The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1879.

District Court:—Our report of the District Court sittings to-day is held over. ; Waterton Sports. The Waterton Sports Committee held a meeting on •Thursday evening last. _ Mr. Francis Doherty was elected Chairman. The dis posal of the privileges was discussed, and the publicans’ booth was offered to and accented by Mr. Doherty fora considera -4 ??Ski ? fee of LI 10s was fixed for re fresijlijSA booths, and it was decided not to aiwauy games of chance on the ground: ' The programme was adopted, and the final arrangements were postponed to an adjourned meeting, to be held on Friday next.

A Clever Capture. —Last night about 11 p. m. the police received information that a gold watch and chain, the property of Mr. Riugwood, had been stolen from his bedroom, in the Somerset Hotel. Mr. Shearman, the landlord of the .hotel, gave the information to Sergeant Pratt, who soon arrived, and at once arrested on suspicion a young man named Ford, who occupied the next room to complainant, he having been seen to enter Ringwood’a room previously. Ford denied all knowledge of the watch, and was ordered by the sergeant to strip, when the guard was found in Ford’s coat pocket. When the crucial test of stripping his trousers and drawei’S came, he was anxious to know whether the ser geant had not gone far enough. Mr. Pratt, however, thought he might as well take off all his clothes, and on the drawers being pulled clear of his heels, _ the watch dropped out.. Ford expressed his surprise, and said he was ignorant of the manner in which the watch could have got on his person. The sergeant thought he would be better cared for at the lock-up than at the Somerset, and accompanied him to the depot. This morning he was brought up before his Worship the Mayor and pleaded not guilty. He was, on the application of the police, who knew something further to the, prisoner’s disad vantage, remanded till Friday. A Bolt.— About 3 o’clock this after noon a six-horse team belonging to Messrs. Gould and Cameron, which had just been harnessed to a Clayton and Shuttleworth’s Combine at the railway station bolted, the driver having the reins on the leaders and shaft horses. They started so suddenly that the driver was thrown on his back, and the leading reins became entangled in his feet, and he was dragged about a hundred yards, taking an involuntary bath on his way in the water table in West street, when Mr. James M‘Rae pluckily ran to the leading horses’ heads and stopped'them, the driver having received no other damage than a thick coating of mud. His escape from being run over by the machine was a narrow one, as had the leading reins been of the proper length he would inevitably have been dragged under the wheels. School Examination. The Revs. Paige and Beattie commenced their ex amination to-day of the pupils attending the borough schools, and the prizes will be distributed on Monday, according to the examiner’s awards.

Our Telegraph Office. The “ Ga zette” announces that the Ashburton telegraph office will be open to the public until ten p.m. henceforth on the evenings of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This concession on the part of Govern ment will be a very great convenience to many business men. The Ball. —In consequence of the wet weather the ball announced to take place last evening did not take place, but will come off on Friday next.

Mail Coach.— Mr. George Willcocks, of the Wheatsheaf Hotel, announces that he will run the Royal Mail Coach be tween Ashburton and Longbeach from the commencement of the Hew Year, at considerably reduced rates, in order to place the coach within the service of all. We hope that farmers and others travell ing this way will patronise the coach, in order to make the undertaking a success. The time for leaving the several town ships along the road will be found in the advertisement columns.

Winslow Sports Committee. —The Committee of the Winslow Sports held a meeting at the Railway Hotel on Saturday evening. Present—Mr. Grant (in the chair, George James, John Williams, Hugh Rainey, and J. Rogers. Correspon dence was read from Mr. J. Ivess, offering to advertise the programme of the sports in the “ Mail ” for L 6, and from Messrs. Weeks and Dixon to advertise the same in the “Guardian” for L 4 10s., and in the ‘ ‘ Herald ” for L2 ss. After some deliber ation it was decided to give the work to the “Mail.” The Ashburton Brass Band offered their services, and it was resolved to accept L 1 0; such amount to cover all expenses. The Secretary reported that the funds of the Committee would amount to about LIOO, which amount would be available for prizes. Mr. W. Harris offered LG 6s. for a draught horse race, to be ridden in cart harness. After discus sion as to the likelihood of owners of good draught horses caring to enter for such a race it wvs altered with Mr. Harris’s con sent, to a Publicans’ Purse, confined to horses owned between the Ashburton and Hinds rivers. On the motion of Mr. James, it was decided to forbid horses training on the course for a week before the races, under pain of disqualification. The meeting then adjourned till the 27th inst.

What’s in a Name. —What is a name worth? A good deal apparently in the mind of Alfred Tennyson, who, says a writer in “ Truth,” is so fully alive to the magic charm of his patronymic that he has declined to become the heir of certain estates in Lincolnshire rather than ex change it for that of Turner. The Laureate’s eldest brother inherited Grasby Hall and some neighboring farms many years back, and for the sake of the LIOOO or L2OOO a year which they yielded he entirely dropped the Tennyson, and became the Rev. Charles Turner, a name which appears on the title-page of his book of sonnets. He died a few months ago, leaving no issue, and his wife followed him to the grave within a few weeks. The next heir is the Laureate, but he will not accept the condition which rigorously en forces the entire suppression of Tennyson. Doubtless there will be found a brother or a nephew, if not a son, willing to forego the prestige attached to the family name for the sake of a comfortable inheri tance ; but the succession, is still, I be lieve, unsettled “Tails, I Lose.” —A correspondent of the Melbourne Herald writes as follows:- — “ I was a fellow-prisoner of this Captain Moonlite in the Petitri.dge retreat, but regained my liberty before him. I well remember his last remark to m& on the day I left. * Jack,’ he said, ‘ when E g@t out, the first coin I get hold of I’ll spin it up ; if it comes down a head, I’ll turn bookmaker ; if tails, I’ll take to bushrang ing. ’ That it came tails the events of the last few days will demonstrate. But what a Glorious future would have been his Lad it°only come a head. Truly, * there is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them how we may.’ In the present ex citement this probably may be read with interest if you will publish same.”

Cricket. The following gentlemen have been selected to play in the match Ashburton v. Geraldine to-morrow, at Geraldine and they are requested to be punctually in attendance at the Railway station to proceed to Geraldine by the 7 a.in. train:—Messrs. Saunders, Den shire, Field, Broadbelfc, Whitley, A. Fooks, Hoddor, J. Ash wood, H. Fowler, S. Poyntz, T. Buchanan. Emergency men —W. H. Zoucli and E. Mayo.

TELEGRAPHIC.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’S TELLLKAMS.

Napier, Dec. 17

The trial of M'Lennan, for wife murder, continues. While cross-examining Dr. Spencer, Mr Lascelles was suddenly seized with severe palpitation of the heart, and the examination was adjourned until next day.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT'S CABLE 9-HAMS

( Reuter’s ) London, Dec. 13.

Later Cape news states that Moirosi has been killed and his stronghold cap tured.

Paris, Dec. 13.

The French Government, heartily co operating with the objects of the Mel bourne International Exhibition, have recommended a vote of money to assist the same.

The intensely cold weather in Paris is causing aggravated distress. Calcutta, Dec. 15. The Afghan losses were enormous. The British loss was 119.

General Roberts telegraphs that he in tends to attack again unless the enemy disperse. The latest news states that the Afghans have concentrated and advanced in great force. Continuous fighting has taken place on all sides of Cabul, and General Roberts has been compelled to summon reinforce ments from Gundamak and Jellalabad. Panama, Dec. 15. The.Chilians have been severely defeated at Tarapaca with the loss of 1,000.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, Dec. 16.

A meeting of stockholders and others has been called for to-morrow, to consider the desirability of the formation of a cold meat market.

News from Numea states that 1G con victs overpowered the guard, seized a Go vernment schooner and escaped. Arrived —Tararua and Agnes, from New Zealand.

Melbourne, Dec. 1G

Mr. Berry has received a memorandum from the Governor agreeing to a dissolu tion, put requiring that there should be no unnecessary delay Mr. Munro has withdrawn his motion.

The Opposition contend that Govern ment have precluded them from submit ting to the country proposals outside the present Bill.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERP&OVINCIAL.

Auckland. Dee. 16. Captain Lourie, pilot at Kaipara, lias been suspended by Government. At a monster meeting of unemployed, convened for to-night, 150 were present, principally Dempsey’s men. Mr. J. Brain presided, and a resolution was passed urging Government to go on with the Newmarket contract, and sub-let the railway reclamation contract, pending settlement of the dispute with the con tractor and his men. Resolutions were also carried against assisting immigration and working excavations with falls of more than twelve feet. The meeting was orderly. New Plymouth, Dec. 16.

The Taranaki Jockey Club have pub lished their programme for the races to be held on March 31 and April 1, 1880, as follows :—First day : Maiden Plate, 50 sovs. ; Handicap Steeplechase, 50 sovs. ; Taranaki J. C. Handicap, 250 sovs. Second day—Handicap Hurdle, 50 sovs. , Hack Hurdle, 20 sovs. ; Autumn Handi cap, 100 sovs. ; Selling Race, 30 sovs. ; Ladies Purse, 40 sovs. ; Consolation Stakes, 25- sovs. For the Taranaki Derby of 1883, for 3yr. olds, 100 sovs, nomina tions will close on April 10, 1880.

Nelson’ Dec. 10.

The Supreme Court was opened this morning before the Chief Justice. There were no criminal cases, and of several civil cases all had been held over for a future sitting except the case of Harper v. Harper, in which the wife sued for a judicial separation upon the grounds set forth in the .petition. The respondent admitted the several causes set out in the issues, and a verdict was therefore given for the petitioner. The question of alimony has not yet been settled. Dunedin, Dec. 16.

Among the Ringarooma’s passengers are Archbishop Steins, the newly ap pointed Roman Catholic Bishop of Auck land, and Mrs. J. B. Steele, the well known actress.

The Suez mail is expected to reach Dunedin by special train to-night. The examination of pupil teachers for the Provincial scholarships has com menced. There are forty candidates for the pupil teachers’ examination, and fifty for the scholarships, The total num ber of competitors for the Provincial scholarships amount to over 100. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning, before W. L. Simpson, Esq,, R. M., the petition of Messrs Walter, Finch, and James, praying that Mr. H. S. Fish, junr., be ousted from the position of Mayor of Dunedin, to which he was recently elected was heard. Mr. Maeassey, with him Mr. Stout, ap peared for the petitioners 5 Mr. Haggitt, with him Mr, F. R. Chapman, for Mr. Fish. Mr, Macassey in opening the case said the petition had been filed by Henry John Walter, James Fjnch, and James James. The first named was the defeated candidate at the recent Mayoral election, and the petition was lodged under the regulations of Local Elections Act of 1876, and the Municipal Corporations Act. The ground on which it challenged Mr Fish’s election was that he was not at the time capable of holding the office of Mayor, inasmuch as he was concerned as a sub-contractor in work then being performed fo? the Council. The

work in question consisted of painting unci glazing under Messrs Mercer and Ire.'/ s contract for tho erection of the Torn: .fea.l: in the Octagon. The Acts nc-vnug on the matter were the Regulation ot u oc:.n Ejec tions Act, the Municipal Corpora l , urns Act, and the Rating Act, all or which should undoubtedly be read together, and had a united operation. The nartioubu* por tion of the Municipal Corporat-rms Act on which the petition relied was sub section 4of clause Gl, which laid down that no person should be eligible for election who had any office, or place of profit under or in the gift of the Council, or was concerned in or participators in any contract or work to be done for the Council. After hear ing evidence on both sides, His Worship regretted that, in a question of grave im portance like this, there should not be a superior Court to which the matter could be referred. He thought that it was a great oversight on the part of the Legis lature in making the decision final. He would reser-e his decision, and give the matter as much consideration a 3 possible.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Tuesday, Dec. IG. In the Council to-day the whole sitting was occupied by the debate on the second reading of the Property Tax Bill, which was carried —after a discussion which was at times very heated, lasting nearly 14 hours—by 14" votes to 10. The Council rose at 9.50 p.m. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. PROPERTY tax. On the motion for the third reading of tl e Property Tax Bill, a division took place —Ayes, 32 ; noos, 23. The Bill was read a third time and passed. miscellaneous. The amendments by the Legislative Council in the Land Act, 1577, Amend ment Bill, were considered. A number were adopted, and a Committee appointed to draw up reasons for disagreeing to the remainder. The Special Powers and Contracts Bill was further considered in Committee, and on being reported with amendments, was read a third time and passed. The Public Reserves Sale Bill was read a second time.

On the motion for going into Com mittee on the Bill, Mr. De Lautour called attention to the great hindrance reserves were becoming to settlement throughout the country. He hoped Government would see its way to get many of them abolished. The Hon. W. Rolleston admitted the existence of the difficulty, and promised to give the matter consideration during the recess.

in Committee, the Bill was considered, reported, read a third time, and passed. The Otago Roads Ordinance, 1871, Amendment Bill was read a third time, and passed. The Harbors Act Amendment Bill was read a second time, passed through Com mittee, read a third time, and passed. The Electoral Acts Repeal Bill No. 2 was read a second time, passed through Committee, read a third time, and passed

EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7.30 p. m. PUBLIC WORKS BILL.

The Hon. R. Oliver moved the second reading of the Public Works Bill. Mr. De Lautour said the provision in the Bill for aiding Companies was one which required fuller explanation. A sum of L 408,000 was asked to be appropriated foi the purchase of district railways, and they were denied reasonable information about the lilies proposed to be purchased, and the districts for which this money is to be appropriated. These lines would only benefit lands that had already been sold. Considering the position of the colony, it was necessary that such large sums as this should be disbursed so as to add correspondingly large sums to the revenues. The hon. member then went into details of the promoters of the various lines, and showed that these promoters were the persons whose lands were the most extensively benefited by the con struction of these lines, and the majority of these holdings were wholly unimproved. Indeed, the owners themselves were non residents in the district. It was evident that the promoters of these lines were solely actuated by a design to cut up their properties, and throw the burdens entailed by the making of the lines upon the purchasers. He had no wish to detain the House, but it was right they should know these facts,, in order that they might he on their guard. These com panies were promoted by the owners of land which was of such a character that it would not pay them to turn it to any practical use. All they aimed at was to get quit of the land at such an advance as a railway line would give them. Messrs. Moss, Driver, M‘Lean, M'Caughan, Studholm, and, he believed, the Minister of Public Works himself were all pecuniary interested in this question, and he wouid submit that these gentlemen ought not to remain in the House and vote on this question. He quoted from Parliamentary authorities, to show that it was the duty of the Speaker in such cir cumstances to direct that members so in terested should not be allowed to remain and vote on the point. These gentlemen had entered into Large engagements in connection -with their lines, not only for formation works, but also for rolling stock, and it was also asked that Government should relieve them from the responsibility of these engagements.

Mr. Studholme said it was incorrect to state that he was either directly or indirectly interested in any of these lines.

The Speaker ruled that it would not he right for any member interested in these works to vote on the subject. Mr. Montgomery said he woul 4 do his best to prevent the clause providing for this expenditure becoming law. The money proposed to be sent could be much more judiciously expended in forming main trunk lines, so as to complete through systems. The proposal could not possibly suffer from being delayed until next session. At the risk of delaying the House much longer than it desired, he would resist the Bill. ’ Mr. Macandrew said it was to be re gretted that the Bill had not been brought down earlier in the session, so that they might have had more time to consider its effect. When the through system of

railways had been completed, it wo’dd be dice enough to talk about purchasing these lines. Ido could see no good reason v,-'hy the colony should not assist these companies in completing their lines. In Committee, he would move—“ That clause, 30, 31, and 32 of the Bill be struck out, and in lieu thereof, a new clause inserted, to the effect that the Governor in Council may from time to time advance, by way of loan to District Railway Companies, when the lines are partly or in course of construction, or who may have imported rails or rolling stock, sums of money to the total extent of the amount expended by these companies, such loan or advance to bear interest at the rate of 7 per cent per annum, proper security being taken for repayment of such advances, and all in terest accruing thereon ; such security being taken in such form, and upon such conditions as may from time to time be presented by the Governor in Council.” He would support the second reading on that understanding. Mr. Pyke condemned clause 30, and said the Government might just as well bring down a Bill with the few words “ the Go vernment may and is hereby empowered to do as it likes.” He also objected to the powers asked for by clause 23, em powering the Government to modify the contract and construction of the Tapanui railway. Mr. Turnbull spoke in opposition to the Bill, and expressed an opinion that it would be a mistake to adopt the sugges tion thrown out by Mr. Macandrew. He pointed out that in addition to the appro-. priation asked, it would take nearly five millions more to complete these lines. The Ashburton line was nearly completed, and there was no good reason why Go vernment should interfere with its opera tions. Again, nothing whatever had been done to the Waimate line except preparing the plans. The Waiinea line was made for the sole benefit of one or two large landed proprietors, and not for the convenience of a body of settlers in the neighbourhood. In the present slate of the country large sums will be required for completing main lines, and they would have absolutely nothing left to complete the branch lines. Messrs J. T. Fisher and Shrimski both spoke in opposition to the Bill- Sir G. Grey asked Government to say whether or not they would withdraw this 30th section. He was sure it would never get through the House. The Bill had teen introduced at a period too late in the session. At the very time they were doing other districts injustice, by telling them they had no money to pay for their lines, they brought down a proposal for purchasing these out of the way lines. In reply to the suggestion of the member for Port Chalmers, he would say that if Go vernment had money to lend, they, might find much more advantageous invest ments. It would be better to lend the money so as to settle population in the rich swamps, the money to be used in draining these swamps. He thought the clause should not be passed. Delaying it till next session would not prejudice the circumstances of the case. The Hon. J. Oliver admitted that he was interested to the extent of 75 shares in the Waimea line. It was a matter of no importance to him whether he was able to realise upon those shares or not, but others were less favorably situated, and they found a difficulty in paying the con tinued calls upon them. He did not think a member of the House could allow his private interests to clash with his public duty. It was a singular fact that while both Sir G. Grey and the member for Mount Ida pretended great solicitude for the men who proposed buying land, no sooner had they done so than they seemed to become the object of these two gentle men’s bitter antipathy. Government recognised that money invested in these lines would lie idle, but if the lines were not completed, it would be very disastrous to the Colony. It was certain that either the proposal of the Government, or that of the member for Port Chalmers, would have sooner or later to be adopted. He had told them that Government would not under any circumstances agree to pay such sum for any one of these lines as would leave a profit to the promoters. The motion was then put and carried. The House went into Committee on the Bill.

On clause 30, Mr. Macandrew suggested that LIOO,OOO should he advanced for the completion of these lines for a period of 12 months, after which they would bo enabled to float their debentures. He pro posed a motion to that effect. Mr. Montgomery proposed that the clause be struck out altogether. The House sat in Committee till 3.15 a.m.. on the Public Works Bill. Ultima tely progress was reported, clauses 30, 31, and 32, relating to purchase of district railways, being postponed. Wednesday, Dec. 17. The House met at 11 o’clock, and went into Committee of Supply on the Supple mentary Estimates. The votes for services chargeable on Consolidated Fund, L 11,243 11s. sd; Colonial Treasury, L 5,337 6s. 6d ; Minister of Justice, L 7,923 ; Postmaster-General and Com missioner of Telegraphs, L 559 ; Commis sioner of Customs, L 5,801 ; Commissioner of Stamps, L 555 ; were passed.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held to-day in the Chambers at noon. Present—His Wor ship the Mayor (Mr. Bullock) presiding ; Mr. Hugo Friedlander (the Mayor elect), and all the councillors except Mr. Camp bell.

The Mayor said the first business was the installation of the new Mayor, in ac cordance with the 70tli clause of the Municipal Corporations Act. The chair he (Mr. Bullock) had occupied for the second term would now be filled by Mr. Hugo Friedlander, and in resigning it to the latter gentleman he took the oppor tunity of thanking the Councillors for the courtesy they had always shown him. At another meeting that evening he would refer at greater length to past events. There were a considerable number of works required in town, but at present the funds of the Council did not allow of these being undertaken at once. He hoped, however, that sufficient money would be raised under the powers given by the authority to raise the loan of L 15,000, to undertake the work of concreting the channels, more especially in the three streets where there were hotels and boarding-houses, so that the offensive

surface sewage mav be drained uiT He did not think that the rates to do this would be felt ho heavily as was anticipated.' He hoped that, the Government would yet. see ‘heir way to ho more liberal in the matter of reserves. As lie had remarked at last meeting the sum of LBOO was not sufficient to cover ■ the cost - of a suitable Court House, which he' had good authority for saying could not be built for less than L3OOO. Considering the amount of land sold in the Borough

he thought they had a claim upon Go vernment for more liberality than they had displayed, especially when other and smaller Boroughs had been more hand somely treated. The Mayor then referred to fencing of the railway which lie was sorry to say had not been seen to, not withstanding the efforts of the Council to induce Government to move in the matter. After a reference to planting and some other minor matters, the Mayor expressed a hope that the floating of the loan of L 5,000,000 would he the starting point of a more prosperous time.

Mr. Williamson said he hoped the Councillors would not retire without ex pressing their appreciation of the able and

efficient and courteous manner in which the Mayor had discharged his duty. Mr. Saunders said he always spoke with difficjence at the meetings of the Council, composed as that Council was of men so much older and better able to deal with the matters of varied import that came before it. It was with great pleasure, however, that he overcame that diffidence at that time to speak in high terms of the retiring Mayor. At Mr. Bullock’s election he (the speaker) had strenuously opposed him, and had done his very best to prevent his election. It was with different feelings now, how ever, that he spoke, for Mr. Bullock had

conducted himself in that chair in a man ner that had won the respect of all who had had anything to do with the Council. He would not dwell unnecessarily upon Mr. Bullock’s good qualities, which were patent to them all, but would now draft a resolution he had boeu requested to draw up. Mr. Williamson in moving the resolu tion drafted by Mr. Saunders, said it had been his fortune to he beaten by Mr. Bullock in the first contest for Mayor. He did not join that contest from any captious feeling, but simply because being then the oldest resident in the township he had responded to the request of many fellow townsmen. He scarcely hoped for the position, and was rather relieved than otherwise when the result ivas declared against him. Air. Bullock’s fifteen months of office had proved that the rate payers choice had been a good one, and lie ivas sure the Councillors Avould ratify that choice by passing the resolution lie would noAv read : “ That this Council Avislies to express its thanks to Mr. Bullock for the able, energetic, and gentlemanly manner in Avhich he has filled the office of Mayor for this Borough, and trusts that it Avill not be long before Ave again see him in that posi tion, or as a member of the Council. We shall be most happy to Avelcoine him amongst us again.” The resolution Avas heartily passed.

and Mr. Bullock acknowledged the com pliment. Mr. Hugo Friedlander thpn took the chair, in response to Sir. Bullock’s re quest. In. doing so he said he had not sought the office, it had been, so to speak, thrust upon him by the urgent request of many ratepayers. It was the duty of every resident to take a share in the public business of the town, and it Avas from this feeling that lie had contested the seat. He felt that his business experience would be use ful at a time when the finance of the Borough, was low. He differed somewhat from the late Mayor in Avhat he had said

regarding the waterworks. He fancied that with the prospect of very heavy taxation now impooed by Government it was wise to delay any large expense in the direction of local works that would en tail a heavier rating. In a somewhat lengthy speech Mr. Friedlander referred to the Court House proposed to be built by Government, He was sorry that he had not been able to learn that anything had been said against the smallness of the sum by Mr. Wright . when it passed the House. Mr. Hart had been condemned for not taking any steps to increase the sum of LSOO that had first been voted, and considering that Mr. Hart’s alleged remissness had been made a party cry at, the late general election, he was somewhat surprised that a larger sum than LBOO had not been contended for by Mr. Wright, The various public questions, such as fencing,-planting, Ac., were then not'ced, and Mr. Friedlander concluded by bespeaking the help and leniency of the members of the Council while he was Mayor of the Borough.

After leave of absence for a month had been gaanted to the new Mayor to enable him to visit the Hot Springs of the North Island, the Council adjourned.

WESLEYAN ANNIVERSARY.

The second anniversary of the Ashbur ton Wesleyan Church was celebrated by a tea meeting last night. The tables were laid in the building itself, and the largest crowd ever present in the chapel partook of the good things provided. The following ladies gave “trays,” as the term is, viz:—Mes dames Buchanan, Causey, Clark, Chap man (S.), Hodder, Jones, Mossman, Strien, Tasker, Orr (J.), and Weeks; while the bachelors of the congregation found all the accessories of the ever-present celibates’ table. Donations in money were given towards the furnishing of tables by Mesdames Collins, Potter, Car sou, T. Andrews, and Mr. Garnett.

The meeting was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Keall, and after the choir had rendered very effectively the anthem, “ Lift up your heads,” Mr. J. E. Buchanan spoke briefly on the finances of the church, which, although not all they could wish them to be, yet were in a hopeful condition. He made a very happy reference to the crops, busi ness, Ac., of the country. The Chairman said that although there had been much distress in Canterbury and Otago, yet there was a general feeling of hopefulness existing, and this state of hopefulness was shared in by the church. He entertained a deep feeling of indebted ness for the help of ministers of other churches who were met there that evening, as well as to those members of other denominations v.dio were assisting in the musical part of the programme. The

finances of the church showed LI ,600 to the bad, and Avliile they had not been promised pceumary.aid, yet those to whom they, myed the mqfiey had helped them in allowing them time to tide over the pre sent depression. .' It was encourag ing to see such a'davge attendance, and he had been told that the present gathering was more numerous than any of its pre decessors. / ;■;? Anthem—“ The Palace of the King. ” The Rev. A. J. Smith was the nest speaker. He had felt just as much interest

in the success of the present anniversary, as if he had been a Wesleyan himself, and the state of the weather had been a matter of much concern Avith liim. Mr. Smith remarked he had never been in a toAvn where there was-so • little '.money -and so =44. much hope as in Ashburton. While listen-- ing to Avhat he might term the key-note of . the meeting—the feeling of hopefulness— the thought had suggested itselfj wliat was T / the hope of the .Church T .arid* the. reply "• : - came—the children. It Avas pleasing to observe lioav much Avas being done towards ' educating the young. Progress' w’as 'they, Avatchword of the age, and no walk- pf. lifd 4 was being neglected. Books Avere now.-,. printed for.the assistance of the minerp-aSr-H- Avell as for the minister, and A\diile so much j. Avas being done to educate the 'masses, Avas the duty of the'Church-'to pay par-

ticular attention to the spiritual education. : «r of the children. If the children .Ayero saved, then the Church of the future would' be successful. "The speakerA concluded with a honiely illustration of the means • which, were sometimes necessary ;tp awaken Church members to - a sense 1 of their re sponsibility in reference to the young. , Mr. Refill, referring to the remarks of the last speaker, said that a united meet ing of the Sunday schools had. been arranged to take place in the Presbyterian Church on the last Sunday' in December. Rev. A. Beattie thoroughly reciproca- * ted the kind expression which had fallen from the Chairman during the evening,, hi and did so not only on • his own. behalf,' but on behalf of his- congregation, wlio would always be found ready to help;,-in Avhatever way they .could. ...The . subject lie had chosen to address the meeting on was the following:—“ Some ‘of : .the ff ; P. characteristics of a good man,”-and-what- - ever he had to say Avith reference, to a good man would apply to a good Avomarf/ One feature in a good man was courtesy ; not the fussy kind of officiousness adopted

by some, but civility in the. best sense of " ’ the Avord. This courtesy must be the ' • natural outcome of one’s nature, and not a v ; sticking to and studying of certain" <sßn**V A T ersations. Civility in every sphere of . life Avas a necessity to success. Cheerful fulness Avas another . characteristic of a good man. Tribulation • often causes a despondency of spirits, but it should be ' remembered that the same Teacher who -g said, “In the world ye shall have tribu- j lation,” liad also said, “ But I have over come the world.” Wherever he (Mr. Beattie) saw a man Avho could take a good round laugh, he felt there was some-' thing good in that man ; on the ■ other

hand he always felt suspicious of a man who thought it Avas wrong to laugh. Truthfulness was another desideratum- of a good man, and he would warn parents to check any sign of deception in their offspring, as it Avould eventually end in the children becoming loose in their regard

for truth. Intelligent men had argued Avith him that in some cases a lie was * legitimate, but he had neA T er been con vinced, neither did he ever knoAv of such a case. Men had gone to the martyr’s • death rather than bear false testimony,

and in this they followed in their Master’s footsteps. Unselfishness was another trait in a good man’s character. .... People were too apt to forget their obligations to one another. Both ministers and people had duties to ... perform to their fellowmen, enforced by the command, “ Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Firm ness was a characteristic of a good main, and in this many people were, deficient, not being able to give a decided, negative,, in'the hour of temptation. There was need to stand in the evil day, and sp long! as there was sin in the heart, and vice in in the world, it would be an evil day. He cautioned young and old to be firm when their principles were brought to the test. Single-mindedness and honesty were qualities possessed by a good man,- but the character of Jesus Christ should be studied to know what a good . man really was. ' -•

The Rev. W. Baumber observed that if a cheerful man was always ..a good man, then everyone in- Ash burton must be good,, for they all seemed cheerful. The rev. gentleman gave a most interesting address on the principle of carrying religion into busi ness life. The employee would thereby be more willing and industrious ; the. em ployer more considerate and conscientious. It was a mistake to suppose that religion interfered with success in life ; the path of truth and honesty was always success ful, although that success was not always apparent to an on-looker. Mr. Baumber concluded by proposing, in a humorous style, .a vote of thanks to the ladies, which Mr. Allison seconded. The Rev. B: J. Westbrooke said that many theories were held as to the causes of monetary depression. The . banks were credited with it by some ; the loose way in which credit was given, being a theory held by others ; while scientists argued that the position of certain planets , and the number of spots on the sun had an indirect influence on financial life ; atmospheric disturbances resulted from the position of the-planets, climate and soil were affected, and hence the earth, did not bring forth its usual increase, and depression ensued. The speaker com batted these theories; and attributed all - | the prosperity or depression in the world- | to an over-ruling Providence, in whose % hand all the affairs of life were con trolled. Mr. Westbrooke brought his: . speech to a close by proposing a vote of • thanks to the choir, whose efforts during the evening had added so much to their enjoyment. - ’ Mr. Puddicombe seconded the motion, remarking that he was totally unaware that such good singing could be produced in Ashburton. . • , , Mr. Weeks, organist, briefly, ackhow ledged the compliment on behalf pf .him; . self and the choristers. ~ - 7- Vf Mr. Buchanan, in a speech which caused • much merriment, proposed a vote of thanks to the ministers present,- and also to those who had worked so heartily during the anniversary. . • ; • ; Mr. John Orr briefly seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The doxology was then sung and the proceedings terminated.

Wednesday, December 17, 1879.1

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. ANTED KNOWN, the season for transplanting is at hand, and we can supply, many thousands Cahbage. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Savoy, Brussel Sprouts,' Celfery, and other Plants, for winter supply. 7 isi . “ SEALY BROS. WANTED IMMEDIATELY APPRE NTICES for Dressmaking and Ladies’ Jacket making. . Apply to T Pd HODDER &' COMPANY. ; ' 801 NOTICE. Ci TRAYED on my land at Tin wald, Brown Horse, saddle marked, and branded No.W on near Shoulder. If not claimed and expenses paid within one month from this date, will be sold. Apply— L. D. M'LEOD, Near Tin wald. Gth;,Dec,,lß79': ' / 783 a CROQUET full size—2ls. per set. H. M. JONES, Stationer, Baring Squai'e. A RCHERY: MATERIAL.—Bows from ss. ..each. Arrows from ss. doz. H. M. J ONES; Stationer, Baring Square. EULL of Reading Matter is the Herald - Every Evening. • CHRISTMAS CARDS—Tops and Pre ■ senfcs. H M. JONES, Stationer, Baring Square. , w ASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. peril*, at the Herald Office. Apply 500



■TT7" ANTED.'—IThe 1 The Herald tells your \\ Wants ill 20 words, for 1/-. THE Cl.i.efip Advertiser—the Ashburton Herald with ii’s2o-wgrds tariff. fjl OWN .. HAL L, ASHBURTON. jz©*- OPERA. '3ss. , i C ONE NIGHT ONLY. ■ . ON WEDNESDAY EVENING, DEC. 17th. H. M. S. PINAFORE H. M. S. PINAFORE SHw-M.-S. PINAFORE . H. M. S.v: PINAFORE MISS BEATRICE As Sweet little Buttercup. With Full Company and Chorus. New and appropriate Scenery and Costumes. Reserved Seats at Mr. Ivess’ at “ Mail ” Office. Prices—Chairs 4s, Benches 3s, Gallery Is ■ 1 822 a D O you Want the News of the • Day ? Read the Ashburton Herald.



GOAL YARD. ' Messrs. Cunningham & co., be<r to announce to the Public that they have opened a COAL YARD (next Poyntz & Co*’s Office), for the supply of Newcastle Coal;;in Ashburton. G. M. JROBINSON, 795a—2.G9 Agent. ASHBURTON .COUNCIL. A SPECIAL MEETING to confirm, or otherwise', the resolution adopted at a Special Meeting held on the sth November, regarding certain amend ments to the Bye-laws of the Ashburton and-,,South RakaiA Pounds, will be held immediately after.*the ordinary meeting to be held on Wednesday, the 7th day of January, 1880. By order, / 1 v lb MAIN WARING, .. . Clerk. ’Asiibur ton, Dec-.' ! 5, : ‘ 1879. Copy of Resolution. Resolved That'. Bye-laws No. 2, 1878, Ashburton Pound, and, No. 1, 18.7,9,; South Rakaia Pound, be amended by the addition of the following words after the words e 'Charges for driving cattle,’ viz., —‘ As per Schedule to Canter bury .'Trespass of Cattle .Ordinance, 1872, wliicffiare as fpll ows :-! ... 825 a



ROYAL MAIL COACH. ASHBURTON TO LONGBEACH. Grest Reductions in Fares. NEW ARRANGEMENTS, JANUARY , Ist, 1880. f'j EORGE WILLCOCKS begs respect .fully, to announce that he will com mence : running the Royal Mail Coach, from January Ist, 1880,/ between Ash burton, Tinwald, Wheatstone, Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, carrying Pas sengers arid Parcels at considerably re duced rates. Having engaged an experi enced coachman, thoroughly acquainted ,with..the district, the public can rely on all orders for parcels receiving careful and prompt attention. will be carried at prices within the means of everyone, and by so doing the proprietor trusts to receive a larger,amount of patronage from the Town and 'Country. ; !V Boohing Offices^—For Passengers, at ..Quill's Commercial .Hotel, Ashburton ; Tor Parcels, at the “ Guai-dian ” and “ Hexhl'd ” Office,' Ashburton ; and Post Office, Longbeach. 826 a GEORGE WILCOCKS.