MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows ; For Ohrmcchuich and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 6 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Eakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. . Fer Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., Timaru and South, at 0 a.m., 10 a. m., and 4.20 p. m., daily. For Greenstroet, Ashburton Forks, .Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a. m.

•jVTnila arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — 1 From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.20 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. ' Fr»m Temuka and Timaru at 10..' ’5 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge ©n Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Asbton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Friday, October 22. Alfred Harrison, at 12 o’clock, on the pcemises, behind East Belt, Furniture and effects. Harmonium. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-Night, Tuesday, October 19. Extraordinary General Meeting of Share ' holders of the Town Hall Company, at the Town Hall, at 8 p.m. ' Medley Entertainment, Seafield bchool • room, 8 sharp. . , , Amateur Dramatic Club, Einal - Rehearsal “ Josephine” and “The Railway Belle, 8 p.m. Thursday, October 21. Meeting of Committee, Agricultural and Pastoral Association, at Shearman s Hotel, at 3 p.m Amateur Dramatic Club, Town Hall, at ; 8 sharp. . Friday, October 22. Concert, Kyle Schoolroom, 8 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1880.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p.m.]

Civil Cases. —The only cases heard before the R.M. at the Court to-day were —A. James v. G. W. Andrews, a claim of Ll2 for wages. Judgment was given for the amount. Brailey v. Baxter, claim L 5. Judgment was given for L 4 10s.

The Larks.—Loud complaints are being made by the farmers in the Waka nui district of damage done to by innumerable laiks that infest the locality. These birds pull up the young shoot of the grain as it appears above the ground, and eat the soft seed. In consequence of the ravages of the larks several farmers have had to re-sow.

The WeathEr.—To-day has been wet again, and, as a consequence, every farmer one meets has a happy smile on his countenance, and is almost prepared to shout. Reports from every part of the district—and, indeed, from every part of the colony—as to the crops and pastures continue to be of the most encouraging nature, and lead to the hope of a good harvest.

Street Lighting. —Some of tlie Coun cillors, Mr. St. Hill especially, appear to mean business in the matter of street lighting, They are now collecting infor mation and going into figures on the relative cost of lighting with gas and lighting with kerosene, and Mr. St. Hill already appears to be satisfied that for the sum now paid for what Mr. W. C. Walker called <£ an expensive luxury,” (namely, gas) every dark place in the town could be lit not so brilliantly perhaps, but quite brightly enough to serve the purpose. However the work is done—whether with gas or oil, we shall be glad to see light thrown in soma of the now dark streets in the township. A few lamps would save many feet-wettings and nose bump ings to unfortunates who love the less favored portions of the town.

The City of the Plains.—At the Council meeting last night, Mr. Wey mouth Eoberts took occasion to compare the expenditure of Ashburton in salaries to officials with the amount paid for officials’ services in Rangiora, and the comparison was not in favor of Ashbur tonian economy. Mr. Bullock would not have the Borough of which he had been first Mayor taking such a back seat, and contended that if any comparison were to be made it must be with a borough of high standing. Mr. Parkin modestly suggested Sydenham ; but even that great emporium of trade and commerce would not satisfy Mr. Bullock, who would be content with only a trifling place like Christchurch for purposes of comparison with Ashburton. Bravo, Mr. Bullock ; have no trifling - little peddling _ places mentioned in the same breath with the future hub of the world !

Defaulting Licensees. —The Mayor last night called the reporters’ attention to the fact that several business men in town had applied for certain licenses they were compelled to take oul under the By laws. They had made the needful appli cation, but had omitted the equally need ful duty of paying for their licenses. He hoped they would take the hint; so do we. At a later period of the evening, Mr. St. Hill, who is ,no respecter of persons, took the Mayor over the harrows on this matter, and suggested, if prosecu tions -were to be gone in for stringently, they should not be against one more than another, hut against all, and big estab lishments should be made stump up, as well as humble people. This remark was drawn forth in connection with a state ment Mr. St. Hill made that Matson, Cox, and Co. had built their doorstep from the footpath in a style that was con trary to the By-laws. It appeared there were several instances of this, and they must all be put right. Lecture. —The Rev. John Elmslie, of Christchurch, delivered a lecture in the Presbyterian Church, last evening, on recent discoveries in astronomy, and their bearing upon the Divine authority of Holy Scriptures. In consequence of the inclement weather, there was but a moderate attendance, but those who did attend, were well repaid by the treat which the rev. lecturer gave them. Mr. Eimslie’s abilities as a speaker are too well known for us to enlarge upon them, but it will not be out of place for us to remark that, in dealing with a somewhat un popular subject last night, there was but one opinion as to the very interesting and succinct manner in which he laid the results of close study before his hearers. The proceedings were opened by the choir singing an anthem, and after devotional exercises, the Rev. A. M. Beattie said that, in connection with the course of lectures which had been given, he experienced sorrow in having to intimate to the audience that news had just been received that the Rev. David McKee, who had preached, the recent anniversary sermons, and delivered the first lecture of the series, had died that evening. Mr. Beattie felt that the voice of God”should be heard in the sad event, and the lesson learned that time was short. The last lecture of the series would be given at an early date by the Rev. Mr. Gillies, of Timaru, on the life of a Scotch herd laddie—James Ferguson. The rev. gentleman then introduced to the audience the Rev. John Elmslie, who stated the lecture he was about to deliver formed one of a number of Sunday 'even ing lectures on the Evidences of Christian ity which he had delivered in the,Queen’s Theatre, Dunedin, last winter. _ The argument therein, was one which he thought had not been replied to by any of the organs of scepticism, although attempts had been made t-> do so by such parties in New Zealand. He was bold to assert that the argument could not be replied to. After asking the audience to take particular note of the following texts :—Daniel vii., 25 ; viii., 13, 14; ix., 2, 24; xii., 11, 12 ; Revelation xi., 3 ; xii., 6, 14, the lecturer said that modern science and research had tended "reatly to add to proof as to the authenti city of the Bible. Voices from stones, from mountains, from the ruins of buried cities, from skeletons of animals now extinct, from the gloomy recesses of convents, and numerous other sources, all helped to supply proof of the Divine authorship of the Scriptures. There was a superiority in the discoveries made by the astronomer over speculations of the naturalist. When one naturalist gave it out that the earth was so many millions of years older than another naturalist said it was, both were evidently dealing with the hypothetical, and their enquiries and researches only resulted in conjecture but when an astronomer intimated that an eclipse was to take place on a certain day, and at a given hour, even to a second, people lifted their eyes in expectation of seeing the phenomenon at that hour with the utmost confidence. After explaining the terms astronomic cycles, Mr.' Elmslie went on to show the coincidence of the periods of time given in the book of Daniel as corresponding with certain astro nomic cycles, instancing amongst other facts that the seventy years, the period of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon, was equivalent to a solar cycle, a period in; which the sun gained a whole year in its course. After further interesting refer ences to the septiform periods of time mentioned in Holy Writ as bearing on the discoveries of astronomy, the lecturer showed very clearly that the prophet Daniel could not have gained his know ledge of thei movements of the great solar chronometer from the astronomers of his time, inasmuch as the cycles referred to were only discovered within the last cen tury, and hence, as a natural result, the prophet must have written by the instruc tion and from the illumination of the Divine Spirit. The great astronomic clock in the heavens marked off in its course such periods of time as seventy, four hundred and ninety, etc., which were referred to in the ancient book of Daniel, and as before stated, the astrono mers of that time, and even to a very recent period, were ignorant of such being the case ’ then what was written by the prophet could only have been given him by the Maker of that clock himself. Mr. Elmslie went on to make interesting references to the septiform periods both in physical and organic life, and drew attention to the similarity in these periods to those mentioned in Scripture, especially during the Mosaic era. The solar system, organic life, and the Scriptures themselves bore the mark of homogenicty, and they were brought to the conclusion that the whole were the product of the one groat Intelligence—God himself. It was in teresting, the lecturer remarked, to discern the septiform period in regard to Biblical history ; more so to know that a septiform period existed amongst the astronomic creation; hut still more interesting to perceive that a septiform period charac terised all things terrestrial. If, as he had shown, the book of Daniel were of God, then there was no denying that the whole Bible and the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ were true. The lecturer concluded his address by intimating his opinion, from a close study of the subject, that the great and notable day of the Lord was at hand, or what was called the time of the Gentiles. We have in no way attempted to give a verbatim report of the interesting lecture of Mr. Elmslie, but have culled from it those portions which we think will excite the curiosity of our readers, and at their leisure, as the rev. gentleman remarked, they can study the subject for themselves. Votes of thanks, both to Mr. Elmslie for his lecture and to the choir for music rendered, brought the ( proceedings to a close.

The New Courthouse.—Government are beginning to realise'that it does not pay to have a large building standing ready for occupation as a Courthouse, and at the same time continue to make use of the Templar Hall, and pay rent for it, so they have been giving some impetus to a movement towards utilising the new Courthouse, and we expect that next Court day or the one after, the R.-M. will administer justice in the new building.

I. O. G. T. —The usual weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held last evening. There was a very large attend ance ; indeed, fully seventy members, in cluding visitors from sister lodges, were present. Three new members were in itiated. Letters of condolence were ordered to be sent to the friends of the deceased brother, A. T. Ross, also a letter of thanks to the Somerset Lodge of Masons, for the great courtesy they showed to the Templar Order on the occasion of the late funeral. It was resolved that the sisters should be asked to officer the lodge on Monday, November Bth, and special invitations be sent to sister lodges asking tbeir attendance on that date.

A Breeze. —There were many inter changes of compliments at the Council meeting last night, but the expressions of affection were not the sort usually heard at a Methodist love feast. Mr. Harrison spoke with some fervor, and was fre quently interrupted. Mr. St. Hill would not submit to the conduct of the Re trenchment Committee being called mean, and violently protested, nor would he have it said that the Committee was packed to exclude any one. Mr. Ivess gave Mr. Harrison a sound dressing down, and in a style that would have admirably suited a hedge schoolmaster, proceeded to lecture Mr. Harrison in particular and the Council generally on the purposes and duties of Committees. The Mayor, how ever, would not have this lectui’e, and cut short the thread of the local Aristarchus’ harangue, so that the fountain of a huge amount of erudition re Committees and public business had to dry up, not, how ever, before the fountain had given forth anything but a limpid stream for Mr. Harrison’s benefit.

Anonymous.—Previous to the Glouces ter match, in which the Australian Eleven gained a brilliant victory in the cricket-field over this crack county team, a letter, which we append, was sent by some mean-spirited person to W. G. Grace, who, with proper manly feeling, at once showed it to the Australians. The letter was as follows , —I must ask your pardon for giving such an astute cricketer as yourself any advice, but as I am very anxious to see the Gloucester shire men win the match, I thought 1 would give you a tip or two. Well, then, to begin with, the Australians can’t play slow underhand a bit. If you have a man who can bowl underhand fairly well put him on early. Look out for Blackham (wicket-keeper); he does not scruple to ask anything, and gets many out through frightened or nervous umpires. I have given you this information because I dis like the Australian cricketers greatly. They are money-grubbers, and there is not a gentleman amongst them. lam an Australian born, and know all the team and their play. —(Signed) One Who Knows. ”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

('Per Beider's Agency.) The Markets. London, Oct. 16

Three per cent Consols 9S§. Adelaide wheat, per 4961 b., ex warehouse, 495. 6d.; best Australian beef tallow, per cwt., 335. 6d., best mutton tallow, 345. 4d. Four and a-half per cent. New Zealand 1879-1904 Loan, 97kd. Best Scotch Pig iron, No. 1, f.o.b. in the Clyde, 525. 6d. There is large speculative enquiries for brandy. Shipping- Arrived—City of Quebec, from Auck land.

The Irish Trouble. October 18.

Mr. Parnell, at Longford, made a speech, in the course of which he stated that the proposed prosecutions would be entirely useless. The detached squadron to which H. M. ship Bacchante belongs, has gone on a protracted cruise. The Czar’s Contemplated Retirement.

A report is current at St. Petersburg, on the best authority, that, owing to the Czar having contracted a marriage with the Princess Dolgorouke, his Majesty will appoint the Czarewitch as regent, and will li re in retirement at Lividia, in the Crimea.

A Terrible Snow Storm.—Fearful Havoc amongst Cattle.

News has been received from South America of a terrible disaster in the Argentine Republic. A most severe snow storm, lasting for three days, fell over an enormous tract of country, and caused the death of 700,000 cattle, 500,000 sheep, and 250,000 horses. No news has come to hand as to any loss of human life. The Jesuits. Paris, Oct. 18. The French Government are still con tinuing to expel various religious orders.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Per Renter's Agency.) Damaged in a Gale. Sydney, Oct. 18,

Latest advices from Hong Kong state that the steamer Brisbane had to put back, having damaged her steering gear. Her boats were washed overboard, and her decks were completely swept. It is further stated that the necessary repairs will occupy five days.

Sugar. Melbourne, Oct. 19.

Mauritius advices to the 16th inst. give a favorable aspect of the sugar crop, which has improved by the seasonable weather. Freights to New Zealand are 325. 6d., withbut little enquiry.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Presss Asoociation.) Extension of Trade. Auckland, Oct. 19. The establishment of mercantile rela tions between Auckland and Taranaki on the West Cuast, are being vigorously ad vocated. The Danae. H. M. S. Danae leaves to-day for Fiji. Irish Relief.

Thc Lord Mayor of Dublin acknow ledges the receipt of L 1,681 from Auck land, for the Irish Relief Fund.

Mind Your own Business

At the Board of Grammar School Go vernors to-day, a resolution was passed forbidding the masters or Secretary to take part in scholastic meetings outside the Board's business without permission. Death, of an Actress. Wellington, Oct. 19. Mrs. Fitz william*, of the Lingard troupe, died at 2.30 this morning. A Whale. A large sperm whale was seen near the entrance to the harbor last night. An Ungrateful Damsel. Timaru, Oct. 19. Lilia Greaves, a young girl brought up

on remand for stealing money from a lady : who had lodged her out of charity, was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labour. On each occasion when 1 brought before the Court, she refused to plead, maintaining an obstinate silence ; but the medical evidence favoured her 1 sanity. After her sentence she expressed 1 a determination to drown herseif as soon as she regained her liberty. The Harbour Works. The harbour works have been entirely stopped for the past month, awaiting the arrival of a small dredge ordered from England, which could have been readily manufactured in Dunedin or Christchurch. Considerable, disgust is expressed at the manner in which the Board ,is delaying the work by resolutely declining to patronise the Colonial foundries. A Very Desirable Post. Dunedin, Oct. 19. Governor Caldwell, of the goal, by the last two mail deliveries, received quite a flood of applications for the post ef hang man of Ah Lee. Forgery. William Adams, alias Lee, was com mitted for trial for attempted uttering of a forged cheque.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

IVESS Y. MARTIN.

To the Editor. Sib, —I should think our egotistical friend, J. Ivess, when he, penned the letter that appears in this day’s Mail, must have had the Kilbarchan weavers’ prayer in his mind, viz., “ The Lord send us plenty of conceit of ourselves. ” Of all the vapid, inane effusions this beats every thing. Don Quixote is dead—Councillor Ivess lives ; long live Councillor Ivess. In my opinion he is only another example of that portion of the braying public whose sound and fury signify nothing, and instead of calling his neighbors to account he should begin at home. Mr. Branson will no doubt be able to defend himself if he thinks it not too derogatory to notice Mr. Ivess’ letter, but poor Mr. Martin, lam afraid, is not so well able to enter the lists, and it is only as an onlooker that I take up the cudgels in his defence. We all know the effect of a protracted lawsuit. To Mr. Ivess it was a fine opportunity to air his eloquence ; but to Mr. Martin, suffering physically and mentally, it was no such joke ; and Mr. Ivess’ crow should be small when he learns that Mr. Martin paid the amount —not that he considered it right or just, but simply to avoid the worry attendant thereon, and against the advice of his solicitor and friends. Knowing some thing about the matter in dispute, I can safely say that, however much Mr. Ivess may crow over his alleged victory, wore the facts made public it would redound but little to his credit. I have seen, in the course of my experience, many attempts at evading contracts, and this is only another to add to the list. Had Mr. Ivess complied, when requested by Mr. Martin to give him a written agree ment, all this ligitation might have been avoided ;. but with his usual evasiveness he shirked the question. One would have thought that to so great a inan as Mr. Ivess the paltry sum in dispute would not have mattered so much ; but I suppose he does not forget the days of beer and bread and chesse, of which the editor of the Ly’ell Argus notlongago remindedhim. Ashburton ought to be proud to possess so shining alight.—lam, &c., Nemo. Ashburton, Oct. 19, 1880.

Death of the Rev. David M‘Kee.

A feeling of intense sadness was experi enced in the township last night when it became knownthat the Rev. David M‘Kee, after a brief illness, had expired at his residence in Christchurch. It is only a few weeks since the rev. gentle man visited Ashburton for the purpose of preaching the anniversary sermons of the Presbyterian Church, also giving a lecture in the Town Hall in connection with the same cause. Mr. M‘Kee came to this colony from Ireland only in January last. At Home he was pastor of Rutland Church, Dublin, and almost immediately on his arrival here he was called to the new charge at Sydenham. The deceased gentleman died of an attack of slow fever, at the comparatively early age of 42. A friend writing of him in the Times this morning says : —The sympathy felt by friends and neighbours was most touching. Yesterday morning it became known that all hope of recovery was gone, and in the course of the afternoon he breathed his last: He was 42 years of age. He leaves to the church of his adoption a wife and nine children and an aged mother, who accompanied him to New Zealand. It is very difficult for the writer to convey to bis readers anything like a realising idea of the affection with which Mr. M’Kee was regarded by his congregation and neighbors. He had the rare faculty of loving others, and showing his affection without any fussi ness. Possessed of more than average talent, he was the very incarnation of quiet modesty.

Ashburton Borough Council.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night, in the Council Chamber. There were present his Worship the Mayor (presiding), Messrs. Roberts, St. Hill, Friedlander, Harrison, Parkin, Bullock, and Ivess. After a short squabble over the reading of the minutes in which Mr. Ivess con tended that the records were not a Hansard to chronicle every individual member’s opinion, and advised the em ployment of a reporter to take down all the speeches, the minutes were passed, with a slight addition, explaining that, certain works were not to be undertaken at present because of the want of funds. the mayor’s statement.

His Worship stated that there was an overdraft on the bank of £67 12s. 2d. He hoped the press would take notice of the fact that certain business men in town had applied long ago for'licenses, but had neglected to take them out. It was evi dently an overlook, and perhaps notice taken of the omission by the press would be sufficient. His Worship then detailed what had been done by himself and Mr. Williamson as a deputation to the County Council on the subject of the impounded land fund, their claim on which, he doubted not, would be favorably con sidered. Regarding the by-laws, he had given orders for the prosecution of certain parties, hut had been careful to avoid offing to any extreme measures, coutent fng himself with only such cases as it was inoperative should be dealt with. The Reserves Committee had declined the re sponsibility of fixing the reserve prices on the reserve land of the Borough. He would advise that the Council consider the matter in Committee. .1 THE FIRE BRIGADE. The Hon. Sec. to the Eire Brigade wrote : I have the honor, by direction of the Ash burton Volunteer Fire Brigade, to draw vour attention to the absolute necessity there exists of a well being put down on the reserve occu pied by the brigade, for the purpose of keeping the fire engine and gear in efficient working order. At present all water for this purpose has to be fetched in buckets from private pro perty. This involves a great deal of labor, and, moreover, has been objected to by the owner of the property from which the water had been taken. As it is of paramount impoiv tauce that perfectly clean water should b« passed through the engine after use at practice or fires, 1 have to ask you to grant sufficient funds for the purpose. The estimate, including

a Nos. S Douglas pump, is L6.—lam., &c., ] \V. Adams, Hon. Sec. _ 1 The matter was referred, with powers, t to the Works Committee. i A TIMBER ACCOUNT. Messrs. Montgomery and Co., wrote asking payment of their bill for timber , supplied. Mr. St. Hill said the contract had been performed in anything but a creditable manner. The timber had been very in ferior. He thought the deposit should be forfeited. It was decided to reply to the letter that the matter would be attended to after the meeting of the County Council. TUSSOCKS. Mr. A. Reynolds wrote asking permis sion to burn tussocks on two sections. Permission was granted. HAVELOCK STREET. Several residents in Havelock street petitioned for the laying down of a con crete channel in that street. Mr, Harrison presented the petition. He did so because he knew the work was required. He told the petitioners, however, that owing to the state of the Borough finances he was not hopeful the work would be done just yet. The petition was received, and a resolu tion passed to go on with the work as funds permitted. retrenchment. The Retrenchment Committee reported as follows : Your Committee beg to report having met on Thursday, October 14th) 1880, when the Mayor, Messrs. Roberts, Friedlander, St. Hill, and Ivess, were present. It was resolved that it be a recommendation to the Council that the Clo.k’s salary be reduced to L 125 per annum, and that his duties be, doing all clerical work, collecting all rates, and inspect ing cabs. It was also resolved that the Coun cil be recommended to retain the services of the Engineer, at a salary of Ll5O per annum. That his duties be, to do all work in connection with water supply, drainage, roads, and foot paths, in the Borough ; further, to prepare the rate roll and appear at the Assessment Court in support of same.— G. Sx. Hill, Convener. Mr. Harrison did not agree with the recommendations of this report. It was not, to his mind, retrenchment to take L 25 off the salary of a man like Mr. Braddell. Besides he thought the matter had been done in a hole and corner way. He fancied the Committee had been packed with the object of excluding him (Mr. Harrison). The subject of retrenchment was one that ought not to have been sent to a Committee, but should have been dis cussed in open Council so that the public should know what each councillor thought on the subject. It was a mean thing to do to cut down the Clerk’s salary in this way, and it was not retrenchment. It was, neither one thing nor another. It would have been better to have dispensed with the Clerk altogether than to adopt this plan. He moved—“ That the report be referred back to the Committee.” Mr. St. Hill rose three times to points of order during the delivery of this speech. He would not be called “ mean,” nor would he have it that the Committee was packed. His Worship thought an open discus sion should take place on this question. It had only now occurred to him that seven out of the nine members of the Council had been on the Retrenchment ! Committee. He could sympathise with Mr. Harrison in view of that fact The Committee, however, had been appointed, . he was sure, without any object in view beyond getting men upon it who knew the ■ whole subject, and would be likely to attend its meetings. He would be careful , in future to see that no special committee comprised more than four members of the Council.

Mr. Ivess spoke for a long time. The chief part of his speech was abuse of Mr. Harrison, whom he accused of being ignorant of the usual mode of conducting public meetings. He also held that for all the Clerk did he was well paid, and if any one suffered by the adoption of the report, it was the Engineer. Mr. St. Hill said there was a great deal more behind this £25 than appeared. It cost the Council for every £1 spent 6s. Bd. to spend it. These were not times to spend that amount on officials. Altogether a large sum would be saved by the re trenchment proposed to be carried out. Mr. Bullock seconded Mr. Harrison’s amendment. When the Clerk was first engaged he received a salary of £IOO a year. It was quite true that it had since been raised to £l5O, but for this Mr. Braddell had been asked to give his private business and remove to new offices. The money paid to Mr. Braddell had been increased to £l5O, but it really was not an increase of salary, as there had been added to his duties the collection of rates and dog tax. The Council, Mr. Bullock thought, could not better their position by cutting down Mr. Braddell’s salary. If that was the only saving they were to effect it was a very small one. Mr. Braddell had been a faithful, painstaking, and punctual servant, who never faltered in his devotion to his work. He (Mr. Bull oak) did not wish to injure the feelings of any gentle man present; they had all doubtless don their best for the Borough ; but he would like them to reconsider their decision, whether it was fair to reduce the salary of a man who had given up everything to undertake the Council’s work. He hoped the amount would be allowed to remain at what it. now stood. It was imperative that the Council’s office should be kept open during the day, and this was a great call on the Clerk’s time. The Mayor did not undervalue tliq Clerk’s work, hut in Committee he had voted for the reduction as preferential to adopting Mr. Ivess’ motion to amalgamate the offices of Clerk and Engineer. Had that course been adopted, Sir. Braddell would have been sacrificed altogether, as ho could not have discharged the duties required of an engineer. The Mayor believed Mr. St. Hill was innocent of any feeling beyond the best when he moved the appointment of the Committee. After a few affectionate remarks from Mr. Ivess in compliment to the Mayor, Mr. St. Hill explained that Mr. Bullock had not been'at the Committee meeting, though it had been put off twice to suit his convenience.

Mr. Bullock had been one day at the opening of the kaleyards, and a second day in Christchurch.

Mr. Weymouth Roberts thought quite enough money was paid for the work done. Rangiora paid LBO in all for clerk and engineer, while Ashburton paid L 275. He was not holding Ashburton cheap by com paring jt with Rangiora, which collected as large an amount of rates as Ashburton did. He was not the least ashamed to say that in Committee it was he who moved the resolution reducing the Clerk’s salary. The motion to adopt the report was then put and carried—Messrs. Bullock and Harrison being the minority of 2. LIGHTING COMMITTEE. The report of the Lighting Committee was read. It was as follows ;

That it be a recommendation to the Council that the lamps be lit half an hour after sun down to twelve at night, and not lighted two months before the longest day and two months after it, and not lighted six nights at the full moon. 2nd. That the Council ask the rate payers to cement to a lighting rate of twopence in the pound. 3rd. That in view of the rate payers consenting to the lighting rate the Council take into consideration the advisability of calling for tenders for twenty or more lamp posts, and that the Council call for tenders for lighting a portion or the whole of them with oil, the Council finding lamps, and the con tractor to find oil, wick, cleaning and lighting, and replace all breakage and repairs. 4th. That the Clerk write to the Gas Company to state the price at which they can supply gas at the new rate of time the lamps are proposed to be lit. Geo. St. Hill, Chairman, Mr. St. Hill said some parts of the town were well lighted, while others were in darkness. There had been great complaint about this state of affairs, but the rate

payers now liad tlie matter in their own hands. If they were willing to consent to a two-penny lighting rate there would be no difficulty in lighting the whole town very fairly, but if they were not willing to have this rate the lighting could not be done. The Lighting Committee proposed to erect wooden posts and use kerosene lamps in places where the Gas Company’s mains had nst yet reached. They pro posed also to reduce the lighting time from nine to eight months in the year. The Mayor did not agree with the report of the Committee, which with the information before the Committee was right enough ; but that night there had been received a letter from the Christ church City Council which gave the cost per lamp for lighting,(cleaning, and|furnish ing with wicks at sd. per night. This would amount to L 3 12s. Gd. per lamp for the 173 nights the lamps were lit in the yesr. The sum did not allow for oil ; when the cost for that was ascertained they would bo able to say which was cheapest—gas or kerosene. He had no doubt that when the Committee took the Christchurch letter into consideration it would greatly modify their report. After some further discussion, Mr. St. Hill said if kerosene oil lamps were used over the town they would bo able to give light in forty places, where now only twenty were lit. The engineer’s report was then read as follows and adopted : LCerbing and Channelling. —The contractor has made a good start with the channelling. About ten chains in Wills-strcet is completed. The whole of the cement (150 casks), and the greater portion of the timber have been de livered. Owing to the illness of Mr. Fooks, senr.. the matter of the proposed sumps is un avoidably postponed. The Labor Gang have been employed ■■in clearing some of the side channels, raking large stones off footpaths, making cutting in Grey street, stacking cement in store, and at the water-race. deal ing Tussocks on streets. —Tenders have been received for this work, and the Works Committee recommend that of Mr. M‘Mahon, at 10s. per acre, being accepted. The Works Committee also recommend the foreman’s salary be reduced by is. per day. — Fooks and Son, Borough Engineers. INSPECTOR OE NUISANCES. The following report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read ; I have the honor to report that I find the town in a satisfactory state, except where the scavenger will not go because the householders do not pay him, and I wish to know what steps to adopt in such a case. I wish to know if I am to take proceedings against those that I have served notice on for allowing offensive water to flow into the street. I wish to know if I am to enforce the by-law on those who ' have trees and shrubs hanging over the foot paths within the Borough ; and also, if I am to enforce the by-law on owners of dogs run ning at large with the Borough without collars. —William Brown, Inspector of Nuisances. It was resolved to prosecute those who refused to pay the scavenger, and to leave in the Mayor’s hands the matter of dealing , with those who allowed offensive matter to , flow into the channels. The Council would not at present trouble parties whose trees and shrubs overhung the footpaths, but would inform the police against owners . of unregistered dogs. ' THE FIRE SUMPS. Mr. Parkin asked if the Council in ’ tended to authorise the Works Committed , to call for tenders for the sumps required for the Eire Brigade. Permission was . granted. , STEAM FIRE ENGINE. | Mr. Roberts moved—“ That the Clerk [ write to the Secretary of fthe Insurance , Association asking what sum the Associa ’ tion are willing to contribute towards the cost of a steam fire engine for Ashburton, the cost of which is not to exceed L 525.” Agreed to. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amountingto Ll9B ss. Gd. were passed for payment. HALF-YEARLY BALANCE-SHEET. The half-yearly balance-sheet, duly audited, was laid before the Council. The Council then went into Committee on the question of the sum at which the reserves were to be let.

Extraordinary Shooting.

The New York World of August 23 describes the shooting by Dr. Ruth and wife. Mrs. Ruth began with shooting at glass balls, and they were shattered in almost every case with a pistol held side ways, there was a miss or two, but generally every shot told. When the pistol was inverted, and aim taken below instead of above the line of fire there was no apparent loss in percentage of hits. When a ball was hung by a string and set swinging Mrs. Ruth stood eighteen yards off and made a clean break on her first shot. The rifle was then handled through the same series of shots, and the usual want of grace with which all women handle guns was apparent. When the balls were thrown up in the air Mr. Ruth stood a good distance off and shattered a dozen out of fifteen, and this feature, when encored, was equally good. While the lady shooter stood chatting with lady spectators, Dr. Ruth began to show his ability as a snap shot. The sights of the rifle seemed to be of no special assistance to him, for when they were covered by a cord he used the weapon on balls placed on a stand, and again at glass spheres thrown into the air with wonderful effect. Some of the balls were thrown on the ground a dozen yards off, and the Doctor, aiming at the ground below the ball, would send it spinning up into the air and then rapidly unloading and loading his piece would hit the ball in its descent. This double shooting drew out plenty of applause. Again, when the balls were thrown up, the rifle was given a turn about, after the manner of a flail handle, and it fell into position soon enough to enable a breaking shot to be made on the ball. Balls thrown from aide to side 'were hit, whether coming from right or left. When tired of breaking glassware, Dr. Ruth picked up a fragment of glass and, stepping off a dozen yards, held it off in his fingers while Mrs. Ruth, picking up a small-bore rifle, took careful aim, and the glass was shattered into powder. With an ordinary visiting card held in his mouth, and turned so as to show a side, Dr. Ruth permitted his wife to put several bullets through it. Dozens of other similar ways of testing the quickness of sight and steadiness of nerve of the shooters were improvised, and generally it was found that anything fired at was hit almost every time. There was a good attendance, including several expert shooters.

Ireland 100 Years Ago.

Mi’. A. M. Sullivan, M.P., in a letter to the London Times, gives the following interesting particulars concerning the his tory of the little Catholic Chapel of Derrybeg, Donegal, destroyed on August 15, by a mountain flood, which, as he re marks, affords us an instructive glimpse of Ireland 100 years ago :—Between the Pass of Dunlewy and the sea, about two miles from Lord George Hill’s pretty rus tic hotel at Gweedore, the traveller reaches the hamlet of Derrybeg. Half a-mile or more “ up the glen ” stands, or stood, the chapel in question. Even when told that I was within a few perches of the edifice, I looked f®r it in vain on my first visit to the spot some , years ago. After a while I noticed, rising, as it seemed, in the midst of a brake of heather, a stone cross. Drawing nearer, I saw that the cross stood on the pointed gable of a building, the roof of which was below the level of the land ground. I found myself on the brink of a wild ravine, at the narrow bottom of which a noisy mountain river brawled and danced its way from lake to sea. Down below, built across or upon the stream, was the “chapel” of Derrybeg. Its walls on

either hand almost touched the sides of the rocky fissure, on which wild evergreens, and dwarf oak clustered beautifully. I descended, and found as neat and as im pressive a little church as ever I entered, albeit everything was simplicity itself. Of course, I asked why so singular a spot had been chosen as the site of the_ build ing. “It was not all choice,” replied my companion, the pastor of the district; “ not an inch of ground would the neigh bouring lords of the soil give us on which to erect a roof ; we are here by proscrip tion ; ” and then he told me the story. For nearly 200 years, or ever since the early part of the reign of Anne,_ this ravine was the secret place of worship for the Catholic peasantry of the neighbour ing glens. Sentries were posted on the edge of the cliffs above, while on either bank of the river below the mountaineers knelt, a ledge on the rocks, still pointed out sufficing as an altar. Indeed, the place afforded unusual advantages or facilities for such proscribed devotions, so easily could several hundreds of worshippers be secreted there. About 100 years ago the sentries happily were dispensed with, and a little wooden bo's was fixed on the natural altar ledge, so that the candles were not blown out by the wind. Later on, a permanent wooden hut, open at the end facing down the river, was put up, within which the officiating priest and his attendant had room to stand or kneel. There are old men living near Dunlewy, I believe, who remember this hut, the river gorge, with the sky for a canopy, being the only church or chapel where the people prayed, under summer sun and winter rain, till a comparatively recent period. lam not astonished that, independently of the refusal of the landlords to give a site for a “ Popish chapel,” this spot, hallowed by such memories and associations, should have been clung to by the people. So, 30 or 40 years ago, they, by volunteer labour, blasted away the bottom rocks, bridged over'the stream, and built their “ new chapel ” in the cleft of the ravine I have described.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, OCTQBEE 19, 1880.



Special Advertisements- TUBILEE BISCUITS, Bice Cakes, O Brandy Snaps, Shortbread, Pastry, etc, at Aitken’s, Saunders’ Buildings. Currant Cakes, One Shilling each. 346 THE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S) CLOTHING (AND BOYS’) MANUFACTURED BY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, which can be purchased at their Retail Branches, now established all over New Zealand. The Garments are thoroughly shrunk. The Fit and Style are perfect. The Workmanship is equal to bespoke. The Trimmings are of superior quality and strength. The Tweeds are of the very best descnp tion. The Stock is the largest in the Southern - Hemisphere. The tall, short, lean, and stout can be equally well fitted. The Goods are all marked in plain figures., The system of business is to exchange every article that does not give satis - 'faction. And, in addition to all these advantages, you can purchase A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. ptr- Mercery, Hats, Shirts, Ties, Scarfs, Bags, Portmanteaus, Rugs, and Blankets at Wholesale Prices. THOUSANDS OF DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value, for Ready Money. Ashburton Branch ; EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW, 910 c Manager. MR. CAYGILL, of Walker street, Christchurch, is AUTHORISED to CANVASS for Advertisements for The Ashburton Guardian. WANTED KNOWN—That Money can be saved by purchasing your Sta tionery and Account Books, for cash, at the “Guardian” Wholesale Stationery Depdt, Saunders’ Buildings, near Rail way Station.



Wanted. WANTED TO LET—A Four-roomed HOUSE in Wills street. Apply, Wm. Cookson. 342 WANTED KNOWN. SOMERSET LIVERY AND BAIT STABLES. JW. M'RAE begs to inform the , public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Baggies and saddle horses on hire. Lowest prices and best attention. 908c—286g Found. FOUND, a CLOAK on Saturday last, between the Hospital and Railway Station. Owner can have the same by giving description and paying for this advertisement. Apply Guardian office. 337 Meetings. THE ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COMPANY (LIMITED). An extraordinary general MEETING of the Shareholders in the above Company will be held in the Town Hall, Ashburton, on TUESDAY, the 19th day of October, 1880, at 8 o’clock in the Evening, for the undermentioned purposes : 1. To consider the advisability or other wise of increasing the nominal value of shares. 2. To consider the advisability or other wise of reducing the quorum of shareholders necessary to.be present at meetings before business can be transacted. 3. To regulate the election and retire ment of Directors of the Company and their powers and business. Dated this 9th day of October, 1880. THOS. BULLOCK, 991 c Chairman of Directors. Amusements. SEAFIELD SCHOOL. A MEDLEY ENTERTAINMENT, i\ Consisting of Songs, Recitations, Instrumental Music, and a Screaming Farce, entitled, WHITEBAIT AT OREEHWiOH Will be given at the SEAFIELD SCHOOLROOM, On TUESDAY, the 19 th i?sst. .Doors open at 7.30. Performance to com mence at 8 o’clock prompt. The proceeds will go towards purchasing a Harmonium for the Institute. Admission, 25.; Children, half-price. 301 A. M'KELLAR WIX. TOWN HALL, THURSDAY, OCT. 21st, 1880. GRAND DOUBLE BILL. THE AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB will perform that sparkling Comedy “ Josephine,” Olt THE CHILD OP THE REGIMENT, Acknowledged by all to be the best comedy ever performed in Ashburton. Full of Grand Choruses and Martial Music. To conclude with, for the first time in New Zealand, the screaming farce of The Railway Belle. Admission—3s., 25., Is. Doors open at 7.30.; to commence at 8 punctually. The Incidental Music by a Full and Effi cient Orchestra. 322 Tenders UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the following WORKS : No. 83. —Forming 40 chains, more or less, Cross Road opposite Mr. E. Corbett’s, Alford Forest Road. No. 89.—Picking stones off Hinds Road towards Westerfield (about six miles). No. 90.—Picking stones off Road on same estate (about 3 k miles). Tender’s, addressed to the Chairman, to be sent in not later than MONDAY, 25th inst., at noon. For Specifications, &c., apply to ROBT. D. PULLAR, 2990 Clerk. Educational. PROFESSIONAL. MR. M'LACHLAN, of the Wakanui School, is prepared to receive a limited number of Pupils for instruction on the Piano and Harmonium. 2890 Terms on Application.



Alfred Harrison. FRIDAY, 22nd OCTOBER. 12 o’clock. LFRED HARRISON has been r\ • favored with instructions from Mr. James to sell by Public Auction, on the premises (the brick house just behind the East Town Belt), the whole of his FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, Comprising Chairs, Tables, Bedsteads and Bedding, Chest Drawers, Sofa, Linen, Crockery, Kitchen Utensils, etc , etc. Also, 1 A really Good HARMONIUM. ■ Without reserve. . 323 ALFRED HARRISON,. Auctioneer. Saunders Bros. SAUNDERS BROS., MILLERS, GRAIN MERCHANTS, AND COMMISSION AGENTS, A SHE UR T ON. " ’ AGENTS FOR THE LONDON AND LANCASHIRE FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND THE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION ' • OF , ~; AUSTRALASIA ’(LIMITED). 321' Public Notices ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. ASHBURTON POUND. WTTOTICE is hereby given that W. Price has been re-appointed Pound keeper until further notice. By order, F. MAINWARING, Clerk. r Ashburton, October 18, 1880. 334 ALL DEBTS due to Ashburton Herald and Guardian business • must be Paid to Mr. S. E. Poyntz, on behalf of the Assignees, at the Guardian Office, East street, Ashburton, and his receipt alone will be a sufficient discharge. S. SAUNDERS, For Self*and ‘Co-Assignees. ; ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION. mH E ANNUAL SHOW STOCK, PRODUCE, IMPLEMENTS, &c., r WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, 16th NOVEMBER. Entries must be made with the Secretary not later than Tuesday, 9th November; Members will oblige by forwarding their Subscriptions at an early date. GEORGE JAMESON, 326 Secretary. ASHBURTON WOOL - SCOURING WORKS. , JILEECE WOOL, LOCKS, and Pieces scoured at lowest current rates. . 316 CYRUS HOMERSHAM. The national mutual life ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). * Established 1869. ‘ Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, P.I.A. : The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ' ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in : the Australasian Colonies. The best ‘ office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, and" 1 Hobart Town. . . The New 'Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in - ’ the colony. Resident Secretary Thomas Swain, i Temple Chambers, Featherston street, Wellington. Agent for the County of Ashburton —; S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders I Bros.), Ashburton. , Note the name—The National Mutual.' - . THE NEW ZEALAND LOAN AND MERCANTILE AGENCY COMPANY (LIMITED). WOOL SEASON—IBBO-1881. SPECIAL NOTICE TO SHEEP T FARMERS. THE Company makes LIBERAL CASH . ADVANCES on WOOL entrusted to its care for sale in the London market. This being one of the leading depart-’ ments of the Company’s business, and an expert and practical staff being employed - by its London House especially to superin tend the classification, valuation, and dis posal of wool consignments, growers may rely upon their clips being carefully handled and placed to the best advan tage. Further information may be obtained upon application at the Company’s office, Cathedral Square, Christchurch. 2830 BRANSON & PURNELL, BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS EAST STREET,