COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Guardian Office, Friday evening.

Messrs. Edmiston, G undry and Co. re port for the week ending Friday, 14th inst. There has been a fair demand for general produce during the week, the prices obtained . being about the same as last week’s quotations. —Onions, id to Id. per lb. ; potatoes, L2 ss. to L2 10s. per ton, bags extra; cheese, to 6d. per lb. ; apples, ss. case ; peas, 2s. 6d. to 3s. bushel. At the Horse Bazaar on the Bth, the sale was well attended, though the bid ding was languid, and we had great diffi .culty in disposing of really first class hacks from L 6 to L 9, the class of horses that require the most attention being light draughts from LlB to L 26. At the Ashburton Yards on Tuesday, 116 G sheep, 587 head of cattle, and 44 pigs came to hand. There was a large at tendance, but the bidding weak, and a great many lots had to be withdrawn, not fetching the very low reserve placed upon them. We quote prime beef 17s. to 18s. 6d. per 100 lbs. ; good dairy cows, L 6 to L 8; stores, L 3 ss. to L 4 10s ; sheep, half bred, 9s. 9d. to 11s. Cd. ; cross breds, Ss. 6d. to 10s. ; stores, mixed ages, 3s. Gd. to Cs. Cd. ; pigs, sd. per lb. Thursday, 13th, we held a sale of pro perties at our Eooms, East street, when we sold the following sections at Tinwald ; —Lots 521, 522, 534, 529 at Ll 6 each ; lot 529, L 27 10s. ; lot 525, Ll 9 ; lot IGB and a four-roomed cottage (by order of the mortgagees), for L 165. In the estate of E. Watkins, lots 23, 24, East Belt, with a four-roomed cottage, Ll3O ; lots 27, 28, near Gas-works, at Ll 4 10s. each—the other properties* being with drawn, not fetching owners’ reserve.

CHRISTCHURCH CORN EXCHANGE

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday, the 14th instant ; The market for all classes of produce is extremely heavy. Wheat (which may be termed the farmer’s mainstay) has receded in price quite 6d. a bushel since the open ing of the season. The price of oats has come to such a pass that the farmer, be fore threshing out, takes it seriously into consideration whether it is not better for him to allow the grain to remain in stack. What between threshing, carting, railway carriage and often extra cartage in town, he has little or nothing left. Barley is now almost unsaleable, and potatoes have a fate very nearly akin to oats. Pur chasers in all these classes are extremely indifferent, and producers are unwilling to part for the money offered. In this state of things it is not difficult to under stand that sales are not easy to effect. The state of the market is almost precisely what it was the foregoing week, prices re maining unaltered. Wheat.—Good milling quality, sound and fit for shipment, is saleable at 3s. 6d. per bushel f.o.b. in Lyttleton, large lines being more saleable than small. Sales of similar quality for local use are not numerous ; millers being well-stocked are therefore indifferent. Seed quality, of particular kinds, will command 3s. lOd. to 4s. per bushel. Chick wheat is in large supply ; sales are difficult to make, the quality of this class of grain is so varied that a large disparity in price must be allowed, viz., from 2s. 2d. to 3s. per bushel.

Oats. —This cereal, although so plenti ful, is not being rushed into the market so quickly as might have been anticip.ated. The reason for this is of course obvious, producers preferring to take the risk of what may turn up in the shape of a change for the better than thresh out and take the present prices. Good milling will not command over Is. 4d. to Is. 6d. per bushel; feed qualities, Is. 3d. to Is. 3id. per bushel. Barley.—Large quantities are being offered, but are meeting with little or no attention. Occasional sales are being effected of choice malting samples at from 3s. Gd, to 3s. 9d. per bushel, in some in stances good malting quality has changed hands at 3s. 6d. per bushel. Inferior and feed qualities are not saleable. Prices nominal.

Potatoes. —Business is taking place in this produce at prices very often withheld. A considerable amount of mystery seems to surround the value of the tuber this year. Large quantities are in the mean time being shipped which will ere long unfold a tale. Meantime prices may be quoted at from 255. to 275. 6d. per ton at country stations, sacks extra. Grass Seed.—Small sales are taking place at from 2s. Gd. to 2s. 10J. per bushel. Demand slack. Cooksfoot, 2d. to 2id. per lb. Cheese and Butter. —The first mentioned article is in plentiful supply with rather a slack demand at 4d. to 4|-d. per lb. For the latter the supply is good with fair demand at B|d. to 9d. per lb.

[By Telegraph.]

Dunedin, May 14,

Prime beef, 225. 6d. to 255. per 1001 b. ; mutton, 3s. lOd. to 4s. ; fowl’s wheat, 3s. to 3s. 3d. ; oats Is. 3d. to Is. 4d. ; malt barley, 3s. lOd. to 4s. ; feed, 2s. 6d. to 3s. ; potatoes, L2 10s. ; old hay, L 4; new oaten hay, L 3; chaff L 3 ; straw, L2 ; bran, T. 3 ; pollard, L 4; flour, LlO 10s. to LlO 15s. per ton ; large sacks oatmeal, LlO ; pearl barley, Ll 3 ; onions, 7s. ; new cheese, sd. ; bacon, rolled, lOd. ; hams, Is. ; sides bacon, lid.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

The outward mails for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will close at the Ashburton Post Office, on Saturday, the 22nd inst., at 0 a.m. For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Che rtf.ey 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, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a.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 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at G 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 Chertaey, Rakaia, Ac. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. Fr *m 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. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster, Mails close at the Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under ; The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on June 3rd, and will be due in London on July 24th. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES.

Monday, May 17.

J. Lloyd Crawley, at the farm of Mr. Rickards, Kyle—Farming Stock and Plant. Sale at 12 o’clock.

Thursday, May 20.

Alfred Harrison—At the Tinwald Sale yards—Stock and Implements in the estate of Henry Thomas, Waterton. Sale at 12 o’clock.

Friday, May 21,

Messrs. Robert Wilkin and Co., at the New Zealand Wool Stores, Hereford street, Christchurch—Valuable Farms, situated in the Ashburton District. Sale at 2 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian, COUNTY AGRICULTURAL & SPORTING RECORDER SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1880.

The papers throughout the colony, who do not see eye to eye with the present Go vernment, have been as usual somewhat lavish of their sneers at Sir William Fox, and his recent success at Rangitikei has not mollified them in the least. It has been industriously circulated that Major Willis only resigned to make room for Sir William, who was “ wanted ” on the Ministry. Sir William stoutly denies this rumor; infact, itscarcelywantsanydenial, and only shows what straits the Opposition are reduced to. Sir William Fox’s non success at Wanganui, at the general elec tion, was a loss to the present Government and his accession to the Rangitikei scat only restores to tliem what they lost at Wanganui. Notwithstanding what his foes say of him, the old man is a power in the House, and it was a pity that for a time he was shut out from taking part in. it deliberations—at a time when his party somnehrequiredhis aid. Without him they attained to power, succeeding in hurling from their position the men who had so helplessly allowed the colony to go back ward, and in securing the position they had vacated. Sir William Fox led the first attack on the so-called Liberal for tress, but he was withdrawn from the fight by losing the Wanganui seat. Now that he has been returned for Rangitikei he will be able to add his influence to his party’s fighting power, and his experience of native affairs, greater perhaps than that of any man now living in the colony, will be found useful in the highest degree. His invaluable services on the Native Commission have been most op portune, and now that the native problem

is about to receive, let us hope, a final and effective solution, Sir William’s re turn to Parliament could scarcely have happened at a more happy time.

The Government are evidently to meet opposition from the Nelson members on the question of a railway. Nelson has only one Parliamentary idea, and that is, that it has not received justice at the hands of Parliament in the matter of pub lic works, and therefore whichever Go vernment will set on foot a railway that will connect Nelson with the outer world will receive the hearty support of that province, but whichever will refuse that boon must be the object of her unplac able opposition. The withdrawal from tender of a proposed railway over which the Nelsonites were shaking hands with themselves has set their teeth on edge, and in public meeting assembled the offending Government have been roundly denounced for daring to sacrifice the best interests of the place. The sorest point seems to have been with the Nelson people, that while their railway was with drawn from tender, there were others in the colony that had been proceeded with, and a local paper in a recent issue in stanced the fact that the Mount Somers district was a favored one, and that tenders for a railway through it had been called for. It takes some time for news to reach Nelson apparently, and the place seems to have been in happy ignorance of the fact that our railway had been included in the general onslaught and withdrawn from the contractors’ competition. When Nelson learns that fact she will learn at least that she is not alone in her suffering of “injustice,” but that there are districts in the colony besides her own that have to put up with “neglect.” The reason assigned by the Public Works Minister for the withdrawal of these works is the financial position of the colony, which, he states, will this year be one million or more backward. When the tide cf finance keeps so steadily on the ebb as it has done for the past eight months—when the trade of the colony keeps falling off, as indexed by the reduced Customs receipts—it is high time to think of retrenchment; and if Government have not the money to go on with works of the trunk railway kind, so essential to the well-being of Nelson district, then the only course open for Government is simply not to undertake them. We fear there are too many works of the kind that will have to be abandoned for a time, and how ever much colonists may wish to see public works progress in every part of New Zealand, there is no man will advo cate the construction of such when the sinews of war are not fortcoming, and especially when the works themselves hold out no hope of a return within a reasonable time. The colony will look anxiously for the report of the Railway Commission, for we feel certain that by that report will many of the works now clamored for in certain districts be weighed, judged, approved, or condemned.

Earthquake. —A smart shock of earth quake was felt in Ashburton at aboul quarter to ten o’clock on Thursday night.

Amateur Dramatic Club. —The Ama teur Dramatic Club have “Black-Eyed Susan ” in active rehearsal, and expect to be able to produce it in about three weeks. The “ Ticket-op-Leave-Man. ” —Over the production of this play by an Ama teur Dramatic Company some time ago, there was a financial deficiency. We un derstand that a entertainment is projected shortly with a view to wipe off one or two small debts that are still outstanding. Runaways. —Two lads, who did not take kindly to the discipline and comforts dispensed in the Burnham Industrial Schooi, took an opportunity of making their escape on a recent date, 'but were captured at the Rakaia on Thursday, and forwarded to the Burnham Institution once more.

Presentation. —At the usual meeting last night of the Presbyterian Sabbath School Teachers’ Union, Mrs. H. Cape- Williamson who, up to her removal to Cambridge, had been an indefatigable worker in the Sunday School, was pre sented with a handsome family Bible by her fellow teachers.

Strayed Cattle. For tethering a horse on the railway reserve, sufficiently close to West street, to allow the horse to stray on the road, and become an obstruc tion to traffic, Mr. Guinness lined Max Friedlander, yesterday morning, ss. Mr. George Parkin pled guilty to a charge of allowing a calf to wander at large, and he was also mulct in a fine of ss. J. Butler was fined 10s., he having two cows to stray. Police Cases. —Two drunks made their first bow to the Bench on Thursday, and his Worship the Mayor let them off with a fine of ten shillings or forty-eight hours. Patrick Ilyaa confessed to being drunk, and had this been his only fault, he too might have escaped with the like penalty. But Patrick was anything but docile when Constable Smart found him in East street this morning at two o’clock, and . on arriving at the cells, Pat gave vent to his wounded feelings by “ going for ” some of the furniture in that in teresting locality. His Worship evidently thought a short retirement from the temptations to which Patrick was ex posed would be of equal benefit to him self and the public, and the offender was sent to gaol for eight days with hard labor.

The South Rakaia Hotel. —The pro prietorship of the South Rakaia Hotel hav ing changed hands, a dinner was given by the incoming host, on Thursday evening, to which the principal inhabitants of the dis trict were invited. The chair was occu pied by Mr. Francis, the new proprietor, the vice chair being filled by Mr. W. H. Partridge who is retireing from the busi ness. About forty persons sat down to a really good dinner, well put on the table and well served, auguring well for the future patrons of the establishment. The usual loyal toasts, and patriotic toasts were drunk, in many cases with musical honors. During the intervals between the toasts several good songs were contributed by the gentlemen present, and altogether a most enjoyable evening was spent, the company breaking up in the small hours of the morning.

B.M. Court, Rakaia. —At the R.M- Court, Rakaia, on Thursday, a man named Pluck was fined 20s. for assault. In eight cases of keeping unregistered dogs, fines of 20s. were recorded, but judgment was stayed for 14 days to allow of appeal. Hartnell v. Manson —Plaintiff to pay L2 per month,and in default go to prison for 14 days, Walsh v. George King—Judgment for amount claimed and costs. Markham v. M'Lean and Winter. —Claim L 23 10s. 7d., for goods supplied to one Leslie on defendants’ order. Mr. Ireland, for plaintiff, produced a written order from defendants to plaintiff. This being unstamped, Mr. Branson, for de fendants, objected to its being taken in evidence, and after argument the plaintiff was nonsuited with costs.

Court Plaesantribs. —Were it not for the little passages at arms between the members of bar, and now and again between bar and Bench, our R.M. Court would be"a dreary affair. But these little passages am sometimes lively. In one case Mr. Ireland and Mr. O’Reilly were the contending counsel yesterday, and while Mr. O’Reilly was examining a wit ness Mr. Ireland was industriously taking notes. His pencil, however, was not equal to the speed of Mr. O’Reilly’s examination, and while he wrote he kept interrupting the witness to have answers repeated. Mr. O’Reilly, somewhat net tled at this, appealed to the Bench, and the usual exchange' of legal compliments took place between the lawyers. In another case, Mr. O’Reilly gave notice that he would object to a copy of the Trespass Ordinance, which Mr. Purnell held in his hand being put in unless he were to see it. Mr. Purnell said that when the time came for the ordinance to be put in the propor document would be forthcoming, but at any rate Mr. O’Reilly had no right to try to snatch a paper from his hand. Mr. O’Reilly denied having done so, and if Mr. Purnell said he had he would tell a direct falsehood.

Practical Watchmaking. —lt will, no doubt, be interesting to our readers to know that we have in our midst a practi cal watch and clock maker, in the person of Mr. Robert Murray, who has recently arrived in the colony ; and, as will be seen, has commenced business in Moore street. On paying his establishment a visit, we were show a several clscks and some jewellery which had been manufactured by Mr. Murray and his two sons from the metal as taken from the hands of the blacksmith and brass founder’. We had ample proof of tbis on inspecting a clock, which was being made from the raw material. Mr. Murray displays in his window the clocks of his own manufacture, and rve question if any other town in the colony can boast of a like display, manu factured on the premises. The first which we noticed was a large astronomical clock, with Denison’s compensation pendulum, similar to that in the great Westminister clock, whereby variation of time, owing to change of temperature, is corrected—the object being gained by taking advantage of the relative expansion of the rods, formed of zinc and steel. The principal acting parts are jewelled, whereby the friction on the bearings is reduced to a minimum, as is shown by the clock and pendulum, which -weigh 151b5., being kept working by a weight of 2lbs. sozs. only, thereby insuring correct time-keeping and subjecting the clock to less wear. This clock is made almost entirely of iron and brass, and there are no leas than 100 screws in it, .all made and tempered by hand. In England this clock worked to a minute in twelve months, which will give some.idea as to its accurate working. Another clock shown to us has a history attached to it, being a skeleton 8-day timepiece, with duplex escapement, on marble stand, inlaid with various colored stones found in Devonshire. This time piece was made in 1865, and formed one of a set of escapement clocks made by Mr. Murray, and shown during the Royal Agricultural Association of England’s Exhibition, held at Plymouth during that year. The escapement is shown on a pierced platform, with the Anns of Ply mouth, the globe (the insignia of the Royal Marines) Britannia, and the Beehive pierced on the covers, surmounted by a model of the Imperial crown of Britain. This very fine piece of mechanism will repay anyone a visit, and Mr. Murray is only too glad to explain the intricate work and the process it has to go thi’ough. We are glad to learn that our new tradesman is thoroughly satisfied with his business prospects so far, and we hope to keep so valuable an artizan amongst us for many years.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE LIBRARY.

To the Editor,

Sir, —Regarding the meeting of sub scribers to the Library held on Thursday there is one characteristic of it I hope the large number of Dissenters in Ashburton will not lose sight of if they would prevent the Ashburton Public Library from becoming an outhouse of St. Stephen’s Church. I know that many will say this remark is gratuitous and uncalled for, and that in making it I am dragging into con nection with the Library an element of denominationalism that does not belong to it, and which has no connection with it. I do not wish to raise denominational strife over the Library’s affairs, but I do wish to apprise the Dissenters of the town of the fact that as the matter now stands they are nowhere, and that if they want to exercise any influence on its conduct, the sooner they join the ranks of its membership the better for themselves and the institute. 1 was not actually present at the meeting last night, in fact I had only reached the door and looked in when I saw that every soul there was a churchman. The election of office-bearers resulted in churchmen from the pastor down taking the seats, and this condition of things does not speak well for the interest Dissenters take in the Library health of the community. When I say there is a danger of the Library be coming an outhouse of St. Stephen’s Church, I am not wholly without support, for the two parish meetings that have been held since I came to Ashburton, have been held in the Library, and I have never yet heard of the subscribers’per mission for such meetings being obtained. I have often heard the institute set down as an establishment belonging to a few of the leading Churchmen in the town, and that those who did not belong to that particu lar church, have no share in the conduct of its affairs. It is quite a fact that such is the case, but the blame rests with Dis senters themselves, audit it to their shame that I point out to them that not a single Dissenter could I see of all the sixty or more subscribers who took part in the general meeting. In their own interests I appeal to them to join the Library ; their absence from itshowsa painful want of interest in literature, and I know that were the energy and go that many of them display in other matters thrown in to help the cause of literature as represented in the Public Library, there would very soon be a different tale to tell of the condition of the institute.—l am, &c.

N ONCONFOKMIST.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Friday, May 14.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) STRAYED cattle. Several parties were fined for allowing cattle to wander at large. absconders. Two lads, who had run away from the Burnham school, and who had been arrested at Chertsey on asking the station master to give them a lift, were ordered to be sent back to the school. CAVIL CASES. Passmore v. Johnson.—Mr. Purnell ap plied to have the summons enlarged for three weeks to allow the summons to be served at defendant’s last place of abode, it being understood that he had left the district. Application granted. Mcßae v. Bates.—The same request was granted in this ease as in the last, on the application of Mr. Ireland, the time being limited to one week. A CLAIM FOR WAGES. Lloyd v. Hugo Friedlander.—Claim, Ll 5, for wages. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. This was a claim for L 1.5 for work performed on the property of James Gardiner. Fried lander Bros, had a lien over the crop, and at the time when Gardner filed his schedule, the men on the farm, including the plaintiff struck work,and did not return to it, until Hugo Friedlander went out and guaranteed that they would bo paid if they returned to their work. From the evidence it was shown that the plaintiff had received sums of money from Gardiner, and at the time the defendant made the promise Lloyd was not present. Mr. Friedlander admitted having given the guarantee, but the sums of, money which he had given to Gardiner for the purpose of paying the men, completely covered all that he had promised. Mr. Purnell submitted that Lloyd was endeavoring to get the money out of the plaintiff, in consequence of there being no chance of getting it from Gardiner, who had filed in the Bankruptcy Court. Mr. Ireland argued that Mr. Friedlander had made a promise to pay whatever wages were required to get in the harvest, and submitted that as his client was then em ployed on the firm, he had a claim on the defendant. It was a case of great hard ship to Lloyd who had worked for such a length of time, the benefit of which had been reaped by the defendant. His Wor nonsuited the plaintiff, on the ground that Friedlander Bros, should have been sued instead of the defendant singly. Mr. Ire land hoped 'that costs would not be granted, as his client was in a very impe cunious state. Mr. Purnell pressed for costs, as these sorts of claims on business ipen in Ashburton were continually being made without the slightest ground for them whatever. His Worship granted LI Is. costs.

AN INDUSTRIOUS BAILIFF.

Meehan v. Friedlander Bros.—Claim, L 79 10s. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Purnell for defendant. The plaintiff claimed the amount for services rendered as bailiff for the term of one year and one week. It appeared that the plaintiff’s brother was in partnership with a man named Thomas Nolan, over whose pro perty the defendants’ held a bill of sale. Twelve months ago Meehan and Nolan getting embarrassed in their affairs, had asked Friedlander Bros., as a favor, to allow them to place the plaintiff on the premises as bailiff, so as to secure them from the annoyance of executing credi tors. The defendant offered no objection to this proposal, and thought nothing more of the matter till last week, when the plaintiff demanded the amount for services rendered as bailiff for the last twelve months. The plaintiff, on being examined, admitted to having been em ployed on the farm during the whole term, and had received from his brother L2O. He had a conversation with Nolan a week or two since, and had told Nolan that if he did not give him any money, he should apply to Friedlander Bros, for the amount. In reply to the Bench, plaintiff stated that he was not employed to do any work, but expected to get 235. a week for acting as bailiff. However, he had been working on the farm for the last twelve months, but did not look for payment on that account. His Worship dismissed the case with costs.

At the later stage Mr. O’Reilly applied to have the judgment altered to a non suit, but Mr. Purnell objected, and next Court day was fixed for hearing argu ment. WHO IS LIABLE ? Nelson v. Stalker and Johnson.' —Claim L 7 45., for tieing wheat. Mr. O’Reilly ap peared for plaintiff, Mr. Ireland for de fendant Stalker, and Mr. Purnell for Johnson.

Peter Nelson, laborer said the amount of L 7 4s was due between the defendants to him for tieing grain. Stalker had pro mised him Bs. per acre for tying, and pre vious to that promise having been made, Johnson, acting for Stalker, had made a similar promise. Had tied 18 acres and had asked Stalker for the money, who referred him to Johnson who said Stalker had to pay. Between them no payment had yet been made. The grain was Stalker’s.

By Mr. Ireland—Stalker engaged me to do the tieing. Johnson was ploughing for Stalker, and he only brought me Stalker’s message. I understood I was working for Stalker. At this stage the name of Johnson was dropped from the case, it having been ascertained that no. partnership existed between him and Stalker, and that he was only working for him. Mr. Purnell here asked for Johnson’s expenses, and the expenses of one witness, but the Court would only allow costs to Johnson, the witness not having been sub psenaed. William Stalker, sworn, said—l am a defendant in this case. Plaintiff did the work for which he claims. Johnson had the loan of a reaping machine from me, on condition that he bound 18 acres of wheat for me. He never was in partnership with me, and he never had authority to engage Nelson for me. I understood Nel son was working out payment for John son’s loan of the reaping machine, and that he was Johnson’s servant. Johnson was never in my service beyond doing a bit of contract for me in February. The 18 acres tied were mine, and I certainly had the benefit of Nelson’s work, but I did not engage him to do it. His Worship gave judgment for plain tiff with costs. ROAD RaTES. Longbeach Road Board v. David Evans. Judgment for two years rates. L 3 10s. AN IMPOUNDING CASE. Tooth v. Ruddick.—Claim LlO, damages for illegal impounding of sheep. Mr. Purnell appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. L. E. Corsbie, manager for Mr. Tooth, knew the land occupied by defendant, which adjoins Mr. Tooth’s run, and is partially fenced, A portion of the land has no fence whatever, and there is one part which has only a three-wire fence— His Worship—Land which is not com pletely fenced is unfenced. If a six-feet wall ran round the ground, and a yard of it were broken down, the land in the eye of the law would be equivalent to being unfenced. Witness resumed—Remember some sheep of ours being taken in charge by Ruddick. Sent a shepherd named Wil liams for them, but they were refused to him. A second time he was sent and they were refused. Heard the sheep were in pound, and sent for them. Paid the fees and got them out. The fees amounted to L 3 14s. Id. There was no notice of the impounding given at the homestead,

though a fee is charged for such notice. It is 16 miles from Ruddick’s place to the pound, and the sheep to get to the pound would have to be driven through the river. They would suffer injury from travelling over the country without a dog to keep them together. The sheep were taken by Ruddick on the sth April, and we recovered them on the 13th.

By Mr. O’Reilly—l am not competent to draw a map of the land in this box. But I have gone over the land, and have measured the fences. The best fence is a six-wire, the lowest wire being inches from the ground. No part of the land has a “ legal fence” upon it. The poundkeeper having given evi dence, and explained that the reason why no notice had been given at the homestead was because nobody was at home when the messenger went, the shepherd, Williams, swore to being twice refused the sheep by Ruddick’s wife, unless they were paid for ; also to bringing 22 sheep from the pound, for which he paid L 3 odd fees. Robinson Ruddick, sworn—l am a far mer at the Ashburton Forks, and have the right of some land there. The land in no way adjoins Tisch’s, which is not fenced at the river, nor where it adjoins Tisch’s land, part of which I hold. I put up a banked fence in the spring, and the sheep of plaintiff broke through it. I have repeatedly given up to Mr. Crosbie sheep I had impounded, and never kept them when I knew they were being looked after. But when the harvest came on the shep herd was taken away to look after a machine, and the sheep were allowed to go where they would. The shepherd was half his time in the Spread Eagle Hotel. There is only 50 chains of fence round the whole of Tooth’s land. Mr. Gorsbie himself confesses that no fence will keep out long woolled sheep. I have not measured any of the fences, and cannot say whether they are “legal fences” according to the ordinance ; but they are better than the average. I gave up keeping the bank in order when I found that it was continually being knocked down. I gave Williams, the shepherd, written notice about 13 sheep an hour or so after the sheep were taken. Could not say whether the sheep were taken on a week-day or a Sunday. The fences would keep out anything but Mr. Corsbie’a sheep. Williams re-called—Never got a written, notice from Ruddick about the sheep, and what he says on that subject is false. I have not been drunk. I never fell off my horse drunk.

Mr. Corsbie—On the Sunday Ruddick says he gave Williams the notice about the sheep Williams was mustering, and he came came home quite sober. Ruddick could not have seen him that night. After counsel had addressed the Bench, his Worship gave judgment for plaintiff for L 5 and costs. The Court then adjourned.

MEETING OF MEMBERS OF THE ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

There was a large attendance of members of the Ashburton Library at. the meeting held on Thursday for the purpose of receiving the report and balance-sheet, and electing office bearers and Committee for the ensuing year. Dr. Trevor was voted to the chair, and, in opening the proceedings, referred to the purposes for which the meeting was called, and hoped that the result of it would be to infuse new life into the con cern. It was just six years since the first meeting was held to inaugurate the in stitution, and of those present that even ing, he believed only Messrs. Poyntz, Ward, Bullock, and himself were at the first meeting. The promoters had put their shoulders to the wheel, and some times had put their hands in their pockets to make the Library asuccess, andalong with aid which had been received from Govern ment, they had got along remarkably well. The institution had received but little sup port during the recent and yet prevailing depresssion, and the committee had not done all they might have done during the last twelve months. Yet the prospect was a hopeful one ; there was a balance at the Bank, the nucleus existed of a good Library, they held some valuable pro perty, including a good piano, and what with the large population and a grant which was expected from the County Council, he thought there was a bright future before them. The Chairman con cluded his remarks by bearing testimony to the interest which the Secretary, Mr. Ward, had taken in the Library, and the work which he had gratuitously under taken in its behalf. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the report of the committee was reed as follows : The Committee of the Ashburton Pub lic Library and Reading-room have to report that, from a variety of causes, which will not now be enumerated, there has not been a general meeting of the subscribers held since 30th March, 1878. Since that time great changes have taken place, both as regards the building and the financial condition and prospects of the Library. With respect to the build ing ; At the last general meeting of the subscribers it was represented that as the Town and Templar Halls were erected, or in the course of erection, and as the large revenue which had hitherto been derived from leasing the Library Hall would ne cessarily and inevitably cease, it would be desirable for the newly-elected Com mittee to take this fact into their early consideration, and make such provisions as to them appeared necessary to make the Library building as convenient as possible, and use it only for the purposes for which it was originally founded. In accordance with this suggestion, on the 4th July, 1878, after much anxious de liberation, the Committee decided to alter the building to its present form and ca pacity viz., a smoking-room, reading and coffee room, and a small dwelling at the back for the care-taker to live in and take care of the premises, and look after the requirements especially of lady sub scribers. The changes thus made, the Committee regret to state, have not met with the encouragement and support from the general public which they, whether rightly or wrongly, felt themselves justi fied in anticipating. With regard to the finances, the Committee have to report that there has been a great decrease in the income of the institution. This has arisen from two or three causes—first, from die loss of revenue from rents re ceived from the source previously mentioned; and, secondly, from the general commercial depression which has so long prevailed in the town and neigh borhood, and which, there is no doubt, has crippled the resources of the sub scribers to a very considerable extent. But there is yet another cause which has exercised an influence adverse to the financial prosperity of the institution— viz., a wide-spread report that the public had a right to the {privileges of the Li brary free of charge. The Committee would have considered such a report beneath their notice had it not been for the influence produced upon some who have made use of the advantages offered without contributing towards its main tenance. In concluding this report, the Committee earnestly hope that their suc cessors will succeed in initiating such pleasures as will make the institution what it ought to be —viz., a moral and intel lectual benefit to the increasing popula tion of this town and neighborhood. With regard to the balance-sheet, Mr. Ward asked the indulgence of members, as, through unforseen circumstances, he had been unable to get it completed in time for that meeting. However, there was a credit balance at the Bank of LlO Is. 9d., but there were accounts owing to the amount of Ll 4 odd, which, when paid, would leave them a little overdrawn ;

and hence the Chairman’s statement of there being a credit balance was incorrect Mr. Purnell could not see what use the meeting was, seeing there was no balance sheet, and there was no means of ascer taining whether the accounts were correct or incorrect. It was a state of affairs which would be very unsatisfactory to the incoming committee, who would take office without any funds whatever. There was no excuse at all for the unsatisfactory state of affairs, as there had been repeated requests for a long time for a meeting to be held. He thought the committee were guilty of very culpable neglect. He had been a subscriber to the Library for the last fifteen months, and he knew that there had been no new books added during that time. He would move that the re port be referred to a committee for con sideration, to report to the next .general meeting. . , , , Mr. St. HUP wished to know whether Mr. Purnell had paid his subscription. The Secretary stated that Mr. Purnell was really not a member of the institu tion, his subscription having fallen in arrear.

Mr. Purnell resented this statement, and said that up to the present time he had always paid his subscription, and was quite willing to pay for' the ensuing quarter when called upon by the Secre tary, whose duty it was to collect subscrip tions.

At this period of the meeting, the Chairman remarked that as no one pre sent was entitled to vote who was in arrears, and as there was evidently some defaulters’ present who were quite ready to pay up, he would adjourn the pro ceedings for ten minutes to allow of this being done. At this announcement there was a perfect rush to the Secretary’s table, and for a few moments that gentle man was diligently employed in receiving. subscriptions. On the motion of Mr. Gundry, seconded by Mr. Shury, the report as read was adopted. Mr. Gundiy thought the brief state ment of accounts given by Mr. Ward was perfectly satisfactory, but as the complete balance-sheet was not in readiness for that meeting, he would propose that the same be referred to the incoming Com mittee for their consideration. This was seconded by Mr. Boyle, and carried. Mr. Bullock proposed—“ That Mr. Ward be requested to act as President of the Library for the ensuing year.” The speaker referred in complimentary terms to the very active part Mr. Ward had taken in the affairs of the institution to make it successful. Mr. Bullock hoped that in the future the Library would be conducted in the same satisfactory manner as it-had been during the first three years of its existence. He regretted very much that Dr. Trevor had notified his intention of not taking office again, but as he would not consent to be re-elected he had much pleasure in proposing Mr. Ward as the future President of the Library.

Mr. St. Hill paid a high tribute to the activity displayed by Mr. Ward in the interests of the concern, especially in its infancy, when, through the forethought of that gentleman, a sum of L4O had been obtained from the late Provincial Govern ment just prior to the abolition of the pro vinces. '

Mr. Ward was unanimously elected President, and suitably responded to the honor conferred on him.

Dr. Trevor said, with regard to the office of Secretary, that it was a most im portant position to hold, inasmuch as a great deal of the efficiency and success of the institution depended on that officer. Mr. Shury proposed, and Mr. Zouch seconded the nomination of Mr. Jacobson to fill the office of Secretary. Mr. Roberts proposed, and Mr. Gundry seconded, Mr. Young as Secretary. Mr. Ward drew the attention of the meeting to the fact that there was a gentleman present, who was one of the oldest members of the Library, and who had been its first Secretary. He referred to Mr. Foyntz, and had much pleasure in nominating him for the posi tion. This motion having been seconded, and Mr. Young retiring from the contest, a ballot was taken, which resulted in the election of Mr. Jacobson.

On the motion of Mr. Bullock, seconded by Mr. Harrell, Mr. Roberts was elected Treasurer, Mr. Young being unanimously elected Librarian, on the motion of Mr. Shury, seconded by Mr. Gundry. There were twelve candidates brought to the front, from whom five members of Committee were to be chosen. A ballot resulted in the following gentlemen being elected :—Kev. Mr. Hands, Messrs Guin ness, Gundry, Shury, and St. George Douglas. Considerable interest was mani fested over this election, especially when the Chairman announced a tie between Mr. St. Hill and Mr. St. George Douglas. Both gentlemen were anxious to retire in favor of each other, but the meeting would not consent to this, one gentleman facetiously remarking that it was too in teresting an event to miss a contest be tween two “ Saints.” The result, as will be seen, eventuated in the return of Mr. Douglas. Messrs. Boyle and Zouch were elected auditors.

Dr. Ross gave notice of motion that ai the next meeting he would move thai rule 10 be altered, so as to read “ 10 mem bers of Committee ” in place of 5.

Votes of thanks to the retiring Secretary and Treasurer, and to the Chairman con cluded the meeting, which was looked upon as being very successful, both in the numerous attendance and the interest taken in the proceedings.

THE ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

The meeting of the Library subscribers on Thursday was, frorn|one point of view at least, successful: it has given the institu tion a staff of officers and a Committee,— machinery it has not possessed for two years,—and their election encourages the hope that there is a better future before the Library than its condition and conduct for a long time past were calculated to the inspire. It is difficult to understand why Library’s affairs should have been allowed, both by its subscribers and its Committee, to run so far down ; but having reached, let us hope, their lowest ebb, surely there was no reason why those who had at least the name of being at the head of its affairs should have been so tardy in acceding to the wish, so often expressed, that the members should be called together and steps taken towards the resuscitation of the concern, That-the Library’s business has not been looked after is evident, not only from the iqeagreness qf the supply of books, and tfie poor table qf newspapers, but a}so from the unready appearance the Com mittee presented on Thursday. The report submitted was a hurriedly got up affair, and the information it supplied was meagre in the extreme, whi’e even the balance sheet, which is the kernel of every society’s financial condition, was not forth coming. In justice, however, to Mr. Ward, he explained that his time that day had been so fully occupied that he had not been able to draw the statement up, but that it would be forth-coming by noon of the day following. Still, as no balance sheet had been submitted, no one was able to say anything about the accounts, and the verbal statement by Mr. Ward that LlO lay to the Library’s credit at the bank, while he held accounts that would absorb that sum and leave L 4 of a debtor balance, was all the financial information available. From the supineness of the subscribers and the inertness of the last, Committee, the whole management of the concern has been allowed to fall personally on Mr. Ward’s shoulders, and it must certainly be said of him that, considering his position was honorary and not the most thankful, he has prevented the in stitution from falling altogether to pieces. Still, it is at the same time not in accordance with Mir. Ward’s charac

ter for promptness and precision that, with .a two years’ lapse of time, re peated jogs by discontented subscribers, common talk about the unsatisfactory state of the Library's affairs, and the need for a general meeting, he should have been unready with his balance sheet, even , at the last moment. Had it not been the many personal friends that rallied’* round him at the meeting, and the firm ‘ faith that is reposed in him by every resi dent, almost without exception, there might have been some more adverse criticism than that indulged in by Mr. Purnell. Mr. Purnell stated that ho himself had never ceased agitating for a general meeting to be held, and, that ho had had great difficulty in bringing it about. We are sorry that the Committee should have had any hesitancy in calling the meeting, as there was after all, as it turned out, nothing to fear, and-their holding back only strengthened a suspicion that was gaining ground in some quarters that they did fear some evil,' and had something to conceal. Evidently some evil was feared, else why contend that only paid-up subscribers should vote, and thus debar many from having a voice in the meeting, who really, but for not very deadly arrears, had more real interest in the institution than many who that night purchased for the first time, and for a few coppers, a say in the meeting, that we fear they are not likely to retain much longer than the time their two and ninepence covers. It was all very well to contend, when it so suited, for the paying up of arrears before voting ; but those contend ing for that payment should have remem bered that the rules of the Library had • been constantly broken by every one, the committee included, and to still the voice of any member at such a time, was to use an expression made use of during the meeting “ bad taste,” especially when the committee themselves were in fault in not having called any meetings for two years, in not being prepared even then with a balance-sheet, and in having allowed the privileges of the institute to have become common property, free toevery Tom, Dicky and Harry who chose to enter. The meeting is over, and, let us hope, all bad feeling that may have been en gendered is buried ; and that upon the attenuated framework to which the insti tution has been reduced there will be built up a library and reading-room worthy of the town and a credit to the subscribers. The Library and Heading-room is a pub* lie institution, but only in the sense that membership is public—it is not free, : and the sooner the people who have hitherto haunted the reading tables without paying any subscription are made aware that they have no right to do anything of the kind, and are not to be permitted longer to do so, the sooner will the finance of the con cern reach a proper footing. The revenue of the future will be almost wholly de rived from the subscriptions of members. A small sum may be given by the County Council, but it is to the members the Committee must look for 'supplies. With ibis fact in view need we urge upon the residents to place their names upon the membership list, and thus help the Com mittee? Just in proportion to the num ber of members will the Committee’s funds be strong or weak, and the strength or weakness of the funds will tell in like manner upon the book shelves and upon the reading table. Before dismissing the subject, let us add one final word regarding Mr, Ward. W« confess, and he confesses, that he and the Committee are to blame to . a con siderable extent for not calling the sub scribers together at an earlier for permitting the Library to becomeleas active than it might have been. But Mr. Ward has done much for the Library not withstanding, and done it out of purely disinterested motives. By no possible means could he gain any pecuniary bene fit, nor, in fact, any benefit whatever, from the position he held as Secretaryand- *■ Librarian, and he has no right whatever, to be saddled with “culpable neglect.” What he did was done gratuitously, and if the subscribers fell away and left the Library so crippled for funds as barely to be able to pay its way, the Committee, aS ! - a consequence, getting disheartened and apathetic, the blame did not lie with Mr. Ward, who was in no way called upon to make his special business what had pal-, pably become nobody’s concern. efficiency of the Library is the result of 5 the apathy of the subscribers and of the public. Re-awaken public interest, and there is no fear of the Library’s future.

EXTRAORDINARY AFFILIATION CASE IN WELLINGTON.

(From the Post of Saturday.)

At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this (Saturday) morning, before Mr. T. A. Mansford, 8.M., James Horace Smith was brought up, on remand, charged with refusing to provide for the support of his illegitimate child. The information was altered to include accused’s six illegiti mate children, the eldest of which was scarcely nine years, and the youngest but 11 months olcl .

Mary Ann Smith deponed that she was not defendant’s wife, but he was the father of her six children. On Thursday fortnight she got up at 6 o’clock, and found accused had gone out and taken all his clothes. He left 30s. and a note stating he was going. She next saw him when he was arrested. Her children were left destitute.

In cross-examination by prisoner, com plainant said she was the wife of Edward Louis Smith, tbe uncle of the prisoner. She had been living with prisoner for about eight years, and had had five children to her own husband, Besides six, to prisoner. She had been with her own husband nine years previous to making prisoner’s acquaintance. One child by prisoner hid died, and he had carried it to his uncle’s (witness’ husband), house, rolled in a blanket and laid it on his table. She left her husband because she would not stay in his house with two children of her nephew’s. The accused then cross-examined wit ness about her conduct in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch, the witness’ answers being to the effect that she had lived in misery. On Wednesday night week he came home late, and she refused to admit him for a long time, because she had never been accustomed to get up for her own husband, and was not going to do so for her nephew. He had called her improper names, and she had flung, a kettle at him. §he could not fight him, and had to defend herself against his abuse.

Prisoner—Did you not use a knife ? Witness —Look' here, James, the case is black enough without your fabrications, my dear fellow. About seven years ago you struck me, and I went to Mr. Craw ford, who made me a present of a sum mons against you, but you begged me' not to proceed, and I withdrew the charge. In reply to further questions, witness said she had often been hungry, and 1 so had the children. Her husband had offered to taka her back. The cross-examination extended to great length, during which the whole private life of the parties came out; the woman frequently making uncomplimentary re marks regarding the prisoner. Constable Lawrie deponed to the arrest of the prisoner at the Heads on board the schooner Annie, on the 22nd inst., bound for Hobart Town. Prisoner then said the woman was not his wife.

Sergeant Anderson gave evidence to the effect that prisoner acknowledged that the woman’s six children were his, and that the woman had previously had six to her own husband, his uncle. Prisoner then made a lengthy statement regarding his relations with the yroman. He said he first became acquainted with her some nine, years ago, when invited, tQ

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, MAY 15, 1880.



NOTICE TO FARMERS. FJIHE undersigned will be prepared to treat with farmers and others in Ashbur ton, every Wednesday and Saturday, for the PURCHASE of GRAIN, or SHIP MENT on ACCOUNT of GROWERS. JOSEPH CLARK. February 28, 1880. 550a‘ ; ' r MESSRS. H. MATSON AND CO., AUCTIONEERS, &0., Hold fortnightly stock SALES at Ashburton and Tinwald. Next sale at the TINWALD YARDS, on TUESDAY, April 27, 1880. C. PERCY COX, 27g* Agent, Ashburton.



MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY. NOTICE. A PUBLIC MEETING will be held _ at the Mount Somers School-room, at 6 p.m., on SATURDAY, May 15th, to protest against the alteration of the above line, as it appears to be the inten tion of the Government not to bring the line to Mount Somers at all. All persons interested in the above line are par ticularly requested to attend. 830g*



FJIHE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S GARMENTS FOR MEN’S AND BOYS’ WEAR. Fit Better Look Better Wear Better Are Better Cut Are Better Made Are Better Shrunk, And therefore give more satisfaction than any other goods offered to the oublic. . Testified to by their Thousands of Cus tomers who purchase constantly at the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAC TORY’S BRANCHES, Now Established in Dunedin Invercargill Oamaru Timaru Ashburton Lyttelton Christchurch Wellington Nelson Wanganui New Plymouth Napier Thames Auckland A SINGLE GARMENT AT WHOLESALE PRICE. N.B.— Our New Winter Manufactures are now ready. “ TRY THE N.Z. OVERCOAT.” SHIRTS, HATS, and HOSIERY, of every description at WHOLESALE Prices. ASHBURTON BRANCH— East Street. Wm. SPARROW, Manager.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All oi’ders 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.



Californian Honey. —The product of honey in California has grown from a single hive of bees, imported into that country thirty years ago, to 35,000,000 pounds a year. The Wellington Fire Brigades.— Recently, it will be remembered, the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigades were disbanded, and in their stead the City Council organised a new body of paid men. There is, however, likely to be some dis agreement over the division of the old Brigades’ funds. They possessed Sick and Accident Funds, to which the members themselves subscribed, and they claim that the money—some LiOO—should be divided amongst them. The City Council and the Insurance Societies contend that, for the maintenance of these, funds, 10 per cent of the subsidies paid to the Brigades were devoted, and therefore the Brigades have no right to claim the money as their personal property, or at least any more than the portion they contributed by their own subscriptions.