COMMERCIAL.

[by telegraph.] Dunedin, June 4. Prime fat beef, 22s 6cl. perlOOlbs; mut ton, 2^cl. per lb ; good sample mill wheat, 3s. Bdrto 3s. lid.; fowls wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3d.; oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d.; malt barley, 3s. 6d. to 3a. lOd.; feed, 2s. 6d to 3?.; potatoes, L2 7s. 6d.; old hay, L 4 ; new oaten hay, L 3 ; chafl, L 3 ; straw, L2; bran, L 3; pollard, L 4 ; flour, LlO, large sacks ; oatmeal L 9 10s.: pearl barley, L2O; onions, 75.; cheese, sd.;bacon, rolled, 10d.; hams, Is.; sides bacon, lOd. CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday evening, the 4th June : Business in the grain trade during trade during the week has been of the most limited description, and indeed is in a most depressed condition. Latest advices from Home regarding the wheat market are not more reassuring than formerly. The one and only grain of comfort which exists is that returns for shipments of oats to the United Kingdom are now to hand, which have netted 2s. per bushel. The quality moreover has been highly ap proved of, and met with ready sale, both for milling and seed purposes. It is to hoped this will give an impetus to the further exportation of this cereal. Wheat.—Seed samples are now being inquired for. Small parcels of this class are being sold at from 4s. to 4s. 6d., accord ing to quality ; for fair milling quality fit for shipment, 3s. fid. per bushel, f. o. b. in Lyttelton, is the quotation. Chick wheat is still inlarge supply, and quotations re main unaltered. Is. 9d. to 2s. 4d. per bushel. Oats.—The recent advices from Home have caused more inquiries to be made for parcels of good heavy milling quality fit for shipment. It is reported that Is. fid. per bushel, f.0.b., has been offered for the foregoing class. Feed qualities do not, as yet, appear to have benefitted, quotations remaining as before, Is. to Is. 4d. per bushel. Barley.—The market for .this class of grain drags along a weary existence. Only parcels of undesirable malting quality are meeting with any attention, and for such very low prices are being accepted, viz., 3s. fid. to 3s. 4d. per bushel; feed and second rate quality is next to unsaleable —prices nominal. Potatoes.—A slight improvement has taken place in the market, and transactions have been more numerous. The principal sales are for forward delivery, or rather for delivery all through the season. Sales for immediate delivery have been effected at 255. to 265. at stations within a radius of 8 miles from Christchurch. For those who undertake to deliver throughout the season, and when wanted, 355. to 375. fid. is the price quoted. In all cases sacks are extra. Grass Seed.—The market remains very flat, no sales are reported during the week. Good heavy well dressed samples, 2s. fid. to 2s. lOd. per bushel. Cocksfoot remains inactive at 2M. to 2|d. per lb. Cheese and Butter. —4d. to 4|d. for the former, and Bjd. to 9d. for the latter, with a good demand.

MAIL NOTICES.

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. Fr»m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays 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. 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, Tinwald, 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 am. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at G a. m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1880.

In the House of Representatives on Thursday the question was asked whether or not Government meant to take any steps by legislation to put down religious processions. There can he no doubt that the Boxing Day riots in Christchurch and Timaru prompted the question, and considering the excitement that was mani fested, not only in these two places but in this district and throughout the colony at the time, there is no wonder that the question should have been asked, by tho irrepressible Mr. Fyke especially. The answer given by the Hon. Mr. Dick was one that must be satisfactory to every right-thinking man in the colony. He said that no legislation on the subject was •projected, as Government relied on the good sense of the people—the good feeling of the public—for proper conduct in this kind of thing. After the riotson Boxing Day, participation in, or favor to, the outbreaks was disclaimed from the Catholic pulpits, and we know the better class of the mem bers of the Catholic Church deprecated any such ebullition of feeling on the side of those holding their creed, so that—and the trials proved—the rows must have been caused by the very sediment of that Church. In this colony we ought to be far removed from the influence of the pre judices that brought about those riots, for here every religion has full toleration, and a man may worship God in any manner that seems fit to him, without let or hindrance. And surely the display of a few green ribbons or orange banners ought not to raise in sensible men the sensations of a villain. The Catho lic Church claims to teach the imitation of Christ who is the essence of patience and long suffering; and we gather that an Orangemen’s “ deport ment should be gentle and compassionate, kind and courteous ; he should cultivate the society of the virtuous and avoid the company of tho evil. . . . He should ever abstain from all uncharitable words, actions, or sentiments towards his Roman Catholic brethren . . . and the glory of God and the welfare of men, the honor of his Sovereign and the good of his country, should be the only motives of his actions.” Surely two bodies of religious people holding so high principles ought never .to have cause to discuss their differences of opinion in the rough language of pick-handles. Notwith standing the Boxing Day disturbances the time lias not yet come for the passing of a law to stop religious processions ; when that time comes religion is no longer free.

Obstructing the Thoroughfare.— Edward Ede pleaded guilty, before Mr. Guinness, yesterday, to the charge of having a horse and vehicle tied to a fence in Havelock street, across the footpath. As the cab was in this situation for some time on a dark night, and was thus in danger of injuring passers-by, Edward had to forfeit LI. Drunks. —His Worship fined a first offender yesterday 55.; and on Charles Tolan, charged with being drunk and dis orderly, and against whom a previous con viction had been recorded, promising to clear out and go to some employment which he had obtained up-country, the Bench dealt leniently with him, and let him off with a similar penalty. A Mishap. —Yesterday two cases of run away occurred in East street. Beyond some broken harness, no injury resulted to the bolters. But one of them came too forcibly against the lamp post at the Union Bank corner, and it snapped through the middle like a carrot. The moon will have to be depended upon till the repairs are made. Horse Killed.— On Thursday after noon, while a white mare, belonging to Mr. J. Corbett, of the Ashburton Eorks, was standing in a dray, at the coal heap of Montgomery and Co., at the Burnett street crossing, she suddenly started and wheeled round. The movement, by some means or other, dislocated the animal’s shoulder, and it was found necessary to destroy her. She was shot yesterday morning Tinwald Temperance Hall.— The little company recently formed for the purpose of supplying the township of Tinwald with some sort a public hail, have made amaz ing progress —in fact, the energetic secre tary, Mr. Williams, says it has been the most successful little concern he ever knew. It is not yet two months since the affair was mooted, and already all but twenty of the 200 shares at LI each, of which the capital is to consist, have been applied for and allocated. A site for the building has been secured near the black smith’s shop, close to J ephson and Davison’s store, which is the chief place of business in the township, and also near to the hotel, the post office, and the sale yards ; and we learn that plans of the building will be ready in a fortnight, and that the first week in July will see the carpenters at work. We wish the plucky little company every success.

Personal. —Mr. Max Friedlandcr, who is about to pay a visit to the “ Fader land,” left by the express on Thursday. Several friends and acquaintances were at the railway station to wish him a pleasant journey and speedy return, it being under stood that Max does not intend to prolong his travels beyond a few months. Attempted Suicide. —An inebriate, named George Smith, residing at Rolies tnn, tried on Thursday to cut his throat. He succeeded in making a most ghastly looking wound, but left the windpipe and main artery uncut. He is now in Christ church Hospital, and is expected to re cover. Cricket Club. — A meeting of the Ashburton Cricket Club is advertised for Tuesday evening next, in the County Council Chamber. The meeting will take place at half-past seven, and the chief business, we understand, will be to con sider how the recent grant is to be dis posed of, and the appointment of a Ground Committee. Scholastic. —We learn that Mr. F. W. Wake, of the Borough School, has obtained the appointment of second master of an important school at Geral dine, and that in a few days he will assume his new position. In Mr. Wake’s removal tho Borough school will lose the services of a very efficient young teacher, who during his connection with it, has suc ceeded in obtainining the good opinion and best wishes of all who are engaged within its walls—both teacher and pupil—besides making friends in the township. Death of Mr. Hankins. —Mr. Wil liam Hankins, the jockey, who met with an accident at the last Grand National Meeting, died at the hospital on Wednes day night at about C. 30 o’clock. Since entering tho hospital he had gradually got worse from injuries ho received by the fall, and it became evident that he could not survive the shock. The deceased was well known to a large circle of ‘per sons interested in sporting. He had many friends, by whom he was held in high esteem, and who |will sincerely de plore the loss they have sustained. — Press. The Oddfellows. —On the 2nd July the Oddfellows intend to hold a grand ball in celebration of the seventh anniversary of their institution in Ashburton. It is to come off in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street, and the arrangements have been entrusted to the following committee : Bros. C. Reid, Joseph Canning, Joshua Tucker, Robert Cullen, J. H. Maynard, James Tait, John Gilchrist, John Corbett (Ashburton Forks), John Stribling, and G. F. Scott. With the energetic Secre tary, Mr. Thomas Williams, added to these, there ought to be no question about the success of the affair. A Dog Case. Considerable interest and amusement were manifested in Court yesterday during the hearing of a case in which J. C. Bell sued John Carter for the sum of £lO, damages claimed for a dog which had been destroyed by the de fendant. Several witnesses gave evidence that the dog was in the habit of exhibit ing more fondness for the company of the defendant’s sheep than was consistent with their well-being, but his Worship did not agree with the way in which Mr. Carter had put an end to the intimate relations subsisting between his flock and Mr. Bell’s “retriever,” and gave judg ment for £1 damages, and £2 6s. costs. Dogs v. Servant Girls. —ln speaking on behalf of the plaintiff’s claim in the erse of Bell v. Carter, yestesday, Mr. Branson paid a very high compliment to the canine fraternity, putting great faith in their sagacity, and argued that they were in some cases far more valuable in protecting children, and especially in saving them from drowning, than servant girls. It was well known that the latter very often assisted in drowning their youthful charges, as the girls, while gos siping with their sweethearts, allowed the perambulators which contained the child ren to run into the water. In fact, per sonally he would put more confidence in a faithful dog than in a big strapping girl. Fie, Mr. Branson ! Very Much Worried. — There seemed to be an amount of doubt as to what con stituted “ worrying ” in the case of J. C. Bell v. John Carter, at tho Court yes terday. One of the witnesses, Mr. Lawson, the groom for Mr. Carter, stated that he saw two dogs hanging over a sheep, both of them were worrying it, but he could not state which worried it. Mr. Branson wanted a definition of the word, or wlat constituted worrying, remarking that it was very likely the witness in his position in the box was “ very much wor ried.” Eventually Lawson satisfied Mr. Branson by stating that the dog which worried the animal would be the one which put the finishing stroke on it, and the other dog would be, as his Worship interposed, aiding and abetting in the transaction, or as Mr. Branson suggested, applauding and giving an encore. Alleged Sheep-Stealing. A man named Benjamin Corrie, residing at Singletree farm, Alford Forest, was charged before his Worship yesterday, on the information of Mr. Corsbie, with stealing and driving away from Alford station six sheep, tho property of Mr. Tooth, now in New South Wales. Con stable Farmer deponed to arresting prisoner on Thursday, at Singletree farm, on a charge of sheep-stealing. He took possession of six sheepskin*, which were marked with a T and an 0 ; five of them had No. 8 on them and the other had a 0. The skins were in the loft of a stable on the premises of the accused. The accused saw witness take possession of the skins. John McKenzie pointed the skins out to witness in prisoner’s presence. Prisoner said the brand on the skins were Mr. Cors bie’s, and the sheep belonged to him (the accused). He said Mr. Corsbie had shorn the sheep and placed his brand upon them. Accused said that all his own sheep had the two fore-quarters of tho ear cut off. He admitted having killed the sheep, and said he had given the heads to the dogs. Brought prisoner to Ashburton. At this stage, the accused asked for a re mand, which his Worship granted till Friday next, bail being allowed on Currie entering into a bond of L2OO, and two sureties of LIOO each. Social Tea Meeting. —ln accordance with the usual custom, the Primitive Methodist congregation held their quar terly tea meeting last Wednesday. This meeting is held once a quarter, for the purpose of getting the members of the congregation together, and after partak ing of “ the cup which cheers, but not inebriates,” discussing matters of interest in connection with the Church. These re-unions have generally proved success ful, and the meeting of Wednesday was no exception to the rule. The commissariat was under the charge of Mr, Thomas Taylor, and his usually satisfactory efforts to please his patrons were on this occasion amply rewarded by tho commendatory re marks passed by the visitors present. At the after meeting, Mr. Isaac Scott pre sided, tho pastor of the church, the Rev. A. J. Smith, being somewhat indisposed, but was able, however, during the even ing to add to the pleasure and interest of the meeting by making a few homely re marks. Short addresses were delivered by Messrs, Stokes, Bevan, W. Smith, Puddicomhe, Maidens, Lill, J. Parker, and Mr. S. Shingleton, of Dunedin, and at intervals the choir discoursed several melodies of an appropriate description. The statement of accounts was very satis factory, showing an income for the quarter of L4O 125., which, however, left a defi ciency of Ll 5, but this is accounted for by the season of depression which wo 1 .ave beard so much about for the past few mouths. It was decided during the business meeting to have a circuit. plan and balance-sheet printed in future.

The Late Jockey, Hankins.— An in quest was held on Thursday on, the body of W. H. Hankins, the young man who was so severely injured at tho recent Grand National Steeplechase meeting that his death resulted. The verdict returned was that of “ Accidental death,” the medical opinion being that deceased died of fracture of the skull and compression of the brain. “Black-Eyed Susan.” —Tho Amateur Dramatic Club, to a house very well filled indeed, last night gave their second per formance of “ Black-Eyed Susan.” The gallery of the hall has now been utilised as a dress circle, and it was very fairly patronised, almost all the chairs being in use. This greatly relieved the area of the hall, and perhaps made theaudience, as compared with that of Friday look smaller, while in reality it was not so. In addition to the extra accommdation sup plied by the dress circle, four tiers of raised seats had been run up from the pil lars below the dress circle to the wall be hind, and some dozen or so benches in troduced in front of them. These were nearly all occupied, so that after all tho space now made available for seat room was none too much. The performance began with fair strictness to time, and the players were this time assisted by Miss Florence Colville, who no doubt was an attraction to many, and to her reputa tion as a finished actress, is, in a great measure, owing tho large attendance. She assumed the part of Susan, hut wo have seen her play vastly better than she did last night. She was far from being let ter perfect, and it was evident that some time had elapsed since she last appeared as Susan. The other characters were as well sustained last night, as they were on Friday, and the mechanical arrangements went more smoothly, the changes of scenery taking place with greater expedi dition. Tho farce of “ John Smith ” con cluded the evening, and was per formed wi h ia diminution of spirit. Its liveliness was considerably added to by the introduction of a serio-comic song sung by the gentleman who played the leading character. Tho incidental music in the two pieces was supplied by Mr. H. Gates, who filled in very satisfactorily the gaps that must necessarily occur where amateurs are playing on a small stage, and with only such stage furni ture as can be prepared in an up-country township like our own. We must not omit to mention that Mr. C. Bourke, the scene painter, was again called before the curtain to acknowledge the compliments of the audience on the success of his scenery.

The Compulsory Clauses. —ln Dun edin the compulsory clauses of the Edu cation Act are to be enforced by the police.

The Christchurch R.M.—Mr. G. L. Mellish, R.M. at Christchurch, is suffer ing from an attack of bronchitis, caught while sitting in tho draughty Courthouse in which the legal business of Christchurch is conducted.

Nice Slaughterhouses. Disgusting revelations and disclosures have been made of the management of Auckland city abattoirs by tho City Council. Pigs were kept for weeks there and fed on the re mains of a heifer, which it is said died of cancer.

Alleged Infanticide. A woman named Jane Matthews, a servant in the employ of a tradesman in Papanui road, Christchurch, has been arrested by the police, charged with infanticide, in con nection with the body of the newly-born infant that was some days ago found in the Avon. Missing. —The schooner Colleen Bawn sailed from Wellington for Havelock in ballast on the Ist of May and has not been seen or heal’d of since the sth of that month. Tho Hinemoa has gone in search of her, and will visit Port Under wood, Queen Charlotte and Pclorus Sounds, and the adjacent coast as far as D’Urville Island. Help Wanted. —The Auckland Steam ship Company report that from the ex perience gained during the passage of the steamer Southern Cross to Levuka, they are confident that if the New Zea land Government assisted them by a subsidy of L 2500 per annum, there would be such on increase of trade and passenger traffic as would greatly benefit the Colony.

The Sparrow Nuisance.— The farmers of Courtenay have decided to open a cru tade against the spai’rows, aud a quantity of poisoned crushed grain is to be laid out for the pests. At a meeting of the farmers of the same district they decided to sup port the Christchurch Corn Exchange in its protest against the use of sugar instead of malted barley in the manufacture of beer.

Tramway Accident. —A painful acci dent happened in Christchurch yesterday morning to a little boy, aged ten years, the son of Dr. Rouse, of Lyttelton. At the junction of Hereford and Colombo street, the little fellow tried to descend while the car was in motion, but fell on his side, and his right leg got under the wheel. Constable Lawler took the boy to Dr. Frankish, who examined the limb, and said that it was severely bruised, but not broken.

Our Local Industries. —Tho Times of Friday says : —“ We are glad to find that the idea noted in our issue of Wednesday, in connection with the Association for Fostering and Encouraging Local In dustries and Productions, has now assumed a definite form. At a meeting held last evening, it was resolved to hold an exhibition of local manufactures and productions during the month of August next, the exact date to bo hereafter fixed. A committee was formed to carry out the object in view, and there can be no doubt that such an exhibition will bo secured as will be creditable to the colony, and of great practical importance as indicating our present position in the arts and manu factures.

Cambridge, —At the meeting of tho Board of Education, held on Thursday last at Christchurch, tho application of the Cambridge School Committee to have the name of the school district altered to Newlands was considered. It was de cided, however, to hold over any decision on the matter until a post office had been established in the locality. The question of a post office for the district has been agitated for some time past, and we were given to understand that when the Edu cation Board had altered the name of the school district to Newlands the Go vernment would establish a post office there, as until then confusion was likely to arise in consequence of there being another place, named Cambridge, in the Waikato district. Between the Educa tion Board and the Postal Department our Cambridge friends are likely to have their patience tested.

Waimate Steeplechases. These Steeplechases, which were held on Wed nesday, wei’e a great success, about 1,500 people being present; the weather was all that could be desired, and the racing, in some instances being most exciting. Grey Momus secured the Handicap, but was closely pressed by Ivanhoe at the finish. Mr. Clifford’s Clarence won the Maiden. During this race Mr. MTvor, who was piloting Stella, came to grief, and it is doubtful whether the injuries he received will not prove fatal, his collar-bone, arm, and several ribs being broken, and Iris back injured. Much amusement was created during the running of the Hack race, one steed laying down aud refusing to proceed, and only one animal, Mr, Corcoran’s The Colt, which won easily, negotiating the fences in anything like a satisfactory manner. The County Steeple chase Cup fell to Mr. Mackay’s Shellelagh, Little John coming in first for Uie Con solation Stakes.

TELEGRAPHIC.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN. {Per Reuter's Agency.) London, June 1. The mails via.- Brindisi, per Orient Com pany’s steamer Chimborazo, were delivered to-day. The match between the Australians and eighteen gentlemen players of Keighley, Yorkshire, was commenced to-day. The weather was showery during the day. The home team went in first, and were dis posed of for 102 runs. The Australians went in, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had scored 56 runs for the loss of five wickets. Consols, 98J, ex div. Australian and New Zealand breadstuffs and Australian tallow are unchanged. At the wool sales to-day, 11,800 bales were offered, making a total of 330,200 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was steady. London, June 2. During last night’s sitting of the House of Commons a question was put to the Premier with the object of ascertaining what steps Government had decided to take in regard to the Anglo-Turkish Con vention of 1878, by which the island of Cyprus was assigned to Great Britain, and Asia Minor was placed under British pro tection. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, said his Government intended to entrust the Colonial Office with the administration of Cyprus, and the same Department would see that reforms in Asiatic Turkey were vigorously prosecuted, in accordance with the terms of the Convention. In view of the rebellion which has broken out at Burmab, four conmpanies of British regiments, stationed at Rangoon, have been ordered to the frontier of the English territory to protect the lives and properties of the residents should they be in danger. In the match' between tho Australians and Eighteen of Keighley, the Australians were all out for 98 runs. In the second innings of the Home team they were dis posed of for 51 runs, Boyle taking 12 wickets. The Australians in the second innings lost two wickets for 33 runs, and when stumps were drawn they had only to make 65 runs with eight wickets to fall. The match was drawn, but was greatly in favor of the Australians. London, June 3. Colonel Gordon. R.E., known as “ Chinese Gordon,” has resigned his posi tion as Private Secretary to the Viceroy of India. New YoEkjSJime. 2. Arrived—The barque Aberdeen, from Auckland. Constantinople, June 2. Sir Henry Layard, Ambassador to the Porte, has started for England, his place being taken by the Right Hon. G. J. Goschen during his absence. The Albanians still continue to resist the cession of territory, and Montenegro has decided to attack them. At Gusiuje and Plava consequently, a strict blockade is maintained, and owing to the Albanians being short of provisions it is expected that tho settlement of the difficulty will be materially assisted. Constantinople, June 3. Midhat Pasha has tendered his resigna tion to the Sultan, who has, however, not yet accepted it. 1 Paris, June 4. M. Rochfort has been severely wounded in a duel. St. Petersburg, June, 3. Her Majesty the Empress of Russia died to-day. AUSTRALIAN. {Per Reute/’s Agency.) Sydney, J une 2. The Commercial Bank of Sydney at Quirindi has been robbed by four armed men, who were masked. The manager of the Bank was engaged feeding his horses at 10 p. m , when he was suddenly bailed up, and compelled to open the safe, from which L4SB in gold was taken. The manager’s wife and sister were covered by the revolvers of the robbers while the money was being taken. Tho robbers departed at one o’clock in tho morning. The clerk was absent on leave, and the police were engaged on country duty. SvDNBy, June 4. In the Legislative Assembly last night Mr. Coonan brought forward charges which were tantamount to implication in acts of corruption on the part of Judge Mcymott. Ministers promised that a Com mission should be appointed to enquire into the matter. Melbourne, Juno 3. Laycook, the well-known Sydney oan man, has gone to England by the Acon cagua. It is stated he is desirous of meet ing Hanlon. The debate in the Assembly on the Re form Bill continues. There are increas ing doubts whether the Government will obtain an absolute majority of the House in favor of the measure at the second reading, which is expected to take ' place on the 10th June. Should the statutory majority not be obtained, a dissolution of the Assembly is certain to come about. The barque Madras has arrived from Java. She caught fire on the vovage, but itwas extinguished withoutmuch difficulty. A portion of the cargo was damaged and a further quantity was jettisoned.

PARLIAMENTARY.

(per press association.) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wednesday, June 2. The Legislative Council, met at 2.30 p. m. question. Replying to the Hon. Captain Fraser, The Hon. F. Whitaker said that if con tractors under tho Otago Harbor Board took contracts believing that the Govern ment would pay failing the Board doing so, they (the contractors) would make a mistake and would learn a lesson. The Government were under no obligation to assist the Otago Harbor Board. motions. On the motion of the Hon. N. Wilson, a Committee was appointed to co-operate with the Committee of the Lower House, enquiring into the state of the bankruptcy law, to report within a month. On the motion of the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, papers were ordered to be laid on the table re Major Kemp’s dismissal. On a motion for a return, the Hon. Captain Fraser said he hoped Dr. S key would be appointed to supervise industrial schools. committees. A number of sessional committees were appointed. The Hon Captain Baillie was chosen Chairman of Committees. NEW BILLS. The following Bills, being part of the result of the revision of the Statutes Com mission, were read by message from the Governor: —Adulteration Bill, Aliens Bill, Cruelty to Animals Bill, Compensation for Accidents Bill, Animals Protection Bill, Building Societies’ Bill, Juries’ Bill, Marriage Bill, and Married Women’s Pro perty Protection Bill. They are all con solidations of existing laws. ADDRESS IN REPLY. The Hop. Dr. Grace moved the Address in Reply in a brief speech, in which he expressed the hope that all parties would do their utmost to help tho colony out of its difficulties. The Hon. G. R. Johnson seconded the Address. The Hon. Colonel Whitmore spoke at length on the Government policy, chiefly in its favor, especially as to native matters. He highly eulogised Mr, Bryce as the best Native Minister the colony has ever had. He criticised the Government finance, and said ho would further their efforts to keep

the colony out of its difficulties. Finance came before everything. Their house was on fire, which must, be put out before abstract questions could be discussed. He opposed the withdrawal of subsidies, but would raise half the cost of education (in which there was gross extravagance, M. A.’s teaching boys the alphabet), by direct local taxation. The Hon. F. Whitaker briefly replied to Oolonel Whitmore’s remarks and the Address was carried. FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were raad a first time :—Wellington Racing Club ; Land Transfer Act Amendment; Cattle Tres pass and Pound Management; Fisheries Law Amendment; Dividing Fences Law Amendment; Compulsory Registration of Dogs ; Branding and Brands Registration. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 3. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Hon. G. M. Waterhouse gave notice that he would introduce a Rabbit Nuisance Bill. ■ Replying to Mr. Dignan, the Attorney- General said the Government would de cide in a few days whether or not to introduce a Savings Bank Act Amendment Bill. At the suggestion of the Hon. F. A. Whitaker, Colonel Whitmore’s motion for a searching investigation into the late Volunteer outrages, which the mover said had been grossly exaggerated, was de ferred till Tuesday next. Five new Native Land Bills were'read a first time, and referred to a Special Com mittee. The Hon. Mr. Whitaker explained that these five measures, and three more to come from the Lower House, would com prise the whole ,of the native land law, and would, when passed, be made to supersede all existing native land laws. A number of Sessional Committees were appointed, and notice given for others. Several Bills passed the second reading. The Council adjourned at 4.30 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, June 3. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr. Bain nave notice he would ask the Colonial Secretary on what basis of calcu lation the Building Societies were ex pected to pay the Property Tax provided for by the Act of last year. Mr. Hutchison gave notice of the fol lowing question : —Whether Government would bring in a Bill this session relative to Chinese immigration. LEAVE OP ABSENCE. A fortnight’s leave of absence was granted to Sir. Sheehan on urgent private business. QUESTIONS. The Hon. W. Rolleston said at the close of last session instructions had been sent to the Agent-General that all immigration agents were to be discontinued, excepting Messrs. Reid and CJayden, who were under two years’ engagement which could not be broken. With the exception of females, all immigration operations on the part of Government had ceased in the meantime. In replying to Mr. Hurst, Mr. Rolles ton said new regulations were in course of preparation relative to the Court fees under the Resident Magistrates’ Courts Act, 1867, so that a hearing fee would not bo charged in actions settled out of Court Replying to Mr. Pyko as to whether Government will bring down a Bill this session to prevent religious and party pub lic processions. The Hon. T. Dick stated Government did not intend to do so; they relied upon the good feeling of the public in matters of this kind. RETURNS. Mr. Shrimski moved—“ That a return be laid before this House showing the number of days and the dates the Ministers of the Crown have been absent from the seat of Government between Dec. 19, 1879, and May 27, 1880.” The motion was eventu ally withdrawn. Mr. Shrimski moved—“ That a return be laid begorc the House showing the number of defaulters and the amounts due under the Land Tax Act, in each Provin cial district, as on June 1.” Carried. On a motion to go into Committee on t e REGULATIONS OF LOCVL ELECTIONS BILL. Mr. George thought it would be better to postpone the Bill until the Redistribu tion of Seats Bill was before them, inas much as the provisions of the latter might to some extent affect the former. He also suggested an amendment that he would like to see adopted, which was that members accepting portfolios should be made to return to their constituents and at once seek for re-election. It would virtually prevent members walking over from one side of the House to the other for no better reason than to secure a seat on the Government benches. The Hon. T. Dick said that the Redis tribution of Seats Bill would not be down for a few days yet, and it would be a serious inconvenience if the business—for, in reality, they had nothing more on the Order Paper to go on with—was to be delayed till then. Mr. Montgomery had no objection to go on with the first two or three clauses, if Government would agree to report pro gress. The Bill should be considered in conjunction with the projected Redistri bution measures. Mr. DeLautour also spoke in favor of a postponement. The motion for going into Committee was put and carried. The sitting was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House re-assembled at 7.30 p.m. On resuming in Committee progress was renorted, and at 7.35 the House ad journed. Friday, June 4. The House met at 2.30 p. m. NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr. Fox gave notice that he would call the attention of the Government to the fact that the prospectus of a New Zea land Land Company had been published in the London Times , with the name of Mr. Bathgate, R.M., Dunedin, as one of the directory ; and he would also ask if Mr. Bathgate went Home on his own pri vate business or the business of the co lonv ? Dr. Wallis gave notice that he would move that the franchise be extended to females. LEAVE OF ABSENCE. One week’s leave of absence was granted to Mi'. Turnbull. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Ministers stated that the providing of licenses for labor agents, with the view of employment, would be considered, but the matter was not likely to be dealt with this session. L 5,100 had been expended on the Otago Central Railway. The lowest tender for the improvement of the Auckland Har bor was in excess of the sum at the dis posal of Government, but an outside wall for the reclamation would be gone on with at once, and a farther vote asked for the completion of the work. With regard to the disposal of the Maori prisoners, the term authorised by Parliament had not expired, but before the time expired, Go vernment would make a statement on the subject; meantime, it would not be judicious to do so. Chinese immigration was under the consideration of Government, and if not dealt with this, it would be dealt with next session. A sum of Ll4,oooodd had been expended on the Hokitika-Grey railway. The Clive to Wellingford railway, via Kidnappers, had

been surveyed. Government had not yet received the report of the .Railway Com mission, and railway expenditure would at present be limited to carrying out contracts already on band, and to provide work for the unemployed. The recommendation of the Native Affairs Committee re Jtiuta Mannahura’s petition was being carried out. Subsidies to local bodies were about to be discon tinued. FIRST READING-S. A number of new Bills were read a first time. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS BILL. Mr. Hall moved the second reading of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Bill. Messrs. Pyke, Shepherd, Montgomery, Stevens, and Sutton spoke in support of the motion, agreeing with the general principles of the Bill. The debate was adjourned at 5,30 to 7.30 p. in.

STUBBING CASE IN NELSON.

[by TELEGRAPH. 1 Nelson, June 3. Some time ago, a fisherman named Antonio Webb, deserted his wife and family and fled to Auckland. He was brought back from that city to Nelson, and compelled to provide for those de pendent upon him. This he has done pretty fairly since ; but his enforced resi dence with his wife does not appear to have been pleasing to him, and he and she have lived unhappily. Both are addicted to, drink, the woman more especially, and this afternoon,{while the woman was tipsy, a quarrel arose between the two, and the husband threw a large knife at the woman, which entered her back, and the blade passed between her ribs. June 4. This morning Webb was charged before Mr. Lowther Broad, R. M., with attempt ing to murder his wife, and was remanded till Monday. The woman has been drink ing for some time, and the wound which is an inch wide, cannot for some time be given a definite opinion of as to whether or not it is likely to prove fatal.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE IRISH RELIEF FUND.

To the Editor,

Sir—l thank “ Subscriber,” who writes in your last issue, for calling attention to the Irish Relief Fund, inasmuch as his letter may possibly have the effect of stir ring up many of those interested in the matter who are now apathetic on the sub ject. So far as the present state of the fund is concerned, I may state for his in formation that the money lies in the bank to the account of the Relief Fund, and the reason why it'has not been forwarded is simply that all the subscription lists have not yet been sent in, notwith standing frequent appeals. They have been advertised for, they have been directly written for, and some even personally asked for. The latter are all in, but the others are not, and it was only three days ago that some of the lists that have been so long out came dribbling in. I have also received some of the money subscribed in the borough from Mr. O’Reilly. eal may state for “Subscriber’s” informa tion that the Treasurer at least has not gone to sleep, as he has repeatedly called meetings of the Committee, but these have invariably fallen through for want of a quorum to transact business. Perhaps, sir, you will allow me to again urge upon those who took charge of subscription sheets, and who have not returned them, to send them in at once, as I see from your mail summary that the distress in Ireland —in Galway at least—is as bad as ever, and that with a fall off in the subscriptions to face. The smallest contribution will be welcome in Ireland, now that the larger sums have been pretty well collected. The despatch of the money collected in this district, and the publication of the balance-street, are only delayed through the apathy of those who are keeping back the lists.—l am, &c., Hugo Fribdlander, Treasurer.

WAKANUI ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board was held in the Board’s office, Ashburton, on Thursday. Present—Messrs. H. T. Winter (chair man), James Brown, and George Earle. CORRESPONDENCE. From J. Kilgour, asking a refund of outlay in putting a floor in the cottage he rented of the Board. Resolved to pay the amount—L 3 10s. Bd.

From Mr. Samuel Wright, ask ing for a culvert to be placed near the corner of lots 22 and 23, Corbett’s road, a small ditch to be cut along the upper side of the same lots, and timber to be supplied for a bridge. The Surveyor was requested to report on the matter, and on work required in the locality ; the timber was granted. From Mr. 0. R. Leadley, offering to withdraw his claim for LIOOO compen sation re the Leadley drain, if the drain were at once filled and levelled. The Board resolved to adhere to their former decision.

From Ingram and White, re prices of timber supplied by them to the Board Their account was ordered to be paid.

lie a gravel pit on Mr. G. Robert’s section 26716, it was decided to refer the matter to Mr. G. P. Cox, to act as assessor between the Board and Mr. Roberts, and to write to Mr. Roberts asking him if he were willing to abide by Mr. Cox’s decision.

A petition was read from Wakanui residents, praying for a road to be made through Messrs. Wilson and M'Leary’s property to connect Wilson’s road with the Wakanui road.

A similar petition had been presented previously, but had not not been granted owing to the excessive cost of acquiring a a road along the route. The Board now expressed its willingness to consider the matter were the petitioners to supply par ticulars of price at which the necessary land could be procured. surveyor's report. The Surveyor’s report on works com pleted and in progress was read and adopted. It was as under : Leadley and Butterick’s Drain. —We gave the contractor for No. 1 section, im mediately after last meeting, notice to finish his contract forthwith. He has now a good staff at the work and should be finished in a fortnight. Corbett’s Boad. —We have taken levels, &c., for draining part of this road into Leadley’s Drain, and with Mr. Brown’s sanction the work is now being proceeded with; the cost will be about L 7 or LB. Suburban Boad. —The metalling of this road has been passed subject to the large stones being broken. Beach Boad—Forming to full width. —A small portion of this work has been com pleted. We have given the contractor notice that his time expires on the 6th inst., and have requested him to push forward the work.

Immigrant's Catiages, —The contractor for repairing, etc., these cottages is pro gressing satisfactorily with his work, and will finish next week. As we could not get tenders within the limit allowed us for forming fotpath on east side of the Beach x’oad, we have called for tenders which will be laid before you We have taken levels and prepared plans, etc., for altera tion to part of the Seafield Road, called for tenders.

TENDERS. Tenders were then opened for the fol lowing i works: —No. 23—Re-formation &c., part of Seafield road. Mr. W. J. Silcock, accepted, for L 29 19s. _ 3d. No. 24.—Forming footpath east side Beach road. As the tenders , were considered high, they were rejected; the work to stand over. A STOPPED WATERCOURSE. It having been brought before the Board’s notice that Mr. D. Fitzgerald had stopped a watercourse on the river roads opposite R.S. 14174, by erecting a fence thereon, it was resolved that he be writ ten to to have the obstruction removed im mediately. UNPAID RATES. It was resolved that the collectorJje in formed that the Board wish their engage ment to terminate at next Board’s meet ing, and that he must take immediate steps to have all rates collected by that time. SHINGLE. In answer to Mr. B. Hampton’s request to be paid 2d. per yard for shingle taken off his land, instead of selling the Board an acre, it was resolved that Mr. Hamp ton be offered the usual price, viz., per yard. EXTENSION OF TIME. fFIt was resolved to grant Mr. H. Ander son an extension .of ten days for complet ing formation of Beach road.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, June 4. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.)

GUILD V. KINGSBURY. Mr. O’Reilly said he applied for a re hearing of the case Guild v. Kingsbury, under the provisions of Section 100 of the R. M. Act, which provided that the Magis trate could grant a rehearing at any time at his discretion. Mr. O’Reilly then quoted the grounds on which a new trial could be had in the Supreme Court and the District Court, and showed that under the circumstances of the present case a new trial could be had in either of those Courts. In the R. M. Court the Magistrate was not confined to any particular grounds, but could grant a rehearing at his discretion. It was manifest from the cause of action set out, and the evidence given by the plaintiff that the alleged damage was 3s. per acre on 400 acres. This was expressly stated by the plaint and the evidence. In the evidence it appeared that 112 acres had been paid for in full, so that the most favorable verdict that the Court could give would be for the 400 acres, less 112, that is 288 at 3s. per acre. The plaintiff only claimed damages at 3s. per acre, but on 112 acres he got damages at 6s. per acre, exactly twice what he claimed. The evi dence taken was in writing, and the error made by his Worshp was manifest to the very poorest and shallowest comprehen sion. A gross injustice had been done, and this course was taken on the advice of counsel as the nearest remedy in the first instance to be taken. It was for his Worship to remedy this injustice or not at his discretion. Mr. Branson contended that if Mr. O’Reilly had applied for a rehearing at the time, it might have been granted, but he had not done so ; and instead he had taken an appeal, stated a case for appeal which had not been approved, and disap proved a case' that had been stated by de fendant. This application was only brought with a view to. of the appeal case, which, being perfectly rotten, would be unset,, and with' the view of ob taining a new appeal in place of the rot ten one. Mr. Branson submitted that the case ought really to be before the Supreme Court, and that the appeal case should be proceeded upon. Every appeal to the Supreme Court should be> trans mitted to the Registrar within ten clear days from the delivery of the judgment. Judgment had been delivered on the 22nd of May, and now the ten days had elapsed without the transmission having been made. Knowing this, and knowing that their case was rotten, it was en deavored to wriggle out of the difficulties by soliciting a re-hearing. With regard to the very ingenious argu ment regarding excessive damages, Mr. O’Reilly forgot that men had been engaged with their teams to do the whole 400 acres, and though Kingsbury Lad nothing to do perhaps with ihese men, plaintiff had everything to do with the matter, and while these men and horses were idle they were drawing money out of Guild’s pocket. He recapitulated his' ob jection to the re-hearing, adding that it was only owing to the laches of the other side that the present appeal was not gone on with. It was still pending, and if a chance to raise another one were given, his Worship would only be assisting further litigation. Mr. O’Reilly in reply, said his learned friend had not attempted to answer the present application. He went off at a tangent, referring to an appeal pending in the present case. With that appeal the application had nothing to do. The point arising on the appeal would be argued before the Supreme Court. His learned friend’s statement of the law, applicable to that case, was entirely at variance with the true law bearing on the case. He (Mr, O’Reilly) was not going to argue law points before the R. M. Court; it could not entertain them or decide them, and it was a mere loss of time. The point before the Court was this : It was manifest an injustice had been done. Would his Worship remedy that injustice 1 That he had the power to do so he was prepared to show. A rehearing could be applied for at any time. There was one case in the Jurist where it was decided that a rehearing could not be had after an appeal had been heard and dismissed. Judge Williams said that was going too far, but it was clear from the words of the Act that a re-hearing could' be granted at any time. The way was plain if his Worship had the will to remedy a monstrous injustice. His Worship said the grounds for a re hearing were at least novel. The case had been heard on the 22nd of May, an appeal •taken against the judgment, and cases stated for appeal to the Supreme Court, Until that appeal was disposed of, he could do nothing in the matter, and must dismiss the application with costs to the other side. It was an applica tion that ought not to have been made, for there seemed to be no end to the case,,

Mr. O’Reilly promised his Worship that the end would not be seen for the next six moths, for he would go on until he got justice. UNDEFENDED CASES. Mutch v. Mcßae. —Claim L 5 18s. 6d. Mr Ireland for plaintiff. Judgment by default for amount claimed, and costs LI 9s. Garnett v. Fraser and Co. —Claim Ll 5, for goods supplied. Mr. ‘Crisp for plaintiff. Judgment by default for amount claimed,: and costs L2 ss. 9d. HANGING AND SKINNING A DOG. Bell v. Carter. —This wag an action to recover the sum of LlO, being the amount of damages claimed on account of the' defendant destroying a valuable dog, tlm property of the plaintiff Mr. Brans appeared for the plaintiff, Crisp for' the defence. James Corrigan, sworn—l live at Tinwald, and know Mr. Garter. He has not employed me beyond telling me that as some sheep .had been worried, if I caught any dogs doing so, and took the dogs to him, he would give 5s for each animal. I know Mr. Bell. I recollect taking a black retriever dog to Mr. Carter one Monday morning about three weeks ago. I found the dog in Mr. Carter’s paddock on the Sunday evening previous. When I caught the dog I took it home, and tied it up. -1 did not know whose dog it was. The dog was destroyed on Monday

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. This Day. Edmiston, G undry, and Co., at their Rooms, East street —700 acres of Turnip Land at Lagmohr. Tuesday, Juke 8. Acland, Campbell, and Co. —On the estate of Mr. Thomas Simpson, Wakanui road, Ashburton, 120 acres of freehold land. Wednesday, June 9. R. Davies and Co., at the Farm of Mrs. Dannihy, Seafield—Stock, Implements, &c. Sale at 1 p.m. Friday, June 11. Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co., at Westerfield Station —Horses, Cattle, . Implements, &c. mrrnmrmnmrr 1,, in iiiiiiißir”*”"" 1 —■ ■rninr AN EMERGENCY MEETING of the Somerset Lodge will be held at the Masonic Hall on FRIDAY next, 11th inst. Business of importance. By order of the 923 g W. M. NOTICE TO FARMERS. fJIHE 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* Tpl CRICKET ASHBURTON A MEETING of the Club will be held on TUESDAY evening next at 7.30 in the Council Chambers. Business important, a full attendance wanted. F. MAINWARING, )Oo„ Hon. Secretary.



MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, -&a, Hold fortnightly - stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Nextsaleat the ASHBURTON YARDS, on TUESDAY, June 8, 1830. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton. IJJHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Bettor Made Arc Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the public. Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING- FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now 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 are now ready. “ TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH —East Street. Wm. sparrow, 588 g Manager.