The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1880.

In these times of threatened heavy taxation and actual slackness of business, it is satisfactory to listen to even the faintest authoritative hint of returning prosperity. The returns of Customs re venue at the several ports of Hew Zea land during the quarter ended June 30, 1880, gives this hint in the increase over the corresponding quarter of 1879. The increase in the revenue returns is not one confined to one port or to a few ports, but manifests itself in the revenue collected at each, from Auckland to Riverton, with the exception of Poverty Bay, Wanganui, the small Marlborough ports, Timaru, and Invercargill, and at these ports the decrease has been remarkably slight. Taking tne totals of the two quarters between which the comparison is made we find 1879 giving L 278,636, while 1880 reaches, up to L 333,213, an increase of L 54,577. The anticipation of merchantss that the Budget would bring with it a rise in the tea and sugar duties may be credited with a portion of the increase, but, after making due allowance for this, there is still evidence that the people must have more money to spend than they had in the parallel period of 1879. If any value can be attached to this in crease as an indication of returning pros perity, and if we can by any means trust it as a criterion, of the future, then we may, without question, accept a prog nostication that the end of the financial year will see the estimate of the Treasurer realised, with a good nest-egg over. The greatest decrease appears to have been on ad valorem goods, which in 1879 netted to the Treasury L 65,396, and in 1880, L 56,244. We may not, perhaps, be very far wrong in flattering ourselves as a colony over this decrease, inasmuch as we may safely augur from it that colonial made goods are coming more into use. The protective duties have considerably operated against the ability of Home and American manufacturers to defy colonial competition, and sell goods at a cheaper rate than they could bo manufactured here. But, though this has certainly been the case, it must not be forgotten that there is a steadily growing inclina tion, and even desire, on the part of colo nists generally to support colonial in dustry ; and though native industries are neither so plentiful nor so extensive as they might be, nor as we would wish to see them, still, such as are now carried on are being vigorously and enterprisingly pushed. The quality of colonial-made goods are in most cases high enough to suit all requirements. Push and enterprise always command their reward, and success will doubtless attend the exercise of these business virtues in regard to colonial-made goods. We have re marked that the increase of Customs revenue has been felt all along the coasts, and from this we are encouraged to look for better times near at hand, a speedy return of the firm confidence in the future that was ruthlessly shaken, and an exercise on the part of the whole colony of that self reliance which is so indispensable to steady and natural progress.

Robbery. —At the R.M. Court on Tuesday, before His Worship the Mayor and Mr. 0. P. Cox, William Maddon was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with hard labor, for stealing the sum of L 5 from a man named Henry Cross. Postal. —Mails for the United King dom and Australian colonies, per Arawata, close at the Bluff at 11.30 a.m., on Friday, 30th inst. Telegrams to catch the this mail may be presented at Ashburton office up to 10 o’clock to morrow morning.

“ The Lost Ship. ” —“ The Lost Ship ” ■was repeated on Tuesday in the Town Hall by ‘ £ special desire. ” There was a most discouragingly small attendance, but not withstanding, the players pluckily went through their work. The part of “ Ned Martin ” was played at three hours’ notice by a young member of the Club, who, all allowances made, acquitted himself credit ably.

South Rakaia School Committee. — The South Rakaia School Committee held an adjourned meeting on Monday last. Present —Messrs. C. Tucker (Chairman), Sharp and Cox. It was resolved that Kate Doherty be recommended to the Board for the appointment of pupil teacher to this school, subject to her pass ing the necessary examination.

The Scarcity op Work. —A corres pondent signing himself “C. Sharp” writes urging the Borough Council to put as much work in hand as possible, and not to restrict their employment of men to a favored few at six shillings a day, but to distribute; it in turn amongst a larger number at a reduced rate even. He urges that many men would be glad to find work in the town dven at five shillings, and work that find men bread would prevent them going begging work of Go vernment in Christchurch, and thus retain them in the township. As it is they, must go elsewhere to seek what the Council have it in their power, by judicious division, to bestow.

Tin wald.— To-morrow evening a lime, light entertainment will bo given in the Tinwald Schoolroom ; there will also be descriptive lectures given, and several appropriate pieces will be sung. The Old Men’s Home. —A capital little entertainment was given to the inmates of the Old Men’s Home last night, by a party of ladies and gentlemen who have more than once contributed to the enjoy ment of our friends in that institution. The programme was aslongasit was varied, vocal and instrumental music forming the major portion of it, while a reading and several recitations, both grave and gay, combined to make the evening’s enter tainment most acceptable to the old men, whose appreciation of the efforts put forth for their recreation, should encourage the the party to visit the institution more fre quently. Insolvents. —The insolvency is an nounced of Nicholas Grigg and George Gould, contractors, Ashburton, carrying on business under the style of “Grigg and Gouldalso of John Fraser, Alexander Dunlop, Nicholas Grigg, and George Gould, contractors, Ashburton, carrying on business under the style of “ John Fraser and Company also of John Fraser and Alexander Dunlop, con tractors, A.shburton, under the firm of “ Fraser and Dunlop ” —and meetings of the creditors of those persons will bo held in the Supreme Court House, Christ church, on the 3rd of August, at eleven, half-past eleven, and twelve o’clock ; also of Robert Powrie, builder, Ashburton, the meeting of creditors to take place at the District Court House, on Wednesday, August 4, at eleven.

Entertainment at Tinwald. Last night the members of the “ Will and the Way ” Lodge of Good Temnlars gave an entertainment in the Tinwa’d Schoolroom, which was quite full. Bw Galloway was chairman, and in a frvv introductory remarks, stated that the entertainment had been got up with a view to aiding the regalia fund of the Lodge. This object will doubt less be attained if we may judge by the size of the audience. The programme gone through com'prised songs excellently sung by Sisters Craighead, Tippetts, Sanderson, and Reeves, and by Bros. Craighead, Shearer, Reeves, Bradshaw, Corrigan (sen. and jun.), Tippitta, and Norrie; duetts by Bro. and Sister Craighead, Bro. and Sistsr Reeves ; and an efficient choir sang one or two glees in good style. Recitations and readings were given by several brothers from the Ashburton Lodges as well as by Tinwald members, and every item, musical and elocutionary, was well received and heartily applauded. Altogether the meeting was an unqualified success.

. The Fire Brigade. —The usual fort nightly practice of the Fire Brigade was held last, night, and fourteen members turned out in uniform. Since the last practice, the belts have been supplied, and as they are of local manufacture, and of a very substantial nature, Mr. W. Anderson is to be congratulated on having given satisfaction to this section of his customer?. The belts are of stout colonial made leather, and are strong enough to bear a rope being “reeved” under them, and the weight of the heaviest member of the brigade. Circumstances may occur in which a fireman may require to be slung from the roof of a building by a rope passed through his belt, and assuredly the belts of the Brigade will bear the strain of a member of the most comfortable pro portions. The helmets and o'her furniture ordered from Home are expected next month. By that time it is hoped the water supply will have reached the town, and it, combined with the Brigade, will furnish us with quite an efficient and reliable force of extinguishers. A con siderable amount of drill was gone through, both with the engine and the hook and ladder company, the Brigade being officered by Captain Wilkie and Lieutenant Dolman. We notice that this useful body would be more likely to be of service when wanted if they were better supported, both financially and physically—the fact is the brigade want both men and money to be of any service in case of fire. The present members are working an up-hill game, and while we ad mire the pluck they display, we deplore the want of interest shown by the large property holders in this necessary body. However, there is some hope for the brigade yet, as five new members are pro posed for ballot at the monthly meeting on Tuesday next, when a discussion will take place re the state of accounts between the brigade and the Borough Council, and other matters of interest. Ashburton Temperance Association. —Those ladies and gentlemen who met at the Templar Hall on Tuesday with the expectation of hearing a lecture from the Rev. Mr. Hands on “The Wines of the Bible ” met with a certain amount of disappointment. The rev. gentleman’s intentions were announced at least in one of the churches on Sunday last and also advertised in two of the local papers, hence there was a very fair audience assembled at the time appointed, to hear an intel lectual treat. After waiting for some time, however, for Mr. Hands’ arrival, Mr. Thomas Scott, the Secretary of the Association, explained that, through seme misunderstanding, the meeting would be deprived of the treat which they had ex pected from Mr. Hands. However, the Rev. W. Keall was present, and no doubt would consent to say a few words in the interests of the temperance cause. Mr. Keall, after opening the meeting with prayer, apologized for the absence of the Rev. Mr. Hands, stating that the latter had just informed him that he had not been made acquainted with the fact of having to lecture that evening until an hour or so previously. Mr. Keall then read an artie'e entittled “ Stimulants and Common Sense,” and was followed by the Rev. A. J. Smith, who gave a reading— “ Mission Work in Paradise Lane.” Before doing so, Mr. Smith, by a homely illustration, remarked that while he had been trying to exercise faith that the lecturer would be present that evening, yet he was somehow impressed that he would be disappointed. At the close of the readings, the business of the Associa tion was entered upon. The Secretary read the proposed rules, which -were put to the meeting and adopted. After some further conversation on the objects for which the Association was formed, and the immediate work which was before the members, the proceedings terminated.

Mokmonism. A Mormon elder has commenced a missionaiy enterprise in Oamaru, but as yet we have heard of no signal success he has made in perversion.

Suicide of a Chinaman. — A China man jumped overboard from the Beautiful Star on Tuesday, while on the passage from Oamaru to Dunedin, and was drowned.

Native Coal. —lt is satisfactory to find that the use of native coal is becom ing so general as to justify the Govern ment in refusing to impose a tax on the imported article, as quite unnecessary.

Finding Funds. —The economical fit in Parliament has necessitated the charg ing of Gd. admission fee to the Auckland Museum, the House having negatived the usual subsidy to the Institute. Shipping Accident. —During the pass age of the Annie Hill from Greymouth to the Bluff, Captain Mackay was washed overboard. The accident happened on Friday night, and owing to the darkness and heavy north-east gale the crew could not rescue him.

A Maori Burnt. —At Hew Plymouth on Tuesday, a Maori whare was destroyed by fire. An old man and woman were in side asleep at the time, and the man was only got out with difficulty, and after fie had been severely burned. He is not ex pected to live.

Inspection op Liquors. —ln reply to a question on Tuesday, the Hon. Mr. Dick in the House said the new Licensing Act, clause 171, made provision for the ap pointment of inspectors in various dis tricts, with power to enter on premises used for the sale of beer or spirits, and to obtain samples of the liquors vended for the purpose of analysis, and Government intended to enforce that provision strictly.

Municipal Endowments. —Mr. Barron in the House of Representatives on Tues day, asked if Government intended to reserve Crown lands for the endowment of those boroughs that have been unfairly treated in that respect. The Hon. Mr. Rolieston said the Legislature had no in tention of granting any more endowments, and did not think it advisable to ro-open the question. Tahiti. —The French gunboat Guinea, arrived at Auckland on Tuesday. Her mission to that port is to telegraph to the French Government the annexation of Tahiti and Marea Islands, whence the gunboat has come. The annexation has taken place on the petition of the chiefs, and the king will be pensioned. The French have also proclaimed a fresh pro tectorate over Paumutu and the islands of the group. The Hon. Taiaeoa. The Hon. Taiaroa, the native member of the Legisla tive Council, who accepted office before the required time had elapsed between his being in receipt of Government pay for work as a native assessor and his accept ance of a seat in the Council, is to be relieved of the penalties he thus incurred by the passing of a special Act, after which he will probably be re-appointed by the Governor. The Hon. N. Wilson has given notice for the appointment of a Special Committee to inquire into the matter.

A “ Respectable” Man. —• In the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Mr. J. B. Fisher asked if an individual named Edward Francis Harris, gazetted a native interpreter in January last, had not been sentenced in 1869 to six years’ imprisonment for forgery 1 The Hon. J. Bryce replied in the affirmative, adding that when the appointment was made, the fact of Hai’ris’s conviction was not known. He (Mr, Bryce) read a letter of recom mendation which accompanied his applica tion, signed by a Judge of the Native Land Court, a Resident Magistrate, one or two JJ.F., and others, supposed to be respectable persons, residing in the dis trict where Harris lived. Sir Hercules Robinson’s Stud. —The Wellington correspondent of the Press says : —I hear on good authority that Sir Hercules Robinson intends making Wellington the headquarters of his new racing stud instead of Christchurch, as reported some time ago. Boxes for six horses are now in course of construction at M'Nab’s garden at the Hutt, and in a few days will receive their tenants. These will comprise two fillies expected from Sydney by the Wakatipu, two colts from the North, and two others which his Excellency has purchased from Mr. Finlay, his son-in-law, a well-known sporting man in New South Wales. Wellington sport ing men are very exultant over the Governor’s decision, and are sanguine of making Wellington races the best in the colony.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

To the Editor. Sir, —l see by the newspaper report that a letter from James Mcßae, stating that Richard Bird had applied for a license for a cab, of which he was not the owner, the owner of the cab being Charles Ryle ; and that the said cab was employed in carrying prostitutes. I think the above letter, if allowed to go unchallenged, would make it appear that I was something worse than the average humanity. I have instructed my solicitor to call upon James Mcßae to prove his assertion. In the meantime I should like, with your kind permission, to lay the facts of the case before the public. The said Charles Ryle was at a certain time (like many other people in Ashbur ton) in want of money. Mr*. Joshua Tucker and myself, purely to oblige the man, purchased the cab jointly, at the same time agreeing to sell it to him at the same price within a certain date. That time has gone by, and he has failed to buy back the cab. It was, therefore, determined to take out a license and let the cab to a driver at a weekly rental, without dictating to the driver what fares he should take. I don’t suppose, however, that he will get a monopoly of the characters referred to in James Mcßae’s letter.—l am, &c., R. Bird.

THE DURABILITY OF BLACK PINE.

To the Editor. Sir, —l notice in your report of the last Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation’s meeting that Mr. Silcock, in speaking of the durability of certain timbers, avers that his statement as to the non-durability of black pine could be easily verified by a walk through the bush, where a person would never see a fallen pine that bore evidence of having lain any length of time. Now, while there is nothing like leather to the one who sells it, and while I am an agent for the sale of both black pine and totara, I believe, with him, that totara is the most durable. I think, however, that he is rather hard on the pine species, as I could show him black pine trees which have been lying exposed to the ravages of both insects and weather for the last fifteen years—and, for aught I know to the contrary, far longer—and are as yet undecayed; and not only so, but they are harder now than they were the day on which they were felled, and, to all appearance, bid fair to retain their firm ness, durability, and pine-like nature when their doughty superior’s sap shall have dried un, and his trunk have withered and decayed, and perhaps have gone to form the component parts in the growth of some young pine. If anyone doubts it, let him invest in a good American axe, and let him follow me to the time-honored trunk, and apply himself vigorously there to, and he will soon find that the black pine is not so soft nor full of vanity after all, even though it may be full of years. That it is a durable timber, no one who has had a large and long experience in its use can deny, oven though he beanative. At the same time, that timber of the same species grown in certain districts, and under certain conditions will last for long no one will admit. There are a great many things to be taken into account in connection with the durability of timber as in all other organisms. There is, for instance, the nature of the soil—-as to whether it con tains the necessary chemical constituents in order to produce that qualification. Then there is the quality of the soil—as to whether it contains these properties in sufficient quantities in order that the cellular tissue of the tree may be natural, compact, and strong, and so be able to resist the action of external influences. Then there is the condition of the soil— as to whether it is wet or dry ; the former of which is the cause of the fatal objection being lodged against the use of white pine which grows chiefly in humid, wet soil, and in consequence of which is of a soft, spongy nature, and becomes brittle when dry. This is not the case, however, with all white pine, as that which grows on dry soil is very durable, being hard, wiry, and tough in the fibre, and capable of bearing heavy strains. Then there is the age of the timber, the time during which it is felled, and many other things which tell on its enduring properties. Instances of

the durability of black pine in Canterbury arc not rare, but are many. There is one instance now brought to light, viz., that of piles which have been buried in tlie ground for the last fifteen years, and are now being withdrawn with very little decay, and are fit to be again used for the same purpose.

Of the durabilitjr of totara there is no doubt. We have of late had an instance reported from the north of totara piles being withdrawn after having been in water and earth for upwards of a quarter of a century, and still some parts of it quite sound. It is a pity, I think, that this timber is not more largely used in places whore durability is the main feature re quired in it. Mr. Gundry, in the same report,, in referring to this timber said “he thought it was brittle.” There is no doubt but totara is brittle, but not so very brittle as is generally supposed. Some of it has a very tough and flexible fibre, and iscapable of bearing heavy strains, and being durable will carry greater weight in the long run than many other timbers used for strain bearing purposes, the latter being so soon liable to partial decay, and therefore loses its strength. Apologising for trespassing on your space—l am, &c., Timber.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

(Before His Worship the Mayor and C. P. Cox, Esq.) William Madden appeared in answer to a charge of having stolen money to the amount of L 5, on the 28th June, from Henry Cross. Henry Cross, sworn, said—l am a laborer, living at Ashburton Forks. Re member 28th of June last, when I was in company with the accused at the Alford Forest .Hotel. We left the hotel between ten and eleven o’clock at night. I had L 7 in my pocket-book. We then went to Mr. Wm. Ravers, at Alford Forest. On arriving there, I immediately wentjo bed. We both slept in the same bed. I took off my trousers and put them across the bunk, with the purse in the pocket. Prisoner was not sober, but I was. I was awoke during the night by Madden making a noise ; but I went to sleep again. Both of us awoke at daylight. Madden made the remark that he felt bad,, and would ike a drop of drink ; I suggested sending for some. He said ‘ ‘ all right. ” I went to get the money from my pocket, and took out the pocket-book. On opening the book 1 found two single notes placed within the leaves. I exclaimed, “ Good God, someone has taken my money.” The reason I said this, was because the money was not where I had left the L 7 the night previous. FNe pounds had gone from the book. When I made the above remark, prisoner said “ Nonsense,” and suggested that I had mislaid the notes. He helped me to look for them, and asked me if I know the number of the notes. Prisoner said ‘ ‘ never mind ; say nothing about it, you will be as well off as those who have got it.” I then gave him a Ll-note to get a gallon of beer. Madden went for the beer, but did not return until Wednesday night : this was on Tuesday morning. He came back on Wednesday night, but was not let in, because he was abusive. Saw accused the following morning ; watched him leave the premises, and_ he went towards the Alford Forest Hotel. He returned on Friday evening, and went to bed ill. He appeared to have the “ horrors.” On the Saturday week following accused Madden of taking the money from my pocket-book. He said, “ Don’t give me in charge ; it won’t mend matters ; but if you let me be put over the river, I’ll be no more trouble to you.” By accused —We brought some beer home on the evening of the 28th June. By the Bench—. When the accused did not return from going for the beer, I did not take any steps to find out where the accused was. The next time I saw him was on the Friday night, and did not say anything to him about the money until a week after. The beer we took homo was about a quart, and was left <m the table when we went to bed, but was gone in the morning. Prisoner spoke to mo during the night, and asked me if I would have a drink of beer, but I declined. Prisoner knew I had the money in my pocket. William Bayers, sworn, said—l am a laborer, residing at Alford Forest. Have known Madden and Cross for some time. Madden has made my place his home for years, off and on. Remember the two men coming to my house one night in June last, about ten or eleven o’clock. Heard Cross send Madden for drink. Prisoner had been staying with me for about five weeks this last time, and never saw any money in his possession. Mad den was staying with me because he was out of work. After accused had gone for the beer, I saw my wife find some notes in a box under the bunk where prisoner and Cross had been sleeping. When Madden came back he was very ill, and remained at the house until arrested. He was not fit to be moved.

By the Bench —The box where the money was found belonged to us, but the notes were not ours.

Hannah Rayers, sworn, gave evidence to finding two LI notes in a box contain ing old newspapers, which was under the bunk where prisoner slept. They were just on the top of the box. I let them remain there ; we called Cross in, and he gave them to me to take care of for him.

Alfred Allfrey, sworn —I am a black smith, living at Alford Forest. Know prisoner, and remember 29th June. He came to my shop between nine and ten o’clock in the morning. He took four LI notes out of his pocket. He offered me LI, and asked me to take care of it for him. I took the note from him. He came back the following day, and asked for the price of a drink. I lent him a shilling. He afterwards asked for the loan of half-a-crown, and I returned him the LI he had left in my possession.

John Tisch, sworn, said —I am an hotel keeper at Alford Forest. On the night of the 28th June, prisoner and Henry Cross •were in my house drinking together. Cross had some money ; sa w him change a cheque for L 3. Madden had no money; I had refused him drinks the same day because he had no money to pay for them. The two men left in company about eleven o'clock. The next morning-Madden was at the bar door when I opened it. He was in company with Henry Gunderson, and accused told Gunderson he had owed him 2s. for a long time and would now pay him. He changed a LI note at the bar. Accused was at my hotel for two or three days. On the morning of the 28th June, I heard prisoner try to borrow money. He had not been doing any work, to my know ledge. By prisoner—lt was the morning of the 28th June, when you asked for drinks, and 1 refused you. Constable Gaffney, sworn—l arrested prisoner at Alford Forest on the 18th July, at the house of William Rayers. Told him he was charged with stealing L 5 from Henry Cross. He said, “ I suppose so ; all’s right; remove me from here in the morning. I suppose ten years’ is the extent of what you’ll give me. It will be a caution to me while I live.” I said, •‘What will, Madden?” He replied, “ Drink and robbery.” This closed the case for the prosecution, and after being cautioned, accused said he had nothing whatever to say, and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor. CIVIL CASES. Markham v. Turton. Claim L 3 3s. 4d:, balance of account due. Judgment by default, with costs 12s. f the amount to be paid at the rate of LI per month. Little v. Murphy.—Claim, LIG 14s. 6d. Mr. Branson for plaintiff, Mr. O’Reilly

for defendant. This case was one of. dis puted accounts, a portion of the claim being for drinks. The. evidence of both parties was taken, defendant denying any responsibility for his brother, who had done a share of the liquor. He also dis puted certain items in the account, and put in a set-off of Ll 3 16s. for some sacks of seed oats. After a lengthy hearing, their Worships said the evidence was most conflicting on bdth sides, and they had, therefore, allowed what, in their opinion, seemed to be undisputed items. They disallowed the set-off in this instance, leaving defendant to bring another action, and gave judgment for L 9 18s. 6d., with L2 6s. costs. The amount to be paid into Court within the present week, and to re main until the counter .action had been disposed of. Little v. Williamson.—Claim, Ll 6 6s. Mr. Branson for plaintiff; no appearance for defendant. Judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed, with immediate c xe cution.

THE RAILWAY COMMISSION’S REPORT.

The report of the Railway Commission is now before the House. After some introductory remarks, the Commisiouers say that the limited time at their disposal prevented them from following the entire route of every projected line of railway in the colony, of which flying surveys have been made, but their personal observation of the various districts has qualified them to understand and clearly appreciate the weight of evidence given by the settlers who came before them in the various districts. They then go on to remark : At the .outset of our investigations we were met by the fact that the already constructed railways of New Zealand do not, as a whole, yield returns sufficient to pay half the interest upon their cost, and we felt it necessary before we could take upon ourselves the responsi bility of recommending an extension of existing, or the construction of new lines, that we should endeavor to learn the causes to which this unsatisfactory state of things was attributable, and the extent to which the causes may be pre vented or the operations modified. One leading cause was sufficiently apparent. We refer to the making of railways in some parts of the colony far in advance of existing settlement, and consequently of an amount of traffic adequate to their support. In Great Britain the population to each mile of railway is 1901, in the United States it is 800, New South Wales, 1,108, Victoria, 924, while in New Zea land wo have only a population of 382 to each mile of railway already made. It should, however, be borne in mind, in consideration of these figures, that our exports per head of population are much larger than those of the neighboring colonies, and that the country traversed by the railways of New Zealand is gene rally of a more fertile character than that served by the lines of Victoria and New South Wales, and is therefore calculated to provide a greater amount of traffic per mile of railway, although more thinly peopled. We are led to the conclusion that the present expenditure may be largly diminished by converting many small and unremunerative stations to flag stations, by greatly reducing the train mileage on many lines, and smaller branches especially, and by making the rates of wages more in accordance with those paid by private employers of labor in the colony. All the heavy and almost all the paying traffic of the branch lines in purely agricultural and pastoral dis tricts is confined to the grain and wool seasons, which are almost concurrent, and during what may be termed the dull season, comprising about six months in each year, trains running during three or four days in each week would in our opinion meet the requirements of the traffic. Our recommendation in refer ence to train mileage in short amounts to this that the running of trains should everywhere be reduced to a number that will actually pay. The receipts of revenue upon the working railways are an element in the question of profit and loss. On comparing tlie rail way tariff of New Zealand with those of the Australian colonies, we find that while the average of rates charged upon the Australian railways for haulage of wool and agricultural produce is somewhat lower than the rates on these commodi ties current in New Zealand, on the other hand the average Australian rate for minerals (a term which serves to_ include coal, building stone, bones, bricks, clay, lime, and road .metal) is higher than the New Zealand rate to the following ex tent : —First 10 miles, 80 per cent, higher ; from 10 to 50 miles, 9 per cent ; from 50 to 100 miles, 47 per cent. ; from 100 to 150 miles, 80 percent. ; or taking coal itself the first 10 miles, 1C per cent, higher ; from 10 to 50 miles, 11J per cent. ; from 50 to 100 miles, 33 per cent.; from 100 to 150, 68 per cent. With re spect to timber, the evidence we have taken leads irresistibly to the conclusion that whenever that product is carried under the existing tariff for a distance ex ceeding seventy-five miles it is so carried at an absolute loss, and when at the same time the haulage is over heavy grades the cost to the colony amounts to 50s. for every 20s. received to the credit of the railway account. We desire to ex press or firm conviction that maintenance of uniform scales of charges .applicable to every railway in every part of the colony, without regard to the amount of business to be done, cost of service performed, or amount and nature of the competition to be overcome is absolutely incompatible with favorable traffic. We urge, there fore, most strongly that the tystem of uniform tariffs should be abolished, and the railways conducted upon commercial principles—that is to say, by charging for each rate proportionate to the cost of that particular service upon that particular line, varied from time to time as com petition shall increase or diminsh. We are of opinion that the constructed rail ways of New Zealand should not continue to be as at present under the manage ment of commissioners, subject to the control of the Public Works Minister, and we recommend that in the place of that . system a Beard be appointed, consisting of men of knowledge and business habits, free from political influence, and having as nearly as may be the same status and holding the same powers and exercising the same functions as a Board of Directors of the English railway companies. LOCAL RAILWAYS. Regarding the railways affecting this district, the report of the Royal Commis sion says

‘ ‘ Timvald to Mount Somers. —This bran oh is already in progress. The cost [of the ex tension] would be small, and it will serve a large agricultural district, and at the same time open a coal mine and stone quarry at Mount Somers, which would, it may fairly be calculated, bring consider able traffic to the line.

“ Coalyata to Temulca. —lts construction would entail very heavy expenditure in bridging the Selwyn, the Rakaia, four branches of the Ashburton, the Hinds, the Rangitata, the Orari, and some minor streams. The traffic over it would, in our opinion, bo small in proportion to the cost of the work, and the districts through which it would pass are already to a great extent served by the existing branch lines. Any further development of those dis tricts would, we are convinced, be more economically and more effectually pro moted by the formation of additional branch lines, and the extension of exist ing ones, as the expenditure becomes war ranted by the progress of settlement in the back country.

‘ ‘ CoahjatetoEakaia Gorge. —The line from Homebush to the Hororata cannot be recommended as part of the proposed Canterbury interior main line, which as a

whole we altogether condemn ; but an ex tension of the White Cliffs branch to the Gorge of Rakaia will hereafter be desirable, with a view to its ultimate coi> tinuation to the Acheson coal fields, which are the most valuable yet found on the eastern side of the Middle Island. As re gards the alternative routes by way of the Wairiri Valley and Hororaia Downs, the balance of advantages and disadvantages in each case is nearly equal.. The Hororata route would serve the largest number of settlers, and would also be the cheaper to construct ; while that by the Wairi Valley is shorter and would open up some seams of brown coal of the same quality as that obtained at Glentunnel. We consider the latter to be the preferable route : but as we do not recommend the early construc tion of either line, and as the circum stances may materially change before a final decision upon this point will bo required, we do not think it necessary to enter more fully into that part of the sub ject. . - ' . ‘ ‘ Soiithhridfje to Malcaia and Water ton. —We think it desirable that the work should not be undertaken.”

INSPECTION OF MINES.

The terrible explosion in the Kaitangata Coalmine had the effect of awakening in terest in the working of mines with a view to the safety of life from such acci dents as these, and, as a result, mine in spection is now carried on with vigor. The annual report, by the Under-Secretary of Mines is now before the House of Representatives, in which he says : —“I am glad to state that up to the present time coalmine owners and managers generally have not only accepted the Act as a necessity, but have recognised the benefit which has accrued by adopting it as most calculated to prevent accidents and ensure the safe working of the mines. There has been a large increase in the number of coalmines in the South Island during the year, and steps are now being taken to establish the Act, together with general and special rules for new mines. In the North Island the number remains the same. One of the Waikato mines has been worked out, and a new one, which promises a more extensive area of coal, has been opened by the same Company upon the opposite bank of the river. The number of coalmines in the colony last year was thirty ; this year it is ninety. Many in the South Island are upon a very small scale. It is possible that next year’s report will show that some of these mines have developed into much larger concerns. I agree that the smallest coal mines should be subject to inspec tion. A statement of the coal im ports and exports for the year 879 shows 'that 158,076 tons of coal have been imported, being 16,072 tons less than the quantity imported in 1878. If we add the total output for the colony during 1879 to the quantity imported, and deduct the export during the same period, and assuming that the remainder has been consumed, the total consump tion in the colony in 1879 would be 328,898 tons, or an increase over the con sumption of 1878 of 49,654 tons; The increase of coal derived from the mines of the colony during 1879 was 69,000 tons over the quantity raised in 1878. There have been six injurious and two fatal accidents during the year. Although the present Act does not provide fo certificated managers this difficulty will be got over by the fact of recent immigra tion of a better class from England hav ing brought to the colony a number of experienced managers holding home cer tificates, some of whom have already been employed by mine-owners in preference to former managers less qualified; My ex perience of the present Act, so far, is that owners and managers have a very wholesome dread of proceeding to arbitration as provided in part 5 of the Act, and that they infinitely prefer to remedy any de fect complained of by an inspector than run the risk of incurring the heavy costs of a tedious inquiry after submitting the matter to arbitration. It may still, how ever, be necessary to make provision for an improved method of settling disputes between the Government and mine owners and managers, as referred to in my last report. The inspection of mines other than coal, including gold-mines, re mains in the same position. Inspector McLaren inspects the gold-mines of the Thames and Coromandel, but, as the Government has deciied not to undertake the inspection of scattered gold-mines in the South Island, which could not be done without an increased staff’ of In spectors, the Regulation of Mines Act has not been introduced in any of these cases. Step by step the reins have been tightened, and although the condition of the coal mines is by no means entirely satisfactory, a great deal has been done by owners and managers towards establishing precautions against accidents by the expenditure of money in effecting improvements for safety, and by the observance of the rules designed to establish the better working of mines. Within eight months from the present date it will be necessary that many of these mines should have a second opening to the surface as a means of egress to the persons employed. The Kaitangata Company’s mine, which was the scene of a terrible explosion, is by the district inspector’s latest report considered in a satisfactory condition, and the company has been at great pains to effect improve ments, and to observe the provisions of the Act. Notwithstanding these facts and anything which the Government may do in the matter, accidents of a most serious nature may occur, and it is well that mine-owners and managers should keep the fact in mind that the real safety of the mines depends upon increasing vigilance in taking every precaution against danger. It will nob be the fault of the department if they are not con stantly reminded of their duty in this matter.”

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, July 27. After a lot of unimportant talk on Mon day afternoon, the House got on to the Estimates at 5.30, and passed the Library vote, in the general expenses of the Legis lative Department, L3OO. In the evening, the Hansard vote was discussed, and passed with a few* reductions, pending the Committee’s report. The following items were reduced :—Property Tax Depart ment, L 28,418 reduced by L 2,000. Audit of County and Road Board ac counts, L2,7Q0 —struck out. Commissioner of Customs, L 42,622 3s. 6d.—reduced by L 2,000. The item, L 1,070, expenses of weather report and storm signals, was struck out. A long discussion too place on the Edu cation vote of L 297,730, most of the speakers contending that wo aimed at giving too high an education altogether. Mr Rolleston contended for the retention of good education, and that we should not rank behind other colonies in the excel lence of our system, but was prepared for a reduction of L 32,000. Mr. M'Caughan moved the reduction of the vote by L 50,000. At 1 a.m. the House rose.

Tuesday, July 27. After questions, etc., the House went into Committee of Supply, and resumed the debate on the education vote reduc tion motion of Mr. M’Oaughan. The de bate continued over the evening, sitting, and ultimately Mr. M'Oaughan withdrew his original motion, and substituted; one with the amount of reduction increased to LG4,000. A division of 15 to 58 negatived this motion, and one was passed reducing

the vote by L 30,000. The vote for District? Court L 5,085 was reduced by Li,Boo, Mr. Rollesion saying that cheap justice had not been a success in this ; colony.? The? R. M. and Wardens’ Court vote of: L 48,216, was reduced by LI,OOO, the Hon. W. Fox suggesting the discharge of clerks and bailiffs in small towns, and having the work done by the constables. The vote of L 39,529, for prisons, was re duced by L 2,000. All the other votes on the Estimates taken up by the House were passed, and the House rose at 12.30. Wednesday, July 28. The'House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr. Whitaker presented a petition from the Patetere block natives, praying that the proclamation ever their lands be re moved. Replying to questions, it was stated that Government did not think it advisable to frame a Bill during the recess providing that Ministers, before taking office, should have to be re-elected by their constituents. —Government was desirous of giving every encouragement for the development of goldfields, but at this late period of the session they were not disposed to discuss the desirableness of a commission being appointed to report on the goldfields.—■ Government intended to fulfil the promise made re introduction of the Redistribu tion of Seats Bill, and it would be circu lated at once. The Hon. John Hall gave notice that he would move that the House sit on Friday at 11 a,m. to dispose of certain new political measures on the Order Paper. The Governor’s assent to the Maori Prisoners Bill was received, and a notifi cation that a further Imprest Supply Bill would be asked.

The Hon. John Hall,, alluding to a speech by Sir George Grey on the Maori Prisoners Bill, in which he stated that the Governor had promised a deputation of Maoris that the Bill, would be brought on in January or February last, said he had the Governor’s permission to state that no such promise was given.

Te Wheora, Tawhai, and Tainui stated they were present at the interview referred to,- and they distinctly understood the promise in question to have been made to them.

Sir George Grey stated he had taken the precaution to take the statement made by the Maoris to him in writing, and got them to sign their names thereto. He thought a misunderstanding had arisen, but, still, he was not by any means disposed to think the Maoris were solely responsible therefor. Permission having been granted, Sir George Grey moved that his name be struck off the Native Affairs Committee, which was carried without dissent. Mr. Thomson moved the recommittal of the vote Native Lands Court (L 10,267) with the view of getting it struck out.. It was passed at a late hour last night, when most of the members were absent. Mr. Sheehan defended the vote.

Mr. Macandrew complained that this was another of the irregularities resulting from the House persisting in sitting to untimely hours, when only a few mem bers were present, who were not in a fit state to transact important business. He supported the proposal for striking out the vote. Mr. Bowen and Mr. Moorhouse spoke in favor of the vote. - The debate was interrupted [by the ad journment at 5.30.

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

SUMMARY OF NEWS. Auckland, July 27. The City of Sydney arrived at 10.30 this morning with the following passen gers ; —Mrs. Longmore, Mrs. Moore, child and nurse, Rev. Mr. Anderson, Messrs. Hunt, Kolfer, Wilds, Lovewill, and Page. England is making numerous and im portant additions to the torpedo fleet. A statue ‘of Robert .Raikes has been erected bii the Thames Embankment. A great uproar occurred at the Protes tant Reform Society meeting at Exeter Hall, held to protest against Catholic appointments. - Home grown wheat shows Is. decline;in price. The steamer Humboldt, at Liverpool, from New York, took fire; and every bale of cotton wasdhrowii overboard. A strike of the Lancashire cotton hands is threatened, i At Dublin a, bloody riot occurred between the people and the police. Several were seriously injured. Redpath, the New York Herald corres pondent, condemns Irishmen for indiffer ence to their distressed countrymen, and says that, while Australia and New Zea land subscribed L 55,570, America L 5,658, Canada L 3,348, India L 3,750, and England LIO,OOO, there was no Irish subscription raised. Mr. Parnell’s Bill proposes to take L 200,000 - from the Irish Church fund. Mr. Forster said he must oppose it, as doing more harm than good.

The Government Irish Land Bill ia strongly opposed by the Conservatives and condemned by the press, which denounces it as confiscation.

The execution of decrees against the Jesuits and unauthorised religious bodies led to most exciting scenes. The Jesuit chapels in the provinces were thronged, and meetings held to protest against the decrees. Riotous conduct prevailed in and around the building, and the mob hooted the priests, and the Rue DeLavre priests locked themselves in cells, which the police broke open. Thirty-nine estab lishments, with 454 members, were broken up. Archbishop Avignon offered hospi tality to a number of expelled Jesuits, but received a peremptory telegram from the Ministry of Worship, which caused him to request the Jesuits to leave with out delay. The Spanish Government granted numerous applications to establish Jesuit colleges in Madrid. All the Judges and Public Prosecutors of .Versailles re signed, rather than give effect to these decrees. Some of the expelled Jesuits have purchased the old Neville Estate, in England. Several duels have occurred, chiefly with journalists. French firms are fulfilling orders for China.

The Ferman Church Bill has passed by 206 to 202. Bismarck said the Bill was drawn up by himself, and he would not permit its ventilation. He avows his in tention to forsake party fighting, and devote his attention to foreign affairs. The general opinion is that the Vatican has got the best of the Chancellor in this church fight. The leading Austrian journals express the belief that the end of Turkey is at hand, and advise Austria to take as much Turkish territory as possibe. It is believed the Czar intends a inor ganic marriage with a princess by whom he has had thirteen children. Russia is disgusted by Colonel Gordon’s visit to China. The Russian floating battery Kromlin, while going to the Pacific, collided with a Danish steamer, and was so crippled that she had to put into Hellingsford for repairs. Admiral Tessoki has been appointed chief commander in the Paciffic. The Sultan has expressed a desire for the completion of all reforms. “ Lloyd’s ” agency at Salonica has been blown down. Several officials were severely wounded. The Sultan is alarmed at the secret designs of other powers, and proposes to render the Dardanelles impregnable by torpedoes and forts. A despatch of the 3rd July says the Porta has proclaimed a state of seige throughout all the provinces on the Greek frontier.

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[by telegraph.] Haweea, July 28. The Star says that, despite Govern ment’s contradiction, it believes its infor mation regarding the cause of natives fencing is reliable. The Plains natives, especially young men, are going to Parihaka this week. This is earlier than usual. Four young men rode through here this morning; on being .asked if-they were going to Parihaka, one of them re plied that they were going to be taken prisoners next week. A person from the camp says he will not be surprised if a very largo body of Maoris go on with the fencing within the next few days." There is no excitement amongst the Europeans, but- many ’en quiries as to what it all means; and when it will end. ; .

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. (Per Reuter's Agency.) " London, July 24. Arrived—Ada, Wiswell, from, Lyttelton, March 25 ; Stracathro, from Lyttelton, April 24. The Orient steamship Sorato sailed to day for Australia. London* July 26. No. 1 Scotch pig iron, free on board in the Clyde, 565. The Orient Company’s steamer Orient arrived at Plymouth to-day. ■ Arrived —Loch Urr, from Auckland. ■ : It is expected that an ultimatum will be sent to the Porte, summoning, it , jtp satisfy the claims of Montenegro within three weeks. A levy of . all, men capable of bearing arms is being made in Monte negro, with a view to enforce .its claim, r i London, July 27. In the House of Commons to-night, the Bill to provide for compensation to Irish tentans was read a third time, -on a division, by a majority of 66. The Irish members voted with the majority'’ J ’ It is stated the Queen has. sent a private note to the Snltan of Turkey, urging him to yield to the decisions ofthe Berlin Con ference, as required by the Great Powers. A Rear-Admiral of the British ; navy will bq appointed, to command .a fleet to be composed of vessels of the navies of the European powers, ; which, it has= been decided to send as a.demonstration against Turkey, in favor of Montenegro. The Empress Eugenie ? arrived at Plymouth to-day from the Cape. Calcutta, July 26.,,

Ayoub Khan has crossed the river Helmund, and it is expected that’ 4*(NX> horsemen will Join Him as an advanced, guard. The cavalry approached dose to the British camp at Grishk, on the road to Candahar, to. which the British troops had been despatched to 1 support Shere Ali„ .the newly appointed ruler, of Candahar.. i• i A London, July. 26. In the House of Commons to-daythe Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for India, made a statement concerning Afghanistan and the Ameership. He;said he had been informed that it was irh possible yet to enter, into any 'negotiations regarding Candahar and Gundamuk. It has been decided by Government that no foreign influence should be allowed at Cabul, and that no' . British ; sßesident should be sent there. Possibly it might be decided to send a Mahomedan enjoy instead. !

AUSTRALIAN. (Per Reuter’s Agency.), Melbourne, July 26. Ned Kelly was brought up ‘ at the Police Court and remanded; ! .' . Parliament has been: opened by his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, aad his speech on the occasion referred to the decrease of revenue, and. hoped that a satisfactory solution would be arrived at in regard to the Reform of the Constitu tion Bill. Measures would be introduced in connection with railways, water con servation, and amendment of the land laws. July 27. Government have accepted the tender of the Phoenix Company, of Ballarat, for the construction of twenty railway loco motives, at a cost of L 59,490. ’ Mr. Hinginbotham took his seat on the Bench for the first time yesterday, as Judge of the Supreme Court. In the Legislative Assembly, . after the delivery of the Governor’s speech, a vote of want of confidence, in the present Ministry was taken without discussion, the result being 35 forj and 48 against! the motion. Melbourne, July .28.* , Levin, a member for Bar won, has given notice in the Legislative Assembly for the introduction of a Bill . for: reducing ;the salaries of Ministers by one third.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

(Per Press Association.) Auckland, July'2Bi ; A fire broke out in a house in Hobson street, belonging to Mr. James, at present occupied by Mr. Tremain and some lodgers, but it was put out, after a sharp struggle, by the salvage corps. Consider able damage was done to the lodgers' property, which was insured; value un known. The Loch Dee takes Home a trial con signment of preserved peaches. At Russell, a little boy br and a half, named Stbhe; fell info the fire and died from the effect of burns; It is said, on the authority’lpf "Captain Dearborn, that though Miss Neilaop was unable to get away by the City of Sydney, she may positively be expected next month, and will play ’in, New. Zealand, should sufficient inducement offer. The officers of the French; war ship Getchn report that the French naval division in the Pacific, consisting of iron clads La Nichoricase and Aviso Le Chasseurs made an expedition . against the Kanakas of La Dominique, who had killed and eaten some white men. About 200 troops, with two mounted guns, were landed. Two shots were fired and one man killed and seventy-two made pri soners. When the remainder of the natives heard the reports of the guns they fell on their faces and surrendered. They were transported to the Island of Karaka. Wellington, July 27. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt this evening. Wellington, July 28. Arrived—H.M.S. Raleigh, 20 guns, from Sydney, after a passage of, eleven days. On Monday night, during thick weather, one of the crew fell overboard, but was rescued almost immediately.; She stays here ten days, and then 'leaves for Plymouth, via Falkland Islands.; Timaku, July 27. Charles Jonas, formerly waiterl at. the Melville Hotel, was remanded; by the Bench till Friday next on a charge of obtaining a diamond ring from a local jeweller by falsely representing: that he> was heir to a fortune, and was to have re ceived a remittance , by last mail.. , Other charges of a similar nature are pending. Dunedin", July 27. Mr. Oliver, in replying to, a .memorial complaining of Sunday work on the rail ways, in running goods trains and ballast ing, says he is as anxious as the memorial ists for worknottohe done onSundays,and has given immediate instructions accord ingly. An ;,v'; Dunedin, July 28. , At the City Court, Arthur was remanded to Laurence for fraudulent bankruptcy. Dr. Borrows, charged with a breach of

THIS ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1880..



AUCTION SALES. Wednesday, August A Alfred Harrison, at Ashburton Forks— Horses, Implements, Harness, Ac. Sale at 12.30. Thursday, August o. Edmistou, Gundry, and Co., at Mr. W. C. Morgan’s, Alford Forest —Postponement of Sale. BAR Framed BEE HIYES. T. A. Gates, Saunders’ Buildings. 828 g MISSING FRIENDS. IF this should reach the eye of 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. 24a . o NOTICE TO S ÜBSGRIBEBS. 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. WEEKS and DIXON, 36g* Publishers. CHRISTCHURCH AGENCY. MR. GEORGE MAULE, is authorised to receive orders and accounts for the Ashburton, Guardian and Evening Herald. All orders fir Advertisements eft at his office, hear Tattersall’s, will eceive promnt attention. 55g* WEEKS & DIXON. METHYEN AGENCY. TiTORGAN and HIBBS, General Store- Jl|_ 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. WEEKS AND DIXON, 30g* Proprietors.