COMMERCIAL.

Auctioneer’s Report. Mr K. F. Gray reports as follows : At Winchester Fair on the 6th of April, there was a large entry of stock, and following lots changed hands : —2B head fat cattle at L 8 ; 3 fat heifers, L 6 ; a large quantity of store cattle, from yearlings up to 2-year-olds, brought from L2 to L 4 5s ; milch cows from L 5 to L 8 10s ; 9 Rom ney rams, 10s. In fat sheep the supply was rather limited, and prices ruling are from 8s 6d to 10s 6d. At the Temuka and Geraldine Agricul tural and Pastoral Association’s Ram and Ewe Fair, we had a very large entry of rtHns and a considerable amount of busi ness was done. The following were the prices obtained :—l6 Romney rams at 10s ; 8' merino rams at 31s ; a lot of Lin coln and Leicester rams at from L2 2s to L 6 ss; 12 Romney ewes at 10s ; 451 half bred ewes at 9s 2d ; 148 merino ewes at 3s 2d; 148 do do at 3s 6d; 133 cross bred ewes, inferior and in low condition, at 4s. At his usual fortnightly sale of stock, at his yards, Temuka, there was a large attendance of buyers, and the following were the prices obtained : —Cattle head of fat cattle were sold at L 8 5s ; 2 do L7,10s ;IdoatL7 ;17 heifers, 18 months old, at L 3 2s fid ; 3 steers at L 4 ss. Sheep—93 fat sheep were sold at 9a 3d ; 216 do at 9s 8d; 36* do at 9s ; 10 do at 8s 3d ; 70 pure-bred do at 9s 3d ; 287 lambs at 6s 5d ; 186 merino ewes and wethers at 4s 6d ; 460 half-bred ewes at 9k 94; 140 cross-bred ewes, not realising the owners reserve, were passed in. 640 nierihd wethers were also passed in at 2s 9d. M Pigs—2 porkers, 35s ; 2 weaners, 10s 6d ; 3 do, 10s ; 8 young pigs, 20s. ■On Thursday, April 21st, he held a clearing sale of Mr Meyers’ stock of pure bred cows and heifers, in conjunction with Messrs Wildie, Allan and Stumbles. The following were the prices obtained :—Pure shorthorn cows, Lll 10s to Ll 3 10s; do heifers, from L 5 10s to L 9 ; 2 yearling do, L2 ; 18 first-class dairy cows, from L 5 to LlO 10s 20 yearlings, 30s ; 13 heifers, L2 10a to LS 12s 6d ; roan bull. Young Hastings, L 4 IQs ; 7 porkers, 30s ; roan gelding, L 10; 5 well-bred calves, from 10s to L2 2s. ; At his usual fortnightly sale of stock on Wednesday last, he sold :—Sheep—2oo fat sheep,’ 8s lid ; 89 store do 7s 3d ; 143 do, Bs. Cattle—2 fat heifers were sold at L 9 ; 3 heifers, L 6 12s Od ; 1 do, Lo ; 4 fat cows, LB. Pigs—2 porkers, 26s ; 2 do, 24s ;12 do, 28s; 16 do, L2 1 do, LI 15s; 8 weaners, 10s ; 13 do, f| 6d ; 4 do, 12s ; 8 do, 9s 6d ; 14 do, 7s 6d.

MAIL NOTICE.

The next mail for the United King pom (via San Francisco) will leave on May 21.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, May 7. Dan Henderson and Co., at their rooms, Saunders’ Buildings—Usual Weekly Sale; 12 o’clock. Thursday, May 12. Dan Henderson and Co., on the premises, East street —The whole of the Property known as the Ashburton Hotel; 2 p.m. MEETINGS, AMUSEMENTS, &c. To-night, Wednesday, May 4. Local Industries Association, Committee Meeting, Upper Boom, Town Hall. Ashburton Football Club —General Meet ing, Mr Fook’s office, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5. Meeting of persons interested in securing the visit cn a pack of hounds to Ash burton, Office of this Paper ; 8 p.m. , Monday, May 16. Borough Council, at Borough Council Chambers, at 7 o’clock.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1881.

FIRST EDITION. [lssued at 5.30 p.m.]

Wakanui Road Board. —An ordinary monthly meeting of this Board will be held to-morrow, at 11 a.m. Tenders. —Messrs Reid and Gray ad vertise for tenders for painting and well sinking (separate). An Opening. —ln our advertising columns will be found particulars of a sale by auction of the hotel business now carried on by Messrs Mutch and M'Kenzie. Final Notice. —Mr James Cavanagh notifies elsewhere that unless all Winslow accounts due to him are paid immediately, legal proceedings for their recovery will be instituted. Doo Registration. —The number of dogs registered in the Ashburton County during the present year reaches 543; vide returns laid on table at County Council meeting to-day. A.F.C.—A match between the members of the above Club was played this after noon, on the Domain ground. A general meeting of members will be held this evening, in Messrs Fooks and Son’s offices.

Delayed. —The express from Christ church was late in arriving here to-day, the delay being occasioned by a difficulty experienced in keeping up steam. No delay was occasioned to the Timaru- Christchurch train thereby. Horticultural Society. —The annual meeting of this Sooietj was held last night, and was well attended. A report of the proceedings appears elsewhere. The next monthly meeting of the society will be held on the first Tuesday in June. Death op Mrs J. L. Hall. —The well known actress, Mrs J. L. Hall, died at Adelaide a few days ago. Mrs Hall was well known throughout New Zealand and Australia as an estimable lady and pains taking actress, and her death will be re gretted by a wide circle of friends.

English AeeSval.— As we go to press a Dunedin telegram informs us that the barque Cambrian, from Loudon, is at the Heads.

Tararua Disaster— To-morrow even ing, at a service to be held in the Wes leyan Church, the Rev. W. Keall will preach a sermon having special reference to the above catastrophe. Waiting for the Mail. —The Union S. S. Company has been advised that the Orient liner Liguria will be detained at Hobson’s Bay till the arrival of the Te Anau, which leaves Lyttelton this evening. Industrial Committee. —A meeting of this Committee will be held this evening in the upper room of the Town Hall. As the business to be discussed is of an im portant nature, a full meeting is required. A Tribute of Respect. —From Christ church we learn that Messrs Petersen and Co. have just manufactured a magnificent silver cup, intended for presentation by the Armed Constabulary in the North Island to Colonel Whitmore. The cup stands 22 inches high,' and is the finest specimen ever made in Christchurch. Drunkenness. —At the Resident Magis trate’s Court to-day, before C. P. Cox, Esq., J.P., a first offender was fined 10s and costs, for being drunk on the railway premises. Another first offender for being drunk, and for indecent exposure in a public place, was dismissed with a severe caution from the Bench. Narrow Escape. —Mr Physic had a narrow escape from drowning whilst crossing the Ashburton river yesterday on horseback. The animal he was riding put its foot in a hole, and but for the promp titude of Mr Mcßae, who was accompany ing Physic, the results might have been of a serious character. As it was, Mr Physic escaped with a ducking. Masonic. —At the meeting of the St. John’s Lodge, E C., last evening, Bro. H. Stephenson, P.M., gave a most in teresting lecture on “Light.” The able way in which the lecturer delivered his lecture caused the subject matter to be intensely interesting to the brethren pre sent. At its close, the W.M. of the Lodge thanked Bro. Stephenson for his kindness in coming forward. Damaged Stock.— We regret to learn that the late heavy rains flooded the premises of Mr Frederick Clark, of East street, and did considerable damage to his stock. Consequent thereon Mr Clark notifies, in our advertising columns, that he will for a few days hold a sale of the damaged articles. Particulars of recent importations in the way of novelties are also included in the advertisement referred to. The Bench on the Licensing Laws. At the Wellington Magistrates’ Court yesterday two publicans were charged with Sunday trading. The evidence went to show that spirits were supplied to a little boy for a sick lady, and his Worship said that the only comfort he felt in having to inflict a penalty on offenders of this kind was the fact that the public mind would be so directed to the ridiculousness of the law on this subject as to induce the people to force an amendment on the House. He thoroughly approved of the restriction of Sunday traffic, but as the law stood at present publicans would be debarred not only from selling liquor on Sunday in cases of emergency, such as sickness or accident, but also from even giving it away. The minimum fine was inflicted.

Accident to Judge Ward.—An acci dent eccurred on Monday to Judge Ward, Mr M‘Cully, and Mr Grierson, of the Union Bank, Timaru. They were being conveyed on a trolly over the unlinked portion of the Upper Waitaki bridge when the rope by which the horse was attached to the vehicle caught in a sleeper, causing a jerk, by' which Judge Ward and his companions were precipitated to the ground. His Honor fell with such force on his side that he broke his ribs. The others escaped with alight bruises. It will be seen, from an advertisement in another column, that the sitting of the District Court has been adjourned to the sth June, in consequence. There is only one case set down for hearing and a few applica tions in bankruptcy.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[per reuter's agency.] The Conservatives and the Land Bill. London, May 2. In the House of Commons this evening the Irish Land Bill again came up for discussion on the second read ing. In the course of the debate Lord Elcho, member for Haddingtonshire, acting on behalf of the Conservatives, made a speech in which he strongly denounced the provisions of the Bill, and concluded by moving its rejection as a whole. The discussion on the motion continues. The Parliamentary Oath. A Ministerial Bill has been intro duced by the Right Hon. W. E, Glad stone, providing that persons who are permitted to affirm in Courts of law should be authorised to make affimation on their entry to Parliament, in place of the customary oaths of allegiance. Beaconsfield’s Monument. Mr Labouchere, M.P. for North hampton, has given notice in the House of Commons of a motion condemning the proposal to be submitted shortly by the Premier that funds should be voted for the erection of a monument to the late Earl Beaconsfield in Westminster Abbey, The Markets. The Stock Exchange is closed, owing to to-day being a bank holiday, and there are no changes to report in the money market. Adelaide wheat has declined is, and is now quoted at 48s, ex warehouse. New Zealand wheat, ex ship, remains at 455. Aus tralian tallow is without quotable change. The Frontier Difficulty Settled. In the House of Commons to-day Sir Charles Dilke, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, made a statement regarding the negotiations for the settlement of the Turko-Greek diffi culty. He announces that the Sultan had finally accepted the understanding which had been arrived at between the Porte and the Hellenic Government. More Land League Arrests- London, May 3. Mr John Dillon, M.P. for Tipperary, and one of the chief agitators of the Land League, has been arrested in Ireland, on a warrant issued by the Viceroy, under the Coercion Act.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per reuter’s agency.] The Two Houses. Melbourne, May 3. Both Houses of Parliament re assembled to-day after the recess. In the Legislative Council Sir Charles Sladen made a statement regarding the Reform Bill. He stated that he had no objection to the same being con sidered on its second reading, but he considered it useless to discuss the measure further, as he was convinced that no agreement would be arrived at with the Assembly. The Big Show. Dr Hector, Executive Commissioner

for New Zealand at the late Interna tional Exhihibition, has left for Sydney, and will leave that port for Wellington in the Wakatipu. Before his departure, Dr Hector completed arrangements for packing and forwarding the Exhibits in the New Zealand Court. Among the awards made to New Zealand exhibi tors, A. and T. Burt, Dunedin, secured six first orders of merit, including a gold medal. The Mosgiel Woollen Factory Company was also awarded a gold medal. The following exhibitors also take first orders of merit:—Wrig glesworth and Binns, Wellington, photo graphs ; Dr Hector and Dr W. L. Buller, Wellington, publications ; Brun ner Coal Company, fireclay goods ; E Mitchelson, Dargaville, kauri gum ; T. P. Tilby, Auckland, arrowroot; Peter M'Gill, Tokomairiro, groats. Suez Mail. Arrived—P. and O. Company’s steamship Khedive, with the inward Suez mail, dated London, March 24th. Victorian Reform Bill. Melbourne, To-day. In the Legislative Council last night, after a statement made by Sir Charles Sladen, the Reform Bill was read a second time, pro forma.

NEW ZEALAND

[per press association.] Accident. Invercargill, To-day. While three men were engaged to-day on the premises of Hatch, a chemist, working a hoist for lifting goods, the cage, while suspended, suddenly descended, coming to the ground with such violence as to detach the chain, which fell on two of the men, Hunt and Sugent. They were removed to the hospital, when it was found Hunt’s leg was badly fractured. The other man was much bruised and shaken.

SPORTING.

N.Z. GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLE CHASE. The following are the weights for the Handicap :—Agent, 13st ; Sailor Boy, 12st 61b ; Clarence, 12st 21b ; Lady Mary, list 91b ; Winfield, list 51b ; Mousetrap, lOst 121 b ; Kosciusko, lOst 71b ; Miss Hungerford, lOst ; Shark, lOst.

BURGLARY AT TAURANGA.

Attempt to Bob a Bank.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, To-day.

Mr Richardson, Inspector of the Na tional Bank here, has received the follow ing telegram from Tauranga : —“ The Bank was attacked last night by burglars. One was caught, after a severe struggle, by Sergeant White and Constable Whelan, others escaped. No damage was done.” Tauranga, To-day.

Further particulars have been received re attempted burglary. Sergt White states that Morris, the manager of the bank, informed him about a week ago that someone would try and injure him and most likely rob the bank, as suspicious parties were prowling about and dogging him from the Club to the bank at Upon this information, Sergt White kept a vigil ant watch on the bank. Everything went on as usual, but as he was stationed inside the bank a rap came to the dqor, and the manager of the bank opened the door, when a large quantity of pepper was thrown in his face and completely blinded him. At the same time, the robber grasped the manager by the throat. There was Constable Whelan stationed behind the door, who, along with the manager,! is suffering severely from the pepper. He struck the robber on the head, and Seigt White covered him with his revolver, and the burglar then caved in, after a severe struggle. The prisoner’s name is William Henry Borfield. Upon his being searched, the following articles were found :—A knotted bludgeon, gag, piece of rope, pieceof soap, a quantity of pepper, and a towel. The prisoner had blackened his face. Immediately after tha prisoner was secured, Sergeant White rushed out of the bank to see if he could find any of the accomplices, but found no one. He picked up a loaded pistol outside the door. It is supposed that there is a gang in town, as Mr Morris saw one or two outside the door.

THE TOTALISATOR CASE.

At the Christchurch R.M. Court this morning, Mr Whiteford, R.M., gave judgment in the totalisator case. He said the Bench were against defendants in that the former held the Racecourse to be a public place within the meaning of the Act, but considered, however, it would be straining the provisions of the Act to pronounce the totalisator an illegal machine for the purpose of betting. The totalisator might be looked upon as merely a recording machine or large open betting-book, which all persons could use, and after each race, the whole of the money invested was paid back less a per centage deducted for the services of the proprietors of the machine. The case therefore would be dismissed. The solicitor for the prosecution gave notice of appeal. ___________

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

[Per s.s. Rotomahana, at the Bluff.] London, April 18. Mr Goshen, Ambassador Extraordinary at Constantinople, has addressed an appeal to the British public on behalf of the sufferers by the recent terrible earth quake in the island of Ohio. Inquiry has shown that the destruction caused was enormous, and that hundreds of survivors are left absolutely destitute. The Garter left vacant by the death of Earl Beaconsfield has been conferred upon Earl Derby. The Irish papers in the United States, commenting upon the Irish Land Bill, submitted by Mr Gladstone’s Govern ment, eugolise the measure as a states manlike effort to grapple with the difficulties of the Land Question of Ire land. They consider that the Bill, with some amendments in point of detail, should meet with the steady support of the Irish people. A proposal has been submitted for the consideration of the Cabinet, emanating from Germany and Russia, for the extra dition of political criminals. In the com munication, stress is laid upon the recent Nihilist and Socialist outrages, which, it is maintained, are of an heinous nature, and that their political character should not be allowed to protect criminals from vengeance if they should succeed in escaping to other countries. It is sug gested that a conference of all the Powers should be held to deal with the matter, in order to arrive at some satisfactory under standing upon the question. A strongly marked revolutionary feel ing is displayed in Russia, especially in several of the large cities. In Moscow, numerous inflammatory placards are posted about the streets inciting the people to rise. The labor market of the United States is very disturbed. Among the colliers of Pennsylvania, and factory operatives in other Eastern States, there are extensive strikes, which are prejuducially affecting trade. A strike is threatened among the

c fibers at Durham, owing to the proposed reduction of wages. April 22. At a meeting held in Dublin the release of Michael Davitt, the fenian, was advo cated. Mr Parnell spoke on the subject of the Irish Land Bill, and said that the basis upon which the measure was con structed was unscientific, and its effect would be to raise rentals, while laborers would still bo left out in the cold. April 23.

The Irish Land League’s Convention, which is now sitting in Dublin, purpose considering the new Irish Land Bill, and have condemned the emigration clauses of the Bill. Affairs in the Transvaal are becoming more and more unsettled. The condition of things is so unsatisfactory that the English residents are leaving. The Conservatives are strongly assail ing the Irish Land Bill in the House. Mr John Leyden, landowner in the county of Galway, has been murdered. The crime was committed in consequence of the exercise of his rights as landlord. April 25.

Public curiosity has been excited by a statement, made avowedly on good authority, that a Glasgow girl had abstained entirely from food for a period of over 115 days. It is averred that she has fasted absolutely since December last, but the announcement is regarded with considerable incredulity.

THE TARARUA DISASTER.

The following is the latest from Otara re the wreck of the Tararua :—“ Wynd ham, 1 p.m. —No more bodies have been found. Three police remain at Waikawa. Gorton has been identified as a groom to Dr Cotterill, of Invercargill. At the in quest the verdict was ‘Found Drowned.’ The jury added a rider that a light should be placed on Waipapa Point, as three vessels have been wrecked there. It is not the slightest use of people coming here, as there is no accommodation. Captain Garrard has a married sister in Christchurch, a brother in Wellington, and a brother in Nelson.

A public meeting was held in the Durham street (Christchurch) Wesleyan schoolroom last evening, for the purpose of taking steps to show some practical sympathy with the bereaved families of the late Revs. J. B. Richardson and J. Armitage, who were passengers by the ill-fated Tararua. There was a consider able attendance of persons, representing all denominations. Resolutions were carried expressing sympathy with the bereaved families, and a subscription list was opened, and over L2OO promised. [by telegraph.] Dunedin, To-day. Being mail day, only twenty persons at tended the Mayor’s meeting to devise means for relieving the widows and orphans of the Tararua disaster. A com mittee was appointed to make enquiries. The opinion was expressed that a large sum was not required, as many of the pas sengers had insured their lives. The Union s.s. Company head the Tararua disaster subscription list with 100 guineas, promising to give further help if necessary. The Mayor of Dun edin will be thankful to receive any information respecting any cases requiring urgent relief. It transpires that Mrs Brown and three children were not passengers by the Tararua.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

An ordinary meeting was held to-day, there being present Messrs Walker (chair man), Wright, Saunders, Jackson, Coster, Cameron, and Bullock. chairman’s statement. The chairman’s statement was as follows : The Commissioner of Crown Lands has informed me that he has recommended to the Government that certain reserves suggested by the Council in the Ashbur ton river bed, be made for the river pro tection purposes. The committee ap pointed to select sites for planting, and for interviewing the Mayor concerning the Borough claim for a share of the Surplus Land Fund, have met since last meeting and will present to you their report.—The Government have ac knowledged your letter on the subject of removing the gates at the A.shburton bridge to the end of the approaches, but they have not signified if it is their inten tion to comply with your suggestion. k return of dog collars sold this year will be placed on the table for your information. —I applied to the Registrar of Brands for copies of Register of Brands, for the use of the various poundkeepers in the County, but he informs me that such a thing is not in existence. engineer’s report.

This report, which was as follows, was road :

1. Road, Pudding Hill.—This road, leading from the terrace to the river bed, has been satisfactorily completed. 2. Chapman’s Creek Extension.—Thecontract for this work, as far down as the West Coast road, has been finished, so the risk of damage from floodwater to the district from that source will now be averted.

3. Saleyards.—The fencing and plough ing of areas authorised for plantation purposes are in progress, and will be finished in a few days, after which the planting will be put in hand.

4. Well at Winslow.—This well has been sunk and lined, and is now available for public use.

5. Water Supply, Mount Somers District.—As requested by the Council, I put myself in com munication with the owners interested in the proposed scheme, with a view to ascertain what they were prepared to do in the way of maintenance in the event of the Council under taking the work of water supply. At the meeting which was held it seemed to be the opinion of most of the owners present that if the whole district between the South Ashburton river and Bowyer’s stream, were to be in cluded, two main lines would be necessary— the one leading from the nrouosed head works in Deep creek, along Tram way Reserve, as far down as the township, then entering the creek which passes Hood’s and M‘Lymont’s, and so, on towards Bowyer’s stream —so as to serve the various intervening Sections on that route. A continuation might be made, if re quired, on a zigzag line, as shown, so as to serve the Buccleuch property, but the owner says no great advantage would accrue from this, as the property is already watered by the Ashburton river on the one side, and Bowyer's stream on the other. The other proposed channel would end off near R.S. 22004, in the direction indicated by dotted red line on plan, to the lower end of the cultivated sections, and from thence, if it were desirable, it could be continued downwards, through the Buccleuch property. 1 beg also to state, that some of the owners themselves have already made a small race along a portion of this line. It has its source in a piece of swampy ground, which does not yield a supply sufficient to reach the limit they had intended, and the owners now ask the Council to let in an auxiliary supply from proposed upper channel into said race, but to extend it from its present termination — or, otherwise to make a new one near the same line as the Council might think fit. On the whole, I consider that at present this water scheme is required mainly in the interests of the smaller settlers in that district, whose holdings are somewhat different from the pre sent. and the lines shown through their sections would give such a service as they'require. If the scheme is to be so extensive, however, as to take in all the portion between the South Ashburton river and Bowyer’s stream, I presume that the dis trict will have to be constituted into a rateable district same as on the other portions of the plains ; and, while the owners stated that when called upon to sign the agreement they would be prepared to say definitely whether they would be willing to bear the costs of main tenance, in the meantime they seem disposed to take all the responsibility of maintaining a scheme of small magnitude. The question might therefore be considered as to the pro priety of constructing one or more sections of

the work as follows :—(X.) Head works, with channel to connect with Hood’s creek at town ship, and branch to connect with small race already made by owners. (2.) Extension of channel from Hood’s through rural sections to Bowyer’s stream, and of present small race through rural sections near tramway reserve to lower end rural section 24472. (3-) Extension of both these races through lower end of Buccleuch property. The extension of the first would secure an abundant supply, and to bring it down as the township to a point avail able for distribution, the expense of this part of the work might be set down at about L3OO. Sections Nos. 2 and 3, including bridges, culverts, tanks, etc., would each cost about about L2OO. You will therefore observe that the principal items of expense would be the construction of head works. I examined another source—viz., from the creek which passes through the caves in Lime stone rocks ; but this does not yield a supply sufficient for the purposes, while its diverson would, to some extent, deprive the settlers below the point of abstraction, of the supply on which they are at present dependent. 6. Plains Water Supply. - The protection of several portions of the creek above Methven has just been completed, the effect of which has been sensibly to diminish the amount of absorption; but I am unable at present to state the exact per centage gained, as on account of the numerous streamlets now enter ing the creek at various places, accurate results cannot be obtained till it subsides into its normal state. I have, however, repeatedly guaged the flow In the test channel from Methven to Dundas, and find the loss by percolation over the whole of that distance of 22 miles continues steadily at 33 per cent. I have staked out the line of water race leading from Methven past Chertsey, and contracts Nos. 1,2, and 3 are in progress. lam pre paring to get in the small concrete tanks at road crossings, and the question of bridges for public roads and pipe crossings will have to be considered now, as these works should pro ceed simultaneously with the cutting of the races. Tenders for the Methven-Dromore water race, in length abcut 29 miles, will be laid before you to-day, and I beg to ask the Council’s approval of the lines as laid down on the plan. I beg also to ask your authority to call for next meeting of Council tenders for race marked A on plan. 7. Bridge, Mount Somers.—l have ordered timber for the wheel guards, and these will be fixed as soon as the material comes to hand.

Willi an Baxter, County Engineer. The following action was taken in con nection therewith :

County Sale Yards :—Resolved —“That Mr Bullock and the Chairman be a com mittee to arrange for planting, and accept tenders for same. ”

Mount Somers Water Supply ;—Mr J. Jackson moved, and Mr Coster seconded —“ That the sum of L4OO be set aside for water supply to the country between south Ashburton and Bowyer’s stream, the money to be expended when the owners of the land in that district express their willingness to be rated for main tenance of the work. ” This on being put, was declared lost. —Mr Wright moved — “ That inasmuch as the proposed expendi ture on Mount Somers water race will be at the rate of 9d per acre for the area to be benefitted, if Mr Taylor’s land is ex cluded ; that no expenditure be incurred on the race until Mr Taylor consents to contribute to the maintenance of the said race, in proportion to the extent of land held by him so situated as to be capable of receiving benefit by the water race.” This was seconded by Mr Saunders, and carried.

Public Crossings :—lt was resolved — “ That fords be made were the channels cross the roads ; fords to be pitched and fronted with concrete wherever practic able.

Special Crossings :—lt was moved by Mr Wright, seconded and carried—“ That wherever special crossings are required to supply the water to properties on the op posite sides of a road dividing such pro perties, and such crossings are approved by the Engineer to the Council, two-thirds of the cost of such crossings shall be paid by the owners of the land, in proportion to the acreage of their holdings within one half mile of such road, and that failing their ageement to pay such charge, no diversion in the course of the race shall take place.”—Mr Coster moved— “ That those crossings now on the maps be not considered special crossings.” This, however, not being seconded, lapsed. South Rakaia Plains Water Supply : Mr Wright moved the adoption of the recommendation made by the Engineer, and calling for tenders for the work, same to be in by next meeting, which was agreed to. HOSPITAL REPORT. Messrs Fooks and Son, in accordance with instructions received from the Coun cil, reported that the roof of the Hospital required a thorough overhaul, and that the cost of erecting a bath in the female ward would amount to Ll 3 or Ll 4.

The matter of repairing the roof was left in the hands of the Chairman to arrange. Re Bath.— The expenditure of the necessary amount for construction of same was authorised. PLANTING. The interim report of the committee ap pointed on this matter was read and adopted. THE BOROUGH CLAIM. The committee appointed to report re the claim of the Ashburton Borough Council for a share of the Land Fund advised the granting of a sum of LSOO. The report was adopted. NOTICES OF MOTION. Mr Walker, with the permission of the Council, withdrew the resolution standing in his name regarding the management of railways. In reference to the notice of motion standing in Mr Wright’s name re con struction of a footbridge over the Hinds, a sum of LIOO for the construction there of was voted by the Council, and the clerk was instructed to make the neces sary formal applications in the matter to the Minister of Public Works.

APPLICATION. The poundkeeper, Ashburton Pound, requested a reimbursement of certain ex penses incurred by him in the poundage of four horses, for whom no owners had been found, and which could not be dis posed of by sale, as specified by the Act. It was decided not to entertain the ap plication. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence read included the fol lowing : From the Mount Somers Domain Board, requesting a vote to cover amount incurred by them above their resources in planting, etc. —Not entertained. From the Longbeach Road Board, re questing a grant similar to that made to the Waterton Cemetery Board (L 75), to the Winslow Cemetery Board.—lt was re solved to make a grant to the Board as per appropriation already made. Circulars from the Manawatu County Council re Local Bodies Conference ; Rangitikei County Council on the same subject ; and Wairoa County Council re Waste Lands Boards and landed endow ments.—Laid on tho table and ordered to be acknowledged. From the Mount Hutt Road Board re stoppage of road.—Consideration deferred to special meeting to be held following next ordinary meeting.

HOSPITAL SURGEON. It was resolved—“ That Dr Trevor be asked to superintend the Hospital for three months, pending legislation after expiration of present lease.” SLAUGHTERING LICENSE. A license to slaughter was granted to Mr. Bruce. The meeting then adjourned.

Special Meeting. The business to be considered at a special meeting rc balance sheet, &c., was then proceeded with, Messrs Bullock and Coster being absent. (Left sitting at 4.45 p.m.)

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of the members of the Horticultural Society was held last night at Messrs Jacobson and Evton’s office. There was a good attendance. The Annual Report was read as follows :

Your Committee have much pleasure in being able again to meet you with a credit balance to your account. Despite the de pression which during the past year has pressed heavily on all classes, your Society finds itself in quite as good, if not a little better, position than when they met you last year. Monthly meetings have been held during the year, at which members have read some valuable papers on different subjects connected with horticulture. The attendance of members at these meetings have not been as good as your Committee would have liked to have seen, considering the subjects which have been dis cussed. Nevertheless, the Committee aie satis fied that a great impetus has been given to horticulture in the district, and they would earnestly invite amateurs in particular to put forward their best energies in this direction. As you are aware the annual show was held in the Town Hall on March sth, and wasagreat success, the takings at the door far exceeding the same at last year’s show, and when it is remembered that members had this year two extra tickets each, your Committee feel justified in assuming that” the Society’s shows are popular, and therefore productive of much good. Your Committee cannot refrain from mentioning the great interest and assistance they received from the local nurserymen and your worthy President, in coming forward with such grand and numerous exhibits. Your warmest thanks are likewise due to Messrs Jacobson and Eyton for their liberality in placing their office at yqur disposal as a meet ing room. The position of the Society, as will be seen from the balance sheet, is satisfactory ; there being a credit of L2O 6s 6d, for your Committee can reasonably take credit for a further sum of L 4 14s 6d, being promised sub scriptions yet unpaid, but which are all avail able on demand. The accounts have been duly audited and certified to. There will be a motion laid before you to alter the date of the yearly subscriptions to January Ist in each year. This would be more convenient than the present date. Your Committee, in render ing the affairs of the Society into your hands, hope that their successsors will still further be able to improve the same. The Balance Sheet, as read, showed the receipts from subscriptions, entrance fees, and special prizes, and takings at the door, and including the balance from last year, to be LBS 2s 3d, and the expenditure L 64 15s 9d, which leaves a credit balance of L2O Gs 6d to be carried forward to next year. The following resolutions were carried : incoming committee to advertise the monthly meetings once a month in each paper at a limited cost.”—“ That it be a recommendation to the committee to fix the date of next Show for the first Satur day in March.” The following officers were elected for the ensuing year—viz., E. G. Wright, President; Messrs H. Friedlander, John Giigg, Dr Trevor, and E, G. Crisp, Vice presidents ; H. 0. Jacobson, Treasurer ; S. E. Poyntz, Secretary. The following gentlemen were elected by ballot to act as managing committee— viz., Messrs J. T. Smith, Charlton, Mayo, J. Sealy, T. Sealy, Collins, Simmonds, Randall, Stephenson, Harrison, Broom field, and Davison. The usual votes of thanks were duly passed and the meeting adjourned.

A meeting of the new committee was then held, at which it was resolved that the recommendation of the general meet ing re. advertising be adopted. The consideration of the recommenda tion re date of show was postponed till next meeting. Mr J. Sealy promised at the next monthly meeting to read a paper on “ planting. ”

WATER RACE AT MOUNT SOMERS.

Public Meeting. A meeting of persons interested in the construction of a water-race in the vicinity of Mount Somers, was held at the Hoad Board office, Mount Somers, on Tuesday last. Mr Cookson, senior, was voted to the chair. Mr Baxter, the Cotinty Engineer, was requested to enlighten the meeting as to the proposed scheme of water supply. Mr Baxter stated that the County Council had requested him to attend and lay before the meeting plans of the dis trict to be benefitted, and also his estimate of the cost of construction of twelve miles. He understood the proposed line followed the tramway reserve road, as far as the township, which would be the point of divergence. He also submitted for the meeting’s consideration, a copy of an agreement, whereby interested parties would consent to give a piece of land half a chain wide, wherever the race passed through their property. Mr Taylor thought that if the agreement was signed by the meeting, they would bring themselves under the Water Supply Act, thereby rendering themselves liable for any expense that would in future be incurred.

Mr Edson said that as the County Council had kindly considered the pro posed supply so favorably, the matter should at once be considered.

After a long and desultory discussion, Mr J. Wood proposed—“ That the route recommended by the meeting be adopted, viz., from R.S. 22004 into the creek near R.S.’s 17801,15492, 16719, to R.S. 21510; also from divergence through R. S 18513, 17773, to R.S. 24472. The line from the head water to the point of divergence te be left in the hands of the County En gineer to select. ” Mr M'Lymont seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Edson proposed, and Mr Taylor seconded—“ A hearty vote of thanks to Mr Baxter, for his exhaustive explanation of the proposed scheme:”—Carried. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting adjourned.

LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday last, there being present Messrs Carter, Chapman, Dobson, and Taylor. Mr Carter moved —“ That Mr Taylor, being the oldest member of the Board present, take the chair.” Seconded by Mr Chapman. The Surveyor reported that the com mittee appointed by the Board at last meeting had met on Monday, the 18th April, and had accepted the tender of Messrs Hastie and Smith for the forma tion of a side ditch on Crow’s road.—This was approved of. The Surveyor further reported that Messrs Gibson and Grace, the contractors for the shingling of parts of Dobson’s and the 20-ohain roads, had formally given up their contract since the last meeting of the Board, and had forfeited their deposit thereby, and that the Surveyor, em powered by the Chairman, had accepted the next lowest tender —that of Mr Chas. Black, who was now engaged on the work. —This was also approved of. Correspondence was read—

From Messrs Gibson and Grace, stating that their tender for Dobson’s road was too low, owing to a mistake on their part in not properly understanding the speci fications for the work ; this being the case, they asked the Board to refund their deposit money.—The Board, while re gretting the loss of the money to Messrs Gibson and Grace, declined to break the rule of compelling defaulting tenderers to forfeit their deposits. From Mr Edward Bell, the manager of the Chatmoss estate, asking the Board to clear the drain of Boundary road, and the outfalls therefrom, of watercress. —The

Surveyor ’tftw instructed to inspect and

report thereon at next meeting. From Mr C. H. Dowding, the manager of the Coldstream estate, asking the fper mission of the Board to cross Isle worth road with a water race, and offering to put a sufficient bridge on the road over the race, Permission was granted to cross the road, provided a ford instead of a bridge, was made and maintained. From the same gentleman, asking the Board to form a short piece of road over theColdstream homestead.—The Surveyor was directed to call for tenders for the WOrk. - a;-;-us From Mr Charles Martin, requesting the Board to clear the tussupks) ofi the centre of the Great South rda'd, between the finger-post and veyor was instructed totake levalVslong this piece of road, and report on the cost of forming side channels and; clewing -the tussocks at next meeting. ' * r * ' From the Secretary to 1 theAshburton Racing Club, asking the Board’s'permit sion to level a portion of the unformed part of the side of Graham's road, So ' that horses running at thh forthcoming Steeplechase might safely jump-bn to it. —Granted. ....... From the Ashburton Borough Council,' in reply, stating that the request bf the Board, to remove the loose atones from off the northern approach to the Ashburtgn railway bridge would receive the atten tion of the Council. ’ 1 '

From the Ashburton County Council, r in reply, saying that a copy of the SoardV letter had been forwarded to the 'Govern ment, with a strong recommendation of,, the Council that the suggestion as to the removal of the railway gates at, the Ash-i burton bridge be carried into effect, and further informing the 'Board that its re commendation iu t this matter had been ac ceeded to.

From the Chairman, apologising for his absence for about a month, and suggesting that an acting chairman hi appointed in ~ his absence, with power to sign cheques, and otherwise act as chairman.—On 'the motion of Messrs Dobson and Chapman, Mr Thomas Taylor was asked to under-.; take the duties. —Mr Taylor consented. Moved by Messrs Chapman and Carter, and carried—“ That the 'Ashburton County Council be respectfully sulked to grant the sum of L 7 sto the Winslow Public Cemetery,' for purposes of fencing and planting.” Moved by Mr Dobson, seconded by the acting-chairman, and agreed—“ That before any division of the suin' of money standing to the credit of the Board on the Ist January, 1881, and allocation of the same to the fire wards of this district be made, the reply to Mr Studholme’s letter be considered.” It was resolved—“ That during the ensuing winter months the Board meet at 2 o’clock p. m., instead of 3." The Surveyor was instructed to repair.; Graham’s road, from Boundary road to ' Tinwald, with gravel. Tenders were opened and the following accepted:—Mr Henry Anderson, for for mation of Boundary road from Ford’s road to Graham’s road ; Mr James Gardiner, for the formation of Boundary road, from Willowby to Ford’s .road; Mr John :

Walker, for the re-formation of the Wins low road ; land Mr John Boyle, for the shingling of both lengths of Ford’s road. The pay-sheet, amounting, to L 236 11s 4d, being passed for payment, the Hoard adjourned. :

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE ELECTORAL ROLL.

To the Editor, ■ ; , Sir, —I trust there is no “ sthmpg” ,of the electoral roll going on. I hear of one prominent politician making' up “ books” of claims, and hot long ago a feebler effort, . coming from a different was made ■ to place on the roll a number of persons who might be expected to vote straighten case of need. It was recently discovered that, by a moat unfortunate, mischance, the names of the bulk of the electors resi dent in that hotbed of political heresy, the Malvern district, had disappeared from. , the roll; and, although the( Registration ** t Ofhcer has since given ah explanation of the circumstance which seems: to: excul pate him from blame, .the fact remains that, but for the provideptial discovery pi the accident, a numerous body of electors of-objectionable political opinions would have found themselves unable to vote at the next general election. The moral is that every person who is entitled to'.have his name placed on the electoral roll—es pecially if he be an anti-Hallite—should’ take care to see that his name is actually . there. The time for the election is rapidly drawing nigh, and it may turn out ’ that political questions of a mpre excjting nature than now appear will have -to be decided at the hustings. I shall be happy to give any information whioh I possess, regarding the qualification and registra- T tion of electors, to any person who may j wish to get his name on the roll, and will take the trouble to call upon ,me.—I am., Ac., 0. W. Pornell.

DAIRY PRODUCE.

To the Editor. Sir, —I should imagine some hundreds, perhaps thousands, of our farming frends have read with great interest the- excellent ' lecture of Mr Bowron’s on cheese and butter making (as published by your Christchurch morning contemporary) delivered at Christchurch, under the auspices of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and ho .doubt i there has been particular notice taken also of theLsoobonusofferedby the Government for twenty-five tons of good potted butter suitable for shipment. It is really diffi cult to over-estimate the importance of our natural resources and local industries; for many years I have entertained the idea, yea more, had most sanguine expec tations, that this country would make butter and cheese leading articles of ex port, and it appears the whole country is now waking up to the fact, for it is very evident that it may prove a source of immense wealth to the whole of New Zealand, this district sharing largely in it. I have only just heard that one lot of 50 kegs I sold for shipment last season arrived in'England in a very;fair condi tion, but lam not yet aware if resulting in j profit to the shipper. Should the export ing prove in every way a success, I shall . be glad to give the benefit of my ex perience to the general public, and if in a year or two the price should be raised, say twopence to threepence per lb in the plentiful season, by a demand for ship ment, consider what an immense silm extra would be circulated amongst us. It is a well known fact that the supply has’of late greatly exceeded the demand for home consumption, hence we must find an outside market for. it, and yet it is very evident that there is not sufficient of a first-rate article produced. As your leading article of the 27th ult. remarks, a “ difficulty is often experiencedin obtain ing a really good pound of butter free from a decided manufactured taste.” The comparison made with Dunedin I think hardly fair, for I am bold to assert we have butter made in this district that will compare favorably with any produced in New Zealand, and having had twenty-seven years experience in buy ing, salting, and shipping butter, I claim to have an opinion on the subject. But why should there not be a much larger quantity of the first rate kind produced 1 No doubt before long some of our more enterprising far seeing farmers will perceive the necessity of co-operation and establishing, dreameries, but in the event of them not starting for a season or two, cannot our present appliances be turned to better advantage. It is a well-known fact that there is com-

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1881.



John Meech, PRACTICAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., BURNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House iu Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kinds of Furniture repaired or ex changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND HAND FURNITURE. 819



O. Carstens & Co., (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair ; Tobacco . A nice assortment of Accordions, Con certinas, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home.: Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST * STREET ASHBURTON, OF REMOVAL. Daniel Fitzpatrick, BOOTMAKER, Begs to return his sincere thanks to his friends, and to the general public, for their liberal support accorded to him since commencing business, and by paying every attention, and civility to his customers, he asks their continuance in future., Also that they may find him in future in Bast next Orr and Co. (late Trickett), with a well selected Stock of BOOTS and SHOES of everyfkind. Plediso note the Addresses- FAMILY BOOT & SHOE DEPOT, Eaststreet (Next Orr and Co). 711 a Encourage local enter prise. & KEEP THE MONEY 1 IN THE PLACE, WANTED —10,000 customers to Pur chase 100,000 Envelopes and upwards (just abeived). 1,000, 7s fid ; 6,000, 6s Pianos, Harmoniums, and American Organs for sale on deferred payments, from 30s per month. H. M. JONES, Stationer and Bookseller, East street and Earinf* Square. 365 a T Hayes’ I M B E R YARDS. FIREWOOD ! FIREWOOD ! . . . FIREWOOD! The undersigned begs to intimate to 3 in customers and others that he has made i rery large REDUCTION in the PRICE >f Firewood, and is now retailing the lame at from Thirtt Shillings per Dobd, in large or small quantities. ALPHEUS HAYES, Timber Merchant, East street, Ashburton. 608 a TNORMS PRINTED —“To Let" and s' “ For Sale ” —can be obtained at the Guardian Office.



Wanted. Wanted known—That aii Winslow ACCOUNTS due to James Cavanach, unless Paid by May 14, will be SUED FOR. 723 a T/STANTED EYERBODY to know that W HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 72Ga WANTED— TENDERS for PAINT ING. Labor only. Reid and Gray. 722 a WANTED— TENDERS for SINKING WELL. Reid and Gray. 721 a WANTED— BOARD and LODGING. Apply by letter to “Z.Y.," Office of this Paper. 671 a WANTED— A Family’s WASHING. Apply, Office of this paper. 178 a ■\Y7ANTED —MRS PAULING begs to notify that she has taken that Commodious House in Moore street, nearly opposite the Presbyterian Manse, where she will bo glad to ACCOMMO DATE PATIENTS requiring surgical or medical aid. Mrs Pauling has had very considerable experience as Ladies’ Nurse, both at Home and in New Zealand. 528 a



WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Verrall is now showing her Winter Stock of Millinery, Drapery &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN That HENRY’S PORTRAIT ROOMS, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ash burton, are open DAILY, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. Portraits taken in any weather. Great Reduction in Price. 101 a WANTED TO SELL PIANOS H. J. WEEKS, Teacher of Music, Tuner, &c., has for sale the following Secondhand Piano fortes : 1 full-sized Brinsmead, £45; Bord, £25; Broadwood, £26 ; also, American Organ, 5 stops, £3O; 1 Church Harmonium 14 stops, £3O, a bargain. Pianofortes of any kind can be obtained on deferred pay ments. Dresden Model Pianos, £45 and £55. Address; Cameron street west. 86a fXTANTED KNOWN. Ashburton V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andrewes begs to inform the public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of all classes provided. Em ployers requiring servants, and all persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, are requested to apply to L. F. Andrewes, Labor Agent, Book seller, and Stationer, East street, South. 208 a



TTCTANTED THE GUARDIAN tells » » your Wants for Is., cash. Special Advertisements. W. H. SPACEMAN’S Offices are now in Canterbury Chambers, Here ford street, Christchurch, t next Miles and Co., having REMOVED from Messrs Wynn, Williams, and Deacon’s. 335 a 4 LL work and no play makes Jack _J\_ a dull boy,” Consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, Has just imported a quantity of NOVEL AND AMUSING GAMES wherewith to while away the dragging hours of winter nights. They meet the requirements of both old and young, and include playing cards, “ squeezero,” &c.; chess and draught men and boards, back gammon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, lotto, &c., &c. Those having favorite Authors should, to prevent disappointment, make their selections from his large stock of NEWEST NOVELS at their earliest convenience. THE SMOKER’S FRIEND is F.C., and to preserve the right to this title he has just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO : —Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Ruby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES : Havanna and Cuban, Vanity Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a large selection of novelties in PIPE WARE. FLOODED OUT. F.C. was floooded out by the heavy rains on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and the damage done is irreparable. What is he to do ? Sue the Council for damages ? No ! no ! Sell the damaged goods at the best prices obtainable, and get ANOTHER NEW STOCK. This is what he will do. Those who COME EARLY will therefore secure the BEST BARGAINS. 720 a i



IVTOTICE TO FARMERS AND OTHERS IN THE DISTRICTS OF ASHBURTON AND RAKAIA On and after this date our BUSINESS in the above districts will be under the MANAGEMENT of Mr William Hobne. P. CUNNINGHAM & CO., Grain Merchants. Christchurch, May 3, 1881. 717 a