SHIPPING.

POET OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. Maud Graham, schooner, from Grey mouth. To-day. Grafton, s. s., from Wellington. Sailed. Yesterday. Rotorua, s.s., for Port Penguin, s.s., for Auckland, via way ' ports. Omaha, brigantine, for Chatham Islands. s gHI pp ING telegrams. Auckland, Yesterday. The Australia arrived at 7 p m., and Bailed a few hours later for San Francisco. Wellington, Yesterday. Arrived Wigtonshire, barque, from Glasgow; Kennedy, from Nelson ; Kiwi, from Napier and the East Coast. Sailed Fleetwing, schooner, for Waitraa. „ . , Timaru, Yesterday. Arrived Taiaroa, Examiner, and Owake, from Dunedin.

MAIL NOTICES

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject .to . necessary alterations) as udder: — ' Thursday, February 3. For Northern Ports, per Arawata, at 1.40 p.m. ; late fee letters, at 2 p.m. ; guard’s van, 2.30 p.m. train. Tuesday, February 8. - For the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, &c., per Te Anau. TiTaifa close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : •' For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. 10 a. m., and 5 p.m., daily. - For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a. m. daily, f ’ For Terauka, at 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 A.'m., : and 4.20 p.m., daily. For* Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton and Longbeach, at 4.30 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6 a.m. Mails arrive .at the Ashburton Post Office— From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a-nIT, 4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &c. at 10.25 a.m. daily. • From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.36 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 5.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. Frpm Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a.m. daily. From Elgin, Wakanui, Seafield, New and, aud Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 4 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

AUCTION SALES. Saturday, February 5. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at his Yards— '' Contractor’s Plant. 12 o’clock. [See advertisement.] u ; Tuesday, February 8. Davies and Winter—T. S. Nos. 332 and 334, Rakaia.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 5 p.m.] TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1881. The Volunteer Capitation Grant.

One of the retrenchment acts of last 5- ' session of Parliament was the with drawal of all subsidies that could ■ ■ withheld. The jjlea urged •finahrfciil position of the; colony, - , Whicq '"necessitated stern economy, if Zealand was still to hold up her and maintain her good name jn

the world. The taxpayer grumbled, when he had to dip his hand more deeply than ever into his pocket, for it is an Englishman’s right to grumble, but John Bull has always been a tax paying individual, so he grumbled and paid. The answer to his grumbling was a stern reminder that unless the public income was largely increased, and the taxpaying resources of the colonists were largely requisitioned, dis aster was a certainty. Then the prun ing knife, in pursuit of the same policy, was applied to the expenditure, and every unnecessary money outlet was slopped. A host of suckers from the colonial tree, in the shape of Civil servants, were mercilessly pruned off, and the nutriment they drew from the parent trunk was saved. Subsidies that had hitherto been paid to local bodies were ordered to cease, and those bodies were quietly, but firmly, informed that henceforth they must find their own funds, and invent such means as they could for furnishing their exchequers. Amonghts the other in stitutions of the colony, whose income suffered a curtailment by the reaping hook of retrenchment, were the numer ous Volunteer corps. For its size and population, New Zealand possesses a wonderfully large and enthusiastic Volunteer army—and it is certainly a credit to her that so many colonists are found willing to give a great portion of their time and means to her service. There are those, of course, who look upon the Volunteers as a luxury the colony could very well spare, and for whose support public expenditure is little else than wilful waste and un pardonable extravagence. But the ma jority of the public are not of this opinion, and are prepared to recognise the value of the Volunteer movement. As an armor of defence to the colony against any outside attack, we are free to confess that it would be weak indeed if a trained army of any conse quence were suddenly landed on our shores. But then, though every white man in New Zealand capable of bear ing arms were in the ranks to-morrow, the colony would still scarcely be in a properly defensive position. Yet the duty of their own defence, in case of war, has been shifted by the Imperial power to the shoul ders of the colonial dependencies, and the Volunteer movement is a part of our recognised system of defence. No attack from a hostile outside power threatens us a present, and it may be that many decades may elapse before the war-cloud is seen even dimly on our horizon ; but New Zealand has seen the time when a few thousands of men trained to arms and military organisa tion, were not a valueless Requisition, and there is no assurance that the “whirligig of time” may not again make a handful of men who are familiar with the art of war worth possessing. For present service in the field the Volunteers may not be a pressing necessity, but is it to be supposed that the population of this fair land is always to be a circumscribed one, and its position insignificant ? Having the future in view, is it no small matter to have, within the boundaries of the land, the nucleus of an army, through the ranks of which a vast number of our young men pass and obtain a fair know ledge of the use of arms and of military movements and organisation? Her volunteer corps have given a weight in the “ parliaments of men ” to the mother country that her own regular standing army could never have secured for her; and when the fact is mentioned to a European general that Great Britain has in constant training 120,000 volun tary citizen soldiers, who serve in the ranks unpaid, and are the flower of their country, he puts a far higher esti mate upon their value than the ordinary onlooker would do. The general knows how to value the system, and he knows that those 120,000 men do not repre sent the whole volunteer force available to the country they serve, but that three or four times that number have not for gotten their training, and would rally round their old standard at the sound of thewartrump. The colony aims at being a nation of freemen, and to be free we must be ready to defend our freedom. We need not dwell on this part of the subject, and our space does not permit it; but we would refer to the fact that the withdrawal of the capitation allow ance to the Volunteers is certain to militate against the strength and effi ciency of the force. The Volunteers have been patient under the withdrawal, and their complaints have not been loud ; but every day brings nearer and nearer a time when the crippling in fluence will be felt, and when poor and struggling corps will have to disband, and Government will find that a mis take has been made, when all that is left to the colony will be a few attenuated ranks standing up in the larger centres of population, while the training agency that the extinct corps carried on has ceased. By no means was the Volunteer movement an ex pensive one to New Zealand ; the great bulk of expenditure on Volunteering was borne by the officers and men themselves; and we hope, for the pre servation of the movement in some degree of efficiency, and with some show of extent throughout the colony, that Parliament vviil find means, if not to restore the whole of the grant, to give back at least sufficient of it to cover the most pressing expenses of the corps, and thus recognise the patriotism that called them into exist ence and maintained them in efficiency.

Sugar Beet. —An analytic chemist at Auckland is engaged in testing sugar beet grown in the Waikato districts, Australia v. Wanganui. —The Australian Eleven play a two-days’ match in Wanganui, commencing on February 12. The visiting team are to receive all the privileges. Pedesthianism. —Last evening a num ber of people assembled in the Domain to witness the walking match between Hooper and Gaukrodgcr. Shortly after seven o'clock a start was made, and Gaukrodgcr led for the first three laps, when Hooper overtook him, and kept the lead for the rest of the race, coming is an easy winner. Time, minutes. C J.C. Autumn Meeting.— The entries for the principal handicaps at the autumpa meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club were received last night. The big even l ', the Autumn Handicap, has been patronised to the extent of twenty-nine horses, representing eighteen owners. The Flying Handicap fiowes next, with twenty-eight horses, and the faster Handicap has induced sixteen owner* to nominate- twenty-seven animals._ The veteran Fishook appears in each list, as does also Le Loup,

Rev. Mr. PyjC—The Rev. Mr. Pym will deliver an Tinwald to-morrow evening in the ■ evn perance Hall, at eight o’clock. “ The Ways that Are Dark. —A Celestial, a seaman on board the mail steamer Australia, which arrived at Auck land yesterday, was detected smuggling 200 cigars. John was fined L 6. A Sportsman. —Mr. Mills, owner of the yacht Zarifa, which was awarded first prize in the yacht race at the late V elting ton regatta has, owing to a dispute about the course sailed, agreed to sail the race over again, and it will take place on the 12th instant. Auckland Grammar School. —At a meeting of the Board of Governors the committee appointed to inquire int. Dr. Purchase’s charges against the masters of the Auckland Grammar School, recom mended that the charges bo remitted to the Education Minister for investigation, instead of a board of residents. Disorderly Scene in the Commons.— A telegram under date, London, January 25, says a startling debate took place on the Irish Peace Bill in the House of Com mons to-day, and a violent scene ensued. Mr. O’Donnell,of the Home Rule sec’.ion, in the course of a violent speech, stigma tised Mr. Gladstone as a traitor to his country. The remark gave rise to a ‘ 'cue of great disorder and confusion, an<- the Speaker, finding it impossible to restore order adjourned the House. The Exhibition Awards. —A letter has been received in Dunedin from the secre tary of the Melbourne Exhibiton stating that the Commissioners do not purpose forwarding any official report on the vari ous courts until all the jurors have finally decided on the merits of the various exhibits and all questions of appeal have been settled. The notices which have appeared in the newspapers are corre. t to date, but as appeals may come on. ihey are not final.

The Plains Water Supply.— Early this morning the water had so far travelled over its course down he mains as to reach Mr, James Quigley’s farm It has now reached Dnndas, so tha : all doubts as to the willingness of wat r to travel in an open channel over the piains have been dispelled. To-day, the Council instructed the engineer to sink 400-gallon tanks at the various ■ ; oss roads along the route, so that farmer; may 1 have temporary dipping boxc; for hoi; immediate supply, and steps ai > also ') be taken, by the introduction of s nail ' alls, at intervals where necessary l , to protect the race from being scoured by 1 the ; :ces sivepressure. The scouring would 1;; ve a tendency to uncover the shingle sti turn over which the.race runs, and rims e-pose the water to absorption in the grave., but it is calculated that those falls will avert the

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Reuters Agency.) Monetary and Commercial. London, Jan. 31. Consols are unchanged at New Zealand securities remain at last quotations. Adelaide wheat, ex ware house, 50s. ; Adelaide flour, ex ware house, 345. ; New Zealand wheat, ex ship, 435. Questions in the Commons. In the House of Commons to-day, Sir Charles Dllke, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, was ques tioned as to the present state of the ne gotiations for the settlement of the Greek frontier difficulty. In reply, he stated that the question of holding a conference was no longer under con sideration, but that it had been agreed that the Ambassadors of the Powers at the Turkish and Greek Courts should negotiate in the matter, and there was every hope that united action would bring about a peaceful solution of the frontier difficulty, Mr. Childers, Secre tary for War, in reply to a question, said that the total reinforcements ex pected to arrive at Durban, Natal, by February 10th, for service in the Trans vaal were 4,500. He added that the Boers had not committed any outrages, and would be treated according to the rules of civilised warfare. Death of an Authoress. London, Feb. 1. The death of Miss Anna Maria Hall, the Irish authoress, is announced to day.

AUSTRALIAN.

{Pa Reuter's Agency,] The Suez Mail. Albany, To-day. The P. and O Company’s steamship Peshawah, with the inward Suez mail, has arrived in King George's Sound en route for Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association.) Maori Items- Hawera, To-day. A gentleman just returned from the new camp stalei that there are 170 men there under the command of Major Gor ing and Captain’s Newan and Fortesque. He goes on—The camp is about five miles from Piringarehei, and not far from the old camp at Pukehinau. The men will be employed in road making between Pinga rehei and Opoua. The fence at the Opu nake side is not a recent erection ; it has been there for five or six months, and en closes two acres of potatoes. The road is impassable, as it was merely scratched last year, and not formed. The fencing at Waitaki has no political significance, so far as I can learn. There are some old clearings and burial places in the vicinity. It is not improbable that some reserves may be made there. The ringleader, although recently returned from prison, says that the pakeha will not again get a chance of putting him in Lyttelton Gaol. The natives appear notorious for the sub division qf their holdings, and Sir Wm. Fox is likely to have a busy time of it. The fire af Farjhaka' wag a yery small affair, and but little damage wag dpp§. Dropped Out, Wellington, To-day. Hailstorm and On Dit have been scratched for all engagements. The San Francisco Mails. T’he Zealandia, with the London mails of bbth Ppyember, left San Francisco for Auckland on Tyfesday the 13th, ult., three days later than form table date. The City of -Sydney, with the January Colonial mails, arrived at San Francisco, on the 30th ult., two days later than time table date. Jatal Fall of a Scaffold. An accident at Waikanae bridge this morning A fccah'ojcling gave way and one man, named Johnstdnpvyys killed. Two others seriously injured were brought to the hospital. An Appeal Sustained. Dunedin, To day. At the Magistrate’s Court, Mr. Simp son, R.M., recently held that the Harbor Board were liable to be rated for by the Corporation for the reclaimed land. A special case was stated for the Supreme Court, and their Honors Judges Johnston and Williams sustained the Board’s appeal, holding that land reclaimed or used for harbor works was exempt, under section 10 oif tHe' Municipal Corporations 4pt Amendment Act, 187,5.' ’ '

ASHBURTON FIRE BRIGADE.

The Brigade held their annual meet ing last night, Lieutenant Dolman in the chair. Correspondence was read from Mr. Wilkie, resigning the captaincy of the Brigade; from the Borough Council, respecting finance and the matter of uniforms, &c. ; and from the Fire Brigades Association. The secretary was instructed to ac knowledge receipt of Mr. Wilkie’s letter, and to express regret that he had found it necessary to resign. The secretary then read a report of the meeting of delegates at Wellington, Lieutenant Dolman explaining matters of detail. A vote of thanks to the Lieutenant was passed for his attendance at the Conference. The secretary then read the annual report as follows : I have to report that since our last annual meeting, the brigade has made great progress, and that after considerable correspondence with the Borough Council, we have at last ar rived at something like a satisfactory arrange ment with that l)o ly. It is much to he re gretted that the public do nol support us in a more liberal manner, considering that scarcely one of ; the Brigade has any in terest at stake in the event of a serious fire. The Brigade has joined the As sociation, thus putdng themselves on a much better footing than hitherto as regards informa tion if means for extinguishing fires, etc. \oa will agree with me that the Brigade has suf fered a loss in the retirement of Captain Wilkie, whose services have been of great value to us. On the whole wc may congratu late ourselves on our improved position. The meeting then resolved itself into a cornmitee ol the whole for the election of officers, and on resuming reported as follows ; —Captain, J. C. Dolman ; Lieut. W. E. Dolman ; Fore man, H. Gates ; Treasurer, G. Parkin ; Secretary, IV. Adams. The Secretary brought up (he annual balance-sheet of the brigade, and Messrs Bland and Higgins were ap pointed auditors, to report at next meeting. The committee for the com ing mo-nth was elected, and the meet ing closed with a vote of thanks to the chair.

CRICKET.

+ — AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN V. CANTERBURY FIFTEEN. Fro:vi the summary of this match given below, it. will be seen that the visitors were victorious by an innings and 100 runs. Although the defeat of Canterbury was generally expected amongst sober thinking cricketers.a closer contested match was looked for. Pro bably the friends of the provincial players will put themselves about to apologetically account for the great dis parity between the scores of the two teams, and cricketers in other parts of the colony—ever jealous of the city of the plains—will not conceal their enjoy ment of Canterbury’s discomfiture. However, we hope the effect will be the development of better cricket, and patient preparation for a day of cordial revenge. The following is the complete score of the match Fifteen of Canterbury. Ist Innings. C. 0. Corfe, b Palmer ... ... 9 G. Watson, run out ... ... 2 W. E. Leach, c Murdoch, b Spof forth ... ... ... ... 18 D. Ashby, c Murdoch, b Spof forth ... ... ... ... 2 J. Hartland, b Palmer ... ... 0 H. H. Secretan, not out... ... 30 A. M. Ollivier, b Spo.forth ... 2 W. Frith, c Tobin, b .Spofforth... 16 E. Fowler, b Spoflbrth ... ... 8 ; W. P. Reeves, b Palmer ... 0 E. J. Cotterill, b Palmer ... 0 A. Rcdmayne, c Boyle, b Spof forth ... ... ... ... 1 C. Frith, b Palmer ... ... 0 W. Beard, b Palmer 0 E. T. A. Fuller, run out ... 0 Leg byes 2 Total 90 Bowling Analysis. Spofforth, 133 balls, 11 maidens, 48 runs, 6 wickets; Palmer, 132 balls, 14 maidens, 40 runs, 6 wickets. Australian Eleven. Ist Innings. Groube, cW. Frith, b 0. Frith 42 Spofforth, b Fuller ... ... 3 M'Eonnell, c Fowler, bW. Frith 7 Murdoch, c and b Secretan ... 11l Slight, not out ... .... .... 45 A. Jarvis, c Secretan, bW. Frith 0 Boyle, c Fuller, b Ashby ... 32 > G. Palmer, b Secretan ... ... 3 Blackham, c Cotterill, bC. Frith 38 Alexander, c Cotterill, b Ashby 0 Tobin, c and b W. Frith 31 Byes ... ... ... ... 0 Leg-byes ... 4 Wide 1 Total ... 323 Bowling Analysis. —C. Frith, 100 balls, 11 maidens, 47 runs, 2 wickets ; Fuller, 152 balls, 15 maidens, 52 runs, 1 wicket; W. Frith, 211 balls, 24 maidens, 57 runs, 3 wickets ; Beard, 60 balls, 3 maidens, 38 runs; Ashby, 156 balls, 0 maidens, 83 runs, 2 wickets, 1 wide ; Secretan, 68 balls, 5 maidens, 35 runs, 2 wickets. Fifteen of Canterbury. 2nd Innings. A. M. Ollivier, b Spofforth ... 5 G. Watson, b Spofforth ... ... 10 W. E. Leach, b Spofforth ... 6 H, H. Secretan, c Boyle, b Spof forth ... ... ... ... 0 J. Hartland, c Jarvis, b Spof forth 26 C. C. Corfe, st Blackham, b Palmer ... ... ... 4 W. P. Reeves, b Palmer ... 4 D. Ashby, c and b Palmer ... 3 W. Frith, b Palmer 0 E. Fowler, c Spofforth, b Palmer 24 Cotterill, c Slight, b Spofforth ... 5 Redmayne, not out . ... ... 9 C. Frith, b Palmer ... ... 6 Beard, st Blackham, b Palmer ... 3 Fuller, b Palwei;‘2 Byes ... Log byes ~, iff Total... ... ... ... 133. Bowling Analysis. Spofforth, 152 balls, 18 maidens, 55 runs, 6 wickets; Palmer, 150 balls, 13 maidens, 50 runs, § ivipjcets. Supplementary The following was the Australia# 1 score in the supplementary game : ~”P. S. M'Donnell, b Secretan ... 10 A. Jarvis, c Redmayne, b C. Frith... 23 H. F. Boyle, c 'Cotterill, b C. Frith", ■ ft sr W. Tobin, not out 4 G. Palmer, not out ... ... 0 Byes ... ••• 2 Total for 3 wickets ... 1 ... 65

SPORTING.

CANTERBURY JC- AUTUMN MEETING. The following nominations were re ceived last night for the Great Autumn Handicap. —Fishook, Waikari, Sir Modred, Longhands, Hark away, b f Cassivelaunus —Castanette, Volunteer, Randwick, Hornby, Mischief, The Governor, The Joker, Luna, Laertes, Hilda, Billingsgate, Libeller, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Virginia Water,' Holder ness, Lure, Prospero, Lady Emma, Norseman, Le Loup, Titania, and Syl vanus. Easter . Handicap. Fishhook, Sir Modred, Hilarious, Talent, Volunteer, Randwick, Hornby, Mischief, The Go vernor, The Joker, Luna, Laertes, Hilda, Billingsgate, Libeller, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Virginia Water, 'Holdcrness, Lure, Prospero, Lady Emma, , Norseman, Le Loup, Titania, and Sylvanus. Flying Handicap.— Fishhook, Oassi velaunus—Castanette filly, Sir Modred, Hilarious, Talent, Volunteer, Randwick, The Joker, The Governor, Nonpareil, Luna, Laertes, Hilda, The Poet, Amulet, Billingsgate, Libeller, Natator, Grip, On Dit, Virginia Water, Holdcrness, Lady Emma, Legerdemain, The Dauphin, Le Loup, Titania, and Sylvanus.

THE WELLINGTON MEETING. Wellington, Yesterday. The following acceptances were received to-night for the Flying Stakes (Handicap). —Libeller, 9st ; Luna, Bst 01b ; Cassivellaunns filly, Bst 31b ; Sir George 7st 131 b ; The Go vernor, 7sh 111 b ; Miss Domett, (Ist 71b ; Coinns, Gst ; Dan, Ost. The top weight not having accepted, all the above have been raised Tibs.

GREYMOUTH J.C. RACES. Greymouth, Yesterday. The following are the weights for the Greymouth Jockey Clue Handicap. —Libeller, list ; York. 10st71b ; Talent, Ost 51b ; Lancaster, Ost 21b ; Satellite Ost; Morpheus Bst 111 b ; Hero, Bsfc 71b ; Elfin King, Bst ; Colonel 7st 71b ; Native, 7st 21b ; Walebone, 7st 2!b ; Lady Grey, 7st; Warrigal, 7st ; Rata, sst 101 b.

Ashburton County Council.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton County Council was held to-day. Present —Messsrs. W. C. Walker (presid ing), E. G. Wright, Julian Jackson, E. S. Custer, Thomas Bullock. the chairman’s statement. In his opening statement, the Chairman congratulated the Council on the opening of the plains water supply system, which took place last Monday, and expressed a hope that it would be only one among many similar works. Not seeing any thing in the Gazette relative to the reduc tion of grain rates ou the railway, lie had telegraphed to the general manager for information, and had obtained a reply that the Gazette notice had been issued by the Premier on the 27th instant. From this now to hand, the Council would ob serve a remission of rates on agricultural produce, but the Chairman felt sure the Council could not rest satisfied until there remained on the tariff no favored class or district, nor until the agricultural section of the community was placed in the most favored class, a position which they de served as being the mainstay of the colony, and the best employers of the railway. It would be necessary to appoint a dog registrar for the Wakanui district, vice Mr. Wilkie, who has resigned. Mr. Harper had written asking that a report be obtained from the Engineer on the matter of a water supply for the land be tween the Ashburton and the Hinds. engineers’ report. Watertou Drainage. —The several sections contracted for have now been finished, thus completing all the .drainage work between Osborne’s road and the sea, which has been authorised by the Council. Plains Water Supply.—la accordance with instructions received from the Council at their last gieeting, T made the necessary arrange ments for extending the test channel from the point of its crossing the railway near Dromore to the junction of roads near the south-east corner of rural section 26,434 —a distance of 3 y 2 miles, and the contractor has lost 110 time in completing that portion of the race on the lines sketched out. Other sections of the race, near Methven, have, as yon are already aware, been finished since last meeting of Council, and the new cuts which were necessary at Mount Harding and Drayton, and the open race connecting the concrete channel with Chapman’s cieck, as well as the regulating and improving the latter creek over the greater part of its length. These dif ferent sections of the work having been completed, and the official opening har ing taken place on Monday last, I beg to say that the water lias already found its way to the end of the channel, having travelled the distance of 33 miles within 48 hours, and in sufficient volume to give an adequate supply in the .channel throughout, as well as to provide sqm.e surplus to be expended below its lower terminal point. Sonic portions of the channel require yet to be regulated before the work is taken off the contractor's hands. So far, ifierc does not appear to be a large amount of absorption, though this will no doubt increase if the water should cut down into the gravelly subsoil. I will take an early opportunity of gauging tlje absorption wljicfi is taking place, The initial concrete main is large enough to supply at least other four channels pf a similar capacity »d the present test channel, but I would suggest that the effects of a continued (low on the stability of the channel now executed be fully ascertained before either the number or directions of the other channels are determined. There will no doubt be considerable liability to scpijr, especially in period of flood (and the water on this line wifi consequently be always more or Jess turbid, though probably pot objection ably so, at least, for stock, purposes), blit if it is found that the addition of a few small falls at -different points would be likely to render the channel secure, it would be well to adhere to the present line, so as to make it permanently serviceable as one of the mains at a reasonable cost. At Methven, a number 01 public roads meet, and a culvert for the race will be required there. In only one or two instances have timber crossings for fields been requested, and in connection with the present scheme at all events, if owners cannot see their way to provide such accessories for themselves, in consideration of the benefit they may derive from the water supply, it is apparent that the service cannot be extended as it otherwise would. It will be necessary to make provision for turning off the water at several points during periods of rain, more especially at the head works, and near Meth ven, where sluice-gates have already been pro vided. Along the Methven line of railway there arc several large ballast pits, which wotdd be suitable as filter basins (or giving the relief proposed in times of flood. . Regarding the proposed oiitfa)!" froin Chapman’s creek, extending from the old boundary fence below the in-cut, connenctlng said creek with Mount Harding creek to the West Coast road, I have staked out the line on the course shown on ihe accompanying tracing, which is precisely the course the flood water from the creek was taken at the lime I made the survey, and 011 this line Mr. IX' fy. Holmes agrees to give the land neces sary for llie'stViini A)a n ??eb The deed of con veyance will be In course of p.cp.,i'-i.1.0n m a few days. As there is now running in Chap man’s creek the new supply from Pudding Hill, in addition to the usual supply in the creek, it would be advisable to make this storm channel its early ai ppssibje, as, in the event of much water doming’ (lo\yiV tpififi wilpopj. jjny defined course, it would injure tlje rofijlsaiid property in the district, whilst part might also'find Its way again to Methven Township. It would be quite sufficient for the purpose to cut a channel about seven feel wide and nine inches deep, disposing of the earthwork on ‘ the lower side of the drain. The total length is 148 ’Baxter, ■ >. ■ ‘'.'UoMhty.'lßfigjndei'd - The report was received, and it was resolved that the recommendations of the

Engin er bo adopted in' regard to the storm channels above Methven, and that he bo instructed to have them carried, out. THE WATER SUPPLY. Mr. E. C. Wright, in connection with the water supply, suggested that iron tanks be placed at certain intervals along the route of the tempoi-ary race. It was as yet considered t 6 be only temporary, and in that case costly concrete cisterns wore not warranted. By the use of these tanks settlers would be able to obtain water in quantity. In the matter of scour which was feared would injure the race, he would suggest that the Engineer be instructed to insert concrete falls of 15 in. deep. It was only on the upper lands, where the fall was heavy, that the scour 'would be r>rcat, and below the railway lino it was not dangerous. The danger of scour was that it might carry away the upper soil, cut into the gravel, and the water thus be lost by absorption, J.Io would also suggest that the upper slope of the dam IxTllushed with concrete, which he be lieved would bo an effective protection to it and anti would cost LIOO or so for cement.

Mr. Coster supported the suggestion of Mr. Wright. Ho belived scouring was going on in many parts of the race. The Chairman favored the suggestions, especially that in regard to the tanks at the cross road;:. Mr. Bullock having spoken, Mr. Cameron took exception to the oval shape of the bottom of the water race, which threw the whole force of the scour ing power of the water into the middle of the race. He believed the tendency to scour would bo reduced were the bottom of the race square. He had had experience of this on his own races. Mr. Wright, moved Engineer bo instructed to place a 400 gallon tank across the race at .each road road crossing, as a dipping box, and to take the necessary measures to prevent the destruction of the channel at any point by excessive scour.”' Mr. Coster seconded, and the motion was passed. Mr. Wright also moved—“ That the outer slope of the dam at Pudding Hill bo grouted with concrete to prevent the pitching being disturbed by timber carried over it in times of heavy flood. ” Mr. Jackson seconded, and the motion was carried.

The Engineer was instructed to report to the Chairman on the culverts required, the Chairman to act, if necessary, both in these eases and in cases where the banks of the race require strengthening. a parting shot. A document from ratepayers in the Longbeach district was read, taking ex ception, in very 7 strong language, to some statements made by 7 the chairman of the Longbeach Road Board on the subject of the recent agitation for separation. The document was also a memorial for an inquiry by the Council, with a view to ascertain exactly in what parts of the Longbeach district money had been ex pended by the Board, what amounts, and what revenue had been returned. This was desired so that, though the idea of immediate separation had been abandoned with a view to give the ward system a trial* the memorialists might he in a posi tion, when an opportunity for separation appeared in the futui’c, to be able to have a true statement of the position. Mr. Wright thought some of the ex pressions made use of were exceedingly strong, and altogether the petition would stand some toning down. Mr. Coster said the petition did not ap pear to ask for anything. The petitioners did not want separation, -and they were going to give the ward system a trial. Mr. Walker moved that, owing to its improper wording, the petition be not received, and this being seconded the petition was rejected. HINDS WATER SUPPLY. In response to a letter from Mr. Harper regarding a water supply for the land be tween the Hinds and the Ashburton, the Engineer was instructed, to',-report ; also on the Hinds and Rangitata Plains, and on the Mount Somers, district, with a view to ascertaining what could be done re water supplies for these districts: rangitata road board. The Council allowed the committee on thesubject of the Rangitata Road Board an extension of time till next meeting. HOSPITAL COMMITTER. ; 7 ~ Mi’. Walker mentioned that' the Hos pital Committee was obtaining information regarding the handing of the 'Hospital over to the Borough, and the Committee would probably meet the Borough Council shortly. . ACCOUNTS. Several payments were passed. PROTECTIVE WORKS ON. THE N.ORTH BRANCH. '

The Chairman of the Upper Ashburton Road Board wrote to say that, in the financial position of the Board at present, it was impossible for anything to be done by it in the matter of protective, works on the North Branch. Consideration of the subject was postponed for a month. WAKANUI DOG DISTRICT. Mr. James Wilkie wrote resigning his position as dog registrar for the Wakanui district, and the Clerk was instructed to write to the Road ‘ Board asking them to recommend a successor AN ILL-BUILT WELL. Tljo Rakaia Road Boaid wrote, enclosing a letter from the Rakaia poundkeeper re garding the state of a wpli at the pound, and recommending that tofara timber be used in timbering the well instead of inch white pipe boards. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Coster, that the well he properly timbered to preserve the shaft, ALFORD FOREST CEMETERY.

Mr. Onmeron, in a few words, moved that LSO bo vpted towards fencing the cemetery site Alford Forest. Mr. Coster seponded, apd the money U'as granted for fencing and planting purposes, HLAPOHTBR-HOIISB LICENSES. The following skaughtor-house licence holders asked for and obtained renewals— Messrs Octavius Digby, James Smith, W. Bland, Williams, Winter and Roberts, Way mouth, Morgan and Hibbs. NOTICE OS MOTION. The Chairman gave notice that at the March meeting ho would move—“ That in the opinion of this council, the railway system of the colony should be controlled by a non-politieal Board. SPECIAL MEETINGS. At special meetings held at the close of the ordinary meeting the resolution that poundkeepers advertise all animals impounded, whatever their number-unay be, was confirmed. The County saleyards rules and regulations were confirmed.

THE IRISH TROUBLE.

The Debate in the Commona- Lady Land-Leaguers. The Fenians at Work Again. Land Leaguers in Brisbane. (By Cable.) London, Feb. 1. The debate in the House of Com mons on the Irish Coercion Bill was resumed last evening. Mr. Gladstone refused to agree to the compromise which was demanded by the opponents of the measure, and insisted that a division should be taken. The Irish members have, however, resumed their obstruction, and the debate continues. A ladies’ section of- the Irish Land League is to be initiated in Dublin. News comes to hand to-day that the Fenians have caused placards to be posted throughout Ireland, setting forth their rights in inflammatory tones. The police have, however, acted promptly, and have destroyed all the placards which had been posted and a quantity intended for further distribution. Brisbane, To-day. An enthusiastic meeting was held last evening, under the presidency of the Hon. Mr. O’Dougherty, M.L.C., at which resolutions were adopted that branches of the Irish Land League should be formed. A vote of thanks 0 Parnell was also passed.

FIRE AT NELSON.

[By Telegraph.] Nelson, To-day. A fire broke out in Shelbourne street last night, and two houses were des troyed. The house occupied by M'Leary, in which the fire originated, was totally consumed. The fire had a good hold before it was discovered. The insurances were—L£o in the Norwich, and Lxoo in the Sun on the house; the contents were insured in the Norwich for Lioo. The adjoining house was occupied by Mr. Rose, and was only covered by insurance in the Union for Lxoo. A large quantity of the con tents were saved. The fire was con fined to these buildings.

A Terrible Tale of the Sea

In ;i lately published book, written by Rear Admiral Werner, of the German Navy, a strange story is told of the way in which many years ago, in 1836, a French man-of-war went down, with all hands on board, in West Indian waters. The ship had been in commission for two years on the Antilles Station, and during the whole of the time her captain, who is described as an incar nation of cruelty, had exercised his in genuity in tormenting in every possible way both the officers and men of his crew. So well had he succeeded that the lives of all on board had been rendered a burden to them, while the captain himself was hated with an intensity of which proof was soon given. Orders at length came for the ship to return home. Not long after the anchor had been weighed it became evident that a heavy squall was coming -down on the ship, ■ and the captain directed the officer of the watch to shorten sail. The orders were given, but not a man moved. Again the orders were re peated, this time by the captain himself; but still not a man moved. “ This is mutiny!” cried the captain, and then a hundred voices anwered : “We will not shorten sail.” In vain the terrified captain appealed to the officers to support him. They stood silent, and neither threats nor promises availed to make men or offi cers move, save only a few who were noted as spies and favorites of the captain. A few minutes more and the squall struck the ship. In a moment the vessel was thrown upon her beam ends. “ Cut away the masts !” shouted the captain ; but still not a man moved. In another minute, however, the rigging was carried away, the masts went "by the board, and, thus relieved, the ship righted herself. Then the long-suppressed rage of the crew broke forth, and rushing aft, seized the captain. A few minutes more, and he would have followed the rigging, but the first lieutenant, going below, opened the door of the magazine and fired his pistol into it. There was a loud report, and the ship was no more. An hour afterwards an American vessel passing over the spot picked up one of the crew, who told the story of what had happened and died shortly afterward.

Very Small People.

All London (says the Home News) is talking of the last wonder which has come to it—two morsels of humanity of the veritable Lilliputian type, which are now on show at Piccadilly. One weighs less than five pounds, and the other barely nine, and both afe a cqqple of feet high. The smallest, a lady, is a native of Mexico, and talks Spanish or English indifferently well ; the other, a gentleman, hails from New York. It is difficult to imagine anything funnier than the appearance of these mites,

walking up and down their tiny stage, like animated dolls. Lucia, the lady, is about eighteen years of age, full of life and spirits. The least thing sends her off into a fit of merry laughter, and she is always ready to flirt and coquette with the spectators. Her face is distinctly Mexican in feature ; she has a very long and rather peaky nose, with a retreating chin and full lips. Her complexion is decidedly tawny; the little Yankee, although two years younger, is of graver aspect, as becomes his sex, but he is ready to ex change jests with the public, • and can hold nis own'well. HoftHe least amus ing part of the show is the dejection of Mr. Commodore Nutt, the well-known Lilliputian, who is utterly out-dwarfed, if we may coin the word, by these almost infinitesimal pigmies. His air is one of dejection, as though, in dwarf ing, the line ought to be drawn at three feet and 4 ha}f —his own height. These curious specimens of enthnological ab surdity are making the tour' of the world, And may be expected at the An tipodes in due course.

Rules for Spoiling a Child.

x. young by giving him what ever he for. 2. Talk freely before the child "about his smartness as in comparable. 3. Tell him he is t<>o much for you; that you can do nothing .with him. 4. Have divided counsels as between father and mother. 5. Let him learn to regard his father as a creature of unlimited power, capricious, and tyrannical; or as a mere whipping machine. 6; Xet*HißTTfearii -Tiis father’s example) .to despise-Hrs mother. 7. Do not know nor care who his. com panions may h& -gf TOP 1 BMTIBd whatever he likes. 9; whether hoy or girl, rove the streets~ln the evenings—a good? school-{idr/both sexes, xo. Devote yourselfto pakipg money, remembering always "that'weafth is a better legacy for your chilli tkm principles in the heart and habits in fhe life ; and let them have plenty to spend, n. Be not with him in the hours of recreation. %s..= ScmlnnatJa gnat and swallow a camel; chastise • severely for a foible, aind laiigh at vice. 13. Let him run abotitfrom church to church. Electicism in religion is the order of the day. 14. Whatever bur dens of virtuous requirements , on his shoulders, touch not one with one of your fingers; These rales are not untried. Many parents ha improved them, with substantial ’uniformly of re sults. If a faithful observance of them does not spoil a child, .you wjfl at least have the comfortable reflection that you have done what you 06n%j 1 - : yi'nierkan Exchange. ' ' l ''

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1881.



. r Special Advertisements. OOM-MERCIAL AND FANCY STATIONERY. The Undersigned has opened up a NEW ASSORTMENT of the above. Cream, Blue, and Hand - made Notepapers; Ruled, Plain, Fancy, and Repp ditto. Good Business Envelopes, No. 7, Court, Albert, Queen, Tinted, Repp, and others! Pens Gillott’s, Mitchell’s, Brandauer ‘and Co.’s. Inks —Stephen’s Blue Black, Walkden’s Black and Colored, Antonine, Copying, &c. Workboxes, Albums, Books, &c. H. M. JONES, 'STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS DEPOT, East STREET AND BARING SQUARE. 710



READY MONEY IS THE MEN’S ; AND BOYS’ CLOTHING ■'' ‘ MANDPiCTtfEED BT t „ . THE NEW -ZEALAND Clothing Factory, Which, can be purchased at their Retail Branches/all over New Zealand. A SINGLE GARMENT AT THE WHOLESALE PRICE. Thousands of the discerning customers testify that, the. New Zealand Clothing Factory’s ’ Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money, . 11 , ' Ashbokton Branch ■■‘EAST’ STRE E t . WM. SPARROW, 7Sl* ‘ Manager,



Q. Carstens & Co. (Late Weston’s), PROSPECT BUILDINGS, Tobacconist, fancy goods, AND STATIONERY. Meerschaum Pipes, G.B.D. Pipes •' Nailrod, Twist, and Vanity Fair Tobacco Musical Instruments, etc., etc. Haircutting, Shaving and Shampooing. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. ' 620* 7 J 7 ' METHVEN AGENCY. MORGAN and HIBBS, General Store keepers,' Mcthven, are authorise? agents for the Ashburton Guardian. Subscribers will please get their papers from the agents in future. Orders en trusted to them will receive prompt attention.



What ?—Recorder (tp witness with bandaged head) —Jhape any provocation when he struck you ? Witness—He may have had something of the kind concayled on his person, but it was a brick he struck me wid.



(! Why didn’t you Bond for ino sooner 2” i asked a Galveston doctor of a patient that was very sick. “ Well, yon see, doctor, I could not make up my mind to take such a desperate step.” Unpleasant, veky Young Vicar (facetiously): “ Well, John, how smart you arc this morning ; who gave you the new clothes?” John (lartghingly) ; “Eees, sir the same u» youm the parish sir.” (Vicar retires somewhat discomtited.) Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— Diseases of the skin, ringworm, scurvy, aunclice, scrofula or king’s evil,sore heads,, and the most inveterate skin disease to which the human hanjfc'is jjgbjcej, cannot treated with a inore safe and certain remedy than Ointment and Pills, which act so pevouliavly on the constitution and so purify the blood, that these diseases are at once eradicated from the system and alr.r'ig cure obtahred; They are I equal'y efficac'ocs i r tie cure of tumors, scalds, gland r’a; sweh’ngs, ulcerous wounds, rheumatism,, contracted and stiff joints, These thedicihes operate ihih’ y and surely. The cures effected by them'are not temporary, or apparent only, but complete and permanent.



TJk(jlajm.ed Lsttehh. —The following letters from places beyond the colony wore received at the Ashburton Post Office during the month of December, 1880, and remained unclaimed on Ist February, 1881 Cairns, Miss Maggie; Coulter,' Wm, Henry (2) ; Ducey, Patrick ; Evork, Mrs. O’Connell, Miss Catherine ; Hollo, George ;• Shanks, Hugh; Wheatley, Mr.



Wanted- WASTED, immediately,,. several TEAMS, for particulars, apply to Gofei-i) - r>ll..yi? a WANTED— A Young Woronp ns General SERVANT. rApply, Office of this Paper, • »» 37a WANTED, a smart BOY toJoefeafter coach-horses. Apply tq_ fc Cotton - . - .; ,• ,T'/TH-IS*» WANTED, Watches,, Clocks, and ; Jewellery of All -sbftAAo'utepair Gold and steel Watch-hands ; all descrip, tions of Watch-glasses. Brooch-pins, all at 6d. each. Packer, Watchmaker, directly opposite Sc]ioa|. WANTED TO SELL Twenty-five SECTIONS,' - 1 Wakattni ■ RtokcL Apply to Patching, Tent-maker, East Street.. • i-m f,nc.lß®B WANTED E.NOWN, PORTRAIT; ROQMS< ila«Bdorft’ Buildings, .East • Street, open DAILY, from 9 a.in. till.&- ! .p;®n» Portraits taken, in any weather. Great Reduction in pipe. J h ([()p. f | QS WANTED KNOW^TJm. .-jUfcW and Best.'Stopk to be found at the shop of S. 'STE FHENS; Tinwald. Good strong Cart Gohara from 135.; Cart Winkers, Bs. 6d; ; Plough Back-bands, 6s. cash; Cart and Breechehs, from' 505.; Reaping Machine Pole Straps, 1 25.-'- J >F&iißd will jnSW a great saving by buying of S.~Stkpi£bns, Saddler, Tinwald. ,



TTfTANTED WlLl-M AJh&tSon V\ REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants. — L. F- Akdkkwes begs to inform .«fcX®l publjq pf Ashburton and surrounding districts that he has opened the above. Male and Female Servants of; all, classes /'P ro |^| d X plbyers requiring servants, and ml 'persons with good recommendations, who are in want of situations, ‘are requested to apply to L. F. Akdhewes, Labor seller, and Stationer; EakLatrfeet; fSluncr WANTED Church W of England minister’s wife writes that she saves Ten Shillings a Fortnight by using Harper Twelvetrees’ Villa Washer, Wringer, and Mangier, com bined ; and, she permits Ap rubbing, the clothfes'are beautifully whiter and much cleaheri than AwhfehM hand, while ,the saving, in mending r has been astonishing. 1 f lß<nd «y J-i Bffi&ltj Range Maker prid Importer) corner, of Manchester and Tuam streets, Christ church ; Price—£9 10s. ' 700 WANTED KNOWNt :A SOMERSET LIVE RY ANET STABLES. / . •’ .LJ-Ji T L[,A



JW. M‘RAE bogs;; to inform the . public that he has taken the above Stables from Mr. Bossenberg, and is making extensive repairs. Baggies and saddle horses oq hire, rjl Lowest prices and best attention. B{j2 ; — : — -.I- 'j; ir WANTED.—THE GUARDIAN., teU* ’ ’ your Wants for Is. —cash- f RANTED HNQ\yN—Tiiat ’ Vi§it&| f | Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various htyMs,* tt the £ ‘ Guardian office, opposite = the Hajhvajr, Station. Gazette in Banlpraiitcjf.Q; In the Distki Holden at Ashburton. is a Gazette for all notices under the -Tpt; Ashburton GuAEpti Debtors and Creditors Arts V.



In the matter of the _ A.ct, 1876, and the several ing the sariie, and of the bankruptcy of CHRISTOPHER RICHARD HAROLD, of, Ashburton, dairyman, a Debtor. IS HEREBY .GIVEN, tlfcJ J3I the above-named; Debtor has this day filed in the above Court that he is unable to meet his engagement!;) be held at the Court-House, Ashburton, on MONDAY, the Seventhr day of February, at Eleven p|clock in.' the Fore- Dated this second day of - Februam 1881. Xi W. MARTIN, Clerk ,ef.the Court, t E. G. Crisp, Solicitor for the debtor. 38a thitshd-) Thomas ■ imrnfoa .51- JgUILDER, = UNDHllT^fafeß( All kinds of Joinery and. Jobbing work* liii'ur* ... done on the Premised' umiM tf* THE GUARDIAN is on every Tea Table in Ashburton,