinal Manning appeals for subscrip tions for relief of the Irish distress, dur ing the coming winter, when hunger and want are expected such as were never known since 1847. An explosion of fire damp in a coal mine near Chemnitz killed 80 persons. At a meeting of Irish sympathisers held in Glasgow a resolution was passed calling for the impeachment of Earl Beacons field and the Marquis of Salis bury. A tenant evicted by Lord Fermoy struck him. with a cudgel-on the stops of the Limerick Club, and felled him to the earth, where he lay insensible some time. His assailant received five years’ penal servitude. In North Ireland the landlords generally are reducing the rents 10 to 20 per cent. War is progressing between the tribes on the west coast of Africa, and the British naval ferce is consequently in creased. Heavy floods in the Isthmus of Panama submerged the railroad almost the entire length, flooding out the natives along the line and destroying much property. Pas sengers from the steamer could not land, and the steamer went to sea to escape a hurricane, which wrecked several vessels in the harbor and destroyed a portion of the Pacific Mail Company’s wharf. 354 passengers, and freight, were delayed. Sixty Mahomodan refugees were starved to death at Sophia. London, Dec. 21. A Calcutta despatch says executions continue in the palace of Mandalay. Five princesses were recently murdered. The Burmese ambassadors are still at the Embassy. Press prosecutions and rioting prevailed at Madrid. Floods in Hungary and Transylvannia have done great damage. Severe frost alone prevented Grosseverdeen and ad jacent villages from sharing the fate of Seggedin. Several Transylvanuic towns wore suddenly inundated, many houses falling in. The level country was sub merged, and the distress is extreme. Thousands of the inhabitants are fugitives, and many have perished. The famine extends to four provinces of Silesia. Breac riots have occurred in Revenna. The Rev. Arthur Wagner, St. Paul’s Church, Brighton, has joined the Church of Romo. The assassin who fired at the Viceroy, Lord Lyttun, in Calcutta, was a native of Bengal, and has a grievance against the Government. He was recently dis charged from Allahabad Lunatic Asylum. The Irish agitation continues unabated. Mr. Parnell delivered a highly inflam matory speech at Liverpool, amounfing to a challenge to Government to arrest him, hut no notice was taken. The Grand Jury at Carrick-on-Suir found an indictment against the accused agitators, who will bo tried at Dublin. Excited meetings have been held all over the country, at which pikemon parade in strong force. No overt act has yet been committed however. Evictions continue. About forty thousand people attended the Hyde Park Sunday demonstration in favor of Ireland. Wesley’s morning Chapel in London was seriously damaged by tire, the frescoed ceiling being irreparably injured. Wesley’s pulpit was saved. Three trans-continental railways in the United States are progressing at the rate of two miles a day. The Northern Pacific will have a terminus in Oregon. De Lesseps has sailed for Aspinwall. General IguatietFs appointment as Rus sian Ambassador at Rome created great excitement in Vienna Court circles. The political situation is very critical in Madrid. The steamship El Dorado, with ninety five passengers and a crew of sixty Lascars, put into Plymouth to repair damage owing to a storm in the Bay of Biscay. The crew were paralysed with fear and aban doned duty, and the male passengers worked thirty hours at bailing, which saved the ship. The Winter Palace at St. Petersburg is illuminated by electric light as a precau tion against attacks. Several military officers have been arrested for complicity in attempts on the Czar’s life at Moscow when his baggage train was blown up. The police are powerless against the Nihilists, who are found in the highest social circles of the empire. The Czar has appointed a Commission to consider what reforms are practicable. British funds are being applied to the relief of starving Mussulmans in Eastern Roumelia. The Rhine is frozen, andpeople cross the river on the ice.

MAGISTERIAL.

—- RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT. ASHBURTON— Saturday, Jan. 10. (Before C. P. Cox and Dr. Trevor, J.P's.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. John Cunningham was fined 10s. and costs for drunkenness, and was cautioned that if he again appeared for a similar offence he would receive a long sentence. breach of the peace. Martin Yesey and Thomas Millar were charged with fighting in Burnett street yesterday. A fine of LI each was re corded against them, or 48 hours’ impri sonment. another drunk. Thomas Mitchell was fined 10s. or 24 hours for being drunk. OBSTRUCTING THE POLICE. John Casey, who attempted to rescue the previous drunk from Constable Rouse, was fined 40s, and 5s costs, for his inter ference. “ PICCOLO CHARLEY. ” Charles Evans, an old offender, was charged with vagrancy, and was let off on a promise that he would leave the dis trict without further notice. another vagrant. Mary Ann Cook, an ancient female, was brought up on a charge of having no visible means of support. She was re manded till Monday for further evidence. ASHBURTON— Monday, Jan. 12. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK. John Kelly, who looked as if he had oc cupied a coal heap for his lodgings, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Sergeant Pratt gave evidence that prisoner had been drunk and very noisy on Saturday night in Havelock street. Other cases were recorded against him. Prisoner promised to leave town at once if let off this once. He was fined 40s. or a week in quad. vagrancy. Mary Ami Cook, who bad been let off last week on a similar charge at Rakaia was again charged with the same offence. Constable Thoreau deponed that she was guilty of indecent conduct at Rakaia. Slie had no place of abode, and had been about a week at Rakaia. By prisoner—l told you to clear out. Prisoner said in defence she and her husband arrived in Rakaia on Friday, and she was arrested on the Saturday, before she bad a chance of going. Sergeant Pratt gave evidence of pre vious convictions. The Magistrate sen tenced Mary Ann to six months, with hard labor. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY, &C. James Franklin, was charged with the above offence. Constable Rouse stated that prisoner was given in charge by Mr. Shearman and resisted very violently, and lie bad to get assistance to convey him to the lockup. For being drunk the prisoner was fined 20s. or 48 hours, for creating a dis turbance in a licensed house, 20s. and costs ; and for resisting the police 20s. and costs—in default, a month’s imprison ment. [R. Beetham, Esq., R.M., the Mayor of Ashburton, and Dr. Trevor here took their seats on the Bench.] INDECENT ASSAULT. John Gorman was charged with the above offence on the person of Lucy Swan, and Mr. Branson, for the prosecution, applied to have the charge withdrawn, so as to bring the lesser charge of a common assault against the prisoner, which was granted. Mr. Harris appeared for the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty. After evidence had been led, it appeared that no act of indecency had been committed, beyond an attempt or two to kiss the girl, and it came out in the prosecutor’s examination that the charge was laid because Mr. and Mrs. Haynes, the foster parents of the girl, had fallen out with the prisoner—all living together in a one-roomed house at the Hinds. At this point of the case Mr. Branson stated he would not proceed with the case any further, and the Bench discharged the prisoner. Mr Branson stated the case had only been placed in bis bands that morning. Mr. Harris applied for costs in the case against the informant, which were granted. ASSAULT ON A BAILIFF. J. E. Hydi Hands was charged with assaulting A. Pearson, a bailiff of the Court, in the execution of his duty. Mr. Guinness withdrew from the Bench, and Mr. Beetham presided. Mr. Harris pleaded not guilty, but wished to know if the case had been legally adjourned from Friday last. He asked the Bench if the Court bad juris diction to sit on the case to-day. The records of the Court showed no adjournment entered on Friday. Mr. Harris also raised the point that the information was not laid under any Ac i. The plaintiff was appealed to as to what Act ho had laid the information under, and ho replied it was for being put out of the house. His Worship—“ That is an act cer tainly, but not the sort of one I refer to. The information was then amended, and the charge laid under the 125th section of the R.M. Act, 1807. Mr. Harris then raised an objection that the offence he was charged with was not contemplated in the section, as an assistant bailiff was not an officer of the Court. The bailiff was then instructed to pro duce the warrant, and it appeared that the document bad been returned to Dunedin, and the defendant pointed out that it was absolutely necessary to produce it to prove his case. The Bench was of the same opinion, and considered it evident that the case could not be heard that day, and as the warrant was not present it would he better to dismiss the case and take out a fresh summons. Mr. Harris applied for costs; which were refused, and a fresh summons was ordered to bo issued for this day fort night.

THE FARMER.

AMONG THF FARMERS. (By our Travelling Reporter.) With a view,to getting a breath of pure air, and seeing 'how our fanner friends were getting on up towards the hills, I took a journey in that direction the other day. I was delighted to see the flourish ing appearance of everything in the shape of a crop. The most noticeable near town are those of Messrs Corbett and Sargent, and the wheat looks on both farms like a fifty bushel crop. On Mr. Sargent’s farm, near the south branch of the river, is the heaviest crop of clover I ever saw. It is so thick and matted the machine can with difficulty cut it at all. The land is a low-lying flat, on which the river silt is deposited in high floods, and the fins mould held in suspension and left by the freshes makes a splendid refreshing manure to the land, something in the same way that the river Nile renewed the corn land on its banks by its annual overflow. Hay making is in full progress on various parts of the road, and at Greenstreet Mr,

William Revell, the Vulcan of the neighborhood, appears to have his hands . full with the manufacture and repairing of a number of carts, fanning ments, &c. He does a lai-ge business a country blacksmith, as he employs three journeymen, and now wants a fourth. A couple of drays of his manufacture took my eye as being quite equal to anything exhibited at the Show, and the price he quoted was less than the usual figure de manded for such articles. Further up, the farms of Messrs Weldon, Church, and Goode, all have heavy crops, the wheat being both thick and well headed. Thence to the Spread Eagle there is not much in, but on the north side of the north branch, the Winchester estate, and Messrs Gould and Cameron have some tremendous crops. The most noticeable growth on this, and in fact on all the roads, is the Scotch thistle ; in fact, some portions of the roads are barely passable, and horses are averse to putting their legs into such ne, ts of needles. Another well known imported pest, which would also have been as well left at home, is the now universally con demned sparrow. This industrious colonist appears to have gone in for some very heavy contracts in the shape of har vesting oats, and the result of his labors, if profitable to himself, cannot be satis factory to the farmer whose grain ho is taking. Mine host, Phillip Tisch, was at home, and as he guaranteed the beer wo and found it equal to his representations. Thence to Mount Somers, a monotonous ten miles, on which there is a pretty steep incline all the way, making it heavy prilling for the horses on a sweltering hot day. However, we reached there in good time, and found a large crowd assembled for an auction sale, from which crowd Mr. Bullock eloquently drew such bids for horses, &c., as made me think money was plentiful, or horses scarce, in Mount Somers. Mr. Daniel Henderson, late of Mr. D. Williamson's, is erecting a new store here, and has the utmost confidence in making a good thing of it. Mr. W. H. Smith’s commodious stables were put to a severe test that day with the number of visitors who were so journing in the township, while genial John Hood’s stables hadn’t elbow room for the hungry candidates for dinner. As the afternoon got cooler we turned our horses towards Anama station, the resi dence of the Hon. W. S. Peter, M.L.C., and found the crossing of the South branch a particularly rough one, the boul ders in the ford being very well developed indeed. The County Council have, how ever, let a contract for a bridge 800 feet in length over this branch, and a large quantity of the timber is now “in tran situ” per rail for the work. On our arrival at Anama we were delighted at the old country appearance of the home stead, and the luxuriant growth of trees, shrubs, and live fences. Mr.«: Peter selected for the site of his homestead a beautiful terrace bounded on the south by a clear, babbling brook, which looks the very place for a home for trout. Towards the south-west there is an enormous ex panse of grain, and at the back are the rolling downs so suitable for sheep farm ing, with sheltered valleys running like bays into the mountain range. The station has trees on it evidently planted in the very early days, as the —such as two or three kinds of Aimfeican pines, Australian gums and wattles, to gether with an immense variety of shrubs —are growing in wild profusion in the garden. The fruit trees are of great variety, and pears, apples, plums, necta rines, cherries, gooseberries, &c., are sug gestive of the more favored climates of Auckland or .Nelson. As in most gardens in this province, American blight is play ing havoc with the apple trees. The height of the cross hedges, which have been planted for divisions and shelter in parallel lines in the garden, is very great and achieve the objects for which they were planted^—one in particular, a privet hedge, being* very thick and high. A plantation of raspberries is 'the thickest and strongest I ever saw, and bears an enormous quantity of the luscious berries. After enjoying the hospitality provided by the ladies of the house, we made a straight cut across the plains towards Yaletta and Westerfield, and found the crops of Mr. C. Reed and Ids tenants all that could be desired—a 200-acre field of grass presenting a busy scene, with its 20 or 30 hay makers busily engaged carting and stacking a very heavy crop. Laghmor station shows some very heavy oat crops, and the numerous cropping tenants on tins estate will he amply recouped for their losses last year. About Tailored and Allen’s old station there is a wonderful growth in the cereals, Mr. B. Ede, Mr. Bullock, and Mr. D. Williamson having some tre mendous crops of wheat, and Mr. Digby a field of oats which would be hard to beat anywhere. CANTERBURY CORN EXCHANGE AND FARMERS’ CLUB. The adjourned meeting of subscribers to the Corn Exchange was, pursuant to notice, held at the rooms, Cashel street, Christchurch, on Saturday afternoon. The meeting was well attended. The chair was occupied by Mr. Thomas Bruce, who briefly explained the objects for which the meeting had been convened, viz., the receiving and consideration of the auditor’s report, and the election of a committee of management for the present year. Most of those who were present at the last meeting would no doubt remem ber that the wish was generally expressed that the new subscribers should have the power of electing the committee. He had much pleasure in stating that since the previous meeting the names of 160 members had been recorded at the Ex- j change alone. [Hear, hear.] The lists from the outlying districts had yet to come/ in. The list of 160 subscribers referred to' included more new names than old ones,' and this, with the additional incoming support from the country districts, was «. most favorable beginning. He was glad to inform the meeting that in reference to the debit balance against the Exchange of Lll 4s. 6d., several subscribers had paid their last year’s subscription, and that the . liability had in consequence been reduced to L 3. [Hear, hear.] He hoped, in order that the Corn Exchange might be a success, the members would act more unitedly than they had hitherto done. The had cropping of last • year had con- ; siderably militated against the Exchange, and generally" speaking, the force of cir cumstances had been much against the farmers. Before concluding his remarks ho asked those present to remember the " - good old maxim that “Heaven, helped., those who helped themselves,” and that “those who would be free must them- ' selves strike the first blow.” [Applause.] He then called on the secretary the minutes of the previous S The minutes were read and - confirmedJ-‘ after which the secretary" read the follow ing report : The undersigned, who were appointed • by the subscribers to audit the accounts for the past year in connection with the Corn Exchange, hereby certify that they have examined the same and find. them perfectly correct as shown in statement appended to this report. The auditors wish to remark that, considering the past is the first year, your secretary has brought considerable business experience and tact to bear in dealing with the affairs of the C orn Exchange, and has, in our opinion, acted in every way to promote the best in terests of both buyers and sellers. ;'-l B. H. Banks, ) , J. W. SAWL E ; | Audltors - To the Chairman and Directors «j of the Cora Exchange. 1-1 ' J

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1880.



Y. 11. NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAPHS. Head Office, "Wellington, Jan. 2, 1880. fDHE Telegraph Commissioner is pro-. paved to receive applications for Cadetships in the New Zealand Telegraph Department. Applications must be made in appli cant’s own handwriting, stating ago, and accompanied by references as to character, &c., addressed to the General Manager, New Zealand Telegraphs, Wellington. By order of the Telegraph Commis sioner. ■"73Sg C. LEMON, Superintendent of Telegraphs. REAPERS AND BINDERS. The undersigned haye for ■ SALS A SPECIAL SHIPMENT OF IMPROVED REAPERS AND BINDERS, With All the Latest Improvements, in cluding a new IRON DRIVING WHEEL. One of these Improved Machines has been used this season in a paddock of early barley, with the best results. The farmer who worked it states it is the Best Machine he has ever seen used. We par ticularly invito inspection of the Sample Machine now on view at Messrs. P. and D. Duncan’s Yard, Christchurch. PRICE £SO EACH. ROYSE, STEAD, & CO., *355g . Christchurch. SEALY BROS., Seedsmen and nurserymen, East Street, A S 118 U R TON. Farm, Garden, and Flower Seeds and Garden Requisites of every descrip tion at Lowest Rates. Nursery —Moore Street. 43*