COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Monday evening. Messrs. Quill and Co. held their first sale in their salerooms, Saunders’ Buildings, on Saturday last. There was a large attendance of buyers and the general public, who partook of an excellent lunch, prepared for them by the firm, previous to the sale commencing. Mr. Thomas Quill was auctioneer, and made a most successful debut in his new position. The lunch over, he spoke as follows from the rostrum, erected in the north-east corner of the saleroom ;—“Ladies and gentlemen,—At the opening of a new business it is the in variable custom to make some remarks, either by speech or advertisement, as to the character of the business, the mode of conducting it, and the objects to be gained. As the new firm of Quill and Co., auctioneers, stock, land, and general commission agents, have in part pre sented themselves to your notice through. the advertising medium, it may not be necessary for me to detain you by a lengthened speech, especially as, from the number I see around, I feel that you will prefer me to study your interests by at once proceeding with the sale, yet 1 may be allowed to remark that we intend to fully enter into the various branches of the business with a determination to ensure your approval and thus ensure our success. Nothing will be wanting on our part to gain these results, and we sincerely trust you will favor us with your confidence and support that we may fairly be put on our trial. Sales will be regularly held in the rooms and adjoin ing yards, and the stock sales in the town yards and at Tiuwald attended. We shall also be prepared to conduct sales throughout any part of the district, and immediately after each sale the account sales will be prepared and proceeds ready for vendors, as per their in structions. And now, ladies and gentlemen, we leave ourselves in your hands, prepared to do our very best for all concerned; be generous to our faults and liberal in your support, and for the rest we have no fear.” The sale then proceeded, the auctioneers’ report of which is given below. Messrs. Quill and Co. report on Saturday’s sale :—There was a large attendance at the yards aud rooms with a keen competition, and the prices realised were considered satisfactory. Hacks, Ly ; store cows, low condition, L 5 ; pigs, 475. 6d. ; suckers, 9s. 3d. Farm imple ments at medium rates. Bran, per bag, 2s. 6d.; wheat, inferior, 75.; potatoes, 365. per ton, dull ; oranges, ios. per case ; biscuits, 3s. 6d, per tin. Saddles and bridles, new, at good prices. Furniture and sundries were cleared at full rates.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, Sept. 27. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency report:—London Sept 25 : Wool— Sales closed firmly this day, fully at the level of last sales. About 280,000 bales have been disposed of, and 160,000 have been held over for future disposal. It is expected that next sales will open at about the present quotations. Superior combing, washed, and combing washed have advanced id. since the close of last sales. Superior greasy has advanced ]/z& to id. For scoured the market is firmer. Clothing washed is unchanged, cross-breds are firmer, and for lambs the market is unchanged. The 1 principal advance has been in superior greasy, and superior combing washed. Trade in the manufacturing districts is slightly belter.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Ohertsey Rakaia. &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m,, and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office — From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m., 4.35 p.m., and 7-50 p.m. From Ohertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. ’ From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p.m. daily. Fr«m Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Coster. —On Sunday, 26th inst., at Somerton, South Rakaia, the wife of E. S. Coster of a daughter. 267 g

The Ashburton Guardian. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1880.

The opening of the water supply for the Borough yesterday was not, taking it all round, an affair of great impor tance to the colony. Many diggers have undertaken quite as large a work for the purpose of bringing water to fa claim that promised well. But as said by more than one speaker at the cere mony, and the banquet that followed, the value of the works must not be reckoned that way, nor at a money price. The new water supply is the first step to a greater one, when that shall become necessary, and no doubt it will in time —one that shall include a high pressure scheme to provide pure water for drinking purposes. The great value of the works just inaugurated to the township is the power to preserve the people’s health that they give to the Borough Council ; and the means they supply for thoroughly draining off all the impurities that must necessarily accumulate more or less in a town so flat as is our own, and be attended in their accumulation and non-removal with more or less bad effects upon the health of the community. ' In the direction of a purer atmosphere the works will confer one great boon in it self, while their development for fire prevention will be another not much less valuable. But there is a value that these little works have that may per haps be overlooked, and it is of that value we would more particularly speak. The hard times are the burden of every one’s complaint, and retrenchment is Government’s watchword at this moment. We entered upon a period of adversity after one of prosperity—a prosperity that was not real at battom, as the wealth that caused it was not our own. When we found the bottom of our purse we were brought face to face with the stern necessity for rollingup our sleeves and taking to work in earnest, depending upon ourselves and our own energies for the future that was before us. ' r he advent of these hard times occurred just when Ashburton was struggling into a good position as a Borough, when her hope was high, and when she had assured herself that she was about to become a great centre of wealth and prosperity. She was just about to raise a loan, which for her youth was a great one, and which, had it been raised at the time it was first proposed to do so, would have been to the Borough like a mill stone round its neck. The abandonment of the inten tion to raise the ,£15,000 loan for a time, and the resolution to rest con tent with a water supply that .is suited to our requirements as yet, and certainly to our ability, financially, as a community to bear a a burden of heavy taxation is the good sign we would point to, and the lesson that we do not wish to overlook. It is when we find a community doing its best by a course like this to follow the wise old maxim of “ living within its means,” that we begin to feel satisfied the figurative stream of prosperity talked of by the Mayor has begun to flow. A “ penny saved is a penny gained,” and when a people, as well as individuals, begin to practice economy in the sensible way the people have begun over their water supply, they may be admitted to have at least entered in at the gates of the way to wealth. We would be only too glad to see the same principle adopted in the general practice of the whole colony. We have had plenty of theorising in this way, plenty of talk about it, but we would prefer to see more actual pro gress towards it. Despite the croakers ,who are continually crying down the colony, and the moping drones, who are ever sounding a coronach over its departed glory, there is some chance for New Zealand, blessed as she is with a strong backbone of natural wealth. But we can only enjoy that wealth by husbanding the re sources we have at command for bring ing it within our reach, and by practis ing that thrift which knows no waste, and which never loads the worker with a greater burden than he is able to bear. Long New Zealand has sailed under a press of canvas, and there was small wonder that something did occasionally “ carry away.” Now, however, there are indications that she is to carry a low and safe sail, and as such accept we Ash burton’s adoption of a cheap, unassum ing, but sufficient water supply instead of one more costly, if more pretentious, but for the most crying necessities of our cirmumstances, not one whit more effective.

High Prices. Messrs. Friedlander Bros, have been advised of the following satisfactory prices which have been ob tained in London for shipments of wheat despatched by them :—Ex Arethusa, 495.; Padishah and Inglewood, 48s. 6d. ; Sala manca and Euterpe, 48s. ; Western Mon arch, 475. 6d. ; Waimate, 465. per 4961b5. in each case. Dramatic Club. —Last night the Dramatic Club, who resolved late on Saturday to supply some amusement on the holiday, gave an entertainment in the Town Hall. There was a fair attendance, who heartily enjoyed the performance. The pieces played were two that have already geen given by the Club, but lost none of their freshness by a repetition. “ Going to the Races ” came first, and the characters were well sustained through out. The second piece was “John Smith,” which ran equally well. In the interval between the farces* Mrs Thom son danced the Highland fling and a sailor’s hornpipe, with her usual grace. There was also some sort of comic per formance by two children.

“ The Art op Memory.”—Mr. F. P. O’Reilly delivers his lecture to-night on the Art of Memory. Confirmation Services. —On. Sunday next the Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Christchurch, and Primate of New Zea land, will hold confirmation service in St. Stephen’s Church,’ Ashburton.

Captain Jack. Barry. — This indi vidual, who has evidently emerged un scathed from the shower of rotten eggs that fell upon him in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Timaru, is about to essay another “ lecture ” in Ashburton. The Maori Prisoners. —The Hinemoa arrived at .Lyttelton at G. 30 yesterday with the convicted Maori prisoners. They were marched to the gaol, and the prison ers previously there, conveyed by the Hinemoa to Ripa Island. Siding. We understand that the Secretary of the Ashburton Racing Club has applied to the Railway Department for a siding to be placed on the line near the south-east corner of the racecourse. As this would bo a great convenience to people Gaiting the Races and the Agri cultural Show, we hope to learn that the request has been acceded to. We believe that the, Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation have made a similar application.

The Scotch Concert.— The concert by the Caledonian Society, to come off on Thursday next, is likely to be a great success. A steady run on the front seat tickets has been kept up, so that that portion of the hall will, in all probability, be a bumper. Neither the seats in the front of the hall nor those in the dress circle are to be numbered, as has been supposed by some, and the front seats are only set aside as many ladies and gentle men prefer them to the higher position in the gallery. We are desired to state that the front seats door in the side of the hall will be open ten minutes before the main entrance, for the admission of ticket holders to secure their seats. After half past seven all will have to take “ pot luck.”

Ashburton Racing Club. —A meeting of the Committee of the Ashburton Racing Club was held on Saturday afternoon, at Quill’s Hotel, Mr. Crisp in the chair. Mr. S. Saunders (for the secretary) re ported that Mr. J. J. Dawson, declined to act as a member of the Committee, and Mr. E. Saunders would be unable to officiate as Clerk of the Course. A letter from Mr. John Carter was read, to which the secretary was instructed to reply. The action of the secretary in accepting Mr. Lemon’s tender for lease of the racecourse was approved and confirmed, and Mr. John Carter was appointed Clerk of the Course. It was decided that four mem bers of the Committee should form a quorum, and after arrangements had been made for advertising, and a programme for the Spring race meeting adopted, the meeting adjourned. Cricket. —On Saturday night a meet ing of the A.C. C. was held in the County Chambers. The Treasurer reported that forty-two members had paid their sub scription for the season. Mr. R. West enra was elected Vice-Captain, in room of Mr. Grant, who has recently removed. An animated discussion ensued on the subject of colors for the Club, when, after sundry propositions, it was eventually decided that the cap should be scarlet with white piping in radii. It was decided that the opening match of the season should be played next Saturday in Mr. Hay Smith’s paddock, commencing at 2 p.m., sides to be chosen on the ground by the Captain and Vice Captain. Mr. Hay Smith has kindly placed one of his paddocks at the disposal of the Club until the Domain is fit for practice, and it is to be hoped the members will show their appreciation of his kindness by regular attendance. Punishment op Children. —Whether corporal punishment will ever altogether be abandoned in schools, and whether parents will ever be persuaded that about the worst way in which they can correct their children is to beat them, I am sure that I don’t know. Ido know that I (with in estimable kind help, many years ago) brought up a little boy from the age of 18 months to the age of 17 without ever spoiling or ever laying a finger upon him ; but some guardians of youth may not have had such good fortune as J ex perienced. But I also know that I should be ashamed now, when my grownup little boy comes to dinner, to sit opposite to him if I had to remember that, when he was a weak young child and I a hale strong man, I had abused my strength by beating him. It is impossible to predict what may be the eventual solution of a very perplexing social dilemma ; the more perplexing when it is remembered that many good and wise people are in favour of the bodily chastise ment of children. Yet thus much might be done, perhaps, to simplify the problem. No one, surely, will maintain that it can be justifiable to hit a child on the head — before, perhaps, the very sutures of its skull are completely joined ; and blows on the head are one of the commonest forms of school barbarity. I would make such blows an aggravated assault,. and : punish it accordingly.—“G. A. S. ,’ in he Illustrated London News.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

To the Editor. Sir, —Since the water has accumulated to such an extent in the Domain, I have been looking and longing for a swim, but am somewhat perplexed through not being certain whether, if I did take an early morning dip, I could be dropped upon by the minions of the law for so doing. Being one of the class who look upon editors as beings who can or should give a correct answer to almost any question, civil, religious, or political, under the sun, the thought struck me that I would en deavor to get enlightened by applying to you. I shall (and lam sure many Others will also) be obliged, sir, if you can inform me whether the public will be allowed to bathe in the Domain during the hours mentioned in the by-laws—viz., before seven a.m. or after seven p.m.—Yours, &c., A Longer for a Dip. [See Dr. Trevor’s speech at the Mayor’s banquet. —Ed.]

ANNUAL HORSE PARADE, CHRIST CHURCH.

The annual parade of entire horses took place at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s ground on Saturday last. The growing interest in stock rearing was exhibited by an unusually large atten dance of the public, and the animals shown, although numerically weaker than last year’s collection, were of a higher class than we have hitherto seen, and with a few exceptions were shown in very credit able condition. The ponies appeared first on the card, and of these Prince Charming was certainly the beat, although Miracle’ and King of the Ring are by no means or dinary animals. Merrylegs would have been better classed as a cob, and Hercules was quite out of place. In roadsters, the ever green Nobleman was looking his best, and the half brothers Spot and Dexter found lots of ad mirers, as they well deserved. There was a large entry in Colonial throughbreds, of which the well known Daniel O’Rourke, Guy Faux, and Korari looked likely to add to the lustre of their racing fame by stud successes. King of Clubs, the horse recently imported by the Middle Park Company, was not looking his b.est, but it wag difficult to find much seriously wrong wit})

this successor to the veteran Tra ducer. Sorcerer received a good deal of attention, on account of his reputation for getting big, useful stock, and for a general breeder this*, son of Traducer would take a lot of beating. ’ ' Of the imported thoroughbreds, Perkin Warbeck was the popular favorite, ; and, although he looks just a trifle small, we prefer him to the other two in his class— Albany and Leolinus.’ The latter is a very grand horse, and has had lots of chances to get racers. Albany is not much to our lilting but his -breeding will always command friends. The draughts were a very fine lot, in cluding horses which would be exception ally good in any country. Amongst the best were Sir Colin Campbell, Morley’s Fancy, Crown Prince, Lord Glasgow, Lincoln Jack, Prince Royal, Bobby Burns, Prince of Wales, Rantin’ Robin, Pride of Scotland, and Billy Fairplay. The latter is a much improved horse, and like Mr. Patton’s Young Ivanhoe, will probably get better than himself.

BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY.

THE IHAUGURAL CEREMONY.

• Yesterday was a half-holiday in, the township from twelve o’clock, the occasion being, as everyone knows, the inaugura tion of the water supply that has just been completed by the Borough Council. From an early hour in the morning the township showed signs of holiday making. From a great many roofs bits of bunting flowed, and at the reservoir Councillor Roberts, with the assistance of Mr. R.. Elson, had erected an arch of evergreens over the e ntrance way, in the bow of which arch was the inscription— ‘ ‘ Success to the Ash burton Water Supply,” while right across the corner of the reservoir, and directly above the “ water-tap,” was stretched a line of flags bus pended from two strong poles. Tlie water in the reservoir had risen in the blow of Saturday night—and with the north-west wind that had blown, not with great force to be sure, but rather strongly for all that—to a considerable height. In fact on Sunday it had overflowed the banks a little. Yesterday, however, the water was just under the lip of the over flow pipe, and the full reservoir had quite the appearance of a lake. The day was not perhaps so propitious for an out-door ceremony as could have been wished, as a somewhat stiff breeze blew just at the time when a calm would have been most ac ceptable. Still, we were not subjected to a hurricane, nor even a gale, arid the people of Ashburton do not now, with their ex perience of a dusty, gusty nor’-wester, take badly with a moderate breeze. A little before twelve o’clock people began to move, and the bugle sound for the Volun teers to turn out, was also the signal for all who intended to witness the ceremony to be stirring. The bugle sound also brought out the Ashburton Fire Brigade, who paraded with their engine drawn by four horses from Captain Wilkie’s stable, and the “boss” tooled his team around town as if to the manner born. Lieut. Dolman was all there as the managing director of matters, and the services of both the brigade and the volunteers were appreciated by the public and the Mayor, to the extent of gratis pumping on the part of the former, and ; “ shouting ” on the part of the latter, when more toasts were drunk arid compliments paid than we can find room to publish. Color-Sergt. W. Dolman was in command of the Rifles. The Brass Band also tended with their music to keep things lively, and altogether the scene, when all reached the reservoir, ■was a most animated one. At the reser voir a platform had been erected over the sump, or distributing outlet, and on the top of this sump the turning handle for the ceremony was fixed. Amongst those present at the reservoir were Mr. E. G. Wright, M.H.R., his Worship the Mayor, the Borough Coun cillors, past and present, several members of the County Council, and most of the leading citizens, besides a lai’ge crowd of the Ashburton residents. When all was ready for , t ■ THE CEREMONY, His Worship the Mayor, after a few words of apology for himself, placed in a situation that was novel to him, spoke as follows : The occasion that has called us together is no trifling one—but one of great impor tance. It may seem of small moment in deed to some people, when it is ascertained that wo are inaugurating to-day a scheme : which is simply the turning of water into an old watercourse, and making nature go back into an old path for our beriefit. But when we consider that the scheme we are this day openingisno.triumph of engineer ing, no great scheme of which the colony, as well as the township may be proud, but simply the taking of wafer down a course that it had once followed.before, at some date in the past; when we consider it that way, there is perhaps nothing to be proud of, nor anything to make a demonstration about. But to the people of Ashburton this day and this occasion is fraught' with more meaning than that. . Water is one of the indispensables of existence, arid a community to be healthy and happy must have it in plenty, botlx for domestic use and for purposes of cleansing. Thanks to; our geological position we have a living stream of pure water flowing under our feet and within easy reach. For this good gift we have reason to be thankful to the All Bountiful Giver. But this living stream that is under us is not available for all purposes, and as this township in creased in population, it became necessary to consider how its wants of. a supply, of water for sanitary purposes, and ‘ for fire prevention be met. Your Borough Council had many schemes under its con sideration for supplying this want. All were no doubt good, all were no doubt efficient, but all were no doubt very costly. The adoption of either of them meant the expenditure -of a very large sum of money, and the entailing upon the ratepayers of a heavy burden of taxation. The County Council mimificiently placed at the town’s disposal a sum of L 5,000 to aid in providing it with a water sup-, ply, but even after that sum has been spent on any One of the more costly schemes that are known to your Borough Council, there would 1 still be a large-surplus to be met by bor rowing, and which loan could only be re placed by extra rates. The times, as you know, are not of that prosperous kind which will admit of large expenditure and heavy, rating. In view of this, then, your Council were willing to be content with a less costly scheme of water supply, and were prepared to adopt one that, pro vided it supplied the more crying want of a supply for flushing and fire prevention, made no claim to being of a high class. Those of you who have travelled over the line of the waterworks we are this day to open, will be satisfied with the scheme’s simplicity, and will recognise the wisdom of its adoption, as you must algo recognise its success- The Council had almost committed itself to a scheme that would have cost L15,000’, when the simplicity and inexpensiveness-of this one was placed , before them. Now that it is complete, 1 have only to mention to you that it has been made at a cost of but LI,OOO to the ratepayers, to convince you of the economy the Council has practised in its adoption. True, the more costly schemes would have provided us with pure drink ing water as well ; but, .with a complete system of concrete channeling, well en forced sanitary laws within the Borough, and our whole , drainage scheme in full working order, the purity of our under- 1

ground supply is secured and maintained, and we need not fear its failure. I think there is every reason to congratulate our selves on the completion of this work, for, winding as the stream does through our broad Domain, it gives us an -ornamental recreation ground, of which we may well be proud, and when in a few years the weep ing willows just planted along the whole course of the stream begin to trail their green boughs in the water, and- when the young' trees that are making now such rapid progress have reached maturity, we will have such a public park as few town-, ships can point to. This is a time when I think it is only graceful on your part, as residents in the Borough, and on my part, as holding the position of your Mayor, to.acknowledge our indebtedness to all who have, helped us with this scheme. It is long since a scheme like it was first mooted. I believe it is two years since Mr, Wilkie, the contractor for the work, in the columns; of the evening paper, suggested something like it. Then the river overflowed its banks and came down the gully, proving that the scheme was practicable. Mr. Rovans, Mr. Saunders, and others all have a certain amount of credit in pro pounding the scheme that is now before us a success; but who is its original author it would be difficult to say. To all who have had a hand in drawing the Council’s attention to it, however, the Borough’s thanks are due. Specially are those thanks due to Messrs. Saunders Bros, for the liberal offer of the use of their millrace as the immediate source of this supply, and to Mr. Edward Saunders, who threw himself with enthusiasm into the scheme. Mr. Fooks, the Engineer, made the works a sort .of pet. He has beert unflagging in his zealous watchful ness and attention to it. Simple as the scheme may appear, and rude and primi tive as running water into a naturaQgully may seem when looked at in the light of p public wa*er supply, it was not altogether without its engineering difficulties. It took time to surmount these, for the nature of the ground is such that for a time there was as much water absorbed iu the. soil as flowed over it to .the reser voir. Thanks to Mr. Fooks’ skill and energy, that difficulty has been overcome, and the result is before you.. .-I -do not know that it is necessary for me to dwell longer on the subject of the works ; but I think it right to mention that, were it not for the County Council meeting the Borough in such a liberal, spirit, and granting them L 6,000, and the Domain Board in allowing the water to be taken through the Domain, we should not have had the pleasure of seeing the most important work the Borough has yet undertaken, carried out. The Borough’s thanks are, therefore, due to these public bodies. lam very sorry to say that ws have not been able to accord with a time-honored custom in opening such works as this. Her Majesty the Queen has frequently honored with her own hands the inaugural ceremony of waterworks in the course of her happy, peaceful, and gracious reign ; but through the non-existence of a Lady Mayoress, and through the lady of our respected repre sentative in Parliament not being able to attend, we have not the gracious hand of a lady to perform the ceremony.. But we are compensated, as our representative himself has consented to formally turnthe tap and declare the works opened. I now ask him kindly to fulfil his promise to us, and to turn on for the first time , a supply of water to the Ashburton township, and I sincerely hope that with this flow a new and prosperous era in the township’s his tory will commence.

Mr. E. G. Wright then stepped upon the extemporised platform, amidst the cheers of the crowd, and said that the, Mayor had honored him with a request to, “ take off the screw.” It was a pleasing duty, but one that usually fell to the Lady Mayoress, or other equally distinguished lady. Ladies, as a rule, did not make public speeches, at least not long ones, and as on this occasion he was the repre-, sentative of the future Lady Mayoress,' he' would follow the wise example she would no doubt show, and say very little, as they were no doubt anxious to see the water in full flow. He agreed with the Mayor when he congratulated the Council in wisely adopting an inexpensive scheme at the commencement, but he felt sure that the time was not far distant when; this scheme would have to be supple mented by a high-pressure one. The wort now finished, and other waterworks in the future, were not to be measured bya money value. The flushing of those streets,; whioh would carry off the impurities tfiat ; always accumulated in the midst of popula-; ,tion, would no doubt save many lives by : .sweeping away, as no doubt it Wbuld, the last vestige of typhoid. - The: Mayor had referred to that splendid stream that flowed under the ground, but! as population became thick in the town-i ship that stream would become polluted,, and render a high-pressure scheme for the supply of pure water an, absolute necessity. He did not apprehend, how ever, that the evil threatened them at once, though it was certainly one that would come upon them with the increase of population, however far distant that may be. It a great fact that the abundance with which water was diffused through Hew Zealand was a great source of wealth to her, in many ways, He did not look upon this work now completed as a final; one. It was, he felt sure, but the pre clude to one that * would soon be under taken for the supply of our extensive plains, and that again the settlers would not be satisfied with, but would in time demand a complete system of irrigation, to which the domestic supply projected by, the,County Council was but the pioneer’.: After again congratulating the Borough Council and the people on the completion, of their water supply, Mr. Wright pro ceeded (to, use his own phrase) to the work of ; ;

“taking off the screw,”

which he did, at the same time declaring the water fully.turned on, and proceeding to baptize the tap by breaking a bottle of; champagne over the sump.' ‘, , ; ' , j The crowd indulged in a hearty round of cheering, and the band played a few strains of “ Die. Wacht am JRheim. ” ' ' „ In responseina cries for Mr. Fooks, .the engineer said he waa about the last one to make a speech. He would rather bring in half a dozen water supplies than make a speech, still as he had been asked to say a few, words, he would be wanting in civility if, he did not comply. Their facetious friend “ Ohispa ” had remarked about the water supply that it was only a big ditch after: all,, and that was really what it was, but there was a right way and a wrong way, of doing everything, even in a big ditch, and the making of this waterworks was not: without its difficulties. He had often; felt, as he kept pouring millions of gallons: of water, into that gully, without any: ap- : parent progress, that he was in the . posi tion of those young ladies, who;were qon-; demned for their sins to pour water into' bottomless cisterns. But he was glad that, the difficulties had all been overcome, and the nips lake before them was the result.; It had not been costly either as the Mayor had stated, if it was not a very great; engineering, triumph. But the Mayor.was a little put in stating the cost of the scheme; as such at LI,OOO. From the upper works to where they stood, the scheme had really cost only L 550. Butthe scheme,: as Mr. Wright had said, was not one to be measured by money value. In ad dition to its worth as a saiiitary improvement, it was w'orth the money 1 to have the stream flowing through the Domain, which, in a short time, vybuld bo one of which any hqroqgh might, well be proud, (Cheers.}

Mr. Bullock spoke next. As, the first Mayor of the Borough, it had given him great pleasure to see the “ turning bfiof the screw. '"’ Ten years.ago, when /Ashburton township was not, been told that the scheme now completed wo.dls lexist in the short space of .i since I tjifen, he would have said it was impossible. j.' it only showed the progress wo .had made. Outside friends had" said the'.place had risen too fast, and was now done. He thought it was only in its infancy, and he was of opinion that those around him held asimilar belief. Afterafew remarks regard ing the L 15,000 loan, which it was in the Council’s power" to raise, and which would undoubtedly 7 mean more taxation, Mr. Bullock concluded by thanking them for the compliment that had Been paid him- in asking-them, tp,-address, them,. . The crowd were tlmn to be still for a few moments while’Mr.' G. F. Henry, photographer, took a “ view” of the scene from the small island above the reservoir. The Fire Brigade and Rifles then formed and marched off in proces sion, which concluded the proceedings, not, however, before “ Captain” William Jackson Barry had poured a flood of his own particular eloquence upon such of the crowd as remained. ■ ‘ A FIRE BRIGADE TEST. i After the water had been turned on, the Brigade, who had provided sand bags for the purpose of damming up the water in the channels, with a view to backing up sufficient water to cover the suction hosfe, proceeded to Shearman’s corner. Tile horses were unhitched, and a trial was made, with the engine. The water was dammed back ,ifi the channel,- and the suction , hose placed ■on f the concrete. Although a depth of five inches of water was over the hose the suction of the engine still drew in air. The members of the Borough Council, who were present, iii vestigated the cause of the inefficient delivery from the hose nozzles, and were unanimoua in their opinion, as the Brigade were, that suinp-holesj- sunk at the street corners, were an absolute necessity. This was afterwards proved by another trial at the post office corner, where a sump-hole was tested and found to be thoroughly efficient, engine and water supply proving perfectly competent for any work required •- " ' 1 f " k ‘ ’SHE

At half-past two his Worship the Mayor entertained the members of the Borough Council, the County Council, the Domain Board, and others, to a banquet which was spread in the Somerset dining room in Host -Shearman’s best style; About fifty gentlemen sat down, and his Worship of course presided, Messrs; Williamson and Bullock being croupiers; After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts had been disposed of ; His Worship gave the health of “ Ouf Bepresentatiye in. Parliament, Mr. 8.-G; iiWrightlf’rHe'didsb because atlast election he had been a supporter of his opponent; Since then, however, he had watched Mr. Wright’s Parliamentary career, and he was sure that a more energetic representa tive could not have been found than Mr. ! Wright had proved himself to be. Should he stand again at the next election his re turn was’certain. (Applause.)

The toast was drunk with all the honors.

Mr. Wright, in reply, said that nothing took away his speech like kind words, and it was difficult for him to reply to such a kind reception as his toast had obtained.; The great question that had agitated Parr liament during the session that had closed had been retrenchment to meet the times of financial difficulty, and while dealing with that question, in a short speech, Mr.; Wright said* it~had“"been"~proved that altogether too many officials were in Go vernment employ, and that it would be necessary to have more working bees in the political hive, and less of those: officials. In a short time he would have’ to meet his constituents, so that he would not make a long speech on political sub jects at this time, but would simply content himself with thanking them for the kind manner in which they had re ceived the toast of his health. Mr. Ivess, proposed the toast of the “ County and in the course of his speech paid a high compliment to the business ability and talent of the members of the Council, referring incidentally to the work they had done, the rivets they had bridged, the waterworks they were about to undertake, and the grant of LI,OOO they had:made to the Borough. He coupled with the toast the names of Messrs. Cameron, Wright, Coster, and Bullock.

Messrs. Cameron and Coster having shortly replied to the toast, Mr. Wright said the County Council ha,d:not jintoj any r reckless .expendi ture in the works they had undertaken, and the impartiality with which these works had been distributed over the County was evidence that the welfare of: all had been considered.

Mr. Bullock also acknowledged the toast. He. attributed a certain amopnt of .credit. to f for procuring the -L5,000-grant-4;0 , -ihe< Borough.-' i. Iti refer ring to the water supply scheme, Mr. Bullock expressed a hope that the County scheme would soon be undertaken.

Mr. Branson, song—“ The Midship mite. ”

Mr. Wright proposed—“ The Water Supply.” In doing so, he said he did not know any work' iq the’ colony in which there were so great results for so small an expenditure of money. The works would be so highlv beneficial as to ft r out weigh the expenditure that had been made. He did not expect that the purity of the underground water supply would be endangered for a good while yet, and 1 ‘therefore he thought the adoption of the inexpensive scheme was the wiser course. In Parliament it grieved him to see the amount of money that had been spent on useless works, such as the Greymouth Harbor and others. If such works ,of ,th,e Rakaia plains were 1 umfertakfen* itabWad' of these, it would be more beneficial to the colony. The speaker then detailed the difficulties l that he had had to encounter in getting the County Waterworks Bill through the: House, and went on to speak of the ad vantages that would Jdg derived to the .C.ounijt .frpm, the, scheme for thej prose u.ptipn ofJie had gt>t passed gave powers. The Mayor replied. It was easier to: speak in that room than it was in the wind at the reservoir. He thanked them for the compliment they had paid him.- Since he had been elected Mayor he had done his utmost to secure as many benefits to the Borough as possible. Some ratepayers said he had asked too much, but he did not think too much could bo asked, as if nothing were given there was nothing lost, and if even a little were given there was something gained. (Laughter.;);.-. », \ ; I ;j - r ■■ Mr Coster, in'a short speech, proposed; the healths of the “Mayor and the Borough Councillors,” to which Mr. Bullock replied. He said the pro-, poser of the toast had remarked he couldi remember the time when every acre of the township could have been bought for L2 an acre. .(Sb could Mr. Bullock, but he could alsosay that he knew no town-; ship in the colony that had made such progress. Mr. Bullock concluded with a| reference to the water supply. j Mr. Williamson also replied. He had never seen a scramble among the Coun cillors for works in their own locality.! They were very solicitous for the general good, and knew not any individual favoritism. The toast wa?i also, acknowledged by Mews- Robinson, St. Hill, Parkin, Ivess, Harrison, Friedlander, and Roberts. Mr, Bullock proposed the health of “The Domain Board.” It had been said that day that the water could

not have been-., brought in without the consent of the Domain Board, but he thought the water supply had benefitted the Domain, and, instead of . owing thehi anything, he thought the Council should ask them for a thousand j pounds. I Still, the Board had met the ■ Council t ery readily. ?. Dr. Treyor acknowledged the toast. He did not think the work was complete until the water was raised at the end of the gully. He thought those who spoke of a boating excursion were a little premature, but it was not too soon to speak of bath ing-ponds being established, Ha would like to see every lad, and lassie, too, begin the day with a good bath. He would like to see the Domain an institution as a re creation ground, and to this end the water supply would greatly tend. . ■ - r . Mr. Harrison—song—“ Nothing else to do.”

Mr. Williamson proposed the health of the “Messrs. Saunders 8r05.,”-, from whose millrace the water supply .-pas taken. : He was glad to see the originator of the scheme present that day, and it was a matter of regret that; Mr. Edward Saunders had found it necessary to;-retire from the district and the Council. "" ■But .for the kindness of this firm; and their interest in this supply, the water-Cohid not have been brought into the town un less, at a cost not much less than the'high pressure scheme would have entailed. Mr. Edward Saunders acknowledged the toast in a few words, disclaiming all the, credit of being the originator of the scheme, as he said it was :a scheme pal pable to even a two-year-old boy. - Mr. Jacobson—song, “Down among the dead men.” , . Mr. St. Hill proposed the health, “Mr. Fooks, the Borough Engineer.” Mr. Fooks had been-always ready -to accept suggestions,; and throughout his - connection with the Council had been thoroughly urbane and obliging. The success of the,scheme and the truth of the channels’ levels boro, .testimony,,.tor -his ability. Mr. St. Hill also'referred to Mr. Williamson’s kindness in giving the use'of his land to bring the water in in the first instance.,.. f.,,: L r Mr. Fooks replied. He took the op portunity of thanking those gentlemep. who had helped him ’in the work; ' To 1 ope gentleman, in especial "had he been deeply indebted—one who at critical timesj iand these were many, had been up eafly"and late, and had been the right hand of the work. He referred to Mr, Brown, . the foreman of works, whose merit he pould not help acknowledging at this titiSie. (Hear, hear.) Song—Mr. Alfred Saunders, jun., , “ The British Lion; ” Mr. Friedlaiider -proposed the health of the “contractor,'Mr* James Wilkie.” ,He had carried'out the work most faithfully, —but not in every point (laughter). He had not been the lowest tenderer, but it j was not always the lowest tenderer that was the best. Mr. Wilkie humorously replied, stating that in a week the ; initiatory - contract for the County works which he. had in hand would be’completed.(Hear, hear.) Mr. Orr shortly proposed to toast of the ‘ ‘ Agricultural and Pastoral Interests,” and expressed a hope that there was a glorious future in store for bothi >’< Mr. Coster replied he was very hopeful that better times were in store for ture. He was quite sure that if the re sults of the past seven years 7 were ' taken on an average, even with the two bad years; that had : gone by, there was still left enough encouragement for men to take to agriculture. "■ • '• ■> Mr. Cameron replied for the pastoral interests. These had an encouraging future, and between the two industries— the corn and the clip—the success of the colony at present hung. Dr. Trevor humorously proposed the “ Banking Interests,” hoping that they would soon follow- the example of Mr. Wright that morning and “ take off the screw.” (Laughter). r .,.. Messrs. Shury and Revans replied.’’ Mr. Edward Saunders proposed the health of the “Legal Profession.” They were very nice fellows, and very fond of each other, and he had no doubt they vrould tell them that day how well they loved each other.

Mr. Branson had such a long speech to make in proposing the press—a toastjthat he would have to give shortly, that Tie couldn’t make any speech then 'beyond simply thanking them. He 1 would mand over the speech making to his partner, Mr. Purnell." (Laughter). Mr. Purnell could not be. guilty ; pf‘fthe breach of professional etiquette .of .two counsel of the same firm. addressing .the Court. (Laughter). Mr. Branson, song—“ Drink, Puppy Drink.!’ ■ 1 .• .-.-'r Mr. Cameron proposed .the toast of the “ Mercantile interests,”, referring, to„the time when it cost, L 6 a ton to bring merchandise from town to 1 Ashburton, but the railway had reduced thatj aum, !t«> "a ! 'nominal figure, and brought merchants to their door. ! 4 . !■,- f, f.’.'Jt?; Bullock and'Mr.,Orr replied.' The* ;latter ..said it was an’ index ‘‘ .of , rett)'ru ing prosperity when, an importanti;. resi dent who had slid, put of business, on the begining of the bad times liad slid back again. (Laughter.). " The press having been proposed "By Mir. Branson, and suitably responded to, Mr. Robinson proposed the Most in a com plimentary speech, and Mr. Shearman replied. ’ n - Mr. Parkin proposed the health jaf the Mayor,- who had done his'Atmost inside and outside on behalf of the Borough. Wherever the Borough had“a .chance of making a claim at all th«i Mayor had not neglected; to make application, and if the township got only half what, the Mayor had been asking; . ment, County Council, and Road Board, and every,where* they - would : certainly have something worth getting!, ilm .The Mayort replied. , He would not take, the credit =of all that ihad,been at tributed to him by Mr. Parkin. :sThe previous Mayor had been just as enegetic as himself, and'if he was notsuccessful in getting all he wanted it was no fault of his. In the matter of the Borbugh ? s claiia now being made Mr; Wright had rendered "good service, and thorb was no doubt that such aid in Parliament was veryigreat The party separated after.‘‘ the Queen ” had been sung! . ->-.j

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuter's Agency.) . j . , London, Sept. 23. ' Arrived—Hawkhope and Manx Queen from Oamaru. , f Later intelligence from the Capet/of (jrood Hope states that 1000 Basutoa and. Mahales, together with 5000' Mafetinge, attacked the Cape Rifles, .when seveie* fighting took place. The enemy was <re pulsed.; The total reserve of notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 16,750,000. The market rate of discount is ' below bank rate. Five Per Cent.; Hew, Zealand. 10-40'Loanhas risen to To3£, ; other Hew Zealand; Securities are unchanged. }/ At the wool sale to-day, 7,400 tales were offered, making a, total of 276,000 catalogued since the opening. , prices were again firmly maintained. '■ The match Australians against, ; .-the Nottingham County Eleven, at ’ Notting ham was commenced to-day. The attend ance at the match was very large. . i A capital wicket was pitched, and the gropnd was in good order. The Australians ytenb in first’to .the wickets, and scoreds : 141 runs. Alexander was . not out _ for Murdoch was caught after putting together 42. . The Home team .went to the 'wickeia.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1880.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly- All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. AUCTION SALES. To-Day. Quill and Co., at the Yards, Tinwald— Cattle, Fat Wethers, and Pigs. Also at the Parade Ground, Ashburton — Entire Horses. Sale immediately after the Parade. Robert Wilkin and Co., at Tinwald Sale yard—Horses, Colts, Fillies, and Two tooth Crossbred Sheep. Saturday, October 2. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association Grounds — Entire Horses, &c. Sale after the Para de. T. Bullock, at the Horse Bazaar —Horses, &c. Also at his Rooms, East Street — Furniture, Miscellaneous Goods, &c. Tuesday, October 5. Davies and Winter, at South Rakaia — 250 cords of Bluegum Saplings. Sale at 2 o’clock. Miscellaneo.us. The national mutual life ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). Established 1869. Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, F.I.A. The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington, and Hobart 'Town. The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident Secretary—Thomas Swain, Temple . Chambers, Featherston street, Wellington. Agent for the County of Ashburton— S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bros.), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 169a-821c



Miscellaneous. FOUND —On the Winchmore Road, near Digby’s Farm, the Door of a Ash PAN, belonging tp a Threshing Machine. Apply Herald Office. ' 2660 THE “ CRUSADER ” is afloat . for Lyttelton, with a large consignment of all kinds of Material for GENTLEMEN’S CLOTHING for ALEX. CRAIGHEAD & CO., About which we shall have some thing to say in this space when the Goods are delivered. A. Craighead & Go., Merchant Tailors, TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr & Co.) PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. 982a-4450 KAIAI’OI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED.) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. Forms of application for SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23, 1880. TWENTY POUNDS REWARD. " THE above reward will be paid to any person who shall give such informa tion as will lead to the conviction of any one committing a breach of the Law Practitioners or other similar Acts or Odinances, by preparing Deeds or other Legal Documents, or in any way what ever. BRANSON and PURNELL. F. P. O’REILLY. EDWD G. CRISP. C. W. IRELAND. 853c-198c CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. GRAND ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, OP SCOTCH MUSIC, DANCING, &C., IN THE TOWN HALL, ON THURSDAY EVENING, SEP TEMBER 30. PROGRAMME : Introductory Address President Bagpipes “ Pibrochs” Piper Elder Piano...“ Reels and Strathspeys”...Miss Kidd Dancing In Costume The Clans (Messrs Kidd, M‘Rae, Reid and Macduff.) Part Song “ Scots whahae” Party Song... “Auld Robin Gray”...Mrs Craighead Song “ Scotland Yet”....Mr Craighead Revding “Tam o’Shanter”— Song . ‘ MacGregors’ Gathering” Gaelic Song The Barrin’ Song. o’ oor Door”" Mr G. D. Branson ...Mr D. Campbell Mr MrcLean Dunn Sword Dance...Ghilie Callum....Mr M‘Rae INTERVAL OF TEN MINUTES. Piano Jessie’s Dream Miss Kidd Dance. .. The Highland Fling...Mr MacDuFF Song. .. “ The Auld Scots Sangs”...Mrs Dunn Song Mrs Brookshaw Song “ The Cameron Men” Mr Craighead Song Mr G. D. Branson (“ Wha Wadna Fecht for Chairlie,”) Duet “Caller Herrin” Two Ladies Tri0........ “ Willie Brewed a Peck” Party Songs —The Rowan Tree, The Land o’ the Leal, etc., as time may permit. Reel o’ Tulloch The Clans “AULD LANGSYNE” in Chorus. National Anthem. i I Tickets —Dress Circle, and a few Re served Seats in front of the stage, 3s ; second seats, 2s. ; back seats, Is. To be had of members of the Committee, at the several stores in town, and at the Hall on the night of the Concert. Apply early, as there is a demand for seat room. Doors open at 7.30. Pibroch to strike up at eight. ADA N C E will take place after the Concert, tickets for which —2s. 6d.—may be had of the Dance Committee. 921 c 250 g Circular. To STATION-HOLDERS, LANDED PROPRIETORS, FARMERS, CATTLE - DEALERS, AND THE RESIDENTS IN ASH BURTON AND SURROUND ING DISTRICTS. Messrs. Quill & Co., AUCTIONEERS, STOCK, LAND, & ESTATE AGENTS, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Ashburton, "DEG to announce to station-holders, landed proprietors, farmers, cattle dealers, and residents in Ashburton and the surrounding districts, that they have COMMENCED BUSINESS in the above line ; and, from thair long experience in the various departments, feel assured that all commissions en trusted to them will be conducted satis factorily to their patrons. Sales will be held as required, at the Salerooms and Yards in Ashburton, or any part of the district. They will also hold a Regular Sale of STOCK, LAND, FARM PRODUCE, FURNITURE, and GENERAL MERCHANDISE, at their Rooms, every Saturday, particu lars of which will be duly advertised. The interest and the support of sellers and buyers are respectfully solicited. Cash Advances made on all classes of Goods placed in their hands for sale. For particulars of Sales please see advertisements. Quill & Co., AUCTIONEERS, SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, Ashburton. 2380-918c* THE REEL 0’ TULLOCH.



THE ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COMPANY,, LIMITED. ~VTOTICE is. hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Shareholders in the above Company will be held on MONDAY, the 4th day of October next, at 8 o’clock in the evening, in the Town Hall, Ashburton. Business : 1. The adoption or otherwise of the Directors’ Annual Report, and the Annual Balance Sheet. 2. The Election of Directors for the ensuing year. 3. The Election of Auditors for the ensuing year. 4. The advisability or otherwise of increasing the nominal value of shares, and other general business. CHARLES BRADDELL, Secretary to above Company. 922c-2610