ALLEGED LARCENY.

The Driving- Belt Case The Case Dismissed. The following is the conclusion of our report of the above case, heard yesterday, before Messrs Donald Williamson and David Thomas, Justices of the Pea.cc :— On the Court resuming after luncheon, Thomas Eden was re-called, and said, in correction of evidenoe given by him in cross examination, that it was uncommon for a bootlace to be used to secure a belt splice. He bad had a conversation with his uncle on the subject during the adjournment. Had worked with only two machines—his uncle's and another man's, Mr Curran, Templeton. —George William Sykes, laborer, was recently employed by Mr Joshua Tucker 10 look after some oiover threshing. Meaclem's machine was employed, and witness went to his yards on the day after Easter Monday to arrange about bags, coal, etc, and Meaclem came with his machine to the paddock on Thursday following. The machine was there over Sunday and on Monday morning. Did not think Robert Meaclem was there. Ihe belt in Court was used on the machine. The machine was at work at Potter's before it came to Tucker's, and witness saw Meaclem there superintending. The same belt was used, and it came off the pulleys while he was there. They did something to it before work began again.—John Dobbin, laborer, knew Robert Meaclem, and worked for him at the beginning of the threshing season of 1896. Was the band cutter, and had helped to put the belt on several times. Could not •wear to the belt in Court being the one used, but there were parts of it—the narrower pieces—that were like the belt. The o;her parts were not like it. By Mr Joynt—Was two years in Meaclem's employ. The 1896 belt was not a new one, but it had not run a season. It had been used on the clover aheller in the winter. Saw the belt last that morning at the police station with the con stables. Had had no conversation about it with Nelson Eden. Had not been discharged by Meaclem, but his brother had been. Had written no threatening letters to Meaclem. Had never spoken to Thomas Eden before that day. Could not swear that Meaclem had used the belt now in Court. The belt he knew Meaclem to have used was narrower and like the narrow pieces in this one. He recognised those pieces from handling so often the belt they were taken from.—Con table Pascoe produced the search warrant, dated April 27, in the execution of which he and Constable Eide went to Allenton to Meaclem's mill. Overtook the mill on the road. A young man named Reddington was in charge, who said it was Meaclem's mill. Read over the search warrant to Redding ton, told him what they came for, and Red dington went up to the top of the, combine and threw the belt off. It had been in the hands of the police ever since. A man named Mulford came up while they were talking and said he was in charge, and the search warrant was read over to him. Nelson Kden was present and identified the belt as his, with the exception of the pieces that had been put in.—Constable Eade gave corroborative evidence, and Nelson Eden was recalled. Both witnesses gave evidence as to the shrinkage of the leather of belts after having been in use for some time.— The Bench having indicated that ao far as they had heard the case it was one they eeuld not dismiss, Mr Joynt proceeded with the defence. He called Albert Mul ford, who had been for several years in Meaclem's employment as driver oi the engine in Meaclem's abaeace, and otherwise at the machine when he was present. It was his duty to repair the belts and keep them efficient. Saw the police remove the belt now in Court. Heard Nelson Eden tell the police that that belt belonged to him. The belt belonged to Robert Meaclem, and witness had tot the least doubt about it. It was a new belt two seasons Ago, and came from John Anderson's, Christchurch. It was about 70ft long. It had worked two season's grain and one season and part ot another season's clover shelling. Had re- E aired it more than once. Last November ad given it a rough overhaul, putting on several .narrow strips. In January last put a length into the belt—three or four separate pieces. Was about to take it out to work then. The pieces put in were taken from old belting. About four or five years ago Meaclem bought a belt from Henry Zander. Several pieces from that belt were put into the belt obtained from Anderson. Zmder's belt was Bewn with green hide and hemp. Just before going oiover threshing—a fort night last Monday—gave the belt another overhaul, putting in one or two pieces of another old belt. Recognised ail the repairs he had done in the belt before the Court. He did all the rivetting with a rivet set, not with a hammer. Was not a grand hand at rivetting, and used more in his work than Meaclem did. About the middle of the 1897 season several new pieces were put in, but they did not stand the strain of driving and smashed up. They were from John Orr's. Had regularly worked wi<h the belt since it was bought, and it had always been under his charge. Remembered Meaclem buying a pair of axle wheels from Eden in February last. Witness, Bell, and MacLaggan went to Kden's and took de livery of the wheels, Meaclem having told witness where to md them. Found the wheels outside at the end of the shed, and the axle arms on a bench inside the shed. There was a belt on the bench on a sort of shelf, near the axle arms. Saw some bags also, which might have been chaff. Did not in any way interfere with either belt or chaff. The door was open when witness went to the shed, and he left it a 8 he found it. This was on March 8. Had never used a bootlace to mend a belt, but had used twine. Could not tell without cuttiDg whether the piece of leather said to be a bootlace was so or not. Had planed down the edges of the joints to make them fit. By Mr Purnell—Leaving out the pieces that had been used as repairs all the rest of the belt was but eighteen months old, and had been used for two seasons. Five of the broad lengths of trie belt were from ganders belt, one piece from John Orr's, and the reßt was from Anderson's. Belting was not equal in quality throughout, and some did not last so well as others did. On looking over the belt again he found two other pieces in it that came from John Orr's Generally acted as bagman at the machine, aud only drove when Meaclem was away. Did not pretend to say he put in the bit of " bootlace." On January 2, a 17-foot length from John Orr's was put in. It broke in several places, and pieces from other belts had to be put in to repair it. It was not food belting. Did all the repairs to the elta and all the rivetting.—John J. Red dington said he had worked for Meaclem two threshing seasons. In season 1896 the belt used was very nearly new. The belt taken away by the police from Meaclem s machine, on April 27 last, was the one that had been generally in use since he began work, but had frequently been repaired by Mulford, witness assisting. The repairs on the belt in Court were throughout those done by Mulford. They were done at diferent times throughout the belt's history, some of them during the threshing season just expired. Thought the Anderson belt was not a good one. There was nothing extraordinary in the seam with the alleged ♦* bootlace " made use of to keep the thread from pulling through. Mulford did the rivetting ; bad seen him do if. Had not the least doubt that the belt was Meaplem's and j)hs&b he had worked with it for the last two < Seasons." Went to work last season on February 7, and worked on till June. Joined the mill again in January of this year. In June of last year the belt was much knocked about, it having broken several times. T^ere were plenty of old belts at Meaclem's 4rtrier Orr, of John Qrr and Co. "merchants? slid he had recently sold various pieces of belting to Hobert Meaclem. —On March 2, 1893, 15£ ft; on December 88, 1894, 59ft 5 January 2, 1897, 17ft; February 8, 189?, 13ft j March 6, 18§7, 72ft. ■.-Thomas John Meaclem, son of Robert Meaclem, said he had not of late been working on the machine, but he remembered a, ?oft length of bt It coming to his father from John Anderson's. It was in 1895, and it had worked two seasons. Had worked with it in the clover season of last year, and part of this year. It was patched more than once by Mulford, who put in new pieces several times—in January last for instance, before they went out threshing. One piece was new—l7ft bought from Orr. Saw it Eut in. Could not say how it wore. B»w i im also pub in some old pi«oea, The belt in , Qwrfe-Mhii fitbir'B driving halt, »»|hej

j was perfectly silrfi about it. By Mr Pur j I nell—Had a machine of his own, which occupied moat if his 'ime in the grain sea-j son. Was right through the clover shelling of 1896 with his fathers machine. The belt broke several times and had to be repaired. Had been a fortnight with the machine this year, and worked vthe same belt. —Henry Zander, merchant, said that he sold Mea clem a driving belt in December 1893. The length was 72ft, hemp sewn and rivetted, and 5^ inches wide.—William Meaclem, brother of accused, said he remembered the belt coming from John Anderson's, aud had worked with if. It did no work before the begining of season 1896, and was used for clover shelling, cutting chaff and firewood in the winter. The cutting of firewood in jured the belt at the joints, which had to be spliced afresh almost throughout. Mulford re-spliced the joints. Saw him do it in November and January last. Did some of the splices himself. Identified !he belt in Court as his brother's. The belt that '-ame from Andorson was 14Gft. in length and 70ffc of it went to Thomas John, and Robert Meaclem got the other. By Mr Purnell-— Worked the belt only a month, but was quite sure it was the belt that came from Anderson's. His splicing might have given, and been re-spliced by Mulford. — Robert Skilling also identified the belt as weaclem'a, and had often helped with the repairs done to it Had not the least doubt about; the belt being Meaolem's.—Fran'is Goodwin, a masi who was employed by W. Meao'em at the wood cutting and olover shelling, in November and December, also identiti d the belt in Court as Meaclem's. It got broken frequently and the two Meaolems—William and Robert—repaired it, The aides were turned up by the saw bench but the belt had done a season's threshing since then. By Mr Parnell— Could swear to the small patches of two inches wide, because he had seen the Meaclems put them on. If Mv ford swore that he put on those pieces, the belt now before the Court«could not be the one used at the wood cutting.—Frank Bel, laborer, remembered going to Nel on Kden's place with Mulford and another for a pair of j wheels. Could not swear to the date. The wheels were at the end of a shed in the yard, and the axle arms were inside on a bench. Witness went in for them. Did not re member seeing a belt or sacks as he took no notice, but there were other tools and im plements there.—Robert Meaclem, the ac cused, said the belt in Conrt was his. The original belt he got from John Anderson, Christchurch, about November 8 or 12 in 1895. He gave the order in show week, and got the belt shortly after. He produced Mr Anderson's account, in which the item 140 ft belting, 5£ inches wide, appeared. Seventy feet of that purchase was in the belt now in Court. In January, 1896, the belt was first used. Mulford drove the engine part of the time aud he the remainder. The belt did not turn out to be good, and broke before they worked a fortnight. It had (o be rivetted—the bad pi*ce cut out and the two ends lapped over and rivetted. By frequent breaks and their consiquent splicings, the belt was shortened and the engine brought up too near the machine. Added some pieces to it from the belt he bought from Mr Zinrler to finish the clover shelling. This would be about June of 1896, but the original belt was constantly break ing, and had to be patched. When the belt came back from the firewood cutting the j'ints were all injured, and most of them had to be re-spliced. The seventeen feet got from John Orr appeared three times in the present belt because when the new stuff broke, which it did twice, a piece from old belt was put in ut the break. All the five innh belting came irom Mr Orr's. Ander son's five and half inch nevtr stood sufficient strain to make it narrower. Mulford put on soms of the strips, but witness could not say who pub on the others. Goodwin was quite correct when he said he saw witness's brother put on strips of patches, hut Mul ford overhauled the whole belt before the grain season, and put oi more effective patches in place af the ones witnes'a brother hid put on. Part of Zander's belt was in this belt. Did not go himself to Eden's for the wheels, but sent Mulford, Bell, and MeLapgan. While at Eden's about the wheels Eden showed wi nets where ihe axle arms were, but witness had no recollection of seeing a belt th<*re, and the men brought nothing home but the wheela and ax c anna The use of a bit of thong to prevent twine sewing from pulling through was common. The seventy-two ! feet of belting bought from Orr in March was still at witness's house, so that he had plenty of belting.—This closed the case for the defence, and their Worships retired to consider their verdict, aDd on returning said that they had had difficulty in coming to a conclusion. The evidence was con flicting, and that of the prosecution, though of a nature to justify the bringing of the case into Court was not such as, balanced by that produced for the defence, would in duce a jury to convict. The bench, 'here fore, did not think that a privui facie ca.se had been made out, and not caring to inflict the expense of a Supreme Court trial on the country, had decided to give the accused the benefit of the doubt and dibmiss the case. They wished to add, however, thab had the evidence of the prosecution been better supported, the Bench would have been compelled to commit. After ordering the belt to be given to Meaclem the Court rose.

ASHBURTON FIRE BRIGADE.

The monthly meeting of the Fire Brigade was held at the Brigade's rooms on Wednes day evening, when some important business was transacted, including the unanimous granting to Engineer W. E. Dolman of an j additional long service bar. This over, the meeting took a convivial turn, the special occasion being the celebration of Engineer Dolman attaining his majority. He cordially invited all present to become his guests and join him in a glass of wine and some more solid refreshment. The table was bounti fully spread, and digestion was aided by the honoring of a number of toasts, and the good singing of some capital songs. Engineer Dolman was warmly congratulated on his long aud highly tfficient services as a member of the Ashburton Fire Brigade, and hopes were expressed that at the end of another four years those present would have the pleasure of seeing him presented with the Fire Brigades Association's gold star for what at that time would become a quarter of a century's continuance service in the one Brigade. It need scarcely be mentioned that Engineer Dolman during his twenty-one- years' connection with the Brigade, at which the borough is so justly proud, has most zealously and efficiently filled every office, and is in fact fully entitled to the honor and credit of being the father of the Brigade, and at the present time there is probably no more capable officer in any Brigade in the colony. The attaining his official majority was last evening celebrated in a very pleasant menner, the veteran entertaining his guests most hospitably.

Unfortunate Accident.

A Hoy Shot in East Street I This morning an unfortunate contretemps occurred by which a boy named Hoare sus tained serious if jury. It appears that Hoare and ano'her boy named Colyer were practising with a pea-rifle in th,e yard behind Mr John Orr's premises, East street. Hoare went up to iook at the target, when by some means the rifle in Colyer's hands went off, the Hullet striking Hoare in the back. The injured boy was attended by Dr. Leahy, who examined the wound, but was unable to locate the bullet, and it is probable that the patient will have to be sent to Chrisi: churuh, to be examined under the Rcintgen ray 8. Ihe bullet struck Hoare in the centte of the back and glanced off the spine, aod the direction it took cannot yet be ascertained. Dr. however, we are glad to learn, does not anticipate serious consequences Hoare is a son of a well-known resident of Aahburton, and Colyer is, we undersaud, a nephew of Mr Britton, of the Commercial hotel. Apropos of thfl abova unfortunate occurr ence we may state that we are informed that there are other parties in the town who are in the habit of practising with pea-rifles in their back yards, and on more occasions than one it is said bullets have crossed into the public streets. If thiß be correct, suob dangerous proceedings should be at ouee put ia stop to, or other accidents will certainly remit) ■. ■■ ■-

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY. (Before Mr <J. A. Wray, S M.) Licensing Act. —Matthew Birr Shaw was charged on seveu informations, with selling liquor during prohibited hours— Sunday, April 18. The offeuces were J a leged to have been committed all on one day, and Mr Crisp, who appeared for the licensee, asked that the offynces be treated as one. His Worship was not prepared to rule that they were not separate offences, but would not oppose the police, if they got a conviction on one charge, withdrawing the others. The police were not averse to this proceeding, and the Sergeant consenting, Mr Crisp for his client pleaded guilty, and spoke in mitigation of penalty, as his client had never been in Court before. Hie Worship s>i,id there was a gojd deal of Sunday trading that n< ver oamo before the police, and from the number of informations against the defendant he appeared to be a hardened offender. The hotel, he under stood, was in the outskirts of the town. His Worship fined £10, wich costs, which amounted to £5 12s. C'ivi* Casks.—John Moison v R Hibbe), £1 6<j 6d. This case had been adjourned ! from last November, on the understanding that the account would be liquidated by instalments, but no money having been paid judgment was given for plaintiff by default. —J. E. Hurdley v John Orr, £50. Mr Wilding for plaintiff, Mr Purnell for defen dant. Shortly put, this case was one to recover £50, amount of a promissory note, given by plaintiff to defendant, which, hav ing been dishonored, was renewed, the dis honored bill having been retained by defen dant. A few days after the dishonor, plaintiff being in credit at the bank, the first note was honored by the bank, leaving plaintiff out of funds, and causing his cheques to be dishonored. He called John Orr, who said he had been subpceuaed to produce his i bank book, but bad been advised by Mr ' Purnell not to do so ; Mr Wilding was cou- j tent to go on without the book. The pro- j miasory note produced for £50 payable to ! John Orr by Hurdley was due oa April 5. ! It was discounted, and waa payable at the i Bank of New Zealand where Hurdley also | banked. There was another promi.-sory note I for £23 12s 4d due on the same date, so that i on April 5 he owed witness £73 12j 4d. Wrote to Hurdley telling him of the dis- . honor. On April 10 he came to witness and • gave him a cheque for £7. and renewed the ; promissory notes, one for £50 and the other for £18—the £50 bill payable on July 9, the other on June 7. It was close on b*nk elos- : ing on the Saturday before th-j transaction was done, otherwise he would have reurned the dishonored note. Hurdley did not ask for the dishonored note, and there was noth ing said about its return. Nothing was done in regard to the banking that day. On the Monday morning, shortly afler the bank opened, went to the bank with the renewed bills, and saw Mr McOwen in the bauk par lor. Told him he had renewed the bi Is and a;ked for thosedishonored. This was before eleven. Mr McOwen said the £50 bill had been paid, as Hurdley had had funds put to credit. Something was said about Sharplin's bill, but McOwen gave him to understand that the promissory note was paid. After the interview his clerk Baigent paid £1 into Hurdley's credit. This was do.c, he be lieved, in answer to a telephonic message from the bank. Was in the country when this message arrived, and it was attended to ■■ by his son. Told McOwea that he had > taken a renewal of the bi 1 In the ordinary c mrse in his account past due bil s are j put to his debit on the Monday fo'lowing ; dishonor, and in this instance it would have ! been so on April 12. His firm usually paid j the interest and charged the customer. Did not know whether the bi.uk charged Hurd- j ley with the interest. After returning from j the bank wrote, a letter to Hurdley stating ■ that the bill had been paid. The letter pro- : duced, dated April 8, was sent to Hurdiey, ' and it was stated that the bills would not be . renewed, and asked for an interview on the t Saturday. He came in on that day, and ; asked for a renewal of the bills. Witness declined to renew as the bills had bien so often renewed before Also asked him how ! he was to pay when the bills, if renewed, i btCiime payable again. He said he had some , chaff, but witness reminded him that the chaff had a lien on it. Hurdley said after the lien was satisfied there would still be£so and over left. On the understanding that ; the chaff was to be earmarked to meet the i bills they were renew-d, Hurdley g'ving him a cheque for £7, by which the smaller bill wo 3 reduced. The chaff had since been sold to Sharplin, Hurdley represented to witness at the time that he could not p iy the £50, and wanted to hold back the chaff for a better market. The cheque for £7 had been presented a few days ago and dishonored. \ Generally the bank did not debit past due bills to him until he had given his cheque for them. It was not an unusual thing for busi ness men to pay in sums to customers' credit at the bank as this £1 had been paid to Hurdley'B. The bill was paid in tha morn ing, and the request for £1 came afterwards He believed the object was to square Hurd ley's account. Had an entry in his diary to the effect that the £18 bill was to be paid when due, and £10 off the jBSQ. There was no guarantee of renewal. This was to come out ot the chaff when sold. Such waa the position at twelve o'clock on the Saturday, and on the Monday the bank discounted Hurdley's bill. Sharplin told witness that the chaff had been sold. McOwen did not tell him that Sharplin's bill had been paid in to Hurdley's credit, but he gathered it from a conversation in the bank parlor that he had overheard. Had heard from his son that Hurdley had had a conversation with him as to how he could raise money on Sharplin's bill if he sold the chaff to him. Had this in his mind when he renewed the bills, but had he known the chaff was already sold he would certainly not have renewed. By Mr Purnell—-Under stood the reference to Sharplin to show that there was a market for the chuff, and the renewal was granted to enable Hurdley to get a better price. — Robert McOwen, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, said both plaintiff and defendant had Hccounts at his bank. On April 5 the promissory note, produced for £50, was dishonored. There was no hard and fast rule about charging dishouored bills, the ou*tom beine; regulated by circumstances, but the general custom was to clear the bills as soon aa pos ible. There was no special arrangement with Mr Orr and in the case of the £50 with Hurdley witness insisted on its beiDg paid, as it had been bo often renewed, and what was done would have b en done for any other customer who had an undesirable debt hanging up. Was quite clear that before April 10 he had let Mr Orr know that there was to be no further renewal of HurdSey's bill. On April 10 Hurdley brought in a bill by Mr Sharplin and asked if it would be discounted. Witness replied that it would be, Ilid not know ti 1 Monday that Grr had renewed Hurdley's bill. A banker would be justified in paying the amount of a dishonored bill of, &*y a farmer, for £50 into the holder's account several days after it waa due, if U a account became in funds. This wag oft>»» done, but it was done cor^lng to cirou^" ncee o j jjjg p ttr tiea. It was not unusual to have the holder pay money into \ the other's account to square the amount, I But in this instance witness did not know of its beinp done till afterwards. It was the ledger keeper who sent the message to Mr Orr. All overdue bills were dealt with first thing in the morning, and Mr Orr came to him between twelve and one. At the interview Mr Orr sold witness he had renewed the bill. It would be irregular to speak to one client about another's account. Did not think anything had been said to Mr Orr about Sharplin's account, but between witness and Mr Nichol there might have j been a conversation which Mr Orr might have heard. Understood that Sharplin's bill was left on the Saturday with the object of covering one or other of Orr's bills, and on that understanding he cancelled the £50 one, without having any communication with Mr Orr. Of the £1 transaction he knew nothing till after it was done.—Aimer Orr, son of defendant, kept the books of the firm. Had known Mr Hurdley for some years, and saw him before he saw witness's father. Prior to the renewal of the bills—about a week— he had seen Hurdley,'who toid him he was contemplating selling hia chaff to SharpliD. Told him he ought to get a bill from Sharplin. Hurdley asked him not to mention Sharplin's name in the matter ag, if ha could hold on to it a bit loager he would not 89.11 to Sharplin as '& better price could be secured. BJolql this to witness's father, ancl the litter oa April I was wfrtafc Op Apiil

10 received a message from the bank to pay £1 into Hurdley'a account. Sent, a clerk down with if before thtee o'clock By Mr Pumell-Did nob know what the £1 whs wanted for, a"d as n matter of fact it was paid into the account of a man named " Hurley," also a customer of theirs. Certainly understood from Burdley'soonver* tfttion that he wished to sell hia chaff to meet those bills.—David Thomas, merchant, had a cheque from Hurdiey on April 10. It was cUahonoured. Got a letter from Hurdiey which he showed to Mr Orr. This was oq April 14 and the letter detailed the cir cumsiances of the dishonored and renewed bills, and asked witness to see Mt Orr, which he did. Mr Orr naid the bills had been renewed, but one had been paid by the bank on Monday. Witness saH the renewal of a bill made the old bill a dead bill, and Mr Orr said that as the bank had paid the bill he would not interfere. Witness said it was bad usag ■■■ for Hurdler, who was a h,rd working farmer, and would be injured by the los* of this £50 credit. In conversation with Mr Orr, the ia'ter said he had ben deceived by Hurdiey, but witness pointed out that in Mr Orr's letter to Hurdiey deception had not been mentioned Did not know that he hid recommended Hurdley to br ng this action, but did say to Mr Orr that he would be paid his account, if it cost Mr Orr a little. Would not come into Court with a case like this for £500. A robber mighs take the money out of one's pocket, and this was as bad for it was using a bill which was dead. Mr Wi dmg called J. E. Hurdiey, plaintiff, who said the letter of April 8, written to him by Mr Orr, contained a postscript which does not appear in the copy produced in Court, It ieferred to the £50.bi11. Un fortunately he could not produce the letter. Had had nothing to do with the bank in this matter at all. Mr Orr was the holder of the bills. Had been dealing with Mr Orr for four years, and had given several bills. They were renewed, and the renewals were given to Mr Orr witness not gettiog any cf the dishonored bills back, and did not ask for them. In the conversation with Mr Orr did not " earmark " or pledge in any way the chaff he had on his farm. The stacking of i hia was only finished last Tuesday, and at the conversation with Mr Orr it was partly in stack and partly ia stook. There was a lien on it, which Mr Orr knew about. About April 1 he told Mr Armer Orr that if he sold his chaff to Mr Sharpliu, and he valued it at £150, he would pay the £23 bill, or part of it When he came down on April 10 he had a bill of Mr Sharplin's for £55, and for which he had given one for £56. This was to be either paid in cash or chaff, but Mr Sharpiin knew as well as Mr Orr about the lien ro Preston. Put the bill in the Bank and d^ew £4 10a against the proceeds of it. Did not tell M Orr or anybody else up to then how his bank account stood. Drew other cheques against the account now strengthened by Sharp iv's bill, and was sur prised l hat they Had been dishonored. After getting Mr Orr's lei.ter, Btatiog that his bill for £50 had been paid, and sending on the renew d bill, witness came to Ashburton and saw Mr O:r, who slid he did not know till Monday tint the bill had been paid. Asked him to meet the bills he had given cheques for, and he could keep the balance. He aai>i he wouid consider it and let him know, bu ultimately he declined to do this, an 1 w.tuess to k hie so icitor's advice. The price at which the chaff waa to be given to Mr -harplin was £2 153, and twenty tons waa th" quantity, but ihere was no absolute sale, becuse if wituess could meet the bill he ueed not give the chaff. It was really after twelve when he took the bill to the bank, and got cash for his £4 10a cheque. What he really asked for in this suit was that Mr Orr should carry out his arrange ment, and give back the £50 that had been piid into defendant's account by the bank. C. W. Steward, ledger-keeper at the Bank of New Zealand, Ashburton, said that on Monday, April 12, he put the enlriea through, and the bili for £50 before the Court was among th m. The entries going through was tantamount to payment of the bill. The bill was paid in the morning, but the entries were not put through til! after threu, when he Benfc to Mr Orr to pay £1 into Hurdley's account By Mr Purnell— Monday it balancing day at the bank, and mauy documents do nas get entered up till long after business hours. This bill was treated by the bank as haviug been paid in the morning. Was instructed by the accountant to communicate with Mr On in regard to the £1 paid, not by the manager. He did not know whehei , tha manager knew about it or not. —This was the case for the plaintiff, Mr Purnell called no evidence, and Mi Wiiding addressed the bench, contending ; that Mr Orr had been guilty of an evasion of his contract, and had no more right to ' payment of the bill for £50 than he had Ito payment of a forged bili. Mr Purnell | replied, submitting that the gross deceio of Hurdiey in the matter of the chaff viti ated the whole oontract. While he was arranging with Mr Orr for renewal of his bills, he actually had in his pocket a bill which repreaanted the very chaff he had made use of in the interview he had with Mr Orr to induce him to renew It was Hurdley's duty to obtain the old bill before he handed over the new. Duectly Mr Orr learned that the bank had paid the £50 he at once wrote to Mr Hurdiey, telling him what he had done, and enclosing the renewed bill. It had been suggested that there had been collusion on the part of the bank and Mr Orr, but it was Bhown that Mr Orr and his son knew so little of the matter that the clerk who paid in the £1 had paid it in the first instance into the wrong account. The whole thing was that Hurdiey had paid on April 10 a debt that waa due on April 5. He paid it to the bink who held the bill, and the bank paid itself. Some argument followed between counsel on the question of how the fact that some portion of the tran sactions had taken place after hours affected the case, His Worship said he would take time to consider his judgment.

At a special meeting of the Licensing Com mittee held to-day, at whioh Messrs Thomaa and McLean were present, the special licenses for Aahburton Races and Winslow Sports were granted, as well as conditional licenses for the saleyards booths. Messrs N. Jones and W,#P. Daly are muking an attempt to lower W. Shearman's record from Ashburtoa to Methven and back, j Jones left at 1.45 and Daly at 2 p.m. They will have a tough time of it as there is apparently a strong head wind to contend with though thia will assist them homewards if it holds from the same quarter. The Chrysanthemum Show of the Ashburton Horticultural Society which is fixed for Tuesday next in the Orange Hall promises to be very successful, as besides local exhibitors some of whom will table very choice specimens a number of exhibit? are promised from Uhristchurch $n.d, other districts, T^ere will bpa promenade concert in the evening. Volunteers are warned to be on $^c </.wi I vive. Colonel Pole Ponton, the aew Qo'tu< < mander of \ha forces, leaves W«s!)* tb.-radrrow for this island a» - " -ugton ii_ n _, a tour of inspec »ost overc at is advertised for. Mr Pauling invites tenders in this issue for building additions to a dwelling-house in Burnett street. Applications are invited in this issue by Mr McGowan, Valuer-General, from com petent persons willing to accept appointment a3 valuers under the Government Valuation of Liud Act, 1896.

tfriK &3HBCMTOSi GtJAEDIAtf : THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1897.



Sport ng. AHHBURTON TRACING ALU B' ..S'". j AUTUMN MEETING, TO BE HELD OJ* THE ASHBURTON RACECOURSE, THURSDAY & FRIDAX, MAY 13 and 14, 1897. •' RULES AND REGULATIONS. I—-The meeting will be under the Rules of Racing, the Trotting undtr the Rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association. i 2—No entry will be received except on ' the condition that all claims, disputes,- and objections arising out of the racing shall be decided by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Their decision on all points con* nected with the«-carrying out of this pro* gramme shall be final. 3— H stakes to be paid >n full. 4—All Nominations, Acceptances, and Ed trance Fees go to the funds of the Club. s—Winner of any one Handicap after declaration of weights to carry 71bs, and two or more Handicaps 101b penalty. ACCEPTANCES AND ENTRIES. Acceptance? for the first day'a Handicap*, and entries for the Novel Stakes and Disposal Stakes, must be in die hands of till Secretary, Devane's Hotel, not later than 9 p.m. on SATURDAY, May 8,1897, vaA for the second day, at 10 p.m. on the evening of the first day's races. JOHN DAVISGN, Hen, gwrttory,



NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN ACCOMMODATION LICENSE. IHENR¥ TIMPSON, of Mount Somers , Hotel, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will, at the next Licensing Meeting to be holden in Ash burton on the'3rd of June, 1897, apply for an Accommodation License for the said Hotel. HENRY TIMPSON. May 3, 1897. 5 44 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLICAN'S LICENSE. I HENRY F. BRITTON, of Ash . burtou, hotelkeeper, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will, at the next Licensing Meeting to be holden at the Courlhou>e, Ashburton on the 3rd day June, 1897, app y for Certificate authorising the issue of a Publican's License for a house, situate at Ashburton, and known as the Commercial Hotel, containing thirty-five rooms, exclusive of those required for the use of the family. Dated the sth day of May, 1897. 5 49 H. BRIT TON. FLAGS FOR THE DIAMOND JUBILEE. ENSIGN HANDKERCHIEFS, suitable for Flags for the Diamond Jubilee, including Australian Ensign, New Zealand Ensign, and the Jubilee Ftag on Sale at 6d each. 5 9 ANDREW ORR.



Business Notices. FLETCHEE BEOS., THE CELEBRATED CASH GROCERS. THREE years ago started a Cash System, wbioh has worked satisfactorily, both to th« buyer and the seller, and has been the means of adding many comforts to 'he homes of those who wisely availed 'hemseh-es of the grand reform Hundreds now boy their Goods atFLETOHER BR S. FO!! GASH, thereby achnowledging their appreciation of the CASH SYS I EM. Look after the fimble shilling by aking if to FL' T( HKR BKO^., and getting the very best value that money e*n buy. Although we do not advertise m price list, our country customers can get one on application, and after perusing the tains very carefully, we are satisfied that they will and must admi' that we sell cheaper than any other home in the district. WE LEAD, FOLLOW WHO CAN. 200 OASES HIGHEST TEST KTCROSFNE, QAA We are just landing a shipment of Highest Tes^ Odorless Kerosene, none better to b had in the world, which we are selling lower than Chriscchurch price*. This is a solid fact, and anyone wishing to get the best Kerosene und save money should not fail to bin* from us. i - __^_^^_ ! ROLLITT',3 SUPREME ROLLER FLOUR AT WHOLESALE MILL PRICES. Supplied in any quantity from 71b bags to a ton, at Guaranteed Lowret Wholesale Fatei. Having a big turnover, we are enabled to buy in the best 61 markets for spot ctah> therefore we can sell cheaper than any other house in Ashburcon. CHINA, GLASSWARE, EARTHENWARE. The China, Glass and Earthenware Department will be found well stocked with i mostjuseful articles, all of which will be found wonderfully CHEAP, I ———» - ■ • ■ ' WEDDING PRESENTS. WEDDING PRESENTS. Anyone going to buy a Wedding Present should not fail to pay us a visit, as we faftff juit opened up some very choice and useful China, Glaaawkre and ElecLtopUU wart, wbiok we are selling at undoubtedly low rates. 6 Hole Electroplated Revolving Cruets, from 10s 6d each Electroplated and Cut G'ass Butter Coolers, from 3a 6d each Nickel Alarm Clocks, from 3s 6d each Sets of Jugs from 2a per set of three large size . •;' ' 'f" Teapots from 6d each " .^,, ■— Pretty line of Vases at 3s 6d per pair, largo size Pretty line of Vasei at Is 6d per pair. CUTLER~CUTLERY. BEST MAKERS, LOWEST PRICES. Johnson'?, Taylor's, Eyewitness, Bodgers, etc. BEDEOOMWAREr^BEDROOMWARE. We have some of the Choicest Patterns ever seen in Ashburton in Bedroomwar*. Anyone wishing to get a handsome and artistic Bedroom Sets for themselves, or for m wedding present, should not tail to see our stock before going ehewhere. Remember that you can inspect our Goods without being pressed to buy. SPECIAL NOTICE TO OUR COUNTRY CUSTOMERS. Any of our County Customers travelling by rail, will be allowed from Apoil 1,1897, to take with them by rail, lewt oi goods, free of charge. Please bear this in mind, as well as that we send goods to all trains for our customers convenience. EGGS, EGGS. BEESWAX, BEESWAX. We are cash buyers of the above in any quantity at highest market rates, FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON AND OHRISTCHUROB. Telephone 24—80 x 67. THE BOOT TRADE. McIKXNAJ.D & McDIARMID, OF THE I ast Street Cash Boot Shop, ARE Undoubtedly in the lead for Lidieß* and Gentlemen's Stylish Boots and Shoes of all kinds, including the Duke of York, Bostock, Beehive, Wolfs, Otto Hcrz. BIROKOSCH, and MACALLAN House Makes. OUR Window shows a Choice Selection of Boots, Phoes, and Slippers, all imported direct from the manufacturer, and RETAILED by us at WHOLES A LJ]} RATES. IN COLONIAL BOOTS we defy competition, BeiDg Manufacturers we are in position to offer them to the Public at FIRS! COST. F VERY Description^ Boots, Shoes, or Slippers made to order or repaired at Lowest; ► Possible Prices, and only first quality material used. MCDONALD & M°DIAKMID 9 BOOT MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS, EAST STREET. J. NICHOLAS, Manager. NEW WALL PAPERS. JUST ABRIVED—A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT. CALL AND INSPECT, J. WILSON, CORNER ARCADE AND BURNETT STREET.



Public Notices. j NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership heretofore existing be tween the undersigned, at Ashburton, under the style of MI'CHELL AND BRODRIBB. has been THIS DAY DIS SOLVED, Henceforth the business will be carried on by W. 8. MITCHELL, in his own name, and he will receive all debts, and pay all liabilities of the late firm. Dated this sth day of May, 1897. W. S. MITCHELL, E. H. BRQDKIBB. Witness — I F. WILDING, I 5 51 Solicitor, Christchurch. ""IToTst! LOST from Dromore, on Tuet-day, about 50 Three quxrterbred Two-tooth ! Wethers, branded M, and a back no 1 oh i clipped out of ear. Anytfne giving informa tion will be rewarded on communicating I with 5 42 D. THOMAS, Ashburton. H. M. JONES. PIANOS PIANOS ORGANS ORGANS Beat Value Obtainable ia the Colony. STATIONEBY, BOOKS, BOOKS, FANCY GOODS, TOYS, TOYS, TOYS, BICYCLES BICYCLES TYPE WRITERS, CONCERT ROLLEE ORGANS. , LOWEST CASH PBIGEB. H. M. JONES. 5 26 JR. Alexander, RAILWAY STATION REFRESHMENT ROOMS, ABHBURTO N. r 11HE Adverti er desires to inform his JL. Friends and the General Public, that he makes a specialty of keeping in stock the very highest c ass of spirit?so that the public may rely on being snpp'ied with the purest liquor obtainable. The following list will show what can be procured :— WHISKI S. Scotch.—Walker's Kilmuraock in bulk and case; Buehniai.'s Glasgow — "Old Smuggler " ; D.C. L. — Liqueur; Highland Nectar ; Highland Club and V.O. Special Bernard mid Co., Leith—"Encore" ;Gilbey's "Provost"; Robertson, Dundee—fine old Scotch; Biown, Glasgow—4 Crown; Daw son's Glenlivet " Perfection " ; Gow and iloss, Glenfarg Duudee; Mitchell, Glasgow- Heather Dew Special; Dewar and Sons, Perth — Old Highland; McKay and Co., Glasgow — White Hot ac Cellar; Usher, Edinburgh—Special Reservu ; The "Ben more " brand ; Caledonian Liqueur. Irish.— Mitchell's, Belfast—Old Irish Kirker, Greer, and Co., Belfast—"teham rock"; Dunville's Belfast; John Jamieson and Son's—Dublin * • * ; D.C.L.—" Killy croy " ; Old Bushmills Distillery Co.; County Antrim—pure malt; Sir John Power's Special. American. — Hiram Walker's Canadian Club, Ontario. The following whiskies in bulk always in atock—Walker's, Dewar's and Sons, Mitchell's V. 0. M. Usher's special reserve. BRANDIES. Bisquit Dubouche, V.0.C.8. for invalids and *** *; Hennessey's * * *; Pascal Combeau's Cognac; Jules' Romford's Old Cognac and Champagne Cognac for invalids ; Australian brandy—the best; Denis Mounie's brands—bulk and case; Martell's Dark. Gins of all grades., and English and Colonial bottled Ale and Stout, and Dunedin and Christchurch Bulk Beer always in stock. All classes of L'queurs, including Bene dictine, Chartreuse, Curacoa, Cherry Brandy, Sherry Brandy, Ginger Brandy, find Maraschino. WINES. A long wine list, including'Speeial Invalid Port. Tobacco, Cigars, and Cigarettes, the best brands. The Cafe is open from seven a.m. till eight p.m., during which time tea, coffee* cocoa, bovril, etc., can be supplied. All liquors have been reduced in prio* *^ 0 meet the ye^uiremenfcs of the Publi^ K. ALE IANI AN DEE, | ROOMS, 1 RAILWAY STATION, ASHBURTON. 205 LOST. ~~ ' ABOUT end of March, on Fords Road or South Road to Longbeach, Black Tweed Overcoat, nearly new. Finder rewarded on returning to Mail Office. 554 WANTED Known—Mercery and Cloth ing Department, The very complete clearance effected in this department duting our recent sale has enabled us to buy largely for the Autumn and Winter trade. Everything new and up to date in shape, style, and pattern, and at best possible values —Mitchell and Turner Government Notices. THE GOVERNMENT VALUATION OF LiND ACT, 1896. A PPLICATIONS are invited from J\_ thoroughly-competent Valuers, who are willing to mike the Valuations for any Borough, County, Riding, Road, Town, or Outlying District. A memorandum specifying Valuers duties, with the particulars required, and containing a form of application and schedule of local i districts, may be obtained by applying personally at, or by letter to, any Postal Money-order Office or thia office. Applications close on the 31st May, 1897, JOHN McGOWAN, Valuation Department, Wellington, 27th April, X 897. 5 67



WANTED Known, J'^pect Fletcher Bros' show of Cr«eke»-y, etc, suit able for presents before pohis; elsewhere. It will pay you.—Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. WANTED, Eggs, 1000 dizen, muat be fresh, and 1 ton of Beeswax; | highest market prices given by Fletcher , j Bros., Cash Supply Stores. j TTIOUND— Nineteen shillings cash to be JD worth Twenty credit. Our practical i system of cash discount One Shilling in the Pound, meets with approvi*l,— Barrett 1 Bros, "The Hall," East Street. i i i enders TENDEES. rp KNDERS are invited for ADDITIONS, JL &c, io Dwelling House iv r.urnect I street, for Mr Jas. PauiiDg. Plans and specifications may be seen at the Ashburton Club, where Tenders, ad dressed to Mr PaulinL', will cloae at 5 p.m. on TUESDAY, May 11. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 555 JAMES PAULING. " ■ s ■-' Friedlander Bros., Limited. &f* ACRK FARM AT METHVEN. WE HAVE for Private Sale a Small Farm of 86 Acres, being Lot 6, Mr D. Cameron's sale plan, adjoining the Public Library, Mfcthven. The land is of first-class quality. Also, —10 Acres of Land fronting Winter's Road, Allenton, Full particulars on application. 5 10 FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. Entertainments. raE^A^c¥s iAY~FLOOU DISASTER. A CONCEET WILL be given in the Oddfellows' Hall, Ashburton, on FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1897, In aid of the Relief Fund. Under the patronage of His Worship the Mayor. Ticket 3-', 2^, Is. To commence at 8 o'clock, WM. JOLLIFFE, 4 286 Hon. Secretary. E E C E P tTON TEA MEETING A TEA-MEETING to welcome the Rev and Mas R. Taylor to the Ashburton Ciicuit will take place on THURSDAY NEXT, 6th hut. Tea on the tabl sat 5 30, to be followed by a Public Meeting to commence at 8. Tickets for ihe Te*—One Shilling; chil dren 9d ; to be obtained at Mr H M. Jones', or from any of the Stewards. 5 24 1%/T ISS mREEBY, BEGS to inform the Ladies of Ashburton that she has commence,-! Business as Dressmaker CHILDREN'S GARMENTS a Specialty. Terms moderate. ) MISS TKEEBY is prtpared to wait upon ' Ladies at their residences it required. Address—Mrs Baxter, Wills Street Eisf, Afihburton. 4 235 CANTERBURY COLLEGE, CHRBTCHUROH, "Canterbury College and Canterbury Agricultural College Act, 1896." ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE CANTERBURY COLLEGE. CLAIMS FOR ENROLMENT. PERSONS possessing the necessary quali fication for enrolment on any one of the following Rolls can obtain t he necessary forms by application to the Returning Officer, Canterbury College : — 1. PARLIAMENTARY ELBCIORAL ROLL (Memburs of the Legis lative Council and of the House of Representatives, representing Electoral Districts within the Pro vincial District of Canterbury.) No. of Candidates to be elected ... 3 2. GRADUATES' ELECTORAL. ROLL (Graduates of the New Zealand University, as for the time being are on the books of Canterbury College.) No. of Candidates to be elected ... 6 3. TEACHERS'ELECTORAL ROLL (persons holding certificates of not lower grade than D, as for the time being are resident withia the Pro vinoial District of Canterbury). No. of Candidates to be elected ... 3 4. SCHOOL COMMITTEES' ELEC TORAL KOLL (Committees of such School Districts as are wholly within the Provincial District of Canterbury). No. of Candidates to be elected ... 3 One member to be elected by the PRO FESSIONAL BOARD of Canter bury College » n lsl ... 1 Tq^ .  16 j Note-—Three members to be appointed * v his "Excellency the Governor. "* y ! \. Claims for oDtfoljne"* , , . , Offi*- n -" <£ be «*f in to soon a« »««<•>'' -r» Canterbury College, as boor &a p* jOle> bnt not later thaQ MON . Lal£, 24th May, at 5 p.m. 2. Nomination papers may be obtained from the Returning Officer. The consent of each candidate to be subscribed at the foot of the Nomination Paper. 3. Nominations will close on MONDAY, 31 May, at noon. 4. The Election will take place on MON DAY, 7th June (Whit-Monday). The Poll will be closed at 5 p m A. CRACROFT WILSON, Returning Officer. Canterbury College, Ohristchurch, 3rd May, 1897. 5 40 ACKNOWLEDGMENT. To the Ratepayers of No. 2 Ward, Wakanu* Road District, who voted for me in the late election contest. /^ ENTLEMEN—I beg to return you my \JT most sincere thanks for the proud position in which you placed me last Tuesday. It shows that I have the full confidence of the great body of the ratepayers, notwith standing the evil influences that were brought to bear against me. It shall be my earnest endeavour in the future, as it has been in the past, to assist in administering the affairs of the Board with even handed justice to all and the most rigid economy. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, PETER STEWAET. Seiside F«m, May 6,18?7« 5 53



(^ EOPER, Ling, Barracouta, Blue and T| Red Cod, Perch, Crayfish, To-night. Jbwitt, opposite Mail Office. 5 56 AN Address will be given (D.V.) by H. C. Segees in the Oddfellows' Hall, Sunday evening, May 9, at 8 o'clock. Hymns in English and Chinese. English— " Take my Life," " Rock of Ages." Chinese —"Knocking, knocking," "Gate ajar," etc. No Collection. 5 46 ]71 0 R SAL E-Two Urain Crusher?, ? Proprietor requring larger machines. App ny—Mail Office. 5 22 FOR SAL 15, Cheap—First-class Harness Horse, by Perkin Warbeck. Apply A.8., Mail Office. 5 3 TO LET—Cottage and half an acre of land. Apply, $pwasd Stephens, Tancred Streofc. 4 91 OQ 'V FP R iil3~Encyclopo;dia Britan ot>J I nica, 24 volumea, 9th edition, Published price—£37 for £13 cash. Orders now booked. This is a special reduction, Ordera now booked for Nanaea'a " Farthest