The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY. AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1880.

The County of Ashburton is badly off for higher class education. Between the Government schools in the several school districts there exists no educational institution nearer than Christchurch to which children of parents willing to pay for education may be sent. There are, to be sure, several private establishments where such children may be educated, but these institutions are outside Government supervision, and though the tuition given in" them may be in the highest degree excellent still they do not seem to meet the wishes of all. This fact is evident from another fact brought to light yester day at a meeting of the Ashburton High School Board. At that meeting a letter was read from a resident who urged the speedy institution of a High School, and almost guaranted the attendance of twenty-five pupils. We presume that, being a parent, and interested in the proper education of his children, he has made enquiries amongst his friends, and from the information thus gained he is justified in asking the Board to move in the matter. No one wil doubt the desir ableness of having a High School in our midst, and, thanks to Mr. Wason, the ex- M.H.R. for the district, it is in our power to institute a High School. We feel assured that it is really wanted, and that were it fairly established it would bo well supported. We know many parents, both in the township and outside, who would gladly avail themselves of the benefits of such a seminary, and the only difficulty that appears to stand in the way is the very common one of funds. The High School Governors possess £SOO at once available ; in three years this sum will have increased to £IOOO ; while the fees chargeable from twenty-five pupils would, yield say £2OO. The questions than for the Governors to decide are—Do the number of pupils likely to attend a High School warrant its opening ? Information is to sought for on this subject, and assuming that the answer is an affirmative, the next questions that arise are—How about the building, and the payment of a teacher ? It has been suggested to rent a room, give the master all the fees, and subsidise him to the amount of a £4OO salary. It has been also suggested to build to the limit of the funds in hand (£500), and ex tend if necessary when the other sum of £SOO accrues. Either of these courses would, we dare say, be perfectly feasible were a substantial revenue from fees as sured. But in the absence of any certain data on this latter subject it is vain specu lating ; for, as men do not always “ ride when they saddle,” it is quite possible that, though many parents speak ofthe necessity for a High School they would not be pre pared to use it yet awhile. It seems to us that there ought to be no difficulty about either a building or a teacher if those parents who desire higher educationfor their children come forward and express their willingness to use the school. At the next meeting of the Governors the information required will be obtained, and we hope that our country readers who feel the want of a higher educational institution than the Government school, and are prepared to send their children, will at once put themselves in, communication with Mr. Mainwaring (the Secretary to the Go vernors) on the subject. We have no doubt that ample provision will be made for boarding country pupils, and the subject is decidedly of sufficient impor tance to give some thought to. Some parents may not be ready, for various reasons, to send their children to the township at once or for some months, but if they desire an institution of the kind, and would patronise it within twelve months, the information of such intention would help to guide the Governors.

The Waterworks Bills. —The Ash burton Waterworks Bill and the Malvern Water-race Transfer Bills were read a second time in the House on Tuesday. Drunk. —At the B.M. Court on Tues day, Edward Donnelly, charged with being drunk and disorderly, had nothing to say in extenuation of his misbehaviour, and was fined 10s. Nbt having the requisite cash, Edward was consigned to durance vile for twenty-four hours. Waterton. —At a meeting of the Waterton Library Committee on Friday last, Mr. Morgan was elected a member of the Committee, vice Mr. F. Doherty, re signed, Davies and Taylor were elected trustees, and Mr. Thomas Taylor treasurer. An Invalid Culprit. —Sergeant Felton explained to his Worship on Tuesday that a man named Maddon had been arrested on a charge of larceny from the person, but in consequence of a serious attack of illness, Maddon was unable to appear. The medical man had reported that the illness was of such a nature as to probably result in Maddon being sent to the hospital. In consequence of the Sergeant’s statement, aremandwas granted by the Bench.

Rakaia. —The Carandinis gave a con cert at the Town Hall, Rakaia, on Tues day evening. There was a very good audience, all of whom enjoyed the singing thoroughly, if we may judge by the ap plause given and the number of encores.

The Ashburton Contempt of Court Case. —Mr. Downie Stewart gave notice to move in the House of Representatives that ho would ask ‘‘ if the attention of Government has been directed to the fact that a solicitor of the Supreme Court at Ashburton had been committed to prison for contempt of Court, and if so what action they propose taking in the matter.” To this he obtained a reply that “ Mr. Purnell, a barrister at Ashburton, had complained verbally that he had been com mitted for seven days for contempt of Court, and enquiries would be made into the facts of the case, if a proper written complaint were made.”

Messrs. Anderson’s Sale at Wheat stone. —The sale on Monday of the Brook land stock, etc., shows that “breeding tells,” and that really good stock will always fetch its price in the market. Mr. W. J. G. Bluett was the auctioneer, and had a hard day’s work before him. The stock was disposed of at satisfactory prices, the large herd of 50 cows, averag ing L 7 ; 40 calves averaged L2 ; steers and heifers about L 4. Horses brought from L2O to L 35. These figures must be looked upon, considering the times, as very good indeed. Owing to night com ing on, the whole of Mr. W. Anderson’s stock did not pass under Mr. Bluett’s hammer, and part of it was left over for the saleyards. The sale was well at tended, competition was brisk, and as we have said the results were perfectly satis factory. Ashburton High School.— A meeting of the Board of Governors of the Ashbur ton High School was held in the County Council Chamber yesterday, when there were present—Dr. Trevor (in the chair), his Worship the Mayor, Messrs. W. C. Walker, and J. Grigg. In reply to a letter from Mr. Eyton with reference to the immediate establishment of the school, it was resolved that the Board would es tablish a High School in Ashburton if a sufficient number of pupils, in the opinion of the Board, can be guaranteed to attend the same ; also, that Mr. Eyton be re quested to forward a list of children whose parents would guarantee their attendance. A long conversation took place as to whether it would be advisable to erect a building at once—not to exceed the amount at present at the Board’s disposal, namely, Lsoo—or rent a room. Various suggestions were thrown out, one being to ereOt a room to cost LSOO, which could bo enlarged in three years’ time, if neces sary, when another sum of LSOO would have accrued from rents, etc. One mem ber facetiously suggested that possibly a room at the Hospital could be obtained, another member adding that the table in the dissecting-room would be an admirable place for strapping unruly lads. Ulti mately it was resolved to defer any action until next meeting, to be held on the 4th August, by which time Mr. Eyton would be able to afford the Board further in formation.

Limelight Exhibition. —The exhibi tion of excellent scenes by the aid of lime light was given intheTown HallonTuesday night. The scenes were of a varied des cription comprising scenes from nature — the most striking and effective of which were ferns and seaweed from various parts of New Zealand. These we may remark were not paintings but were the real plants themselves displayed on glass, and they made very interesting pictures on the screen. Several natural phe nomena were also illustrated, such as ice bergs, water spouts, the rainbow, etc. ; and some very nice astronomical diagrams were shown. After the laughter arising from the exhibition of a good number of comic pictures had subsided, several songs were sung. This was not the least inter esting part of the entertainment, and was heartily applauded. A trio was sung by Mr. Craighead and Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, followed by “ The Minstrel Boy,” by Mrs. Craighead, which was loudly ap plauded, and in response she sang with effect “Mary o’ Argyle.” Mr. Craighead sang “ Nancy Lee” with all the “ go ” the song wants, and had to repeat it. Miss Jowsey, with grace and sweetness, sang “Father Come Home ”and “Far Away,” and two Scotch songs were also sung— “ Gloomy Winter” and Annie Laurie.” The accompaniments were played by Mr. Weeks. After the vocal parts Mr. Puddi combe delivered a lecture on ‘ ‘ The Drunkards Progress ” which was illus trated by pictures shown by limelight. The Rev. A. J Smith described the other scenes as they were shown. The last pictures exhibited were those of several local public buildings, which were brought out with great clearness. The entertain ment was for the benefit of the Primitive Methodist Church, and we are sorry that it was not more largely attended.

i Ashburton Agricultural and Pas toral Association. —A meeting of the ! committee of the Agricultural and Pas : toral Association was held last afternoon in the Somerset Hotel. There were pre ■ sent—Messrs. W. 0; Walker (chairman), . John Carter, Joseph Hunt, JR. Leathain, F. T. Mayo, It. Friedlander, W. H. i Zouch, and John Grigg. On the motion of Mr. Carter, it was decided to hold the annual show of the Association in the new grounds, on Tuesday, the 16th No i , vomber, and the following gentlemen were ; appointed to revise the catalogue:— i Messrs. Hunt, Cox, Leatham, Fried • lander, and Stitt. Some discussion took ■ place on the question of medals for prizes, ; after which it was decided to procure at Home a die and three dozen silver medals. The horse parade was fixed to be held on Tuesday, the 28th of September, on the new show ground, and tho following gentlemen were appointed to make ar rangements for it :—Messrs. Hunt, Stitt, and Mayo. The Chairman said in re ference to the cattle yards that the County Council and a committee of the Associa tion had adopted plans for yards, and tenders for their erection had been called for. The yards would cost L9OO, and would be completed by the end of October-. Every attention had been paid to the plans, which would provide for a commodious shed with a gallery cf seats round two sides, “affording every protec tion and comfort for those using the yards. The auctioneers would be supplied with an office, and a caretaker’s cottage and other convenient buildings would also be put up. He had no doubt that in these yards the County and the Association would have a property of ever-increasing \ alue. Mr. Hunt hoped the question of a ploughing match would not be overlooked. Mr. Grigg thought the matter was one that ought not to be gone into without much consideration. A ploughing match disorganised the teams on a farm for several days, and he did not think the benefit to he derived from these matches was commensurate with the cost. He had no wish to throw cold water on the idea of a ploughing match, if practical farmers were satisfied that any real good, direct or indirect, came of these matches. He fancied that the only real good they were was that they were useful for exhibit ing new implements. Mr. Hunt thought they ought to do something for the young men, and the ploughing match was a means of teaching them. Mr. Leatham thought the ploughing at matches was not the kind that was suitable to the district, and the majority of those present were of a like opinion. After some accounts had been passed for payment the meeting ad journed. —The next monthly meeting for tho reading of papers and discussion of general farming matters is to be held on Saturday next, in the upper room of the Town Hall.

Farmers’ Supplement.—The monthly Farmers’ Supplement will appear with our Saturday’s issue

Chertsey. — A concert and entertain ment will be given this evening in the school-room, Chertsey, in aid'of the Library ' Fundi An' entertaining pro gramme will be presented, to conclude with a dance. A large number of tickets have been disposed of, and, should the weather prove favorable, there is every prospect of a good attendance.

Fire Police.— A meeting of the Fire Police was held at Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry and Co.’s office on Tuesday even ing, Mr. George Jameson, captain of the force, occupying the chair. A copy of the Fire Brigade Bill, now before the House of Representatives, was supplied by Su perintendent Harris, of Christchurch, and approved of by the meeting. It was de cided that the force should meet for drill, or any other business, on the first Wed nesday in each-month, and at the sugges tion of Mr. St. Hill, the secretary was in structed to advertise future meetings. The Borough Election. —The election of a Councillor to fill the vacancy in the Borough Council, caused by the retire ment of Mr Edward Saunders, took place yesterday. There was no excitement whatever over the contest, and the elec tion was virtually left in the hands of the personal friends of the candidates. When the contest was over it was found that Mr. Alfred Harrison had polled 67 votes, against Mr. Quill’s 59, thus winning the seat by eight votes. We congratulate the youngest Councillor on his success, and Mr. Quill on the close race he ran his opponent. Everything in connection with the voting was done in the most pleasant possible spirit, and it will be seen from an advertisement in this issue that Mr. Quill is in no way discouraged by being unsuccessful. Having been honorably beaten, he is quite prepared to place his services at the burgesses’ disposal on a future occasion.

The Oriental Exhibition— Yesterday Messrs. Kauri and Ali, the gentlemen from the Holy Land, opened their “Oriental Exhibition” in the upper room of the Town Hall They display in numerable specimens of clever wood carv ing, etc., and the nick-nacks they have laid out are really beautiful. Most pro minent on the tables is the gorgeous grain of the olive wood from the Mount of Olives, and sections of this timber beauti fully polished on one side, and finely covered on the other, while the outside bark still remains, are to be seen every where. There are to be found every con ceiveable kind of carving, and every con ceivable kind of nick-nack, in oak from Mount Hebron; almond from Bethany ; olive from Mount Olivet ; walnut from Damascus and Syria ; balsam from the banks of the river Jordan, and the black ebony from Mount Bashan. Porcelain work of the most delicate description from Constantinople was also displayed in pro fusion, while the eastern dress of Messrs. Kaurt, Ali, and their assistants materially helps the effect of the display. Yester day evening the large room was quite crowded from dusk till a late hour. A Careful Runaway. —Mr. John Carter has one of the most sensible horses a man could own. We do not know any thing of the general character of the par ticular animal we are referring to — whether it is in the habit of running away, or that it bears a good name for quiet behaviour. But from the fact thak it is John Carter's horse, it will be generally conceded that all nonsense should long ago have been taken out of it. However, the best horse under the sun does a bolt when it is in the humor, and this very sensible horse saw fit yesterday to enjoy a run without a, driver. It had been harnessed up to a buggy at its own stable door, at Tinwald, and was waiting, under its own care, for the buggy to be loaded up with contributions to the St. Stephen’s bazaar. Dobbin for once thought he would start without orders, and he did. He went along the winding of the drive as carefully and as swiftly as though Mr. Carter himself held the ribbons, and when he came to the gate he “took” it —buggy and all! He had the sense to kick down the top rail, to allow his trap to follow comfortably and safely —and it is just here where the animal earns the character of being a sensible brute, for he landed in the road, buggy and all, safe and sound, without a strap injured. Elated with his success, he careered along the road, and only slacked off when ho heard the persuasive eloquence of Councillor Robinson’s “ Wo, man, wo.”

Telegraphic Stations have been opened at Mahono and Pukeuri Junction, County of Waitaki. A Good Wash Up. — A party of four men on the Seventeen-Mile Beach have brought into Greymouth twenty-one pounds weight of gold, the produce of a fortnight’s washing.

Excessive Drinking. —An auctioneer named Grant was found dead on Tuesday night in a house in Auckland. At the inquest a verdict was found that Grant died in a fit of apoplexy, caused by ex cessive drinking.

Pedestrianlsm. The twelve-hours’ walking match between Swan and O’Connor lias fallen through, owing to O’Connor not paying up the second de posit, which was due last Saturday. O’Connor will therefore forfeit tho stake, which was paid down to the stakeholder, Mr. R. Richardson. Plucky Conduct ok a Well-Known Jockey. —Fred Hedge, the well-known jockey, did a noble thing on Tuesday. A swagger was crossing the Opihi river, south of Temuka. The stream was in pretty high flood, and the man was carried off his legs and swept a good way down the river. Fred, jumped his horse into the strong current, and at considerable risk brought the swagger out in safety. But for Fred.’s plucky jump the swagger would have been carried out to sea. A Timely Bump. —A rather curious incident (says the Hawke’s Bay Herald) occured in Hastings-street the other day. A gentleman was walking somewhat briskly, and in turning a corner he bumped up against a well-known draper. He was about to apologize for his clumsiness, when the draper interrupted him with the exclamation, “ You’ve saved my life,” and in explanation stated that he had suddenly become lock-jawed and was on his way to the doctor in great pain, whoa the collision effected a speedy and unexpected cure. Accident. —On Friday evening last while Mr. A. G. Earle, (Wakanui), with his wife and family were driving homo in a trap, and while opposite the house of Mr. Cox, milkman, on the Wakanui road, the wheel of the vehicle came off, and the whole party were thrown on the road. The baby, which was in Mr. Earle’s arms had a narrow escape of being crushed to death, Mr. Earle having fallen above it, but providentially it was uninjured. Be yond a good fright the party did not suf fer much damage, and the horse caught, and the wheel re-fixed, they started home.

Warm. —The Chief Justice at a recent sitting of the Bankruptcy Court in Wellington, strongly condemned the Wellington tradesmen for allowing their customers to get heavily into debt. He had before him an instance of a butcher on Lambton Quay of having permitted a debtor, then before the Court, to get into his books to the extent of L2l. “ And yet,” cried his Honor, “ this tradesman was a subscriber to the Gazette, in which he must have seen that tho debtor had made an assignment of his property to his wife ! It is absurd for jieople to subscribe to such a publication unless they make use of what they see in it. ” — Post.

Tit for Tat.— The Hangitikei Advocate is responsible for the following An up country correspondent writes—“ A gentle man, or rather a man possessed of a large share of worldly goods, passed through a toll-gate where a lady waited to take the toll. He, feeling indisposed to bend his haughty person, threw the coin on the ground and rode on. On his return he handed the fair toll'keeper a pound note, and waited while she went in for chan go. She came to the door and threw the change on the ground. He had no alternative but to dismount and gather it from the mud, which he did with very bad grace.” Let us hope the lesson was understood and appreciated. The Canterbury Police. —The annual report on the Constabulary force of the colony has been laid before the House of Representatives. Inspector Eroham’s report on the Canterbury division says that there is scarcely an offence known to the law that has not been brought under the notice of the police, although there was no great increase of crime last year. Three thousand eight hundred offences were reported, and 3467 persons appre hended. The strength of the force is the same as it was four years back, viz., 100 men. Mr. Broliam suggests the recogni tion of long service by increased pay, and recommends that more men should be stationed at Lyttelton. He also suggests the necessity of passing the Police Offences Statute, and urges further that a complete licensing statute is required. The alteration of the Adulteration of Food Act is considered necessary to enable the police constables to lay informations and compel persons to supply samples fur analysis. Colonel Roberts’ report on the West Coast force contains nothing im portant. He speaks highly of his men.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR. JOHN GRIGG’S PAPER ON FARMING.

To the Editor.

Sir, —I see very little in Mr. Grigg’s reply to make me alter my opinion on his paper. He accuses me of mistaking the acreage under crop, putting it at 100 acres instead of 75 acres. I beg to refer him to his paper, where he puts—“ Wheat, 50 acres ; barley, 25 acres ; pease, 25 acres.” Mr. Grigg objects to allowing anything for deterioration of horses and cows, saying that he obviates it by the intro duction of young stock. I will refer Mr. Grigg to his remark about “ tieing his work to his trig-pole,” and to his 200 acre farm account, where all the young stock are sold. It was the profit of LlO on the three-year-old colt that I objected to, not its price of L 25. A man could not buy a yearling and two-year-old for L 25 that would realise L 25 per head as three-year-olds. In suggesting that a man could do better by rearing colts only, I merely intended to show more clearly that deterioration, death, etc., must be allowed for, as without it an absurd re sult might bo deduced from figures.—l am, &c.,

A Country Subscriber July 18th, 1880.

ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH GIFT AUCTION AND BAZAAR.

The gift auction and bazaar in aid of the funds of St. Stephen’s parish was held in the Town Hall yesterday, and opened at two o’clock. The ladies’stalls were presided over by Mesdames Fooks, Felton, Gates, Carter, Gundry, Curtis, Slimy, Scott, and Crisp. The refreshment stalls were under the charge of Misses Compton, Cowper, Gates, and Mrs. Cambridge. A Christmas tree was “ planted” on the stage, and Mr. Shury took charge of the ‘ ‘ forestry* 1 -, of it, aided by the Misses Shury. Con spicuously situated in the centre of the hall was a large and costly doll, and as handsome as costly, the contribution of Messrs. Zouch and Ferryman, which was raffled in the evening, Miss Gates being the lucky winner. The ladies’ stalls were very attractively decorated, and comprised contributions of fancy work from all the leading parishioners. The stock and produce department was under the care of Messrs. Bullock and Gundry, and the sale was held in the horse bazaar. Very noticeable gifts were three head of cattle, by Mr. Joseph Hunt, and a buggy horse by Mr. Edward Cookson. Mr. Hawdon, of Westerfield, also contributed acow and calf, while several dozens of fowls and ducks were sent in by different farmers. The stock realised fair prices. In the produce department, under the gallery of the hall, we noticed gifts of flour from Messrs. Moffat, Bowers, and Davis, the millers of the district; fat sheep by Mr. Carter; dressed pigs by Mr. Hay Smith, and others; and a fine assortment of orna mental trees from Messrs. Sealy Brothers. There were smaller gifts of grain, etc., from many other farmers. From the large quantity of goods of every descrip tion, both useful and ornamental—con tributed liberally by settlers of every de nomination —we have no doubt the bazaar will be an unqualified financial success. W« must not omit to mention that the needful carpentering for the erection of stalls, etc., was done by Messrs. St. Hill and Gates, the contribution of timber and labor being in itself no mean gift. We must compliment the pastor of the church on the very successful effort that has been made by the parishioners to relievo his charge of the incubus of debt, upwards of £IOO having been netted by the bazaar.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Tuesday, July 20. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) CIVIL CASES. Land Tax Commissioner v. B. Martin. —Claim, LI ss. 7d., unpaid rates. Judg ment by default for amount and costs, L2 Gs. Id. Same v. Aitken.—Claim, L 5 ss. 4d. Judgment by default for amount and costs, L2. Same v. T. Quill. —Claim, L 5 4s. 7d. Mr. Quill admitted the liability, with the exception of one item, where he was rated for 132 acres. This propei’ty had been out of his hands for the last two years. The formal objection required to be sent in by the Act not having been forwarded to the Commissioner, his Worship said he had no alternative but to enter up judgment for the whole amount claimed, but with out costs. Same v. It. Rippendale.—Claim, L 3 3s. Judgment for amount, and costs. Same v. Calder. —Claim, L2 15s. lOd. Judgment for amount claimed and costs, L2 Os. Gd. Same v. Jas. Scott.—Mr. Branson ap peared for defendant. Adjourned for one month, by consent of both parties. In each of the above cases, Mr. Izard appeared for plaintiff. ' Markham and Co. v. Litgertwood.— Claim L 25, amount of a dishonored promissory note. Mr. Crisp for plaintiff. Judgment for amount claimed and costs, LI 10s. Immediate execution granted. Sturgeon v. Caldioott.—Claim L 4.0 6s. 7d. Mr. Branson for defendant. Plaintiff nonsuited with costs L2 25., partnership matters being involved in the case, and consequently his Worship had no jurisdiction. A. Orr, trustee in Stephens’ estate v. Simpson. —Claim LG Bdt 9d. Mr. Branson for plaintiff; Mr. Crisp for defendant. From the evidence it appeared that the defendant had paid the amount claimed to a party named Mcßae, from whom de fendant held a receipt. Mcßae, also, who gave evidence, put in an order which he '

had received from Stephens, authorising witness to collect accounts. He had paid over the amount sued for to Stephens, on the day the latter was arrested for larceny, and hence the money had not been accounted for. Judgment for the amount claimed with costs.

THE NATIVES AT IT AGAIN.

MORE ARRESTS,

New Plymouth, July 19

On Saturday the natives mustered in force, and began fencing across the road which the Constabulary are making near Parihaka. They are headed by a well known fighting chief known as Te Whetu. Colonel Roberts remonstrated with them, when the natives replied that they in tended to fence, and if the Constabulary pulled down the fence the Maoris would retaliate by pulling down the telegraph poles. Colonel Roberts telegraphed te Wellington to ascertain if he should take the Maoris prisoners ; the Government has replied, and a mounted messenger was sent on to the camp early this morning with a telegram. The contents are not known, but it is thought that the natives will be arrested.

Wellington, July 19

Te Whetu, and about half-a-dozen natives who were engaged in erecting fences across the road line near Parihaka, have been arrested and sent on to New Plymouth.

(Times Special. )

Te Whetu is a powerful and violent man whom Te Whiti has hitherto had great difficulty in keeping in order. Mr. Shee han is of opinion that Brings are now just in the balance on the West Coast, and the greatest precautions are necessary to avert war. His expression to me is that it is “ Touch and go.”

10.15 p.m,

Government have just received a tele gram announcing the arrest of Te Whetu Biot Te Whiti) and several other natives. Te Whetu was violent and abusive, but he and his companions were secured and are now in custody, charged with obstructing the Constabulary and threatening to des troy telegraph poles. The position is decidedly critical, and is naturally giving the Government anxiety. New Plymouth, July 20.

The following are farther particulars re the arrest of natives. At about three p.m. yesterday afternoon the natives who were fencing were ordered to stop opera tions by Colonel Roberts, and on their refusing to do so, he ordered them to be arrested. Te Whetu, the loader, was first singled out and seized. He resisted violently, and it was with much difficulty he was secured, but after a good deal of struggling the handcuffs were securely fastened on, and Te Whetu made a prisoner. This native is supposed to be the murderer of Brady, a European, some thirteen years ago. The other natives, on seeing their chief a prisoner, quietly surrendered themselves, and all were duly handcuffed. The natives were then taken to the Armed Constabu lary camp, and Colonel Roberts sent to town for a conveyance. Several were sent out, arriving there at seven o’clock last night. The prisoners were well guarded by the constabulary and brought into the town of New Plymouth, arriving at tw-o this morning. It is not known what will be done with them, as the Crown Prosecutor has got no instructions respect ing them. It is said that one of Te Whiti’s sons is amongst the prisoners. When the news of the arrest was carried to Parihaka great excitement prevailed amongst the natives assembled at the meeting, and they all declared their de termination to prosecute the work of erecting fences until all were taken prisoners. A number of natives near . town started for Parihaka this morning. The natives again erected a fence across the road near the camp this morning at 11.30. It was pulled do »vn by the con-, stabulary, and two natives commenced fencing again, when they were made prisoners. They evidently expected to be taken, and seemed pleased at the idea of a trip to Wellington. One asked that he should be served with blankets. They will be sent in to town to-night. Wellington, July 20.

Government this afternoon received in timation that two natives had again started fencing. Orders have been given to warn them to desist or they would be arrested, hut as they persisted in obstruct ing the road they were taken into custody. It is supposed that they had been sent by Te Whiti fertile purpose of being arrested. Te Whetu was the murderer of Brady, some years ago, at Taranaki, and the Go vernment have done a good stroke by capturing him. Nothing is yet decided re the disposal of the new prisoners. SMUGGLED AMMUNITION. Wellington, July 21. A special telegram to the Post, from Napier, states that three followers of Te Whiti, who have been visiting the Hawke’s Bay natives, started to return to the West Coast this morning. They had some very heavy luggage, and wanted to put it in the railway carriage, but the guard insisted on its going in the van. Their reluctance aroused his suspicions, and he opened the parcel, finding a hundredweight and a-half of shot and a large quantity of powder. On his return he gave information to the police. . Tele grams were sent to Norsewood and Wood ville to stop the natives, who, owing to the weight of the shot, were obliged to travel by coach. Major Scully left Napier by the next train, and their arrest is prac tically certain.

Co-operative Clergy. —A writer to the Echo, referring to the new Clergy Co operative Stores, wonders if Christianity would have made the wonderful progress it achieved in the first century if St. Paul had set up a big shop in Corinth, to undersell the retail traders of that city, with Titus, Mark, Timothy and Barnabas as directors.

Business Notions. — A gentleman re cently about to pay his doctor’s bill said, “ Well, doctor, as my little boy gave the measles to all my neighbors’ children, and as they were attended by you, I think you can afford, at the very least, to deduct 10 per cent, from the account of my bill for the increase of business we gave you.

Safe Yermin-killer.— ln Stanstead, Canada, a man sold ten cent packages, “ Warranted sure death to potato-bugs ; no risk of poisoning animals, as with Paris green.” The packages were not to be opened until time to use them. One victim, having three, opened one, and found two square blocks of wood, on one of which was written ; “ Place the bug on this block and press firmly with the other.”

Professor of Chemistry : Suppose you were called to a patient who had swallowed a heavy dose of oxalic acid, what would you administer ? K. (who is preparing for the ministry, and who . only studies medicine to fit himself for a mis sionary) ; I would administer the sacra-, ment.

Answering Literally.— A very polite and impressive gentleman said to a youth in the street, “ Boy may I enquire where Robinson’s drug store is ? ” Certainly, sir,” replied the boy, very respectfully. “Well, sir,” said the gentldman after waiting awhile, ‘‘'whore is it?” “I have not the least idea,” said the urchin. There was another boy who was accosted by an ascetic lady with' “ Boy, I want to go to D—- Street.” “Well, ma’am,” said the boy, “ why don’t you go there, then I "

THE CIVIL SERVICE.

From the Hansard report to hand of Mr. Saunders’ speech on the Civil Service wemake the following extracts : THE SCAMPED WAGONS. Sir, the paper that 1 move for may not be in the possession of hon. members. It is a very short one, and I will read it “ Wellington, 29th June, 1830. “ ho wagons built by contract under this department at Dunedin were delivered in Christchurch at the end of last year, and I believe the same remark applies to the Railway Department.

“The last contract for wagons in Dunedin was finished in August, 1877, consequently they had been running for thirteen months before the line to Christ church was opened, and nearly two and' a half years before the date referred to. I may add that, so far as wagons built under the supervision of this department in Dunedin at any time are concerned, there is not the slightest ground for think ing thorn defective ; they have in every instance been made with proper materials. “ As the proposition laid down in ask ing the qnations is incorrect, they cannot, of course, be answered otherwise than as above.

“W. H. Blair,

“ Engineer in Charge Middle Island. ”

That, sir, is a very short document; but to my mind, it is one of the most im portant documents ever asked for in this House ; in fact, I may go further and say it is one of the most humiliating docu ments ever produced in this House. The statements there made are, whether wilfully or carelessly so, every one of them incor rect. We are told that the last contract for wagons in Dunedin was finished in August, 1877, and consequently they had been running for thirteen months. When hon. members seethe way in which those wagons were constructed they will see at once that it was impossible for them to have run thirteen months, or that, if they did so run, they must have run empty ; the only wonder is that the nails in the flooring-boards were sufficiently strong to keep them together long enough to travel empty from Dunedin to Christchurch.

The hon. gentlemen then read letters from Mr. Alison D. Smith, District. Loc omotive Superintendent at Christchurch and proceeded.

blow, Sir, with such evidence as that before us—with the possibility of seeing with our eyes, with the knowledge that the present Minister for Public Works has seen two of the wagons himself, and 1 with the knowledge that twenty-six more 1 of them are now lying at the siding at Ad -1 dington waiting to be rebuilt—what are you to think of such a letter as that, writ ten by one of the highest civil servants in the colony, and placed ,before this House i by the Minister for Public Works 1 Sir, 1 when I think of the position Mr. Blair ' occupies, and of the millions of expendi > ture that we have intrusted to his capacity • and veracity, such a report as this from i him appears to me to be one of the most . serious things we ever had to take into i consideration. What is the value of a man in such a position as that who is i capable of misleading this House to the s extent which that letter is calculated to : mislead ? I have not the slightest intern 1 tion to attack any person to-night. I in ; tend to stand here fearlessly, and assert ; the truth ; and it is a matter of perfect i indifference to me whether Mr. Blair, or i Mr. Conyers, or Mi’. Anybody else shall - shall come under the reprobation which s truth will find for them. It would have been easy for the Commissioners to have 1 steered a safe and easy course ; it would -1 have been exceedingly easy for them to s have brought in a report similar to that • brought in by the last Civil Service Com r mission, recommending an easy and gene i rally-comfortable reform —that the Civil ' Service should be made more comfortable and secure. That report received univer s sal approbation, but it was one which, I be i iieve, produced no effect, or, at all events, ■ none in the direction of economy. We I' were determined not to do the same. We ; felt that that, if our work was to be of > any good, we must state definite facts—we i must investigate matters for ourselves, t and make the information we obtained r public, so as to put the Government in a position to act upon the information so obtained. I notice that, in this House, if • you got up and say there are far too many i civil servants and their number should be i reduced, there is a general clapping of ; hands and cheering all round, and every • one believes the statement ; but put your finger upon one person who can be dis r missed and say, “ There is the man,” and you find at once that you have put , your hand into a hornet’s nest, and have ■ the strongest body of men in any colony r ready to attack you. We knew this quite s well when we were framing our report. We knew that we should have the highest civil servants in the colony doing every thing they could to damage that report, and describing it as a misleading and care less conclusion from facts. But I am glad 1 to see that the report has stood the fire so ' well as it has done ; that it has stood the ! first attack made upon it, although backed ! up by one of the highest civil servants in the colony, in a letter like the one I now 1 ask to be laid on the table, and a letter ! that must inflict everlasting reprobation upon him. 1 A COMPLIMENT RETURNED. ’ There is another’ thing that I felt was a ; high compliment to the report which has 1 been laid before this House, and that is the remark about it by the hon. member ' for Port Chalmers, the ex-Minister for 1 Public Works. He had told us while | some persons were saying that the state ments contained in the report were not true, that he thought they were so true— so common-place and so obvious —that he himself could have sat down in his office and written a similar report. I thought that, if the Commission could in any way flatter themselves that, in three months’ investigation, they had been able to get to the bottom of all the things that the hon. ’ gentleman must have got to the bottom of during the many years he was Superintendent of Otago, and all the time he was Minister for Public Works—if we had succeeded in writing such a report as that gentleman would have been able to wrfte —then we should have shown our selves possessed of more than the ability of common mortals. I nave not the slightest doubt of the ability of that gen tleman to write not only such a : report as we did, but an infinitely better report— an infinitely more searching report, and one that would bring a great many more things to light that have been very costly to this country, but yet lie hid in the safe keeping of himself and his friends. Prom the position he has taken in the affairs of this colony, and the Pub lic Works Department especially, his wish'iwould, 1 imagine, scarcely lead him in that direction, and I do not think that he would be able to write the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, without to a considerable extent damaging his own reputation. I do not think we shall ever get a report of that character from him, unless he were to report upon matters which are kept very faithfully within his own heart. I feel, sir, that we can only expect such a report from him as an act of death-bed repentance. A NEEDLESS REPLY. There is this statement made by Mr. Conjers “They [the Commissioners] strongly insisted that every stationmaster should be empowered to arrange the crossing-places of trains, and alter them to suit the emergencies that may occur.” We are quite unconscious of having thought of anything so absurd. I remem ber a gentleman who used to sit on these benches, and ikho is now, I believe, Mr., Conyers’ lawyer. Whenever he stood up in this House tto reply to anything that had been said on the opposite side his in variable praotico was first of all to entirely

misrepresent what had been said, and then to answer it in the most triumphant 1 manner. This is what the reply of Mr. < Conyers has done. Great as is the effect it has produced, it scarcely touches or ; attacks a single fact stated by the Com missioners. It is one of the most remark able documents I have ever met with in this respect. It shows how extremely successful a man may be by simply having the audacity to make a statement which his opponent never made, and then reply to it. Ninety-nine persons out of every hundred who have read this letter of Mr. Conyers have not compared it with the Civil Service Commission’s report. They see a statement made here and triumph antly answered, and they: come to the conclusion that the report itself has been answered emphatically and completely. As I said before, I am not aware of a single fact in the Civil Service Com mission’s report that is in the slightest degree shaken by this letter. The most remarkable position Mr. Conyers takes up in this letter is, that he acts like tlm fly on the bullock’s horn, which is conceited enough to suppose that all the bullock’s actions are made with a view to his presence in that position ; he seems to think that the Commissioners had but or e object in view, and that was to attack him. THE HUMANE COMMISSIONER. There is a statement which still further shows me who was the writer of this letter. I find these humane sentiments expressed with great pathos—“l could not turn adrift to starve persons who have faith fully served and suffered in the service of the department. So barbarous and in human a measure would bo a stigma on any administration. ” When a man goes to a lawyer with a good case, he is gene rally very careful to tell the lawyer what part of the case he must admit and what part he must deny-. Now, _ Mr. Conyers had the most absolute evidence at his command that he was not in the slightest degree responsible for the retention of unnecessary gatekeepers, and could at once have proved that their existence was not his fault; but, unfortunately for him, precisely the same evidence puts him out of court in assuming this high tone of humanity. We have it in evidence that Mr. Conyers himself distinctly ordered these servants to be dismissed ; but it was Mr. Back, of Christchurch, backed up by the strong recommendations of certain in fluential persons in Christchurch, that prevented his order being carried out. Now, Mr. Conyers, believing that-he had a bad case upon the whole, has evidently gone to his lawyer, who told him, as per sons do in such circumstances, “Abuse the Commissioners well, and use your own judgment as to what you admit and what you denyand there is no doubt that the writer of this letter has chosen this high tone of humanity, and this charge of hard-heartedness on the Commissioners, in ignorance of the fact that his client had a really good defence. WASTE. Then we are told that we have alleged waste, but have not proved it. Well, ■ when four gentlemen state as distinctly and as specifically as the Commission have done where the waste exists, which they have seen with their own eyes, and how can be remedied, I should think it was the duty of anyone who wished to defend the ' charges under the head, “ Waste,” not to ' call upon them to prove the waste, but to give evidence to disprove it; instead of which, Mr. Conyers denies it in this para graph and denies it in several others. ' WHOSE PAY THE COMMISSIONER WOULD 1 REDUCE AND WHOSE HE WOULDN’T. | Mr. Conyers, in the fifth paragraph, on . page 7 of his letter, says, “ I am still ’ effecting savings of an extent more than commensurate with the sweeping and un [ practical suggestions of the Commission,” , Sir, those members of the House who will ' take the trouble to read Mr. Conyers’ own evidence will find that he distinctly states that he considers the Service well 1 organised, well managed and economical ; [ and, when asked by the Commissioners 1 whether he could point out any direction , in which money could be saved, he dis tinctly stated that he could not, with the [ exception of one direction, in which the t Commission has reported : that is, that Mr. Conyers’ thought it would be possible : to take 12|- per cent, off the salaries of all i the railway employes from the station , masters dowmvardt. We expected him to I recommend reductions from the station ; masters upwards, but we generally found . that those above the stationmasters recommended reductions from station - masters downward, and those below the stationmasters recommended reductions | upwards. We thought it possible that the reductions might be effected both ways, and we recommended that. TRUTH AND WHISKY". The crowning charge against the Com mission is contained in the last paragraph but one : ‘ ‘ While engaged in writing this . reply, it has come to my knowledge that the Civil Service Commissioners have i actually examined as one of their;witnesses a person dismissed the service for : drunkenness.” I never looked upon drunkenness as the one unpardonable crime that a man could commit in this ■ world. I can quite understand that the manager of a railway looks upon it as a very dangerous offence, and one which he must deal with severely ; but it never ap peared to ms to be an offence which dis qualified a man for ever afterwards from giving evidence in Court. If there is any fault to be found, with the Civil Service Commission in regard to the witnesses they thought proper to examine, it is that they confined themselves too exclusively to civil servants who had not been dis missed. I think, if we had examined more civil servants who had_ been dismissed, we should have found a great many more who would have revealed little facts to us that we had very great difficulty in find ing out without their evidence. I do not know that we did examine any servant, who had been dismissed for drunkenness ; we may or we may not. To the best of my recollection, we only examined one dismissed servant, and he was an en gineer, and I do not think he was dis missed for drunkenness. However, even if we did, I am prepared to j ustify it, and to say that I think a man should not be debarred from giving evidence before any Commission from the simple fact that he may have been dismissed for drunken ness. A £GOO AMATEUR. There is no part of the report that has excited so much violent comment as that in which the Commissioners thought it their duty to specify a few-officers as mere samples of what they believed might be done in tire way of diminishing the number of officers in the Servdce. And, first, we come to Mr. Armstrong : “At Dunedin we found an officer, receiving LOGO a year, called a locomotive engineer, who informed us in his evidence that his business was not to inspect the working engines and discover that they required repair, for which duty a distinct officer is employed. This engineer, who admits that he had no practical experience of locomotives previous to his appoint ment,- is paid L6OO a year to go-into the locomotive shop with an engine that has been found to require repair, and instruct the long-experienced locomotive foreman what to do with it.” The evidence upon which that state ment rests is that of Mr. Armstrong him self : “ 3042. Sir R. Douglas—l understand that you served your apprenticeship to a carpenter ?—Yes. “3043. And you have learned your ; engineering, so far as locomotives are con cerned, in New Zealand ?—Yes. : ‘ ‘ 3044. Did you learn it in Messrs. : .Brogden’s service, or in the Government jj service ?—After I came into the Govern ment service. 1

; ££ 3045. In what capacity did you enter the Government service I —As an engineer of permanent way and rolling stock. “ 3046. Then the Governmentappointed you to look after engines about which you know nothing—at any rate, you had no technical knowledge on the subject?—l had no practical knowledge.” That is tiie evidence of the man him-, self ; I do not know that we could pro duce anything move conclusive. I wish hon. members to pay particular attention to that gentleman, because his name will come up again in the course of the even ing, and the House has been given to understand, from a question which was put the other day, that the Commission stated that he had nothing else to do. He tells us in his evidence that that was his principal work. He did not say he had nothing else to do ; in- fact, we found him rather a proof of the adage that “ Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do,” and that lie is largely engaged in work that—well, I will 1 say- in work that does not contribute in any way to the wel fare and prosperity of the colony. -

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Tuesday, July 20. ■ The business in the Legislative Council was unimportant.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Mr. Stewart gave notice to move for leave to introduce the Friendly Societies Act Amendment Act, 1880 ; and also to ask a question re Mr. Parnell’s committal for contempt of Court. The Hon. W. Rollestou said that by this time the appointment of an Inspector of Prisons for the colony would probably have been made. In the present state of the colony such an appointment was im peratively necessary. , The Hon. John Hall said the session, was too far gone, and there was too much business on hand for anything being done this year regarding amending the law of libel. - ,

Mr. Reader Wood was allowed a week’s leave of absence.

The House was occupied during the re mainder of the afternoon sitting with the Maori Prisoners Trial Bill in committee. In reply to questions as to what Govern ment proposed to do regarding the trial of prisoners, ; ' The Hon. J. Bryce said it was plainly the intention of the Government to re lease the men without the necessity of re sorting to a trial. It would be no use at tempting to try them. Enough had already transpired to prove that even if they were brought into Court they could not possibiy be got to plead. It was non sense to say that these men had resorted to ploughing operations with a view of get ting their claims brought under the notice of a judicial authority. In ‘ accordance with the orders of Te Whiti they had re sorted to ploughing outrages for the ex press purpose of extending their own pos sessions. They had shown a thorough contempt for European law, and had as serted that Te Whiti was their sole law giver, in fact their conduct throughout had gone to show that they were utterly indifferent to our Courts, and would nob be got to plead at all. ’ - Mr. J. Sheehan said that, as a matter of policy, they should be subjected to trial; If they were not, they would be sent back and the opinion would get abroad that there was no law that could touch them. They would at once jump to the conclu sion that Te Whiti’s prophecies had come true, and by that means a great evil would be wrought. He would propose as an amendment to the Bill a clause pro viding, that these prisoners should be brought to trial before release. - He would move that as an additional clause to the Bill. ( Mr. De Lautour moved the following

amendment on clause 2—“ This Act shall remain in force until the last day of Oc-^-'

tober, 1880, and no longer, unless the Governor shall be satisfied that; it is ne cessary from time to time by, proclama tion to extend the date during which the Act shall remain in force for any period not exceeding three months ; provided, also, that no such proclamal ion shall have any force or effect at the close of the next session o_f Parliament.” The amendment was agreed to, and the clause as amended passed, as did also the whole Bill. EVENING SITTING. After a long and tedious' discussion on the Native Land Sales BUI, . at 1.15 the House divided on a motion to adjourn the debate, which motion was lost by 27 noes to 18 ayes. After this motion had been negatived, Mr. Hamlin moved the adjournment of the House, and a desultory discussion followed. t : Mr. Hall regretted that' members wasted time in preference to going Con with the business, and accused: the native members of being put up to talk against time, and to “ stonewall’.” Messrs. Te Wheoro and Tawhai denied this. ■ j/ Mr. Hall stated that ho would agree to adjourn the debate if it were to be re sumed at 2.30 next day. Mr. Sheehan and others objected to the private members’ day being taken for Go vernment business. ’

Ultimately the motion for the adjourn ment of the House was, negatived, and the adjournment of the. debate till 2.30 next day was agreed to. ? The House rose at 2.15 a.m. Wednesday, July 22. The House met at 2. 30. Mr. Dick gave notice that he would ask leave to introduce the Public Entertain ments Prohibition Bill. Replying to questions, it was stated that Government would not lose sight of the importance of the telephone in con nection with railway stations,but using that instrument in public business. Instructions had been given to registrars under the Electors Registration Act, to make the rolls as complete as possible, there were difficulties in the, way of and with that object to place thereon or add thereto names of persons of whose qualifications they are satisfied, and it was the registrar’s duty to assure himself of the right of every man to have his name retained on the roll.—The report of the Life Assurance Department would be on the table in about five dr six weeks. —The Public Works Statement, would probably be made next week.—Mr. Purnell, a bar rister at Ashburton, had complained ver bally that he had been committed for seven days for contempt of Court, and enquiries would be made into the facts of the case, if a proper written complaint were made. ■ •■■■>■

The following Bills were introduced and read a first time District Courts Act, 1858, Amendment Bill, and Treasury Bills Bill. The debate on the second reading of the Native Land Sales Bill was resumed. 1

Mr. Tole argued that the Bill should' have been considered in connection with the whole of the native policy, but he would not oppose its passage. Mr. Montgomery argued that natives should be appointed to : co-operate with the Land Boards in dealing with these lands. He supported the Bill generally. Mr. Bryce replied, i He ' complained that his connection with, the Pateteroßlock had been most grossly misrepresented; What he aimed at doing was to show that the system hitherto in operation had been bad, and had been* abused, and, in doing so ho fully expected i to be attacked ; hut the attack made by ; ■lthe member for Mount-Ida- hadbeen-' much more bitterly personal than he ever expected. The assertion, that he had

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1880.



AUCTION SALES. Saturday, July 24. Alfred Harrison, at his Saleyards—Horses, Implements, Harness, itc. Sale at 12 o’clock. Monday, July 2G. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co., at Mr. Geo. Harris’ Farm, Ashburton Forks—Furni ture, Horses, Cattle, Implements, Hay, Harness, &c. IF this should reach the eye ot THOMAS ROACH, who left Nelson about six years ago, last heard of at R. Mcßae's, Richmond, he will hear of some thing to his advantage by sending his address + o the Office of this Paper. 24g CHRISTCHURCH AGENCY. R. GEORGE MAULE, is authorised to receive orders and accounts for the Ashburton Guardian and Evening Herald. All orders fir Advertisements eft at his office, near Tattersall’s, will eceive prompt attention. Bog* WEEKS & DIXON. METHYEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers, Methven, are authorised agents for the Ashburton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention. NOTICE TO SUESOMBEBS. SUBSCRIPTIONS for the Quarter ending June are now due, payable at the office, East street, near Railway Station. A Discount of Is. will be allowed on the Quarter’s Subscription, and 4s. on the year’s subscription, if paid in advance. ..New subscribers are requested to send in their names and addresses as early as possible, to the Publisher, this being the first month in the Quarter. The' Farmers’ Supplement will be pub lished every Month. MISSING FRIENDS. ■ I ■ rr ' 30g* WEEKS AND DIXON, Proprietors. WEEKS and DIXON, 36g* Publishers.