The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Pravalebit. TUESDAY, MAY, 11, 1886. THE W A RD SYSTEM.

A majority of the ratepayers in almost every Road District in this county have expressed themselves as favorable to the “ Ward system,” /.A, the subdivision ol Road Districts into well-defined wards, and the expenditure of rates upon works in the localities from which they arc raised. The principle of this allocation is dearly an equitable one, but in practice it presents many difficul ties of a singularly complicated nature. It is a simple matter to parcel out a Road District into a number of wards, and say that each division shall receive works to the extent of its contribution to the general fund. In practice, how ever, we find the admission of the principle is seldom followed by an exactly proportionate distribution of the rales. Indeed, it has been found practically impossible, where the system is adopted, to maintain a precise corres pondence between the income and expenditure of the various wards. In one ward the revenue is in excess of requirements, and in another a large part of the* expenditure is made out of loan. As a consequence an elaborate system of account-keeping is necessary, and after all, in spite of every possible safeguard, one or more wards of a majority of these sub-divided districts bear a considerable burden of debt. But notwithstanding these difficulties very much may be said in favor of the system. For .several obvious reasons it is desirable that the expenditure in each district should be approximately adjusted to its income. Log-rolling is not confined to the precincts of our Parliamentary buildings, and it is just as well that members ofourßoad Boards should be placed above suspicion in

the allocation of local funds. The system ensures something like a fair distribution ot works, and furnishes some protection to the interests of minorities. That it might be made more effectual and more beneficial in its operation we are free to admit; but the reform required is rather one of administration than one of principle. The members of several Road Hoards within our own district have laid down hard and fast ane arbilary lines of division which ara found to operate unfairly towards e certain section of the ratepayers. We may instance the division of the Wakanui Road District. The mainten ance of a considerable section of the Beach road, the principal thoroughfare in the district, is made a charge upon No. i Ward, which includes Trevorton Hampstead, and Netherby; while nearly all the traffic on that road, we might say all the heavy and wearing traffic, is supplied by No. 2 Ward. This means, of course, that the ratepayers of Netherby and Hampstead, who barely use the road at all, and the ratepayers of Trevorton, who contribute very little towards the traffic on the road, expend a large proportion of their revenue upon work which should, in fairness, be made a charge against the settlers of Wakanui. The fact is the members of this Board have adhered too rigidly to the ward system ; in their desire to localise the expenditure of rates, they have lost sight of nice points of equity and have created a good deal of well grounded dissatisfaction with thesystem. But these anomalies are not necessary parts of the system. The Counties Act Amendment Act of last session makes provision for the subdivision of counties into ridings for the purposes of finance, but it also sets out that certain under takings shall be regarded as county works, and paid for from general funds. As these modifications of the system remove all its objectionable features, wc have quoted them in extenso in another part of this issue, for the infor mation of those interested in this im portant question. We particularly commend them to the attention of our Road Boards, and would suggest that they should be made applicable to the Ward system generally.

COUNTY FUNDS.

The Counties Act Amendment Aot of last session makes the following provisions for the allocation of county funds : In counties wherein the Act is not sus pended, the Council shall, in each year, apportion the gross income of the county from all sources, in the manner following that is to say— (l) In payment, in the first instance, of the general debts and liabilities of the county, as’a whole,twhioh are not included in the special appropriations hereinafter men tioned, and of the general espouses inci dent to the administration of the said Act and the several Acts amending the same ; (2) In payment of contributions required to be made out of the County Fund by virtue of any Aot of the General Assembly ; (3) In payment of the cost of constructing and of maintaining all main roads and county roads within the county, and of bridges on such roads respectively and of ferries, as well as of constructing, main taining, or contributing to oonetruet or,

maintain such bridges, oxcundinf' thirty foot span, on district roads within the county, as the Council shall think should be so constructed or maintained;

(4) The remainder of such annual income shall, subject to the provisions of the next following section, be apportioned among the ridings in the county in proportion to the amount of general rates received from such ridings respectively in such year.

This evening—Circus at 8 ; public meeting llakalero schoolroom, 8; Ashburton Commit tee, 7.J0.

The Hon. Mr Bryce arrived in Aucb’and from London by the Tainui yesterday. The Taiaro enquiry was resumed in Welling' ton yesterday. The evidence was concluded, and Mr 801 l having addressed the Court on behalf of the Collector of Customs, the pro ceedings wore adjourned until to-morrow.

Mr Macandrcw addressed his constituents at Tort Chalmers last evening, and received a vote of confidence. Similar compliments wore accorded to Mr O’Callaghan at Lincoln, to Mr Dargavillo at Auckland, and to Mr Guinness at Greymouth. On Friday Mr Montgomery addressed his constituents at Bigeon Bay, and received a vote of thanks and confidence.

In Christchurch yesterday afternoon the committee of the West Coast Eailway League decided to continue its efforts until the infor mation as regards a syndicate and company is absolutely confirmed, and the actual work of constructing the railway begun ; the com mittee also decided that it was advisable to postpone any demonstration for the present. A petition having been presented to the Governor praying that the Lyttelton Orphan age may bo constituted a soperato institu tion. The opponents of the proposal are now circulating a counter-petition asking that the institution may remain under the control of tno Charitable Aid Board. The ‘‘Timaru Herald” of this morning says:—H ia stated that there is to bo opposi tion to Major Steward for the representation of Waimatc at the next general election, in which contest one or two local gentleman will take part as candidates. It is, however, thought that tne sitting member has the best chance of bcinn returned, a large section of tire doctors being favorable to him on account of his past services as a legislator.

The Ucv, Mr McNeill in a sermon preached at Mount Somers on Sunday made appro priate reference to the recent sudden deatli of Mrs Sytne. The funeral of the deceased lady took place at Mount Somers yesterday, at 2 p.rn.

In consequence of the growing demands of his profession, and, what we may term, the “compulsory clauses” of the Justices of the Peace Act Amendment Act. Hr Leahy has been compelled to resign his appoint ment as a Justice of the Peace for the colony.

Mr W. F. Brooko-Sraith notifies that ho is prepared to give lessons in drawing and painting in both oil and water-colors. Fur ther particulars may bo found in the adver tismeul, which appears elsewhere.

The case Borough Council v Orr, which has excited considerable interest in Ashburton, was disposed of at the District Court yesterday. Judge Ward held that the lease taken by the defendant was good in law, and gave judgment lor the amount of rent claimed. This de cision will govern several other cases of a similar character, and will dispose of a diffi culty which has confronted the Borough Council for some time.

A well attended meeting of the Public Library Committee was hold in Chortsey, on Saturday evening. Besides the Chairman (Mr Straohan), there wore present Messrs Todd (Secretary), Mr Patterson (Treasurer), and Messrs Childs, Downio, McDowell, Stringfollow, and Wells. The minutes of last mooting as road afforded a sufficient explana tion of tho course of action taken by the Com mittee in closing tho Library, and suspend ing tho issue ol books to subscribers for the present. Tho minutes wore confirmed nriiti/ir runtradicciifr, the explanation sup plied being considered quite sufficient. Several members of the Committee then suggested tho procurement of several articles highly neces sary for the proper conduct of tho institution, and they were ordered to bo obtained with tho least possible delay. Information being asked regarding tho linancial position of tho insti tution, tho Trosuror announced that the expenses were almost nil, there was no debt, and tho balance in bank to tho credit of the Committee stood at £22. All tho officers of tho Library were honorary, and no one receives anything in the shape of salary for his services. An excellent working sub-oom mitteo was then appointed to meet on Friday first and draw out a list of suitable books to supplement the present collection. After fixing the date for the annual meeting of subscribers the mooting adjourned, after pass ing a vote of thanks to Mr Straohan for his conduct in tho chair.

One of tho superb St Bernard dogs ex hibited at tho Fanciers’ Show, New York, is said to be worth £2OOO. lie is an animal of wonderful strength and beauty, with eyes that beam with intelligence, and of rare gentleness and patience.

Chang, tho Chinese giant, has taken oat his best naturalisalon papers at Kansas City. He will soon marry a young lady of that city, and will settle down to mercantile business there.

The London correspondent of tho Man chester Courier writes “I understand that the police authorities in London have had a somewhat alarming warning from Ireland. It is generally expected that when Mi Parnell’s demands ace repudiated by the House of Commons or by tho House of Lords, a time of fearful outrages will begin in Ireland. But it seems that there is al so a scheme on foot to effect reprisals in England. Outrages are not this time to be by dynamite, the plan being to set tire to the buildings in various parts of London and tho leading provincial towns simultaneously. By this moans the incen diaries, I suppose, hope to paralyse the action of the different tire brigades.”

Tho largest dog in the States is said to bo a St. Bernard, owned at Glen Cove,L, I. Ho measures 7ft Uiu from the end of his nose to the tip of his tail, standing 25in high,and weight 1921 b.

A Maori woman died at the Kaiapoi Nat ivo pah on Th uraday, named Yota What • taitaua, whoso ago ia claimed to be 10g

yoary, if not more. 15y falling from a waggon, a Chinaman in California, whoso iifo was insured for a large amount, was seriously hurt. There was some doubt as to his ever getting bolter ; and at length ono of his friends wrote to tho insurance company, “Charley half dead ; likeo half money ! ”

A shocking occurrence is reported from Lemberg, where a largo haystack tho property of an army contractor, which has nightly been used by outcasts as a shelter against frost and snow, took fire. Out of about 60 paupers, it was at first reported that only two had perished, but later accounts say that no fewer than 20 were killed, their charred remains being rescued with difficulty, and that the rest were half suffocated.

Since efforts were first made some time ago to secure a supply of Japanese labor for Hawaii, the number of applicants for per mission to emigrate to that island from Japan amount to no less than 30,000.

A shopkeeper in Christchurch had an un pleasant adventure one afternoon last week. A woman walked into his shop and asked to lie down .as she felt unwell. The man com plied with the request, and on going to call her at half.past-five found she was dead.

A new use for stray cats has been found across the Atlantic. A Chicago theatrical manager lately ornamented 200 pussies with ribbons bearing th' name of his new piece, turned them loose in the streets. The Advertisement was so novel and succcseful

that a rival hupreosairo immediately bought up all the cats within reach, some 2,000, and sent thorn abroad to advertise bis fiUraetlone.

NEWS VIA ’FRISCO.

HOME AND FOREIGN,

Tho last words o£ Mr W. E, Forster, late Ohicf Socrotary'for Ireland, uttered before his dcatli wore “ No Homo llulc.”

Huporla of tho murder of Bishop Harrington by the Africans of King Mombazo aro con tinued by official despatches. Franz Lizst, tho eminent pianist, narrowly escaped being murdorod by a Socialist mob at Liege. It is feared tho shock will bo fatal to the Abbo.

Eight thousand ladies of Cork County have sent petitions to tho Queen against Homo Ilulo. Three thousand of the signatures aro of Catholics.

Despatches from Anara, received at Paris on April Ist, report fresh massacres at tho Catholic missions in the province of Quang Bang. The number of victims is said to be 112.

Bismarck celebration hia seventy-first birth day on April 10th. lie received visits from all tho notables, and tbo usual number of congratulatory letters and telegrams. The Orangemen of Armagh made a public demonstration on April 10th against Mr Gladstone’s proposals. They adopted a resolution denouncing tho Premier, and declaring their allegiance to the Empire. lloports from all quarters of Ireland on March BOth sent to Mr Gladstone indicate the country to be in a state of feverish ex citement, and that the failure of the Homo llule policy will load to outbursts of violence. Dr Loitchfeid, Gorman explorer of Africa, claims to have acquired a portion of terri tory equal in size to half of Germany, sur. rounding Lake Tangayika. It is doubtful, however, if Bismarck will confirm the annexa tion.

A despatch from Calcutta, dated April 22nd, says the Chinese emissaries aro urging the Brahmans to mutiny, in retaliation for England’s refusal to cede Bhamo or grant an outlet for their south-western trade via the Irawaddy river. Tho Vatican has changed front on the question between Home and Government. Dr Kopp has takan an ultimatum to Bis marck that the church cannot consider the May laws as really amended, if the Govern ment insist upon veto power over all appoint ments made by the Vatican. Terrible destitution and riots still prevail in Newfoundland, Tho Irish National League of America sent Parnell a draft for £12,000 on April Bth.

A terrible accident has occurred at Fitch burg, Mass. A train went over an embank ment 200 ft high, and twenty people wore killed. The King and Council of the Sandwich Isles have issued an order that after April Ist no Chinese can be admitted into the Hawaiian Kingdom.

A movement is on foot in Nova Scotia to secede from the Canadian Dominion, on the ground of unfair discriminations against that colony. Cloud and Santo Rapido, towns in Min nesota, wore swept by a terribly destructive cyclone on April 11th. At Cloud, forty per sons wore killed and seventy-five injured, half the town being laid waste.

THE HOME RULE PROPOSALS,

Despatches from London of April Bth. say

the excitement was intense throughout the Kingdom as it was the day selected by the British Premier to divulge his scheme for the solution of the Irish problem. Seats were taken in the House as early as o. 30 a. ra ; the Irish members being the first in. The crush outside the House of Parliament was intense. It was considered an ill-omen that the enormous clock to which •* Big Ben” rings time in the Victoria tower, stopped during the afternoon. Mr Gladstone entered the House at 4.30 p.m. Ho arrived in an open carriage, and his appearance was greeted with deafening ohoors. He was bareheaded, and bowed right and left to the crowd. His wife rode beside him. Within the building his reception, though less demonstrative, was equally enthusiastic with that outside. Among the Liberals and Parncllitos the wildest en thusiasm prevailed ; and it is safe to say that no such scone was ever witnessed before in the Commons. When the applause after the delivery of Mr Gladstone’s speech had subsided, Mr George Otto Trovoleyan, who recently resigned the position of (Secretary for Scotland, after eulogising Mr Gladstone’s oration, gave the reason of his resignation, which was, in brief, that lie never could consent to such a scheme as Mr Gladstone proposed, which he regarded as neither for the welfare nor the bene fit of the country. Mr Parnell, who was received with tremendous cheering by the Irish mem bers, replied to Mr Trevelyan, and defended hie own past utterances and actions which bad been impugned by him. In reference to tho

measure tor Ireland, ho thanked Mr Glad stone for it, and believed it would not only prove a beneficial measure from an Irish point of view, but would also bo found of equal benefit to England. The Bill, nevertheless, contained blots wihch the Irish representatives would do their best to remedy. One of these was to bo found in its financial proposals. Mr Gladstone loft the House ton minutes after concluding his speech. Ho suffered from re-action, and was obliged to retire to rest immediately after dinner. Despatches of April 11th, from London, say that Mr Chamberlain’s speech in the House of Commons was the sensation of Friday evening. It passed into a personal quarrel between him and Mr Gladstone. He began by explaining his reasons for joining and quitting the Cabinet. Ho proceeded to explain that when he learned of the Govern ment’s scheme .it contained—he said with delicate intonation —a very startling pro posal, involving the issue of £200,000,000 of Consols. The last word had hardly passed his lips before Mr Gladstone sprang to his feet. That, he said in effect, was an ex planation the Eight Hon. gentleman had no right to make. A painful scene followed, out of which it was impossible for the spectators to separate right and wrong. Mr Chamber lain claimed that he held Mr Gladstone’s permission to read certain letters, especially one of March loth.»Mr Gladstone said he could not recollect this. Mr Chamberlain, however, insisted that permission had been given, and then repeated, because it was given the first time in equivocal terms. Matters wore evidently at a deadlock. Mr Chamber lain, pointing his finger at the Prime Minister, said in a low voice, “ I beg to ask my honour able friend whether he wishes to withdraw that permission now?” But Mr Gladstone could not recollect what the letter was. “ The letter!” the Tories sneered aloud. The quarrel was serious enough by this time. Passion was steadily rising in Mr Chamber lain’s voice. *• How can I explain," he cried, “with my bands tied behind me.” His speech was a weighty indictment of the Government scheme. If he had only stopped before passing on into his own alternative proposals it would have left a better impres sion. The climax to his speech was a blow at the Prime Minister’s position in 1807. “ Sir,” said he, “ I remember the time when in its greatest crisis—when it was in the most terrible moment of its fate, my Eight Hon. friend counselled the disintegration of of the United States.” Mr Gladstone inter, jeoted “ 1 did not counsel it.” Mr Chamber lain said “My Eight Hon. friend says ho did not counsel it, but ho gave the weight of his great name to the statement that' they had I become separate nations. I dare say my Eight lion, friend himself would admit that in that view of the situation he made a mistake.” “ Hoar,” said Mr Gladstone. “Ah,” said Mr Chamberlain, syllable by syllable, his linger levelled at the Prime Minister’s bowed head ; “is ho certain he is not making a mistake again.” It was a tremendous blow. The Tories, of course, yelled like madmen, and from the Liberal benches arose several cries of “ shame ” directed at Mr Chamberlain- Tho latter, however, had one more shot to deliver. Levelling his linger again towards the front bench, almost inarticulate with passion, he demanded what should have been said of him if, “ hke some servile partisans who disgraced political life ho had remained on that bench pretending to serve his country j with a lie in his mouth.” This was aimed at | Sir William Haraourt, and produced a tre mendous sensation

Lord Wolseley made a speeoh on Mr Gladstone’s scheme on April 10th, in which he said the English Empire bad boen built and preserved through the valour and en. durance of its soldiers and sailors, directed by able atatemen. Hitherto it had been their lot to defend their country against foreign foes, but now they were called upon by the people of England to do duty in trampling under foot enemies mote serious, because the

enemies were within the civil boundaries of the Empire, lie called upon the English (o say “ Stand off ” to anyone, whoever he might be, who should dare to try to break or d'smember the Empire, thereby ruthlessly destroying it. The speech was received with deafening cheers. Lord Randolph Churchill opened the debate in the House of Commons. lie attacked the fiscal (?) features of Mr Gladstone’s Home Rule proposals, and also referred to the Uls'er difficulty. Ho regretted the measure had been entertained by Parliament, but the day of decision would speedily arrive when the House would vote against the proposals, which were desperate, unconstitutional and misleading. Mr Russell, the Attorney- General, replied, taunting Lord Churchill with prejudice and passion. As to Ulster he said the Bill gave Protestants and Catholics the same rights. It was now high time for Ireland to try and govern itself. The speeches of the night were disappointing. Lord Randolph Churchill’s lacked the woiffcd point and energy of that orator, while Mr Russell’s was a laboured effusion.

PARISHIONERS’ MEETING.

The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Stephen’s Church was held in St. Stephen’s Schoolroom last evening. There was a moderate attendance, and the chair was occupied by the Rev. E. R. Otway, who after opening the meeting with prayer, asked for the co-operation of the parishioners in carry ing on the work of the Church during the absence of the Rev. Mr Scott, the incumbent. He briefly referred to the position of the Church, as disclosed by the balance sheet, and said he thought the congregation bad every reason to be satisfied with the state of affairs, which must be considered to be very good, when the existing depression was taken into account.

The annual report was read by the parishioners’ churchwarden, Mr A, C. Prichard aa follows :--The churchwardens and vestry, in presenting the Annual Report for the year ending March 31st, 1886, desire to express their satisfaction at the general result of Church work during the past year, and consider it a matter for congratulation that, in the face of such a period of financial depression, they have been enabled to tide over the year without weakening their posi tion. A reference to the accompanying balance-sheet will show £471 Os Id from all sources have been raised and disbursed, and although the Bank overdraft is somewhat larger than at this period last year, the out standing liabilities are much less. And here it may bo mentioned that to the sum of £56 15s lid, outstanding liabilities represented on last year’s balance sheet, should have been added £l6 interest then due, which amount has since been liquidated by us. To the hearty co-operation of the staff of teachers, under the superintendence of the Incumbent, is due the efficient state of the Sunday School, which numbers on the School roll 115 scholars, with an average attendance of 103, taught by 5 male and 12 female teachers to whom the Vestry tender their best thanks; the annual treat took place in February, and thanks to the kindness of Mr and Mrs Hunt, who placed their grounds at the disposal of the Superintendent, the children, with a numerous attendance of parents and frends, passed a most enjoyable afternoon. The distribution of prizes took place in the school room two weeks later, and was also well attended. We record with pleasure the re duction of the debt on the School building by £llO, leaving a balance still due of £9O upon it. The churchwardens and vestry gratefully acknowledge the successful endeavors of Mr H. A. Gates, choirmaster, and the members of the choir, in rending both earnest and de votional the musical portion of the service, and also lor the readiness they have dis played on all occasions to help forward any matter for the welfare of the Church. To the Ladies’ work society is due most cordinal thanks for the very substantial measure of help afforded by them, to whom, in a large degree, may be credited the marked success of the Christmas Garden Party, and the sale of whose work so greatly augmented the funds on that occasion. By permission of the Most Reverend the Primate, and with the approval of the vestry, the Incumbent, the Rev. E. A. Scott, left Ashburton in February on a 9 months’ visit to the Mother Country. Prior to his departure a numerously attended tea meeting was held in the Schoolroom, and in the evening a concert was given in the Oddfellows’ Hall, at which representatives of all classes of the community were present. Speeches were made by pastors of the different Christian denominations, bearing testimony to the value of the Incumbent’s work, and wishing him God speed. A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the presentation of a purse of about 50 sovereigns, the acceptance of which was acknowledged in a very graceful manner. In retiring from office the churchwardens and vestry again congratulate the parishioners upon the nature of the past year’s work, and would earnestly urge upon them a continu ance of that liberality which has characterised the past financial year, and without which the finances of the Church must have suffered. F. T. Mayo, A. C. Prichard, Churchwardens. The balance sheet showed the receipts for the year to have been £431 8s 9d, and the expenditure £467 17s 7d. The funds col lected for Church purposes by the Incumbent and disbursed by him amounted to £42 17s 7d. The liabilities were shown to be £448 17 3d.

After a long discussion, the report and balance sheet were adopted. A vote of thanks to the retiring church wardens and vestry was carried. The Chairman asked permission to defer nominating a clergyman’s churchwarden, as ho was not now in a position to do so, being a stranger in the district. Several gentlemen were nominated for the position of parishioners’ churchwarden, but all declining to stand, it was resolved, owing to the small attendance, to adjourn the meeting for a week.

MAGISTERIAL.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBU RTON—TO-DAY

(Before Mr H. 0 S. Baddoley, R.M.)

DRUNKENNESS. Thomas Grant was fined 10s and costs for having been drunk on Sunday.— John Smith for having been drunk at the railway station yesterday, was fined 20s and coats. CIVIL CASES. Dolman v. Cashmere. Claim £2 16s. Mr Caygill for the plaintiff. Judgment by default for the amount claimed and costa. Ashburton Building c oclely v Manning. Claim £9 12s. Mr Crisp tor the plaintiff Mr Caygill for the defendant. Mr Joseph Ward, manager of the. Building Society, stated that the defendant had mortgaged a certain property at Mothven to the Society. About a year ago the defendant was in financial difficulties, and it was ar ranged that ho should retain possession of the property at a rental of 8a a week, and be allowed time to make the payments overdue under the mortgage. The defen. dant had failed to carry out the provi sions of this arrangement, and the amount now claimed was due. By Mr Caygill—The certificate of title of the pro. perty was in the name of defendant’s wife. The account with the Building Society was in the name of the Society. The agreement to lease wss made between the .Society and defendant, but the rent re ceived was credited to Mrs Manning’s account. The Society had not taken pos session ofthu building, and there bad been ,‘uo ejectment nor alteration of the occu pancy. The arrangement to lease was made in tbo * interest of the defendant. The mortgage is still current and open,—Charles Ward, accountant, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness with regard to the arrangement made with defendant to lease the property. This concluded the case for the Society, and Mr Caygill submitted that the plaintiff must be nonsuited. The wrong person had been sued ; the wife, not the husband, should have been made the defendant.— After a prolonged argument between the counsel, the Magistrate determined to non suit the plaintiff, Plaintiff nonsuited without coats.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Ve do not bold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

TIN WALD SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

o Tire Editor. Sir, — Allow ruo to reply to Mr J. W. Smith’s loUor, which appeared in yolic iasu« of May 4th. Mr Smith says that he wou'd not have troubled you further only ho fell, compelled to reply to Mr Corrigan’s “ false statements. ” Now, air, I say he would have had nothing to reply to had 1 not replied to his false statements, which appeared in the Guardian of April 29th, where he says “ that in spite of Mr Corrigan, bin wife, etc,, etc.” What right has Mr Smith to call my name In question or any roluii m of mine, simply because I asked a question that he (Mr Smith) could not (or r.ith -r would not) answer, relating to school accounts? Mr Smith saya he is prepared to prove that the annual report wrs adopted, by a majority of 8. Well, as I said before, he was not present when the show of hands was taken, so he can know nothing about it only by hearsay. Then, with reference to Mr J. Gudsell'a letter In the same issue, Mr Gudsell says there were 18 for the motion, and 9 against

It. Evidently Mr Gudsell and Mr Smith have made a mistake here. Mr Gudsell also says that he was asked by the Chair man to count the hands. Tula 1 flatly deny. What the Chairman said was, “ Will some person be kind enough to count the hands,” when five or six of those present responded, Mr Gudsell being the must prominent. We now come to that part of Mr Smith’s letter where he says “ My duties unfortunately did compel me to leave the meeting for a short time,” and when he returned to the meeting he was prepared to show vouchers for every penny spent by the Committee, but the Chairman told him it was “ un necessary, as matters were settled satisfac torily .” All I can say to this is that if the Chairman said so there was net another person in the room heard it. The fact was, the Chairman was asKed to explain

several items in the expenditure, and he said he “could not,” but that he would make a memo of them and ask the Secretary (Mr J. W. Smith). Whether he has done bo or not 1 cannot say.—l am, &c., S. CORRIGAN. [P.S. —Part of our correspondent’s letter, referring to matters of no public interest, we have expunged. This cor respondence must now cease —Ed, G]

THE HINDS-MARONAN ROAD.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, —At a meeting of the Bangitata Road Board held last Monday, Mr Charles Harper gave a distinct denial to my statement that hehad stopped Michael Charles from ploughing out the tussocks upon the Hiads-Maronan road.

I have, therefore, ta request the favor of your publishing the enclosed correspondence, in order to clear upjthe question of veracity. I am, etc., Edward G. Weight. Windermere, 10th May, 1886.

Windermere, Bth May, 1886. Mr Michael Charles.

Dear Sib, —You contracted with the Ean gitata Road Board last year to remove the argc stones and tussocks ofi about four miles of road, from the Hinds Railway Station towards Maronan, and you commenced your work by ploughing out the road metal, to make a thoroughly good job of it. Will you please state what member of the Board inter fered and stopped your ploughing up the road metal, and required you to chop out the tussocks by hand labor.—Yours faithfully, E. G. Weight.

Lismore, Hinds, May 8, 1886. To E. G. Wright, Esq., Sib, —The contract I had on the Maronan and Hinds road about a year ago, clearing the tussocks and stones, part of which I ploughed and would have ploughed the lot, the mem ber of the Board that objected to my plough ing was Mr Harper.—Yours truly.

Michael Charles.

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBURTON—MONDAY.

(Before His Honor Judge Ward.) BANKRUPTCY.

Orders of discharge.—On tide application of Mr Caygill, orders of discharge were granted to John Hildreth, George Thompson, and Thomas Simpson.—Applications by Thomas Sapper and Blaney Tipping were adjourned until next sitting of the Court. ADMINISTRATION. Ke William Bland, deceased—On the appli cation of Mr Caygill, letters of administration were granted to Emily Bland, widow of the deceased. CIVIL CASE. Ashburton Borough Council v. John Orr. Claim £lB. This was an action brought by the Ashburton Borough Council to recover from Mr John Ore £lB, the amount of a year’s rent of a borough reserve leased to de fendant.—Mr Joynt, instructed by Mr Crisp, appeared for the Borough Council, and Mr Purnell appeared for the defendant.—His Honor pointed out that the Conrt had no jurisdiction in the case as it stood, as the amount sued for was less than £2O, and the District Courts Act provided that not less than £2O should be sued for in these Courts. After some consultation between counsel en gaged, it was agreed to give jurisdiction to the Court by the solicitors engaged signing a written consent to the case being tried there. The case was then proceeded with It ap peared that the defendant bad purchased at public auction the lease of two sections of one of the borough reserves. A lease was pre pared and signed by the defendant in 1881. The rent agreed upon was regularly paid by the defendant until 1884, but during that year the defendant gave notice of his intention to pay no more rent. At the close of the plaintiffs case, Mr Purnell submitted there was no case for him to answer, inasmuch as the plaintiff sued lor the rent of a piece of land described as put of town sections 533 and 550, whereas the _ memorandum of lease put in evidence showed ' the land let to be part of a reserve, and no evidence of identification had been offered. His Honor sustained the objection, but ultimately allowed Mr Joynt to amend his claim, and recall the Town Clerk to identify the land.

Mr Purnell then moved for a nonsuit. He submitted that Mr John Orr bad never acccp ted the lease in writing as required by the Statute of Frauds. He signed the memorandum of lease on December 12, 1381, bat inasmuch as the corporation did not execute the deed until December 13, the lease was not in exist ence on the day when it was alleged to have been accepted by Mr Orr. The fact that Mr Orr had paid rent was immaterial since he had never entered into possession of the land. Then, the lease was ultra vires, because by the Municipal Corporations Act it was pro vided that the rent must be an “ annual rack rent, without covenant for renewal,” whereas by the terms of the lease the rent was to in crease every iseven -years.—Mr Joynt, on the first point, contended that defendant by pay ing rent had stopped himself from question ing bis acceptance of the lease ; and if he had not entered into actual occupation, be had permitted possession of the land. As to the second point, the words “ without covenant for renewal ” must be taken to refer to a re newal of the lease itself, and not of the rent. Numerous authorities were cited on both sides, and after considerable argument His Honor refused the motion for a nonsuit. Mr Parnell said he did not intend to call any evidence, and judgment was accordingly given for plaintiff for the amount claimed and costs; The Court then rose.

'l'll K ASHHU UTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAY 11, L 88«.



Wanted- WANTEI* Goa l in Milk. Parti culars aa to price, etc., apply to Oltico of this Paper. 5 60S WANTED Known—Greater reduction than ov r or at the Sale of Bank rupt Stock. — Uayks and Co . Arcade. W~ ANTED Known—The Gospel will be preached every Lord’s Day evening in the Arcade Chambers at 0 60 p.m. (d.v.) Free for all. No collection. F 6 C 97 VTTANTED KNOWN —Long looked W for como at last. T. iloult, having commenced bacon curing, ho is able to supply a real good Pork Sausage at 6 i per lb at the Factory, Moore st, Ashburton. Pigs cured in any quantity dried, smoked and delivered home at One Penny per lb. V. Hour/r. _ PRESENTS ! Presents '. Wo are now giving Presents to iho valne of 4s in tho £ to ovory purchaser of Ono Shilling and upwards on Drapery and Millinery, etc. For description of Presents see Window. Dressmaking on the promises. Perfect fit guaranteed.— H. 0. Segbks, Melford House. VTTANTED TO PURCHASE- W 1,000 SACKS of beconds oi Wheat, Apply to 2 284 FRIEDLANDER BROS, Monthly advertiser, issued by Robert Elston, Theatrical Agent and Bill Poster ; terms—4o inch apace 5a per month, contra spaces 10a ; for longer terms special arrangements can bo made ; advertisements should not be later than the 26th ef each month. 700 WANTED Known —Wortheim Sow ing Machines can be had on Time Payments at tho Now Zealand Clothing Factory’s Branch, East street, Ashburton. * 2 276



Trees Trees Trees THE undersigned has FOR all kinds of FRUIT AMD FOREST TREKS, Pinna Insignia, Austrian, Maritime, and Macrocarpa, by tens of thousands; other kinds in proportion. All kinds of cabbage plants, otc, on sale. All orders by post or otherwise shun receive my best attention. N.B. A grand lot of early strawberry plants on sale. V JAMES PORTER, CLIFTON NURSERY, 475 Allonlon, Ashburton. CANTERBURY MILLS, ASHBURTON. I WILL bb A BUYER of UPWARDS OF 300,000 Bushels milling wheat THIS SEASON. Also some Largo Linos of OATS AND OTHER PRODUCE. CORNSAOKS, Full Size and Weight, at 5s 6d per dozen 340 C, W, TURNER, PerD. H. BROWN. DR, TREVOR begs to inform his Patients that, ponding the building of his new House, ho will reside at Mr Yapf’s Moore street, corner of E. ueit. Messages can be left at Mr Nbate s. Chemist, where he will attend from 12 noon to 1 p m. G RAND E/ 0E B TOWN HALL. ALL A BALL will be held in the Town Hall on THURSDAY EVENING, May 13 h. Dancing to start immediately alter the clay in the Oddfellows’ Hall is over. Admission- Gents, 3s Gd ; Ladies, free M«.ic p.0v1d.3 Y'iUME&Tb. N OTICB OF APPLICATION FOR A PDBLICAM’S LICENSE. I PATRICK DEVANE, of Waterloo, Hotelkeeper, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next Licensing Meeting, to be holden at Ash burton, on the fourth day of June, IbbO, apply for a certificate authorising the issue of an accommodation license for a house situate at Watortou, known as the Watorton Hotel, containing sixteen rooms, exclusive of those requited for the use of the family. 0 „ Dated this 10th day of May, 1886, PATRICK DEVANE. E. G. Crisp, Solicitor. IVTCmCE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLICAN’S LICENSE. r ALBERT JAMES HOWELL, of South Rakaia, do hereby give notice that 1 desire to obtain, und will at the next licensing meoling to bo holden at South Rakaia, on the third day of June next, apply for a certificate authorising the issue of a Publican’s License for a house situate at South Rakaia, and known as the Railway Hotel, containing twonty-hve rooms, exclusive of those required for the use of the family. Dated the sixth day of May, 1886. ALBERT JAMES HOWELL. A ❖ 9 T JOHN’S LODGE, No. 1858, E.O, The Regular MONTHLY MEETING E the above will be held at the Masonic [all, on THURSDAY, 13th inst., at 7.30 Visiting Brethren cordially invited. By order of the W .M. JOHN CURTIS, IQ Hon. Secretary NOTICE. Mr f. brooke smith, a.s.a., will give Lessons in Drawing and Painting, both Oil and Water Colors. Pupiia received at tho Studio, or waited on at their own houses. Evening Classes will also be formed for tuition in Sepia, Indigo, and Indian Ink Painting, Drawing, Bookkeeping, and Shorthand. All particulars and prospectuses to be obtained from Mr T. F. Farley, Stationer. Paintings on view at the shops of Messrs Farley and J ones, M 10 jgLAOK, BEATTIE & COMPANY, Criterion House, 201, 203, 205, High street, CHRISTCHURCH. We have the-pleasure to advise our Customers and the residents generally In tho Ashburton District that we have now received very large Shipments of NEWEST DRAPERY GOODS for the Present Season. The advantages which we possess in being able to buy in the Best British Markets, and the thorough experience of our buyer, enables us to supply all Goods under OUR CASH SYSTEM of business AT LOWEST PRICES. We endeavour to give our Customers best value procurable, whatever Prices they may wish to purchase Goods at, and our Stock is so LARGE AND WELL-ASSORTED that the most varied wants can be sup plied. We append a list of our Depart ments, In each of which an Immense Variety of most Novel and Fashionable Goods will be found



A GRAND White Sugar, 3d per lb; Dried Apples, 6d per lb ; Figs, 8d per box; Now Currants, 6d per lb ; New Nelson Jams, 6d per tin; Condensed Milk, 6d per tin; Sperm Canales, Ud per lb ; Price’s English Sperms, lOd—At Jas McGregor's, Tancred street. WANTED Known —That R. Lancas ter has reduced the price of moat 25 per cent —for Cash only. Lamb, 2s and 3s per quarter. 41b Loaf for 4£d. Free trade for ever. 11, Lancaster, Ready-Money Meat Mart, Bullock’s Arcade. 9 332 WANTED Known—To the Ladies of Ashburton and surrounding dis tricts and the public In general. Mr J. Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, has re ceived a largo shipment of French, Eng lish and Gorman ladies’ shoos, button up and|olaetlo sides, great choice, now for inspection, which J. Moison Intends dis posing of at reasonable rates during the coming holidays. His own make always on hand or made to order. Repairing done with care and promptitude. Colo nial boots of all kinds. Next to the Club, Tancrod street, Ashburton. 10 880 Special Advertisements. SALK—T.s. 107 and part 190 JJ (adjoining Mr J. Ward’s) with eight zoomed house and etc lam prepared to accept a very low price for this eligible property. T. BULLOCK MRS MOSS has opened a school for young ladles only at Mr Scaly’s late residence, Beach road, and wishes aiso a few music pupils. Terms (moderate) on application or may bo ascertained of Mr H, M. Jones or Mr T. F, Farley. 2 242 RAILWAY Refreshment Rooms, ASHBURTON. MR T. QUILL begs to announce the fact that ho is still carrying on business at the Railway Station, where ho still will retain his former reputation by selling nothing but the BEST of old matured Wines and Spirits. Luncheon will also be supplied on.tho shortest notice, and moderate charge. P.S,—The above Rooms are open to the Public from 7 a.m. till after the arrival of last train at night, T, QUILL, 3 389 Lessee.



rpO the Aahburton Guards and Volun- X teers.—THE VOLUNTEER RED BOOK, containing the whole i 1 the Exercises in Battalion Drill, Squau Bayonet Drill, Infantry Drill, Etc, NOW IN. The above should be perused by all Volunteers and will bo found useful to those intending to compete for Govern ment appointments. This book being difficult to procure all intending purchasers had better apply at once to T. F. FABLE Y. School Committees will do well to con sider the many advantages to be derived from purchasing their prize books from me, as I am now offering prize books at very reasonable prices, in fact, at Christ church prices, and no carriage to pay, whilst my stock consists of about 3,500 volumes. School requisites of every description kept in stock, Thomas F. Farley, Bookseller, Stationer, Printer, and Newsagent, Saunders’ Buildings, East street, Ashburton. ' Branch Shop; Town Hall, Ashburton.



DRESS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DEPARTMENT DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT DReSS DEPARTMENT HOSIERY DEPARTMENT MANTLE DERARTMENT DRESSMAKING - DEPARTMENT MILLINERY DEPARTMENT CLOTHING DEPARTMENT UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT TAILORING DEPARTMENT HOUOEHOLD FURNIHING DEPT. pr.nuTAt. Manufacture from various mils. Including BLANKETS, FLANNELS & TWEEDS OF ASHBURTON MANUFACTURE. Cash System and Cash Prices. BLACK, BEATTIE & CO. GENERAL DRAPERY WARE HOUSE, TAILORS, PRESSMAJ&KRS, and MILLINERS



EOW.N IRON WORKS ARMAGH STREET, Christchurch. Portable lianges Burn Wood and Coal—ln Four Sizes, PAINTED CORRUGATED IRON IN tfonr, Five, Six and Seven Feet Lengths. 40 po* cent. Cheaper than Galvanioed Iron. 10 1988 • Changed Hands! BRANCH SHOP, TOWN HALL, Ashburton. THE BOOK & STATIONERY Business lately carried on by Messrs H, J, Wood end Co, of Christchurch, has boon purchased by mo, and at a price con siderably below original cost; this will give my many patrons an opportunity of ob taining a number of requisites at



GREATLY REDUCED PRICES. STATIONERY. —Special care la given to all ordora. Promptitude guaranteed. MANUFACTURE of ACCOUNT ROOKS Having made arrangements with a firat claas linn for the execution of all Com miaaiona aa described above, clients may roly upon receiving PROMPT ATTENTION, first class work being made a specialty. LITERATURE. Any book not in stock will be procured without delay. Orders taken for all news papers British and Foreign included), Public Committees receiving liberal con cessions. . PRINTING. This branch is K'ing fostered, and every attention paid to accuracy, neatness, and promptitude in the execution of all orders, all work receiving personal superintend ence. —~ DELIVERY OF NEWSPAPERS. Customers may roly upon receiving their Morning and Evening Papers safely de livered at their doora, and not upon the front lawn. The same remark applies to Homo Papers, Journals, and Periodicals ; also, purctiauora may have their Parcels delivered promptly. Wholesale Lines Always in Stock. Brown Paper, Grocer's Bags, lea Papers, Twine, and Tradesmen's general requisites, Bookbinding Okdeks Received. ,f. F. Farley, BOOK SELLE R. STATIONS R, PRINTER & NEWSAGENT, Sauuders’ Buildings and Town Hall, AsimciiXON.



STOCK-TAKING, FEBRUARY 1, 1880. WE bog to draw out Ashbur ton and Country Custo mers’ attention to tho fact that wo havo reduced tho prices of many linos in our well known Stock, notably in MENS’, BOYS’ & YOUTHS’ Clothing, And fool confident that an early inspection will well repay a lait to tho NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY’S BRANCH, Easx Sireex, Asubuuxon.



Victorian Steam Carriage Works. J. K. STEEL & SON WISH to Intimate to the Public of Ashburton and surrounding districts that, having obtained STEAM POWER and other Machinery requisite for the carrying on their work otlicioutly, are now In a position to moot the demands of the public with a article at prices to suit the times. Every do. Wlption of Carriages and Traps made, Painted and Repaired. Spring Traps from £2O, Wbltochapola from £25. Buggies from £3O. P.S.—Special attention paid to Repainting and Rotrimmlng. VICTORIAN -STEAM IRON WORKS AND GENERAL SHOEING FORGE. J. R, S. & SON, while thanking the public for their past liberal support in this department, bog to intimate that, .having procured firac-claas Machinery, they ate now In a position to undertake all kinds of Engineering work. Special attention is given to Turning, Boring and the Repairing of all kinds or Machinery, including Combines, Engines, Reaper and Binders, and every description of Agricultural Implements. ESTIMATES given for Contractors and Builders Ironwork. HORSES CAREFULLY 7s ; Hacks, 6s. 8 415 Victoria House. G RAND DISTRIBUTION O F BOHEMIAN GLASS VASES, Etc., To Purchasers of Parcels amounting to TEN SHILLINGS AND ONE POUND. rticleo to bo Exhibited in Windows in a few days. Presents equal to a rodno Ho of THREE SHILLINGS IN THE FOUND, to bo distributed upon arrival. Dimant and Coe, GENERAL DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, Ex<j, jSMt *.4 Albbl^flf



ON TIN UAT lON OF T II C UNPARALLELED CHEAP SALE Of Mosers Friedlandor Bros’ alock of Drapery, Glotliiug, AND Boots AMOUNTING TO ABOUT £sooq ANDREW Oilli having purchased (he above STOCK at a large reduction from Coat Price, io still giving it away U nlieard-of prices Hlb great object being to turn it into cash, uo matter at what sacrifice ANDREW ORR



The annual meeting of shareholders of the Ashburton Templar Hall was held on Satur day evening. About twenty shareholders were represented, and Mr Bobert Elston occupied the chair. The report apd balance-sheet were read and adopted. The following gentlemen were elected as directors for the ensuing year:—Messrs G. H. St. Hill, G. Andrews, E. Elston, F. Andrews, F. Smith, G. Pearce, and W. H. Smith. Mr B. Elston was elected Chairman of the board of directors. A prolonged discussion took place with regard to calling up additional capital, and ultimately it was decided to empower the directors to sell the property. The meeting then adjourned