The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER. TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1880.

We have received a copy of the Ash burton County Council Waterworks Act, 1879, Amendment Bill, as passed by the Lower House and amended by the Upper, and also passed by it. We purposenowgiving a summary ofthe pro visions of the Act, as many of our readers are unacquainted with them. The short title of the Act is the Ashburton County Council Waterworks Act, 1879. After the necessary interpretation clause (3), clause 4 provides that the Council may, with the consent of the ratepayers, undertake such works as it may deem necessary for the purposes of the Act; to enable it to do so, the Council may raise a loan not exceeding and to secure and pay the interest on this loan and provide a sinking fund the Council may impose a special rate on the district, the boundaries of which are given in the second schedule to the Act. Clause 5 takes the usual powers to enter- upon lands for needful pur poses—such as making surveys, plans, and estimates, and holds the Council responsible for any damage that may result from such entry. The works authorised by clause 4 are only to be undertaken and the loan raised after the consent of the ratepayers affected has been obtained. Clause 6 provides the machinery for obtaining this con sent :—“ As soon as the Council shall have made, or caused to be made, such water supply scheme, plan, and esti mates, the Council shall and must at once proceed to obtain the consent of an absolute majority of the ratepayers of the district, representing at least one half of the rateable property of the district, to the Council undertaking and execut ing such water supply scheme, and raising such loan, and the Council shall not undertake any such scheme until the consent of the ratepayers shall have been obtained in the manner provided by Part IX. ofthe Counties Act, 1876.” Clause 7 refers the reader to the first schedule for a form of voting paper to be used in obtaining this consent. Clause 8 restricts the ratepayer to only one vote, but empowers him to use a proxy. Every proxy must produce to the returning-officer his power fo attorney, or a written authority from his principal, duly signed or marked, such signature or mark to have been witnessed by a J.P., and such authority to state how the principal wishes his vote to be bestowed. In accordance with such wish the proxy shall mark the voting paper in the re turning officer’s presence, who shall deposit the proxy’s authority with the voting paper; but if the authority shall be deficient in any of the above par ticulars the proxy vote as such must be refused. Clause 9 empowers the Coun cil to proceed with the scheme if an absolute majority of ratepayers favor the proposal and represent more than one-half the rateable property of the district, but if such majority of rate payers, and rateable property repre sented, be not obtained, the scheme for water supply cannot be gone on with. Clause 10, in the event of the proposal being carried by the ratepayers, requires #ie Chairman of the Council to notify the Colonial Secretary of the particulars and result of the voting, who shall pub lish them in the New Zealand Gazette , and when such notice has been gazetted, the Council shall then be ex pressly authorised to proceed with the water supply, and to borrow a sum of money, not exceeding to carry out the w’ork, and to make and levy on the district separate rates, not exceeding the amount of the proposed separate rates for the purpose of secur ing and paying interest on the loan, and providing a sinking fund. The Gazette noticesjgpshall be primcl facie evi dence ot the Council’s authority, and the loan shall be applied solely to water -supply purposes under this Act. Clause 11 applies Part IX. of the Counties Act to the raising of the loan, except where it would be incon sistent with or would repeal the pro visions of the Act. Clause 12 empowers the Council to levy a “water rate’ not exceeding two shillings in the pound, previous to which, however, a

separate rate list of ratepayers affected must (clause 13) be prepared. Clause 14 gives needful extended powers for the carrying out of the scheme, viz., power to survey any land between the two rivers, to purchase any needful land ; break up or dig into any road or public place within the county, or stop traffic on it; alter, cross, or bridge over any drain, etc., etc., as the exigencies of the works may require ; the water of any drain, stream, ditch, or river, may also be taken, impounded, or diverted while the works are in progress, and any land or water so taken shall be taken (clause 15) under the Public Works Act and amendments. Clause 16 provides for the recovery from the Council of damage suffered by any per son by the exercise of the powers given unde, r this Act; and clause 17 provides for the making, etc. of by-laws regulating the supply of water over and above the quantity allowed to each ratepayer. Clause 18 provides for the protection of the water from interruption, pollution, etc., and inflicts a penalty of £lO per day upon the offender for every day the water may be diminished, polluted, etc. Clause 19 empowers the Council to lay services to such ratepayers’ land, in or out of the rated district, who may desire to be supplied, and clause 20 constitutes the Council sole judge of the sufficiency of the supply, and empowers the Council by by laws to regulate the size of the service pipes or races, and the time when water shall be supplied through them.. Clause 21 provides for the keep ing or separate accounts in connec tion with the special rates and water charges accruing from the works, and such moneys shall only be devoted to the paying of interest on the loan; to pro viding a sinking fund of one per cent, per annum on the amounts borrowed; to keeping the works in good repair and paying all expensesthereon; and to alter ing, enlarging, of extending these works. Clause 22 provides for the rate to be levied being a special rate under sec tions 112, 113, and 114 of the Counties Act, but it shall not be paid into the County fund of the County of Ashbur ton, nor form anj part of it, but shall be paid into a separate account, to be called the “Ashburton water supply account.” The County fund (clause 23) shall not be in any way liable for the repayment of the loan, nor shall any County property be liable. Failing provision by the Act (clause 24) or the Counties Act of a mode of doing any thing directed or permitted under this Act, the Council may itself by resolu tion or by-law prescribe such mode. For malicious or wilful destruction or damage to any of the works (clause 25), or permitting cattle to trespass upon them to their damage, a penalty of may be inflicted, in addition to the costs of repairs. Clause 26 imposes a penalty of £2O for obtaining water with out payment of the lawful charges; and (clause 27) all penalties may be sum marily recovered before two fustices. The two schedules attached to the Act provide (1) a form of voting paper for or against the raising of a special loan; and (2) the boundaries of the district proposed to be supplied and rated.

Co-operation. —A Farmers’ Co-opera tive Association has been formed at Timaru.

Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion. —The reading of Mr. Passmore’s paper on “Agricultural machinery” was postponed on Saturday to an evening to be afterwards fixed.

Parliament. —A large number of mem bers of the Legislature came South with the Hawea on Sunday night—Mr. E. G. Wright, the member for Coleridge, among the number.

A Mutiny.— The men of the ship Pareora, lying at Timaru, have refused to to proceed to sea, contending that the vessel was below Plimsoll’s mark. The men will probably be tried for mutiny “on the high seas.”

The Halcione. —Shaw, Saville & Co’s, ship, the Halcione, arrived in Lyttelton on Sunday after a ninety-one days’ passage from London. She brings twenty-five passengers, amongst whom are an old Ash burton family—that of Mr. A. Pascoe.

The English Mails. —The inward mails, via San Francisco, arrived here from Christchurch on Sunday night by special train shortly before eleven o’clock. The Ashburton portion was at once sorted by the postal officials, and the special train proceeded south after a very short stoppage. Drunks. —A first offender was fined ss. yesterday, by the R. M., and a man named Nicolas was sent to dig post holes at the police station for a day, in expia tion of an offence committed against the railway by-laws, having been drunk at the station. “Port Wine’’Annie—a ter rible character —was sent six months to gaol with hard labor for vagrancy. “ William Pitt, the Eminent States man.” —This evening Mr. F. P. O’Reilly, barrister, will deliver a lecture in the Town Hall on “ William Pitt, the eminent statesman.” The lecture will take the place of one of the readings for the library and the proceeds will go to the library funds. We are glad the Library Committee have secured Mr. O’Reilly s services, especially as we know his powers as a speaker and his ability to make his subject interesting, and we can confidently say that those who attend on Tuesday night will listen to a lecture of no common order.

“ Cranmer and His Times.”—Notwith standing the very disagreeable state of the weather last evening, the Town Hall was comfortably filled with an attentive and intelligent audience met together for the purpose of hearing a lecture from the Rev. D. M‘Kee, on “ Cranmer and his times.” It has often been deplored that lectures are very rarely well attended, or the efforts of lecturers appreciated, but the attendance at the hall last evening, and the frequent outbursts of applause, certainly ought to disabuse the minds of any who are sceptical as to the attractive ness of a lecture when the subject is popular and in the hands of an able man. The fame of the Rev. D. M‘Kee had certainly preceded his visit to Ashburton, but those who listened to him, both on Sunday and last evening, had to confess that “ half had not been told them.” The rev. lecturer handled his somewhat difficult subject with much skill, taking for his groundwork Macaulay’s, Froude’s, and Tennyson’s descriptions of the times in which Cranmer lived. The lecture, which bristled with wit and catting irony, took nearly two hours in its delivery. There was, however, not the slightest weariness manifested, but on the contrary, a feeling akin to a longing for a second edition. In concluding, the rev. lecturer gave the one-sided view that Macaulay took of Cranraer’s character as compared with the more lenient and impartial opinion of Froude, winding up with the confession of Cranmer, as given by the Poet Laureate. The choir of the Presby terian Church added to the evening’s enjoyment by rendering several anthems, the harmonium being handled by Mr. Stott. Votes of thanks to the lecturer and the choir terminated the proceedings.

Sunday School Anniversary. —lt was announced in the Cameron street Church on Sunday, that the services in connection with the anniversary of the Wesleyan Sun day School would be conducted on the 19th September, by the Rev. Edward Best, of Dunedin. A tea meeting is to take place on the Monday following. Mr. Best has but recently arrived from Ireland, and is spoken of as a most eloquent and forcible speaker, and is very popular in Dunedin.

The Borough’s Subsidies. —Regarding the £ for £ subsidies that are looked upon as lost to the borough, it appears that there is some hope for at least a portion of them being recovered. If it can be proved that the rates were levied within six months of the time prescribed by the Act, it is probable that the Borough’s claim will bo recognised. The Financial Arrangements Act agreed to by the House yesterday will give the Borough at least 7s. 6d. in the £ on the assessment for the present year.

Mr. A. LeGrand Campbell. —The Nelson Colonist learns that Mr. A. Le- Grand Campbell, R.M. and Warden at Collingwood, is to retire from his position on a pension, his judicial duties falling for discharge upon the Nelson Magistrate. Mr. LeGrand Campbell, .who was the R.M. at Ashburton just before Mr. Guinness, filled a multiplicity of small offices at Collingwood—such as Post master, Collector of Customs, Registrar, &c., and these are now to be discharged by a junior Clerk, who can be spared from Nelson. The newpolicyof retrench ment is the blast before which our late R.M. has had to succumb.

Pensions. —The colony pays in pensions L 21,262, which represents the interest on nearly a quarter of a million of the public debt.

One More. —Another old settler has died—Mr. Wm. Buick, of Wellington, seventy-three years of age. He came to the colony in 1841. Lockjaw. —Within a few years there have been five fatal cases of lockjaw in Dun edin. A correspondent to the Evening Star states that he cured a case by pouring into the mouth of the sufferer a small quantity of cayenne pepper in a wineglass of hot water, and then giving him an im promptu vapor bath.

The Unemployed. —Recently the con tractors for the Tapanui railway (says the Otago Daily Times ) advertised for a num ber of men to fill gravel ballast into rail way wagons at 7s. per day. They wanted 30 to 50 men in all, but only 15 accepted, employment. One man who applied at the office in Dunedin refused to work under Bs. 6d. A New Zealand Yacht for the Mel bourne Regatta. —Mr. Thomas Niccol, of the North Shore, Auckland, is to be commissioned to build a yacht of between 30 and 40 tons, which will be entered for the first-class yacht race at Melbourne Regatta. A considerable amount of money has been subscribed to defray the cost of the vessel. A Ten Per Cent. Strike. - The quarrymen on the public works at Grey mouth have struck against the ten per cent reduction, which was to affect their present month’s work. They contend that the reduction should not be retro spective, and their wages are 9s. or 10s. a day. This figure is considerably reduced on the average by broken time from bad weather.

The Late Mr. Ireland, M. H. R.— The late Mr. Ireland was an Irishman by birth, and a member of the Wesleyan denomination. The Tuapeka Times states that the deceased very rarely spoke about his relatives, but he has been known to say that he had a daughter in the Home country, and it is believed that he has a brother in business in Sydney. The name "Ireland” was a name he himself had adopted : his real name was Ren wick.

Not Rinderpest. —The stockowners of Tokomairiro have been a good deal exer cised lately concerning a supposed case of rinderpest which is raid to have occurred there; It appears that the animal infected had previously made an effort to swallow a turnip, but partially failing in this a veterinary surgeon was called in, who pro nounced the case one of rinderpest. The cow died, and stockowners in the vicinity are somewhat scared at the probability of rinderpest breaking out in the district, but there is consolation to be derived from the. hope that the disease may after all be one of “ turnip.” Color Blindness, Mr. Murray, M. H. R., seems to get hold cf very queer questions to ask Government, and if he is not a very brilliant statesman he is at least a painstaking one. He last week asked whether there was any provision made for examining the guards and signal men on the railways for color blindness. The Minister for Public Works said an examination was made recently, which showed that veiy few men. were color blind, but the regulations of the depart ment now provided for the men being examined. It would be an awkward thing for passengers were a signalman not to know the difference between one colored light and another.

The Colony’s Wrecks.— From the annual report of the Marine Department, we learn that during the nine months ending the 30th June reports have been received of. 48 casualties. Of these, 42 were on or near the coasts of the colony, 14, of 1979 tons, being total losses, 23, of 5,587 tons, partial losses, and 6 cases of loss of lives only. Seven lives were lost, viz., one each from the Augusta, Beautiful Star, Clematis, Elizabeth Firth, Sarah Pile, Shepherdess, and Stormbird. Of the five casualties reported as having occurred beyond the colony, one, of 80 tons, was a total loss ; three, amounting to 567 tons, were partial losses; and one was a case of loss of life only—a man hav ing been washed overboard from the Rotomahana.

One for Sir “Samson.”— l “ JBgles ” in the Australasian says;—“My friend Ihe portrait painter has been engaged upon a memorial picture of one of the ablest administrators upon the roll of colonial governors. Now, Sir Samsoffis friends were desirous that the portrait should represent his Excellency in all the splendour of official uniform, and that was a settled preliminary. But, prior to the first sitting, said his Excellency— ‘Now, Mr. F., you know I am attached to sport. Could not this be made some thing of a picture—horses running—the grand stand—a crowd of onlookers, &c. V ‘ Just so, your Excellency—capital idea. Of course I shall paint you from behind —looking out of a window.” There was no one more amused subsequently at his own proposal than Sir Samson. It is not difficult to fathom this story.

An Awkward Arrest. —On Friday night, in Auckland, Mr. Brown, a respectable ironmonger and ironworker, got orders to proceed to the barque Glimpse and make some repairs on the galley. The vessel was about to sail, and he set to work with two assistants at midnight. The captain, finding three men with their coats off, sent for a police man. The constable arrived, and Brown and his companions endeavored to explain, but the captain positively refused to listen, and ordered the constable to take them into custody. The officer demurred, but finally yielded, and the the three men were handcuffed and marched up the wharf and lodged in police cells, a charge being entered against them under the Vagrancy Act. They were brought up at the Police Court on Saturday, when they were of course discharged, no evidence being offered against them. The captam of the Glimpse has since made a public apology to Mr. Brown and his workmen for having caused their false arrest and imprisonment while working on bis vessel.

“Bonnie Scotland.” —A three-year old colt, “ Bonnie Scotland,” that was shown at Camara last year by Mr. George Warnock, has been sold by that gentleman to Mr. John Macfarlane, of Kaitangata, for 450 guineas.

Fatal.—“ You just take a bottle of my medicine,” said a quack doctor to a consumptiye, “and you’ll never cough again.”—“ Is it so fatal as that 1” gasped the consumptive. A Disagreeable Woman. —According to a paragraph in La France, Medicale a woman, whose name and address are pub lished, has just given birth to eight children, perfecily formed. They were enclosed in a sac, and had apparently perished from mutual pressure during their growth. The mother is reported as “ doing well.”

Sentence of Death. —Charles Hanson has been sentenced to death in Melbourne for rape. In passing sentence the Judge said;—“Rape is not punished by death in England any longer, but in this country, for reasons excellent in them selves, as the country is at present advised, the punishment for rape is death. The protection of the honor and virtue of women is a matter of first importance. The}' are exposed to the solitude of life in the country where population is small, and where the temptations to many evil men are great. Ido not hold out to you any expectation that the sentence will not be carried out.”

Too Much Matrimony. —Thomas Dale, alias Jordan, ex-captain of the Canadian cricketers, owes his trouble to too much matrimony. He left a wife in England, when he went to America, but soon after he married a woman of Nalchez, Mias The English wife followed him across the ocean, and had him arrested for bigamy ; but she consented, for pay, to bis getting a divorce from her and marrying the Natchez wife over again. She assured him also she had obtained a promise from Sir Garnet Wolseley that he could visit England without danger of punishment for desertion. This representation seems to have been false. A Short Sermon. —Those who admire brief sermons will perhaps thinks the fol lowing one by a quiet Quakeress worthy of approbation:—“Dear friends, there are three things which I very much won der at. The first is that children should be so foolish as to throw si ones, clubs, bricks, and sticks up into fruit trees to knock down fruit ; if they would let it alone it would fall itself. The second is that men should be so foolish as to go to and kill each other; if let alone they would die themselves. And the third and last thing that I wonder at is that young men should be so foolish as togo after the young women ; if they would stay at home, the young women would come after them.

A Tout at Jerome Park. —Last Satur day, says a recent number of the Turf, Field, and Farm, at the Jei’ome Park races, a green-looking individual scooped in 200. dola on Luke Blackburn in the first race. Shortly before the race for the Westchester Cup he was seen looking at the quotations of a prominent bookmaker, and appeared undecided about betting. The aforesaid bookmaker called a tout, and pointing out the green-looking in dividual, said :—“ You see that man ; go tell him to back Uncas ; that he is a sure winner, and I will give you 25 per cent of what he bets.” The green-looking indi vidual, being advised, stepped up and bet the bookmaker 100 dels, to 600 dels, that Uncas would win. The result is known. Barbee landed Uncas a winner, and the bookmaker was beaten at his own game.

The Governor-General or India.— Lord Ripon (says the Home News) fancies himself a Roman Catholic ; as a matter of fact he is an English Puritan, believing very strongly in certain truths of revealed religion, and thinking that he can only live up to his ideal of faith by strict sub mission to the laws of the old doctrinal code of Christendom. Possibly he was not altogether aware of the full force of his words when he said that in turning Papist he had become more sincerely liberal than before. It was perfectly true, and meant this—that he had become more profoundly penetrated with the con viction that there is a Divine ruler of the universe, and that an unflinching alle giance is due to Him if we would accom plish anything good or great in this world. So, when he received new spiritual com fort, the poetry of the political creed in which he had been brought up naturally struck his imagination more vividly than ever.

The Fenian Outrage at Cork. —Tele- grams to the Sydney papers say that great excitement has been caused by a most dar ing and impudent outrage committed by a band of Fenians in Cork harbor. Par ticulars to hand show that a number of persons in boats stealthily boarded the ship Juno, then lying in Cork harbor, surprised the officers and crew, and secured everyone on board, including some Customs officers, before any effectual resistance could be offered The gang then proceeded to search the ship, and took thirty seven rifles, making off with their plunder. After landing they cut the telegraph wires, but information of the outrage soon reached the police au thorities, who took prompt steps towards apprehending the offenders. Up to the pre sent time (August 17)) six of the gang have been captured. Further particulars show that the depredators weio Fenians engaged in 'the work of obtaining arms for secret organisations, in anticipation of a rising. It is understood that this sadden and unexpected outbreak has been stimu lated by the intense feeling aroused' by the rejection of the Irish Tenancy Com pensation Bill. The authorities have taken measures to suppress any further aggressive acts on the part of the malcon tents. The event has caused the most in tense surprise throughout the United Kingdom. The “Hand” of the Kavanaghs.— A few days ago the Morning Herald pub lished the following relative to the well known Mr. Kavanagh of Borris. “ His family is a very old one, as the name MacMurrogh indicates, and there is a a curious legend in connection with it associated with Mr. Kavanagh’s infirm ities. It was said many years ago that the Borris estates would pass into the hands of a ‘ monster,’ and that the event would happen within twelve months’ of the finding of a human hand. Mr. Kavanagh was the third son, and though his high mental qualities and his gentle manly manners hardly justified the descrip tion of ‘monster,’ his singular deformi ties led many to wonder, when he was a young man, whether the legend in any way applied to him. When his eldest brother was twenty years of age the finding of a bundle of twigs which looked very like a human hand strengthened the suspicion that the legend would be realised. Within twelve months the elder brother died suddenly; throe months afterwards the second son died of fever ; and on coming of age the present Mr. Kavanagh inherited the estates.” Refer ring to the above, the Neiv Zealand Tablet writes —“ We can vouch for it that the hand that was found growing upon a tree that stood on some portion of the Borris property could not properly be described as a mere “ bundle of twigs.” It was a wooden hand, almost as perfect as if it had been carved, and showing both the nails and the knuckles of the fingers. It was exhibited for a week or two at the Dublin Exhibition of ’53, but was taken awaj' suddenly, as it was believed, at the indignant remonstrance of the Kavanagh family. The case that contained it stood in one of the galleries close by Cm bee hives, which attracted so much attention. Some of our readers may, perhaps, re mepiber the circumstance wo mention. ”

LIVELY PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT.

A ROW IN THE HOUSE. MR. PYKE “ NOT IN A FIT STATE ” AND ORDERED OUT OF THE CHAMBER. (By Telegraph from, our own Correspon dent.) Wellington, Aug. 28. The House sat all night and till 8.30 this morning. About 5 a.m. a lively scene occurred, in which Mr Pyke was able to appear as the leading figure. Sir George Grey had proposed to report pro gress, and a division had taken place, but Mr Seddon was sound asleep on the bench and had not voted. Mr Pyke called the attention of Mr Kelly (who was in the chair) to the omission. Mr Seddon was roughly shaken up. Not feeling in the best of humors, when called on to declare on which side he wished to vote he said — “ Against Pyke : against the member for Dunstan.” Mr Kelly was unwise enough to take this answer, and record Mr Sed don’s vote with the “ Noes.” Mr Pyke is never in a very manageable state after about te at night, and he immediately insis’ ed upon declaring that the honorable mem. . tor Hokitika mid not voted. “ I call your attention, sir (lie said), to the fact that the lion, member for Hokitika was in the House and has not voted.” This ho insisted on repeating, in spite of orders to sit down, and at last ho said, “ I won’t sit down.” Members roared out “ Order,” and flew about in great excite ment, until Mr Kelly was obliged to re sume the House, to seek the assistance of the Speaker. Mr O’Rorke appears to ha. e been in bed, and could not be found, so Mr Seymour had to try his far inferior powers on Mr Fyke, but could get no re tractation or apology from him, and had to order him to withdraw. Mr Pyke was next seen in the reporters’ gallery, enjoy ing all the discussion on his own conduct, and Mr Seymour had to send the new Ser geant-at-Arms—who looks a strong, stout man—to get him out of that. Mr Fyke would not go, and had to be actually dragged downstairs. After this, the right Speaker turned up in his full robe, and never appeared to greater advantage. He asserted his authority with wonderful effect, and when asked under what Stand ing Order or by what authority Mr. Pyke had been forcibly removed from the re porters’ gallery, replied, “By the author ity of of the Speaker of this House. Mr. Pyke was again brought in and requested lo apologise, but only kept on repeating, “ Tue honorable n ember for Hokitika has not voted, and I’m only doing my duty in calling the Chairman’s attention to the fact.” He was then committed to the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms, to be brought up to the bar of the House at 7.30 this evening. Nearly the whole night had been wasted. The Supplementary Estimates are not yet through, so that business cannot be finished this week, though a majority of the members will leave to-night.

Wellington, Aug. 30.

Mr. Pyke came up before a crowded House and galleries on Saturday night, preceded by the Scrgeant-at-Arms, and looking very seedy. He made something between an apology and an excuse, and was dismissed with a caution.

The few members who are now keeping a House are all being sadly imposed upon, as Sir George has taken to stonewalling to the last, and after putting off the sail ing of the Arawata for twelve hours, it is very doubtful if the members will be able to leave before Wednesday. If a quorum is not kept together to pass the Appropria tion Bill, it would necessitate calling the House together again. The more Sir G. Grey’s tricks cost the country, the more he seems to enjoy them. At present the Opposition are stonewalling the railway Construction Bill introduced to divert the Waikato line from the Thames to Cam bridge, as recommended by the Railway Commissioners. Mr. Seddon is fortunately away, but Mr. Speight has kindly pro vided a twelve hours’ speech. It is an other of Mr. Oliver’s blunders, which Go vernment and their supporters are re luctantly voting for, driven by the wild ness of the Opposition.

SIR HERCULES ROBINSON ON NEW ZEALAND.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, Aug. 30. At a dinner given by Sir W. Fitzher bert, in the Council Chamber, on Satur day night, his Excellency, in replying to a toast, said that had he been at liberty to consult his own inclinations, he should have stayed here. He had told his Eng lish friends he was pleased with the climate and people, and that he should like to settle here after he retired into private life. Expecting, as he had, to i-e ---main in New Zealand for the full term, he had made private arrange ments that would have identified him with the interests and amusements of the country. He regretted leaving this country, which he said, was of surprising interest. It had an unrivalled climate, unsurpassed soil, vast mineral resources, and a most favorable geographical position; but the administration here had not always been above criticism. The re sources of the country were so vast that it could not go wrong eventually. In pro portion to population, New Zealand was more in debt than any other country. As a parting advice, he would urge New Zealand to rest content with her present pre-eminence in indebtedness; they should not go to the extremity of the last straw, or the result would be disastrous. They were very fortunate in getting so able an administrator as Sir A. Gordon. He was a most conscientious, able, high-minded man, and a better could not be found.

THE UNEMPLOYED.

It is not reassuring for the future of the thousands of laborers in this colony that Government are taking precautions. There are a large number of men still in the Government employ at “unemployed” wages, but we had thought their number was being steadily reduced, owing to times improving. . We note, however, that Go vernment have appropriated L 70,000 as provision for the unemployed, and it is intended to disperse labor gangs over the colony at such works as may be convenient. The sum appropriated is sufficiently large to at least find low wages for as many laborers as are likely to accept “ unem ployed ” work.

THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.

Mr. Saunders made a very strong appeal to the Government on Saturday night to take under their protection such witnesses as gave evidence before the Civil Service Commission of a “ manly and straight-forward ” character. Tran slating this character into plain language, they gave evidence of a nature the reverse of favorable to the management of the railway department, and they fear perse cution for their outspokenness. In fact, it was stated by the Hon. E. Richardson, that “ the thing they greatly feared had come upon them,” inasmuch as he had received telegrams from two or three of these witnesses complaining of the perse cution to which they had been subjected. The Hon. Mr. Oliver promised that he would take care no civil servant suffered because of the evidence he had given be fore the Commission, and we are glad he gave this assurance. There is nothing more persistent and hearty than petty departmental hate, and ninnies in authority are always unscrupulous in their animosity; but we feel

assured that any attempt to persecute a man because he gave evidence that was ugly for the railway “bosses” will be pounced upon by a higher power, and dealt with promptly.

THE HENDERSON TRAGEDY.

MISS BLYTH’S DENIAL. (From the Wellington Evening Post.) Miss Blyth states that on the morning of the tragedy she and Henderson both ate a good breakfast, indeed, that he seemed to have a particularly vigorous ap petite and urged her to follow his example, tolling her it would be her last meal. She declares that she did not in the least imagine that he was in earnest, but thought he was merely joking. She still at first believed him to be in jest when he mixed the poison with the lemonade and insisted on her drinking it, but he became very violent and fiercely threatened her, swearing that if she did not instantly drink her share he would pour it down her throat by force ; and expressing his regret that his pistols had been taken from him, as otherwise he vowed he would have made matters sure at once by blowing out her brains first, and then his own. She still hesitated, but ultimately, overcome with terror at his storming, and seeing no way of escape, as he was preparing to exe cute his threat of forcing it down her throat, she, by a sudden impulse, yielded, and swallowed the poison, ho immediately afterwards following her example. Miss Blyth says he took strychnine from a small blue paper which ho had carried con cealed under the lining of his hat. This accounts for it having escaped the vigilance of the police. She asserts most positively that the order in which they took the, poison was us described above, that is, that he forced her first to take it and then swal lowed his own share. She also alleges with equal positiveness that they exactly shared the poison, he carefully dividing it into two precisely equal parts in separate glasses while suchjjwas his stern determin ation to effect his purpose, that to prevent any undissolyed strychnine remaining in the glasses he rinsed them out with water and compelled her to drink her share of the rinsings, ho swallowing the other half. She is very clear and precise on : these points, and also in asserting that thestate mentthatHenderson took a larger quantity of the poison than she, and before her, is incorrect, ’as they shared exactly alike, and she drank her share off slightly before him, although the two actions were as nearly as possible simultaneous. The sequel is well known. Miss Blyth is anxious it should be thoroughly under stood that the act was utterly un premeditated on her part, and she expresses the utmost horror at the idea of suicide ; but when at the ' last moment —not having previously supposed him to be in earnest —she was treated so violently by Henderson, and believed that in any case her life was sacrificed, as she was powerless to resist his great strength, and saw he was perfectly reckless and desperate, no help being at hand, she seemed to lose her senses, and obeyed his imperious command as the only way of escaping an instant violent dea + h. It is evident, therefore, that the Government acted judiciously as well as humanely in forbearing to prosecute her for attempted suicide, as no prosecution could possibly have been maintained under the circum stances now disclosed. The unhappy man, Henderson, in fact, was really guilty of attempted murder, as well as of self slaughter. Lastly, Miss Blyth declares most solemnly that she and the deceased had not not lived together as man and wife, and that she would not have consented to such a proceeding until they were married, which was to be immediately on their arrival at San Francisco. . She implicitly believed his story that he was free to marry her, and that he would do so directly they reached a place where they could be legally united without the consent of her parents being.required. She indignantly denies the truth of the stories which have been circulated on this head, and also in reference to her state of health, alleging that all are wholly unfounded. She ex presses deep contrition for her conduct in eloping with Henderson, adding that she is unable now to account for her past in fatuation. She is now almost entirely convalescent, and is beginning to recover her former looks and spirits. It is only fair to add that both Miss Blytili and hor mother speak in terms of the warmest gratitude of the kindness they have ex perienced from Dr. Diver, who has been unremitting in his attention to the case, while refusing to accept amy fee for his services. He has, however, the profes sional satisfaction of having performed the very rare medical feat of saving the life of a person poisoned with strychnine.

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Friday, August 27. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. The House went into Committee for the further consideration of the resolution about the inscription of stock. The Hon. G. McLean thought that the matter uould stand over, and Mr. Reader Wood opposed the resolution, which on being put was negatived on the voices. The Hon. J. Hall said that he hoped the amendment of the member for Christ church would not, undeijthe circumstance, be pressed. Mr. Reader Wood argued that the in scription of stock had secured no real benefit to the colony. He could look upon it as nothing more than sucking the life blood of the colony, in the shape of com missions to stock brokers. He thought that the best thing that could be clone was to adopt the amendment. The Hon. J. Hall said that the process of inscription would be only exercised to a limited extent, and he hoped the mover of the amendment would be content with that assurance. Mr. Stevens then consented to with draw the amendment and the chairman left the chair. The House went into Committee for the further consideration of the Public Works Bill. Several new clauses were added to the Bill, after which it was reported with amendments, which were agreed to. It was then read a third time and passed. The Hokitika Harbor Bill, empowering the Board toraisea loanofLs,ooo, was read a second time, passed through Committee, read a third time, and passed. Mr. Hutchison moved, on the motion for going into Committee of Supply, “ That the 10 per cent, reduction should not apply to salaries of Ll5O and under.” Mr. Bain seconded the motion, and Mr. Pyke supported it, describing the reduction as an income tax applicable to only one particular class of the com munity.

Sir Georgo Grey said that to impose this income tax on small incomes was to sentence persons who had done no wrongto a life of obscurity and penury. Mr. Saunders opposed the motion, de scribing it as a bid for popularity. The Hon. J. Hall said that the resolu tion on the subject of the 10 per cent, reduction was quite explicit. He hoped that the motion would not be carried.

Mr. Hursthouse would suggest that these men should be put on half-pay. He was opposed to the motion.

After considerable further discussion, Mr. Speight moved the adjournment of the House to enable members to reply to the statement that this motion was a mere attempt at courting cheap popularity. Mr. Hutchison’s amendment was then put—-Ayes 21, noes 32.

The House then went into Committee of Supply. Class I—Legislative—Ll4o. Item, Clerk Legislative Council (additional to perma nent salary), L9O. , Mr. Pyke moved that progress be re ported. The motion was lost—Ayes 5, noes 45.

Question proposed—that the item be struck out —Ayes 25, noes 27. It was proposed to reduce the item by L4o—Ayes 22, noes 27. Class 2—Colonial Secretary Audit Office, L 8450. Passed. Agent-General—L4ooo. Mr. Reader Wood proposed that vote bo reduced YdOOO. After discussion, a motion was put that the vote be reduced—iiyes 27, noes 23, In reply to Mr Swanson, Mr. Hall said the reduction was one of so great impor tance that Government would have to consider what they would do in the cir cumstances. In reply to Mr. Gisborne, Mr. Hall said that the reduction in this case would be in addition to the ten per cent. ; Mr. Sheehan protested against the reduction. The persons who had voted against Sir Julius Vogel three or four years ago had worshipped him, and said lie was the salvation of the colon} 7 . He had done good service to the colony. [Cries of “ No.”] Mr. Sheehan said, “Yes.” There were men now voting against him, who, five years ago swore by him. He, (Mr. Sheehan) would not be a party to jump upon a man because he was outside the House/ Those who drank his champagne and, Ate his dinners were now the men to jump on him. If he came in at that door he could imagine that their tune would be very different.' With all his faults he did good work. They wanted a first class man in London,, and the pro- , vision they had made would not secure the. services of such a- man.: There were men voting against him who, but for Vogel, would never have been known. . The vote as reduced was then passed. Vote -Miscellaneous services, L 11,395 15s. Id. Mr. Macandrew moved that the 1 item “ expenses of printing transactions of New Zealand Institute, L 500,” be struck out. Lostbn the voices. Mr. Whyteirioved that the item “expense of printing . work. on Coleoptera- of New Zealand, L 345 12s. ” be struck out. Amendment not pressed. Mr. Seddon moved that the item—Bo tanical Gardens (four months), LSOO, he struck out: Not pressed. Mr. Dick proposed to reduce the item —-Local Industries, LGSO, by LGO. Agreed to. At 4. SO Mr. Seymour left the chair, and it was taken by Mr. Kelly. Mr. Pyke, on the vote, Public Build ings, Class 11., objected to the item — Furniture and Fittings for Wellington Hospital, L 1,500. Mr. George said it was very plain, from the state of affairs, that it would be quite impossible to go on with the work. He therefore moved to report progress. The House divided-ayes,'B ; noes, 30. Sir George Grey moved that the chair man leave the chair. It was evident that at least one member was not fit to be there. It was a disgrace to the New Zea land Legislature that large sums should be voted in this way. Mr. Reeves was surprised to hear such remarks from the hon. member. He could not be aware of what he was talking about. 1 ■ .

Sir George Grey said the fact that such conduct had been going on showed that members w r ere not in a fit state to vote away large sums of money. They had worked for eighteen hours. Mr. Hall said certainly one member was not in a fit state, but that- was no reason for saying the House was not in a fit state to go on. He objected to ad journ.

Mr. Pyke said he had not obstructed business. He was inclined to say 7 that the Premier had been guilty of impudence. He asked a question himself, and he had a right to ask the question, He had waited there the whole night, and he in tended to remain until this vote had been struck out. He would not be told by the Premier that he was trifling with or ob structing the'House. The;motion for leaving.the chair was put and negatived on the voices. ' Mr. Pyke moved that the item—Ll,soo, Wellington Hospital, be struck out—ayes, 1.7 ; noes, 28. Sir George Grey said that it was abso lutely necessary to report progress. It was evident there were members who were not in a fit state to go on. Mr. J. T. Fisher hoped they would not meet again until Monday. Mr. Lundon said there was every pros pect of a quarrel if they attempted to go on.

Mr. Hall said that it was disgraceful that nine-tenths of the members should be kept there simply to please one or two. These two or three members were simply there to obstruct business.

Motion for reporting progress put and negatived on the voices.

After further discussion the vote was put and passed. .

A number of other votes were discussed and passed. After Sir G. Grey' insisting that the House was not in a fit state to proceed with the business, he moved that they report progress. The division resulted in the motion being negatived by a large majority. , ; Mr. Pyke called the attention of the Speaker to the fact that the member for Hokitika (Mr. Seddon) who was present ,in the House had not recorded his vote. On being asked for and challenged, Mr. Seddon said he voted against Mr. Pyke. Mr. Pykeinsisted that the vote had been irregularly recorded, and in defiance o repeated orders from the chair to resume his seat, persisted in standing, and pro tested against the manner in which the vote had been recorded. A Scene

of great disorder ensued, amidst which the remarks- of both the Chairman and Mr. Pyke were wholly inaudible in the gallery. Mr. Pyke was understood to say that he insisted upon the Chairman leaving the chair, and reporting what had transpired to the Speaker. Amidst the utmost pos sible confusion and disorder, the Chair man left the chair, and on the House resuming, he reported to the Speaker that the honorable member for Dunstan had been guilty of disorderly conduct and in subordination, inasmuch as he had re fused to resume his seat in Committee after having been repeatedly called upon to do so.

Mr. Speaker said he would take cogni zance of the report, and called upon the member for Dunstan tn afford the House an explanation and apology. Mr. Pyke, who was indistinctly heard, amidst the confusion and uproar that ensued, was understood to offer some explanation or justification of his conduct. Mr. Speaker (interrupting him) —It has been reported to me by the Chairman of Committees that the honorable member for Dunstan : has been guilty of disorderly conduct, he being a member of this House, while the House was sitting ; and I now call upon him to make explanation and apology for so doing. Mr. Pyke again essayed to speak, but his voice was drowned amidst cries of “ apologise ” and “ withdraw,” uproar and confusion.

The Speaker—l have again to ask the honorable member for Dunstan, Mr. Vin cent Pyke, if he is prepared to offer an apology for the conduct of which he has been guilty in Committee, and which has been reported to me by the Chairman of Committee.

Mr. Pyke—l say no. I do not apolo* gise. I have got nothing to apologise for. The Speaker—Then, in that case, the

member having been duly challenged, and having refused to apologise for his conduct in Committee, I direct that he will at once leave the Chamber.

Mr. Pyke then rose, and in withdraw ing, ejaculated in a loud voice something which sounded like a note of defiance. After he had withdrawn, Mr. Hall said that they must all regret and deplore the painful scene which had just been enacted. The dignity of this House had been outraged, and its author ity set at defiance. To him it was a mat- ■ ' ter for deep regret, and he had not-the least doubt but that-all present shared with him in that regret. They must, how ever, bear in mind that they had a duty to discharge both to'themselves and the ■■■■*■■ country, and that duty could not be dis charged unless they- took cognizance of the conduct which had just now been , . enacted. He would, move that this House, having taken into Consideration the insulting and disorderly conduct mani fested by the member for Dunstan towards a Committee of the House and its Chair man, and the fact that when challenged, , by Mr. Speaker in pursuance of...his ! authority lie refused to apologise, there fore this House expresses its disapproba tion, and censures Mr. Pyke for the’same. In the course of a very animated dis cussion which ensued oil the motion,, the , attention of the Speaker was called to the fact that Mr. Pyke had taken up his posi tion in the reporters’ gallery. Mr. Speaker—Do I understand that the hon. member for Dunstan, who has just been ordered to leave to the chamber, is still present in soine,portion of it. , ,** r Mr. Andrews—He is, sir, present in the reporters’ gallery. . r , ~ , ,- r Mr. Speaker—Sergeant-at-Arms, you will proceed to the gallery ;of this' House, and if you find the lion, member for Dun stan there, you will order him to leave by- > directions from the Speaker. In due course that functionary made his -, appearance in the press gallery, and pro-i? pr eceding to the extreme end of it, where ■ 1 - Mr. Pyke was seated busily employed trac ing hieroglyphics on a sheet of foolscap paper, tapped Mr. Pyke gently oh the shoulder, when the latter looking up with some surprise and considerable indigna tion, demanded to know what he meant by assaulting him while he (Mr. Pyke) was in | execution of his. duty. The Sergeant hav- v ' ing delivered the message given to him by the Speaker, ;1 ■ Mr. Pyke replied as follow: —-I’ll not. go. ■; Keep your hands oft'me, sir, or I’ll have, you brought up before the Court’ for ah' * assault. Stand out cf this, !am reporting for a newspaper. I am reporter for the Association. Get out of this, or I’ll have you up for assaulting me, ■ ; The Sergeant having ‘withdrawn, and reported to the Speaker the state of affairs y in the gallery, he was directed by the | g Speaker to proceed to the gallery, and, if needs be, have Mr. Pyke moved by force, The'Sergeant paid a second visit to-the* gallery, with, on this occasion, his dress coat buttoned to the throat, his wristbands , turned up, and two attendandts at his 1 .■ heel. The aspect of affairs was so very 7 alarming that the only other occupants of ! 1 ' the gallery, two druwsy-looking newspaper™ reporters, deemed it prudent to take back seats. On being again challenged, Mr. Pyke, who was still busily employed tracing what appeared to be a-serio-comic f sketch of Mr. Speaker in his with -. ■ an equally whimsical representation , of';," Cabinet Ministers in dishdhillej protested 1 that this was an unwarrantable interfer ence with the liberties of the’ press, that he was a newspaper reporter on this* occasion, reporting for the Otago Daily Times. . ' - , Sergeant—“ Come : away, Mr., Pyke,' 1 and not make a d —-—d fool of your self.” .. . ~.. .... Mr. Pyke—“ Take your 'hkhds ‘off me, sir. How dare you come 1 here and inter fere with me I I’ll have you punished with the utmost rigor of the law for assaulting me in the execution of my duty.” ' ■ T a ,f"¥ At this juncture, the Sergeant; applied jj some slight force, when Mr. Pyke rose to his feet, and facing his antagonist took a working survey of him from head to foot. When his eye lightedupon the buttoned up coat and wristbands he appeared to take in the situation at a glance, and with out farther resistance followed the Sergt. and his attendants downstairs. On again making his appearance on -the floor of the House the Sergeant reported he had at last succeeded in ejecting Mr..Pyke from the gallery. An animated debate then ensued on the motion tabled, by Mr. Hall, which resulted in Mr. Pykd being called in, when the Speaker again, called upon him to apologise for his conduct in Committee. ... Mr. Pyke replied that he did not klidw j what he had to apologise for in calling ,the ,; attention of the Chairman to the fact 1 that \ Mr. Seddon had not voted. He .simply * discharged a'duty he ovi'ed to tho’Hinise and the constituency by whom, he had been sent there. If there was anyone’to be blamed, it , was not him : it, was the Chairman, who persistentlycalledupon'Mim to sit down when he was calling attention to the abovenamed fact. ; The Speaker—l find that you are still unwilling to apologise for your conduct. I have power, if you remain refractory, to either order you into the custody: of*, the-ri'' Sergeaut-at-Arms, or else to impose a fine upon you to the extent of L 50.; ( Mr. Pyke—l decline to apologise for an offence of which I am perfectly < The Speaker— I Then you will fetire.’ ’ Mr. Pyke then left the chamber. Mr. Sheehan said he blamed the Go vernment very much for what had;taken place. They had kept members sitting there for close on twenty-five, hours, and it was not to be wondered at that disorder and irregularity arose. Mr. Tole said that Mr. Pyke told him he did not mean any disrespect to -the— House, and all he intended to. dp was to assert what he considered to be his privi lege. He thought they should be satisfied . with that, and allow the subject ftp drop. f. ; He tabled a motion to the effect that ’the * 7 .Uouse take no further notice of. the' ! j'. matter. _ \ Mr. Hall 'said'he had listened with I 'the utmost attention to what had been’said ' '”' by Mr. Pyke, and he had npt heard a single word that 1 could possibly hb'con strued into an expression of regret or apology. He regretted the circumstances as much as anyone could do, but he had no alternative left but to insist on the vote, of censure. Mr. Seddon, after detailing the circum stances under which he recorded his . vote, said that when the hon. member for' the Dunstan was ordered to-sit down, there ,■ was a great noise in the House—members * • calling out, “Chair,” “Sit down,” and,-’! making all manner of noises. It .was quite ... possible the member for the Dunstan did - / not hear the orders given to him by the. ‘ Chairman „ vv u Mr-. Reeves said the hon. member for;- Dunstan was quite right not to apologise. and was glad to see that ho was. de-. termined to fight it out to the bitter end,.... It was not the member, for Dunstan that was to blame but the Chairman. He was the only man to be blamed under the cir cumstances. He had occasioned - the, ~ whole of the trouble. , . ' The Speaker—l cannot allow y0uj.t0j,,... censure the Chairman of Committees!/ You must confine yourself to the member ; for Dunstan. , t s. s . Eventually it was agreed the motion should be allowed to stand over, ■ and that ’ ; the debate should he resumed at 7.30. The House rose at 8.30 on : . . Satdbday, August 28. ' - EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7-30 p. in. ME. PYKE’S CASE., , .. 'Mr. Montgomery applied that tin “ hoii. member for Dunstan should be heard in further explanation.

THE 'ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. Friday, September 3. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Tinwald Saleyards—Horses, Cattle, Poultry, Implements, Potatoes, &c. Sale at 12 o’clock. Wanted. WANTED— By a young man, a SITUA TION in an office. Some experi ence. Address “ Clerk,” Guardian Office. 805c-166g WANTED, COTTAGE, with four or five rooms, and stable, within ten minutes’ walk of Post office. Apply, “ W,” office of this paper. 172 q PLOUGHING. WANTED —At once, about 300 Acres Stubble Land PLOUGHED at Wasterfield Station, to be completed bj' the 11th September. Apply to E- H. BUTLER, WesterS eld Station, Aug. 30, 1880. Manager. 823c-173g WANTED General SERVANT. Apply at T. R. Hodder and Co. ’s Store. 822 c A AAA TO LEND, in sums to c&J-V/jUv/U suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. o’Reix.i.y, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-835g PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 6410 KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED.) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. Forms of application for SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23, 1880.