SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. AE HIVED. Jan. 24—Wauaka, s.s., from Welling ton and North. J an . 20—Pleiades, ship, from London. SAILED. jan. 2i—Penguin, s.s., for Wellington and North. STEAMERS LEAVE LYTTELTON A-i UNDER- For Wellington —Wellington, Tins nay, Jan. 27. Passengers by 4 p.m. train. To be followed by Rotomahana, on Thursday, Jan. 25). Foe Narise, Gisborne, Tauranga, and Auckland —Ilotomahana, Thursday, Jan. 23. Passengers by 2.40 pan. train. To be followed by Wanaka, on Satur day, Jan. 31. For Port Chalmers Albion, This Day, Jan. 27. Passengers, by 2.40 p.m. train. To he followed by Wakatipu, Wednes day, Jan. 28. For Melbourne, via Bluff Albion, This Day, Jan. 27. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Tararua, on Tues day, Feb. 3. Fob Sydney Jan. 29. Passengers by 2.40 p.m. train. To be followed by Wakatipu, Feb. o. Fob Hos art Town — Tararua, on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Fob Pioton, Nelson, Taranaki, _and Manukau Wellington, This Day, Jan. 27. Passengers by 4 p.m. train.

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as undert— ■ , Tuesday, Jan. 27. For Otago and Australian Colonies, per Albion. Thursday, Jan. 20. For Northern ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Botomahana.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.

All orders for insertion must ho written legibly on the nice of the advertisement. When no order is given, the advertiso ** merit will bo inserted until counter manded, and charged, accordingly. Advertisements received after 10 o’clock each evening will be placed over tlie leader heading and charged double rates. All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should, he addressed to The Editor.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1880.

Tlie inquest at Ohertsey yesterday, although, one of a very common nature— on a death from habitual drunkenness—is calculated to teach a useful lesson, apart from the moral to be drawn from the evidence and verdicts in such cases. Most of our readers are aware that, in many centres of population in this colony, what Is now known as “ larrikinism,” is ram pant. The term is of recent colonial manufacture, and every colonist under stands its meaning. The “ larrikin” is a most unlovely object. He is, as a rule, from 15 to 20 years of age, and possesses as much vice, and more impertinence; than a well developed London blackguard, and the diversity of his acquirements is fully as great as the field on which he sows them is extensive. It is all the same to our larrikin whether ho finds his amuse ment in standing with his companions at street corners , on Sunday evenings, and giving expression to the filthiest of language for the benefit of .ladies return- I

iug from divine service (ho has too much vcspoct foi’kis bide to do so if the ladies have a protector with then;) ; or in creat ing what might very properly he termed a riot, if action wove taken which would consign tho larrikin and Ilia fellows to a couple of years of well deserved imprison ment. This Chortsoy affair would never have been known to tho public had it nut been for tho fact that an old drunkard’s constitution infused to bear any further doses of whisky and gave way, and whilst he was dying a disgraceful debauch was taking place close at hand, in which the deceased’s wife and five young men, vary ing in age from 1G to 30 took part—the woman herself being a weatherbeaten moral and physical ruin of peihaps 55 years of ago. The inevitable whisky bottle was in attendance, and all the other witnesses acknowledged that they were tho worse of liquor, and did not retire from the orgic until nearly daylight. Two of the actors in this scene wore under 20, and we understand the R.M. Court will shortly her more of the doings of some of the companions of these precocious youths, in a charge of wilful destruction of property a fortnight or so ago. Legisla tion can do but little in such cases ns these. It is by mere accident that such evidence as was adduced yesterday can be got at on ordinary occasions, and perhaps the police will for the future have an idea on whom to place their hands in Chertscy when any specially outrageous piece of larrikinism occurs.

It is not a pleasant subject to think on, much less to write of ; bat it is one of those blots on our colonial character which requires investigation. Every mail wo receive from Sydney or Melbourne brings us news of atroci ties by tho ill-bred and badly-reared specimens of the human race, who are only more advanced in larrikinism than the Chertsoy specimens have yet become, and the question which arises in our mind is—Ai’e they to ho allowed to terrorise over the respectable portion of the community '? Tho Australian cities have tried to crush the incubus, and have signally failed. The same incubus is ram pant in this colony, and appears to be daily gaining ground, until one fears that the time may not be distant when New Zealand’s larrikins will outshine those of the other side. It now becomes a groat question for our legislators, moralists, and teachers sis to what ws shall do with our young men. Our public libraries do not soom to offer attractions—witness our own local institution. Any man of edu cation starting a night school is looked upon as an idiot, as ho has no chance of support ; and tho larrikin has no more idea of what music is than is con veyed to him by the trashiest songs, or perhaps by making night hide ous with tho noise to bo produced from an empty kerosene tin. If our country is to be what its boast has boon — the Britain of the South—wo must dis cover some means and. recreation for our young men, other than holding such dis graceful meetings as we have noticed above. Generally speaking, thosomost likely to “go to the bad” are young fellows with talent to make a mark in the world, and having that talent they usually lead others with less brains in the same road to iniquity, with its inevitable infamy. We leave the matter in our readers’ hands to suggest some remedy for the great and grov mg curse.of “ Larrikinism.’’

The Relief Fund. —At Oamaru the re lief movement has been gone into with spirit, about LIOO having been raised in a few days, though no canvass has yet been made. A canvass will be made next week. Up to noon of Saturday, H 0 was collected at a stall in the principal street from passers-by.

Ths Municipal Conference. — The Conference of Municipalities to discuss Hie proposal originated by Mr. Bullock, ex-Mayor of Ashburton, and issued by the Ashburton Borough Council to the various Municipalities in the Canterbury Pro vincial District, will be held in Christ church on Wednesday next.

The Weather. —Up to last night the farmox’3 have had good tines, but towards 5 p. in. yesterday, after a good deal of threatening, a sou’-wost rain begem to fall steadily, and continued to do so until the time of our going to press. Little or no wind accompanied tho ram, and as tiie wheat crop is, as yet, scarcely ready to reap, we imagine very little harm will be done providing the rain does not last over to-morrow.

This Co.V'NG Tver. —Wo again remind our readers of tho great trial of reapers and hinders which is to take place in Mr. Hay T. Smith's paddock, opposite Messrs. Saundeis Bros’, mill, to-morrow. Seven machines will compote, and all that is required is a smile from tho Clerk of the Weather, as we are confident tho impor tance of the occasion will induce a large attendance.

Accident near Rakaxa. —On Saturday morning a man was coming down the road known as Thompson’s track to Rakaia, driving a two-horse dray laden with horse feed, when he was overtaken by the engine working on the Mcfchvea railway. The leading”horse took fright, swerving first to one side and then suddenly darting off to the other, bringing down the shaft horse and overturning the dray and himself. The man, who was riding on the load, was 'pitched violently over the gerse fence, in liis fall striking the wire of the fence and cutting the skin off a portion of his face, tire fall rendering him insensible. Fortu nately there was a man passing at the time, who immediately ran to the horses’ heads and held them down till the driver had recovered his senses and was able to render assistance. Quo shaft of the dray was broken, and the leading horse was severely cut about his fore legs.

The Wesleyan Conference. —At the Wesleyan Conference on Saturday, Mr. A. C. Coughey was received as a proba tioner to be appointed to a circuit. Messrs J. S. 'Wills and F. J. Jones were received as candidates to be sent for training to Wesleyan College. D. J. Murray ’was simikrrly received for cue year’s training at the Coliege, the year to be counted as tlio first of his probation. J. Dukes was unanimously received as a candidate to bo appointed to a circuit. The Rev. Armi tnge, convener of committee on ministerial applications, brought up the report of the committee, which stated that seveial ministers in England, Ireland, and Aus tralia had applied for admission info the New Zealand Conference. Consideration •of the report was deferred to a later stage of the conference, when it shall have been ascertained what places require additional ministers.

1.0 G.T. —The usual meeting of the Damn of Peace Lodge was held last even ing. About 40 members were prosenh The following officers were elected for the ensuing term, viz. :—Pro. 1 oyntz, W.C.T. ; Bro. Lsitch, W.V.T. ; Bro. Sando, W. 3. ; Bro. G. Andrews, W.F. S.; Bro. T. Andrews, W. T. ; Bro. Hardley, W.C. ; Bro. Macdonald, W.M. ; Bro. Mullaney, W.I.G. ; Sister Ivl. A. Andrews, W.R.H.S. ; Sister Poyntz, W.L.H.S. Two new members were ini tiated. The following Committee were appointed to confer with the Star of tiie Ea*st Lodge, on the election of Superin tendent for the Juvenile Temple : viz.— Bros. Stephen Poyntz, G. W. Andrews, A, J. Andrews, and Sando, with Sisters Sando, Hardley, and M. A. Andrews. A communication was received from the 6.W.5., soliciting subscriptions towards a memorial to the lute G. W.C.T. Bro. Jago. The D.D. having intimated that he had received a commission to institute a Degree Temple, it was resolved—“ That the Temple be instituted on Wednesday, February 4th, at 7.30 p.m.”

Tub “ Norms ” Art op Snap Defence. —“ The noble art of self defence, in ail its grace and beauty ” is being illustrated :n the Oddfellows’ Hall, Christchurch, by the Champion, bruiser of Victoria, Abe Hickin, and his exhibition is said to draw fairly. I.O.G.T.—At the meeting on Saturday evening of the- Star of the East lodge, notice of motion was given to consider the advisablencss of surrendering the charter. The motion will come on for discussion next Saturday, and all in embers interested in sustaining the lodge and re taining working powers had better attend. Professor Wallendubg. —So many patients have presented themselves for treatment by Professor Wallenberg, that lie will remain longer in Ashburton than he at first intended, and. the ten days ho originally marked out, as being ail that was needful for this district, have been considerably extended. Kowai Hoad Board. —A petition against the last annual election for the members of this Board has been lodged as provided by the Local Elections Act, 1878, and evidence will he heard by tho Resident Magistrate, at Amberley, on February 2nd. The protest against the election is on the ground that the proper ratepayers’ roll was not used. Harvest Accident. —On Friday a man in tho employ of Mr. L. White, near Rakaia, slipped off a stack ho was building, with a fork in his hand. One prong of the fork entered the fleshy part of his arm between the elbow and tho wrist, tearing out a large piece of flesh, and, passing" on, entered his thumb, running through it lengthways. The prong of the fork was with some difficulty withdrawn, and the poor fellow was taken to the Christchurch Hospital. Mount Somers Road Board. —ln our report of tho amount of work done by the Board, and submitted lo the ratepayers, an error, Mr. Fraser writes to us, crept in. Wo gave the amount of shingling done as 7 miles 33 chains, whereas those figures represented the extent of ro shingling done. The correct extent of shingling was 2G miles 244 chains. Desk Almanac. —The desk almanac published by Messrs. Weeks and Dixon can now be had gratis on application at their establishment, Saunders’ building, East street. The almanac is neatly printed in blue and red on one side of tho card, while on the other side is a list of the leading merchants, business meu, and tradesmen, lists of the hotels, .and board ing houses, and a railway, postal, and coach guide. Ashburton Water Supply. —Nearly every train arriving at the Ashburton station has more or less trucks loaded with the pipes for tho Ashburton Water Supply scheme. Seeing there is no immediate chance of their being used for their in tended purpose, and the quantify being so large that the borough’s storage would be stretched to its utmost limits, besides the great expense for cartage, his Woi-ship communicated with the railway authorities asking permission to store them on the railway reserve, and this was granted. Short, Sharp, and Decisive.' —-The way in which a crop near Dromore fell before tho reapers and binders at this early part of tho season, is a very good criterion of what may be done where energy and capital arc combined with tho means to cany out advanced ideas. On the sth of tlie present month Mr. Black, manager for John Grigg, Esq., left the homestead at Longbcach and travelled with the necessary reaping appliances, Ac., to a 630-acre crop of barley at Dromore. By the 2.lst the whole crop was stacked, and the engine and combine is now busy at its portion of tho work, and another day or two will see the whole of the grain in the railway trucks. The reapers and binders arc again homeward hound to operate on the Longbeach crop. Tns Proposed Court-house. His Worship the Mayor has, during the past week, been in communication with E. G. Wright, Esq., who in his turn has been in correspondence with the Minister for Public Works on the subject of tho proposed Court House foi- Ashburton. As the Mayor very clearly pointed out, tho first cost of the buildings would ho voiy little less if built in wood or brick, and as the latter material can now be pur chased in Ashburton at so low a rate as 455. per thousand, it would be cheaper, looking forward to the lower charges for insurance and tho more permanent nature of the buildings if they were at once con structed in brick, besides which the greater security of public documents, in such a building would bo another great argument in favor of a brick structure when compared with timber. In reply to his Worship’s suggestions, Mr. Wright replied that he had communicated witli the Minister for Public Works, who had stated his instructions to the Colonial Architect were to call for alternative tenders for erection in wood and brick. This, however, is not exactly what is re quired, as wo all know that the wooden structure will bo the lowest? but as the Mayor very pertinently points out in his second letter, it will be by no means economical in a few years’ time, when tho extra insurance tariff will have swallowed up all the extra cost had the building been erected with the more durable material.

TELEGRAPHIC.

■ BRITISH AND FOREIGN. [Kaildr's ) London, Jan. 22. The total reserve of notes ;md bullion in the Bank of England is L 5,937,500 London, Jan. 23. The Marchioness of Lome returns to Canada to-morrow. Sir Henry Bnlwer, Lieut.-Governor of Natal, has been appointed Governor of Western Australia. Three per cent, consols arc at 9SI-. Australian tallow is unchanged. January 24. Five per cent. Now Zealand 10-40 loan, !03. The distress throughout Ireland is in creasing. Universal appeals for relief arc being made. New Yon,n, Jan. 23. It is currently reported here that the English Government have decided to interfere in the war between Chili and Pern. Bee UN, Jan. 22. The German Government has intro duced a Bill in the German Parliament to increase the army another GO,OOO men. Vienna, Jan. 24. Austria is co-operating with the Mel bourne International Exhibition. Slis will be a largo exhibitor. St. Petersburg, Jan. 22. The “ Golos ” of to-day announces that the Russian Government have received authentic information that Odessa has been discovered to bo undermined to a great extent, and the city is believed to be in imminent danger of destruction. Work in connection with tlio Panama Canal scheme has been commenced. St. Petersburg, Jan. 24. Tlio Russian Government has given an official denial to the rumoured defeat and abandonment of Tchikesalar. (Argus Sperial. ) London, Jan. 20. The Orient Company announce that they will not carry mails. It is understood the Company will tender, and then the captain will refuse to embark the mails. The Post Office will then prosecute, which, it is expected, will lead, to an expression of public opinion in favor of adequate payment. London, Jan. 23. General Skobeloff succeeds General Ter guksofx in Asia.

AUSTRALIAN. ( Reuter's Telegram.) Sydney, Jan 23. The railway traffic manager, Carlisle, who was recently censured and fined for his conduct in connection with tho Para matta railway collision on Boxing Day, has been ordered to exchange positions with Read, traffic auditor. INTE RPROYINOIAL. Auckland, Jan. 24. At the police court to-day, Win. Ander son, baker, was charged with obtaining money under false pretences from Hcrcl wiek, grocer, and was remanded, bail being allowed. William Henry Turner, aged 84, formerly of Taranaki and Nelson, died yesterday. Tho following societies take part in the Friendly Societies’ demonstration on the 19th :—The different lodges of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity), Rechahites, Ancient Order of Foresters, Independent Order of Good Templars, Hibernian Australian Catholic Benefit Society, National Order of Oddfellows, and Local United Friends. It is expected that 25 lodges will take part in the fete. Auckland, Jan 2G. Tho schooner Minnehaha, owned by MTCenxio and Baghm, was wrecked in Harvey’s group, South Sea Islands, and a valuable cargo lost. Tho captain and crew wore saved. She was insured for L 3,090 in a floating policy on cargo and vessel. A remarkable discovery has been made near Mongonui, near Capo Karakara. On the sandhills being blown away by the recent gales a great heap of bones and the remains of a house were uncovered. Tiie Natives know nothing of it, and have no traditions of a settlement or burial place having been there. It is believed further examination will show they are the remains of a race inhabiting New Zealand prior to the immigration of the Maoris. Grahamstown, Jan. 2G. Mr. Allison E. Morrison, of Christchurch College Grammar School, has been unani mously elected, from eleven .applicants, head master of tho Thames High School. Mr. Morrison is a B. A. of Queen’s College, Oxford, and was highly recom mended by Professor Brown, Christchurch, and many others. Shares in tho new tailings venture in Gabriel’s Gully, Otago, are about being placed in the market. Mining matters are quiet. Mr. Bull, officer in charge of the Tele graph Department, is to be presented with a testimonial previous to proceeding to Timaru. Normandy, Jan. 26. The Native Minister and party arrived at Waihi from Opuimko soon after 11 o’clock yesterday, and after staying at tho station proceeded to Hawcr.x via Nor man by. Native preparations are being made at'Waihi station for a movement to Waimate Plains to-day. A site has been chosen for a redoubt to ho immediately erected on tho plains, at Kaipuna stream, it is thought. Wellington, Jan. 24. Three men found witli instruments for gaining in their possession, were sen tenced to four weeks hard labor. Dr. Lemon has received the following ; —“ Colonel Glover has sent tho following message to the Mayor of Sydney, and I shall be glad if you hand the same to the Press Agency for publication, and also forward to the Central Committee for relief of tho distress in Ireland :—‘ Lord Mayor of Dublin, to the Mayor of Sydney Return grateful thanks for second munificent subscription. As dis tress increasing fearfully the Committee has telegraphed to Melbourne, and asked that it should make known wants.’” Since receipt of the above another telegram lias been received through Colonel Glover from an M. P., Dublin, to an M. P. at Brisbane, asking - what is doing in Bris bane for the distressed Irish. Wellington, Jan. 2G. At tho Supreme Court on Saturday a. rule nisi was granted,.jcalling.. upon Mr. W. L. Rees "to show cause why ho should not pay the sum of L 1,177 in his bands, belonging to Tareha Moananu. Dunedin, Jan. 2G. Tho collection at St. Joseph’s Cathedral yesterday, in aid of the Irish relief fund amounted to L 92. A case is proceeding in tho Supreme Court in which Proudfoot, the tramway engineer, is sued for LI.IOO for causing the death of Meldrum, a car ter, in October last. Colonel Scratchloy wenti’ouml to White Island, off Ocean Beach, and tooK sound ings, and made inspection of tho neigh borhood of the Heads for battery sites. At the City Court, throe milkmen were each fined 10s. and cost fin - selling adul terated milk. Twelve samples were taken, but the analyst only reported against these three. Dunedin, .Jan 2-1. Over L 250 wore collected for tho Irish famine fund, including LSO, one-third of the gross proceeds of a. circus performance last night. Invercargill, Jan. 20. Tho Union Bank of Australasia has bought land for premises in Tay street, formerly occupied by the Bank of New Zealand, for L 3750. James Colgee, formerly of Prince’s Hotel, a very old resident, was found dead in a hut on his land near tho Now River Heads. Death is supposed to have been from appoploxy. r -0-

THE LATEST ,

AUSTRALIAN. (Association S’facial.) Melbourne, Jan. 2G. The Queensland loan is deferred pro bably with a view to issuing inscribed stock to the amount required. Numerous applications for space have been received from the leading British manufacturers. The decision to provide additional space at tho Exhibition gives general satisfaction. The “ .Spectator ” warns England against the violent diatribes levelled by the “Times’” Melbourne correspondent against the Victorian Government, and considers the nominee principle concedes all the power that can legitimately he demanded. The “ Saturday Review ’’ considers the present power of the Council requires modification, and regrets the Council has not exhibited more moderation. The House loudly condemns Berry’s Bill as needlessly revolutionary and re pugnant to tho Brit ish idea of monarchical constitutional Government.

PER OUR SPECIAL WIRE.

INTERPE.OYINOIAL. Nnw Plymouth, J;m. 2G. To Whiti, when presented with the Governor’s proclamation, told the officer who gave it him to take it hack to the man who printed it. Ho asked who were the Commissioners, and on being told, said Mohio Tawhia was like a dog -with long cars. IdoriMAXBY, Jan. 2?. The Constabulary, commanded by Captain Marshall, started for Wahi, at 5.55, and readied Kaipuni at 9.15, where they intend to make their first camp, and probably build a redoubt. Wanganui, Jan. 26. A man named Thomas Trice has dis appeared. His clothes were found near Virginia lake. It is fancied he has com mitted suicide. The lake has been dragged, but owing to the depth and irregularity of the bottom without success so far. Trice

was landlord of the White Hart Hotel, Marton, but failed. He had been in de pressed spirits ever since. Wellington, Jan. 21. The “ Chronicle ” apologised to Mr. Holcombe for an article published on Sept. Ist, and in consequence the libel action has been withdrawn. Proceedings have been taken against laud tax defaulters. Several solicitors are said to be in the list. Captain Kendall, Secretary for the Underwriters’ Association, returned from the wreck of the brigantine Progress in Pallisor Bay to-dajx He reports that she is a total wreck. Every preparation is being made to lay the new cable across ths Straits im mediately the steamer arrives. L 209 was collected in the Roman Catho lic Cathedral yesterday for the Irish dis tress fund. Government has agreed to continue the lease of the Supreme Court-house from Dr. Duller. Thcprice isstated to bo L 2,000 per annum. A scries of accidents occurred at Otaki races. A young man named Mudgoway received a fatal injury through colliding his horse with another ridden by a young lady. The latter is in a critical condition. A young girl belonging to Thos. Seymour fell out of a buggy, and the wheel passing over her body killed her instan taneously. In the case of Nash v. Chiarini, for in juries sustained through the tent pole smashing, the verdict was for plaintiff for LlO 10s. and costs. Nelson, Jan. 26. In the District Court this morning appli cation for discharge ro J. S. Jones was opposed by Mr. Bunny on behalf of Nathan and Co., Wellington. The dis charge was granted, hut the same not to take effect for three months. Christchurch, Jan. 2G. On Saturday a lad named Stephen Bar ton, a"cd 10, employed at the Home Bush coal mines, while engaged leading a horse attached to trucks through the drive was accidently knocked down and run over. The sufferer expired almost immediately. An inquest was held before H. J. Mathias, coroner, and a verdict of accidental death was returned, with a rider “That there was a certain amount of neglect on the part of tire manager in allowing persons to lead horses in front of wagons coming out of tho coal mines, as the road is not wide enough to allow them to escape in case of accident. ’’ Oamaru, Jan. 20. A trial of tho Gammon and Decriug reaper and binder took place to-day. The trial was very successful, but had not pro ceeded far when the heavy rain put an cud to it. The election of a School Committee was a very quiet affair. Owing to the in clement weather there was a very small .attendance. Mr. W. T. Pirie, hotelkeeper at Papa karo, died very suddenly this morning. An inquest will be hold to-morrow. The Burns anniversary ball was a most successful affair. Dunedin, Jan. 23. Colonel Scratohley left for the Bluff to day in the Hincmoa, after inspecting Dunedin harbor. The little daughter of Mr. Short, of Eden Creek, who received some injuries a short time ago from a kick by a horse, died last week. There are 835 European and 465 Chinoso minors working in the Mount Ida district, but they have taken out only 596 miners’ rights. The country thus loses over L7OO a year. Invercargill, Jan. 23. Colonel Scratcliley arrived at Bluff this morning, and during the day was engaged in making a survey of the entrance of the harbor, with a view to reporting upon its c ipabilitiss for defence. He inspects.the Volunteers in Invercargill to-night. An excursion train arrived this after noon. Its occupants were composed principally of old settlers of the Clutha, who are proceeding to the lakes for a day or two. Some 30 or 40 Dunedinites are included in the party.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of tho Borough Council was hskl last night. Present —His Worship the Mayor (pre siding) ; Messrs. G. M. Robinson, R. Friedlander, Thomas Bullock, Weymouth Roberts. the mayor’s statement. Tho Mayor, in referring to the distress in Ireland, mentioned that the special meeting called for last Monday had fallen through for want of a quorum, and it would bo necessary to deal with the matter at that meeting. The pipes for the water supply had been stored to some extent in the Borough yards, but owing to the num ber of pipes it had been found necessary to store the remainder on the railway re serve, permission • for which had been given by the railway authorities. The Resident Magistrate would hold his As sessment Appeal Court on the 16th proximo. Mr. G. S.' Cooper, Under Secretary, forwarded a circular enclosing three copies of a Bill introduced into Parliament last session to provide for the management of Hospitals and charitable institutions, and for the distribution of charitable aid. Tho circular stated that owing to pressure of business the Bill failed to pass, but Go vernment proposed introducing tho same or a similar Bill in the early part of next session, and meanwhile would bo glad to receive suggestions on the subject from the various local bodies who will be con cerned in the administration of the proposed law. The circular suggested that such remarks or suggestions of amendment as the Council felt disposed to make bo written upon one of the Bills enclosed and returned tt the office of the Colonial Secretary. Mr. Bullock said that in looking over tho Bill he thought a committee should be appointed to consider what recommen dations if any wore advisable, and he would move accordingly, nominating tho Mayor and Messrs. Saunders, Williamson, and the mover. Mr. R. Friedlander seconded, and the motion was carried. THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. The Town Clerk of Waimate wrote to say that a delegate to the Municipal Con ference at Christchurch would be sent by tho Waimate Munioipalitjn The City Clerk, Christchurch, wrote to say that the City Council saw no reason tu altar their resolution, and would offiy take part in the Conference provided it were general. Mr. Bullock pointed out that Ashburton was not opposed to the Municipal Associa tion being one that would include all the Municipalities in the colony, the only ob jection to it being the expense that such a general Association would entail in dele gates having to attend from great dis tances. Probably, however, he, with his Worship the Mayor, would be able to lay the matter fairly before the Conference, and he hoped Christchurch would re-con sider its decision. THE WELL QUESTION. Mr. S. Hardloy sent in his account for the well he sunk in Tailored street. He took occasion to say that the committee of the Fire Brigade made a great mistake in having the well driven 25ft. Gin. It should on:;/ have been driven 20ft, when there would have boon Gft. of water, whereas there was now 12ft., and the pipe was in sand drift. The Mayor said there had been a mis take made inasmuch as nothing had been committed to writing on the contract. A Committee had been appointed to inquire into the matter of this well, but had not been able to meet. They would, how ever meet on the next practice evening of the Fire Brigade. Messrs. Bullock and Robinson were both of o]>inioii that if tho contractor had driven the pipe according to his con tract he should be paid. Mr. Weymouth Roberts was of opinion that there was not a sufficient number of holes in the pipe for the water to flow through, and the Fire Brigade should have seen to this. It was resolved—“ That the matter stand over till next meeting, and mean while the Committee appointed by the Council examine and report.” THE BYE-LAWS. Messrs. Weeks and Dixon, printers, put in a bill for LlO, being the cost of composition of the by .-laws, the typo for which had been kept standing for many months, and they had been deprived of its nso. The Clerk was instructed to write in reply that Mr. Fooks would he in town in a few days, and the matter would be recti fied. LICENSE FEES. The Collector of Customs advised the Council of the payment to their account at the Bank of Llo 10s., amount of license fees in the Borough accrued during the quarter. THE DISTRESS IN IRELAND. Mr. W. A. Brown, Chevtsey, wrote, suggesting tint as oats would this -year bo plentiful and the price low, a cargo should be sent home to Ireland. Many farmers would willingly give 100 bushels, when they would not be able to give cash. The oats would he very acceptable and very serviceable to the Irish farmers, while it would greatly relieve our over stocked market. Mr. G. M. Robinson thought'the idea was a very good one, but he remembered reading in the “Dublin Review” that on the occasion of the last famine in Ire land it cost 30s. to distribute LI to the famishing ones. This idea was better, as the men who put the 30s. in their pockets could not well put the cargo of oats there. Tho idea was impracticable. Mr. R. Fricdlandor thought the Coun cil should form itself into a committee to canvass the town for subscriptions. He was exceedingly sorry to see so few pre sent at the special meeting, as the object of the meeting was to relieve a famine, and the case was very urgent. The Mayor was very glad to notice that the proprietor of tho “ Mail ” had insti tuted a subscription list, but he thought that was not enough for the town to do. He thought a house to house canvass should bo made. Mr. R. Friedlander formally moved and Mr. G. M. Robinson seconded — “ That this Council form itself into a com mittee to arrange for raising subscriptions in aid of the distressed in Ireland.” Tho motion was carried, and the dork was instructed to write to Mr. Brown stating that letter would be considered. TflE BATE BOLL. L2O was passed for payment on account of the Rate Roll. FINANCE. The Mayor reported a debit balance at the hank of LG94 os. lOd. During the fort night L 52105. of outstanding rates had been collected, and there had been a total callected of L 1039 12s. —leaving a sum of LGO still remaning to collect. •SANITARY. The Inspector of Nuisances stated that the man put on to keep the streets clean was doing what he could. The Inspector advised the Council to do something with Burnett and Peter streets, RESERVES. Mr. Bullock called attention to the state of the Borough’s reserves and cottages, and suggested that the reserves should he leased, and the' cottages let for a long term, with a con dition laid down for tiro tenant that they be kept in repair. THE WATER SUPPLY FIRES. Messrs. Cult - and Graham advised the Council of the dispatch of 410 pipes per rail to Ashburton. Several accounts were passed for pay ment, and the Council adjourned,

ASHBURTON SCHOOL ANNUAL MEETING.

Tho annual moating of liouseliolcLara took place last night—Dr. Stewart iu the chair. About twenty householders were present. The annual report of the Committee was read, it ran as follows : “The Committee of tho Ashburton Borough Schools have much pleasure in again congratulating the householders on the continued flourishing state of the schools. The numbers have steadily in creased, but not quite in the same ratio as last year; the total number on the roll in December 1879 was 470, against 412 for December 1878, but thsjncrease for 1873 was over 100, and for IS7O G 4. Your Committee have succeeded during the year in obtaining the services of a second master (Mr. E. Mayo), who has been re gularly trained for his work, and is giving satisfaction therein : two pupil teachers have also been added to the staff, which now consists of nine teachers, viz., a head master, a mistress, a second master, two ex-pupil teachers, who completed their term in March last, but have been permitted to retain their places in the school, and four pupil teachers, two male.- and two females. A new room for the infants was promised last year, hut as yet it has not boon erected, and your Com mittee are anxiously awaiting the x'epoit of tho School Inspector, Mr. Edge, who visited the schools in October last, and was under instructions to report upon it. at that date. As there are over 200 infants on the roll, it is of very great im portance that a room for their accommo dation, separate from the existing schools, should be erected at as early a date as possible. It our Committee have to report that a new and substantial house has been built for the master, and that improve ments and alterations in the girls’play ground and school premises have been effected during the year. Tho Annual Examination for Prizes took place on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days of December and was conducted by the Revs. W. E. Paige, M.A., and A. M. Beattie, M. A., assisted by Mr. J. Ward. After a very careful and ex haustive examination, the examiners gave a very encouraging report, both as regai ds the papers of the pupils, the dis cipline of the sch 001, and the evident care and pains taken by the teachers in train ing their pupils. The Committee have very great pleasure indeed in congratu lating both the teachers and pupils, and the inhabitants of the Borough on tue successful results of this examination. The examiners awarded about 300 prizes, but on account of the limited means of the Committee only 120 were distributed, to the remainder were given certificates of merit. Mrs. Beattie and Mrs. Ward were the lady examiners for needle-work, &c., and paid a very high compliment to Miss Stewart (the mistress) for the very efficient state of this department of the school-work; indeed they stated that too much praise can hardly be given to the prize-takers in knitting, plain sewing, fancy, and other kinds of need'e-work for the neat and efficient execution of their several portions of work. Your Committee desire to ex press to tho householders their apprecia tion of tho courtesy and liberality shown to them on all occasions, and in all their intercourse with the Board of Education, and to bear their testimony to the prompti tude with which they have responded to tho wants and requirements of the Borough and district. The Inspector’s report has just been received, and although it does not contain all that the Committee would desire in an Inspector’s report of this school, still there is some encouragement in it, as considerable improvement has taken place since the teaching staff' has been increased. The Committee quite agree with the Inspector that there should be more general supervision by the head master, but with the present staff, although largely increased, they do not quite see how this can be done. Tho report shows that in the head master’s own class, which consists of 25 pupils, there were three who failed to pass the standard in which they were presented, which represents a failure of 12 per cent, and of passes 88 per cent. It is fair, how ever, to state that 14 of the 22 that passed in this class had previously passed in the same standards under the old regulations in tho year 1878. “ In Miss Stewart’s department 50 were presented, and 56 passed, only one of which had passed in the same standard in 1878. The three failures represent 5 per cent, of failures, and 95 per cent, of passes. The total per centage of passes for the whole school, as reported by the inspector, is 77. The above two deduc tions from the inspector’s report clearly indicate the weak part of the school, and also as clearly indicate the remedy pointed out by the inspector, viz., a more thorough supervision by the head master. During the year of office of this committee there have been fourteen meetings held at which business has been transacted, with the following attendance of members, viz., Dr. Stewart, Chairman, 5 : Mr. D. Williamson, 5 ; Mr. George Parkin, 3 ; Mr. G. AY. St. Hill, 1-4 ; Mr. Calvert, 7 ; Mr. T. Gollins, 9 ; and Mr. James Bradley, 9.

‘ ‘ In conclusion, the Committee announce that the school will re-open after the vaca tion on Monday, the 2nd February, and they venture to express the hope that parents will show their interest in the prosperity of the school, by sending their children punctually and regularly so that the teachers may have the opportunity of increasing the usefulness and reputation of the school.” Dr. Stewart said that the head master had done well, in fact, as well as possible. As to his supervising the school more thoroughly, that were really impossible, unless a larger staff were employed. The head master should not have anything to do but teach the highest standards, and walk through the school, seeing the other teachers did their work. Mr. Stott had cultivated the taste of the children by teaching them music and drawing, and had really done wonders. In the “Press” to-day he had observed a paragraph from which it seemed that the Inspector of .Nelson said that it was notorious that some of the schools where the passes were only 06 per cent, were better taught than those whore the passes had been over 90 per cent. They would see from this that the percentage passed was not a real criterion of the efficiency of a school. The new Committee would have little to fjo but to try and get a new infant school, which was urgently required. The girls’ playground had been much improved, and the boys’ playground required attending to, a matter which would cost a good sum of money. IV|r, Andrews iqoved the adoption of the report, seconded by Mr. Beau, and carried.

Mr. St. Hill moved that both the in spector’s and the committee’s annual re port should be given to the local papers for publication. Agreed to. The annual accounts audited by Mr. Boyle were then read, from which it ap peared there was a balance of L 5 19s 9d. to the credit of the committee. The whole amount of income had been L9SO 9s. Id.

Mr. St, Hill said be wished to ask the Chairman how many times meetings had lapsed for want of a quorum. He did this in consequence of a'certain report in the evening paper which had misrepresented matters. The Chairman said only two meetings had lapsed for want of a quorum, and one of those was a special one. The following gentlemen were elected a committee for the ensuing year ;—Dr. Stewart 21 votes, Messrs. St. Hill 10, J. Orr 15, Jacobson 15, Sean 13, Boyle 11, Andrews 10.

Votes of thanks to the retiring Com mittee, also to hR. Ward, the Secretary,

were carried unanimously, and the meet ing terminated. At a meeting of the Committee, held immediately after the public meeting, Dr. Stewart was unanimously re-elected Chair man.

POST SESSIONAL SPEECHES.

[by telegraph.] Charleston, Jan. 20. Mr. J. 13. Fislier addressed the Buller electors at the Theatre Royal, Charleston, on Saturday evening. The meeting wan '.veil attended, and the reception cordial. Mr. Fislier said there was a Conservative and a Liberal element in Hew Zealand politics as much as in those of the old country, and that however much Govern ment and their supporters deprecated the charge they were the Conservatives of the country. They had taken up the Liberal measures but only to stultify and defeat them. The Government idea was that such draughts of Liberalism as the coun try insisted upon had bettor bo adminis tered through a Conservative filter. He did not regret the accession to power of the present Government ; the country re quired departmental government and in form, and the present Government were essentially men of detail. They had dealt boldly if not wisoty with finance and administration, and they were preferable to Sir George Grey and Lis surroundings. There was a remnant of the Liberal party still true to its principles, and ho hoped the utter routing they had suffered would enable them to form new and more effec tive combinations. Mr. Fisher received a unanimous vote of thanks and con fidence.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

■ ASHBURTON— Monday, Jan. 20. Before Mr. R. Beetham and Dr. Trevor. ASSAULT. Pearson v. Harris.—This was the case of the assistant bailiff against J. E. Hyde Harris, solicitor, for assaiTt. Mr. Harris raised an objection of informality of the summons on the ground that there was no such person as assistant bailiff. The Bondi made a note of the objection, and the case proceeded. A. M. Pearson deponed that ho was an assistant bailiff of the Court, but had not been sworn in as such. He had a warrant placed in his hands to serve on Mr. Harris. He went to Harris’s house, and on enquiry found that defendant was away from home. Waited at the house until Mr. Harris came homo. Mr. Harris supposed witness wanted some money, and witness replied that ho did. Harris then asked if witness had a warrant, and if so to give it up to him. Refused. Was ordered to leave the house at once by Harris, as lie was an intruder. Declined to leave the premises, and Harris pushed him out of the door. As soon as witness got out of the garden gate Harris offered him a glass of whisky. Mr. Bcetham said that before proceed ing any further with the case, he would state that the warrant was bad, as it was served on a date after it was made return able to the Court from whence it issued. The fact of the complainant not being a sworn peace-officer of the Court was also a decirlcd informality. The case would be dismissed. Mr. Guinness here took his seat on the Bench. ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. George Fuller, an inmate of the Home was charged with using abusive language to the master, Mr. Maddison. This was the third time the accused had been charged with insubordination. Evidence having been taken in proof of the offence, the Bench sentenced Fuller to three months’ imprisonment. LUNACY FROM DRINK. John Clifford was brought up charged with being a lunatic from drink. He was sent to Lyttelton for seven days.

INQUEST AT CHERTSEY.

* DEPLORABLE STATE OF AFFAjgW. IN' THE VILLAGE. JF An inquest was held yesterday afternoon at Wallace’s Chertsey Hotel on the body of Garrett Gough, before J. E. Trevor, Esq., and a jury of 12, of whom Mr. W. A. Brown was chosen foreman. After being sworn, the jury .viewed the body, and tl e following evidence was taken. Wm. Rouse, mounted constable, de poned—On Sunday, 25th hist., about 7.30 a. m., I found the body of deceased lying at the crossing on the line at Chertsey. He was on his back, with his feet close to the rails, and he had no appearance of having been disturbed. Examined him and found no marks of violence about him. He had no property or money on him. By the Coroner—He looked as if he had died in his sleep. Have known him for six years. He has been repeatedly con-' victed as a vagrant, saw him last a fort night ago in Addington Gaol. James Wallace, landlord of the Chert sey Hotel, deponed—l came home at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday night, and after tea deceased asked mo if I would let him and his wife liave a bed. As I had previous experience of their habits I refused them' any accommodation. About 9 o’clock I went out, and there was a crowd of men about them, and the woman was dancing. So as to disperse the crowd, I offered to give them the use of a loose-box, and to lock them in. The woman refused, and threw a stone at me. About five next morning I was awakened by a man knock ing at the door, who said Gough was dead, and I saw the man lying near the line and the woman with her arms round him, screaming. He was not cold nor stiff. By the Coroner—There was no quarrel ling, but there was a crowd of men about them. The deceased was quite sober when I saw him last. Mary Gough, sworn—Am wife of de ceased. He was a laborer, but we had no settled residence. All I know, was, when I woke I found my husband dead, and I screeched. Our camp was on the open ground. \Ve had plenty of blankets, but did not cover any over us. During the day my husband complanied that his bowels were out of order, but otherwise was in good health. He has not com plained of his health. He was 62 years of age. During the evening he was not sober. I cannot account for his death. I was neither sober nor drunk myself when I laid down. By a juror—Two boys brought over two bottles to where we were camped. . It was shandygaff I think. Deceased was, a very heavy drinker. Mr. Wallace offered us a loose box to sleep in. Hugh Boyle, laborer, deponed—On ■ Saturday night, I slept out near the rail way Tine at Chertsey, and near daylight heard the woman call out that her husband was dead, and gave the alarm to Mr. Wal lace who went with me. I slept about 5 chains from where the body was found. I wasn’t sober myself on Saturday night. About one on Sunday morning I heard a noise, and saw a lot of men standing about the deceased’s camp making a noise. I heard the woman telling the men to go away. I have been drinking a week. The evidence of this witness was con sidered unreliable, and after mceiving a caution from the coroner was thrown out. James Blunt, blacksmith’s apprentice, deponed—About twelve on Saturday night I heard deceased and his wife laughing and making a noise, and my mate and myself went over to tho place. They did not appear to be quarrelling. We re mained about there “ larking” till nearly daylight, with some other men. I did not speak to deceased, but to his wife. When I left he was lying down, apparently asleep, and his wife, was sitting about a yard away from him. I had a little to drink that night. We were larking with his wife. By tho foreman—There wore five besides myself “ larking ’■ there that night. Tom Childs was one. I saw some whisky there. I saw Boyle, the last witness, on the spot. T. Childs, blacksmith, a boy aged 16, after a considerable amount of persuasion, corroborated the previous witness’s evi dence and acknowledged to having been drinking. He received a severe reprimand from the Coroner, who requested the fore man of the jury to convey his opinions to the parents and guardians of this and the previous witness. John Moore, farmer, Cherstey—Saw deceased about 11 o’clock and spoke to him. Saw him again about daylight, but could not say if he was alive then. I stayed to get my man borne, and to see the “sport.” There was a great noise. Deceased took no part in it; his wife did. I assisted in the disturbance ; I was not sober. I cannot account for the death of deceased. Jas. Scarlett, farmer of Chertsey— Knew he was drunk on the night in question. Saw deceased about 2 o’clock on Sunday morning and he was then alive, and I was drunk. W. G. Ross, surgeon, sworn, deponed,, to having made a post mortem examina tion of the deceased. There were no external marks of violence on the body,; head and face very much congested. All the internal organs were congested. Disease of the heart was apparent, the heart itself was petrified. The right x*ide of the heart flaccid; the left ventricle full. All the organs besides the heart , were healthy, but congested. The brain, lungs, liver, and bowels were intensely congested. All the organs smelt strongly of alcohol. I attribute death to the failure of the action of the heart, accele rated by the congestion of the brain and lungs, such congestion having been pro duced by alcohol. A vQrclict vyas returned in aceordanee with the medical evidence.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

(From the Ashburton Herald, January 24.) “I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains. ” —LONGFEU.OW. The collective wjsdom of the County, which, I take it, is caiboclied in the County Council, is no more infallible than our RM. Court is said to be, and, in fact, it has fallen into the common error of con sidering that letting all kinds of work by public tender, and to the lowest tenderer, is the essence of legislation. But it don't always turn up trumps. Previous to last year the valuation lists for the various ridings of the county were made up by the Road Boards, and it was admitted by a}l who professed to be judges of the matter that they were very bad rolls indeed, as they possessed all the faults which were necessary to ensure their being condemned providing the ratepayers would take the trouble to go through all the necessary red tape to make the legal objections. But AL when the County Council assumed reins over this and other matters, it was felt that a new era had dawned, and that business transacted by the superior body would be unassailable. lam sorry to observe the valuation lj§t§ fqjndghed to the Road Boards by the Council’s con tractor do not bear out the ideas of perfection anticipated. In fact the Boards who have as yet made any reference to the rolls supplied to them, have used tolerably strong language as to their incompleteness and uselessness for the purpose intended—i.e., enabling them to strike a rate. Probably your farming friends will not feel excruciatingly

E ASHBUKTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1880.



LABOR MARKET.



REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS AND SERVANTS, AT XIIE ‘ EVENING HERALD OFFICE. TTiABMBRS requiring hands cp_si engage men through, the “Evening Herald Registry for 1/- eacn, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA . TitfSS can engage through the “Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-. SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “ Herald ” Revising- Office, and paying I/-- ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p. m., by numbers given to tiro applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will bs inserted in the “ Evening Herald ’’ in the registry column on payment ot Six pence additional in advance, for each issue. Further Particulars on application at the “ EVENING HERALD ” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON.



WANTED, those in search of employ ment, to call and either enter their names at Herau> Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. T ABOUBSRS requiring work _ can , a A secure first opening by applying ~ early at Herald Registry Office, on paj r mont of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call QA and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. TTIMPLOYEBS requiring any kind of P.i laborers can engage through Hekaxd Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance. MESSES. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, Ac., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at Tinwald, TUiSSDAI, February 3rd, ISSO. 0. PERCY 0031, 427a* . Agent, Ashburton. BARLEY. nnHE Undersigned are Purchasers of 8 very choice samples of Barley. 430a* . ROYSE, STEAD, & CO. REAPERS AND BINDERS. pTfIHE Uunderaioned have still on hand JL a few IMPROVED REAPERS AND BINDERS, at specially low rates. Farmers can be supplied, and payments arranged for after - harvest. B.OYSS, STEAD, & CO., 419g* Christchurch.