CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for tht I opinions expressed by our correspondents) I

A FUNNY MAN.

TO IHE EDITOE. Sik, — Since ao many objections have been raised to, and suggestions made for, the conduct of the County Council m the matter of the water raceß, I beg you to allow me to advance the proposal that a whisky mill be imported, and th&t the result be added to the volume of water. Then I, even I, a six bob a week farmer's man might ■— , you know! — Whisky, Please.JMiss !

PHASES OF THE MOON.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1898. Local and General.

j The Anglo-American Alliance. — In the course ot his reply co the address presented i to him at Auckland on the Fourth of July, ' the American Consul, Mr Frank Dilliaghaoi, said :— " You, m honoring the great country I have the privilege to represent, are still loyal to that sovereign who for sixty-one years has been one of the mo3t humane the world has ever seen." Having read the cable message aenb by the Queen to the then • President of the United States on the com- ' pletion of the Atlantic oab'e, Mr Dillingham continued — «' I remember one sad day many years ago when the then President of the United States had fallen by an assassin's bullet. Who sent the first message of love to strengthen the widow m her hour of trial? It was your Queen. Who, again, was it sent the first message of sympathy to ! the widow of America's military idol, General U.S. Grant? Your Queen. You are therefore simp'y carrying on that friend ship inaugurated years ago by one of the most humane Queens who evar lived. These reelings of good friendship should continue for many reasons. We have sprung from the same race ; we have the same tongue, and are practically of the same religion. I trust that the friendship existing now between the two English speaking people of the world may grow stronger and stronger from generation to generation as long as time shall last." We beg to notify that we have secured ! the Sub-Agency for the celebrated Massey ! Habbis Bicycles. Ladies and Gentlemen's machines up-to-date alwayß m stock. Lowest cash prices or easy terms to suit customers. One good second-hand bicycle for sale, nearly new. Price, £13 10s ; guaranteed.— Obaighead and Bbbbyman, ho leading Tailors and Outfitters, Ashburton.

Poor Bunny. — Last year the total ship ment of rabbits from Oimaru reached About 85,000. The rabbits mmb have suffered a considerable thinning out this season. Time v. Money. — Meetings of creditors m two bankruptcies were called for to-day, but aa the dividends did not promise to be fat, the creditors preferred the timo they were aavirig by attending to more profitable bubiness to the uncertainty that surrounds the ending of such cases, and at stayed away. No quorum was the result m each case, and adjournments sine die followed. County Council. — At a special meeting of the County Council held yesterday it was moved by Mr Herring, seconded by Mr Stitt and carried — " That Messrs William son, Lambie, and Harper be appointed a committee to deal with the water supply for ihe Aehburton branch of the Belfast Fret-zing Company." It was also resolved that the Council did not consider it advis able to call tenders tc irrigation works before its finances are assured. Staktmno Scene. — According to the Liverpool Daily Post New York special, a tartling acene occurred at a banquet given m honor of Archbishop Corrigan's Jubilee. Archbishop Ryan, unable to retain his fadings, rose suddenly to his feet and Bang '•The Red, White, and Blue." In a moment 400 ecclesiastics followed his example, waving their handkerchiefs and cheering lustily. This warlike demonstration will have a mournful echo m the palace of the aged and peaceful Pontiff. Coursino.— Coursing men are very busy just now getting their dogs into form for the coming Champion Stakes, to be run on the 28th inst., at Longbeach. The Stewards wish to draw attention to owners that the amounts to be given for the above stake will be aa follows :— First dog, £15 ; runner-up, £6 ; and two dogs ut £2 103 each ; for sixteen dogs ; and should the C;ub be favored with more than sixteen entries, the extra money will be added to the stake- The entry ib only £1. CouraiDg men Bhould not miss this opportunity of giving their dogs a trial, as this will be the last stake of the season. Wesleyan Social — The monthly congregational sooial of bhe Wesleyan Church was held m the schoolroom on Tues day evening. Addresses were given by several members of the congregation, who inculcated increased interest m the welfare of and matters connected with the church. A clarionet solo was played by Mr E. Undrill, with piano accompaniment by Miss Jones. Miss Flossie Parsons, who acted as accompanist for the several hymns Bung during the evening, contributed a pianoforte solo "The last rose of summer," with taste and expression, and the Rev. R. Taylor gave an interesting reading. Tea, coffee and refreshments were handed round during the evening and duly appreciated. ASHBTTKTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE We are requested by the chairman of the Ashburton Sohooi Committee to correct two inaccuracies m the report of lasb meeting. The words "that the time of re-opening the school be left m the hands of the chairman " were omitted from Mr Hanmer's motion, and the chairman's reported remark re appoint ing someone else as chairman should have read as follows : "If Mr Hanmer'a motion were passed, they would have to appoint i someone else to act along with him as lie would , not take the responsibility ," which, of course, materially altera the bearing of Mr Craig head's remarks, and it is only fair to him to publish this explanation, as it is to our reporter to add that he did not hear the concluding words, which we have italicised Volunteer Social. — A valedictory social was held m the drill shed on Tuesday even ing for the purpose of Baying good-bye to Private W. Hefford who is leaving Ashbur fcon to manage a branoh of the New Zealand Clothing Factory atPaeroa. Captain W. E. Dolman, m mtr/it, cccupied the chair," and spoke oi the good qualities of Private Hefford during his ten years' connection with the volunteers and wished him every success m his future career. He then, on behalf of the rank and file, presented him with a handsome gold pendant. O'her speakers also referred to Cheir appreciation of Mr Hefford. Not only asa volunteer, but m athletics he would be greatly misaed, and as a friend his absence would be keenly felt. In reply Mr Hefford spoke very feelingly of his long oonneotion with Aehburton friends whom, however, he hoped to meet aga^n $fc no late date. He thanked them kindly ' £or the splendid present which would ever remind him of old times, The rest of the evening was'sp&iib with song and story, the gathering terminating at half-paßt ten. A number of friends assembled at the railway station this morning for thopurpope pt giyip| Mr Bofford. » good, i^d-off,

WAR NEWS.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Sonor Sagasta's Resignation. Differences m the Ministry; j Admiral Cervera Interviewed. Serious Charge of Corruption. The Bombardment Commenced. The SheUeTFall Short. The General Attack Deferred- United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph — Copyright Madrid, July 12 Senor Sagasta, the Premier, has resigned owing to the irreconcilable differences m the Cabinet with regard to the making of overturea-Jar^pa*^*- He advises »- stronger infusion of the military element into the Cabinet. "Washington, July 12. In the course of an interview with Admiral Cervera, the latter stated that Senor Aunon, Spanish Minister of Marine, ordered him to fight m the open sea regardless of consequences. One shell disabled eighty of the crew of the Infanta Maria Teresa. Admiral Oervera implied that the Cristobal Colon had no big guns on board, because the monoy intended for the purpose had gone into the pockets of the chief ordnance officer. The United States warships Brook lyn, Texas and Indiana commenced the bombardment of Santiago, but owing to the high cliffs and the distance of the city from the coast the shells fell short. The vessels, on going closer m shore to land artillery forces, engaged m a mid artillery duel with the Spanish, but the general attack is to be deferred until the reinforcements under General Henry reach ths front, thus enabling the Americans to better block the passes to the westward. General Linares, the Spanish com mander, offered if the army were allowed an unmolested start of twenty miles not to burn the shipping or injure the city or forts. Most of the American general? favoured the acceptance of the offer, but the authorities at Washington vetoed it.

The Attack on Santiago.

Bombardment Unsuccessful. A Church Blown Up. Received Wakapuaka July 13, 9.30 a.m, Guabdiajt Office 10. 30' a.m Washington, July 12 The bombardment of Santiago is still ineffective, most of the shells falling into the harbor. One struck a church where a large quantity of ammunition was stored and the ammunition exploded. General Blanco has ordered the troops to fight to the last. General Miles, has arrived at Siboney, on the outskirts of Santiago, takes the entire command of the American forces.

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

Frightful Atrocities. United Frees Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright Received Wakapuaka July 13, 9.30 a,m, Guardian Office, 1.9.20 a.m. Shanghai, July 1% The Black Fiaga captured a magis trate of the Kwangsi province, soaked him m kerosene and burnt him alive. They afterwards butchered the magis trate's family.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Pre«a Association— By Electrio Telegraph. Wellington, Ju'y 12 The Council met at 2 30 p.m. JOBIES ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The debate ou the second reading of the June's Act Amendment Bill was resumed. GJeneral opposition was shown to the pro vision that the Crown Prosecutor should be substituted for the Grand Jury, it being thought that there should bean intermediary between the lower and the higher courts. The Minister of Education m replying said that he would not object to an amendment m that direction. ' The second reading was carried by 22 to ! 10, asd the Bill referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The Council rose at 4.45 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, July 12 The House met at 2.30 p in. ALLEGED BREACH OF PRIVILEGE. Mr Duthie brought up a question of breach of privilege, from which, after a Ions; discus* aion, nothing resulted. REPLIES TO QUESTIONS. The following are among the questions answered : —That no Committee was needed to consider the Old Age Pensions Bill, as the Government hoped that the Bill they had m hand would become law this session ; that the question of charitable aid was admittedly m an unsatisfactory position ; that, m refer ence to experimenting with the Hungarian and Rußßian stage syetem of railways, the Minister would be glad to have informa tion on the Bubjeot ; that the Govern ment declined to answer any questions regarding the working details of the Bank of New Zealand ; that as to settlers being enabled by law to claim compensation for fire damage by railway locomotives, all the Department could do waa to use appli ances and means calculated to avert fires of the kind referred to, which was done, and. 1 that m very special cases where the damage had been traced to locomotives, the Depart ment had paid compensation to losers ; that the Police Commission had been entirely wrong m giving Mr Taylor copies of the evidence, though it was not thought that m doing so the concession they made would be used for an unwarranted purpose, and that members would now be placed m possession of the evidence given to Mr Taylor j that the Premier deprecated such questions &b whether he had been correctly reported m the Lyltelto n 7ftnes of the 22nd March last, as to his having stated to a reporter of that paper that the Master and Apprentice Bill would be reintroduued and sent to the Upper House, and that if the Council should again obstruct the Bill the Government would have to consider the best means of removing the obstruction, and that he declined to be bound by what was m the newspapers m such matters ; that if the Referendum Bill were not carried, the Government might con sider the question of the Premier being enabled to speak m both Houses ; that the Government did not think there was any necessity for extending the time for cele brating marriages from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ; that no reply had been received to the Government's memorandum to the Secretary of State as to social precedence m the colony ; that the question of stud horses being under inspection by the Government veterinary surgeon was not at present a pressing one m the opinion of the Minister of Agriculture c that the pi ice of £24,000 for the Busby Park estate had been asked by the Bank of New Zealand before the Reali- i sation Board came into existence, and was a book value which m that as m other cases had not been maintained by the Realisation Board ; that the Government were not yet decided as to the desirableness of amending the Land and Income Assessment Act or the Government Lauds Valuation Act, so as to enable the Department when it insists that the land is over-valued, to purchase such land plus 10 per cent on the Department's valuation. =rn"n i -i-rr gfTrrrm-T-Vr— rMtrrn The Public Petitions Committee recom mended that Sergeant Scully receive one month's pay for each year of service. The House rose at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30. p.m. NOXIOUS WEEDS BILL The Noxious Weeds Bill was read a second time. ORCHARD AND GARDEN PESTS BILL The Orchard $nd Garden Pests Bill was read a second time. GOVERNMENT ADTANCES TO SETTLERS BILL In moving the second reading of the Government Advances to Settlers Act Amend ment Bill, the Minister of Lands said that the Government had no intention of raising at once the whole £1,500,000 authorised under the original Act, bub to extend the time within which it might be borrowed to October 31, 1901 The object was to place the Government m a position to raise money as it was iequired, so as to avoid the possibility of money lying m a state of. idleness. Meßars Rolleston, Hutchison and Wason spoke and cited a case to show that the Public Trustee had conducted a certain valuation with a view to curry favor with his political chief. , The Minister challenged the charge, and asked for particulars of the case, and in dignantly questioned the accuracy of the statement. The Bill was read a second time. MUNICIPAL FRANCHISE REFORM BILL The debate on the second reading of the Municipal Franchise Bill was resumed by Mr Kelly, who thought that the franchise should be confined to householders. Captain Russell deprecated the Govern ment's piecemeal efforts m the matter of local government reform, and advocated a comprehensive well considered scheme. With regard to the present JiiU" he admitted that property might have a disproportionate share of voting power. He thought that extension of the franchise should be confined to householders. In Committee he would endeavor to hay* the Bill placed oh an equitable footing. Mr Duthie did not think that they would get a better class of municipal administrators under a popular than under a property franchise. The result was likely to be popu larity-hunting, and the introduction of a spirit of Tammany ; but he thought that the franchise should be extended to householders. Messrs Ward, G. Hutchison, Tanner, Taylpr, Brjown, 'and Meredith all spoke on the subject. Mr Wason maintained that the Bill would 1 not lead to the social amelioration spoken of by some of its supporters, because it pro vided no machinery to that effect. Personally he would favor & reform which would com pel the municipal authorities to deal with slums and other evils. Messrs Morrison, Moore, Bolland, Sligo, Buchanan, and Carson also spoke. The Premier, m the course of his reply, showed that what waa proposed m the Bill was practically law at Home at the present moment, which proved that there was no ground for the opposition to the Bill on account of its radicalism. The Bill waa m fapt a tflo derate measure of most necessary municipal reform. The Bill was read a second time on a divi , sionby 43 to 11. The House rose at 1 15 a m.

DISTRICT COURT.

on to urge the non-liability of his clients. He spoke at some length, Hiß Honor entering into a discussion with him on the bearing on the present case of those quoted by him. Another point on which he claimed a non* suit was contributory negligence. Dr Trevor was called ac this point. He said he was called m January to attend Robert Kennington, who was Buffering from a severe bruise and concussion of the spine. In April ordered him to the hospital, which he left on May 10. He had not been able to work since the accident. He was able to walk, but not to work. Expected he would recover, but would not expect him to be able to woik for a month or two. Spinal cases, however, were very uncertain. Mr Purnell proceeded with hie address m opening the defence, which was that for all practical purposes the road was perfectly safe, and there had never been until this accident any reason to suppose that the road was dangerous. The shiDgle was pub down to make the road safe, and had Mr Kennington kept to the shingle or the bridle traok there would have been no accident. As to how the accident happened they had only Mr Kennington'a evidence, who was alone when it occurred. All the other evidence was surmise The Board had Bpent more money on that road than on any other, and considering the unfavourable circumstances under which it had been made, it waß a very good country road. With the funds at its disposal the Board had done what it could. One side of the road had not been attempted by the Board, and the inequalities referred to m the evidence I for plaintiff were caused by the aotion of the weather on the peat. There was no hole on the road before this accident. He called — James Bishop, chairman of the Longbeach Road Board. Had been a member of the Hoard for about fifteen years, and knew the Boundary Road quite well. Be knew the' country before the road was passable, and while it was being formed, which was only for half its width. There was never any pretence to form the part of the road where the accident happened, because the fundi would nob admit. There had been more money spent on that road than on any other because it was a boundary road and carried a lot of traffic. To hia knowledge the Board had only cut one drain— that on the side next the shingle— and the clay that came out of the drain was put on the road and the shingle above that. Had seen no particularly large shingle on the road. The drain had been deepened twice, and shingle taken out of it and put on the road. It was over > twelve months ago since it was last shingled, the Chatmosa people paying half. The road had been carted on for many years, and there had been a good deal of wheeled traffic on the road before the accident. It was con sidered to be a very safe road. His own traction engine had been over it twice thab season. In January last the metal part of the road was quite fit for any horseman to use. The Board had not to his knowledge thrown any lumps of clay on the other part of the road. The lumps might have been droppings from the scoop. Had seen wheel marks on the unformed portion of the road. Went with Sutherland to see the hole m which the accident occurred, and after hunting about for some time Sutherland broke a willow from the side of the road and placed it m a hole, which he said was the place. Did not believe the accident was caused by the water affecting the clay. Surveyor's road (a portion of it) was formed exactly the same way as this one, and no accidenb had happened to his knowledge. By Mr Cuthbertaon — There had been only one ditch worked at m his time — the one next the shingle. Some sorb of drain was on the other side, but it was before his time. The shingle was put on m his time, and it was put on -the tide because it was cheaper. It would not have been a better job m the centre. Had seen two loaded drays pass on the shingle. Sutherland drew his attention, to the uneven lumps. Could not account for them being there. l)id not think he said to Sutherland that the lumps were what had not been considered good enough for claying the road. AH the good clay that came out of the ditch was put on the road. The rain on January 11 was not enough to web the land an eighth of an inch. Thought thab Surveyor'-s and Boundary roads were m different wards. Surveyor's road was only partly metalled. By Mr Purnell— The lumps on the road would be caused by the peat contracting and swelling. Before the road was taken m hand by the Board, the peat averaged six feet deep. Edward Horsey, a member of the Long beach Road Board, had been travelling on the Boundary Road twice aweek for the last eleven years. Knew the part which formed the subject of this action. Had travelled on it both by trap and on horseback, and had never had any accident In January last the metalled part was m better condition than he had ever known it. Ie was quite fit for a horseman to ride over it, and many horsemen used it. The unformed portion was the same for two or three miles. The unevenness waß not dangerous to careful men, bub anyone trotting wonld be liable to comedown. There was a track thab had been hardened by the passage of cattle. The unevenness was cauaed by the peat shrink ing. By Mr Cuthbertson— The embankment on the edge of the ditch was the stuff thrown out m cleaning. Never saw water standing on the road m consequence. It would be dangerous togo*out ot a walk on some parts of the road^where these unevennesses were. By Mr Purnell— Anyone could see the unevennessee. ; ! Thompson McKay, living on the Bound ary road, had known the road for twenty yearß. Had never heard of any aocidenb on the part of the road m question, on which there had been heavy traffic of late. •So far as the metalled part was ooncerned it was a good road, and m January laßt any horseman would have been perfectly safe. "Had been over it himself on horseback. Thoughb the Board had shown good judgment m forming the road as it had been formed. The peab cracked m dry weather, and when the water left it unevennesß was the conaequence, more especially if there were a shingle bottom. & good^deal of the roughness would be oauaed °y the contraction and expansion of the peat. The water would not collect on the top of the peat. Had been over the road at night as well as during the day. By Mr Cuthbertson— Had no experience m making roads, but had had a good deal m draining his own property. Was a rate payer m the district, and therefore a defen danfc m the action, Hugh Cullen, farmer, Eiffelton, had known the Boundary road for fifteen years. Had been over the road, bub not often. Went with Sutherland and others to view the. road ip April. Sutherland pointed QQ « where the accident happened.' The spot wag about four feefc from the metal. There wa nothing to prevent Kennington riding on the By Mr Cuthbertson— Was a ratepayer m the district. Had no experience m road making over swampy land. *'S-P**9*** knew the Boundary Road, and had done so since it was m process of formation. When it was being formed they dug out the two drains, throwing the clay over the whole of the road. It remained like this for some years. It was levelled m the usual way. In course of time shingle was taken from che east side of the road and spread over the side where, it i* now. -Ttf had been r^sliingled B {nc>. Had been ov-ey the road driving frequently, and had seen i traction engine cm the shingle. It} w»s nob : the custom for Boards to Bhinj.le the whole ot a road as it would cost too much. In his opinion the road was fib to travel on m January last, Mc B rLw Cat J lberfcßOn ~ Thie road and firl £v r ° ad ' the P6at ° f CoUrfle S° in g O»t nrst. There was not room for a traction engine and a yehiela to pas* on. the shingle; »i% W **t Waß t#Q f<s< * dee P wher ° tha accident happened.. witneßs ?airnel ' »hertly re-examined the Arthur Wilson, member of the Road Board, represented the ward m which the Boundary Road was situated. Tha road was shingled over a year ago. The shingle used was the ordinary gravel. Tha trafjio on the ro,ad was not'bub of the way heavy, and. the fqrmed part of the road was quite flb w January last for a horseman to ride over. The lumps miphb haveoome there by escaping from the scoop, or otherwise the peab had contracted and left them j but they should have been no. obatao^e to a rider or driver; Mr Keanjojjta lived about a mile and a half from his place «, B Ji 4^?? l \ b , ert iS? n -' Aftie * accident ,he bad aud to Mr K.ennjngt w totfoi S|

ASHBURTON —TUESDAY. (Before His Honor Jndge Ward.) KENNINGTON V. LONGBEACH ROAD BOARD. The Court resumed at ten o'clock. The hearing of this case was continued. Mr Cutbbertson, m opening the case, j which he did now owing to the circum- j atances explained the day before, the jury | having been sent to view the locality, and tho evidence cf the plaintiff taken then, owing to his weak aod feeble bodily condition. The short facts cf the case were that, by no fault of hia own, Kennington had met with an accident by whioh he had been permanently injured and incapacitated. Hia horse, while carrying him along the Boundary road, had put its foot into a blind hole, fallen, and so plaintiff had received his injuries. At some length he detailed the charaotor of the road, and claimed that owing to the faulty construction ot the road this accident had happened. He called the following evidence:— Reginald D. Coward, said he waa manager of the Ghatmosß estate. On January 15 he wae called to the assistance of Kennington. Found him at the corner of McLennan's and Boundary roads under some willows. He was incapable of moving, and witness having a man and a buggy with him, the man and witness lifted plaintiff into the buggy and took him home, afterwards telegraphing for medical assistance. Saw the hole which had caused the trouble. It was considerably off the formation. Next day he filled up the hole, lest further aooidents might happen. The hole was large enough to let a horse's hoof m, but the road oontained.a great many auch holes. This bole was about two feet deep. He considered the road was perfectly safe. By Mr Purnell— The hole waß made by Borne horse'B hoof going through the upper crust into the unformed peat below. Any person riding along could see that that part of the road waa unformed. From fence to fence the road waa a chain wide, and on the crown there was ten or twelve feeb wide of shingle — rough shingle from the {side drain. Some of the stones were very large. There was a track on the left hand side of the metal, which horses would naturally use, but Kennington was off that when he fell. This track was nob metalled, simply hard worn. There is a lot of traffic on the road, both horsemen and vehicles. Had been nearly three yearß at Chatmoss, and had heard of no accident except Kennington's. There is a great extent of country there that had been a peat swamp, and this road waa over such country. MoLellan'a road was similar. By His Honor— One-half the road had been rendered fit for traffic. The other half was not fit. In digging out the drains the spoil had been thrown on the surface, which was thus peat, with niggerheads here and there. Was constantly on the road, and thought it a first-class road. The traffic had greatly improved it. Hay Smith, sheep dealer, Ashburton, said that he was on the Boundary Road on June 15, and met Kennington about nine o'clock. On returning by the same road, with a mob of sheep, leading his horse, and m company with McGrandell, who was on the opposite side, saw the hole m which Kennington had come to grief. Called Mc- Grandell a attention to it, and the two con gratulated themselveß on not getting into it m the morning. The shingle was very rough, and no horseman would care to use it. The side on the road where the accident happened was also very rough, caused by the Btuff that had been thrown out of the ditches. Knew Kennington'a mare, which was Bound and without vice. By Mr PurneU— Had ridden and. driven over the road scores of times. Drivers would not go off the shingle if the road was at all fair. Knew that the shingle had been put on some months before, but it did not show signs of heavy traffic. William Sutherland, farmer and con tractor, Winslow, had had thirty years' experience m road making. Had had the maintenance of the Upper Ashburton Road Board's roada for six years, and since then had been roadß forming. Kenn'iDgton had gone -down to the ecene of the accident with wit- 1 ness and had seen it. A month before the accident he had also been on the road. It appeared to have been newly shingled wheu he saw ib first, and on the second occasion there had been more traffic and lh« rough stones had worked up, There was a deep drain on each side of the road, and the shingle on one side had been taken from the drain and spread for about seventeen feet. Beside the shingle there was a bridle track. Oa the other aide of the road a deal of the Btuff that had been taken out of the drain had been left on the bank of it, and the' more clayey portion "chucked" nearer to the shingle, but the main quantity had been left m the rough and not spread. This would prevent the water from the formation flowing freely into the drain. • This would have the effect of causing the peat to crack after a storm. The horse had stumbled, and m trying to recover itself got into one of these cracks. From the centre of the line of road the hole m which the accident; happened was about a foot or eighteen inches. Had not seen any of the other roads m the dis trict formed as thia one was — only on one side. In forming a road over peaty soil like this there should be about six inches of clay at least placed on the road before any shingle is put on at all. The hole m the road went down to the shingle through the peat-?about three feet. The nearest lump of clay to the whole was about two teet away, and those lumps of clay which caused the unevennesa of the road were scattered along the road for chains. With a leveller and two horses one man could level chains of such lumps m half an hour. By Mr PurneU — After having been levelled once, the contraction and swelling of the peib by the action of tha weather would make the road uneven, and ib would want seeing to. There did not appear to have been much clay used m the formation. It was six weeks after the acci dent that he saw the Hole, and willow Btioks and soft peat ,bad been pub m. The horse m stumbling had leant ics weight upon one foot, which west through the cruat. Caleb E. Sherretb had been overseer to the Geraldine and Mount Peel Road Boards and the Geraldine Town Board. They had several swamps to deal with m the Geraldine district. Had examined the road where the accident occurred, and the spot where the horse's hoof went through. The spot was about eighteen or twenty feeb from the dead centre of the road. There was no covering pf gravel or anything ehe, except what had eaoaped from the shovels. There had been no formation done on the road at all beyond the stuff thrown out from the drain, and no attempt had boen made to level what had been thrown out, and there had been a bank of that about a foot high left on the margin of the drain. This bank stopped the rain water from getting away, and it thus soaked into the peat aad made it soft-. He thought 2* 6d a chain would have formed the whole twenty chains with the stuff taken oub of the drains. There were many cracks seem ingly caused by the subsidence of the peat towards the drains. The other roads he had seen— the Wiudermere and another—had been formed properly from drain to drain. Boundary Road should have been formed m the same way. ' He favored fascine wqrk m the forming, putting the clay on the top. By Mr Furnell— Had had experience of peaty Bwamps. The clay had not been spread- The road was nob safe, and there were boulders that would not by any means go through a2£ inoh ring. The dry season would not acoount for the orab holes. W. de B, Compton, poundkeeper and ranger for the Borough Council, Ashburbon, was about four years overseer for the Mount lutb Road Board, and had also been a ' road oontractpr. Examined the Boundary Road last Thursday.-' It ran throu,gn p,eab swamps. Ib was Very uneven, the gtuff having been tilted oub of a barrow and not Bpread. The drain on the eastern side had been oleaned out, and the stuff banked up No attempt had been made to level this.. It would not have been an expensive matter to level ib at the time ib was thrown out. The hole m question was pointed out to him. It was rabfier lumpy rojjud 1 bhe hole. br Treyor ' had been called away to an urgent case, and his evidence was nob avail able at the momenb. His Honor said ib would he taken at a later stage, and Mr f arnell opened for th.c defence. He olaimed a non-soib on the ground that the ease Wfti one of nonfeasunoe, and therefore the Board waa nob liable. He quoted several oaiei In lupport of hie coabeaUon. and WoDtl ,

TBB ASHBOKION GOABDIAN t WEDNESDAY JliLiT 13, 1898,



JULT.J DH M I Full moon „. .... 4 842 am Last quarter 11 4 13 am New moon .... .- 19 717 am First quarter ... .- 27 1 10 am



Hollo way's Pills and Ointment.— ' Thieves ! Police ! Murder !' are the blood- curdling cries which are sometimes heard m the silent watches of the night coming from the bed of some unfortunate suffer from what is termed a disordered liver, or dyspepsia. Horrible nightmares are a common feature of those oomplafnjia, and the lives of the victim's become a burden to them m consequence. Holloway's Fills and Ointment have long been famous for the cures they have wrought m suoh oases, because they act direotly on the liver. The Ointment rubbed on the Bkin penetrates immediately to that organ, whose blood and netves it rectifies. One tml is all that is needed j a ours will soon follow. The Pills are alep the b,est known anti^otea foj,' want of appetite, nausea arid flatuenpy. ? A rare opportunity for purchasing at cost price is now to be, obtained at the great relinquishing sale of bopts and shoes now going on at McDonald and MoDiabkid's, Ba»t Street. See sale advertisement, m another part of the paper* Smoke tfeyp Yflww



Don't Cough. — Belief can be obtained immediately. Uae t* Keatihg's COUGH Lozenges" — well known as the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly recommended by many eminent phyaioims, ■ They at onoe oheok the cough and remove ■ the cause without any after effect ; the most | delicate can therefore take them. One lozenge alone gives ease— one or two afc bed J time ensurei re«t, Sold everywhere m tini lS|d each, ■



Business Notices. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. rnHE LEADING ESTABLISHMENT FOB FASHIONABLE CLOTHING, HATS AND CAPS, TIES, COLLA R 8, GLOVES, ETC. I A. G. BARTON, manager. I CHURCH SERVICE 3. I tT STEPHE N'S OHUROH. I ABhburtoc. I WEDNESDAY— GirIs Friendly Society I 7.30 p.m. I FRIDAY— Short Service 7.30 p.m. 1 Choir Practice 8 p.m. I SUNDAY SERVICES. 1 V l7ih July.) I 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer. 1 3 p.m.— Dromore, Rev. T. A. Hamilton. 6.3o— Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



F. FERRIMAJN. I A OHEMICAL LABATORY, COLONIAL MUTUAL BUILDINGS, j Princess Btreet. j Dunedin, June 11, 1898. j F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton. I Sib,— l have the Jhonor to report on I Sample of Ground Manure forwarded to me I for analysis. I I have made analysis with the following! result : — I Moisture • •• £'8£ I ("Organic Matter .. .. ..36 60 I 4 containing Nitrogen equal to 5 4 I I per cent, of Ammonia I Silica 3 .J° I Iron Alumina . . . • • • 04U I Phosphate of Lime as Bone Phos- I phate .. *8-16 I Carbonate of Lime . • • • ** OH I 100-00 I These results show the Sample to be of I ABSOLUTE PURITY, the large percentage I both of Phosphate of Lime and Ammonia I showing this In fact the Composition can I be classed as a Typical Sample, which can- I not be excelled. t I Your obedient servant, I (Bigoed) I A. G. KIDSTON HUNTER, M.P.S., J City Analyst, Dunedin. I After reading the above the main points I to bear m mind are, the quality ia Al, the I quantity is limited, and that orders will be I executed promptly, to enable farmers to I sow with their spring wheat. It is a well I known fact that Bone Dust obtained from I grean bones is the moat valuable and lasting I manure that can be applied to the soil. Of I thia fact both science and practice afford abundant proof. F. FEbTkIMAN. FOR _bALB LOT 3, fronting the Alford Forest Road, containing a Quarter of an Acre. The land is the properly of Mb Rodger Tucker, who is determined to sell. F. FEKRIMAN. FOR SALE. House and 1 Acre Land, Beach Road. I HAVE received instructions from Mr F- Johns to sell his very desirable residence fronting on the Beach Road, containing four Rooms and a Rood Shop, together with a good three stalled Stable. The land is well stocked with very choice , fruit trees, and is of firat-clasa quality. Reasonable terms can be ariangod if required. F. FERRIMAN. SEED WHEAT.""' I Have for Sale some Prime Pearl, Tvs can and Hunters. Grown on heavy Land. F. FEBEXMA.N. FOX SALE. HOUSE AND QUAKTEE-ACRE LAND IN COX STREET. I have,received instructions from Mr H. J. Taskbr to Bell his desirable residence, containing Four Rooms and Scullery, nituated m Cox Street, together with Loosebox, Chaffhouse and Fowlhouse erected on thegproperty. bF. FERRIMAN. FOJtt SALE. I HAVE FOR SALE tbar rery desirable block of land containing about Seven Acres, situated on the N.E. Town Belt and adjoin- ing Mr W. H. Collins. For a vyone m search ot'j, a property en which to build this one is well worthy of Jan inspection. F. FERKiMAN. J *" ■■■■—■■ SHEEP FEED. OFFRRS are invited for the grazing of 250 acres of good sheep feed at the Hinds for three months, from the 15th insb. The property is subdivided into two paddock •*, well sheltered, and watered. F. FERRIMAN. Do oof 6e persuaded fa buy any g/?Ae //p//d/fo/?s, s emo/ifOf!Bim£pr£9s Jtieyarepurea/H/fflo/esome f experience wjm. Mbs«hs MeDoNALD and MoDiarmid call attention to their advertisement m another part of thi« ,p»p«r, where they announoe a gigantiQ relinquishing sale pj[ poot» ana



NOW ON YIEVT AT JOHN ORE, AND COS., Who have secured the Agenoy for fchia Splendid Maohine or the; whole of the JSouth Island* WE INVITE YOU TO INSPECT WAVERLEY FEATURES FOR 1898. %n& X^^M^jMMm fork-crown V I . CRANK, HXLV, AND BEARINGS i Ladies' Model WAVERLEY, 1893. 6^ |s^pls? SADDLE?. JOHN ORR & Go.