COMMERCIAL.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] Dunedin, June 18. Prime beef, 255. per lOOlbs. ; mutton, 3d. per lb. ; good sample mill wheat, 3s. 6d. to 3s. lOd. ; fowl wheat, 2s. 6d. to 3s. ; oats, Is. 3d., to Is. 4d. ; malt barley, 3s. 6d. to 3s. lOd.; feed, 2s. fid. to 35.; pota toes, L2 7a. 6d. ; old hay, L 4; new oaten hay, L 3 ; chaff, L 3 ; straw, L2 ; bran, L 3; pollard, L 4 ; flour, L 9 10s. to LlO ; oatmeal, L 9 10s ; pearl barley, L2O; onions, L 7 ; cheese, sd. ; bacon, rolled, lOd. ; ham, Is. ; sides of bacon, lOd. ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST. s. d. s, d. Butter, inferior to best I? lb oto to I o Eggs, 1? dozen - - iio to 2 o Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb o to o 6 Bacon, prime smoked, Plb o o to o o Hams in cloth, 1? lb - o o to o o Flour in bags, loolb 14 o to 00 Oatmeal, $ 251 b - 5 0 *-° 00 Lard, I? lb - - - o 9 to o o Messrs. Matson and Co. report as fol lows on the live stock market for the week ending June 17 : Yesterday’s weekly sale at the Adding ton Yards presented a large entry of all classes of sheep, both cross-bred and merinos, mutton being well represented. Of the former, the quality was generally good, Mr. R. M. Morten’s wethers and several other lines being especially prime, the first-mentioned topping the market at 16s. per head. The auction opened with a good attendance, but the full supply had the effect of causing biddings at the early sales to be somewhat languid, and prices fora time showed a decline of Is. to Is. 6d. per head under last week’s rates. This, however, was to a great extent re covered toward the middle and close of the sale, and, with the exception of one or two small lots, all tho mutton was cleared at from 2d. to 2id. per lb. Store sheep are still in great demand, more particu larly young ewes for breeding purposes, which are very difficult to obtain. In the absence of store cross-breds for turnip feeding, and in anticipation of the present wool rate being well maintained, half and three-quarter fat sheep are in many in stances being taken up by graziers at from 9s. to 10s. 6d. per head, to hold over for next season’s clip. Tho beef trade yester day exhibited a slight sign of improve ment in the demand, and most of the lots on offer were cleared. The large quantity, however, sent into the market every week, and the extensive outside transactions, prevent any hope of improvement in price for some little time, or until owners have to depend almost entirety upon hay and turnips for grazing purposes. Then, and not till then, may any improvement be looked for. Store cattle are moving off rather more freely, but no material alteration in values can be quoted. The totals yarded for the day comprised 293 head of cattle, 7,938 sheep, and 290 pigs, of which our entry included 174 head of cattle, 3,846 sheep, and 259 pigs. In pigs there was the largest entry of the season, but although competition for the various lots was well maintained, prices have fallen 10 to 25 per cent, below rates ruling a month or six weeks since. We hear from good authority, too, that bacon curers have reduced their trade price from sd. to 4d. and 4Jd. per lb. This must, of course, make a corresponding decrease in the price of stores. Country Sale.—On Tuesday, at the Tinwald Saleyards, we sold, by order of the trustee in the estate of Messrs. Wil liam Fleming, J. Smith, P. Whitelaw, and Gray, the whole of their live and dead stock, removed tc the yards for con venience of sale. There was one of the largest audiences ever seen at the Tinwald Yards, and every line submitted caused keen competition, resulting In a toffil clearance at most satisfactory values. Messrs. Aeland, Campbell and Co. re port on their sales in the live stock market for the past fortnight, as follows : —On Tuesday, June 8, we held our usual fort nightly sale at Ashburton, when there was a large entry of sheep. We placed over 1000 at satisfactory rates. Fat cross-breds up to 10s., stores from 6s. 6d. to Bs. 6d., merino store wethers ss. 3d., ewes 4s. There were about the usual number of cattle entered, and nearly all were placed at prices equal to late-quotations. A good many pigs came to hand, all of them being quickly disposed of at full prices. We also sold several farm horses, imple ments, &c., horses making up to L 24, double-furrow plough Ll2, M'Cormick reaper and binder L3O. On Friday, the 11th, and Saturday, the 12!h, we held a clearing sale of stock, &c., at Westerfield, on account of Mr. O. G. Hawdon. The sale was one of the most satisfactory wo have held for some time, there being a very large attendance, in fact the largest we have ever seen at any country sale, and the biddings for nearly all lots wore most spirited. Dairy cows fetched from L 5 to L 8 ss. ; two-year-old heifers, L 4 15s. ; three-year-old steers, L 5 ; two-year old steers, L 3 2s. 6d. ; yearlings, L2 7s. 6d. ; calves, 30s. The stud flock of pure Lincolns averaged about L 3 3s. all round, Messrs. M‘Lean, Greenaway, Cameron, and Corsbie being the buyers. Although this may appear a low price for such high class stock, still considering the times we must look on the rate as fairly satisfac tory. Good useful farm horses fetched from L2O to L 35. There was no difficulty in disposing of all the pigs at full market rates, averaging L2 15s. 6J. CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE The following is the report of the Christchurch Corn Exchange for the week ending Friday evening, the 18th inst : The dullness which has characterised the grain trade almost from its commence ment, has, during the week that has lapsed, been more palpable. The busi ness that is being done, is what may be termed a hand to mouth one. Buyers are still to be found for large lines of produce, but the quality must be unexceptionable. The recent favorable account of consign ments of oats to the United Kingdom has caused a better inquiry for milling samples, although prices are as yet not sensibly affected. It is reported that several applications for space have been made in order further to test the practic ability of making a staple export of this cereal. Wheat.—Large linos of really good mill ing samples will meet with buyers at from 3s. 6d. to 3s. 7d., f.o.b. Second quality, milling, is in good supply, with a fair de mand, at from 3s. to 3s. 3d. f.o.b. Cluck wheat also is in large supply, and is being offered at very low figures, viz., at from Is. 9d. to 2s. 4d. per bushel. Oats.—lnquiries are on foot for good heavy milling samples suitable for ship ment at from Is. 4d. to Is. sd. per bushel f.o.b. Feed qualities are passing into consumption at from Is. to Is. 3d. per bushel ; inferior feed samples 9d. to lid. per bushel. Barley.—A rather better demand is ap parent for parcels of undeniable malting quality ; for such 3s. to 3s. 4d. per bushel is obtainable. Second rate malting 2s. to 2s. 6d. Discolored and inferior is almost unsaleable. Potatoes are being inquired for, but prices are unaltered. For immediate de livery, 255. to 265. per ton is given ; for forward delivery, 355. to 365. per ton, sacks extra in both cases. Grass Seed.—No business doing at pre sent ; prices nominal. Cheese and Butter. Quotations are un altered. 4d. to for the former, and 9d. to lOd. for the latter.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

“An Elector.” —Your letter is just a little too personal. However, you were perfectly justified in calling attention to the poor thing’s wish to represent the other half of Coleridge when the division takes place, and that is doubtless the ob ject he has in view in trying to drum up electors to register. But it is somewhat premature as yet to tear him to pieces, however much he may like it. Besides, it only panders to his vanity.

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1880.

Parliament appears to bo on the pro per path to civilization. Session after session in the past our worthy legislators have kept up their wordy battles far into the night, .and not infrequently till the hour hand had done a half round of tho clock since midnight. Seldom did the House adjourn before two o’clock in the morning, and in the extravagant special wire days, we had as often as not to cut the wordy stream of some orator of greater or less brilliance in the middle of his flow. All this is to be changed now, and like re spectable men the chosen of the people have x-esolved to keep more decent hours than has been their wont. Mr. Macan drew, douce man, would rather have a month’s longer session than sit np to all hours of the morning, and seems to have conceived a new born horror of the “ Wee short ’oor ayont the twal,” and strenuously opposes a longer sitting than half-past twelve. The movement for shortening the hours of “labor” on the part of the House has been re ceived gladly by the members, and henceforth business must be inter rupted at 12.30 am. If the new order turns out to be as effective in causing less talk and more work as it can scarcely fail to be in reducing tho consumption of stimulants at Bellamy’s, some real good will be done. We know one class of men, at all events, who know what working in the night hours means, and who will gladly receive the news of the change— and that class is newspaper men. From P.D. to Ed., the whole tribe of newsmen have been guilty of—well, not of blessing the long, wordy sittings of the statesmen of the day.

The Representation Bill is promised by the Premier to be introduced next week, and there can be little doubt that it will contain a provision for giving Coleridge another member. In looking over a Par liamentary paper by us, we find that in no other electoral district where only one member is sent to Parliament is there an an adult population numbering, as that of Coleridge does, 3,500, and there are seven constituencies returning two members each that have a smaller number of male adults within their boundaries. Beginning with Auckland City West, we find, from the return before us, that in the 1879 election, 2,248 male adults resided within the Auckland City West boundaries, 2,390 names were on the roll (these are the official figures, and are no misprint), and 1,384 votes were recorded. Next in order comes Franklin, represented by Messrs. Hamlin and Harris, —male adult population, 2,209 ; on the roll, 1,957 ; votes recorded, 1,372. Then comes the Thames, represented by the redoubtable Sir Geoi’ge and his ally, Mr. Sheehan. It has 3,499 of a male population, and 4 446 (!) on the roll—but as there was no contest, of course no votes were recorded. Napier enjoys the sunshine of Messrs. Russel and Sutton’s representation. They are the mouthpieces of 2,387 male adults, of whom 1,971 are on the roll, of

which number 1,170 exercised the fran chise. Wairarapa returned Messrs. Beetham and Bunny, and has a male adult 'population- of 2,561. with 1,820 on the roll, 1,105 of whom came to the booths last year to vote. Wanganui sent Messrs. Bryce and Ballance to Parliament. It has a male adult population of 2,045, with 1,408 on the roll, and 1,130 of these voted. Nelson is represented by two local lawyers—Messrs. Pitt and Adams—and has a male adult population of 1,340, with 1,091 are on the roll, and 802 of them found time and op portunity to vote. Hokit'ka sent Messrs. Reid and Seddon to Parliament, and after the Thames comes next to Coleridge in the number of men within its borders. It has 3,416 of a male adult population with 1,823 on its roll, of whom 1,723 voted. The smallest constituency in the colony is that of Nelson suburbs, which contains only 433, with a roll of 352. In view of the figures we have given above, we think Coleridge has an indisputable claim to a second member, for the return before us credits our dis trict with 3,500 of a male population, and a roll of 1,297, which, but for the very wide area the district covers, and the difficulty that existed under the old Act in registering, might very easily have been doubled. We understand that increased representation will be given to us, but whether the district will be divided or simply another member added, we cannot of course say. Doubtless Government will see the wisdom of cutting the district into two, in preference to giving it another voice as it stands.

Elgin School. —Mr. Proudlock (late o Weedons), the gentleman appointed tyo take charge of the new school at Elgin, arrived in Ashburton on Thursday, and commences his duties on Monday next. The Mail Services.— I The Premier on Thursday said it would have cost the Colony last year L 59,000 gross for the conveyance of mails via Suez if the San Francisco contract had not been in force, or L 21,000 net. The San Francisco ser vice cost L 7,000 net. 1 The Audit of Local Bodies’ Accounts. —ln the House of Represen tatives, in reply to a question, Major Atkinson said Government had under consideration, and he hoped this session to be able to introduce, a Bill that would deal with the whole question of the more effective audit of the accounts of local bodies. Obstructing the Thoroughfare. Henry Beckett was charged before his Worship yesterday, on the information of Charles C. Fooks, with obstructing the thoroughfare on the Wakanui road. Mr. O’Reilly appeared for the defence. Mr. Purnell, who appeared for the prosecution, asked for an adjournment in consequence of the non-attendance of an essential witness in the person of Mr. Baker, the the Chief Surveyor. The case was ad journed for a week. The Templars in Tinwald. —A “ Good Templar ” writes “I am pained to ob serve that a great amount of antipathy to the Order exists amongst some in Tin wald, as evidenced by the restrictions placed on the Lodge by the School Com mittee, and the frivolous pretexts put for ward by the master as a hindrance to the progress of the Order. The Tinwald members have the utmost sympathy of their more fortunate brothers and sisters in Ashburton, who will gladly welcome a more prosperous future for them.” Masonic. —In our notice of the St John’s Lodge installation ceremony in our last issue, we omitted to mention that the D.D. Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thom son, presented Bro. P.M. Paige with a jewel, in the name of the Masons of Ash burton, complimenting him at the same time on the very efficient manner in which he had conducted the duties of his office as Worshipful Master of the St. John’s Lodge. The jewel was manufactured by Messrs. Coates and Co., Christchurch, and a suitable inscription was engraved on the back. Lyttelton Prison. —In reply to a question in the House, The Hon. W. Kolleston said that according to the prison regulations, prisoners in Lyttelton Gaol, awaiting trial, were dressed in a garb different from that of other prison ers. It was done as a convenience for carrying out the prison regulations, but it was not compulsory. Ho was afraid the non-compulsory feature of the regula tion had not been made sufficiently known. Ho would take care that it was property understood by prisoners in future. A prison library was provided, and prisoners before trial were allowed to change books once a day ; after trial, weekly. The library contained 1000 volumns. An Auckland Scandal. —The Auck land Star publishes a strong scandal about a doctor who recently purchased a practice here. A young Swiss lady, to whom he had become engaged on board ship six months ago, came out by the last mail steamer with her trousseau ready and pre pared, expecting to bo married in three days. He never went near her till forced to do so by the chief officer of the mail steamer, and subsequently lie said that he would not marry her, and must have been drunk when ho proposed, It then trans pired that he was engaged to a lady living at Rangitikei, where he has since gone, leaving tho poor Swiss girl to her fate. The affair is creating a great sensation here. £gSl§ “The Lost Ship.” —The above is the title of the piece to be plajed by the Amateur Dramatic Club on July 9 and 10. On the 9th tho performance will be for the benefit of Mr. C. Bourke, the Club’s painter, the masterstroke of whose genius will be exhibited in the new drop scene he has just finished —“Lake Maggiore.” We have no doubt many friends will patronise the hall on the 9th. About the middle of August “Ten Nights in a Bar Room ” will be produced, on the anniver sary of the Dawn of Peace Lodge of Good Templasr. The piece has been in re hearsal for some months, and ought to come off with great effect. We desire to remind the Club that Thursday nights are set apart for rehearsals, and meetings for business in the upper room of the Town Hall. A Nurse's Claim. —At the R.M. Court yesterday, Mrs. Haynes sued Mrs. Bryant for the sum of L 7 10s., being amount claimed for s ervices rendered as a nurse and attending Mrs. Bryant in her confinement. The evidence was very lengthy, and through a pressure of other matter it is crowded out. It appeared, however, that tho plaintiff had gone to live at defendant’s house fully a month before the confinement took place, under standing that for this time she was to receive LI per week. Tho defendant stc.ted that it was of Mrs. Haynes’ own free will that she went so much sooner than was necessary. It was alleged by defendant and several witnesses that the plaintiff had been at the Hinds Hotel on one occasion, had stayed there for several hours, and returned intoxicated, and with a bottle in her pocket. Plaintiff stated in her evidence that she was at the hotel only half an hour, and the occasion of her going there was to return some candles which had been borrowed, and Mr. Little had given her one glass of something warm as she was knocked up with con stant nursing, and that she was perfectly sober. The parties, on that occasion had some words, and the plaintiff left tho place. Mr Ireland appeared for the de fendant, and Mr. Branson who appeared for the plaintiff, asked for a week’s ad journment, so as to obtain the evidence of Mr. Little, rebutting the evidence which hid been given to the effect that the plaintiff was drunk at the time men tioned. The case was accordingly ad journed for a week.

A.O.F.—The anniversary of the Court Star of Ashburton, No. G 034, was cele brated on Thursday night by a dinner, in the Somerset Hotel, purveyed by Bro. Shearman. About thirty members were present, and enjoyed a very pleasant even ing. Bro. Edwards, C.R., occupied the chair, and Bro. Thomas Smith, S.C. R., was croupier. In the course of a reply to the toast of “ The Officers,” Bro. Zouch, treasurer, said there were not so many members of the Court now as there had been when it first started, still, the posi tion of the Court was very satisfactory. J.O.G.T. —The usual weekly meeting of the Will and the Way Lodge was held at the schoolroom, Tinwald, on Wednesday under tho presidency ®f Bro. Galloway, W.C.T. A great number of members from tho Dawn of Peace Lodge attended, nearly filling the little schoolroom, and a very pleasant evening was spent in har mony, contributed by the Lodge and the visitors. It was announced by Bro. Cor rigan, in re'erence to the proposed Tem perance Hall at Tinwald, that lis shares had already been applied for, and in a short time the Order hoped to meet in a hail more suitable to their meetings.

Tinwald. —The pretty little church at Tinwald, that was opened about sixteen months ago, hasbeen up to the present time very badly offfor an instrument for the choir. We hear the parishioners do not intend this state of things to last much longer, as the township and district are being actively canvassed for subscriptions for the purchase of an American organ ; and Messrs. Wilkin and Carter have promised six guineas towards it. If the district will only make up the balance of twenty five guineas Messrs William and Garter will guarantee tho remaining portion (whatever that might be) of the purchase rnwioy, trusting to the parishioners to recoup the amount at their convenience. We think that under these conditions St. Andrew’s Church should not be much longer without an organ. Drunk. —A man named William Fowler was brought before Mr. Guinness yester day morning, charged with being drunk and disorderly in East street. Constable Warring deponed to arresting accused on the previous night. He was hanging on to a fence outside the Somerset Hotel. Prisoner admitted having had something to drink, but doubted whether he was drunk. After hearing the evidence of Constable Neill, who said that Fowler had frequently been before the Bench in Christchurch, both of drunkenness, for lunacy, and assaulting a constable in the lock-up, his Worship inflicted a fine of 205., or forty-eight hours’imprisonment. Henry Davis plead guilty to being drunk and using obscene language in a pub lic place. For the first offence he was fined 205., or forty-eight hours’ imprison ment, and a like penalty for using obscene language.

The Impounded Furniture. His Worship, on the application of Mr. O’Reilly, at the afternoon sitting of yester day’s Court, made an order that the furni ture now in possession of the police, and which Mr. Davis bought of Mrs. James, to remain at the police depot until a case had been decided in which Davis sues Bariera for the amount owing by tho latter to the former. His Worship, at Thurs day’s sitting of the Court, ordered the goods to remain in possession of the police until Davis had been paid L 7, by the woman Emily Davis, upon which pay ment, the furniture, at the request of Bariera, was to revert to Emily Evans. As, however, Bariera was indebted altogether to the amount of about L2O to Davis, the former’s action in disposing of his property until tho claims of his credi tors were satisfied was somewhat prema ture. Amusements. —It will ho remembered that about a month ago, several ladies and gentlemen gave an entertainment of a very pleasing character in the Primitive Methodist Church. The results, both as regards finance and encomiums passed by those present, were so encouraging as to warrant the promoters in considering whether a series of such entertainments during the winter months might not prove both profitable, in a monetary sense, and also instructive. After due deliberation arrangements were entered into for the purchase of a scioptican, witli eighty slides, and with this ingenious piece of mechanism, along with other attractions, our Primitive Methodist friends are deter mined not to be behindhand during tho long winter evenings in catering to the recreation of the Ashburton public. I ho first entertainment will bo given in about a fortnight. The whole of the proceeds are to be devoted to clearing oft debts in connection with the Primitive Methodist churches in the district. Civil Cases. —The following cases were disposed of at the R. M. Court yesterday Jos. Clark v. W. Aitken, claim L 7 Us., judgment by default for amount and costs Ll.° Jos. Clark v. Thompson, claim L 25 IGs. Mr. Branson for defendant. It was acknowledged that L2O had been paid, but plaintiff had omitted to give notice to tho defendant. L 4 10s. had also been paid into Court. Judgment was given for plaintiff', but the latter to pay L2 2s. costs in consequence of the neglect above stated. W. Harris v. O’Brian, judgment sum mons for L 5 IGs. 6d. Plaintiff said lie knew defendant was at work on Mr. Grigg’s station, at Longbeach. O’Brian informed the Bench that he was getting 15s. a week and his food, and might be able to pay 10s. a mouth until the debt was cleared off, but he owed money to others besides Mr. Harris. His Worship said the claim of Mr. Harris must be satisfied before any other, and ordered defendant to pay 20s. a month, or a fortnight’s im prisonment. Yery Strange Advice.— A peculiar correspondence has just been published at Bristol. A lady, Mrs. Edwards, has been refused communion by the vicar of Cheddar on the ground that she had married the brother of her deceased hus band. The Bishop of Bath and Wells had been appealed to, but he supported the vicar. Ultimately Mr. Edwards, the lady’s husband, appealed to the Arch bishop of Canterbury, and his reply (Lon don Telegraph) seems the strangest of all. He is quoted as follows ; “ In similar circumstances my advice has boon that persons so circumstanced desiring to com municate should go to some church where their history is not known.” Mr. Edwards in a further letter says this advice is some what startling, as it recommends persons situated to obtain the church sacrament, if not by false pretence at any rate by a concealment of the truth. The Party Processions Bill. —ln the House of Representatives on Wednesday Mr. Pyke moved the second reading of his Party Processions Bill, but after a short discussion, the Bill was ordered to bo read that day six months. In the course of the discussion the Premier said the recent disturbances at Christchurch and Timaru had brought down such an amount of condemnation as would prevent a re currence of such proceedings. Mr. Pyke said that he felt very considerably “sold” over this Bill, as gentlemen on all sides had promised him their support. He would know in future what their honor was worth, and if hereafter blood was shed it would be upon their heads. Experienced matrons advise young people to marry in the spring time. That gives them six months of happiness before they begin to quarrel on the question of who should get up in the morning to build the fires. A Fond mother in Valparaiso, on hear ing that an earthquake was coming, sent her boys to a friend’s in the country to escape it. After a few days she received a note from the friend, saying “ Take your boys away and send along the earth quake instead,” 1

Cruelty to a Horse, —A man named Meharry, living at Rakaia, was brought before his Worship on Thursday and fined L 5, or a fortnight,s imprisonment for working a horse while in an unfit state It was proved that the horse had a de formed leg, and experts gave evidence that it was exceedingly cruel to use the horse in any way ; and as the accused had recently given only sc. for the steed, it will easily be imagined that it was not very valuable —an impression, no doubt, which existed in the mind of his Worship when ho ordered the poor brute to be destroyed. Strong Principle. —At the meeting on Thursday of the Tinwald Templar Lodge, a brother gave an instance that- had come under his notice of loyalty to the principles of the Order. A young man, whose finances are at present at a very low ebb, but who has always been known to be a smart counter man, was offered this week a very remunerative situation in a bar room, but he declined the position, not withstanding his empty pocket and the chance offered of filling it. We gladly pub lish this item at the request of a temper ance man, with a view to encouraging loyalty to conscience. Worthy magistrate : “ What !.a man be cruel enough to maltreat his lawful wedded wife, and even hurl a plate at her head V Prisoner: “ But, your honour, do you know my wife 1” Worthy magi strate : “I have not that honour.” Prisoner ; “ Then just go slow.”

THE WAITAKI ELECTION.

There was great excitement over tho election on Wednesday for the Waitaki seat, and Oamaru was particularly stirring during the day. The following is the re sult of the polling, which, notwithstand ing the fact that two Oppositionists were in the field, is a win for that party, so far, at least as tho fact goes that Mr. Jones, the successful candidate, is an Opposition ist. We favor the belief, however, that his success is more owing to local feeling and personal popularity than to any gene ral feeling entertained of antagonism to the Ministry now in office Mr. Jones, 775 ; Mr. Reid, 666 ; Mr. Roberts, 168. There were 31 informal votes.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

In the House on Thursday night Mr. Sutton moved—“ That, in ordsr to assure the most effective system of local govern ment at the least cost of management, it is desirable that the relative positions of the Counties and Road Boards should be put upon a more satisfactory footing. (1) That the Counties Act be amended, and all Road Board or Highway Provincial Acts repealed, and highway districts abolished. (2.) That each county shall be subdivided into ridings, and each riding re-constituted into a road boai’d. (3.) That the road board snail be the only rating body, and that its duties snail be the construction and repair of the roads and drains within its borders, and the construction of all small bridges and all other works of a local nature. (4.) That the County Council shall consist of the chairman of each road board by virtue of position. (5.) That the revenue of the County shall be rents, licenses, fees, &c., at present payable, and the right to levy pro rata upon all road boards for such further amounts as may be required. (G.) That the duties of the Council shall be the construction of large bridges, assisting road boards by providing engineering assistance when required, to provide for local contributions to hospitals and charitable institutions, with power to alter boundaries of ridings and exercise a general supervision over the Road Boards. (7.) That Government he requested to bring in a Bill during the session to give effect to these resolutions.” The debate was adjourned for a week, pending the acceptance or otherwise by Parliament of the Government’s proposals on the question of local finance. Captain Russell expressed an opinion favorable to the appointment by Government of re sponsible valuators, and one valuation to be used for all rating purposes.

MR. B G. WRIGHT AND THE COURTHOUSE.

It will perhaps sin-prise some, who would have been glad to see the Ashbur ton Courthouse built of brick instead of wood, that we owe the wooden structure to the kind offices of Mr. E. G. Wright. Our worthy M.H.R., hearing that the preparation of plans for a building in brick and the calling for alternative tenders were about to be undertaken, stepped in, and urged on the wooden building at all hazards, pointing out that the pressure of legal business in tho dis trict would no longer brook any delay in the erection of a Courthouse. This is the story that has reached us, and we have no reason to doubt its truthfulness. Perhaps those who believe “ that our own money should go to our own people,” and that local industry should be locally supported will thank Mr. Wright for removing the opportunity, that might, but for his advice, have been given to our local brick makers and builders, of finding some out let for their manufactures and industry within the township. is, a Christ church contractor gets the work, and Christchurch hands supply the labor.

HEREDITARY DEADHEADS.

Most Canterbury people will agree with Sir George Grey that some public recog nition of Mr. W. S. Moorhouse’s public service to the province is due, but we are astonished that tho proposal to re ward him in the way Government have adopted by the passing of Sir George’s “ Recognition Bill” should have emanated from the great apostle of New Zealand Liberalism. Sir George claims to be a Liberal of the Liberals, yet in a House of Representatives, if a colony whose politics are built on the lines of democracy, he asks Parliamentary sanction to a most extraordinary proposal. And we are astonished the more that only nine of the whole members present raised any ejection to the particular form the recognition took. Willingly did the whole House recognise Mr. Moorhouse’s worth, and willingly, no doubt, did they all agree that he should receive the medal that represented that recognition. But only nine dared vote against the extraordinary virtue that was to be attached to the lucky possessor of it. The Bill, as it now stands, gives a medal to Mr. Moorhouse, and this medal is a free passport to him, and to f he direct male heir of his line for ever, over all railways in the colony. We .congratulate Mr. Moorhouse and the direct heirs male of his line for ever on becoming hereditary deadheads , but we would far rather have seen a sum of money given, even in these hard-up times, or some other substantial gift that we would have been done with after the act of presenting, than seen this system of permanent and everlastingly hereditary dead heading on the railways resorted to. These linos of ours may yet fall into other hands than those of Government, and their lessees or purchasers will not look with friendly eyes even on a Parliamen tary appointed deadhead. Besides, it is no part of the colonial Parliament’s func tions to confer everlasting favors of this kind, no matter under what circumstances, and we have not arrived at that point when honors and emoluments ought to be a part of our political system. We owe gratitude to Mr. Moorhouse no doubt, but to him, and to him only, ought friat debtof gratitude be paid, and not to heirs male of his direct line from hence forth and for ever.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Thursday, Juke 17, 1880,

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.)

ANOTHER LEGEND OF THE BROTHEL. Ann James, wife of Henry Janies, of Ashburton, pled not guilty to the charge that she did on the 11th day of June felo niously steal, take, and carry away three bedsteads, three pairs of palliasses, three flock mattrasses, three bolsters, three toilet tables, three washstands,, two look ing glasses, one couch, six cane-seated chairs, four wooden chairs, and two pil lows, the whole being of the value of £22, belonging to Joseph Bareira. Sergeant Felton conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. O’Reilly ap peared for the defence, and the accused was accommodated with a seat beside her solicitor while the case was proceeding. Joseph Bariera deponed—l am at present a prisoner of the Crown sentenced to three month’s imprisonment under the Vagrant Act. I was formerly living in Havelock street; the furniture now outside the Court is my property. The goods were all right in my house at the time I was arrested. I know Mrs. James. She was engaged to wash the clothes of those in the house. On Thursday, the 10th June, I borrowed L 5 from her, but gave her no receipt. A dress, a silver locket and chain, and a lady’s hat were given in security. The locket was worth L 3 55., the dress L 4 4s. 6d., and the value of the hat 30s. There were also two petticoats valued at 30s. given in security. These things were given to Mrs. James about eight o’clock on the evening of the 10th. The total value of the goods—Llo 10s. —was given as security for the L 5 lent. I owed her about L2 for washing. Nc one was present when she gave me the L 5 cheque. I never authorised the ac cused, nor anyone else, to take any property whatever. There were a num ber of girls living in the house with mo— Jessie Davis, Ellen Jack, and Emily Evans. I let the house an.l furniture to Jessie Davis for L 5 a week. She paid me one week’s rent in advance. Emily Evans was left in charge of my things when I was arrested. She was half-a-slcep at the time, and I said, “ Emily, look after the house, and don’t make a fool of your self.” I went yesterday to Mr. Wm. Davis’ shop in Moore street with Con stable Warring. I saw some of my pro perty there, and pointed it out to the constable, and saw him take it to the police station. Since I was taken into custody I never gave any one permission to take possession of the things. The day after I was sentenced I obtained per mission from the police to go and get some things from my house, as the clothes ,1 had on when arrested were very old and shabby. I found the house empty. This was on Monday, the 14th June. I then informed the serjeant of police of my loss. I never authorized any one to re move the goods from my house. There was no written agreement between myself and Jessie Davis. It was one week before I was arrested that Jessie Davis paid me the rent in advance. Jessie Davis had no permission to remove the goods of which I left her in possession. The locket and clothes which I gave to Mrs. James be longed to Emily Evans. I had not parted with my property in the goods left with Jessie Davis. 1 made out a list of the goods in the house (list produced, marked D). The list was for the information of Jessie Davis. It was made out when I was arrested. The paper was taken from me by the police. By Mr. O’Reilly—l do not feel any angry feeling towards the accused nor ■would I like to injure her When I bought the goods, the agreement was that I should pay as I could, and at the least Davis was to receive L2 per week. On the 19th March, when I bought the goods, 1 had about L2B on me. The reason I did not pay for the goods altogether was that I had other things to purchase at that time. The document marked E was signed by myself. I paid LB, notwithstanding my agreement to pay only L2. On March 29th I paid L2, on April sth another L2, but cannot swear to all the dates on which I paid him. I know the total amount I paid, although I cannot tell the dates on which 1 paid the separate amounts. When I bought the goods, Emily Evans was not living with me as my wife, and has never lived with me as such. Emily Evans was left in charge when I was arrested, and she gave me leave to give the locket, etc., to the .accused. It was not my property. What was mine was mine, and what was hers was hers. Wo had nothing in common. I was hard up at the time, and I was trying to raise money on the furni ture. I offered to give Mrs. James a bill of sale on the furniture for the loan of some money, the amount of which was to be .agreed upon by us. When I box-rowed the L 5, it was agreed that the articles belong ing to Emily Evans were to be returned upon repayment of the amount. Emily Evans was in the habit of wearing the things. The bailiff was in the house at the time. The money which I got from Mrs James was for the purpose of paying off the bailiff. I arranged for a further loan from Mrs James on a bill of sale, in case Jessie Davis did not buy the house. Jessie Davis did not buy the house fx’om me. [Emily Evans here entered the Court, and Mr. O’Reilly took occasion to ask witness if the dress and locket which she had on were what had been given to Mrs James, and witness answered.in the affirmative.] Emily Evans, who was slightly intoxi cated told me, when I asked her for money, that I could take wdiat I liked to give as security. The reason I did not give my trousers as security, was because they were not valuable enough. I was in a hurry at the time to get the bailiff out of the house, as it w-ould be expensive to keep him there. I do not know that Emily Evans ever asked for her things back. My intention was to raise money on the bill of sale and pay back the money to Mrs James which she had lent nxe. I made this arrangement with Mrs James myself. Next day these goods be longing to Emily Evans were to be re turned. Mr. O’Reilly here threw down a knife which he had in his hand, and objected to the manner in which his Worship was in terrupting and putting constructions on the wutness’ answers. His Worship characterised the conduct of Mr. O’Reilly as most unbecoming and irregular, and for a short space of time there was quite a scene. Witness —The goods were delivered im mediately I got tiic bill of sale. Before I could carry out this ax-rangement, I was arrested, and at the time I left Emily Evans in charge of tho place. I am a rogue and vagabond at present. By the Bench—As a matter of fact, I never gave a bill of sale to Mrs. James. hty Mi’. O’Reilly—l arranged with Mx-s. James to get the bill of sale executed next day, but no particular time was mentioned. Emily Evans deponed—l know Joseph Bariera, and have been living in the same house with him in Havelock street, Ashburton. I remember Bariera being taken prisoner about 11.30 last Thursday evening. I have seen the furniture out side the Court in two carts, and recognise it as Bariera’s. It was in his house on the night ho was arrested. Some of my clothes were given that day as security for L 5. The articles were—the dress I have on, a locket which I also wear, a silk handkerchief, and two woollen skirts. The total value of the articles would amount to about L 9 or LlO. Mrs. James receh ed the - goods from about seven or eight on the evening of tho 10th. He did not ask me for tl e goods, and I did not know that Mrs. James had the goods until next morning, when Mrs. James told me. and I sent a cab for tho articles. This was after

Bariera was arrested. I was partly under < the influence of liquor on the night Bariera was arrested. I dou’l remember i seeing Mrs. James that evening. On the following morning Mrs. James me 1 that Bariera said that lie was to give a i bill of sale for the L 5 which she had'leut, i and L2 which was owing to her. I told her to take furniture to the value of L 7. 1 She remarked that she wanted her money. ' She told me she had received my clothes i as security for the L 5 lent. I sent for my clothes, and got them back. The accused, i took, I think, all the goods which are out- ] side the Court. The goods were not mine, ; and I had no authority to dispose of his : goods. When Bariera was arrested he told mo to look after the house. He gave me no authority to deal with bis property. I know Mrs. James. She used to do my washing. She has been at the house several times. I know where she lives, and on the same afternoon that she took the furniture 1 went to the house. She left a few articles in the house—bed ding, looking-glasses, and a set of ware. The reason I went to Mrs. James’ was because I had nowhere else to go. She said I could go and stay there as the things wore taken. Mr. Heflbrd took the things away in an express to Mrs. James’. Mrs° James told Heflbrd to take the things to her house. The best part of the things were taken from Mrs. James’ by Mr, Davis on Monday, the 14th. Mrs. James sold the things that Davis took away for L 7. She only sold a part of the goods —those that are in the big dray out side. [List marked F handed in.] I remember searching Mrs. James’ house yesterday in company with Constable Neil, and found three blankets, quilts, a mattress, three bolsters, two looking glasses, a set of ware and two pillows, belonging to Bariera. They were part of the property taken ( away on the 14th. The mattress was found on the bed in the back room, two bolsters were under the bod, and one was on the bed. Before searching the house, the constable read the warrant to Mrs. James. She said that they would be as safe there as anywhere else. She brought all the things to the constable from a back room. I heard Mrs. James bargain with Davis for the goods for L 9, but he would only give L 7. Mrs. James told Davis that they came from Beriera, that she was to have a bill of sale that morning over all the fur niture. Davis took the goods away in an express on Monday, the 14th. The fur niture which was taken from Barira’s I value at L 23. The goods left at Mrs. James’ was between L 4 and L 5 worth, which she had over and above the goods sold to Mr. Davis. By Mr. O’Beilly—Mrs. James was act ing the part of a friend to me at this time, who was trying to arrange for my return to my husband, and Mrs. James had carried the arrangement so far that it only awaited my consent. She was in com munication with my husband at the time I went to stay with her. It was arranged that I would stay with Mrs. James-until I did return. I did not give Bariera any authority to pawn my goods. I was left in charge by him of this furniture, which is now in dispute. I told Mrs James that she might take furniture sufficient to cover Bariera’s amount. 1 understand the furni ture which Mrs James took was in security for the L 7 whicn Bariera had lent him by Mrs. James. When Davis took the things away from Mrs. James’ I was staying there. When I went with the constable to Mrs. James’ I did not know that there was anything belong ing to Bariera at Mrs. James’ house excepting two pillows. Have stayed at Mrs. James’ since yesterday. I do not remember the accused mentioning any thing that had been left by Davis excepting a looking-glass. Mrs. James took me round yesterday morning, showed me the things, and told me I could do as I liked with them. If I wished to give her any of the things I could do so. By the Bench—My things were returned to me before Bariera’s were taken away. Jessie Davis deponed—l know Joseph Bariera and was living in his house at Ash burton. Nelly Jack and Emily Evans were stopping there as well. I remember Bariera being arrested last Thursday night. I arranged to take the house and furniture from Bariera last Thursday week for L 5 per week, and paid a week in advance. Bariera took a list of the things in the house on a piece of lavender-colored paper. I know Mrs James, and she has been employed by mo to do housework. I did not see any money transactions be tween Bariera and Mrs James, but Mrs James said that Bariera had borrowed L 5 from her. The furniture now out the Court. I left in the house on the Friday morning, but when I came back it was in a cart. Some of my property was taken, but Mrs James returned them-. I never authorised the accused to take the furniture out of the house. By Mr. O’Reilly—The house was let for the express purpose of being carried on as a house of ill-fame. I expect Bariera knew of that intention. Constable Neil deponed to having searched Mrs James’ house in company with Emily Evans, and to finding the goods and furniture in question. The ac cused showed me a bundle in which she said all Bariera’s goods wmre tied up, but on further search in other parts of the house, I found more of the goods than Mrs James at first pointed out. Mrs James promptly admitted they were Bariera’s. Took the things in M'Farlane’s express to the police station. Constable Warring deponed to having visited Mr. Davis’ shop and to having taken possession of certain goods which Bareira identified in Davis’ presence. These goods were taken to the police station in Cullen’s cart. Davis, when the warrant for search was shown, said at once “All right, proceed.” John Heflbrd, carrier, went to the house in Havelock street on Friday, the 11th, instructed to remove some furniture. The woman, whom he now learned was Emily Evans, was there, and ordered the furni ture to go to Mrs James’, where, she said, she was" going to live. Mrs James was present at the time Evans said so. Evans pointed out what was to be taken, and what was to be left, and in answer to Mrs James said some of the goods were her own property. The cartage of the goods has not yet been paid for. I expect Evans to pay me as she engaged me. A mes senger came and told me that the woman living in the house in Havelock street wanted some carting done. Bariera, re-called, said ho took the house from Mr. Poyntz, but he believed it was the property of a livery sfablekeeper in Ashburton, whoso name witness did not know, Robert McFarlano, expressman, testi fied to carting furniture from James’ house to Davis’ shop, and identified the goods outside as a portion of what he took. Mr. O’Beilly contended that no case for larceny could lie against the accused. If a, person took goods as a matter of right, fully believing in her right so to do, so long as there was no felonious intent, no case of larceny could lie. In this case Mis. James had a right to take the things in pursuance of a contract. Money had been paid, and in equity Mrs. James had a right to the goods. His Worship pointed out that the evi dence went to show that the contract was only contemplated. Mr. O’Beilly said that the accused was acting under cover of a right which she presumed she had. There was no felonious intent. His Worship said that he would have to ask Mr. O’Beiily to call his evidence, as the accused had attempted to retain illegal possession of certain goods which she hail not shown to Constable Neil, and the constable had only found these articles after further search. Ann James, the accused, after being

cautioned, made the following statement: —I am not guilty of this charge, and had no felonious intent in taking the goods. What I have done was for the purpose of befriending Emily Evans. I told her if she was determined to do right she could come to my place, and bring the things with her until she could get to her hus band. The things that I did not show to the constable were what Emily Evans was using at the time. I told her I did not want to keep anything, but she could take away what she liked. The morning the policeman came down, I said “ We’ll see what’s here, and then we will know.” I looked upon the transaction as merely re moving from one house to another. There is no one in the Court but what knows I am an honest woman. I would not take anything from anybody. I might say that the things which were in the bed room were what I bought on Saturday at Bossenburg’s sale, the articles were what he had seized from Bariera. Bariera asked me to keep Emily at my house for the three months while he was in gaol and he would pay me. He said he was very glad I had the things. His Worship, after referring to various authorities, and citing cases, saidhe was con vinced there was no felonious intention in the action which accused had taken and dismissed the accused. A FIVE-SHILLING HOUSE. Henry Meharry was charged with ill using a horse, contrary to The Cruelty to Animals Act. Constable Bowse deponed to seeing accused using a horse the day previous with a deformed leg. It had a contracted joint on the near fore leg. The horse was in fair condition. It was not shod. Ac cused told witness that he had bought the horse some time ago for ss. The horse was lame, and when it treads on a stone the leg turns under. Charles Lake, livery-stable-keeper at Bakaia, deponed that he knew the pri soner, and had seen the horse, which had been sometimes in his stable. The horse is a perfect cripple, and it is cruelty to use it. At some time or other I should imagine the horse had cast its hoof, and that then it had to walk on the pastern joint. By accused —I do not know what the age of the horse is. It is in good condi tion. I know the animal was sold a few weeks ago. Ido not know that Mr. Hardy had intended to buy it if you had not done so. I think it great cruelty to use the horse. Charles Hassal deponed—l am a horse clipper, and saw the animal yesterday at work, and gave information to the police, as the horse had a diseased hoof. It was cruelty to use the horse. By accused —I am not aware that the horse could bring a ton from the Bakaia. It might have done when it had four good understandings. Accused said that the horse had had a diseased hoof when it was a foal. It had done a good day’s work, and Mr. O’Beilly knew a gentleman who had worked the horse. [Mr. O’Reilly (emphatically)—No, I don’t.] The horse, although bought for 5?., was equally able to do work with a horse worth L2O. His Worship said the conduct of the accused was very blameable, and he should inflict a fine of L 5 and costs ; but it being found out that the accused was insolvent, his Worship ordered him to bo imprisoned for a fortnight, and the horse to he destroyed. Meharry asked to be allowed to try and borrow the amount, a request which his Worship granted.

GUILD Y. KINGSBURY.

At the KM. Court yesterday, Mr. O’Reilly, on notice, applied for a re-hear ing in this case. Ha said the position at XJresent was that tho case drawn by him self and Mr. Ireland for their respective clients had not been approved by either solicitor. It was then referred to his Worship to state a case. His Worship had stated a case,.but stated it in such a way that it was useless sending it to the Supreme Court, as it would net be enter tained in its present shape. He had drawn his Worship’s attention to the omission of the necessary allegation* that the parties had not agreed, and had pointed out the ruling of the Supreme Court on this point; also, the omission of a statement showing that the Court had been closed on the Saturday and Monday after the decision, so that the bond could not be entered into within three days. That, besides these objections to the case as stated by his Worship, no evidence at all was set out, and as he (Mr. O’Reilly) relied upon the case as it appeared in the evidence, the suppression of the evidence made it useless to proceeed. . As the fact was patent that an injustice had been done his client to the extent of 112 acres, at 3s. per acre, he now applied for a re-hearing of the case, so that the injustice could he remedied. Mr. Branson objected. Mr. O’Reilly could set out the omission stated in his affidavit, and bring it before the Supreme Court in that way. This application had been made before, and his Worship had exercised his discretion. He could not now entertain it. Mr. O’Reilly said, as to mending his Worship’s omission by an affidavit, if the case was called on in the .Supreme Court, it would at once appear. His Worship’s jurisdiction to state a case was not shown. He and his affidavit would be out of Court, and the case would be sent back. His Worship had, in the express terms of the Act a discretion to grant a re-heai’ing at any time. His Worship said he would dismiss the application. Mr. Branson applied for costs. His Worship allowed one guinea. Mr. O’Reilly asked his Worship’s au thority to give costs, and His Worship referred to the Act of 1879, which gave him power to give costs in actions where he had no jurisdiction. Mr. O’Reilly—And that is your au thority ? His Worship—Yes. Mr. O’Reilly—Then I shall certainly go for a prohibition.

THE MOORHODSE RECOGNITION BILL.

On. Wednesday, in the House of Repre sentatives, Sir G. Grey moved the second reading of the “ Moorhouse Services Recognition Bill. ” He stated that in 1868, as Governor of the colony, he visited Canterbury, and found Mr. Moorhouse, the then Superin tendent of Canterbury, administering the affairs of that Province with great ability and foresight. His efforts in promoting the Lyttelton tunnel, in order to connect Christchurch with the Port were alluded to in flattering terms. What he asked was that a medal should be struck, and be, in the hands of Mr. Moorhouse, his heirs, and their heirs, in all genera tions, recognised as a free pass on all railways. This effort he looked upon as a move in the direction of entering upon a new field of rewards, superior to any knighthood or peerage. Although between him and Mr. Moorhouse the utmost friendly feeling existed privately, in political life they had never voted on any occasion together. He hoped that this fact would go to show that merit could he acknowledged freely by all parties independent altogether of poli tical predilection. Mr. Hall seconded the motion. He k could not agree with the speaker in the remark that this was a kind of protest against the opinion that’ the Imperial authorities were alone capable of being entrusted with the reward of their dis tinguished men. He agreed with the warm eulogism expressed upon Mr. Moor house’s public career, more especially iu

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. This Day, Jameson and Roberts, at Messrs. Robert Wilkin and Co.’, Now Zealand Wool Stores, Hereford street, Christchurch— Farm at Drornore, containing 1,050 Acres. Sale at 12 o’clock sharp. Tuesday, Judy 6. K. F. Gray, at his salerooms, Temuka — Freehold Town Sections. Sale at 1 o’clock sharp. CHRISTCHURCH AGENCY. MR. GEORGE MAULE, is authorised to receive orders and accounts for the Ashburton Guardian and Evening Herald.- All orders f>v Advertisements left at his office, near Tattersall’s, will receive prompt attention. 9550* WEEKS & DIXON. NOTICE OF PARTNERSHIP. MATSON, COX, & CO. Messrs, h. matson & co. having taken Mr. C. PERCY COX, who has lately been acting as their agent at Ashburton, into partnership, their business at Ashburton will for the future be conducted under the management of Mr. Cox, under the style of MATSON, COX, & CO., And they hope by erecting large business premises, and thus giving increased facili ties to their clients, to merit and obtain a fair share of the business hitherto so liberally accorded to them by the public. MATSON, COX, & GO., Ashburton. June Ist, 1880. 9J60 MATSON, COX, & CO. will hold Fortnightly Sales of Stock jit Ashburton and Tinwakl alternately. Next Sale at TINWALD, TUESDAY, JUNE 22nd. 010 g MATSON, COX, & CO. NOTICE TO FARMERS. f | iHE 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* ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. THE Second Monthly Meeting, for the reading of papers on Farming matters will be held in the upper room of the Town Hall, on TUESDAY EVENING, 22nd JUNE, at 7 o’clock. A dinner will be provided at Shearman’s Hotel for members of the Association at 6 o’clock. Tickets 2s. Gd. each, can be obtained from Mr. Shearman. GEO. JAMESON, OGOg Secretary. WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL. rnHE SCHOLARS are affectionately in- I vited to MEET at the Church, Cameron street, on SUNDAY next at One p.m., in order to be presenl at the Funeral Service of their late shool-fellow, Ernest Edgar Williams. W. KEALL, 965 g Pastor.