LLIGENCE.

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The Evening Echo. THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1878.

The wants of Ashburton arc many and pressing, but two events this week have proved that there are two wants more pressing than any others, as the danger to li e and property is closely concerned in them. We refer to our very primitive water supply and the want of a gas system. Laying aside the danger to health arising from polluted wells, so clearly pictured to the recent public meeting by Dr. Kesteven, the question of a fire brigade, lame at a fire for want of the necessary extinguisher, comes up for solution. The excellent hose supply of Mr. Shearman saved his hotel last night, and probably the greater por tion of neighboring property ; but the town should possess in itself a supply of water available at any emergency like that of last night. At this season of the year every pump gets frozen just after sunset, and thus the almost only source of water is cut off, while the time lost in thawing by artificial means would give an advantage to the fire never to be recovered by the brigade, and should one of our lively nor’-westers be at work meanwhile, there would be no hope of saving a burning building. Five plans sent in to the County Council prove the practicability of bringing water in suffi cient quantity into Ashburton, and surely, with the experience of last night coming so closely upon a similar occur rence the same week in M r. Williamson’s hotel, an impetus should be given to the movements of whoever has the carrying out of the water scheme in hand.

Then, on every side of us kerosene accidents occur, life lost and property de stroyed by them. It was only the other day a servant girl was lolled at Welling ton by a kerosene explosion, and per haps the greatest conflagration of modern times—the destruction of Chi cago —was caused by the upsetting of a similar lamp. The introduction of gas would remove all this danger, as only by gross carelessness and neglect do gas explosions occur, and these are not at tended by a flood of oil blazing like Greek fire, and almost as difficult to ex tinguish. Let us hope that steps will be taken to remove the evils we have pointed out, and that the lessons of this week will not speedly be forgotten.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The annual Licensing Court for this district will be held on Tuesday next at the Court Room, Ashburton.

On the 17th of June a Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters will be opened in Ashburton. We understand that the institution of a Branch of Forestry in the town is being received with much favor, and that the applica tion for a dispensation from the High Court will be numerously signed. In stitutions for the promotion of provident habits cannot be too well supported, and we commend the order of Foresters to the public of Ashburton as one of the soundest existing. We hope that when the Ashburton Court opens it will be able to show a large and respectable membership. A reference to our ad vertising columns will show that names

are asked for to place on the Court’s charter, and that these may be given to Mr. N. Hall, whose efforts to plant the order amongst us are likely to be crowned with success. We may add that the benefits of membership are a liberal aliment allowance during sick ness, free medical attendance, and a good sum at death of member or mem ber’s wife, to meet funeral, etc.,expenses; and these are secured by a small weekly payment after an entrance fee regulated by the age of applicant for membership. Last night, between nine and ten o’clock, the unwelcome sound of the fire bell alarmed the residents, and a large number of people'crowded to the Somerset Hotel, where the danger had arisen. We are glad to say that by the forethought of Mr. Shearman, whose hotel is well supplied with water hose, a probable conflagration was averted, for had the fire made any headway in the hotel the new hall would have gone with it, as wed as the greater part of East Street. Fortunately, however, the efforts made to master the danger were successful, and the damage, though bad enough, is insignificant compared with the great risk run. The fire was caused by one of those kerosene accidents which are now so frequent. A lamp burst in one of the rooms on the ground floor, and spread its blazing contents all over the apartment, which was soon in a flame. It has been stated that the lamp was leaky, but we are informed that it had burned safely for two hours in the workshop of Mr. Dolman, tin smith, before it was in use in the hotel. When taken to the Somerset, tire oil was emptied out and fresh oil put in, and this points to bad kerosene as the offender.

THE RACE DINNER

The successful termination of the Ashburton County Steeplechase Meet ing was celebrated in the evening by a public dinner in the Somerset Hotel. About 70 sat down to mine host Shear man’s liberal spread, and Thomas Bullock, Esq., occupied the chair, sup ported on either hand by stewards and committeemen of the meeting.

The cloth removed, and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts given from the chair and responded to, Mr. C. P. Cox proposed the “Agri cultural Interests.” It had been said these were the backbone of the country ; and within the past few years agricul ture had been making wonderful strides in Canterbury, in proof of winch be would instance the very successful trial of a steam plough at Chertsey the pre vious day. The introduction of that plough was a good start, and he hoped it was only the precursor of many equally valuable improvements in the appliances for land cultivation. They had seen the town of Ashburton go ahead in a most remarkable manner, and he hoped they would sec the dis tricts round about make solid progress with equal rapidity. He had great pleasure in proposing the “ Agricultural Interests,” and his only regret was that the toast had fallen, and that at a moment’s notice, to one so unequal to the task of doing it full justice. The toast was drunk with full honors.

Mr. C. E. Fooks proposed “ The President and Vice-President, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Hay T. Smith.” These genlle nien had taken .a deep interest in the success of the steeplechases, and had kindly placed at the Committee’s dis posal the use of their paddocks. He had no doubt the toast would be as heartily received as the urbanity of the President and Vice-President deserved. (Hear, hear.) Mr. H. I'. Smith responded in his characteristically humorous style. Mr. James Wilkie had the honor of proposing the toast of “ The Stewards.” Through the work done by the stewards that day, the labors and responsibility of the committee had been considerably lightened. They had relieved tire committeeof the responsibility of settling the only dispute that had arisen that day, and he was glad to say that the meeting had been the most suc cessful of any he had yet seen in New Zealand, and he had seen not a few county race meetings in the colon)’. He had to tender the apologies of Mr. J. C. Wason, M.H.R., for absence from the dinner. It would have aftorded the member for Coleridge much plea

! sure to have been present, but pressing j and unavoidable business had called | him away. It was with deep regret, too, that he had to refer to an unfortunate accident in connection with the day’s amusement, but hoped the injury Mr. Thompson had received when riding Faugh-a-Baliag’n in the Hunt Cup, would soon be got over. He was sure every one present was deeply sorry for the mishap. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman acknowledged the toast on behalf of the stewards.

Dr. Kesteven had the most pleasant toast of the evening. Whatever Mr. Wilkie had said regarding the Stewards, the success of the meeting had been brought about by the efforts of the Committee. Everything had been well arranged and conducted, and this had been brought about by great attention or, their part, much time spent in pre liminary meetings to make arangements, and by a large share of work. He had much pleasure indeed in proposing the health of the Committee, and coupled with it the name of Mr. Crisp. Mr. E. G. Crisp was thankful for the honor done him, but they ought to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and the name that ought to have been coupled with the toast was that of Mr. S. Saunders, who had attended every meeting and worked hard, as also had Mr. Bristo, whose labors had been unremitting. Mr. Crawley proposed “ The Win ners ” in a neat speech, coupling with lire toast the name of Mr. Compton. Tire Hunt Cup, won by Mr. E. Saunders on Barry Lyndon, was here presented to Mr. S. Saunders in the absence of Iris brother.

Mr. Compton replied to tire toast of “ The Winners,” as did also Mr. S. Saunders. The toasts of “ The Officials ” and “ Tire Losers ” were then given and responded to, when an alarm of fire brought tire convivial meeting to an abrup t term i nat i on.

EXPLOSIVE KEROSENE.

_____ It will be remembered that in the beginning of May an accident occurred in Wellington through tire bursting of a kerosene lamp. Tire grocer who sold the oil used in the lamp has been ac quitted by the Wellington R.M. of a charge against hint of selling petro leum not marked “ dangerous.” The action was brought for tire purpose of bringing the Dangerous Goods Act into notice. The following letter was put in as evidence, and may be both in teresting and instructive to users of kerosene lamps : “ Office of the Devoe Manufacturing “ Company, New York, “ November 22, 1577.

“ Messrs. Arkell, Tufts, and Co.— Gents, —Having reference to your note of 2 ist insaut, in which you call atten tion to the complaints in regard to our oil made by your friends. . . . We are at a loss to account for any apparent deterioration in quality by any want of care or fore Jr ought in manufacture, and let us add that we have not spared ex pense to have the opinions and tests of the best chemists and refiners. Assum ing, then, that there have been actual

causes for complaint, let us seek for some explanations, xst. In some cases tire oil is said to splutter. This would indicate the presence of water. Now, may there not have been some careless ness on the other side in this regard. It would be next to impossible for water to be mixed with the oil before leaving our warehouse. 2nd. Is there not some difficulty with the lamps or the care of them ? We often find that lamps are imperfect : that the wicks do not fit the tubes : that the lamps are filled day after day without emptying the oil out, which Iras practically been submitted to continuous distillation, and may thus have deposited heavy matter which it is difficult to consume. We always ad vise consumers to empty out tire oil be fore re-filling There is another sugges tion which might be made, and which we dislike even to hint at, but when we know that our cans have been made an article of commerce, then we are justi fied in suggesting that there is chance for fraud. There is, perhaps, another cause tending to produce complaints, and that is that more of what is known as water white oil, 1)0 test, has been offered in the market, and consumers

having become accustomed to this, are demanding more from tire usual grades than they should be expected to ac comphshed. This oil we put up under the brand of Nonpareil. In conclusion, we may add that these complaints usually Gonre when there is a decline in prices, and we hope that they will soon disappear, at any rate, we are willing to pay for tire oil and the expense of re turn, if you will have forwarded to us out of any shipment complained of, an unopened can.—We are, &c., Jas. McGee. Pres.”

TELEGRAPHIC

[By Submarine Cable.]

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

The Eastern Situation.

May 28. Prince Bismarck invites the Powers to the Congress, which is expected to meet on June 11. The whole treaty is to be submitted.

It was officially stated in Parliament that the prospects of peace had mate rially improved. In the match Australian Cricketers v. the Marylebone Club the first innings of the latter closed for thirty-three, and the first innings of the Australians for forty one. The second innings of the Marylebone Club totalled nineteen. The Australians’ bowling was very effective. The match was won by the Australians with nine wickets to go down. Spofforth took eleven wickets for twenty runs, and Boyle eight wickets for seventeen runs. There was a very large attendance.

(.Special to the Wellington Post.)

London, May 27. The war excitement is subsiding. The Government state that the prospects of peace, resulting from the meeting of the European Conference, are materially improved. The Australian cricketers defeated the Marylebone Club at Lord’s ground by nine wickets. Spofforth’s bowling proved terribly destructive to the Eng lish players, and he took xi wickets for only 20 runs. There was a numerous attendance of spectators, and the ex citement was the greatest on record. The result has created immense astonish ment throughout the whole kingdom. Earl Russell is dead. Consols, 97 1 /.

AUSTRALIAN.

SVdney, May 29,

The Premier speaking at Wollongong, said it was absolutely necessary that taxation should be increased as the Coiony was now living on its capital. Flour has fallen ss. per ton.

INTERPROVINCIAL

[Ter Press Agency.]

Auckland, Wednesday.

At a meeting of the Waitemata County Council, Mr. Dihvorth said he had been informed by the member for Waitemata only this morning that the Government were making arrangements for the employment of 20.000 Natives, at 1 os. per day, for the construction of the railway from Waikato to Taranaki. The Council resolved to represent again to the Government the evil of delay in letting the middle contract of the Kai para railway. A letter from Mr. Mac andrew, re the vete of ,£40,000 for the provincial district of Auckland, states that payment thereof depended on the loan being negotiated by Mr. Larnach. Wellington, Wednesday.

Sir George Grey and Mr. Sheehan arrived in the Hinemoa this afternoon.

The Hinemoa takes the Governor, Lord Hervey Phipps, Captain Ivlaling, and Mr. Sheehan, to-morrow to Lyttel ton.

The Governor will stay in Canterbury about ten days. Mr. Sheehan goes to Kaiapoi to settle some Native dispute. Hokitika, Wednesday.

The Union Bank of Australia shipped per Tararua 2456 ounces of gold, the produce of this district. '•

TIIE EVENING ECHO, THURSDAY, MAY 3c, 1878.