MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 6 a. ra. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a.m and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Tiraaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Meunt Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a. m. Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 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 and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER. THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1880.

The withdrawal of capitation from the Volunteers will doubtless cripple that patriotic body of men for a time, and have the effect, perhaps, of damp ing the ardour, to some extent, of not a few of the most enthusiastic mem bers. There are those who look upon dur isolation in New Zealand frem the rest of the world as a commercial dis advantage, but who will, doubtless, set down as a per contra the immunity, real or fancied, which the same isola tion gives us from the attacks of foes. They are welcome to their opinion, but we hope this faith in our immunity is not general, for it is quite possible we may find ourselves rudely convinced that this faith is not well founded. We are no more satisfied that a foe of England would think this small part of England’s empire too far away and too insignificant to look up, then we are satisfied that our isolation is a com plete barrier to our entrance into the world’s market as merchants of pro duce. At any rate, it is quite within the bounds of possibility that at some future period of the colony’s history all our military and defensive ability may be wanted, and, though we do not counsel the maintenance of a standing army, nor urge New Zealand to stand armed to the teeth, and look out from our southern corner like a snarling bull terrier, ever ready to bite, still it is as well that our youth should learn the use of arms and some notion of military work. This can only be ac quired at some cost to the colony, and to do it efficiently that cost is no small item. The full cost we cannot at present afford, and realising our poverty stricken state, Parliament has wiped out the capitation grant. But there ought to be exceptions to the action of this wholesale wiping out. There are corps that have struggled into existence honestly and battled manfully against many difficulties, and the officers of these, trusting to Government-given aid, have become personally responsible for necessary liabilities incurred for their corps’ benefit. Some consideration ought to be had, and some allowance made for such corps. For the credit of the colony we hope that these ex; penses will not fall upon the purses of the officers, but that the liabilities in curred will be taken oyer by the Go vernment. Then, there are corps, only formed a short time ago, comparatively speaking, but on whom money has been spent by the Government, and also to no small extent by the members themselves. A very small expenditure would suffice to enable these corps to meet their first and heaviest expendi ture, and then be in a fair way to help themselves. The Government aid given to volunteers does not represent all the money that the movement costs, and we know that not a man in any corps holds his position without being in a greater or less degree out of pocket. In fact, volunteering is rather an expensive pastime, if it be looked upon as such; and looked upon as a duty, it takes the form, to most citizen soldiers, of a tax. Last November, at the annnal distribution of prizes to the Cheshire Rifle Volunteers, Lieut.-Colonel King, who is one of the oldest officers in the English volunteer service, said that, some time back, in obedience to in structions from the War office, he had collected statistics, showing the actual expenditure of his battalion for the year, and he was surprised at the result. The average excess of annua! expendi ture of his battalion and staff over receipts amounted to 24. This was for seven companies, the eighth not having at that date reported ; but he was satisfied the return of the eighth company would bring the total up to ;£Boo. He assumed that the result would be found to represent the aver age in other corps over the kingdom, and at that rate was annually paid by the volunteers and their friends to keep up the force. We feel morally certain that a sum larger in proportion to the number of volunteers is annually paid by the officers and men and friends of the movement in New Zealand. It must be so, for the Go vernment aid alone could never support the corps as they are now situated, and as a man’s willingness to put his hand in his pocket to pay is a sign that he believes in what be is paying for, we conclude that the volunteers are in earnest, and a sum sufficient to help the struggling ones to live as corps till better times dawn ought certainly to be voted.

We would once more draw the at tention of our readers to the necessity of placing themselves, if they have not already done so, upon the electoral roll of the district. A farmer on the plains a few days ago pointed out to us that a large number of his neighbors, being leaseholders, had not registered, be lieving that, having been on the old roll, they would be placed on the new one as a matter of course. We would remind those gentlemen that there is no “of course” about it, but that if they do not apply for registration they will not be registered. The leasehold qualification is no longer recognised, and the only claims the registrar will listen to are those of freehold property and residence in the district. The mistake made by many residents in believing that they are “ electors” be cause they possessed votes under the old' system, and have neglected to register under the new law, has con siderably reduced the roll of the dis trict. We are surprised to notice how few, too, of those whom the new resi dential qualification has entitled to a vote have seen fit as yet to take ad vantage of the right conferred upon them.

Hinds School. —Tenders are invited in another column for the erection of a school at the Hinds. District Court. —The usual sitting of the District Court takes place on Monday next. Educational. — Miss Barratt announces her intention of opening a seminary for young ladies. The Ashburton Water-Works Bill.— This Bill was read a second time in the Legislative Council on Tuesday evening. New Firm. —The shop in Tancrcd Street lately occupied by Mr. J. Fowler, has been taken by Messrs. E. Hutton and Co., where they are prepared to dispose of their stock at “ astounding bargains."

The San Francisco Mail. —Mails for tile United Kingdom, Ac., via San Fran cisco, will close at Ashburton on Saturday morning at 9 o’clock. Money orders to go by this opportunity should be taken out on or before Friday.

Cart Accident. —Last night a carter, driving a three-horse dray from Cox street to the Great South Road, across the tussocks between Mr. Buchanan’s house and that of Rev. Mr. Westbrooke, mot with a mishap just as he reached the Great South Road. His shafts broke when the dray took the dip of the ditch, and for a short time the dray, laden with a plough and chaff formed a sort of block ade, but was soon drawn to a side. There was no damage done beyond the breaking of the shafts, and the horses were uninjured.

Tinkettlino a Bobby. Constable Rouse, with his newly made bride, having arrived at Rakaia by the last train from Christchurch, on Tuesday, the larrikins of the place, about twenty in number, assembled about half-past ten oclock in front of his house in Mackie Street, and serenaded the happy pair with the music usually obtained by beating empty tins, accompanying the music with songs and choruses. Failing to induce the constable to make his ap pearance the band adjourned thinking that he might not be at home. But they re turned after some little time and re-com monced their serenading. Ultimately the happy man came out and gave the musi cians a sovereign to drink the health of himself and wife, when the band disap peared to the nearest hotel singing, “For he’s a jolly good fellow.”

The Fire Brigade. —Last night the members of the Fire Brigade to the number of fourteen turned out to prac tice. The deep well opposite Saundors’ Buildings was tried, and was found to con tain over seven feet of water. Four lengths of suction hose -were attached to the engine and dropped into the well. Pumping commenced, and, working with a half-inch nozzle, it was found that an abundant supply was available. A three quarter inch nozzle was then screwed on, and the branchman was able, even with the greater volume of water thrown, to send a jet over the roof of the Commercial Hotel, and the office of this paper. This well had been set down as almost useless, hut it is now found to be a good service able source of supply, thanks, no doubt, to the Borough’s water supply scheme through the Domain, the perlocation from which is evidently helping the wells im mediately below it. The members of the Brigade look remarkably well in their new uniform, but they would he all the better of a few more men on the pump handles, as the engine is very inefficiently worked with fewer than twenty.

Masonic. —An emergency meeting of the St. John’s Lodge was held in the Masonic Hall on Tuesday evening, which was largely attended. Although called under the dispensation of a particular lodge, this meeting was to all intents and purposes a general gathering of the masons of Ashburton, for the purpose of imparting and receiving instruction in the symbolic work of a masonic lodge. A very instructive lecture in the E.A. degree was given by P.M. Bro. Stevenson, also one on the principles of architecture as shown in King Solomon’s Temple, by Bro. Rev. Hands. For the purpose of illustration, Bro. Hands had a model of the Taber nacle as built by the children of Israel, also drawings of the Temple of Jerusalem. Bro. Guinness instructed the brethren in the secret work of the craft, which as an old and experienced craftsman, he was in a particularly good position to impart As the inaugural meeting of- its kind, this may be considered a success, and doubt less the masons in the district will not be slow to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded for working themselves up in the symbolic work of the craft.’ The next meeting is to be called by the Somerset Lodge, and will be held in about a month.

Ashburton School Committee. —The usual monthly meeting of the local School Committee was held on Tuesday, and was an unusually short one. There were present Dr. Stewart (Chairman), Messrs. Bean, Boyle, Jacobsen, Orr, and St. Hill. Master .Tunes, pupil teacher, wrote, requesting to be relieved from his duties, in consequence of his parents re moving to Invercargill. Mr. Jacobsen moved, and Mr. Orr seconded, “ That, under the circumstances, the Board of Education be recommended to relieve Innes from his duties.” Considerable discussion ensued on the question, and members of the committee expressed their opinion that these kind of applications were becoming unpleasantly frequent. The motion was carried, but it was under stood the recommendation was only made in consequence of the exceptional circum stances of the case. Several letters per taining to the routine of the school were read from the Board of Education. The masters report showed that there were on the| roll at present-boys, 225 ; girls, 224 ; total, 449, To-day’s attendance —boys, 184 ; girls, 178 ; total, 362. Reference was made in the report to the contemplated removal of pupil teacher Innes, the master expressing his opinion that the vacancy could be filled without muck difficulty ; to the disadvantage which Mr. Mayo labored under through insufficient desk accommodation ; to the state of the small gate in front of the school ; and to the very satisfactory state of cleanliness in which the school was kept. It was ex plained by the Chairman that the desks had been ordered, and that instructions had been given to have the dilapidated gate repaired. There being no other business the proceedings terminated.

The Bariimd. —An information has been laid against Beattie, proprietor of the Palace hotel, in Christchurch, for keeping a barmaid at work after hours.

A Wealthy Swindler. —A man named Smith has been arrested at Auckland for issuing valueless cheques. He is of good English connection, a remittance man, and heir to L 20,000.

A Coaling Station. —The German Con sul at Auckland intends to transmit a report to the German Admiralty as to the facilities of Auckland as a coaling station, with a view to causing them to direct vessels to that port for the purpose of obtaining supplies, instead of Australia.

Railway Accident.— At Papakura, a station in the Auckland Province, a man named Livingston, rushing to catch a de parting train, slipped, fell, and was run over, without anyone knowing., lie was not killed, however, and when he returned to consciousness his cries attracted the stationmastor’s attention. Both of the in jured man’s legs had to be cut off.

Business and Pleasure.— The readi ness with which our senators welcome any opportunity of escaping from the dreary and monotonous duties pertaining to their position was illustrated last Friday when, in concluding an answer to a question put by Colonel Brett, re the ship Annabella. at Lyttelton, the Attorney General added “ Speaking of ships, I wish to say that members of both Houses will be taken to her Majesty’s ships Raleigh and Damn to-morrow afternoon, at 2.30, by the Stella.” This rapid and agreeable change of the conversation (says the Post) from such a painful subject of discussion as the propriety of risking sailors’ lives in alleged unseaworthy vessels was hailed with loud applause by the Council, who continued in a pleasant mood until they came to dis cuss the reductions made by the Lower House in the salaries of officers of the Legislative Council, whereat they ex pressed some dissatisfaction.

The Waimate Plains. — A telegram from Pungarehu states that four more natives were arrested on Tuesday morn ing, which makes tan more to be sent to New Plymouth. The Taranaki Herald states that the Surveyor-General has tele graphed to the Chief Surveyor, request ing him to meet him on the Waimate Plains, so that they may go over the land together, to make arrangements for sur veying it.

Wild Deer. —The Wuirarapa Daily of a recent date has the following “ The deer that were turned out in tho Waira rapa district a few years ago have in creased and multiplied at a marvellous rate. A gentleman who was passing through Wainuioru the other day informed the Times that he passed by droves of deer, amongst them stags with enormous antlers. The animals are said to abound from Wainuioru right across country to the sea at Rutherford. In another year or so venison should be a marketable article of diet.”

No Pay, No Teaching. —At a recent meeting of the Board of Governors of the Wellington College it was remarked that L 205 2s, Gd. was due to the treasurer on account of fees. Mr. Levin, M.H.R., said that in King’s College, London, it was customary when he was a boy for each student to present a ticket of admis sion at the commencement of the term. This ticket was virtually an acknowledg ment of the receipt of the required fee, and without it no boy could be admitted. Ho suggested that in future no student should bo admitted who failed to produce his receipt, and tho proposition appeared to meet with favor.

A Knowing Horse. —A story is told (says the English correspondent of the Melbourne Weekly Times) that many years ago the famous trainer of racehorses, the recently deceasedTbomas Dawson, paid a visit to Swinton Park, thehome of his em ployer, Admiral Harcourt. The Admiral invited Dawson to accompany him to the adjoining paddocks in order to inspect the brood mares and foals. “ I will show you an old favorite of yours,” said the owner of Swinton Park, as they approached a cluster of brood mares ; “If Ellderdale is among them,” observed Dawson, “ depend upon it that she has not forgotten her old grudge against me, and {that she will run me out of the paddock,” The mare in question lifted up her head as the voice of her former trainer reached her ears, and after gazing upon him for a minute, she set off to pursue him, with ears laid back, and flashing eye and snorting nostril.

LI,OOO in Notes Burnt.— A few days since our Wellington telegrams contained the information that a fire had taken place on the station of Mr. H. Mace, com pletely destroying the whole of the build ings thereon. From files now to hand we learn that the most unfortunate part of the affair is the fact that a large sum of money—Ll,ooo in notes —was burnt in the fire. This money had been received in two large bundles of notes, in payment of a quantity of cattle which had been sold. From some motive or other these notes had not been banked, but was secreted by Mr. Simpson, one of the pro prietors, in a portion of the roof, inform ing no one—not even his wife—where they were placed. On the morning following the fire, a quantity of calcined paper was found. This parcel was carefully taken up, put into a handkerchief, and sent to tho Bank of New Zealand at Wellington, where steps will probably be taken to ascertain by scientific aid if the bundle referred to actually consists of the notes left in the house.

“ Our Perambulator,” the funnyman of the Christchurch Echo, treats his readers to the following account of a Road Board Clerk's various positions : “ I happened to be down at the Wakaia lately. It is a pretty place, and the scenery most picturesque. I had occasion to visit the Road Board office, and I can assure your readers that I was in per fect dread of the gentleman I inter viewed, as he appeared to me more like the Lord Mayor of London than a small pettifogging clerk. lam credibly informed that ho has a good salary, viz., L2OO per annum from the Road Board and LSO per annum from the Go vernment, but ho has a soul above salaries, and he has therefore engaged himself to an Insurance Company, as their agent, for which he receives a very large remuneration. Our friend is not, however, content with that. He serves his own summonses from the Court, and gets his own servant to clean out the offices, although he has authority to employ labor for the purpose. The Hon. John Hall should not lose sight of such a valuable acquisition to the public ser vice.”

A Wellington Brothel Burst.— A destructive fire broke out in a house of ill-fame in Wellington, occupied by Mrs. Baker, at 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday. When the fire was first discovered the front part of the building, which contained 12 rooms, was one mass of llamos, spending rapidly. The occupants soon made their escape, but were unable to saa c anything. The Fire Brigades worked well, but the flames having a firm hold, it was impos sible to do anything but endeavor to pre vent the spread of the fire. The strong wind, however, carried the fire to a four roomed cottage occupied by the cook to Mrs. Baker, which was soon burned. The next buildings to catch were the cottage owned by Mr. Webb, and a work shop containing a quantity of tools owned by Mr. F. Pagon. The former was gutted, but the latter was completely des troyed. It was thought that a large num ber of houses would be destroyed, but the stroi g pressure of water from several streets got the flames under. Several narrow escapes occurred from burning flakes. The fire is supposed to have been caused through the bursting of the kerosene lamp. Mrs. Baker was insured for LIOSO. Hone of the other buildings were insured. A dotatchment of sailors from H.M.S. Raleigh did good service in saving property.

“Up in A Balloon. M. Javis, a French balloonist, is about to make an attempt to cross the English Channel in a balloon —of course, weather permitting. No date has been fixed for the ascent ; but, although M. Javis finds his own balloon and takes all the risk, the authorities have agreed to send the aero naut the meteorological observations which will enable him to select the most suitable time for his voyage. A steamer will ac company the balloon as far as possible, and the ascent will probably be made at Boulogne some time this month.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE £1,200.

To the Editor. Sir, —It appears that only L 1,200 has been lost to this Borough from the cul pable negligence of our City Fathers, while they have been wasting time over trifling matters. We have been heavily rated during times of great depression; and I think, sir, they are morally (if not legally) liable to the ratepayers for this breach of trust. I would strongly urge on tho inhabitants the propriety of calling a public meeting forthwith for the purpose of asking this honorable body to resign their trust, in order to elect fresh members who would act for their advan tage. —I am, Ac. A Victim,

LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

A meeting, which had been called by circular, was held in the Town Hall on Tuesday. There was a good attendance of business men, including his Worship the Mayor, Dr. Stewart, Dr. Trevor, Messrs. Jacobson, J. Orr, Bullock, Hodder, Zouch, Steel, Guinness, Pavitt, Revans, Eytun, Jameson, S. S. Shnry, A. O. Aitken and others. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair. After some discussion on tho resources of this district, in which it was suggested that, amongst other industries which should he specially fostered, were those of the manufacture of oatmeal, woollen goods, cheese and butter, the curing of hams and bacon, and the growing of fruit, the following resolutions were carried unanimously ; —Proposed by Dr. Stewart, and seconded by Mr. Jacobson— “ That an Association be formed for the purpose of promoting the establishment in Ashburton and district of manufacturing and other industries. ” Proposed by Mr. Purnell, seconded by Mr. T. R. Hodder “ That the functions of the Association he - ll) To make inquiry into the capabilities of the district as regards any proposed industry which may seem, on general grounds, to offer a fair prospect of success. (2) To endeavor, when such inquiries shall have proved that any particular industry may he profitably carried on, to bring about its establishment, either by joint stock or private enterprise, and either by merely drawing public attention to the facts obtained, or by directly negotiating with manu facturers, capitalists, and others, as may be deemed most expedient.” Proposed by Mr. Jacobson, seconded by Mr. Bullock—• “ That the name of the Association be ‘ The Ashburton Local Industries Association, and that the entrance to the Association he by a subscription of ss. per annum.” Proposed by Mr. D. Williamson, seconded by Mr. W. H. Zouch— “ That the Association be managed by President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Genera! Committee of fifteen members, with power to add. The officers to have votes as members of Committee; Proposed by Mr. Eyton, seconded by Mr. Bullock— “ That those present be a Provisional Com mittee for drafting rules, etc., for the Associa tion, to be submitted to a meeting to be called by advertisement for Monday, August 16th at 2.30 p.m.” Proposed by Dr. Trevor, seconded by Mr. Steel — “ That the Chairman, Messrs. Purnell, Bullock, Eyton, and Jacobson be a Committee to draw up rules and put before next meet ing.” After passing the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting adjourned.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

A public meeting of ratepayers was held at the Road Board Office, Mount Somers, on August 9th, 1880, to take into consideration tho proposed exchange of road through Messrs.' Gould and Cameron’s property, near Mothven. Mr. I. E. Taylor was voted to the chair. The Clerk read tho advertisement calling the meeting, and tho Chairman read the description of tho road proposed to be closed and the line proposed to be taken in exchange. Mr. Tisch proposed, and Mr. John Devery seconded —‘ ‘ That the old line of road from S.E. corner of 23518 to S.E. corner of 19975, and marked pink, be abandoned, and that the new road from aforesaid S.E. corner of 23518 to the S.E. corner of 24989, and marked green, be opened in lieu thereof.” The motion was carried, with only one dissentient. The Clerk was directed to forward the plans, together with tho above resolution, to the County Council, with a request that they will complete the transfer as soon as possible. The meeting then adjourned. A special meeting of the Board was held subsequently. Present —Messrs. Cameron, Poache, and Taylor. Mr. Peache was voted to the chair. Mr. P. Tisch interviewed the Board relative to the Sawmill road, and requested them to continue the formation for a further distance of thirteen chains into the bush, also offering to contribute 255. per chain towards the work. The Board consented to do the work, and the Suiveyor was instructed to call for tenders for the next meeting of the Board. The Board then adjourned.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Tuesday, August 10, 1880. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. A first offender was fined the usual ss. ALLEGED LARCENY OF TREES. Thomas, Nolan and Jeremiah Heffer man wore charged with the larceny of eighteen trees, known as microcarpa, the property of the Domain Board. Mr. Purnell appeared for the prosecution. Prisoner Nolan applied for a remand until Friday, so as to obtain evidence from Timaru, proving that he bought the trees at that place. Hetferman stated he was only a lodger with Nolan, and also wished for a remand. Mr. Purnell asked to be allowed to take evidence proving the larceny, before prisoners were remanded. Humphrey William Charlton gave evi dence that he was keeper of the Ashburton Domain, and had missed a large quantity of trees from that place on four different occasions, numbering in all sixty-six, and had found some of the trees in Nolan’s garden. He valued the trees at Is. 6d. each. The accused wore remanded until Friday next, bail being allowed, accused in a bond of LIOO, and two sureties of LSO each. ALLEGED SHEEP-STEALING. George Pyko was charged with the larceny of four sheep, the property of Richard Lancaster’. Mr. Crisp appeared for the defence. Constable Warring, sworn, deponed—l remember the 4th August. On that day wont to Mr. Pyke’s slaughter-yard, in company with Mr. Lancaster. I had a warrant authorising me to search for four sheep. Read the warrant to accused. He said, “I didn’t think Mr. Lancaster would be so sharp as this.” On going to the slaughter-yard saw two sheep marked RL conjoined (in red) on the back ; also, two skins similarly marked. The skins were fresh, and hung on the fence of the yard, with the fleshy side out. The two sheep and skins outside the Court'are the ones I took possession of. There was another living sheep in the yard. It was about XI a. m. when I went there.

By Mr. Crisp—l met with Mr- Fyke rtt his house, and after reading the warrant, he went with me • to the slaughter-yard. The yard is situated in the middle of a paddock. It is not under cover. I be lieve it is usual to hang sheepskins with the fleshy side out. The sheep were en closed in a pen in the ordinary way. Richard Lancaster, sworn—l am a butcher, residing in Ashburton. On the 3rd of this month, I bought ninety-five sheep at the Ashburton saleyards— seventy-five in one lot, and twenty in an other. The seventy-five sheep wore mixed, most of them were wethers. I counted seventeen out to kill, and the others to he turned out on turnips, and branded them all with R.L. conjoined,' with a bar over it. The brand is placed

on the back of the sheep, with the bar to wards the head. The color of !|the brand is red. Left seventeen sheep in one yard, and the remainder in another. In the same yard were three 11 crawlers ” be longing to accused. “ Crawlers ” is a technical term, and is used to denote old inferior sheep. These crawlers were worth about 4s. Gd. each. One was an old ewo, the other a cross-bred hogget, and the third I cannot describe; it was course and ragged-looking. I gave Bs. for the sheep I bought. Was present when Mr. Pyko bought his sheep. They did not resemble the ones I bought in any way. The sheep which accused bought were in a yard separated from my own. Went to look at the sheep next morning, and found all of them mixed in one yard, and two of Mr. Pyke’s with them. I had to separate them, to get the sheep out for slaughtering. I missed the sheep before I culled them, as one or two of the best were gone. Never gave anyone permis sion to take the sheep. Ha v e known Mr. Fyke for some time. He never asked me, nor did I give him permission to take any of my sheep. Went with Constable Warring to ‘ accused’s slaughteryards. My suspicions were aroused in con sequence of seeing Pyke’s sheep mixed with -. mine. Pyke’s man also told me in the street that he had taken five sheep away from the yards. The sheep and skins now outside the Court are the ones which I pointed out to Constable Warring at the slaughter-yards, in the presence of accused. The sheep are pass able animals, in good condition. They are about 451 b. in weight. By Mr. Crisp—Have known Pyke for some time as a butcher in Ashburton. Have had previous dealings with him. All transactions have been settled up satisfactorily. Have sold Pyko sheep a good time ago, for the purpose of supply ing his customers. Have also bought stock of accused. Have never exchanged sheep with accused. Always sell to him. Am not in Pyke’s debt for driving cattle. He has driven cattle from Stoddart’s for me, but I do not know whether it has been settled for, but believe it has. The sheep were divided into two yards. Two of my men and myself branded them. One of Mr. Pyke’s sheep, which jumped about, had to be tied down. Mr. Pyke and a man named Meiklejohn helped me count the sheep. Afterwards we went and had a drink. It is customary on such occa sions to “ shout” for the man who helps you count sheep. In a conversation with Pyke, he said, “ I meant to have those twenty old ewes ; that was a little lot which would have just done me.” I said, “I was bound to have them, as I have more turnips than I know what to do with.” There was nothing said about Mr. Pyko taking the sheep. I was per fectly sober at Ihe time ; never had any thing to drink for a fortnight previous. Saw Berry, Pyke’s man, and he told me he had taken five sheep. I asked him why he had not taken the other two. He said ho took all that he was told to. Heard that Berry was a partner with Pyke. There was no attempt at concealment on the part of Pyko. Do not know whether accused meant to pay for the sheep. Never had such a transaction with him as this before. I do not know how the sheep got mixed, but someone must have done so.

By the police—l left the yard the night before just before dark. George Berry, sworn, deponed—Am a butcher, driving accused’s cart. On the 3rd August saw Pyke at Mr. Quill’s hotel, a little after six o’clock. I asked Pyke if we should go and get the sheep. He said yes. I had a cart with me. Went with Mr. Pyke to the saleyards. Saw sheep in two yards. I went to get some flax, and left accused in the cart. When I came back helped Pyke to catch four sheep. One was tied. I asked how many sheep there were, and he said a small lot. I saw more than could be put in the cart. While we were catching the sheep, I asked how many he had bought, and he said five. The sheep were in two yards when I came back with the flax. We took the sheep to Pyke’s slaughter yard, and I killed two of the sheep. Sold the meat the next morning. Did not notice any brands on the shoep the pre vious evening, it was too dark. It was about seven o’clock when wo left the yards. Have been with Mr. Pyke about a week last Friday. I expected to become accused’s partner in the cart and butcher ing. I have been in Digby’s employment, and have worked for Pyke once before. I am used to handle sheep. Could tell the difference between good and indifferent sheep in the dark. After I came back with the flax the sheep were mixed. The gate was opened, and the sheep were going from one yard to another. I was away about ton minutes. Don’t know who caught the first sheep. We took away five sheep altogether. We caught such sheep as we could lay hold of. By Mr. Crisp—l was last in Digby’s employ. Did not leave on purpose to go into partnership with Pyke. Usually kill the sheep and supply the customers. In one of the yards about twenty sheep were against the gate when -we first went there. Cannot say whether the gate was open when we first arrived. I could not have picked out any particular sheep out of the mob on account of it being dark. The sheep were killed by me \n the ordinary way.

By the Bench —After I got back with the flax the sheep got mixed. No one opened the gate while I was there. Charles Cornelius, sworn—l am a butcher, in the employ of Mr. Lancaster. On Tuesday last saw Mr. Lancaster brand some slieep at the saleyards. They Were afterwards drafted. A small mob were butchers’ meat. They were put into a separate yard ; we tied the gate with flax. Saw three sheep in an adjoining yard. One of them was lying down with its legs tied, the other two were small ones. It was possible to pick two of Mr. Lancaster’s out very near as bad, but not as bad. Have seen the two sheep outside, and could distinguish them in the dark by handling them from the two small sheep. There were three separate pens. By Mr. Crisp—lt was nearly dark when I saw the sheep ; they were in the three pens then, and I have not seen them since.

George Berry, re-examined—The sheep with its legs tied was in a yard by itself. In reply to Mr. Crisp, Ilia Worship said he did not intend to treat the case as one of an indictable offence. For the defence, Mr. Csisp called Sergeant Felton, who gave evidence that he had known the accused for several years, and had known him as an honor able and straightforward man. Mr. Crisp addressed the Bench, and stated that Mr. Lancaster had evidently laid the information in a heated moment. From the evidence, and especially that of Berry, it would be seen there was no at tempt at concealment. Berry had told Lancaster about the sheep, and Pj'ke had willingly accompanied the police and Lan caster to the slaughteryard. There was np felonious intent proved. Mr. Lan- : caster had refused to state whether he felt he would be paid for the sheep. The whole thing arose out of a conversation which took place over a glass. The ac cused did not deny taking the sheep, and did so on the grounds of the usual friendly transactions which had previously taken place between the parties. Had the pro secutor wished to recover the value of the sheep he could have got it in the ordinary way, Mr. Crisp submitted there was no case against his client.

His Worship said that the accused had played himself in a most unfortunate posi tion, as if he had been committed for trial, the judge, if tho jury found him guilty, would probably have sent him to gaol for fourteen years. After carefully considering the evidence, he felt there was a doubt as to whether there was felonious

intent in the matter, and would give the ac cused the benefit of the doubt. After cautioning the accused as to his' careless and indiscreet conduct, his Worship dis missed the-case. There was an attempt at applause on. the part of those present in Court, but it was speedily suppresed. CIVII, CASES. Quill v. Basstend.—Claim L 4 7s. Judg ment by default for plaintiff, for amount, with costs, 9s. Woolley v. Hammond.—Claim Ll 9 Bs. 3d. Judgment for plaintiff, by default, with LI 10s. costs. Little v. Fisher.—Claim L2 ss. Mr. Branson for plaintiff, Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. Little deponed that defendant was in debted for the amount for board and lodging. The drinks were charged while he was living in plaintiff’s house, de fendant having given the order produced. By Mr. O’Reilly:—Fisher was not drunk when he gave the order, and has never disputed it. A cheque for a por tion of the amount was given by Brad shaw. His Worship struck out a number of items representing less than 20s. worth quantities, and this left a balance of 225. Od. James Fisher entered the box, but after a short examination Mr. Branson appealed to the Magistrate, saying that witness was drunk, and the Magistrate advised the constable to remove witness, who was taken away in custody. Wallace v. Walsh.—ClaimL2 16s. Mr. O’Reilly appeared for plaintiff, Mr. Crisp for defendant. James Wallace, of the- Chertsey hotel, deponed that the guarantee produced was given to him by defendant. The document was unstamped, and Mr. Crisp took exception to its validity. Mr. O’Reilly said the amount being under L2O no stamp was needful. . Mr. Crisp argued that the document was not an agreement, but a promissory note. It came within the provisions of the Stamp Act, and required to be stamped before it could be looked upon as binding upon the two parties. An instance of the same kind had occurred in the recent case of Friedlander v. Brown, and another he was credibly informed had occurred at Rakaia in the case of Markham v. Maclean and Winter. Mr. O’Reilly denied that there was even one constituent o. a promissory note in the document, and as it was for a sum under L2, no stamp was required. His'Worship decided that the document was really a promissory note, and there fore could not be received in evider, ce, the Statute of Frauds being a complete bar to further proceedings. A nonsuit was ac cepted by plaintiff.

THE LOCAL INDUSTRY QUESTION.

A number of merchants and others met in the Town Hall, on Tuesday, called together by circular signed by the Mayor, to consider what steps could be taken to find out what industries might be profit ably carried on in Ashburton, ana how these could be established and fostered. It was only recently that we called atten tion to this question in these columns, and though a correspondent (whose judg ment and knowledge we have every respect for) took us to task and expressed a very adverse opinion as to the hopefulness of any industrial venture in this township, it is evident that “ there is more between heaven and earth than is dream’t of in his philosophy ” if we may judge by the en thusiasm with which some of the business men of the district discuss the industrial question. The number of gentlemen who attended Tuesday’s meeting shows how much the importance of the question is felt, and we trust that, now an associ ation has been formed to watch the interests of Ashburton in the matter of industries, nothing will he left undone that will tend to encourage enterprise and promote the development of resources of which Ashburton has not a' few. We have heard it said that one hindrance to New Zealand’s manufacturing progress is that the kind of labor wanted is not to be found in New Zealand —that the im migration policy of the colony had directed itself more to securing agricultural labor than skilled labor of any other class. It is quite true that ostensibly such was the policy Government claimed to follow. But it is equally true that that policy was a glaring failure, and that thousands of the immigrants w’ho wore brought to the colony were only agriculturists on paper, and for a time—only till they had been accepted by the agents and sent to sea. The farmers of New Zealand who have employed many of these men would per haps be more able than the returns of Government to give reliable information as to what trades and callings were brought to the colony instead of the agri cultural one that was wanted. We con tend that there are thousands of bad ploughmen and pick and,shovel men in this colony who only want an announce ment to be made that work of the kind theywere trained to was to be had, to forsake the plough and the shovel, and take at once to the shuttle or whatever else the work may be. The formation of Associations throughout the colony of the kind that preliminaries have been taken for in Ashburton, would be a sure indication that the people had been cured of the national weakness that has fal len upon us with the introduction of bor rowed money, that the depression had left us clothed and in our right mind, with our eyes open to the fact that upon our own efforts and enterprise, and by the development of our own resources must we henceforth live, and not by the bor rowed cash of the English money-lenders. The beginnings may be small—they must be ; but it was from small beginnings that almost every factory in the Old Country rose, and this we ought to keep in mind when the owlet croak of faint-heartedness or cynicism tries to discourage us.

PARLIAMENTARY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Monday, August 9. The House was occupied during the evening by another discussion on the rail way management question, arising out of a motion by Mr. Moss for a conference of Provincial delegates to consider what sys tem of local government was suited for the circumstances of the colony. In addition to railway management, in the discussion on which the battle of the “managers” was fought again by the various champions of the Commission and the officers, the work of the Railway Commissioners was once more overhauled, and the debate was adjourned at one o’clock in the morn ing. Tuesday, August 10. The debate on local government was resumed, after the transaction of some minor business.. Some members advo cated a ‘ return to a modified system of Pi’ovincialism, others took occasion to generally attack Government, while Mr, Sheehan expressed an opinion that the abolition of provinces had been a failure, and half of the House's time was taken up in the discussion of parish business. The debate extended into the evening sitting, but had no result, and the House went into Committee of Supply, passing two classes of the Estimates, with several re ductions, and rising at one o’clock. Wednesday, August 11. The House met at 11 o’clock, and went into Committee on the Counties Act Amedement Bill,

Mr. Sutton said the measure was paltry trifling with important subjects, on which comprehensive legislation was required. He moved that the Chairman leave the chair. The Hon. John Hall said he had no doubt the whole subject of local govern ment would have to be considered at soma future time, but the present Bill was re quired to amend patent defects. The motion was negatived. The Bill was reported with amendments, read a third lime, and passed. Mr. Rolleston moved the second reading of the High Schools Reserve Bill. He stated it was based on a recommendation of the Royal Commission on Higher Edu cation. Mr. Tole thought there was no necessity for the Bill. Mr. Hursthouse also hoped the Bill would not be allowed to pass. Mr. Rolleston stated that the proposal invoved the question of stoppage of secondary education in many districts. The House divided—Ayes, 40 ; Noes, 33. The Bill was read a second time. The Joint Stock Companies Act, 1860, Amendment Bill passed through Com mittee, and was reported, with amend ments. Mr. Sheehan protested against the Committees being allowed to sit when the House was sitting. The House was just then almost empty, and if a division were called members would rush from Com mittee and vote without knowing very well what they were voting for. , Mi’. Hall said the House was not thinner than usual any evening after ten. The following were read a second time : —The Dogs Registration and the Brands and Branding Bills. Mr. Hall moved the second reading of the Fencing Bill. Mr. Swanson moved an amendment, that it be read that day six months. The House divided—ayes, 34 ; noes, 16. The Bill was read a second time. The Thames Water Supply Transfer Bill was passed through Committee, with amendments, read a third time, and passed. The House rose at 2 o’clock.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE. {Per Reuter's Agency.) London Aug. 9. The Morning Post, in a leading article, strongly recommends Mr. Berry to seek a compromise "with the Opposition and par ticularly in regard to the Reform of • the, Constitution Bill. Three percent. Consols, 98§. The National Bank of New Zealand, pays a 3 per cent dividend for the half year. The Board of Trade returns of imports, for the past month amount to L 33,375,000, showing an increase of L 3,000,000 com pared with last year. The exports,for the same period amount to L 20,250,000, showing an increase of L 3,500,000 com pared with the same period. Accounts of the hop crops are less favorable, owing to their being partially damaged by excessive rains. The homeward English mail via Brindisi was delivered to-day. Arrived—Orient Company’s steamer Cotopaxi, from Australia. The Right Hon. Mr. Gladstone has gone to Windsor Castle as the guest of the Dean. Several masked men shot Mr. Boyd, Crown Solicitor, and his two sons yester day, at Kilkenny. The former is dying, one of the sons is in a precarious state, and the other is slightly wounded. August 10. Mr. Boyd’s son died from the effects of the wounds received in the attack made by masked men at Kilkenny. Several arrests have taken place in the neighbor hood in consequence of the murders. Athens, Aug. 9. Extensive war preparations are being carried on by Greece. The European Powers acquiesce in the mobilisation of the army. Constantinople , Aug. 10. The Turkish Government has resolved: upon negotiating direct with the Great Powers in regard to the rectification of the Greek frontier. Constantinople, Aug. 9. :; In consequence of the refusal on the part of the Albanians to cede Dulcigno, Hasseim Pasha, with 2,000 Turkish troops, has been ordered to proceed thither for the purpose of enforcing sur render. New York, Aug. 9. Dr. Tanner, who fasted forty days, which left him in a very emaciated con dition, is now rapidly recovering. Calcutta, Aug. 7. It is announced that Abdul Rahman Khan, the new Ameer of Oabul, will receive four lacs of rupees (L 40,000) from the Indian Government. Abdul Rahman’s, party at Cabul is said to be daily increas ing in strength.

AUSTRALIAN. (Ratter’s Telegrams.) h Melbourne, An g. 9. The following, are the acceptances for the Melbourne Cup ; Mata, Napper Tandy, Columbus, Zambesi, Bee, Stag, Terrific,. Riverton, Chatterer, Aspen, ABO, Adventurer, Kinsman, Gloster, Woodlands, Imperial, Chatterbox, Sir Joseph, Latrobe, Lord Harry, Star of the West, British . Workman, Faublas, Lothair, Robbie Burns, Cynic, Pim pampa, Stockbridge, Trevallyn, Euclid, Geide Olgotach, Respite, Yardly, Con stance, Progress, South Hamilton, West- . ern Princess, Richmond, and Bosworth. Melbourne, August 10. Mr. Berry addressed his constituents at. Geelong last night. He said he would strictly adhere to his latest views on the reform question, and would introduce a. Bill to abolish plural voting at elections. He proposed to . meet the existing deficit by retrenchment, including 20 per cent, deductions in the salaries of Ministers, future Governors, Judges, and Civil servants. The police department will be reorganised. The existing deficiency is L 648.000, including selectors’ rents, L 502,000, leaving an actual deficit o t L 146,000, which would be further reduced by the adjustment of accounts. Only a moderate increase of taxation would be , necessary. The Ministers being opposed in re-elec tion are Messrs. Berry, Yale, Williams, and Richardson. The libel action against Punch has been settled. , The steamship Durham will go direct to Lyttelton on her next trip from Eng- ■ land. Melbourne, Aug. 11. M. Soudry, the French Commissioner wounded at the Opera House by the man Greer, is a passenger for Europe by the Garonne. Adelaide, Aug. ll v The Treasurer made his Financial Statement in the Legislative Assembly last night. He showed that the revenue , of the last financial year amounted to L 1,831,000, being L 245,000 below the estimate, and leaving a deficit balance of L 243,000, exclusive of L 30,000 appearing on the supplementary estimate. He stated the expenditure for the present year at L 2,020,000, and the revenue at L 1,945,000, leaving a deficit of L 175,000, i which will be covered by new taxes. The latter, however, will be deferred in j ; view of the elections, which will shortly take place.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 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.



Friday, August 20. Messrs. Matson, Cox, and Co., on the Reserve. opposite Messrs. Fnedlander Bros, Store, at 12 o’clock sharp— Horses, Implements, and Contractors’ Plant. SmAtfJPBHWTI SCHOOL - BOOM. A GRAND Entertainment Will be held in the above School-room, on SATURDAY NEXT, AUG. 14. SPLENDID PROGRAMME. THE GREAT TRIAL OF SIR JASPER And A NUMBER OF MOVING FIGURES BY LIMELIGHT. WONDERFUL EFFECTS. Come and See ! Come and See ! Admission, 25.; Children half-price. Commence at 7.30. ON MONDAY NEXT, AUG. 16, THE ABOVE ENTERTAINMENT Will be held (for the first time) in the Town Hall, Ashburton. Admission, Body of Hall, Is.; Dress Circle, 2s. Children, half-price to all parts of the House. SEE POSTERS. Doors open at 7.30, commence at 8 o’clock. 98g-841c VOLUNTEER ACT and AMEND MENTS on sale at the office of this paper. 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, near Tattersall’s, will eceive prompt attention. 55g* WEEKS & DIXON. NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. 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. TENDERS. TENDERS arc invited for the follow ing WORKS on the Racecourse ; I.—Ploughing, Harrowing, and Burn ing Tussocks, on a strip one chain wide and about sixty chains long. 2.—Fencing the same with sod bank and wires. Specifications to be seen at my house and at Quill’s Hotel on and after Monday Tenders to be sent in by SATURDAY, mgust 14th. JAMES WILKIE Hon. Sec., 32c-97g Ashburton Racing Club. PLANTATION RESERVES. TO LET ON LEASE for ten years, Reserve 1780, containing forty-two acres, lately orcupiod by Mr. Stalker, Tinwald, and Reserve 1783, containing ■eighty-three acres, near Winslow, on Great South Road. Conditions may be obtained of undersigned. Tenders, stating rentals offered per acre for first five years, and for remainder of term, will be received on or before MONDAY, 16th August, addressed “ Tender,” Chairman Plantation Board, ■care of ALEXANDER LEAN, Estate Agent, : 87g Hereford Street, Christchurch.