SHIPPING.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. Arrived. Yesterday. • Wanaka, s.s., from Port Chalmers. SHIPPING* TELEGRAMS. Auckland, Yesterday. Arrived—Darcy Pratt, from Dunedin. Sailed— Australia, for Sydney, at b am.: Hawea, for the South, early fore noon, with the Southern San Francisco Bluet, Yesterday. The Rotomahana left Sandridge on the 19th, at 1.80 p.m., arrived at Hobart on the 21st, at 7 p.m., sailed same date at 4 o’clock, anchored at the Bluff Heads at 7.45 p.m. on 24th, and proceeded into harbor at daylight on 25th. Had mode rate northerly winds, with cloudy wea ther, to the 23rd, and fine clear weather during the remainder of the passage. ° Lonbon, July 24. Arrived—Elizabeth Graham, from Lyt telton: Cynosure, from Lyttelton; Grecian, from Lyttelton; Coromandel, from Wel lington; May Queen, from Bluff Harbor^

MAIL NOTICES.

TM-ftilfl dose at the Ashburton Post Office as follows: — n For Christchurch and North at 6.30 a. m. 10.30 a.m., and 5 p,m., daily. ' For Ohertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. , For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a-m. daily. For Temuka, at 6.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., For Timaru and South, at 6.30 a.m., 10 *.m., and 430 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, at4.3op.m. drity* . c « For Wakanui, Elgin, Seafield, New land, and Kyle, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, at 6. SO a.m.

DAILY MEMORANDA.

auction sales. Thursday, July 21. Mr. Alfred Harrison, at the Alford Forest Hotel Horses, Implements, ■ &c.; 11.30 o’clock. meetings, AMUSEMENTS, &c To-morrow, Wednesday, July 27. Public meeting, Elgin Schoolhouse, 7 p.m. _ „ „ Public meeting. Town Hall, 8 p.m. LO.G.T. Open meeting, Will and tne Way Lodge, Tinwald Hall, 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28. Amateur Dramatic Club, Meeting of Members, Town Hall, 7.30 p.m. Saturday, July 30. Phrenological Entertainment, by Profes sor Simon, Town Hall, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2. Ashburton Permanent Building and In vestment Society, Monthly Meeting, v ficom 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. Wednesday, August 6. County Council, at the County Council Chambers, at 11 o’clock. Monday, August 8. , Borough Council, at Borough Councd Chambers, at 7 o’clock. . Rangitata Boad Board— Monthly Meet mg’ Wednesday, August 10. Local Industries Association Annmd meeting, upper room. Town Hall, at 8 nL Thursday, August 11. Library Committee— Monthly meeting. Mount Hutt Koad Board, Monthly Meet-

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1881.

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 410 p.m. J

Football. —The members of the local football club intend holding a practice to-morrow afternoon at 3.45, when t a full attendance is asked for. Street Closed. — The Borough En gineers notify that Tancred street East between William street and the South East Town Belt will be closed for cart traffic until further notice. Damaoj by Flood. —We understand that last Wednesday night, in conse quence of the floods, the wooden bridge on the main road near the Longbeach station, was carried away. The damage is in course of repair. Ploughing Match Dinner and Ball. —The dinner and ball in connection with the Ploughing Match will be given this evening. The number attending the former is variously estimated at from fifty to one hundred. We should fancy the first number to be probably nearer the mark.

The Want of Confidence Motion. — We have heard it mentioned from a variety of sources that the division on Mr Ormond’s motion will not actually be taken to-night though that is the nominal arrangement. It is quite possible that Wednesday or even Friday night, as hinted at by the Wellington cor respondent of the Timaru Herald, may settle the business. Mr Pyke passed through Ashburton last Saturday night on his way to Wellington.

District Court. —The cause list for the District Court which opens next Friday, August sth, at Ashburton, is as follows : F. Pavitt, creditors’ trustee in estate of William Patterson, v. James Patterson, senior, claim L 73 16s, damages ; Mr Pur nell for plaintiff. E. G. Wright v. Allan McLean, claim LB6 15s lOd for work and labor done ; Mr Purnell for plaintiff. In Banco—Applications for orders of dis charge will be made in the cases of F. Le Breton (Mr Crisp) ; G. P. Hoatten (self) ; and Jacob Mooar (Mr Branson.

1.0.G.T. The Will and the Way Lodge, Tinwald, intend holding their open Lodge meeting to-morrow evening, it having been postponed last week owing to the inclemency of the weather. The pro gramme will be a very attractive one, and will include a paper bearing on the “ Liquor Question.” The officers of the Dawn of Peace Lodge, Ashburton, are to occupy the seats of the officers of the Lodge. The public will be welcomed, and admission will be free.

Queen’s Hotel, Christchurch. A recent addition to the ranks of Christ church bonifaces is Mr C. Knowsley who has succeeded .Mr Smith in the pro prietorship of the Queen’s Hotel. This gentleman, an “ ex-comraeicial,” is no doubt well known to the majority of our readers, and he has our every wish for the success of this venture. Extensive alterations, both in the building and style of management, are promised under the new regime, which, we have little doubt, will be carried out to the letter.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

[PER REUTER'S AGENCY.] Infernal MacMnes. London, July 24. Six infernal machines, concealed in barrels of cement which formed part of the cargo of the ship Malta, recently arrived" at Liverpool from America, were discovered to-day. On examina tion they were found to contain charges of dynamite. The police are in stituting inquires, but have not up to the present time been able to trace the owners. The War in Afghanistan. Calcutta. July 25. Telegrams have been received to-day from Candahar reporting that Ayoub Khan has endeavored to open negotia tions with the Ameer for tjie cessation of hostilities, Abdul Rahman has, however, steadily refused to consider any overtures on the part of his opponent. The President’s Wound. New Yoke, July 25. The medical attendants of the Pre sident having decided that it would be necessary to perform an operation to relieve him from the effects of the bullet wound in his loins, an incision was made this morning in his back to facilitate the discharge of pus, with complete success. It is believed that this treatment will materially aid Mr Garfield’s recovery. The President’s Health. Washington, July 24. The news of the relapse suffered by President Garfield has created renewed anxiety throughout Jhe States. Affairs in the Transvaal. Capetown, July 23. Telegrams are to hand from Pretoria, in the Transvaal, announcing that since the conclusion of the draft convention by the Royal Commission a hitch has occurred in further 1 *) negotiations which have been opened between the Commis sioners and the Boer leaders. The difficulty, it is feared, may delay the Transvaal settlement. News is also to hand from . Pretoria that the trial has been concluded of the Boers who were arrested and xharged with the murder of Captain Elliott, a British officer, while he was unarmed and a prisoner of war on parole during the war. The jury, which was composed of Dutch residents, has returned a verdict of “ Not Guilty,” and the prisoners have been released.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per eeuter’s agency.] Arrival of the Suez Mail. Melbourne, July 25. Arrived this morning—The Penin sular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company’s Malwa, with the inward Suez mail, which left London on June 17 th. Gone to Join her Consorts. Melbourne, To-day. H.M.S. Bacchante, having com pleted her repairs, sailed to-day for Sydney to join the squadron. Sugar. Mauritius advices announce that the engagements of sugar for the colonies are as follows ;—Adelaide, 200 tons; Melbourne, 850 tons; Sydney, 350 tons; The present season’s crop is estimated to yield 125,000 tons; the growth of the cane is, however, re ported as slow. The Dread Disease Spreading. Brisbane, To-day. Three cases of small-pox in South Brisbane were reported to the authori ties yesterday. The sufferers have been isolated, and the necessary precautions

are being taken to check any spread of the disease. Small Pox. Sydney, July 25. A case of supposed small pox has been to-day reported to the Board of Health from the neighbourhood of Sussex street. The doctors who have examined the sufferer (a child named Woods) have been unable to decide upon the exact nature of the disease at its present stage. Admiral Clanwilliam. Admiral the Earl of Clanwilliam is in better health to-day. He is not, however, yet out of danger. No date has yet been fixed for the departure of he squadron for Auckland. The Arawata. Arrived this morning—Arawata, from Russell. The Catania. Adelaide, July 25. The German steamship Catania, from Hamburg, May 25th,' arrived here to day.

TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.] A Libel Action. Auckland, Yesterday. A writ for libel has been issued against J. H. Field, a member of the Ponsonby Highway Board, by G. W. Jones, its secretary, arising out of the Board rows. Damages are laid at L3OO. The Pollard and Reynolds Dispute. Mr Pollard denies his intention to break his agreement with Mr Reynolds.

Supposed Suicide. Auckland, To-day.

Mrs Luhrs, wife of a respectable German settler at Hamilton, left her house at five o’clock yesterday morning, and has not yet returned. It is supposed she drowned herself, as she had shown symptoms of insanity lately. Insurance Losses- The New Zealand Insurance Company lost L 1,136, and the South British and the National LI,OOO by the wreck of the ship Francina from New York to San Francisco. The South British and Na tional lose heavily by tho fire which de stroyed the mining town of Tombestone. Harbor Works. New Plymouth, Yesterday. The Superintendent of the harbor works laid ten forty-two ton blocks last week at the end of the root of tho breakwater. An additional hundred feet to that already completed will be com menced next week. Newspaper Libel Cases. Both the Herald and News have actions for libel pending against them, the former through a mistake made by its reporter in reporting the proceedings of the Education Board, and the latter,for remarks respecting the landing of the harbor plant. The damages claimed against the Herald are L2OO, and against j the News LSOO. The Samson Grounded. The steamer Samson, in endeavoring to cross the Waitara bar on Saturday even ing, grounded on the South Spit. Owing to the southerly wind, the river is very shallow. The steamer is expected to get off to-night. Hard Lines. Gisborne, Yesterday. The police prosecuted J. M. Rainbow for receiving a L 5 note as change in mistake for a LI note. When the mistake was discovered, he admitted it, and offered to pay, but he got four months. Damage to a Railway. Wellington, Yesterday. The continuous rain has caused a slip on the Rimutaka railway incline, and it will be three or four days before the obstruction is cleared. More Damage By Rain. The foundation of a house in Webb street was washed away last night, and tho building toppled end on. The occu pants had fortunately escaped. A Heavy Penalty. Wellington, To-day. Fritz Yanschulter, who was arrested at Carterton on Saturday, for having an illicit still in hia possession, has been fined L2OO or twelve months’ imprison ment. Floated. Dunedin, To-day. The balance of the South Dunedin Municipal Loan of. L 4,000 has been floated in Melbourne at L 97 10a. S. Clayton’s Estate. Dunedin, Yesterday. At a meeting of the creditors of S. Clayton’s estate to-day, the total assets were shown to be L 12,000, and the liabilities L 21,000. A Missing Brig. Invercargill, Tc-day. Anxiety is felt about the safety of the brig Firefly, 174 tons, which sailed from the Bluff eight weeks since for Sydney, grain laden. The vessel was commanded by Captain Downing, and had four or five passengers.

ASHBURTON PLOUGHING MATCH.

The farmers of tho district again had the gratification of witnessing the time honored ploughing match, which, through circumstances caused by the badness o the times and unsatisfactory state of tho crops during the past two years, allowed this once annual meeting to fall through for two seasons. Wo welcome the resus citation of these matches in our district, not only because they do good to the far mers themselves and the ploughmen, but as a sign of the improved condition of our agriculturalists in a county, above all o thers, an agricultural one in every sense of the word. To many, these matches seem as thing* of the past. Why should they ? Our ploughmen require a time to show their skill quite as much, if not more so, than those who earn their bread by more pretentious undertakings. We hope therefore that increased interest will again awaken amongst our farmers, and with a corresponding interest in farming operations, together with favor able harvests, all may combine to give support to one day’s instructive amuse ment to those who till the soil, at all events once in every year. Our farmers meet on occasions like the present one, and of course their views get disseminated amongst others, who, perhaps, never ' meet at any other time during the year, about matters which are all-important to that most es sential point, the proper tillage of the soil. We can hardly say that these matches conduce in all cases to improve the tillage of soil, yet they instil into ploughmen and others a spirit of emulation, which cannot be promoted by other means. The weather during the day was delight fully fine, and a large number of people visited the ground, which was only situ ated a short distance from Ashburton. Mr Hay T. Smith, with his usual liberality, had kindly placed a paddock of his at the disposal of the committee, who, under the auspices of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, earned out the details of the match. The nature .of the ground was not the best for showing good ploughing, as the grass was not thick enough to allow the ploughs to make clean work in many cases. A few ridges of stones were hero and there noticeable, and they detracted from the ppearance of the wo rk to a considerable

extent. Still, the Committee could not get any bettor offer of ground, and, taking everything into consideration, they have to be complimented on their selection, and the result of the day’s match. The lands were laid out very well, and as the Comraittoe had to crowd the competition together some what in the different classes, it was rather a difficult matter to note one class from another. We should have liked to have seen more competition in the three-furrow class, as these very useful ploughs are found to be very advantageous to our plains farming. The double-furrow classes were well represented, and goes to shew how popular these ploughs have become within the last few years, and how local makers of these implements appear to be shutting out tho imported article in this colony. The ainglo-furrow classes were also well represented, and tho work done was admirable. For the boys’ classes, there were but few entries, but the work was of a first-class nature. We noticed a pair of Messrs Haxton and Beat tie’s patent flexible harrows at work on an adjoining piece of ploughing, and they appeared to attract a good deal of atten tion during the day. As an improved im plement, there can be no question as to their future popularity with our farmers, owing to their simplicity of construction, &c. "Mr Brown, of the Central Hotel, had a refreshment booth on the ground, which appeared to be able to cope with the de mand for liquors, and no doubt proved a satisfactory speculation for tho proprietor before the day closed. We now proceed to give a description of the work done by the respective ploughmen, commencing with the

THREE-FURROW CLASS. Charles Sprays was the only entry in this class. The work done by this ploughman, with a P. and D. Duncan implement, was extremely good, but the ground appointed him was in no way the best, as it was of a very brittle nature. The feering was good and the furrows well laid,’ and a capital seed bed was shown, and was as good for the latter purpose as any on the field. His team was a nice steady one of three horses, and appeared to work with ease. The im plement was one of the makers’ 1879 make, and, although .slightly our of order, did capital work. . double-furrow classes. Coming to the next in order, we find that of the double-furrows. Keir showed some nice clean work, but his fiering was . too high, and caused the angle to be too steep. The furrows were hardly deep enough in the,soil to show good work, but it improved very much towards the finish. J. Moorhead did some capital work with a Blythe implement, but at the start he made a bad line. The furrows were cleanly cut well and evenly laid and packed, and ga'. e a good seed bed. The ground here was also of a very “ crumby ” nature, and did not show as well to the eye as it would otherwise have done. Taking his work altogether, it was very fair. His imple ment seemed of light draught, as two medium horses seemed to work it with ease. The adjoining ploughman did not a good line, and his work, though clean, was’ not well laid, and the fiering and angle too high. His implement seemed, however, to be in splendid order. Beckett had evidently a bad start. His line was crooked and fiering too-flat. To wards the finish his angle improved, and the “ ins and outs” were the best in the class. His implement was a Hornby and Son’s patent. T. Millar did some capital work, his fiering being good and the furrow well and evenly laid. He had a splendid team of horses, and they worked very steadily. His line was very straight, . and the furrow seemed well packed, and the work would have . looked very much better had the ground been firmer. G. Winter did some fine work with his implement (Duncan), but his furrows were if any thing ..a trifle flat and irregular and not cut clean. He improved towards the finish. George Jones, with one of the same makers’ implements, had rather a crooked line. His angle was good, and his furrows were cleanly cut, and gave a good seed bed. H. Kendall did soma nice clean work with a Ransome plough, but his line was defective and his fiering too high, and, consequently showed a bad seed bed. . The furrows were laid rather flat, but were cleanly cut. A. Innes, with a Duncan imple ment, did some fair work, but the fiering was too high and his farrows rather un even. J. Cochrane, with tho same makers’ implement, did some nice clean work. The fiering was good and the furrows well laid to a capital angle. His ground was a little brittle, and did not do him justice, and he improved greatly towards the finish. J. Hocken, with a Ransome and Sims’ implement, did some fair work, but was hardly good enough for his company. Thomas Waykayne, with a Reid and Gray plough, did some very fair work. His line was bad, but the furrows ware well laid and gave a good seed bed. The nature of the ground with him was decidedly “ rotten,” and his work had not a good appearance in con sequence. H. Reeves, with the same makers’ plough, did some capital work. His line and angle were very good, and the furrows nicely and evenly packed. Geo. Smith, with a quite new Duncan im plement, showed a capital line, his feiring and angle being very good, and a perfect seed-bed the result. Trewyn, with a Ransom and Son’s # plough, made some splendid work. His angle was good, and the furrows were well laid, and, altogether, we considered he did the best work in his class. His finish was also very good. C. Hill, with a Reid and Gray, made rather unevert work. His furrows were rather flat and uneven. At the start his line was bad, but towards the end his work improved considerably.

SINGLE FURROW CLASSES. We now come to the work on the field. In point of excellence, we think that the work in the single furrow classes was superior to that of former years, and very little inferior to that of,some of the best of ploughmen at any match. J. Dunn did soma splendid work, his line was per fect, and the feiring also could not be bet ter. The angle of the furrow was clean and even, and being very good, a perfect seed-bed the result. Trewyn was good throughout, and the seed bed all that could be desired. From the first he was considered as a sure prize-taker in this class. W. Burburough did also some first-class work, his fiering was capital, and the angle well laid. The furrows were all well picked, and the work had an excellent finish. Perks did some first rate ploughing, which it would, indeed, be hard to excel anywhere. His angle was all that could be desired, and the furrows were nicely packed, and evenly laid throughout, C (Cham berlain did some very creditable work. His fiering was rather high, but the furrows were well packed. Maidens made some good work. His angle and fiering were alike hard to beat, and the furrows were well, evenly laid, giving a good seed bed. The other ploughing in this class was very good. DOYS’ CLASS.

In the Boys’ Glass, K. Evans showed some capital work. His line was very good, and the fiering just the thing for a critical fierman. The other boys did some very creditable ploughing, but in one instance, the furrows were laid too flat. We learnt that tho reason the ground was in many places so brittle was owing to tho quantities of grub that worked directly under the soil last summer. We are un able to give the prize list in this issue, as the judges had not arrived at their deci sion before going to press. The prize- list will appear in to-morrow’s issue. ,

LATE EUROPEAN NEWS.

Tebs.s. Rotomahana, at the Bluff.) London, July 12.

The relations between France and Italy are very strained, owing to the arbitrary coarse pursued hy the French Govern ment in regard tu Tunis. Much excite ment prevails in Italy, and the ill-feeling between the two countries is rapidly growing, as it becomes apparent that France has assumed the virtual Protecto rate of Tunis.

The repressive measures directed against the Socialists in Germany are strictly car ried out. At Leipsig a largo number of persons suspected of complicity with the Socialistic agitation have been ar rested, and summarily expelled the coun try. Owing to the favorable weather experi enced of late the prospects of the harvest in Europe are most satisfactory. In France, Germany,. Switzerland, and Italy, the har vest is most plentiful.

The Special Commission appointed to inquire into the alleged extensive bribery at the Deal election have reported ad versely. Mr Olds, an agent of party, has been convicted of bribery and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. London, Jl ly 13.

It is reported that Midhat Pasha, who has been condemned to death for com plicity in the assassination of the late Abdul Aziz, has attempted to commit sui cide by cutting his throat. The emigration to newly opened terri tories in Canada and the United States continues to be enormous.

London, July 14

The Khedive of Egypt, Mohammed Tewfok Pasha, acting under the advice of European Ministers, has issued an order that all slaves in Egypt shall ba freed. Strenuous efforts will also be made to put down the slave trade in the in terior.

At the vacation match at Cambridge, Rowe, one of the members of the Univer sity eleven, made the brilliant score oi 101, carrying his bat out. The tota score on his side amounted to 415.

A fearful outbreak of Siberian plague has occurred at St. Petersburg!!, and men, as well as cattle and horses, are dying in great numbers. Meetings of Orangemen, at which the proceedings of the Land League are strongly condemned, are becoming much more numerous in Ireland. Up to the present time but little rioting has occurred in connection with these meetings. London July, 17.

The Lord Mayor, Mr M'Arthur, gave a grand banquet at the Guildhall, at which the Prince of Wales, Kalararia (King of the Sandwich Islands, who is now on a European tour), and other distinguished personages were present. In the speeches delivered the high importance of the colonies to the Empire was recognised, and eulogies were passed on the energy and progress displayed in the Canadian Dominion and Australia. Specal re ference was made to the successful result of the International Exhibitions held in Sydney and Melbourne. The military system of England has been the subject of discussion by the German press, which comments very favorably on the discipline, efficiency, and martial aptitude displayed by the Volun teers, as exhibited at'the recent review held at Brighton. A grand review of the Volunteers will be held next month before the Queen, at Windsor. Arrange ments are being made for holding a re view of the Scotch regiments in Scotland. Intelligence has been received of a horrible massacre perpetrated by the Kurds in Asia Minor. A predatory tribe captured 120 women, who, refusing to work, were imprisoned in a barn. The building was then set on fire, and the in mates miserably perished. London, July IS. An extraordinary railway outrage has made a great sensation in America. A party of thirteen ruffians attacked a train near Chicago. They killed the conductor and then pillaged the train. Property to a large amount was secured, and the robbers decamped without molestation. The condition of affairs in the Trans vaal is critical. An alarming deadlock has resulted from the action of the Royal Commission.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held yesterday evening, in the Council Chamber. There were present—The Mayor in the chair, and Crs Friedlander, Harrison, Ivess, St. Hill, Parkin, Robinson, and Roberts. THE MAYOR’S STATEMENT. The Mayor stated that the present amount of the Bank overdraft was L 777 14s 7d. The rates collected since last meeting had been L 172 2s 6d. The total amount collected to date was L 836 6s 3d. An amount of L 230 remained uncollected. THE NEW RAILWAY STATION. A telegram from Mr B. G. Wright, M.H.R/, was read, stating that the peti tion for the new railway station should be at once forwarded to the Minister of Public Works, if it was to be of any use. The Mayor stated that the petition had been already drawn up, had been numer ously signed, and had been forwarded to Wellington. THE BOROUGH RESERVES. A letter was read from Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R., stating that he had seen the Surveyor-General, and that the ad ditional Borough reserves would be gazetted immediately. The Mayor mentioned that when he saw Mr Wright and the Surveyor-General in Wellington he had pointed out that these sections, sixteen acres in all, were originally reserved by the Provincial Council. He suggested that they should record a vote of thanks to Mr Wright for the trouble he had taken. On the motion of Cr Parkin, seconded by Cr Roberts, a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr Wright was carried. A vote of thanks to the Mayor for his exertions in the matter was also carried. THAT INSULTING LETTER. A letter from Messrs Matson, Cox and Co., referring to former correspondence, was read, but was not received, on the ground that it was an insult to one of the councillors. PETITION RETURNED. A letter was read from the Upper Ash burton Road Board, returning a petition, and stating that their Board had entered into arrangements for some works on the Main road. It was resolved that the letter should be acknowledged with thanks. OBSTRUCTING THE THOROUGHFARE.

A letter was read from Sergeant Felton respecting the obstruction caused to the street traffic by the loading and unloading of trucks near the railway station. The writer said that the police had no right to interfere, and suggested that the Traffic Manager should be communicated with. Cr. St. Hill moved that the parties obstructing the traffic on the road should be summoned at once. It was not fair that some of the merchants should take the course they were now following. The motion was carried. AN OFFER DECLINED.

A letter was read from Stephen Hutchinson, Dunedin suburban gaa works, stating that he had heard the Council’s Water Committee had more mains than they required, and offering to buy them at the rates in M‘Ewan’a list, with freight added. The Town Clerk read the answer he had sent by direction of the Mayor, declining the offer made, and requesting that a nett cash offer for the pipes, delivered either at Lyttleton or Dunedin, should be made.

On the motion of Cr. Ivess, the action of the Mayor was approved of.

A NUISANCE. A letter was read from R. W. Shearmr n, calling attention to the state of the Court house reserve, and complaining that his stables were inundated by the water flow in'" into them from the place mentioned. Cr St. Hill thought that the Council’s men might be employed in putting the place in temporary order until such time as the Government had been communi cated with.

Cr Ivess said that there was always a great deal of red tapeism before the Go vernment could be got to do anything. Ho moved—“ That the Surveyor be in structed to fill in the hollow on the Court house reserve, and that a demand be made upon the Government to recoup the ex penditure upon the same. ” - Cr St. Hill seconded the motion, though he said he was aware that L4O would not do the work.

Cr Parkin said that if tliey-epent money on a Government reserve they would never get it back. They might cut an open drain to cany off the water into a side channel, or perhaps Mr Shearman might hack the water on to the reserve. Cr Harrison remarked that he did not think the Council had any right to interfere in the matter. He believed that, if they wrote to the Government, it would remove the nuisance, and, perhaps, besides that plant some trees in front of the reserves as well. He moved—“ That the Town Clerk write to state that this Council has no power to grant Mr Shear man’s request. ” If the Council did this sort of thing once, they might be called upon to do it in the case of other Govern ment reserves. They had no right to ex pend the ratepayers’ money in that way. It must be borne in mind that they got no subsidies from the Government now.

The Mayor said that they had no power to interfere, nor would they be justified in doing so if they had. He would move an amendment - “ That the Council regrets it has no power to comply with Mr Shearman’s request, but recommends lie should represent the case to the Police Magistrate. ” Cr Roberts seconded the Mayor’s amendment. There were plenty of other sections overflowed as well as Mr Shear man’s.

Cr Ivess said that it must not be for gotten that this was a public reserve, and that the Council received a large amount of rates from Mr Shearman and other ratepayers in the immediate vicinity. When he moved his resolution, however, as to the Council doing the work, ho did not think it would cost L4O. He thought it would be only a matter of two days’ work. The amendment was carried, Crs Ivess and St. Hill voting against it. Cr St. Hill moved as a further amend ment that a small drain be cut to carry off the water. It would not cost much, and if they waited for a fortnight Mr Shearman’s building might be under mined. The amendment, not being seconded, lapsed. Cr Ivess moved a further amendment —“ That Sergt. Felton be -requested to employ prison labor to cut a drain behind the Courthouse to carry off the water from the reserve.” This was a nuisance within Government property, and might be legitimately removed in the way mentioned. Cr St. Hill seconded the motion. The Mayor thought they were wrong in losing so much time over the matter, which was entirely a private one. The Council had no right to spend even 5s

over it. The amendment was lost, only the mover and seconder voting for it. The original motion was then put and carried. PETITION. A petition was read from W. Collins and others, respecting the im passable state of the footpath on the north side of Peter street, between Cass and William streets, requesting that the tussocks should be removed and shingle put down. Mr Collins, who was present, said that his neighbors and he could only get into their premises by going into the street. The footpath was worn down in the centre, and was now only a receptacle of mud and water. On the motion of Cr St Hill, seconded by Cr Parkin, the matter was referred to the Public Works Committee, with power to act. FIRE BRIGADE. Mr Dolman, captain of the Fire Brigade, waited on the Council to know what was to be done in future with regard to pumping ; whether the Brigade were to engage men, or whether the Council would do it. Cr St Hill said that as the Council had appointed a Fire Committee, the ap plication should have been made to them. Mr Dolman said the Brigade had ap plied to the Fire Committee, but they did not seem to have decidedfon anything. The Mayor read the resolution pre viously passed on the subject. Mr Dolman said the Brigade were told they could pay the money out of their own funds. He should like to know what their funds were. The Council had promised to pay them LSO, and had only paid L 25. As for getting men to pump at Is per hour, they could not do it. Cr St Hill said it was never promised to pay LSO in advance. The other L 25 would be paid id due time. The subsidy was only for the purpose of relieving the Brigade, because it was hard up and in debt. The Mayor remarked that the rest of the money was not due until September or October. In reply to the Mayor, Mr Dolman said that what the Brigade wanted was for the Council to pay the account it had sent in, and also the L 25, which they con sidered due in May. Cr Friedlander said that the account sent in was, to say the least, a most ex travagant one. In the case of the fire at Peter street, the water did not come until it was too late to be of any use. He thought the management of the Brigade had been very careless. The Council had already paid the Brigade more than he and some other members thought necessary.

Mr Dolman said that the Brigade wanted a schedule for them to work upon.

Cr St. Hill denied that the Council agreed to pay what he might call the beer bill. He did not blame the Brigade for not having the water, but it was the fact that the water was not there until the building was down. He was aware of his own knowledge that the proprietor of the hotel had handed some bottles of whisky to them, and he thought that was quite enough for those at work. Cr Ivess characterised the demand as outrageous in the extreme. The fire lasted only an hour. The Council were not called upon to give the Brigade a night’s spree. The firemen were pro tecting not merely their neighbor’s pro perties, but also their own. He could not believe that a crowd would stand by idly, when their neighbor’s property was being destroyed. And there were plenty of people there, for it took place at quite an early hour in the evening. The Council had always shown itself willing to assist the Brigade liberally. Cr Harrison said he believed in the utility of volunteers generally, but judg ing from his own experience, people would not work as volunteers at a fire. On the occasion mentioned, he almost went on his knees, whilst asking men to work. They came from curiosity to see the fire, and not to work ; they had told him so. The Fire Committee had acted all in a muddle, and he thought they had made a mistake in allowing only Is instead of 2s for pumping. He did say that he thought the bill should bo paid, and that the Council should lay down a definite rule for the future.

■ " mmmmmmmmmaammmmmmmmmmmmm:.. Cr St. Hill strongly censured the action of Cr Harrison in taking so much upon himself. He button-holed . the firemen and gave them to understand that-he was the only man to be consulted in the mat ter. He was evidently looking forward to next 13th September. (Some altercation here ensued, between Crs Harrison and St. Hill, in the course of which Cr Harrrison referred to Cr St. Hill as quarrelling and swearing at a meeting of the Fire Committee, and Or St. Hill exclaimed. “That’s a lie.” Cr Harrison rose to order.

The Mayor expressed his regret at the turn the discussion had taken. It had been stated at the time the grant of LSO was made, that it was to be paid in two instalments. Mr Dolman, as Inspector of the Fire Brigade, must not squander the ratepayers money. The subject then dropped. engineers’ report.

The following report was read: — i. Outfall Drain.—The late rainy weather has delayed the completion of this work. Only a few of the pipe connections and silt pits remain to be done, and this ought not to take more than a day or two. The contract should be completed this week.—2. The Labor Gang have finished levelling the margin of Mona Square, which is now ready for planting. The ■ re-formation of Tancred street has been com menced. The men have been further engaged in letting off water during the late flood,. at tending to water supply and fencing gravel pit on N.E. Town Belt. —3. The Works Com mittee have fixed the price at sixpence per yard for the surplus clay at the outfall drain, to be removed by the parties requiring it. We find that a reason for the large accumulation of' water in West street on Wednesday last, was _ the stoppage of an outlet for the surface drain age of the Alford Forest road in the Upper Ashburton district, so that it was all diverted into the township. This can be remedied, but it would be as well to provide another channel for storm-water as we suggested before, on the S. W. side of West street.

The report was adopted, with the ex ception of clause 3, which was referred to the Public Works Committee. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES’ REPORT. The report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read an adopted, FINANCE. Cr Harrison said that it was necessary that a letter should be written to the Union Bank, engaging, on behalf of the Council, to mortgage the pipes as security for the advance of a second LI,OOO. The Mayor said that something would have to be done that night. Already their banking account was more than L7OO overdrawn, and they had that evening ac counts to pass for more than L4OO. There was only about L3OO yet to come in from rates to the end of the year. They would want an additional LI ,000 overdraft. _He had proposed one of LI,OOO some time ago, but it had been made a party ques tion as to whether they should deal with the Union Bank or the Bank of New Zealand. Cr Harrison said that the matter re ferred to by the Mayor had been already arranged. Cr Ivess denied the statement of the Mayor that their bank arrangements had been made a party question. The Union Bank had given them without demur the accommodation they required, and even now had not insisted on a mortgage of the pipes, but only that the Council should agree to do so if called upon. He moved that a letter be written to the Union Bank, agreeing to the terms verbally ar ranged. Cr St Hill seconded the motion. The Mayor said he withdrew nothing of what he had stated. He saw no liberality in the Bank granting a LI,OOO mortgage on security worth L 5,000. The Council had, in his opinion, acted in an unbusi nesslike manner. The motion was put and carried. , SUNDRY REPAIRS AND SMALL WORKS.

Cr St. Hill moved—“ That a few loads of shingle be put on the footpath at the end of Burnett street.” The place was almost impassable at present. Cr Parkin seconded the motion. The matter was left to the Engineer to attend to. Cr Harrison called attention to the fact that a good many of the trees on the north-west Belt, about a hundred of them, had been seriously affected by the late gales, and were out of the perpendicular. He had not called the Planting Committee together, because they had so little money in their hands. The Mayor said that for so small an amount as that- required, it would be bet ter for the Chairman of the Planting Com mittee to expend the money, and then ask

the Council to endorse his notion. Or St. Hill said Cr Harrison was not Chairman of the Planting Committee. He had never been appointed. Cr Harrison said he took the place of Cr Saunders. The Mayor said that it had been re solved some time back that William street should be shingled, and also that a lamp should be placed at the corner of Moore street and William street. It was stated that William street was in course of repair, and agreed upon that the lamp should be erected. CULVERTS.

It was agreed that the claims of those who had made culverts before the Borough was constituted, should be considered. THE ENGINEER.

The Mayor referred to the need of coming to an understanding as to their engagement with the Engineer. Cr St Hill said that an account had been sent in by him claiming about LBO. He believed that was all that was owing to date. FIRE ENGINE. The Mayor stated that he had not yet called the proposed public meeting to consider the purchase of a steam fire engine. After some discussion (in the course of which Cr Ivess estimated the cost of a new steam fire engine at L4OO, Mr Dolman at L7OO, and Cr St Hill at LSQO) Cr Fried lander moved—“-That a committee, con sisting of Crs Ivess, Parkin, Harrison, and the mover be appointed to canvass the town and see what subscriptions towards a fire engine could be collected, said com mittee to report at next meeting." This was seconded by Gr Robinson and carried. HOUSE FEED. It was agreed that fresh tenders bo In vited for horse feed. FIRE BRIGADE. Cr Roberts moved —“That the Firo Brigade Committee meet the Fire Brigade Officers, and report at next meeting re wages for men and other expenditure.” This was seconded by Cr Harrison. A second altercation took place between Crs St Hill and Harrison, in the course of which the former charged the latter with mist ©presentation, and handed in his own resignation as a member of the Fire Com mittee. Cr Harrison moved the acceptance of the resignation, stating that he had been treated by Cr St Hill in a manner un worthy of a gentleman and a man, and he defied Cr St Hill to ask for an enquiry into his assertion as to the language that councillor had used. Cr St. Hill said he did not consider' the remarks of Cr Harrison worth answering, Cr Ivess thought Or Harrison had pro voked the undignified exchange of courtesies which tney had witnessed that evening. He thought Councillors should avoid these unpleasantnesses, which only brought the Council into ridicule outside. The resignation was accepted, and Cr Roberts was'appointed a member of the Fire Committee in place of Cr St, Hillj resigned. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to L4OB 8s Id were passed for payment. THE GAS WORKS. The Mayor then read the following notice of motion to be brought forward by himself ;—“That at the meeting of

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1881.



Mbs hardy johuston (Daughter of the late Rev. Albany Wade, of Hilton Castle, Rector of Elton, Co. of Durham) RECEIVES a limited number of YOUNG LADIES who require superior educational advantages, com bined, with home comforts and attention. Mrs Hardy Johnston is assisted by com petent Governesses, and the lessons taught include English in all its branches, French, German, Music, Drawing, and Deportmenc. , Further particulars will be given on ap plication. , _ Trimulgherry, Hereford street East, , Christchurch. 332 c 4 LL work and no play makes Jack J\ a finll boy,” consequently, bear ing the truth of this adage in mind, Frederick Clark, OF EAST STREET, HAIRDRES S E R, TTft« just imported a quantity of HOVEL 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, u squeezero,” &c.; «bon)« and draught men and boards, baek {'amrnon, dominoes, go-bang, race game, otto, &C., &o. . . , ~ 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 FRDEND is F.C., end to preserve the right to this title he ton just imported the following Brands of TOBACCO Nail Rod, Vanity Fair, Baby Twist, Twist, &c., &c. CIGARS and CIGARETTES: Havanna and Cuban, Vanitv Fair Cigarettes, &c., &c., and a of novelties in PIPE- Haircnttmg, Shaving, and Shampooing Saloon, Montgomery's Buildings. 720 a "\TURSE.— Mrs Patjuno begs to in . timate that she has opened a Private Nursing Establishment and Hospital for .Tamilas and Gentlemen, and is prepared to receive Ladies to Nurse who require medical attention. Address Moore Iffc-'et, near Presbyterian Manse. 104 c ' 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 oertinaa, Flutes, Violins, Mouth Organs, and Toys of every description, direct from Home. Hairontting, Shaving and Shampooing. BAST STREET ASHBURTON. 257a* John Meech, iRAOTIOAL CABINETMAKER, UPHOLSTERER, &c., URNETT STREET, Opposite the Mail Office. Cheapest House in Town for New and Secondhand Furniture. All kfnrt. of Furniture repaired or ex ' changed. GOOD PRICE GIVEN FOR SECOND. •V"- BAND FURNITURE. Sl9



Wanted. WANTED A First-class General SERVANT. Apply, Mrs John Obb, Alford Forest Road. WANTED —20,000 Bushels of GRAIN to Crush, at 2d per bushel. Mayo and Hunt. 201 c WANTED KNOWN—That the Under signed is prepared to put and keep in ORDER GARDENS, by the day or year, at very low rates. Apply, J. Lino, Mayo’s Block. 185 c TAfANTED EYERBODY to know that Vv HORSE COVERS can be bought for 17s 6d (former price, 255), at S. Stephens’, Saddler, Tinwald. 726 a WANTED immediately—CHlCOßY DIGGERS. Apply at Works Moore street. E. B. Peaecb. 180 c VTTANTED KNOWN—That Robert VV Elston, Burnett street, Ashburton, having procured the Newest Apparatus, is prepared to SWEEP CHIMNEYS at very low rates. Any orders left at the Town Hall will receive prompt attention. 81c WANTED KNOWN.—Young Ladies’ Journal, Is 7d ; Bow Bells, Is 7d; Family Reader (Monthly), Is 2d ; (Quarterly) do., 2s 2d; Family Herald, la ; London Journal, Is 4d ; &c., &c. A large assortment of School Books and Stationery of every description. Hymn and Prayer Books, &c., &c. Subscribers wanted for every Newspaper and Periodical published. * Books, Piece Music, &c., not in stock can be supplied to order, at lowest prices. L. F. Andbewes, Bookseller, Stationer, and General Newspaper Agent, East street South. 953 a WANTED KNOWN—That Miss Veep. all is now showing her Winter Stock of Millineey, Deapeky &c. Stay and Corset Manufacturer. Dressmaking done on Premises, Colombo street, opposite Cookham House. 630 a WANTED KNOWN. Ashburton REGISTRY OFFICE for Male and Female Servants.—L. F. Andbewes 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. Andbewes, Labor Agent, Book seller and Stationer, East street South. N.B. Orders by post or otherwise promptly attended to. lo2c \xr ANTED KNOW N—That the VV “ Crown Lands Guide ” (No. 3), Sew Zealand Gazette, Parliamentary Papers, and all other Government Publi ;ations can be obtained by applying at Office of this Paper. Special Advertisements. Transformation!! UEEN’S HOTEL, CHRIST _ CHURCH, keep now the best irands only in Liquors and Cigars. C. KNOWSLEY, [3lc Proprietor. T. [a caed.] S. LAMBERT, Abchitect, HEREFORD STREET, Cheistchuech. 325 c T |HE BEST VALUE FOR READY MONEY is the MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING Manufactured by 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 DISCERNING CUSTOMERS Testify that the New Zealand Clothing Factory’s Garments are the Very Best Value for Ready Money. Ashbueton Beanch : EAST STREET. WM. SPARROW. 75c Manager. Tinwald timber yard, About to be Opened, ADJOINING JEPHSON’S STORE. RED PINE, RED PINE, ON SALE. All descriptions of BUILDING MATERIAL, At Cheapest Rates. ALL SIZES WIRE NAJLS. ALL LENGTHS CORRUGATED IRON C, JEPHSON, Manager. 329 c AND LARGE DISCOUNTS. 4s. in the £ RETURNED to all Customers purchasing Mens’ or Boys’ Clothing, For* this Month only, EVERETT B'ROS., Havelock steeet. Two Shillings in the Pound returned to all customers purchasing in Mercery, Dresses, Manchester, Millinery, and Fancy Departments. SAVE 2s in the £ or 10 per cent, on purchases, 4s in the £ or 20 per cent. * 822 a Hayes’ rjIIMB'ER YARDS. Balance of Short Firewood unsold at auction sale will be SOLD CHEAP, for cash, in order to clear it. ALPHEUS HAYES, FRESH SUPPLIES of TIMBER, &c., to hand. 608 a Pianos. Pianos. PIANOS, HARMONIUMS, and AMERICAN ORGANS For Sale on deferred payments. Also, on Hire, as may be required. (Anyone hiring an instrument and subsequently wishing to Purchase within six months, the amount paid for hire may be applied to purchase of same. H. M. JONES, Stationeb and Bookselleb, -East street and Baring Square. 865 a