SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OP LYTTELTON. ARRIVALS. Oct. 28 Albion, s,s., from Wellington SAILED. Oct. 28—Albion, s.s., for Port Chal mers. EXPECTED ARRIVALS. From London—Lady Jocelyn, Euterpe, Knowsley Hall (M.K.J.R.), Hurunui, Hereford, Southcsk, and Waitara. From Newcastle —Surprise, Australian Sovereign, and Tasso. From New York via Wellington—Her mes. From New York —Annabel. From Mauritius—Jasper. From Wellington—Taiaroa, This Day ; Rotomahana, Nov. 1 ; Wanaka, Nov. 3. From Port Chalmers Waitaki, Oct. 29 ; Hawea, Nov. 1. From Manukau—Taiaroa, Oct, 30. From New York, via Port Chalmers —Esmeralda. From Melbourne Ringarooma, Oct. 27 ; Tararu a, Nov. 6. From the Sounds —Esther. From Sydney —Rotomahana, Nov. 1. From Glasgow—Remonstrant. From Calcutta —Bruce,

COMMERCIAL.

Ashburton Herald Office, Thursday afternoon.

The usual fortnightly stock sale was held on Tuesday afternoon. The entries were more numerous, and the lines quitted showed a much better demand. Prices for stores have advanced 15 per cent owing to the quantity of pasture now in the dis trict. Fat cattle have also improved in value : sheep are not so much in demand : pigs realised good prices. The following is a summary of. the day’s transactions : Messrs Acland, Campbell, and Co. dis posed of about twenty head of cattle at the following rates—cows, £5 53 to £6 t ; and £8 5s to £lO ; heifers, £4 to £8 ; sheep, crossbreds, 8s Gd. Messrs Bullock & Co. sold ten head of stores at prices ranging from £4 15s to £7. Messrs Matson & Co. had about 140 head entered and succeeded in disposing of 118. Springers, from £5 to £5 7s 6d ; small calves, 25s ; yearling steers in good condition, £3 17s 6d to £4 17s 6d, year ling heifers, £3 2s Gd ; dry cows, £6 15s ; good milkers up to £ll ; and a lot of suck ing pigs from 20s to 255. Mr Alfred Harrison disposed of heifers from £5 to £7 and pigs at 30s.

COMMERCIAL REPORT.

FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 28, 1879,

(From our Christchurch Correspondent. ) . I have to report a very limited business in grain during the past week. This state of affairs must of course be looked for at this season of the year, when produce generally has passed out of the hands of the farmers, or gone into consumption. Added to this, the demand for seed has become almost nil.

One feature in the past week’s transac tions I consider should not be overlooked in our attempt to investigate the signs of the times. Insurance and Bank shares have shown considerable animation, more particularly in N. Z. Bank, N. Z. Insur ance, South British and Union Insurance shares. I think this, above all others, shows that capitalists and investors have every confidence in the soundness of the policy adopted by these institutions, and and that they believe better times must follow a good harvest. At a meeting of the creditors in the estate of Mein, butcher, of Christchurch, a statement giving an account of the work ing of the business for six months under inspectorship does not, on the face of it, show profitably for the trustees. In fact, according to the balance sheet submitted, there is an actual loss of several hundred pounds on the transactions. I understand an offer was submitted by a gentleman who has far and away the largest interest in the estate, of about equal to 4s 2d in the £, and after considerable discussion among the creditors it was accepted, after some slight modification. Some few failures have been gazetted during the iveek, mostly small traders and . mechanics. However, as retrenchment is now the order of the day, I hope in a short time to see the last of these “ black spots in our morning papers. ” The Association for the fostering, en couraging, and protection of native in dustries is evidently making itself felt, although all must admit this is a subject open to a variety of opinions, both for and against. I consider a very large amount of good may result from their well-di rected endeavors to create an interest in a subject affecting the welfare of every new country, viz., —What shall we do with our surplus labor, and how best utilise the splendid resources of New Zealand ? I belive a communication has already been received from the Coni jnittee appointed by the General Assembly to consider the question, and that the representatives of the different industries are holding meetings nearly every even ing, so as to place their views before the Committee at an early date. Some anxiety is felt for the safety of the ship Knowsley Hall, now some hundred and fifty days out from London, and I believe I am correct in stating that up to the present time she has not been spoken since her departure from England. I hear she was deeply laden with railway iron and a general cargo, and had on board about 50 passengers. I sin cerely trust she may shortly put in an appearance, and so relieve the minds of many colonists who have friends on board. The wheat market, if anything, is slightly firmer. In barley I have heard of a consi derable parcel having been disposed of at equal to 5s Gd for fair medium quality. I anticipate a few small lots being offered shortly now the planting is nearly com pleted. The oat market feels the effect of the low rates ruling, both in Sydney and Melbourne, which usually absorb a large proportion of our surplus stock. I fear, unless some unforeseen circumstance should transpire, oats must open very low to induce speculators to operate to anyextent. I note from a perusal of late Sydney files sound prime oateu hay fetches as hfeb as £8 per ton. This fact should eDcd^ va Q r - our farmers to push our West Coast, by cutting some of ußTearly sown crops, and taking a Ivantage of the high prices ruling else where. Potatoes still command extreme prices, several sales having come under my I

notice at £6. Ido not remember, to have seen stocks so thoroughly cleared out for years, and anticipate a further rise before it is possible to supply our requirements with new potatoes from the north. Salted hides are of better value, and have advanced in Sydney and Melbourne about to equal to id to jfd per lb, and re main firm at quotations.

Rye Grass ~3 9 » 4 6 Flour, best town brands, £l3 per ton. Sharps, £3 10s. Bran, £4 15s. Ba.ley meal, £'s 5 S > Potatoes, £6 to £6 10s. per ton. Onions, £l6 per ton, for prime ; inferior, no sale. Cheese, 6y£d to 6^d. Butter, 1 id. Bacon, lojJd, for mixed cases. Meadow hay, £4. 15s. Straw, £3. Salted Hides, 3d to 3%d. Butchers Fat, ij4d. to ■. Woolpacks, in trade parcels, 2s 8d to 2s 9d. Cornsacks, 7s to 7s 3 c b Best twine, is 3d.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1879.

When the Grey party had succeeded in winning over Messrs Shephard and Pyke from the side of Government, by the aid of these coquettish politicians they lifted up in triumph their previously desponding heads. They could then point to the narrowest possible majority in their favor, and howl against the Government for holding place “ when they had not the con fiienceofthe House.” The Grey party had nothing to say against the political morality of either Mr Pyke or Mr Shep hard, and were in no way anxious that the reasons for those gentlemen’s change of side should be placed upon the housetop. Strong in tlie strength supplied by their recruits they placed a no-confidence motion on the Order Paper, and howled defiance. They were sure that the knell of the Hall Government had been sounded, and secure in that belief they proceeded to set their Ministry in order to begin work on the Ministerial Benches at an early date. But “ the best laid schemes o’ mice and men gang aft agley,” and soon the joyous and cheery faces of the ex pectant Ministers began to look woe begone. Tired of the humbug that was stone-walling the real business of the session, and seeing what was patent to everyone not wilfully blind, that for a time at least the ablest man on the Opposition was unable to obtain a working majority, and that no chance whatever remained of such a majority ever follow ing the common herd of inferior men who had pretended to take his place, four Auckland men consulted the best interests of the country and the constituents they represented, and cast in their lot with tlie party in power. Then the storm burst. It was no political wrong for Messrs Shephard and Pyke to play fast and loose with hustings promises. They were perfectly justified, of course, in being untrue to the votes that had sent them to Parliament, and the fact that they had joined the Grey side was sufficient palliation for being untrue. But for four of the more respectable of their own party to dare think for themselves, and see through the hollow sham of the Macandrew make shift, was akin to treason, and all tlie wrath which Sir George can enshrine in the very modest and quiet language, lie is so | noted for indulging in, was poured forth 1 by the doughty chief. liis followers joined in the chorus of execration with voices j less tuneable, and language less choice, ’ and all that could well be said against the Auckland seceders, great deal more

than ought to have been said, they got the full benefitof, Government of coui'se coming in for an unlimited share of abuse. But Mr Macandrew was now Jo eaten—beaten with his own weapons. He and Sir George Grey had angled for Messrs Pyke and Shephard. The anglers baited with a large worm, and the bait took. To the Hall net came the four Auckland votes, and sides were at once changed. The triumphant Opposition became a very much disheartened Opposition, with a very ominous limpness in the upper lip. But it is tlie country and not the Go vernment, that reaps the benefit of tlie Auckland contingent of seceders. All business stopped will now go on, for the Opposition seeing no possible chance of carrying tlieir No-Confidence motion have wisely withdrawn it, and the Government have magnanimously allowed them to do so. Now the way is cleared for legisla tion. Tlie financial position of the colony, and the state of native affairs may now be got at and dealt with, seeing that the question of party for the time being settled. There ai’e, of course, the other Liberal measures of which we heard so much, and these will come in time ; but the great question for Parlia ment to conside at this moment is finance, and the colony will look anxiously for the financial policy of the Government now in power. It will be a difficult task for them to extricate the colony from the mess which is the country’s inheritance from the Grey Ministry.

The Mayoralty.— A strong requisition is to be presented to Mr Hugo Friedlander to stand for the Mayoralty of Ashburton. He will have the support of all tlie mem bers of the Borough Council save one. New Business- —Mr S. Steele has just commenced business as a livery stable keeper, and has opened the Western Horse Repository, lately occupied by Mr J. C. Bell, in Tailored street. Parties wishing a drive out can be accommodated, if they choose, with any kind of convey ance, and can have a choice of any kind of steed from a donkey to a high stepper.

of Roads. —We notice that Mr Win. J. Silcock lias commenced his contract for the maintenance of roads in the Wakanui district. The Wakanui road is tlie first he is operating on, and it promises to be considerably improved in appearance by liis method of working it.

R. M. Court. —At the R.M. Court to morrow the warriors in a certain localist’s “ battle of Isandula ” will fight their battles o’er again, and there will be other cases of some interest.

The Old Men’s Home.— Last night a very interesting entertainment was given to the inmates of the Old Men’s Home by a few ladies and gentlemen resident in the town. It consisted of vocal and instru mental music, etc., well rendered by the performers and palpably appreciated by the audience. Mr. T. R. Hodder acted as chairman. Ashburton Races.— We would remind our sporting friends that entries and nominations for the various races at the Ashburton meeting will close at 4 p.m. to-morrow, addressed to the Secretary, Mr Wilkie, at the Somerset Hotel.

Longbeach Road Board.— The usual me j ting of the Longbeach Road Board will be held on Saturday at Willowby School. For the first time for years, there will be no works to let, or tenders to con sider.

Pedestrianism.— The match for £lO a side, between Forward of Temuka, and C. Risely of Wakanui, has dropped through, Risely’s backers forfeiting the deposit, but as the men will be sure to meet on Boxing Day, tlieir admirers will have an opportunity of seeing them have a spin together.

A Lecture which was not Delivered. —We wonder what poor Wakanui has done that it should have to bear the blame of being the hailing place of Mr Philip M'Guire. It is only quite recently that Mr M'Guire became known to fame and then it was a fame of a very question able character. Some three months ago he essayed a lecture at Wakanui, and succeeded is causing much amusement to the crowd of villagers who assembled to hear him, and no end of a newspaper correspondence followed the exploit. We could only gather from that correspon dence what Mr M'Guire’s peculiar line is in the lecture business, and we were prepared certainly to hear something very extraordinary when we saw the Town Hall lit up last night and learned who was to be the orator. On going down to tlie hall ive had tlie honor of making the acquaintance of the unique individual. He informed us that he intended to lecture on “Damna tion and Religion generally but as yet the gentleman who was to have been chairman had not put in an appearance, and the “lecturer” was beginning to get “ fidgetty,”and well he might, as this was three quarters of an hour after the adver tised time for beginning. Up to this time only five persons had attended to form an audience, and after waiting for another half hour, Mr M'Guire resolved not to “ waste liis wind upon four walls.” Seiz ing a huge stick he took . a march across the platform. He then laid down the “ twig,” and picked up from behind tlie stage flies a big black bottle. With the air of a conjurer he filled a tumbler from this black bottle, and advancing to the front of the stage announced with a flourish that as there would be no “speech” that evening he would propose a toast. He did so. It was of too blasphemous a nature for us to quote, so that it will neither edify nor otherwise our readers. After delivering himself of the toast Mr M'Guire took his dram and strode away. If the “lecturer” has any friends in Wakanui or elsewhere we ■would commend him to their care, and would express a hope that the Town Hall will not again be opened to lecturers like Mr M'Guire.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, Oct. 30. The ivliale skip Canton called off Russell and reports getting 1,000 barrels sperm oil since here in June last.

A bushman named Chas. Hopkins, at Waikehe, narroivly escaped bleeding to death through his axe glancing off a tree and going deeply into his leg. When lie

reached liis mates lie fainted from loss of blood.' A memorial expressing tlie confidence of the electors of Newton in Mr Swanson was in circulation to-day, and received a large number of signatures. William Crawford lias been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for beating Iris wife and breaking lier ribs. She was brought to Court in a cab. The Chairman of the City West meeting received a telegram to-day from Mr Hurst declining to resign, and stating time would justify liis conduct. A committee of the Working Men’s Political Association are engaged in revis ing the tariff. The composition of the City West meet ing was decidedly of Newton electors. It was resolved to adopt a memorial to Mr Swanson, expressing confidence in him, and thus preclude non-electors taking part. It is confidently expected signatures of 800 to 1000 registered Newton electors will be obtained.

Freights are advancing in shipping. There is some difficulty in getting vessels for the timber and coal trade to Southern ports Wellington, Oct. 30.

A sharp shock of earthquake was felt here at 2.20 a.m. The direction was from north to south.

The Licensed Victuallers banquet last night to the delegates attending the Con ference was a great success.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT'S CABLEGRAMS

( Reuter's Telegrams. J

London, Oct. 26.

The ship Indiana, which sailed from the Mauritius on July 5, with tlie sound portion of the cargo (wheat) of the Sophia Joakin, ship, from Adelaide, has arrived.

London, Oct. 27.

The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,600,000 quarters. Adelaide wheat, 49s Gd per 4951b5, ex warehouse. Adelaide flour, 32s per 280 lbs, ex warehouse ; brandy, 9s 9d. The Garonne’s mail, via Brindisi, was delivered to-day.

Oct. 28.

Subscriptions to the Canterbury Church Loan amount to £36,000, ranging from 105 to 107§. The balance is offered at 105.

Berlin, Oct. 28.

At the opening of tlie German Parlia ment a loan was proposed to cover the deficit in the revenue. No allusion was made to foreign policy. Constantinople, Oct. 28. Midhat Pasha’s resignation has been withdrawn.

[Argus special.)

London, Oct. 27.

There is much discussion in the foreign Press relative to the form and object of the A ustro-German alliance, which is generally believed to be merely defensive.

(Herald Special. )

London, Oct. 27.

In addressing a political meeting Sir M. Hicks-Beacli denounced Mr Bright’s re marks respecting tlie land agitation in Ireland as calculated to increase the wide spread spirit of sedition.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Special.)

Sydney, Oct. 28.

Parliament was opened to-day by the Governor, who, in his speech on the occa sion, promised the introducing of the following measures : Amendment in the land, electoral, education, aud licensing laws. He stated that proposals would be submitted to carry out works for a water supply to the metropolis, iurther railway extension in the Provinces, and extension of the suburban tramway. Lord Loftus, in alluding to the International Exhibi tion, stated that it ivas an undoubted success.

A destructive fire has occurred in Larkin’s produce store. Damages are es timated at £BOO.

Sailed—Hero, for Auckland. Melbourne, Oct. 29. Caspian is tlie favorite for tlie Derby at 3 to 1.

The South Australian mail proposals have been refused. The Victorian reply states that Government is wholly free from any desire to obtain an undue advantage over the neighboring Colony. Java telegrams report a further advance in sugar, and London telegrams aconsider rise in tea.

Tlie largest wool sales ever held in Australia took place to-day. Messrs Goldsborough offered over 8000 bales. The competition was keen, especially among American buyers. Two ships are now on the berth for Boston to take cargoes of wool direct. France and Germany are considerable buyers.

Government have notified that if tlie Sandhurst mines are not kept at work the leases will be cancelled.

The Legislative Council lias passed a Bill for reforming tlie constitution of the Council, and it has been introduced into tlie Assembly. The Legislative Council have read a second time a Bill for the Con fiscation of Lands. Sailed—Tararua. Hobarton, Oct. 29.

The Ministry have resigned, and a new Ministry lias been formed by Mr Gablin.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Oct. 28.

At a largely-attended meeting of the City West electors last night, the follow ing resolutions were carried—(l) That Mr Hurst, having been elected to act with the Auckland party, and having deserted the same, this meeting calls upon Mr Hurst to support that party or resign his seat for City West ; and (2) That the Chairman be requested to wire the resolution both to Sir George Grey and to Mr Hurst. An amendment that the City West electors had not confidence in Mr Macandrew was lost, as also an amendment to postpone consideration of action.

Grahamstov. n, Oct. 28.

At the Court this morning a lad named Gordon was fined £1 for throwing sulphuric acid on some children for a lark. Two had their clothing destroyed, and were slightly burnt.

Regarding tl}e suicide of yesterday, it is reported Rent’s father has also shot himself.

Wellington, Oct. 28,

Frank Nicholson, collector for “Punch,” was charged at the police court with em bezzling £25 15s 6d, money collected, and was committed for trial.

The delegates of the Licensed Vic tuallers’ Association closed their business to-day. Nothing has yet been made public. They hold a banquet this even ing.

C HRISTCHURCH , Oct. 28.

An address was being circulated in Lyttelton to-day expressing satisfaction at Mr Allwright’s action, and confidence in his integrity.

Saunders was remanded to Tirnaru to day. Bail was allowed, himself in £SOO, and two sureties of £250 each.

There are now 51 patients in the Hospital.

Timaru, Oct. 28.

The cattle show to-day has been in every way a great success. The weather throughout has been excellent, and nearly 5000 people attended, the visitors from the country attending in very large numbers, many of them from a great dis tance. Although the number of entries was a trifle lower than for last year’s Show, as a whole the exhibits were greatly superior, especially in merino sheep, cattle, an<R draught horses—markedly in stallions.

The Jewish Bazaar is proving a great success.

Arrived—Wanganui, s. s., ape] Beauti ful Star, s.s., from Dunedin. Sailed—George Noble, barquentine, for Auckland ; Annie Bow, barquentine, for Melbourne ; Beautiful Star, for Dune din ; Wanganui, for Lyttelton.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

from our own correspondent,

Wellington, Oct. 28.

After two days of frantic abuse of the four Auckland members, the House has suddenly subsided into a peaceful state of mind. Mr Macandrew allowed his No- Confidence motion to lapse, and actually expressed a desire to get on with business, which he and his party have lately been so determined to prevent. Mr Colbeck made his maiden speech yesterday, after great provocation, which was a very damaging one to his assailants. He pointed out clearly that whilst Sir George Grey coidd not command a ma jority of the House, none of the four other would-be leaders could command anything like as large a majority as Sir George Grey could, and therefore govern ment by that party was impossible. There is every appearance of business being got on with now as Messrs Macan drew and Sheehan have been plainly told by sevei’al members of their party that they will support no more attempts to ob struct public business. Mr Allwright has effected a simple and most important improvement in the ven ■ tilation of the House which has for years been prevented by the blundering of some wiseacre whose folly had not been dis covered until Mr Allwright pointed it out.

Wellington, Oct. 29.

Sir George Grey could only get 25 of his most manageable followers to go into the lobby with him this afternoon in sup port of the Committee which he got Mr Hamlin to propose, to enquire into the correspondence, which he knew perfectly well had no existence. The paper held by Mr Swanson, it appears, is a private paper written by himself, and marked confiden tial ; but it has been seen by members, and its contents have been explained to the House by both Mr Swanson and Mr Reader Wood. It requests the Govern ment to undertake that the principal measures shall be passed ; that the educa tion system shall not be interfered with by the Government ; acting on Mi- Hall's own known views, that Auckland shall have a Member on the Ministerial Benches, which is to be Mr Swanson him self, and that Auckland shall be treated on an equality with the rest of the colony, both in schools and public works. No one denies the provisions, or doubts for one moment that any Govern ment would have consented to them, or that the Greyites would have promised far more. But as Mr Colbeck and his friends are men who can see more than an inch before them, they saw that the Greyites without Grey were nowhere, and that with him they could not command a majority of the House, hence those who wanted to obtain what they consider justice to their province had to support those who alone could give it to them. Oct. 30. Mr Wright got the Ashburton Water works Bill through committee between 12.30 and 1 this morniug, with a few very slight and unimportant alterations. The Licensing Bill passed through its second reading last evening without division, after about 3 hours debate. The most violent opposition came from Mr Andrews, but he had to admit to Mr Saunders that he had not even read the provisions he objected to. Two or three orders of the day were got through before the House rose at 1.10 this morning. The House evidently means business now with the exception of Sir George Grey himself, who would of course like to still be the centre of atten tion for the House.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tuesday, October 28, 1879. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30. CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION". Mr Fulton, Chairman of the Christ church Election Petition Committee, brought up a report finding Sir G. Grey occupied the seat illegally. Mr. Tole moved —“ That the report and . proceedings lie on the table until enquiries are made as to whether or not the proceed ings of the Committee had been done according to law. ” He said that on the votes being taken, one member neglected to record his vote until the following day, thereby exposing himself to the risk of being tampered with. Mr Fulton said that the statement made in support of the motion was not in accord ance with the facts of the case.

Sir G. Grey argued that, having been returned by the votes of 1350 electors, if unseated and Mr Richardson’s election confirmed, the electors would be practi cally disfranchised.

The motion w?vs negatived on the voices, and the report ordered to bo placed on the official records of the House. The Hon. E. Richardson’s presence wa then summoned, and he was formally in ducted into the seat for Christchurch.

THE DEFECTION OF THE AUCKLAND MEM-

Mr. Hislop gave notice of a question relative to the terms made by Govern ment for securing the support of the four Auckland members, together with all particulars of the works upon wfliich the money said to have been promised for hat support was to be spent.

The Hon. J. Hall tabled a document in conformity with a motion calling upon Government to produce all coirespondence that had passed between the Government and the four Auckland members, dealing with the conditions upon which their support wars obtained. The document was read, stating that no such corre spondence had been found in connection with the official records.

Sir George Grey stated that the docu ment was simply an evasion, asserting that it was well known that correspondence had passed between the said parties.

Mr. Hamlin moved the election of a Select Committee to inquire into the matter, with power to call for persons and papers, and take evidence on oath.

The Hon. J. Hall maintained that the motion was irregular, inasmuch as it aimed at the production of documents wliich formed no part of the public busi ness.

Mr. Swanson said that, so far as he was concerned, he had no objection what ever, to the production of the corre spondence.

Mr. Colbeck defended his conduct in the affair, and charged the Opposition with having deposed Sir George Grey from the leadership, when in point of fact he was the only one that could lead them. Finding the public business ob structed, and no apparent chance of being proceeded with, he had gone over to the side of the Government for the sole pur pose of solving the difficulty that had arisen.

The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 p. m. adjournment.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. WITHDRAWAL OF THE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION. On the motion to go into Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. Macandrew said in consequence of his party having been deserted by certain members on whom they relied, he had determined upon withdrawing the No confidence motion standing in his name. The Hon. John Hall, in acquiescing in the application, said that all Government had aimed at was to allow their policy to be brought before the country. After passing a formal resolution, allowing the issue of a Deficiency Bill, the House resumed the No-Conficlence mo tion, but as Mr. Macandrew did not wish to move it, the Speaker declared it lapsed. The Orders of the Day were then re sumed, and Mr. Rolleston moved the second reading of the Land Act Amend ment Bill, the debate on wliich proceeded till it was interrupted by the 10.30 ad journment.

Wednesday, Oct. 29. The House met at 2.30. CORRUPT PRACTICES. Sir George Grey gave notice of motion to introduce a Bill to prevent corrupt practices in Parliament. THE HONORARIUM. Mr Moss gave notice to move that the honorarium paid to Members should he fixed by statute. DUNEDIN LAW COURTS. "Replying to questions, The Premier said that the recommen dations of the Dunedin Law Society for a simpler and less expensive Higher Court procedure would be considered, but it was not probable Government would introduce a Bill this session. UNIVERSITY FOR THE NORTH ISLAND. Regarding measures for providing for a University in the North Island, no steps were intended to be taken this session. POLICE. It was intended to place all members of the police force in the several Provincial districts on an equal footing regarding long service pay. THE AGENT GENERAL. It was not proposed to interfere with Sir Julius Vogel’s appointment as Agent- General. LAEOR AGENCIES.

The Government recognised the import ance of arrangements at each police station

to keep a list of persons desirous of em ploying labor, also of persons in search of employment, or otherwise to facilitate the interchange of such information. ANOTHER SOP TO WESTLAND.

Government was now in communication on the subject of an advance of money to enable the Hokitika Harbor Board to pro ceed with existing contracts TRAMWAYS IN AUCKLAND..

Mr M'Caughan introduced a Bill to enable the County Councils of Southland and Wallace to construct light district railways or tramways. THE AUCKLAND COMPACT.

The interrupted debate for the produc tion of the correspondence relative to the compact between the Government and certain Auckland members was resumed by Mr Lundon, who supported the pro duction of the correspondence.

Mr Macandrew spoke in similar terms. He said Government owed Otago two and a half millions of money, and if compacts similar to that alloged were made with all the provincial districts the position of affairs would be very critical indeed. On the motion being put—“ That the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the motion,” 38 voted with the Ayes, and 25 with the Noes. The following was the division list: —

Ayes.—3B. Andrews Murray Atkinson Oliver Bain O’Rorke Beetham Pitt Brandon Richardson Bryce Rolleston Colbeck Russell Dick Saunders Fulton Seymour Gibbs Stevens Hall Studholme Hurst (Wallace) Sutton Hurst (Auckland W.) Swanson ITursthouse Trimble Kelly Whitaker Kenny White Mason Willis Masters Wood , M £ Lean Wright

Noes,—2s, Allwright ’ ' a Macandrew Ballance . : M‘ Donald Barron Montgomery Brown Moss Bunny Reid De Latour Seddou Fisher (Heatlicote) Speight George . Tawliai Grey, Sir George Thomson Hamlin Tole Harris Turnbull Ireland Wallis Lundon

A HOMETHRUST. The following motion tabled bv Mr M‘Lean was called. y

On account of the hardening efFect the exemption of all taxation has had .n>n,,the human mind the Island of Kawau be in cluded within the boundaries of the County of Rodney. Sir George Grey complained of th'e nn-" fairness of such a motion being tabled, the mover not presenting himself to support it. Kawau he maintained was properly exempted from the County system. He had been instrumental in defeating an at tempt on the part of Messrs M‘Lean and Whitaker, to secure a large tract of native f land on unfair terms. Ever since, they v had pursued him with unrelenting hos- ' tility; some days ago M‘Lean spoke of scandals that were to he disclosed against the late Government, but no such revela tions had been made. He thought mem bers should be protected from such gratuitous insults. EVENING SITTING. Wellington, Oct. 29. In the House last night the debate con tinued on the Local Option Bill. Mr Andrews opposed it, thinking Go vernment should bring forward a complete matured measure instead of such a crude and unsatisfactory one. Mr Pyke agreed with Messrs Dick and Oliver approved the principle, though the Bill could be amended in Committee. Messrs Pitt, Fulton, and J. T. Fisher, concurred with Mr Fulton, saying the Bill would come from the Committee so altered as to be unrecognisable. Mr Speight supported the Bill, but op posed compensation, as did also Mr Hurst liouse.

Mr Stewart spoke strongly in favor of compensation.

Alter further debate the second reading was agreed to. °

The Resident Magistrate’s Act Amend ment, and the Ashburton County Council Waterworks Bills were partially con sidered in Committee, and the House rose at 1.10. ■■

Ashburton Caledonian Society.

A meeting of the Caledonian Society was held at Quill’s Hotel, yesterday even ing. Mr W. Anderson in the chair. The secretary detailed the previous w ork done by the society and recom mended an amalgamation between the old Sports Committee and the society, so as to work amicably together, with the object

of getting up the sports in a manner which would be a credit to the district, and the first question to settle was whether an amalgamation should take place. Mr Wilkie proposed—“Thatas the Win slow meeting has hitherto been held on New Year’s Day (and is fixed for date this year), and the Ashburton spor ts' on Boxing Day, this meeting considers the latter date to he the most likely to be successful. He said as the Winslow sports were now a time honored institu tion and had this year been fixed for New Year’s Day, and- the late Sports Committtee had always held their meet ing on Boxing Day, it would be an unwise proceeding to alter the dates, as the two places were only some five miles apart. Although the Caledonian Society” were supposed to look upon New Year’s Day as their special holiday, it would be a grace ful act on their part to give way to the Winslow Sports Committee and adopt Boxing Day for the holiday. ” Mr G. M. Robinson, in seconding the resolution said that as a Scotchman, he, of course preferred New Year’s Day as a holiday, but as Winslow had prior claim to hold its annual meeting on that occa sion, he was willing to give way. The question was then put, and carried unani mously.

A discussion then ensued as to the advisableness of amalgamating the. old Sports Committee with the Caledonian Society, and Mr C. Reid explained that at the last meeting of the Sports Com mittee they virtually wound up their affairs, and were to all intents and pur poses defunct.

Mr Parkin proposed that the sports be held in the Domain.

Seconded by Mr G. M, Robinson, and carried.

Mr Harris proposed as an amend ment, that the sports be held on the race course.

Mr Fraser seconded,

Mr Harris withdrew his amendment, and the resolution was carried nem con. Mr Quill proposed, and Mr Reid seconded—“ That Messrs Anderson and Wilkie be appointed a deputation to wait on the Domain Board, to obtain permis sion to use the ground on Boxing day.” Mr John Fraser suggested that col lectors should be appointed to canvass the town, and he could speak of his own knowledge that if he had been supplied with a list he could have collected up wards of £2O in one day. Mr Quill proposed, and Mr Canning seconded Fraser, and the mover, be appointed a Committee to canvass for subscriptions, with power to add to their number.” Proposed by Mr Harris, and seconded by Mr Reid—“ That a Committee, con sisting of Messrs Reid, Anderson, John Fraser, and Quill, be appointed to draw up a programme for the sports on Boxing day, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Society, such pro gramme to be submitted to a general meeting on Wednesday, November 12th. Mr Reid called .attention to the fact that nine names were published in the rules as the directors, apd 'he could state positively that only seven had been elected.

The Secretary read the minutes which recorded the election of seven only, but it was explained that the other two members name:: were added subsequently, j * Mr Reid considered that an illegal act had been committed, as the two names were put on after the meeting had dis persed, and the record of the nominations was not on the minute book.

It uas deemed that the two names were Inserted in e.ror, but that they should uow remain and be approved of. ' ‘ The meeting then terminated*.

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'PHI ASHBURTON Herald



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