COMMERCIAL.

Messrs. J. T. Ford & Co. report on the live stock market for the week ending Friday, April IGth, as follows : There was an average supply of sheep, cattle and pigs at the Addington market on Monday last, and prices ruled much the same as on a previous week. Beef 20s. per 1001 b, and mutton 2d. per lb. Store sheep moved off freely for stubble and turnip purposes, two-tooth cross breds bringing from 6s. 9d. to 7s. 3d. each ; merino ewes from 3s. 6d. to 4s. 3d. each, according to condition, quality, and when shorn. "Half-bred lambs are bring ing from ss. Cd. to 6s. Cd. each, spring ing heifers from L 6 10s. to L 8 10s. each, and quiet good sound dairy cows on the point of calving are selling LlO 10s to Ll 4 each. Wcancrs are bringing from 235. to 25s each. Cattle from eighteen months to two years are bringing from L2 15s. to L 3 10s. each. Our entries were on ac count of Messrs. H. Overton, S. Garforth Evans, Steel, Codling, R. L. Higgins, Marcroft, Rudd, and others. We quitted Mx\ Overton’s crossbreds at from 11s. 6d. to 11s 9d. each, topping the market for price and quality. Mr. Higgins’ cross breds brought from 7s. 9d. to Bs. each. Mr. Marcroft’s line bringing 9s. each, all being equal to our quotation of 2d. per lb. At Winchester on Tuesday last we sold on account of C. W. Tancred, Esq., his stud flock of Leicester sliced, and suc ceeded in quitting them at satisfactory prices. Privately during tlie?sweek, we have placed several lines of store sheep at current rates, and on Friday we held a clearing sale at Glendore on account of J. H. R. Aitkcn, Esq. There was a numer ous attendance, and the stock and imple ments sold remarkably well. We have also sold the Glendore Estate. At our wool and skin sale on Thursday we had the usual attendance of the trade, and sold cross bred skins up to 4s. 3d. each ; medium quality from 3s. to 3s. 6d. Twelve bales of merino wool brought up to Bd. and Sid per lb ; twelve bales of crossbred at Sid. per lb ; and nine bales at 8|- per lb.

At the usual sitting of the Waste Lands Board on Thursday, April 15th, sales were made as follows ; —Ashley, 258 acres 1 rood 31 perches ; Ashburton, 250 acres; Geraldine, 46 acres 2 roods 32 perches ; Selwyn, 1440 acres; Waimate, 9 acres. Total, 2,954 acres 31 perches, producing L 5,928 ss. 9d. Refunds on amount of former purchases were made amounting to L 877.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9’a. m. and 5 p. m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwalcl, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily.

For Temuka,

Timaru, and South at

6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Yvcdnesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster. The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will bo closed at Christ church on April 24, and will be due in London on June 8. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on May Cth, and trill be due in London on June 26th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Wednesday, April 21. Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at the Chertsey Hotel—4oo acres first-class Land. Sale at 2 p.m. Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at the . Chertsey Hotel—9B acres land, at Sea field, and one corner Section in Chertsey. Sale at 2 p. m. Thursday, 22nd April. Messrs. J. E. Buchanan and Co., at Chertsey—Horses, Sheep, Pigs, etc.; also a large area of land. Sale at 1 p. in. Messrs. Matson and Co., at the Town Hall, Ashburton—The Fairfield Estate, com prising 2,000 acres of land. Luncheon .at one o’clock. Sale at two o’clock. Also, at the same place, and immediately following the above—Large area of land at Chertsey, Dromore, and Ashbur ton. Wednesday, May 5. Mr. Alfred Harrison, in conjunction with R. Davies and Co., Rakaia, at his rooms, Ashburton—Farm of 625 acres at Sea field, in the occupation of Mrs. Dannihy. Sale at 2 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1880.

After the experience of the various Road Boards in the Ashburton County during the recent sittings of the Assessment Courts, at which the valuations of property made by tlxe officer appointed for that purpose gave no satisfaction, it will no doubt be a source of gratification to rate payers to learn that it is probable this unsatisfactory state of things will shortly be discontinued. The Wellington “Post” refers to the subject as simply a rumor, but our acquaintance with the above jour nal is such as to lead us to infer that rumors of the kind mentioned are gener ally the outcome of a- pretty broad hint from a reliable quarter. The “Post” says :—“ We hear that the new plan is likely to be for the Government to employ valuers throughout the colony and for the valuers to furnish the various Municipali ties with their valuations for rating pur poses at a small fixed charge. It is cal culated that a material saving in expense would thus be effected, while the valua tions would probably be more satisfactory, especially in respect to uniformity. We give this rumor simply as it has reached us, and without being in possession of any absolute officialinformation on the subject, ” If this plan were adopted, and sufficient care taken to appoint competent valuers, we have no hesitation in saying that it would be a great improvement upon the existing system. Our local bodies have too frequently, with a laudable desire to practice economy, defeated their own ob ject by accepting as valuer the lowest ten derer, almost without making any inquiry as to the competency of the gentleman as piring to this very important office. It is always advisable to view tenders for any work with a discriminating eye, and most particularly those for such work as the compiling of a rate roll, where a dishonest or careless man can by only half perform ing the duties, well afford to take half the payment which would only fairly re munerate a conscientious and able worker. We do not think, if the proposed plan were actually adopted, that die direct saving in expense would be very material, as, to render it thoroughly effective, able men must be induced to accept the offices of valuers, and such men can always com mand a fair salary ; but the annoyance and indirect expenditure which arise out of rolls similar to those we have recently had occasion to notice would be avoided.

The character of the present Govern ment assures us that the details of any change will bo well considered, and the practical knowledge of Ministers will de velope a workable system, but before dividing the districts for allotment to valuers, care should be taken to ascertain with all possible accuracy how much work is to be done in each ; and in our own county, at least, owing to the imperfect records we at present have, this informa tion will not be readily obtained. If the work is to bo done in the thorough minner we hope it will be, the Ashburton County should receive the undivided at tention of one valuer, and, although Mr. Leach undertook to compile a roll of this county in a few weeks, we think if the authorities insist upon all they should, a permanent officer will find his duties suffi ciently extensive.

The Borough Council, to use the trite phrase of one of their number, have made a “ ripping good spec ” in the iron pipes they recently imported. They bought about £4OOO of iron pipes for their in tended water scheme, at a time w r hen the value of iron had reached in the Old Country its very lowest ebb. Since that time iron has risen in value about 50 per cent, and some of the ’cutest and keenest calculators in the Council Chamber reckon that a clear profit of £ISOO would be made were the pipes to be shipped off to and sold in England now. The purchase of the pipes at the time it was made was a grand stroke of luck, and the council lars seem anxious to profit by the trans action. Even if they were to sell the pipes and return to the County Council the £SOOO they received for the construction of waterworks, or such portion of the money as had not been expended on waterworks, and the drainage consequent on the introduction of a scheme, they would still be a thousand or two in pocket. The Council last night sat in committee of the whole to consider the question, but de ferred action, with their usual caution, until after next meeting. Just at this mo ment pipes are wantedin Lyttelton, and the Oaraavu Waterworks Loan having been floated, there might be a possible market in both these places. But, at any rate, as there is no immediate likelihood of the elaborate scheme of water supply that was so long under our Borough Council’s discussion being carried out, it is a pity that, as the Yankees would say, a “heap o’ dollars” should lie idle and unproduc tive by the railway line, when they could very easily be put to a good use in some locality wanting them, and prepared to pay current prices for them. The money they would bring in over their original cost could very well be devoted to the re pair of East street and West Tancred street, which have their upper coats just now very threadbare. In fact, a week’s wet would render both impassable, as the wheeled traffic has already reached the mud under the shingle surface. Last winter the Council did a world of good by finding work for many unemployed, and they will have to do the same this winter, for harder times than ever seem to us to be looming up this winter, and it would be well to have money in the purse to meet the call. Besides, the Borough bankers have asked the Council to interview them, and a re quest of that kind is always ominous, and comes upon a hard-up man like the visit of a stormy petrel to the seaman.

Drunks. —Two drunks were disposed of by the R M. on Saturday morning—one was fined 55., and the other 405., with an alternative of 48 hours in gaol. Meeting or Parliament. —A procla mation appears in the “ Gazette ” calling Parliament together for the despatch of business on May 28th.

The Masonic Ball. —The members of the ball committee of the Somerset Lodge are requested to meet at Shearman’s Hotel to-night.

Retrenchment. —The Public Works Committee ef the Wellington City Coun cil recommend that when the present sup ply of cartridges is exhausted the firing of the time gun be discontinued. ,

“The Victorian Review.”—We have to acknowledge.the receipt of this month’s number of the above valuable periodical, which contains several papers of general interest.

Rakaia. —The Oarandinis appeared last night at the Town Hall, Rakaia, before a large and appreciative audience, and wore ably assisted by several local and talented amateurs.

Entertainment at Cambridge. —Our plains friends are to be regaled with what promises to he a very delightful evening’s entertainment to-morrow night. A party of ladies and gentlemen intend to visit the Cambridge School, and amuse their patrons with music and dissolving views. Civil Service Commission.— Yesterday the Civil Service Commission examined Mr. Reston, gaoler at Addington ; Mr. Marshman, Commissioner of Waste Lands; and Mr. A. Smith, locomotive engineer. On Saturday the Commission visited Farnley brickworks, and to-day Addington workshops. The Express Train.—As a sample of nuisances the so-called express train might fairly be quoted as one of the most noteworthy. The said “ express ” now steps at places hitherto passed by ordinary trains in the old days. Dromore, Ohort sey, Tinwald, and e\ en the private siding at Windermere have now become “ ex press ” stopping places.

Presbyterian Tea Meeting. The annual tea. meeting of the Presbyterian Church in the Ashburton District is to be held this evening, in the Town Hall. Ex tensive preparations have been made by the ladies for the entertainment of guests, and several ministers of repute from a dis tance will be present, while the choir is expected to form no unimportant attrac tion.

A Man-Eater.—The driver of one of Mr. M. Wilson’s threshing machines working at Mr. Field’s farm, Seafield, was severely bitten by a horse on Saturday last. The man being unacquainted with the vicious propensities of the animal, walked within it reach, and was im mediately gripped by the shoulder and held for some time, receiving very painful in juries which will disable him for a con siderable period.

Steeplechase Meeting.—ln another column a notification will be seen of a meeting to be held at Quill’s Hotel on Thursday evening to elaborate the pro posed steeplechase meeting. We under stand that support has been promised from all quarters, and there is every pros pect of a repetition of last year’s success, but on a larger scale, as it is intended to have at least two open races, with a view of inducing the owners of cracks to show our local sportsmen the way round. A. & P. Association. —On Saturday a special meeting of the committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held, at which Mr. C. P. Cox presided. Mr Jameson, the Secretary, said the president had written to say that on con sulting the Act he found last election was illegal, and that a fresh election of of ficers and committee would require to be held. Mi*. Joseph Hunt moved—“ That a special general meeting of the Associa tion be held on the 4th May for the pur pose of electing officers and committee for the ensuing year. A vote of thanks was also recorded to Dr. Irving for his lecture on bees delivered in Ashburton last week. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated. Rouse-up.—One of the guardians of the peace will appe.ir this morning in a rather unusual position for a policeman. Instead of being placed in the wilness box as a witness to the misdeeds of some other offender, he will have the unpleasant duty of defending himself against a charge of a breach of the Railway By-laws. Constable Rouse, whilst endeavoring to follow up the duties of his office, was so anxious to make a case at Dunsandel the other day, that ha jumped off the train whilst in motion, and .Guard Murphy's eagle eye caught sight of Rouse in “ flag rante delicto,” and reported him. Mr. Rouse’s smiling visage will be seen to-day at the wrong end of the table in the R.M. Court. The “ Hawera and Normanby Star. ” —We are in receipt of the first number of this journal, issued by Messrs. Galvin and limes, two practical men hailing from Wel lington. The business public of Hawera are evidently in earnest in their support to the pioneer journal if we are to judge from the satisfactory appearance of the advertising columns. The “Star” in tends to adopt a perfectly independent course as regards politics, but will support the present Ministry so long as they con tinue the same line of conduct as the have hitherto done. The success or failure of a newspaper in Hawera, as in every other place, will depend on the support ac corded by the public, and from what we know of the proprietors, we are confident that no effort will be spared on their part to win this support. The Winchmorb-Methven Drainage. —On Saturday evening a special meeting of the Drainage Committee of the Ash burton County Council was held, when a large number of tenders were opened for the drainage works between Winchmore and Methven. The successful tenderers were :—For No. 1 section—Cooper Bros., L 204 Bs. 9d.; for No. 2 section—Arthur Devery, L 254 Os. 5d.; No. 3 section— John Boyle, L 221 2s. Id.; No. 4 section— Devery and Prunty, L2lO 17s. Gd.; No. 5 section—C. Shepherd, L 217 4s. 4d.; No. 6 section —J. Boyle, L 217 10s. The work will comprise some fifteen miles of flood water drains, with embankments where necessary, and the construction of fords at the various road crossings ; and as the above figures show the whole will be com pleted at a cost of L 1,325 13s. Id. The low figures at which the various sections have been contracted for are indicative of the absence at the present time of work for horse flesh, and the readiness with which “ good marks” ’can obtain labor at a cheap rate. .Presentation to Mrs. Paige. —On Sunday afternoon the Sunday scholars of St. Stephens gave very gratifying expres sion to their affection for Mrs. Paige, and the value they set,upon the many kind services she had performed for the Sunday school, in which she has been an assiduous and enthusiastic worker ever since its commencement. The young people thought they could not allow her to go away with out some recognition of her labors in their interest, and accordingly they presented her with a magnificent epergne, as also a short address expressive of the loss they felt they were suffering in her removal, and their keen appreciation of what she had done for them. The presentation was made in the parsonage by the members of Mrs. Paige’s own class, and the address bore the signatures of them all. Mrs. Paige thanked the children in a few words, as many as her feelings would permit her to use. It is always a difficult thing to break time-cemented affectionate associa tions, and just at this time, when Mr. and Mrs. Paige are saying farewell to the scene of their past labors, this spontane ous offering of , the children’s love was pecularly affecting.

Pdpil Teachers’ Examinations.— The returns are published of the examinations of pupil teachers held at the Normal School, Christchurch, on the IGth, 17tli, and 18th March. From these returns wo find that the two teachers from Ashburton made a very creditable appearance, and that both passed. ’ The following arc the returns of marks gained : —First year’s student —Eva Henderson, 308 marks out of a possible 600 ; second year’s student— Kate McDonnell, 402 marks out of a maximum of 600.

A Dead Horse. —At a recent meeting of the Clutha Borough Council, an ac count for 10s. for the burial of a dead horse was submitted. A Councillor asked to whom the animal belonged, when the Mayor replied that it was his property, but as it died whilst grazing on the re serve, he considered that the Corporation should pay fur its burial. This liberal new of a Corporation’s duties was, how ever, not shared in by his Worship’s brother councillors, and the account was not passed for payment.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of this Council was held last evening in the Borough Council Chambers. Present— His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs. St. Hill, Robinson, Friedlauder, Orr, and Saunders. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, also the minutes of a special meeting held re build ing bye-laws. chairman’s statement. His {Worship the Mayor summarised the business of the evening, special refer ence being made to the overdraft at the Bank of New Zealand, which it was neces sary should have immediate attention. Among other matters, a letter had been read from E. G. Wright, Esq. , M.H.R., stating that the Railway Commission ■would arrive at Ashburton about the 24th, and adding that if the Council had any matters to bring before the Commission, the exact time of arrival would be wired. The Mayor said he had replied to the letter, stating that there were matters which it would be necessary 7 for the Com misssion to consider. With reference to the impounded land fund, the Mayor said ho understood there was still a sum to come from that source, in fact a very large sum, if their claim could be estab lished. CORRESPONDENCE. From Saunders Bros., intimating that the draft grant of casement drawn by the Council had been forwarded to their solici tor for approval. From E. G. Wright Esq., in reference to the visit to Ashburton of the Railway Commissioners. The Mayor said he had telegraphed to Mr. E. G.’ Wright con cerning the matter. Mr. Saunders moved that Mr. Wright be thanked for his courtesy, and that a committee, consisting of the Mayor, Messrs. Williamson, St. Hill, and Orr, be appointed to decide what matters to lay before the Commission. Mr. Orr seconded the motion, and on Mr. Saunders consenting to allow his name to be added to the committee, the motion was carried. From Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry, forwarding accounts for adver tising the sale of the Borough Reserves, and stating that they had been unable to dispose of the property. Resolved that the amount be paid. From eighteen ratepayers in CoxsLroet, drawing attention to the drainage in that street, and requesting that at least a portion of the rates which they pay might he expended in the immediate vicinity. Ordered to be ackowledged, and would be attended to in duo course.

From the Committee of the Fire Brigade, requesting payment of the L 25 subsidy by the Council, on the strength of which promise the Brigade had ordered uniforms from England and elsewhere, and by so doing their funds had been exhausted. On the motion of Mr. St. Hill, seconded by Mr. Friedlander, it was resolved that the Fire Brigade be informed that L 25 would be paid at once, and that they be referred to a resolution respecting the pro curing of uniforms. HOSPITAL AX I) CHARITABLE AID. The Mayor stated that nothing had been done in this matter through the diffi culty of getting members of the committee together. The Christchurch City Council had passed a very ’.vise resolution recom mending that the maintenance of charit able aid institutions should be paid out of the consolidated revenue of the colony. Mr. Saunders agreed with what had fallen from the Mayor regarding the reso lution or the Christchurch City Council. The maintenance of such institutions should be a first charge on any Govern ment, and it was' not fair to saddle the community with their support, seeing that the recipients of such charity came from all parts of the colony. He would move —‘ ‘ That this Council wishes to endorse the resolution of the Christchurch City Coun cil re charitable aid, and trusts that the Government will adopt the resolution in dealing with the Act.” Mr. Robinson seconded the motion, and it was carried. PUBLIC WORKS. Mr. St. Hill reported that nothing had been done by the Works Committee. The very existence of tho Committee was a farce, and when matters wore referred to it from the Council it simply meant that they were going to be shelved, as it was impossible to get a meeting of the Com mittee. He thought that if the work was to be done at all it would be best for them to do it in that chamber, when the attend ance of members could be relied on. East street was in a deplorable state, and something ought to be done to it at once. Councillor Saunders suggested that all committee meetings should be held at the conclusion of the Council’s meetings, and matters arising out of the Council’s dis cussions, necessary to be dealt with, might then be brought under their notice. It was resolved that the members of committees meet at the conclusion of the meetings of the Council in future. THE SUBSIDIES. Mr. Saunders stated that with respect to the land fund he and Mi’. Friedlander had taken the matter up, and had done all they could to get it, but they found they had to take just what was given. Regarding the sale of the land, they were doubtless- entitled to their share, but it really seemed, from the present financial state of the country, that subsidies were a thing of the past. Of course, if there was any more to come, the Council had a fair claim to a share of of it. Mr. R. Friedlander said he could per fectly endorse the remarks of Mr. Saun ders, and would move that the Finance Committee interview the Wakanui and Longbeach Road Board re tho allocated land fund which has now been paid over to them. Mr. Orr seconded the motion, and it was carried. Mr. Saunders would ask the Council to resolve itself into a committee of the whole at the conclusion of the meeting for the purpose of considering the ad visableness of disposing of the iron water pipes in the possession of the Council. He thought that every member held strong views on the question, or if they did not they ought to do, and he felt that by dis posing of the water pipes they would be able to enter upon works which demanded their immediate attention.

The motion was seconded by Mr. St. Hill, and carried. It was resolved that a time sheet, stating how the men had been em ployed, should bo laid on the table of the Council at its usual meeting. It was also decided to hold the special meeting re quired by the Act for the purpose of signing the burgess list and hearing objec

tions, on Thursday, the, 39th hist., at noon.

Several accounts were passed for pay ment, and the Council went into commit tee of the whole.

PUBLIC MEETING AT TINWALD.

PROPOSED DIVISION OF THE ROAD BOARD.

A meeting of the ratepayers in the Winslow-Tinwald portion of the Long beach Road District was held in the Tin wald Hotel yesterday to consider the ad yisableness of separating from the Long beach Road District. The meeting was called by advertisement* and Mr. J. R. C. C. Graham occupied the chair. There was a fair attendance, considering the in clement state of the weather, some 22 ratepayers being present. Mr. Graham, in opening the business, said the meeting was called with a view to consider the advisableness of separating from the Lmgbeach Road District. Five years ago he had wished a separation, but others did not see the thing in the same light. There was a large amount of money to he spent then, and he had always feared that the upper districts would not get their fair share. They had not, as they saw, got their fair share. Ho would point to Graham’s road as .an in stance. It was made live years ago, and during its existence not a single penny piece had been spent upon it. It was in exactly the same state that day that it was when it was formed. The district of Tin wald especially was but poorly represented at the Longboach Board, seeing that, beyond Mr. Joseph Clark, there was not a single member of ihe Board who had any interest in Tinwald. An objection had been raised in the newspapers that expense attended the institution of a new road board in the creation of additional officials. But he did not see that any great expense was necessary. It was not needful that any officers should be ap pointed, and any clerical or engineering service could bo procured as it, was re quired. Ten years ago he (the Chairman) had been a member of the Ashburton Board, and then the chairman did all the clerical work. The roads in this district were now all formed, and only the cost of maintenance would require to be incurred. It was quite apparent that a large road district that had the greater proportion of it made up of swamp land would direct the Most of its expenditure to the swamp district, and, as a consequence, the lighter lands, through which roads could bo easily and inexpensively made, had to contribute in an undue proportion to the aggrandisement of the swamp land. He had prepared a resolution for some gen tleman to move on the subject, to con sider which the meeting had assembled, and he hoped, if it met tjie views of those present, it ivould be carried. Ke would also 'read the following reasons he had drawn up why the district should separate from the Longbeach Road District. The Chairman, then read the following : “ We desire saparation for the following reasons : —(1.) Although our land is of a poorer and lighter quality than the Long beach swamps, yet, because it is nearer the ratlway, we are assessed at higher rates than said swamps. This we consider unfair, as we derive no proportionate ad vantage for the higher assessment. (2) The Longbeach Road Board has con stantly refused to form the so-called boundary road, although repeatedly peti tioned to do so. They have also declined to attend to the wants of Tinwald as re gards roads, etc. (3.) We consider an undue amount of money has been spent in making roads through swamps. As such roads require much drainage, large and expensive bridges and culverts, we are of opinion that at least a portion of their cost should be defrayed by a special rate levied on the landowners, and not that the whole body of ratepayers should bear this exceptional outlay.” Mr. Carter moved the following reso lution —“ That this meeting approves of separation from the Longbeach Road Dis trict, and requests Messrs. Carter, Graham, and E. G. Wright, to present a petition to the County Council, requesting a new road district to bo constituted, to be called the Tinwald-Winslow Road District, and to comprise all that block of land lying between the boundary road and the railway line, as per map produced. ”

Mr. Ede seconded. Mr Carter said that in reference to the question, he had had a conversation with Mr Grigg, who did not seem to have any objection to the separation. Mr Grigg was also in favor of allowing tho engineer of the Road Board to do the new Board’s work, if they could agree to arrange it. It might lie mentioned that the Longbeach Board had entered into a twelve months’ en gagement with their engineer. Mr Carter would he very happy to do all he could for the movement they were initiating. Mr Lewis said that in regard to the new district there might be some difficulty in apportioning tho amount of liability that ought to be borne by it, inasmuch as it was contained in the Longbeach Ward. A heavy debt lay on that ward, though the debt on tho ward had not been incurred by expenditure on the Tinwald district. The Chairman said that in reference to the ’ Engineer, it would be a question for the new board to consider whether they should want the services of Mr Cuthbert or not.

The resolution was unanimously carried, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

WATERTON DOG CASE.

To the Editor.

Sib, —Would you allow me space in your journal for a few lines concerning the above case. It is the second and last I shall trouble you with. I see in your correspondence oftheSfch iuafc., a letter signed “William Fleming,” in which he attempts to make the statements of my first letter false. He flatly denies my claiming the dog previous to sending him a bill and summons. I would ask Mr. Fleming can he deny my letter (which was produced iu Court and published in the Ashburton papers), which I sent to him on the 3rd March last, demanding ray dog. That was eight days before he got the summons. I question the sanity of the man who flatly denies a statement that bears such an undeniable proof. As to the statements made in my first letter and contradicted by him, I again main tain every word true, and if called on can prove the same, and I defy him in truth to contradict me.—l am, &c., Robert Anderson.

[This correspondence is of no interest to any one but the correspondents them selves, and must now cease.— Ed. A.(?.]

ASSESSMENT COURTS.

The Longbeach Valuation Roll was thrown out by the Judge of the Assess ment Court, on the plea that the Valuer had omitted to make the statutory declara tion. (pee, pigeon post.) Mount Sombks, April 19. Mr. Guinness held the Assessment Court here-to-day. Mr. Walker, chair man of the Road Board, objected to the roll prepared by Mr. Leach, as he had not complied with the sth clause of the Rating Act, which provides for a declaration by the valuer. The Judge ruled that the objection was fatal, and the roU was thrown out.

Mr. Wentworth Cookson is to bo paid LSO for compiling new roll. Mr. Loach, the valuer, admitted in Court that he had not seen several of the sections he had rated, and could not swear that they were in the district. There were a large num ber of objections, and a fair attendance of ratepayers.

LYNCH FAMILY BELLRINGERS.

One of the most pleasing outertxinmonts of its kind was given in the Town Hall on Saturday evening last by the above per formers. The audience was not a large one, but their frequent plaudits testified to the excellence of the various items sub mitted to them. After the pianoforte overture from “II Traviata” in the first part of the programme, the Bellringers played on the hand bells ‘ ‘ The Druid’s March,” from “ Norma,” and the “White Cockade ” (Scotch) in such a manner as to elicit loud applause. Mr. Santley, who was in capital voice, sang that pretty ballad, which is so full of melody, “ Rocked in the cradle of the deep,” in a very careful and pleasing manner. The Bellringers then gave that pathetic air “ Come home father” in a very telling manner. The wonderful manipulation of the seemingly innumerable number of bells being worked with an ease and grace per fectly astonishing, showing what perfection must have been obtained by the perform ers to enable them to play with such skill the subdued passages of tins plaintive air. The ballad, “ The sea is England’s glory,” was given by Mr. Santly in a very tolling manner. The amusing duet, “ The quack doctors,” was amusingly rendered by Messrs. R. and W. Lynch. The Silver Lake varsoviana and the “ Soldier’s joy,” hornpipe, were also nicely played by the Bellringers. Mr. Charles Lyndhursfc in-' traduced his merry folks, Mi’. Snow, Little Tom, and Black George, and the audience were kept "highly amused with the life-long songs and sayings of this witty trio, under the ventriloquist’s art The first part of the programme concluded with the Messrs. H R. and W. Lynch, in their Chinese song and dance, “ Ohing, Ching, Chow.” In the second part the Bellringers were very successful in the “ Chimes, Changes, and Joybells,” “ The Elfin Waltz,” and the duct between Messrs. H. and R. Lynch, “ Home, sweet home.” The comical duet, “My father’s farmyard,” caused some laughter in the grotesque manner in which it was ren dered. The double hornpipe danced by Messrs. Lyrch and C. Lyndhnrst was well executed ; they received a recall. The performance concluded witli a laugh able farce, entitled, “ Mr. Johnson in want of a Coachman.” The company intend playing .again to-night, with an entire change of programme. The Company gave another entertain ment last night to a large and appreciative audience.

THE DUNEDIN MURDER.

ACQUITTAL OF THE PRISONER.

(by telegraph.) Dunedin, April 17.

The trial of Butler, for murder, was continued at the Supreme Court to-day. The Court wap packed. The prisoner, who did not call any witnesses, at once entered upon his defence, and spoke for six hours in a clear, firm voice, oc casionally pausing to consult his notes. He criticised the evidence closely, and contended that nothing had been brought forward by the Crown to connect him with the murder. He explained his at tempt to escape from Dunedin by the fact • that he believed that the police were going to arrest him for burglary, and that he was under police sur veilance. On the night of the murder he affirmed that he was more than half drunk and away from the scene of it. The Judge’s summoning up was in favor of the prisoner. The jury retired shortly after 6p. m. At five minutes past nine they returned a verdict of “ Not guilty.” The prisoner displayed no emotion, and said nothing. The Court was packed, and there was an immense crowd outside, which hooted on hearing the verdict, and also hooted the prisoner. No mention was made of a nolle prosequi in the other cases, and the prisoner will be proceeded against on the charge of murdering Dewar’s wife.

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

By Telegraph. Hawbra, April 19. The Parihaka meeting is over, but nothing important has transpired. The Maoris still have faith in Te Whiti. As the Constabulary camps have not been advanced fer some time the natives believe that Te Whiti has mesmerised the Govern ment, and that they fear to advance into Te Whiti’s territory. Judging from the rate at which the road work is progressing —about two chains per diem —allowing 50 per cent, off for wet weather, it will take five years and seven months to complete the thirty miles gap between the Con stabulary camps ; but the men are said to be usefully employed clearing a breadth of country on each side of the road for the benefit of future settlers or Maoris,

THE NELSON PERJURY CASE.

[by telegraph.)

Nelson, April 17.

At the public meeting lash night there was a crowded attendance, and Messi’s. Bunny and Pitt were present. The latter read some correspondence between Mr. Adams and himself, and the former gave a statement of his conduct re the proceedings against the hon. member for the city. The resolu tions passed were that the evidence in the case laid before the Minister for Jus tice, and that Mr. Adams be requested to resign his seat in the House. Nelson, April 19.

The charges against Messrs. Bunny, Teschemaker, Percy Boland Adams, and Langley Adams, for conduct likely to provoke a breach of the peace, which charges arose out of the horse-whipping case that followed the conclusion of the case for perjury against Mr. Acton Adams, M.H.R., were heard this afternoon. Re garding the charges made against Mr. Teschemaker, the Bench said he acted in a manner becoming a gentleman and a magistrate in endeavoring to keep the peace and prevent assault. His case was dismissed. On the charge against Mr. Bunny, the Magistrate said he acted simply in self-defence, and- dismissed his case. On the charge against Langley Adams, the defendant stated that, seeing Mr. Teschemaker holding his brother, he remonstrated on the ground of fair play. The Bench failed to understand how he could have been so greatly mistaken, but believed his statement, and fined him 20s. and costs. Percy Boland Adams was bound over to keep the peace for six months—himself in LSO, and two sureties of L 25 each.

LOSS OF THE CALYPSO.

(By cable from Reuter's Agency. )

London, April 15. The Calypso, from Port Chalmers, was entering the Thames yesterday, when she collided with the General Steam Naviga tion Company’s steamship Hawk, near Margate. The Hawk proceeded on her voyage, and the extent of injury she re ceived is therefore unknown. It is stated that the Calypso’s lights were not burn ing at the time of the collision.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN,

{Reuters Telegrams.) London, April 15. According to the news from Cape Town, the Empress Eugene has arrived. Consols are unchanged at 98|; five per cent New Zealand Loan (1889), 104-1; New Zealand Loan (1879-1904), 991. The market for breadstuff's is unchanged. Australian tallow remains at last quota tions. April 16. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,910,000 quarters. Ade laide wheat has declined Is., and to-day is quoted at 575. per 4961b5. ex warehouse. Adelaide flour has also declined Is., and now stands at 40s. 6d. per 2801bs. ex warehouse. The market for Adelaide wheat and flour is dull. Australian tallow has advanced 6d. per cwt. ; best beef being worth 325. 6d., and best mutton 345. 6tl. New Zealand wheat is quoted at 475. to 475. 6d. per 4961b5. ex warehouse. Dr. Kenealy, M.P. for Stoke, and counsel for the pseudo Sir Roger Tich borne in the great trial, died to-day. Subscriptions have been opened for the balance of the Oaraaru Waterworks Loan to the amount of L 89,000. London, April 18. The Queen has returned to Windsor Gastie, and it is expected that Earl Beaconsfield will to-morrow tender to her Majesty the resignation of himself and his colleagues. Constantinople, April 17. Said Pasha, the Grand Yizior, has advised the Sultan to summon a Turkish Parliament,' but it is not yet known whether. the advice has been complied with, ' Berlin, April 18. The Bill which was introduced by the Minister of Justice on the 22nd of January, increasing the German army by 00,000 men, has been passed, Suez, April 16. The Orient Company’s s.s. Garonne, homeward bound, has arrived here. The Australian cricketers are passengers.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Rader's Telegrams.) Sydney, April 17. The receipts of the exhibition since the opening have amounted to L 42,462. His Excellency the Governor has assented to the Education Bill, which was introduced by Government. Sydney, April 19. At an open-air meeting on Saturday night, at which 1,800 persons were present, resolutions were passed endorsing the action of the Legislative Council in amending the Stamp Duties Bill. Oompagnoni, a well-known confectioner and one of the largest caterers for the supply of refreshments at the Exhibition, has become insolvent. Adelaide, April 17. Flour is worth LlO 2s. Gd, per ton. The Orient steamship Cuzco has arrived from Plymouth. Melbourne, April 17. Reports are gaining ground that Murray Smith will probably be offered the Agent- Generalship. The sugar market is active.

INTERPROYINCIAL. Grahamstown, April 19. A young chemist named Melton, a son of the late Mayor of Parnell, was found dead in his bed this morning, having evi dently been dead twenty-four hours. It is supposed he was poisoned by laudanum, but whether taken intentionally or other wise is not known. Thames, April 19. A fire occurred in a cottage in McKay street, Thames, lately occupied by Mrs Brien, formerly of the Bendigo Hotel. It was insured for LSO in the National Office. An enquiry will be held. James William Mapper, proprietor of the “Commercial Gazette,” has been com mitted on two charges of obtaining money under false pretences. Hawbra, April 17.

The usual monthly Parihaka meeting takes place to-day. Titokowaru and a good many natives have gone to be present. Surveys of native reserves are going on favorably and without interruption. The constabulary are going on with the road works but slowly, as they have instruc tions to clear through heavy flax country, two chains wide. No one can comprehend the object of delaying the progress of the road work. They are doing all this extra and unnecessary land clearing on each side of the road. New Plymouth, April 19. A volcanic eruption is taking place on the Sugar Loaves, near the harbor works. A strong sulphurous smell prevails for a considerable distance off. Steam is ob served coming from a fissure in the rock. The fissure from which the steam comes is 18 inches long by 12 inches deep. Napier, April 17. The policemen have returned after an unsuccessful search for a horse stealer who is supposed to have stolen 12 horses. He was last heard of at Omahau, and he then got to Te Ante and stole another horse, and rode to Seventy Mile Bush. There all traces were lost. Napier, April 19. Steps are being taken to get up a winter steeplechase. We understand that the Pacing and Jockey Clubs will unite to make the meeting a success. Wellington, April 17. At the meeting of fire brigades last evening it was resolved to disband on Monday, without giving the City Council time to consider the question of subsidy. Only four chief officers and two others dissented. The meeting was very lively throughout. It is reported that a valuable discovery ef copper has been made in Manawatu ranges. A prospecting party' leave to night to make an inspection. Wellington, April 19.

The stewards of the Wellington Pacing Club contemplate holding a spring meet ing at the end of November, but nothing can be definitely settled until the annual meeting, which is to be held shortly. A number of men have arrived from the country, seeking employment. It is stated that the police made another raid on the hotels yesterday, and have laid informations against five publicans for Sunday traffic. Nelson, April 19.

The tender of the owners of the Anchor Line of steamers for the mail service of the West Coast of the Middle Island, which was formerly performed by the Union Co.’s steamer Maori, has been ac cepted. Balclutha, April 19.

A fire occurred at Mr Wood’s farm, Waitepeka, on Saturday afternoon, when 1000 bushels of threshed oats, one stack containing 2000 bushels, and a barn, were consumed. There is no insurance, and the origin of the fire is unknown. No suspicion of arson is entertained. Timaku, April 17. Several perjury cases against McLeish, arising out of the seizure of sheep some weeks ago, have 'been abandoned at the; Magistrate’s Court to-day. A woman named Graff, whose husband is up country, proceeded against one Jonathan Allpress for assault. The case excited much amusement. The prosecu trix alleged that on Thursday last Allpress called at her house for a small account, and, as he failed to get his money, he forcibly extracted a kiss. Allpress stoutly denied the endearments, and the case had finally to be adjourned till to-morrow, to enable Mrs. Graff to produce corrobora tory evidence.

A SCENE IN COURT.

The frequent passages at arms which occur between members of the bar in pur local court sometimes tends to lower the legal dignitaries in question in the the public ; but from the graph, clipped from a Wellington jotBB»j, it will be seen that both lawyers and wit nesses —even if the witness is a bank manager —in the Empire City sometimes conduct themselves in such a way as to require to be “ sat upon” by the presiding magistrate : During the hearing of the case of Hunt v. Tolhurst at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, a very lively scene took place. Mr. Tolhurst was being examined by Mr. Edwards, who appeared as solicitor for the plaintiff. Both gentlemen began mildly, but as the examination proceeded they waxed warmer and warmer, until both arrived at a state of heat. Mr. Edwards not being satisfied with Mr, Tolhurst’s answers, persisted in reiterating the ques tions again and again, accompanying his repetitions with some uncomplimentary allusions to Mr. Tolhurst’s powers 6f in telligence. The bank manager resented this, and on Mr, Edwards asking a ques tion which was more pointed than perti nent, gave vent tp a contemptuous excla mation of impatience, which sounded something like the word “ fool.” At any rate, Mr. Edwards understood it so, and retorted with great warmth. How the wordy war would have ended, had the dis putants been left to themselves, it is im possible to say; but at this stage Mr. Mansford interfered, and administered a severe rebuke. He said during his career as a magistrate he had generally been able to keep witnesses, solicitors, and others who appeared before him within bounds, and that on the few occasions when he had not been able to do so, he had found it the best plan to adjourn the court. If the gentlemen who were forgetting them selves in the present case did not proceed more quietly he should feel obliged to postpone the case. This had the effect of bringing the two gentlemen to order, and the case went on smoothly afterwards.

A CLERGYMAN ON THE DEPRESSION.

The Rev. J. U. Davis recently delivered a lecture at Dunedin on “ Out of Work,” in which he showed the large number of persons out of work in that city. In concluding his remarks he referred to the fact that the monthly accounts of the merchants are rising • rapidly in proportion to their turn over. He added : —“ This is very signifi cant ; it shows that the retailers are allow ing more and more credit to their cus tomers ; and unless the bankers show grace, and the merchants show pity, the mercy and generosity of the storekeepers to the poor—a mercy and generosity that always show in bad times—will meet the melancholy and undeserved requital of insolvency. I have found nothing in my enquiries more suggestive of the obstinacy of the present distress than this increased indebtedness of the storekeepers, unless it be the alacrity with which so many of our impoverished neighbors accepted a bare sustenance at Hindon and Mullocky Gully. All could not do that; men ac customed to light muscular work , and dapper duties would shrink from it and be useless for it. It takes twelve months to , make a good navvy out of a farm laborer ; it would take more to transform a draper or a clerk into a bad navvy. Yet tb^^ — abound in our streets. There is no dfHMBM their numbers. Poor devils! ' name is “Legion,’ for they are many. These are only specimens. They are hot exhaustive statements, but as specimens they are fairly and painfully suggestive. There is yet another consideration or two. The building societies could unfold a tale most harrowing when you read between the lines of dry figures. The presence of febrile diseases must be ascribed in a measure to diminished food and anxious worry as well as heat and drought. Even • servants’ wages are gone down, and girls have more difficulty in getting places, so that help from this side is less available, and, to crown all, the very cautious esti mates made by the Government proves to have been excessive by a quarter of a million for the year. ”

A DEPLORABLE COUPLE.

No more shocking example of the state of degradation to which drink can reduce the “human form divine” could be imagined than that presented by two wretched creatures who occupied the pri soners’ dock at the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Wellington on a recent occasion. Although designated by different names on the sheet, they have been living together as man and wife. The police arrested the woman on the previous" even ing, and as the man expressed it in Court, he went to the station to look after his “ missus,” and the police ran him in, too. It was difficult to say which of the two was the more wretched looking object. The man, although still in the prime of life, was so palsied that he could scarcely lift his hand to take off his hat on enter ing the Court; his eyes resembled holes burnt in a blanket, and in all the lina- , ments of his face vice and disease showed their horrid The woman was about the same age, but might easily have been taken for fifty. Her face was pale and haggard, and streaked with dirt, while her bleared eyes blinked with weak ness. Her hair hung down her back and over her face and eyes in unkempt masses, which were exposed rather than concealed by a tawdry cheap hat, that appeared to have been “ pitched” on to her head. The clothes of this parody on a woman were in character. Her dress hung about her in such rags that she had to hold it against her bosom to conceal her nakedness. Other garments she might possibly have had on, but the glimpses afforded by the movements of the trembling hands were painfully suggestive that her undercloth ing was of the scantiest. The strangest feature in connection with this pitiful pair was the apparent affection of the man for the woman. Bad as he was, the man was evidently in full possession of I his faculties, but the excesses of the woman seemed to have reduced her to the condi- - ■ tion of mental as well as bodily prostra tion.' The man watched her carefully, and kissed her twice while sitting in Court ; he also supported her tottering steps, in entering and leaving the Court, and the extraordinary appearance of the pair as they passed arm in arm down Featherston street caused quite a commotion. The spectacle was one which the ancient Spar tans would havo regarded as a most edi fying one for their children. It certainly was an eloquent sermon.

Wages at Home.— According to news papers by last mail, the wages of farm laborers and women servants in England —consequent upon the agricultural de pression still prevailing—-had suffered a considerable diminution. At the North of England hiring fairs, held in the month of November last, at most of the towns large numbers attended; but employers were not willing to give the wages gene rally asked. At Kendal, for example, wages were considerably lower. Excep tionally good and known men commanded from Llsto Ll 7 ; best men, Ll 3 to Ll 4 ; second class, L 9 to Ll 3 ; lads and young men, from LA to LB. Best women, L9to Lll 10s. ; second class, L 6 to L 8 ; girls, L3to L 5. At Penrith a vast number at tended. After a stubborn resistance, ser vants found they had to give way,, and a brisk business resulted at a reduction of L 4 to L 5 from last Martinmas. Best men could be had at Ll 3 to Ll 4 ; second class, L9to L 10; third class, L 7 to L 8 10s. ; boys, L 3 to L 5; women’s wages ranged from Lo to L 9 ; girls, L 3 to L 5. These rates were for the half year, and included board and lodging. ■ -

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 1880.



s. d. s. d. Butter, inferior to best 1? lb o 10 to 2 0 Eggs,dozen I 6 to O O Cheese, prime quality, Ib o 7 to 0 IO Bacon, prime smoked, 1? lb o 0 to O 0 Hams in cloth, $ lb - . o 0 to O 0 Flour in bags, 1J loolb 14 6 to O 0 Oatmeal, $ ajib 5 0 to O 0 Lard, lb - 0 9 to O 0



NOTICE TO -FARMERS. fjpHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1880. 550g* r|IHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the oublic. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Nov/ Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaru Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.- Our New Winter Manufactures ire now ready. “TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” 3HIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ISHBURTON BRANCH— East Street, Wr. SPARROW, Manager.



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c., TTOLD FORTNIGHTLY STOCK JUL SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 27, 1880. 0. PERCY COX, 270* Agent, Ashburton.