COMMERCIAL.

[by telegraph. ] Dunedin, July 30. Good sample milling wheat, 3s. 9d. to 4s. Id.; fowls’ wheat, 2s. 6d. to 35.; feed oats, Is. 4d.t015.5d.; milling, Is. 6d.; maltingbarley, 2s. 9d. to 3s. 3d.; feed, Is. 9d. to 2s. 6d.; potatoes, L2 ss. to L2 7s. 6d. per ton; grass hay, L2 10s.; oaten hay, L2; chaff hay, L 3; straw, L2; bran, L 3 ss. ; pollard, L 4; flour, L 9 10s. to L 1 0; oatmeal, L 9; pearl barley, Ll 9; onions, 75.; cheese, 5d.; bacon, rolled, 9d.; hams, lOd.; sides bacon, 9id.; prime beef, 255. per 100 lbs.; mutton, 2|d. per lb.

CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE. The following is the report of Christ church Corn Exchange for the week ending Friday evening, the 30th inst.:— A slightly improved tone has been im ported into the grain trade during the past week. Yalues have slightly im proved, and the demand is brisker. The effect of this spurt has been to give holders more exalted views as to values and the business which would otherwise have been done has been checked. As has been previously pointed out, any material advance in prices will check the demand. Wheat.—Large lines, suitable for ship ment, of good sound milling quality will find buyers at 3s. lOd. to 3s. llid., f.0.b.; similar quality, in Christchurch, 3s. lOd. to 3s. lid. Seed samples, 4s. 3d. to 4s. 6d. per bushel; second class milling quality, 3s. to 3s. 2d. ; chick wheat, Is. 9d. to 2s. 4d. Oats.—The demand still continues good, but business is being checked by holders seeking to obtain an advance on recent market quotations. Good plump milling quality is being enquired for, and business is being transacted at from Is. 6|-d. to Is. Bd. f.0.b.; feed parcels are hardly so saleable, but still are moving into con sumption at from Is. 3gd. to Is. sd. per bushel; inferior feed quality j Is. to Is. 2d. per bushel. .. Barley.—First class malting samples are being inquired for and continue to com mand from 3s. to 3s. 3d. per bushel. Second rate quality is plentiful, with a very slack demand, at from 2s. 3d. to 2s. fid.; feed quality, Is. fid. to Is. Bd. Potatoes.—The demand for the tuber continues to be fairly good, but prices are not improved. At the prices offered, farmers are unwilling to do business, but exporters cannot afford to increase their offers. 225. fid. to 255. per ton are the prices going, sacks extra. Cheese and Butter.—4d. to 4Jd. for the former, 9d. to 9|d. for the latter. Hay.—sos to 555., delivered in town.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JULY 31, 1880.

The Mount Somers Railway Devia tion. —In reply to Hon. W. S. Peters, in the Legislative Council on Thursday, the Hon. Mr. Whitaker said that a devia tion had been made in the Mount Somers Railway and in the plan of the Oxford and Temuka line because it was found desirable to do so. Ho special authority was wanted for the alteration. Sporting. —As the slack time of the year for racing men is now to the fore, our local sportsmen have gone in for a new, and in our opinion, a good idea. At a meeting held yesterday it was resolved that, should sufficient induce ment offer, a monthly meeting of trotting horses should be held, the terms of the races to be fixed by the Committee on the following basis. All horses entered to start at scratch on the first race, and to be subsequently handicapped by the Com mittee or their nominee ; the stakes to go to the winner; the Race Committee to be asked for permission to use the racecourse, and the gate and grand-stand money to go to the winning horse. Matches may be made for either saddle or harness, but in all cases the entries must be made to the Secretary of the Racing Club. We are of opinion that the proposed scheme is one likely to lead to the development of fa useful style of horses, and if the promoters succeed in carrying out their orojected idea they deserve the thanks of that por tion of the public who have occasionally to hire a “ screw ” from a livery stable, and to travel at the rate of five miles an hour. Pending future arrangements, we hear that Messrs. Digby, James M‘Rae, and James Wilkie will give further information on this matter.

The Library Reading. —On Thursday there was a very fair attendance of the public at the reading in the Town Hall in aid of the Library. Mr. Ward was Chair man and introduced the performers. Readings and recitations were given by the Rev. A. M. Beattie, and Messrs T. A. Gates, Rowe, and Twomey. Rev. Mr. Westbrooke would also have read, but was unfortunately detained at Rakaia by a severe attack of illness. The singers were Mrs. A Craighead, who sang with good effect “ Killamcy,” and “Within a mile o’ Edinboro’ town ” ; Mrs. Dunn, who gave “ I cannot sing the old songs,” and in response to an encore, sang “ Bide Awee ” ; Miss Annie Permain, who sang “ Lurline ” sweetly and got a hearty en core ; and Mr. Craighead, who was en cored for a spirited rendering of the “Bay of Biscay” and sang in response “ Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep: later on he sang the old Jacobite song the “Standard on the Braes o’ Mar.” Mr. Dunn sang “ Twenty years ago.” A part song “ Ye Banks and Braes,” was also given by the above singers. The string biand rendered good service through out the evening, and greatly added to the enjoyment, while Miss A. Permain ac companied one or two of the songs very ably, Mr. H. A. Gates accompanying the remainder. It was announced that the next reading would be given in a fortnight, when an entire change of programme will be submitted.

Earthquake. — A slight shock of earth quake was felt in Ashburton last night about nine o’clock.

Presbyterian. —The Rev. Mr. Suther land will conduct Divine Service in the Presbyterian Church to-morrow morning and evening, and at Wakanui in the after noon.

Sale of Crown Lands. —The Commis sioner of Crown Lands announces in another column the sale of the old railway reserves in the Ashburton and Rangitata districts, to take place at the Town Hall on the 24th August. New Post Office. — A post office has been established at the Elgin Schoolhouse, under the charge of Mr. Proudlock. This will no doubt be a convenience to a con siderable number of residents in the Elgin district.

Chertsey. —A meeting of the residents of the district was held on Saturday night to consider the necessity of instituting a library, and to lay a petition before the next meeting of the County Council, ap plying for a grant. The meeting adjourned till to-night, in order to form a committee of management, and other matters.

Acknowledgment. —The master of the Ashburton Home begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a number of books from Mr. W. L. Browne of Christ church, as an addition to the library for the inmates.

Tinwald. —The Limelight exhibition recently given in the Town Hall was re peated last night in the Tinwald School room, and although there was not a full house, the promoters were well rewarded for their trip across the bridge by the frequent rounds of applause given by those who were present. Miss Jowsey and Miss Savage assisted in making a very pleasant evening’s entertainment more enjoyable still by rendering very sweetly several songs. The Rev. A. J. Smith and Mr. Puddicombe gave the descriptive lectures, and great praise is also due Mr, jAllsop, the schoolmaster, for for the energetic manner in which he acted to make the affair a success.

Mr. Rees. —The charge against Mr. W. L. Rees has been dismissed.

Foster and Grant. —The report of Messrs. Foster and Grant, the Lincoln shire delegates, is said to be highly favor able to Rew Zealand, and is expected next mail.

Alarming Earthquake.—At 5.12 on Thursday afternoon the sharpest shock of earthquake experienced in Wellington for a long time was felt. The effect in the House was decidedly alarming, and startled members immensely, the debate being completely interrupted for a short time. The building creaked and swayed in a most formidable manner but no damage was done.— Press.

Complaints of the Unemployed. —At a meeting of the Christchurch unemployed yesterday, a letter was read from Jthe men on strike at the Waimakariri Railway works, stating that the promises of the Government had not been fulfilled either as regards wages or rations. It was resolved to telegraph to the City members in the Assembly, and petition the Go vernor, suggesting that a commission of inquiry be appointed. Insurance. —The Wellington Chamber of Commerce held a meeting on Thursday afternoon to consider the Insurance Com panies Bill which is now before Parlia ment. The principal speakers agreed that the Act would drive foreign companies out of the field, principally because their articles of association would not allow them to comply with the provisions of the Act. Resolutions were passed condemn ing the Act, as it tended to create a monopoly, also because of its protective tendency. Only agents of the local com panies spoke in' favor of the Bill. A Fright. —The correspondent of the Christchurch Press, telegraphs from Wel lington as follows : —About 12.30 this morning (Wednesday) during the dis cussion on the estimates, a loud report from the sunlight aloft caused considerable consternation among the members. The heat of the gas had apparently cracked one of the large sheets of plate glass, and those who were sitting below feared they might be guillotined by the glass falling on their heads. Almost simultaneously with the report, every member rose to his feet, glanced hurriedly upwards, and started for a door. No immediate danger being apparent, the committee resumed. On two occasions large sheets of glass have fallen from aloft upon the benches beneath, and therefore there was ground for their fear this morning. New Zealand University. —The cere mony of conferring the recently-obtained degrees of the New Zealand University took place in the old Provincial Council Chambers, Christchurch, on Thursday. The Chancellor of the University presided. With him, on the dais, were the Primate, the Board of Governors and the Professors of the Canterbury College, and Judge Johnston. The following degrees were conferred ;—M.A., Frederick Fitchett, J. Hay; L.L.8., Frederick Fitchett; 8.A., Helen Connor, W. H. Herbert, J. K. Thornton, H. W. Williams. After the ceremony, Judge Johnston addressed the assembly upon the advantages of higher education, and the great facilities for ac quiring it in New Zealand. The President also gave a brief address, specially with a ■view to urging that careful attention must be given to rudimentary work.

Electioneering Dodges. Writes “ HCglea ” in the Australasian : “An election story, which perhaps may soon be apposite, comes from a Sheffield journal. The occasion was that of the late Glad stone and Beaconsfield duel :—“ On the eve of the late election a manufacturer assembled his men in his yard for the pur pose of explaining that they could vote just as they pleased. ‘How, look here my men,’ said he, ‘ I don’t want to in fluence you in any way. You can vote just as you like. I should advise you to attend as many meetings of the candidates as you can, and then make up your mind which side you will support. Don’t think about obliging me—in fact, I shan’t tell you how I am going to vote. We shall be quite as good friends after the election as before, and then the day after it’s over I will have a barrel of beer brought into the yard.’ ‘Hear, hear,’ shouted the men. ‘ But,’ said the master, ‘ I sha’n’t tap it unless Mr. Wortley gets in. ’

The Old Story. —Sydney has been entertaining an angel unawares. About twelve months since (says the Bulletin) a gentleman arrived in Sydney with the debris of LIOOO in his pocket, and as they heard he was blue-blooded, people took kindly to him, and he speedily planted his feet under aristocratic mahogany. He was soon in first-rate fettle for a station Fillet at “twenty bob a week and found,” ■but after eating Johnny cakes, water dogs, and black sugar, and drinking tea out of a billy lid for a few months, he rose superior to himself with the advent of the Inter national Exhibition, where he aired to some advantage his linguistic gifts. It may here be mentioned that the LIOOO he had on leaving England was obtained in the following manner ;—He was a younger son and was fast in a ratio inverse to his income. He “ made a smash ” and applied to his elder brother, the Earl of for assistance, which was denied him. A few days after a signboard inscribed “ Fish and Oyster Saloon, by the Honorable Mr. tious little shop in the ancestral village. The board and the LI.OOO shortly “ came down” together on the Hon. ’s agree ing to exile himself to Australia. How ever the Hon. Mr. has now gone back again—-probably to go into the fish busi ness once more.

The Unemployed. —Forty more unem ployed were sent up country on Thursday from Christchurch to work on the railway line. Wreck of a Steamer. —The small steamer Ino went ashore at Port Molneux on Thursday. She has a full cargo, and is expected to become a total wreck. Her hull is insured for LSOO in the South British and L 450 in the Victoria, and the the cargo is also insured in the South British for LSOO.

ENTERTAINMENT AT WAKANUI.

Last night an entertainment was given in the Wakanui Schoolroom, in aid of the local Library, and we are glad to say tha the effort made to replenish the exchequer was highly successful, a very handsome sum having been realised. The Chair man of the School Committee—Mr. A. G. Earle —had been very active in re cruiting friends to take part in the the entertainment, and when the opening hour arrived he had marshalled a very fair company. A piano was kindly lent by Mrs. Gibson, and Mr. Gibbs played the overture, after which Mr. Alfred Harrison sang in that pleasing way of his “ The Village Blacksmith,” receiving the applause he always merits. Two local gentlemen, whose names we did not catch, then tickled the audi ence with comic songs, the Irish items being particularly droll. Mrs. Gibbs followed with “Thy voice is near me,” being very happy in the rendering of the song. Then Mr. James Brown read, in the purest Scotch, the story of how Habby and Janet, a “boosing” couple, raised the wind, and he succeeded in raising much laughter. Mr. and Mrs. Craighead con tributed songs each very effectively— “ Mary o’ Argyle ” being a great favorite ; and Mrs. Dunn sang two Scotch songs with effect. Miss Stewart naively detailed the “ Stairhead Battle,” and was a fund of amusement; then Mr. H. A. Gates took the house by storm with several comic songs, having to respond to repeated encores. A violin solo by Mr. Nettleton was no unimportant feature in the pro gramme, and the bagpipes of Mr. Elder must not bo forgotten. Several duets, etc., were also sung, the accompaniments to these and to the songs being played by Miss Gates in her usual style; and it was far past ten o’clock before the programme was got through. When it was finished votes of thanks were given to the visitors, to Mrs. Gibson for ths loan of her piano, and to the chairman. Mr. Ginney, the school master, kindly entertained the visitors at the school-house, and Miss Ginney was par ticularly attentive to them. After the concert was over a dance took place in the school, at which G. F. Scott was M. C., the music being supplied by Messrs. Nettleton, Elder, and others.

SUPPLYING DRUNKARDS.

In the R.M. Court yesterday it was pointed out by the Magistrate, in ■‘■he course of the hearing of a case wherein a man named Hodgson was sued by a publican for a sum of L 4.0, that the police had no power under the existing Licensing Act to officially warn publicans against supplying drink to confirmed drunkards. Under the old Canterbury ordinance giving of this warning was imperative on the police, and any disregard of it by the publican would count against him in any case in which the fact might have been adduced. But the Act now in force makes no such provision, and when the police give such warning they are only exercising a bit of praiseworthy philanthropy, for so far as law is concerned it is only blank cartridge. The hotel-keeper may observe it, or he may not, as seems to him fit, and as his sense of humanity may direct. The Bill now before Parliament, however, and which there is every probability will become law, will alter all this and restore to the police warning the meaning that it had under the Canterbury Ordinance. It also adds a heavy shot to the gun, in the shape of penalties, and provides for the warning being issued under the hands of two Justices. The following are the clauses of the new Bill dealing with the subject;— <l IGI. When it shall be made to appear in open Court that any person, by ex cessive drinking of liquor, misspends, wastes, or lessens his or her estate, or greatly injures his or her health, or en dangers or interrupts the peace and happiness of his or her family, the Justices presiding in such Court shall, by writing under the hands of any two such Justices, forbid any licensed person to sell to him or her any liquor for the space of one year, and such Justices, or any other two Justices, may at the same or any other time, in like manner, forbid the selling of any such liquor to the said drunkard by any such licensed persons of any other city, town, or district to which the drunk ard shall or may be likely to resort for the same.

“IG2. The said Justices, or any two of them, shall, in like manner, from year to year, renew any such prohibition as aforesaid as to all such persons as have not, in their opinion, reformed within the year ; and if any licensed person shall, during any such prohibition, after service of a copy thereof upon him or her, or with a knowledge thereof in any other manner acquired, sell to any such prohibited per son any liquor, he or she shall forfeit, upon conviction, for every such offence, a sum not exceeding ten pounds. “ IG3. Whenever Justices shall, in execution of the foregoing provisions, have prohibited the sale of liquor to any such drunkard, if any other person shall, with a knowledge of such prohibition, give, sell, purchase, or procure for or on behalf of such prohibited person, or for his or her use, any such liquor, he or she shall forfeit, upon conviction, for every such offence, a sum not exceeding five pounds.”

ALFORD FOREST.

(From our own Correspondent.)

The new bridge near Pudding Hill is fast approaching completion, and is cer tainly one of the best built and most im posing structures of the kind in the county. Its length is 960 ft., and, being built throughout of well-seasoned iron bark, the contractors, Messrs. Thomas and Hill, would guarantee its strength to carry any weight required, even for rail way purposes. It is generally regretted that the one over the South Ashburton was not built of similar material, as it cannot be expected to last for any length of time, the wood used being throughout black birch, and quite green. Judges competent to form correct opinions are unanimous in deploring the “ penny-wise and pound-foolish” carrying out of this work, and the .great waste of public money. The bridge is undoubtedly of great service, but will soon show the effect of wear, mostly, as sailors term it, “ between wind and water.” The North Ashburton Bridge will be a credit to all concerned, and a lasting monument of money wisely spent, while reflecting special credit upon the contractors, Messrs. Thomas and Hill. The ap proaches, to be of service, should have a decided outward inclination, allowing sheep, etc., to be driven conveniently along it. This could be done at very little additional expense. Exhibits of Alford Forest timber and stone, for almost all purposes, were shown in the late Christchurch Exhibition, by Mr. James Henderson, among the latter being good building stone and limestone, and also coal; and we trust the new bridge will bo the means of carrying many of the natural products of this neighbor hood to Methvon, the nearest railway station. We yet hope to see the railway continued to Mount Somers.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR. M‘RAE IN REPLY.

To the Editor. Sir —I was much surprised at a letter in yesterday’s Serahl from Mr. Bird. 1 never in any way objected to Bird being granted a license for himself. What I ob jected to was that Mr. Ryle who has been accused in Court as the owner of a brothel, should have charge of a cab, more particu larly as a letter from the Borough Coun cil warned cab owners against carrying prostitutes. I never meant in any way to oppose Mr. Bird ; all I objected to was that Charles Ryle should take out a license as owner of a cab, when it was publicly known that he was interested in carrying about loose characters, and I think that the Borough Council after writing in the way they did, should certainly exercise dis cretion, and not grant a license to any person laboring under such an imputation as Charles Ryle does. I again repeat I have no objection whatever to a license being granted to Mr. Bird, or any other respectable citizen. I deny altogether having stated in my letter that the cab in question was used exclusively for carrying bad characters. I made an error in stating that I did not think Mr. Bird was the real owner of the cab, but after his public statement, fully believe that he is.—l am, &c., J. W. M‘Rae.

LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

To the Editor. Sir, —Reading yonr article of July 28, upon local industries, I was much amused at the naive way in which you wind up your article about giving advice in the matter, and “it is, of course, an easy thing to write in the strain we have done,” etc.; but if you come to sober facts, it will soon be apparent that Ash burton is not the place a manufacturer would select to commence a business, and I will now proceed to show you why. The manufacturer sets out with the following rule :—First, what produce can I buy on the spot, its first cost, cost of wages in its manufacture, what markets ? I will take your first article—woollen factory : There are already two in the field, and their pro ductions will suffice for the wants of New Zealand for some time, and I question if you wanted a continu ous supply of wool it could be obtained unless you went to Christchurch to pur chase. Leather : What quantity of hides could you get from your local butchers ; and where do you get your bark 1 Im port it, do you say ? Yes, but that means extra cost—and, then, your market 1 Soap : You might ' get about one ton of rough fat per week from your local butchers. If that was made into soap, where would you sell it ? Add to cost of fat the charge for caustic soda, coals, etc., and how much profit would it leave? Oatmeal, again : Where are your con sumers ? It cannot be exported for long distances. Ashburton has the disad vantage of high railway freight, dear labor, and absence of markets.' It may do very well as a depot for agricultural produce, and keep jogging a few middle men and publicans, but as a manufactur ing locale it is quite out of the question. Does it not seem monstrous to charge 3jd. per bushel for wheat to Lyttelton, and Id. more to ship it, or 13s. lOd. per ton — equal to one-third of the freight to the United Kingdom, and more than the freight charged from New York to Eng land. Coals—your first prime mover in all industries : 12s. Id. per ton is charged from Lyttelton to Ashburton. Again, timber is charged 2s. per 1,000 ft., or about 20 per cent, on its first cost. General goods are charged from 15s. to 40s. per ton. Then, again—labor : You must not come to Ashburton to get it, or you will have to pay some 12J per cent, dearer than in Christchurch. If you want to purchase a ton of potatoes, you have to pay from L2 ss. to L2 10s. here ; you can purchase the same in Christ church for LI ss. to LI 10s., clearly a saving of LI per ton on first cost. This is only as an example of your market. It is all very well to set out upon paper —and paper has done much for Ashbur ton —what could or should be done ; but the practical man knows that he cannot get a sufficient quantity of any goods. The first cost is as dear as in Christ church. Add to this the exorbitant cost of carriage per railway, and the manu facturer is completely shut out from the local markets ; and it is only to the farm ing portion that Ashburton can look for support. If some of your capitalists would form a syndicate and purchase land ; divide it into medium-sized farms, of from, say, 200 acres upwards ; build upon the same decent residences and outhouses, and sell the same upon deferred payments to practical farmers, not “ scrapers,” they will thus encourage the only possible or payable industry, and in the dim future some small local industry may crop up, which is the sincere wish of yours, etc., A Would-be Manufacturer. July 29, 1880.

PLAINS FARMING.

To THE EIJITOH. Sir, —I have read with interest and care Mr. Silcock’s paper on the above subject, as published in your issue of the 27th instant.

I fully agree with Sir. Silcock that “ plains farming ” is not the forlorn hope that many represent it to be, and that plains farmers are not on their last legs, for I fully believe that for the persevering plains farmer, “there’s a better day coming on.” But still I think Mr. Silcock’s estimates and figures will scarcely stand muster, and that his system of work ing his thousand acre farm will be found (if anyone adopts it) to be somewhat ex pensive. In the first place I must take exception to his estimate for rent. He is going to rent his thousand acres, all sub divided, all necessary buildings erected thereon, for the yearly rental of four shillings per acre. Now, I ask, where is he going to get such a farm at such a rental 'I It is scarcely possible to obtain such a block of land as that at the Govern ment price. So 1 will take the lowest price at which I have known land to have been bought second hand in the Ashbur ton district —viz., L 3 an acre. Now, to get such a farm into form would necessi tate the outlay of another L 1,300 at least, which sum I make up as follows : Fencing—lf the farm were a four square, in one section or block, and divided into hundred acre paddocks, together with small paddocks about the homestead for rams, calves, foals, etc. (and two or three small paddocks are a necessity on every farm), and with the fencing in of garden, house grounds, farm yard, rick yard, plantations, etc., I estimate that altogether there would be required little less than 1,000 chains of fencing, which, to be made “ a good and sufficient fence,” would need two wires, and a stake every five yards, and then planted or sown with gorse. Such a fence would cost 6s. per chain. A similar fence to the one I suggest, erected not far from here last winter, cost 7b., without the gorse planting. But for the sake of keeping down the expenses I will estimate the fencing on an imagin ary farm at 6s. per chain. Well, I esti mate the cost of fencing, breaking up, and erection of necessary buildings as follows; £ s. d.

And it leaves a total of ,£4300 o o Now, I should much doubt the possi bility of obtaining such a farm at the annual rental of 4s. per acre, and here I think Mr. Silcock errs in the first in stance. Then, with respect to the catalogue of stock and implements required, I think there are one or two errors or omissions in it. I find one item is four horses at L 25, LIOO. Now, I doubt the ability of four horses to perform the work necessary for a 1000 acre farm, especially when I find that he intends to grow 200 acres of wheat ; and from 200 to 250 acres of rape and grass to be put in every year ; and also 200 acres of turnips, which make 650 acres of land to be cultivated every year. And my experience of horses and horse power leads me to believe that it would be a sheer impossibility for any four horses in New Zealand, or any other land for that matter, to do it. I should say it would take six good horses, with two double-furrow ploughs, and two men, or one man and a good strong lad, to do that amount of tillage. Then,, in addition to the cultivation and ordinary field work, there is a great amount of extra horse work, such as carting out manure, carting in bedding for stable and stock yards, journeys to town, and innumerable little petty jobs where a horse is wanted which would not pay to stop a team to do, and which would, therefore, necessitate the provision of an extra horse, which would swell the number to seven instead of four. And with the addition of another team there would be required—

added to the plant required, to say nothing of the need of single-furrow plough swingletrees, extra set of harrows, or chain harrows —implements which every farmer needs. Mr, Silcock’s estimate for the purchase of clover and grass seeds is also, in my opinion, somewhat low, as I do not think 200 acres can be properly laid down for LSO. • I recollect a paddock on my father’s farm costing, a few years ago, more than 16s. per acre for clover and grass seed, when laying it down. His estimate, too, for horse feed is also very low—Ls for each horse, and he does not give the riding horse any. Now, horses working regularly, as those would have to do, would require at least half a bushel of crushed oats per day, for, I was going to say 300 days in the year, but I believe they would want it 365 days in the year, which would be bushels for each horse. This multiplied by seven (for I only reckon half quantity for the riding horse and the <l rouse about ’) would tot up to bushels of oats for feed. Valued at Is. 6d. per bushel (for I hope sincerely I may never again live to see the day when oats will be Is.), would make over LBB. This added to the addi tional horses and implements, which I have shown would be required, would make a total of L 238 to be aded to the stock and implement fund. And then, if we have another team —and I think practi cal men will see the necessity of one—we shall want another driver, which will add another LSO to the annual expense account. Then, Mr. Silcock, what would you have us do with our gorse fences ? Shall we let them run wild, or shall we cut them once a year ; and, if so, how shall it be done ? shall we let them by teiider or shall we buy a gorse cutting machine of Wood, Shand and Co., for L 75 ? If we choose the latter it will help to swell our implement account “ a few.” Moreover, in the annual expense account I see no provision for shearing, though I see there are 700 fleeces to be got rid of somehow. Or do shearing and gorse trimming come under the head of inci dentals ?

There appears to be a slight mistake in annual returns also. I find Mr. Silcock paying for the threshing of 4250 bushels of grain, but he only sells 1250 bushels. Where are those other 8000 1 Echo answers where ?

He counted them at break of day, But when the sun set where weie they?

I don’t object to the prices at which Mr. Silcock chooses to sell his produce from his imaginary farm ; but I should very much object to selling produce from a real farm at that rate, viz.—Wool at 9d. per pound, and wheat at 2s. 6d. per bushel. If such prices are to rule, I’ll quit farming and try something else, such prices don’t agree with the constitu tion of a Yoreshirebite.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, July 30. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) STRAY CATTLE. William Smith and J. F. Butler, for permitting cattle to wander at large, were fined ss. each. UNREGISTERED DOGS. Six charges were brought against Alex ander M‘Norb, of Tinwald, for having un registered dogs in his possession, and was fined L 5 on the whole. GAMBLING IN A LICENSED HOUSE. Phillip Tisch was charged with allowing gambling in his licensed house. Mr. Pur nell for the defence. The evidence was very similar to that taken in a case against four men for damaging the windows at the Alford Forest Hotel, heard at a recent sitting of the Court, and fully reported in these columns. . Mr. Purnell said that his client did not deny having thrown for drinks, along with some of his customers, but it had only been done so as to get rid of the men, who were rather noisy. There had been no gambling in the real sense of the word,

and Mr. Purnell would remind the Bench that there were different knds of “ Yankee Grab,” and the case in point was quite a different one to that termed “ a shilling in, and the winner shouts.” He would ask his Worship, also, not to place too much stress on the fact that dice had been used. For all the requirements of the case, straws might have been used. His Worship remarked that he had known thousands of pounds to have been lost and won where straws had been used.

After Mr. Tisch had given his evidence, which went to prove that his sole reason for permitting the “ Yankee grab ” was,to keep the men quiet, His Worship briefly referred to cases which had been decided in Christchurch, but thought that they were hardly similar. He cited a case which had been heard before Mr. Watt, R.M., at Dunedin, in which that gentleman had held that gambling meant throwing for money or money’s worth. Mr. Guinness con sidered the case now before him was one gambling, inasmuch as the parties had thrown for money’s worth. The informa tion was certainly upheld, but taking into consideration the circumstances of the case he would only inflict the nominal penalty of 55., and the witnessed expenses, L2. AN UNLICENSED VEHICLE. Phillip Tisch was charged with using a vehicle for the purpose of carrying pas sengers, the same not being licensed. Mr. Purnell for the defence said the accused admitted the offence but it had

been committed in ignorance of the law. Immediately Mr. Tisch was told of it by the police, he obtained the necessary license.

Mr. Tisch gave evidence that he was the contractor for carrying the mail, and was under the impression that being so gave him liberty to take passengers. Directly Sergeant Felton drew his attention to the fact that his action was illegal, witness had obtained a license, which only cost five shillings, and for the sake of that small amount, he would not wilfully break the law.

Mr. Purnell submitted there must be a guilty mind to warrant a conviction on any criminal offence. Sergeant Felton said he certainly under stood that ignorance of the law was iio ex cuse.

His Worship remarked that Mr. Pur nell was certainly giving expression to a most startling theory. ' Mr. Purnell said if his Worship would adjourn the case he could easily bring authorities to show that his theory was correct, and after some further argument, His Worship said that while coinciding with Mr. Purnell, the accused had cer tainly shown a certain amount of negli gence in not making himself acquainted with the law, but would only inflict the small fine Is. EEHEARIKG. Mr. Branson applied for a rehearing in the case of Baldwin v. Hodgson, also, jfor execution to be stayed until after the pre hearing. Mr. Crisp, instructed by Mr. Ireland, appeared to oppose the applica tion. Mr. Branson said the grounds of his application were based upon the fact that when the case was brought on before the Court, his client had failed to ap pear ; and the Bench had ' neglected to inquire into the items of the bills of particulars, the greater portion of which were characterised as “ refresh ments.” Mr. Branson stated that these so-called refreshments were really drinks supplied over the bar, and the Tippling Act being in force within the colony,, the cost of such liquor could not be recoverable at law. He took this ground because he had been informed by Sergeant Felton that the publicans of Ashburton had been warned not to supply Mr. Hodgson with drink, inasmuch as the latter had been frequently convicted for lunacy from drink. Mr. Baldwin had been personally warned by Sergeant Felton not to supply his client with liquor, and it was absolute cruelty for anyone to do so, as he was spending his substance by his drinking habits. The items called refreshments amounted to between L3O and L4O, and there was no doubt but that they were for drinks supplied over the bar. Had the Bench, when the case came on, questioned the plaintiff - as to what the items meant, it would have been elicited that they were for drinks.

H,is Worship said that the Legislature had made no provision for such an order as Mr. Bransoil had referred to being put into force, and he could not entertain what had been advanced by him in that respect, although he felt that it was a pity that Parliament had not carried dut the pro visions of the old Canterbury Ordinance in the existing Licensing Act. Mr. Crisp, in reply, said it was certainly Mr. Hodgson’s fault that the case had been decided in his absence, and submitted that the judgment by default was final. There was no evidence before the Court that if the application were granted for a re-hearing there would be a fair and valid defence raised. Unless his Worship had evidence to prove there was something wrong in the bill of particulars, it was not his duty to investigate the accounts, and find out for what the money was spent. Admitting, for the sake of argument, that the re freshments were drinks, it was perfectly legitimate for Hodgson to take his friends to the hotel and “shout” for them. But he did not admit they were for drinks. The items, most likely, had reference to dinner or other meals. Mr. Hodgson was a resident in the town, and he certainly could have been present when the case was heard had he so wished. Mr. Bran son’s reference to the Tippling Act was a technical objection, and his Worship should not entertain it. The sale of the goods seized was to take place to-day, and the application was apparently made to prevent his (Mr. Crisp’s) client from obtaining what he was certainly entitled to. Mr. Branson replied, and quoted several cases to show where the Court had asked questions, so as to elicit the facts of a case, and submitted that, especially when parties did not put in an appearance, it was the duty of the Court to enquire into the particulars of items. The Magistrate was supposed to supply the defects of counsel, and would frequently ask ques- ; tions which the latter had perhaps not the courage to put. His Worship consented to take the evi dence of Mr. Hodgson, so as to get at the merits of the application. R. Hodgson, on his oath, said that the items referred to as “refreshments” were for drinks supplied over the bar. By Mr. Crisp— I have often shouted, for ray friends. Don’t know what the items were for on the various dates which you mention. His Worship said he would grant the re-hearing on the defendant entering into a security for the amount and costs, the proceeds of the sale of goods seized to be deposited with the Clerk of the Court, pending the decision. UNDEFENDED CASES. Hodder v. Hammond.—Claim LlB 3s. 3d. Judgment by default for amount and costs, LI 9s. ..fßobbins v. Mossmau. —Claim Lll Is., for services rendered. Judgment by default for amount and costs.

PARLIAMENTARY NOTES.

[by telegraph. I (From our own Correspondent.) Wellington, July 30. The House met this morning at eleven, and at once changed its tactics from talk to work. After talking a week over one short Bill, and three days over three clauses, it passed this morning fifteen Bills. The J uries Bill containing 192 clauses, went through Committee in four minutes, and the whole fifteen Bills were read a third time and passed in eight minutes—between l - 25 and 1;33. This evidently means that members mean to' get away, and after talking about nothing, mean) as usual, to pass the Bills without looking at them. It is, however, fair to the House to say that; the Bills rushed through this morning were chiefly consolidation Bills, in which existing Acts were put in more brief and accessible form. Later. The afternoon was spent in talking over the Maori Prisoners Bill, which was passed through all its stages. It simply enables the Government to treat the Maori prisoners lately taken, or any others that may be taken, as they were already authorised, and to retain those previously in custody. Throughout the session no more mischievous speeches have been made, or speeches that more clearly showed how little some of the members care what may become of the pea.ee of the country, so long as they can obstruct the present Government. Such members, however, are in a small minority, and the good sense of the House may be said to be unanimously with the Govern ment in this question. Mr. Bryce did not speak very confidently of the present situation with the Maoris, and condemned, in the strongest manner, the language that Sir George Grey had used, and the wicked ness of treating such a subject as a party question.

PARLIAMENTARY

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. ; Thursday, July 29. The Treasury Bills. Bill was passed through Committee unaltered, the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse protesting that under the power given to issue treasury bills in London, the Government would be able to break their engagement not to borrow for three years. The debate on the appointment of a Committee to enquire into Mr. Taiaroa’s disqualification was resumed. The debate lasted nearly the whole afternoon. After a long an i personal dis cussion, a Committee was appointed to enquire into the subject of the disqualifi cation. The debate on the cost of education was resumed by. The Hon. Captain Fraser, who said that the expense to the State might be lessened a third if children were kept away from school until the seventh; or eighth year, as was advocated by medical men and leading writers on education. The debate was adjourned, and the Council rose at 5 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, July 28. EVENING SITTING. The motion for recommittal of the Native Lands Court vote was negatived on the voices.

Mr. Tele brought up the case of a man named Edmonds who claimed compen sation; ..from the Government for a vessel destroyed by the rebel natives fifteen years ago. ' Mr. Tole said the claim had been partlyi recognised' already, 1 and he asked that a reasonable sum by way of compensation should. be ; placed on the estimates, and moved accordingly. Mr. Bryce opposed the motion as it would open the way for a host of similar claims.

, Sir G. Grey supported the claim as it was different from; .most of the native disturbances claims. , . ■-

Mr. Hall would agree to an enquiry, but opposed the establishment of a pre cedent. , Mr. Sheehan favored the claim.

Mr. Macandrew opposed it, as claims to the amount of a million pounds would follow its recognition.. Still some of these claims might be well based, and their grand total might be ascertained. ; Mr. Gisborne spoke in a similar strain.. Major Te Wheoro was of opinion that claims of this kind should be considered on their merits, adding that there were a number of just claims on the part of Maoris, coming out of similar cases, which ought to be looked into Mr. Tole’s motion was put and nega tived on the voices SUPPLY. An Imprest Supply Bill of L 250,000 was passed, as also a resolution authoris ing the issue of deficiency bills to the amount of L 200,000. Thp Estimates were then gone on with, when the following reductions took place ; —Survey Department—L93,476 3s. 4d., reduced by L 5,000. ‘ Volunteers—L42,64o, reduced ,by L 9,000. Constabulary and contingent defences—Ll3B,2l3 17s. 6d., reduced by L 9,000. Thursday, July 29.' The House met at 2.30. Mr. Kelly brought up the report of the Public Petitions Committee on the petition of Mr. Ehrenfried, complaining that the Licensing Bench at the Thames had re fused a renewal of the licenses to five houses in that district. The Committee found that the Bench were authorised by the Act to judge whether or not it was in the public interest that such licenses should be granted or refused, and the Committee advised that the House should not interfere in the matter. , The Hon. J.; Bryce asked leave to intro duce the Maori Detention .Bill. As it was a matter of urgency, he requested that he might be allowed to carry it through all its stages to-morrow.' Mr. Saunders gave notice of motion for the appointir ent of a Select Committee to consider and report upon the expense of the officials connected with both Houses of Parliament. ■ ' Replying to Mr. Masters, / ’ The Hon. R. Oliver said that Govern ment recognised the importance, and next session would introduce a Bill to amend the Regulation of Mines Act, 1874, to provide for the issue within the colony of certificates of competency as managers of coal mines to those persons who are anxious to pass an examination to prove their fitness to hold such. The preference shown by coal owners to appoint certifi cated managers only was placing at a disadvantage those who, though thoroughly competent, cannot now obtain certificates in the colony. The Oamaru Harbor Board Bill was read the. third time, arid passed. TARANAKI SMELTING WORKS. The House went into Committee on the Taranaki Iron Smelting Works Land Act, 1874, Amendment Bill. The Hon. Major Atkinson protested against the Bill, as giving away the pub lic estate, but as the House had decided on carrying the Bill, he would nol further oppose.it. He showed that' the company had not fulfilled the conditions of the: grant. They had not raised the requisite; capital, and to make good the deficiency they had granted a certain number of, shares to a man named Smith, on account of a patent said to belong to him. On asking the chairman if, in the event of the company being -wound up, they would be prepared to pay Smith the amount of, these shares, the reply was—“ Oh, no. He (Smith) would have no claim at all.” The company had never acted in good faith, and no effort had been made to smelt iron. It was simply giving away 5,000 acres of the public estate.

Messrs. Macandrew and Ballance denied that no effort had been inade to smelt iron, the former stating that he was present and witnessed a smelting experiment, and the latter that L6OO had been spent on appliances.

The Hon. W. Rolleston said he would vote in every way against the Bill, with a view of preventing, if possible, a fraud being perpetrated on the public. Colonel Trimble said the company’s capital was not bona fide. It was simply a loan, being put away until this claim had been asserted, and afterwards would be paid back-to the lender with interest. Mr. Murray said he had ascertained that shares had been bought up by specu lators, in the hope of this Bill passing, and thereby making something out of them. The complexion of the transaction had changed materially in his estimation. Mr. Turnbull said that a goodly number of shares were held by residents in the South Island, and that the land was pro mised at the time the company was formed and the shares subscribed for. In that case, he considered it would be a hard ship to withhold the land, simply because the affair had not, turned .out- successfully MW Kelly said'that there whs ho inten tion of making up the capital to work the sand. They had simply made it up to secure the land. The affair had not been a bona fide one. He contended that the company had neither complied with the letter nor spirit of the condition under which the grant was promised.

Mr. Stewart said that this was an at tempt to deprive the company of its just rights. Their proceedings throughout proved a bona fide intention on the part of the company. They had spent more than twice the amount which by law they were bound to spend.

The Bill passed through Committee, and was reported without amendment. The House adjourned at 5.30.

evening sitting.

The House resumed at 7.30. The Hon. Major Atkinson moved that the House meet to-morrow morning at eleven o’clock, to dispose of Bilteof anon political character, more especially the Revision of Statutes Bill. Nothing but unopposed Bills would be taken, and if they found any Bill opposed, they would agree to its postponement. The motion was put and carried. The District Courts Act, 1858, Amend ment Bill was withdrawn. The .Municipal Corporations Act Amendment and Friendly Societies Act Amendment Bills were The Fire Brigade and Hospital and Charitable Aid Endowment Bills wore reported with amendments. Mr. De Lautour moved the second read ing of the Education Reserve Actj -1877, Amendment BilL

The Government agreed : to the taotion on the understanding that a full discussion would take place on committal, and the motion was carried. '

The Justices of the Peace Act, 1866, Amendment Bill was discharged; and the Mines Act, 1877, Amendment Bill post poned. •_ '■ _ “ The House went into Committeeon the New Zealand University and University Colleges Bill. Sir 6. M. O’Rorke expressed surprise that no notice had been taken by the Government of the , recommenda,tjqij by the Commission of higher education. He had seen the advantage that the South Is land obtained from its university, and he earnestly desired to see the North Island enjoy similar advantages. After every possible allowance for the straightened circumstances .of -the colony, he hoped the Government would make the concession sought for‘in the cause of higher education in the - North Island. Whatever the issue might be he felt sure that the present state of matters in the North Island would not be tolerated much longer. ' On clause 2 being proposed, The Hon. W. Rolleston moved that progress be reported. Sir G.: Grey said that' their primary education required to. be supplemented by education of a higher order. . He believed that the establishment of four colleges in New Zealand,' all teaching different branches of education, would turn out men of varied knowledge and attainments. He saw an objection to only four being established, as they ; would have one at Dunedin, one .at Christchurch, one at Wellington, and the fourth at Auckland. That would place them all on the 5 East Coast. He would like to see one estab lished say at Taranaki, and one on the West Coast of the Middle"lsland; ’ 13

Mr. Montgomery agreed with what had been said as to the desirability of the es tablishment of colleges in the,.North Is land. - ' Mr. Macandrew said, that the BilLpro posed to spend L 30,000 on buildings, and LBOOO per annum on professors... .That was more than the colony could at present afford. The North could if it liked take advantage of the South Island Universities. There were valuable.endowments,.in. the North Island, and they might he devoted to the purpose, at all events, of establish ing at least one University. -\- Mr. Moorhouse said, that, if education or religion were worth having) they ought to be paid for by those getting them. Public propriety ought to recogriise/ita duty of maintaining both'its religious-rind educational institutions without , making them a charge oh the' state., He didinot believe in endowments'. The _ best way was to sell thern, pay the debts, and make the public pay for these arid other advan tages. ‘ V i / 7 \ Mr. Hurst was afraid that the j colony was in danger of falling into. the extreme of over-educating. The result was that the professional walks.of life,'those of barristers, &6., ‘were being crowded, ffi to the detriment of other pursuits more di rectly of a reproductive character.' V* Mr. Moss cautioned them against-the superficial style of education followed put in some of the colonial universities'. • ’ S The motion for reporting progressicvriis carried. 5 > Mr. Hutchison moved the second read ing of the Chinese Immigration, Bill. The Hori. Major Atkinspn said, that the Government was in communication with the other colonies with a view .pf con certing joint action, on . the subject. He hoped that would be. sufficient,, to> justify the withdrawal of the 8i11.'.: t .lt.iwas a measure which ought, to' be taken in hand by the Government'' ' Mr. Hutchison said.he. would be content to take the fate of the Bill .pn. the voices. The Bill was ultimately witHdf awiri \ Mr. Reeves moved the second steading of the Mining Companies’ Act;-'-T872, Amendment Bill.: . ’ The motion was agreed to, and the Bill ordered to go before the Qoldfields Cora mittee. - lj ■ '• ’li- t A : . Mr. Moorhouse briefly moved the second reading; of ; the Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill. Mr. Macandrew said that every member . had no doubt made up his mindi oiDthe question, so ho would without remark move that the Billbe read a ; seconditime that day six months. j u On a division the second reading was carried by 27 to 9. ; > The following'is the division list : • . Ayes, 29—Messrs. .Atkinson, Barron, DeLautour, Dick, Ji T. ;Fisher,. Fulton, .Gisborne, Hamlin, Hirst, H. Hurst, W. J. Hursthouse,. Jones; Kelly, Masters, Montgomery, Modrhouse, Olivea, Reeves, Rolleston, Seymour, Shanks, Shephard, Shrimski, Swanson, Trimble, -Whitaker, Wright. Noes, 9—Messrs. Bowen, Harris, Hut chison, Lundon. Macandrew, Tainui, Tawhai, Tomoana, Walhs. Mr. Moorhouse, wished to havethe.Bill committed forthwith, but Dr. Wallis ob ecting, this could not be done. On the motion that it becommitted next Thursday, f ; ; Mr. Swanson moved the additional words “at 7.30.” _ /r This led to some discussion, and the motion as amended was carried. The House then rose.- •- ; Friday, July 30. The House met at 11 pclock., . : r Mr. Hall moved the second reading of the Counties Act Amendment Bill. Refer ring to the clause providing that in case, of counties where the Act, is not in operation the Governor is empowered to exercise the functions of the Council,, there might be a difference of opinion, arid if he found that a majority was against tlat proposal he would be prepared to-forego' it. ' , : :,r The motion was carried, - and. the Bill, ordered to be committed presently.; i \,’<r Major Atkinson moved the second read-, ing of the Transfer Act Amendment! Bilk The object of the Act was to obviate, issue’ of Crown grants, thereby expediting . the completing of titles, and save .a. consider able amount of money to the country. , Sir G. Grey said that the presentrsystem was a modification’of the one in operation at the Cape of Good Hope. There two Crown grants were drawn —one in the Land Grants Office, and the other held by the grantee. When a transfer, took place, the parties went to the Crown Grants Office arid had the transaction, en-. dorsed on both, grants, thereby . obviating the expensive and Cumbersome system, rof transfer still in vogue.. ; Vi . Major Atkinson said, that the present proposal was not to deal with the registra tion of titles, but he would keep the sug gestion in view, considering it a valuable one. Sir George Grey said he .would jmakeiau; effort to have the proposal introducpdantp the Bill. Its effect would be that" parties transferring property would go to the office, and for the sum of 10s. 6d. get the

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JULY 81,^1680.



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST. . S » d. s. d. . Butter, inferior to best lb I O to 1 3 Eggs, 1? dozen - - I 0 to I 2 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb o 6 to 0 S Bacon, prime smoked, S? lb o 10 to I 0 Hams in cloth, 1? lb - I 2 to 0 0 Flour in bags, t? loolb 13 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, $ 25th - 4 6 to 0 0 Lard, I? lb - - - 0 7 to 0 0



Fencing 1000 chains at 6s. per chain 300 0 0 Breat mg up 1000 acres at 7s. per acre 35° 0 O Farmer’s house 35° 0 O Stable and chaff-house ... too 0 O



Barn IOO O 0 block vavd ail'd sheep yard, to- gether with, implements shed. milking shed, fowl house, pig- geries ... ... ... ... ' 75 0 0 Plantation and orchard ... 25 O 0 1300 0 0 Add to the above, purchase of land 3000 O 0



£ s. d. Another plough, costing say is 0 O Another dray 20 0 O Other harness ... is 0 O Which, with 3 horses at £2$ each 75 0 O Would make... ... ,£iS° 0 O



AUCTION SALES. Wednesday, August 4. Alfred Harrison, at Ashburton Forks — Horses, Implements, Harness, &c. Sale at 12.30. Thursday, August 5. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co., at Mr. W. C. Morgan’s, AlfordForest—Postponement of Sale. OATS— Wanted to PURCHASE OATS in any quantity. Send samples to Geo. Maude, Commission Agent, near Tattersall’s, Christchurch. 46a WANTED KNOWN—That 0. Haw kins, the Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots RESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—The Rev. Mr. Sutherland,, of Otago, will preach in the Ashburton Presbyterian Church dO-MOEROW, morning and Made and Repaired. 80og—417c evening. 78g