SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. arrived. Dec. 13 —Wanaka, s.s, from Auckland, via East Coast. . D e c. 14— Bells, barque, from Newcastle. P>AILED. : . ' : • " Dec. 13—Hawoa, s.s., for Wellington and north. ■' 1 Dec. 13—Wanaka, s.s.,tfer Dunedin. Dec. 13—Wanganui, s.s. for Greymouth, via Wellington, Wanganui, Nelson, and • Westport. Dec. 15. —Mary King, schooner, for Pic °Dec.: 15 —Forest Queen, ketch, for Wel lington. ,

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser. (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1879.

The Property Tax.— The Property Tax Assessment Bill was under discussion for a long time this morning, and an attempt was made to reduce the rate of taxation to £d. per LI. This was passed in Committee and then rejected again. After Major Atkinson had endeavored as a compromise to fix the rate of a penny, the Committee came back again to one penny at which the rate now stands. Several divisions took place.

Terpsichorean. —A plain dress ball is announced to take place this evening in the sample 100 ms of the Somerset Hotel, under the management of Messrs Whitley and Williams.

Tea Meeting. —The Wesleyans have decided to hold their tea meeting this evening, despite the inoisttire above and below. As the promoters have been to a deal of trouble in preparing for the occa sion, and as the gentlemen who are to take part in the after meeting are well known public speakers, we anticipate a successful conclusion to tho anniversary. A good musical programme has been pre pared, which will no doubt have the effect of attracting lovers of melody. The Late Fire.— The. inquest on the late fire which was held yesterday, attracted a large number of listen ers during the- hearing. The jury were empanelled at half-past eleven, hau a half-hour’s adjournment at half-past 1, met again at 2 p.m., and sat till 6.30 p,m., and again met at Quill’s sample rooms at 8 p.m., giving their verdict at 2.25 a. m. this morning. The proceedings throughout were very wearisome to all concerned, and the verdict was approved of by those who had listened throughout to the evidence.

The Mayoral Banquet. —The close of Mr. Bullock’s Mayoral term will be cele brated onWednesday evening by a banquet in the Somerset Hotel, to which his Worship haß invited the Borough Council lors, Borough officers, and others.

Borough Council.— Last night the Borough Council had a narrow squeak for a quorum. Four of its members were paying the penalty of citizenship by doing duty as jurors on the fire inquiry, and one . other member was, not to found. Fortunately Mr. Donald Williamson joined the three gentlemen whose presence on the bench of jurymen was not wanted, and for half-an-hour helped the Council, crippled as it was, to get through its busi ness. It was the last meeting under the presidency of Mr. Bullock as Mayor ; it was the most thinly attended that has yet been held ; but the business done was got through inoTe expeditiously than >yo have ever had the satisfaction of seeing it, Fire Brigade—Practice will take place to-morrow afternoon at 6 o’clock sharp. Benefit Concert.— 'An entertainment was given last night in the Good Templar Hall/in family of Mr, J . Hyde, a sufferer by the late tire. Owing to the inclemency of the weather the attendance was limited, The chair was ably filled by the Rev. B. J. Westbrooke, and a really good programme was provided. Mr. H. Stephenson presided at the piano, and the following songJ3, &e, , were rendered. Part song and chorus, “ Men of Harlech, ” by the Templar Glee Club ; duet, “ The Gipsy Countess,” Sister Vaughan and Mr. Stephenson; reading, “Sprouts on chignons,”Brother Poyntz; song, “The Union Jack of Old England,” Brother Jemop ; cornet solo, Master G. Savage ; song, “ Love at home,” Sister E. James; song, My grandfather’s clock,” Mr. Stephenson; song, “Silver moonlight winds are blowing,” Master Gates ; readings by Bros. Andrews and Williams ; duet, “The Gipsies' Warning,” Sister Vaughan and Mr. EL “ The Same old Game,” Mr, H. Stephen son ; song, “ The German band/' 13/0. Jessop ; recitation by Sister M. AMrm#.- The entertainment passed off most SU.C.- cessfully, Master Gates deserving special notice. Sister E. James was loudly ap plauded. The gem of the evening was Mr. H. Stephenson’s .song “My grand father’s clock. ” The usual vote of thanks to the chairman was passed and the Na tional Anthem terminated the meeting.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

(Atgies special.) London, Dec. 15.

The Afghans Have b&en totally defeated, with heavy loss. The lighting lasted over three days duritig which 16 officers and upwards of I(XJ men of the British forces were killed of wounded. The French Government refrain from appointing a Commissioner for the Mel bourne Exhbition till Deceltiber 20. Persia is sending a Mission to the Eu ropean powers to protest against the threatened Russian violation of terri torial boundaries, on “the river Attreck. Floods in Hungary - still continue. Several villages have been destroyed ; tens of thousands of persons rendered homeless. Hundreds of people are missing; The Government have sent troops to aid the sufferers.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAYS TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Dec. 16.

A man named Murray lias been drowned in the Makarua Creek, Kaipara. At a meeting of owners of machinery, regarding the Property tax, Mr. Fraser, of the firm of Fraser and Tinnb, stated that his firm had L 30,000 worth of ma chinery under cover for want of employ ment. Under the proposed Bill they would he taxed to a crushing extent on unproductive plant. The meeting arrived at no definite result.

Under the new treaty with Tonga the High Court for the Western Pacific Islands will deal ; with offences committed by British subjects. Mr Maundsley, Vice- Consul, left Tonga in the Emerald en route foi* England with the treaty. Sir Arthur Gordon, has stated Tonga is favorable to annexation to Fiji. King George is offered the joint Government of both kingdoms. He is willing to educate Tonga students at the Fiji native college. Emma Watson,'wife of Harry Watson, at Palmerstbn North, has been charged with possessing, gin, old tom, whisky, &c., with intent to defraud the customs. She admitted possession, but denied any criminal intent. She brought down the goods from Melbourne as personal effects, and for her own use. She was fined £2O, and £4 5s costs. Grahamstown, Dec. 16.

The Thames County Council offered at auction to-day part of the Big Pump security given them by Government as endowment. The property consisted of two winding engines, ropes, boilers, and buildings. Mr. Collough, the Mayor, protested against the sale on behalf of the borough and community, as it was evident the intention of the Government was to give the endowment for the whole com munity. LIOO, the value of the iron, was the only legitimate offer, and the reserve was LSOO. The property was withdrawn. The mining excitement is abating much.

The Waste Lands Board have furnished the district with blocks of land suitable for settlement under the new Land Act. There is a meeting to-night of the Land Association.

Wellington, Dec. 16.

At the Magistrate’s Court thiß morning three men were fined L 5, L2, and L2 respectively, for assaulting the driver, guard and stoker, on the Wellington railway

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

( Reuter’s) London, Dec. 12. It is denied that the Empress goes to Zululand. The subscriptions to the N.Z. Loan amounted to 12,000,000. Allotments equal to 40 per cent, of the subscription were made at § premium. Dec. 14. Adelaide wheat, 60s. sd. per 4961bs ex warehouse. Hennesey’s brandy 12s. Best; Australian beef tallow, 375. Three per cent consols, 97£. The “ Times ” publishes a paragraph to the effect that the trial of the Irishmen for sedition, will bo abandoned. Killen has been admitted to bail.

Dec 12.

Great distress prevails in France. The Chamber of Deputies voted 5,000,000 francs for the relief of the sufferers.

St. Petersburg, Dec. 13.

Arrests continue to be made in Russia in connection with the late attempt on the life of the Emperor, including one who had in hia possession a plan of the winter palace. Calcutta, Dec. 12.

The Viceroy, on arrival to-day, was twice fired at, but escaped unhurt. The W.ould-be assassin was arrested. He was a drunken native. The matter is of no political significance. General McPherson attacked and dis persed the force of the enemy, who cap tured supplies. Latest news from Cabul state the British troops were attacked by the Afghans south of Balakissa. The enemy was re pulsed. General Roberts reports a coalition of the tribes to bring about a great engage ment. The British loss in the late engage ment was 43 killed and wounded.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGBAMS.

Auckland, Dec. 15,

The brigantine ®ar&b Rile, from Wel lington, arrived at |£aipara, with the telegraphic cable for the River Wairoa, which has been successfully igjd. The schooner Caledonia, arrived fro® the Islands, brings intelligence that the new treaty of friendship between Tonga #nd Britain has been signed. New Plymouth, Dec. 15.

A- baa been received by the nsfiy#.§ here from the prisoners in Dunedin, giyiftg ft description of prison life. The writer .coiftplftfos that the food is insufficient, that the ffliimtgw very cold, and that confinement is to a free born Maori. Tike letter states that John Haugh, lxalf-easte, had been placed in solitary confinement for in stigating the Maoris to refuse to work. Wellington, Dec. 15.

for Lyttelton and Dunedin, wU-b ft large number of passen gers, with their families, and M. L.C's and fowilfo*- Chiarini’s circus troupe are also on board.- The Public Petitions GommiMee {W the petition of Mr. Henry Jackson I}Q' V P reported as follows :—The petitioner pi,ays for redress of his grievance. He alleges. that he was summarily and unjustly dic.- missed. I am directed to report that the Committee has not ex amined witnesses in this case, but the result of the examination of the com mittee appointed under the Civil Service Aet Amendment Act 1871, and of the iSeleci' Committee of the Legislative Coun cil, and other official documents had been submitted fo the .Committee. In conse quence of the'Jafie period of the session the Committee is unable t<P make such an ex amination into the case oi .the petitioner as would warrant making final recom mendations to the House. The Com mittee is, however, sufficiently informed to state that in its opinion the case of the

petitioner has uotbeen dealt with in such a manner as to satisfy the ends of justice, and so insure the proper discipline of the service. Considering the position he pre viously held i>: the Civil Service as chief surveyor, and recognising his ability and devotion to h;c profession the .unittee consider that such disobedience, if it actually occurred, should have been inquired into and dealt with at die time, and should not have been allow c-d to sleep nearly two years. Tho charges wore first officially made to Government on the 15th November, 'IB7B, but Government did not consider them to be of very grave character, as another appointment was preposed to be given to the petitioner if a suitable one could be found. Subse quently, however, the charges were referred to a Commission appointed under the Civil Services Act Amendment Act, 1871. The Committee therefore consider that the petitioner’s case should be referred to a Royal Commission, provided such Com mission should be composed, of men of sufficient independence and high standing outside the Civil Service.— Thomas Kelly, Chairman. Dunedin, Dec. 15.

A clerical gentleman named Arthur Graves was charged at the City Court this morning with forging the name of Archdeacon Edwards to a promisory note. He arrived in the Hermione recently, acting as chaplain on the voyage, and preached at All Saints Church here on the 7th instant. His credentials profess to be signed by his Lordship the Bishop of Carlisle, but it is said that he was prohibited from preaching before leaving for this c olony. In conducting his defence to-day he made some extraoi dinary statements, and en deavored to make out that he was ignorant as to the nature of the promis sory note, the subject of the charge. After his committal Archdeacon Edwards sug gested that he should be medically sounded as to his sanity. A painfully sudden death occurred in town early this morning. Mr. Gilkinson, who arrived from Glasgow a couple of months ago, with the intention of settling in this district, went to church yesterday evening in good health. He spent a little time with his family, and retired to rest at about the usual horn-, but was shortly afterwards seized with a paralytic stroke, and expired at four this morning. The deceased, who was about sixty years of age, leaves a large family. Prior to the collapse of the Glasgow Bank, which affected his commercial position most disastrously, Mr, Gilkinson occupied a leading position in Glasgow, he having been senior Bailie of that town, and identified with many social and political movements. The credentials which the deceased gentleman brought with him to the colony showed that lie was greatly esteemed by the people of Glasgow.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

ROAD BOARD CONTRACTS.

To the Editor.

Sir, — I beg to bring before the notice of contractors a fact which will probably alter the present low prices at which work is taken in the Mount Hutt district. I, among others, tendered for certain works, and, on completion of the same, having my jobs passed, naturally looked for my cheque at the usual monthly meeting of the Board. I took the work a very low figure, and ex pected my cheque, so as to have funds to pay men and bills. But you may judge of the disappointment I and some ten or a dozen other contractors experienced, when we were informed that, owing to the Board’s funds having been placed in the Bank on fixed deposit, they would have to wait until the interest matured, before they could draw their money. I may state that we (the contractors) have taken work at very low prices, on the understanding that payments would be made by the Board in a manner similar to that followed by other Road Boards In the County— that is, a cheque on first sitting of the Board after the work is passed. As the matter stands contractors cannot pay their accounts, or their wages men, and their creditor(the Board) has plenty money to do it with.

I am, &c. , Horse Scoop.

A CORRECTION.

To the Editor.

Sir, —Allow me to correct an error in your issue of the 11th, stating that “The new County Waterworks Bill introduced by the Hon. W. S, Peter in the Upper House passed its second reading last night.” This is quite erroneous; the Bill was introduced by the Hon. George Buckley at my request, and the Hon. W. S. Peter strongly opposed it, though unsuccessfully. The Bill has passed through Committee, though in a sadly mutilated form. It will, however, enable the Council to maks ft commencement, and steps will paye to bp jt&ljpn to secure a more complete BUI being pagssed IWMt session. I m, &c., UPW.ABP G> Wftlfiff?, Wellington, 12th Dec., 1870.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Monday', Dec. 15. In itfjp to-day, business began »t II .a,n?. T’b£ Property Assessment, Customs, Tobacco, pnbfft? Revenues, and Treasury Bills were pa§sp4 mMhgh ftll their stages. The Te' Aro Reclamation Bill and the sites for Working Men’s Club Bill were read a second time. The Wanganui Endowed School and the Otago Harbour Improving Bills were fhpjypd. C,Q t \mciji adjourned from 5 to 7.30. SITTING. ■THltfp B*!^DINOa.- Tfc.amps Harbor Board" ISfil, Aitgkfofid Harbor 80,w,d BiR, ftns W°F k i»g Men’ft Club Sites BiiL '

The Otago University M&S&FP&§ Bill thrown out by 10 to 5.'

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The Housp mpt at 11 a. m, vhv, loan, Mr. Ireland asked the Mijnjsfop for Pub lic Works if, in the event of the L5 ,006,GQQ loan being obtained, they (the Govern ment)' 1 will cause a survey of the railway line from Lawrence to Ettrick and Rox burgh to be made. Mr, Oliver replied that inquiries would

be made, and if it was found to be a de sirable work for construction, and funds at the disposal of Government, then the survey would be ordered. i AN OLD BOAT. Mr. Speight asked the Minister of De fence (1.) Whether he has been informed that the Thames Naval Brigade boat, the property of the„coinpany, lies rotting and useless in consequence of the want of re pairs, and now: sails, the material for which would cost about L7O; (2.) ■ Whether in the event of such being the case, he would cause the necessary sum to be provided to render the boat of ser vice, on the condition that the members of the brigade do all the work of repairs and sailmaking free of charge. Mr. Hall said an application on the sub ject had been made. Government would not be justified in placing any sum on the Estimates for the purpose, but they would cause inquiries to be made ; and if found necessary, other provision would be made. WORK ON CHRISTMAS DAY. Replying to Mr. Allright, Mr. Oliver said the Union Steamship Company have made application for Go vernment officers to work on Christmas Day at the Port of Lyttelton until 9 o’clock on that morning. A GENKRAii AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION EOR THE COLONY.

Mr. Acton Adams asked whether the Government will take into consideration the desirability of promoting the establish ment of a National Agricultural and Pas toral Association, and whether they will place a sufficient sum on the Supplemen tary Estimates for that purpose. Mr. Hall replied that Government fully appreciated the importance of the ques tion, and recognised that it would be their duty to encourage such an institu tion. No association of the kind had yet been organised. Such being the case, he would not be justified In asking the House to vote any money for the pur pose. THE ELECTION TELEGRAMS. Replying to Mr. Tole, Mr. Hall said Government did not in tend taking any further action with regard to the report of the Electioneering Tele grams Committee. WHO MAY NOT BE A COUNTY CHAIRMAN. Replying to Mr. Swanson, Mr. Hall said it was contrary to the Civil Service Regulations for a General Government Returning Officer to act as a chairman or member,of a County Council or a Road Board. WAIPU RIVER. Replying to Sir G. Grey, Major Atkinson said steps would be taken to examine the entrance into the Waipu River, to ascertain what improve ments cim be effected in its navigation. TELEGRAPH EXTENSION. Replying to Mr. M‘Donaid, Mr. Hall said. Government would not promise at present to extend the telegraph line to the township of Ormond, in the Poverty Bay district. The House re-assembled at,2.30. WAYS AND MEANS. . ' The House went into Committee of Ways and Means. The Public Revenues and Treasury Bills passed without amendment. They were reported, read a third time, and passed. ; A LOST BOAT. Ongoing into Committee of Supply, Mr. Tole moved consideration of the claim of Edmonds, in respect of a boat belonging to him, which had been captured in the year 1865 and destroyed by hostile natives. The value of the boat was LI2BO.

Mr. Bryce said this was only one of a number of similar claims, and Govern ment desired to see the whole of them dealt with on a general basis. These claims were now based on a most exaggerated estimate, and this was no exception to that rule. Still he thought there Avas some basis for these claims, and would like to see some general scheme adopted for adjusting them. His opinion was that the total award of these just claims would be found to be between L50,Q00 and L 60,000. Mr. Kelly moved as an amendment “That all these claims be enquired into by Government, and that provision be made for their discharge.” Sir George Grey thought it better that each claim should be decided on its oAvn merits, and as it came before them for that purpose, he Avould support a sum being placed on the Estimates. Mr. Tole asked leave to withdraw the motion, which was at first refused, but afterwards agreed to. THE ELECTION TELEGRAMS. Mr. Speight moved—“ That the House do now proceed to consider the Elections Telpgpa.m Committee’s report.” Sir G, Grey alluded to the telegram, sent by mistake by his secretary, as a public telegram. He ought to have be,en asked to pay for that telegram before it was produced, and the Premier having neglected' to do so, had violated every principle of honor as between gentlemen. Then, when he tried to bring up the matter of these telegrams the Premier tried to slink away. He tried to debar him from bringing on the matter. It was true he afterwards thought better of it, still that did not change the fact that pj}§ fipst instance he tried to burke the point.- The iherilber for Geraldine might laugh. That hem, gentleman invariably laughed at what was Avrong, and sneered at what was right. What He complained of Avas, this attempt had been made to injure others. For himself he did not care if every telegram, public and private, had been produced. He hoped the House would pass strong censure on Govern ment for its actions in the matter.

Mr. Hall had after day to submit to in- Sffit ijmd slander at the hands of the mover of tfm 'ip r gf4o}} iaid his followers. Mr. Macandrew said Gni riaa a qf party spirit over-reaching itself, This was itself the ivhole bother. It had arisen out of a Parliamentry question of L3O. He was perfectly satisfied in his own mind that the previous Government had made use of the Telegraph Department, although f j’om the nature of things the fact could qqw bjC pipaj:}y established. “ Mr. S^nn ( <|e£3 paid fhp qups|i}on was not about whether or not'tjtie L3O. What jvpg .wanted sras to' |;he of fiftp qn tfrg l#tp pipe!tiqhf by Ministers. Two of jtjefijg-fpfnj? fo editors pf newspapers, tfiem tf> support pne partj,c i fl? P&ndifi#tp tq ‘ the prejudice pf ptl^er. nature of tfi.e ipfiuepcp thpy desired tp ar rive at and not tfip i»erg qugstfon pf e paltry sum of money. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment}

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. The debate was resumed by Mr. Hutchi son. He advised the Premier to say tha\ he regretted the telegrams had been given up, and he (Mr. Hutchison) believed that would satisfy the House. Amendment put and negatived on the voices. The original motion being put, Mr. Turnbull was about to make another amendment, when he said Government •would agree to an adjournment of the original motion. With a view to allow the other business to be gone on with, the suggestion was agreed to, and the business on the order paper proceeded.

THE PROPERTY TAX. Mr. Dick said that in Committee he would propose the amount be reduced one halfpenny. V • Mr. Pitt said he would vote for the amount being made one halfpenny. Sir G. Grey condemned the Bill. It was altogether unnecessary. An income tax would have been fairer. He would vote against the Bill in every form- when the. question was brought up in Committee. As to whether the amount should be Id, or -|d, he did not know how he would go. He would be guided by facts then adduced. He thought the cost of collecting would be very large. Indeed it most unfair to ask a man to value his own property. Major Atkinson said it was monstrous for members of the Opposition to say there was not need for increased taxation. These gentlemen had spent during the the time they were in office 3£ millions of money, and left liabilities to the extent of 2|- millions. In the face of that it was perfectly absurd for them to speak about dispensing with increased taxation. There was, as shown by figures he had brought down, a deficiency of L 140,000, indepen dent of supplementary estimates, which may be set down at an additional LTD,OOO. With strict economy they hoped to be able to reduce that deficit. On a division that the Bill be read a second time—Ayes, 41; noes, 22. *

The Bill was read a second time And committed. ' Mr. Dick moved the words “ one penny ” be struck ont in clause 2 and “ one half-penny ” inserted. Major Atkinson said at. the penny rate Government would not be, able to raise more than to L208,00Q. He hoped they would not insist in the proposed reduc tion.

The House divided on the question that “ one penny ” stand part of the question—Ayes, 24; Noes, 36. 4 The words “one penny” were therefore struck out; and on the question that “a half penny ” be inserted—Ayes, 24'; Noes, 36. Mr. Hall said the reduction from Id. to |d. was a great disappointment to Govern ment. He had no doubt but members were sincere in their avowal that next session, if Government found that was too little, a penny would be voted." Major Atkinson moved a further amend ment—that the sum be |d. Mr. Dick said he fully admitted there would be a deficiency, and in .bringing forth the motion he did, he had kept that in view. He maintained, however, that the deficiency could be made up in another way, for instance a tax on colonial-made beer.

The question— “ That id stand part of the question, as against §d,” was then put, the division being—Ayes 24, noes 29. On the question—“ That §d be in serted,” Mr. Sheehan moved— ’ £ That the Chair man leave the chair.” He looked upon the whole thing as a mere sham. It was not necessary that any tax should be im posed at all. The motion for leaving the chair was withdrawn, and the motion for was then put and carried Progress Avas then reported, and leave asked to sit again. Major Atkinson moved—“ That the Bill be recommitted, with a view of in creasing the sum froni’seven-eighths of a penny to one penny.” Messrs. MfLean and Dick spoke in opposition, contending that the amount likely to accrue under the tax would ex ceed the amount calculated upon by the Treasury, and at the reduced rate would be sufficient to meet the probable defi ciency.

The motion for recommittal was put and carried on the A’-oices.

In Committee clause 2 was again con sidered.

Major Atkinson proposed “That the words ‘ seven-eighths ’ be struck- out and the words ‘ one penny’ inserted.”' The House divided on the question that seven-eighths of a penny stand part of the question—Ayes, 18 ; noes, 34. Ayes—Messrs Ballance, Brown, De Latour, Dick, George, Harris, Johnston, Levin, Macandrew, M‘Lean, Murray, Pitt, Reid, Shrimski, Speight, Tole (tel ler), Turnbull, Wallis (tellet), Noes—Messrs Andrews, Atkinson, Bain, Barron, BeethampDriver, Fisher, J. T, Gibbs, Hall, Hirst, H. Hurst, W. J., Hursthonse (teller), Ireland, Kelly, Kenny, Lundon, Masters, Montgomeiy, Moorholise, Oliver, Pyke, Reeves, Rich mond, Richardson, Rolleston, Saunders, Shanks, Sheehan, . Swanson, Tawhai, Trimble, Wakefield (teller), Whitaker, Wright.

On the question being put “That one penpy stand part pf tfie question,” Mr. Barron moved f< Theft ’pife r penny be inserted.” The House divided-—Ayes 13 : noes, 34.

The Bill as amended, with the original sum of Id. as printed, was then reported. On the motion—“ That the Speaker leave chair to go into Committee of Sup ply,” division took place—Ayes, 37 ; noes, 22. '

tß¥ TSJdtonAEH TO-DAY. •) Early this morning the House Avent into Committee of Supply and passed the remainder of the public works estimates, striking out only one item, that of Thames Orphanage, in aid of building fund, L9OO. 0

A Religious Maniac at Rotherham.— Early one morning, last October, the people.at Rotherham were astonished to see a man in his night-dress run rapidly along the street carrying a baby, which was also in its night dress. He was taken tc. the pelice-station, ? n 4 sq violently that four officers could §cif,cely jrpstpfiri fiinp He had a Bible bin)* which hp clung tq piq?! tenaciously. He declared that according to the bghest of the Almighty he.was saving the child from hell and eternal perdition. * " '

INQUEST ON THE RECENT FIRE IN TANCRED STREET.

[concluded].

Sergeant -Pratt deponed— Recollect hearing the fire-bell about 10.30 p.m. on. Nov. 15tri, and went to Fowler’s store. The upper part of the building was on fire. The flames had not extended to the lower floor of the shops. Hyde’s and Hicks’s shbps ivere both: on fire ; all three shops were joined together. I was on the spat within five minutes after the .'fire bell rang. Ihe Fre Brigade hack’just arrived. The buildings were all destroyed. • .Iwent ; -'td the rear of buildings, and saw':that the: fire was confined to the upper portion of . . the* buildings. I saw Mr. Fowler,..jUn.}, s2 assisting at the engine. Saw Mr. fowler after the fire at tiis own hofise, aboiit 2 a. m. . When I went he was, lying on •thermal. sofa. I asked him if he could give any information as to the origin of the-firb. He said he could not tell haw it started, and he had only saved two, .books and a cash-box, which he had brought away with’ • ' him. The cashrbox contained the ppficy* v; s Mr. Fowler said the fire had quite him; lie had. been doing a goodluisirieskjH ; - he had been banking RiOOO a riionthri aif-, | •liis bank book would show ; : 'therer wiaa EIOOO. worth of .stock in the shop /Hrhen the fire and- LSOO worth not „ paid for. HTe'-haa^eft.rtHb - ' shop a(bbuV~a quarter to ten night, but’ had let; Amos out by the,-Front doorA He then fastened the door and turned out the;gasA then went into the office, where . his son was with a-candle jApriured ‘some prater on the fire in the gr,ate j, picked up some books and the went into the yard. His son put but the - light and followed him ; he then.flocked the d00r...; . and they Went ’home.* IvThey’ had just arrived when they heard the fire tell. They went toivards- toAiffi 'when:Aifiey ? were met By a' person who *told.,A then it was his place (Fowler’s) on. ‘ | fire. He then gave the keys to his • sdn,t > and told him to run on and let 4he horses ] out of the stable. Fowler’s, house 4's ’ v £ about a quarter of a.mile frorii; The two kerosene tins 'produced. (tfigjSef-V'! r geant said) I found afe'.the; back.. of v ; »the./ ; >. : office. -The oil can- produced ,was : to me by the boy Hyde/' .The Jire'Aburnt' very rapidly. ~.'? • Fo;a 4 By Mr. Branson—rThere - was, no. i fire * » near the' fins when I .'came there- first. They smelt strongly of krifosene,' ! butothey may for-months. *Don’t know, if Fowler had gas on, his premises,; understood so from him. Don’t 'knowi if - 4 he used kerosene on liis premises. Young Hyde gbhj-tjhe oil tin . near Hicks’ -T bakery. There were a good number of people about that night. ■ I could see that the bulk of the; fire was in the top of Fowler’s shop. Tlibib Was. a;Chimney 'in ;|- thisshop, also one in Hyde’s., and another '% in Hicks’. Hyde is a tinsmith, andT am* not certain if he had another chimney. - By Mr.. Quill—l Avent in ,at the. baek door,, but there was no • appearance of - ; fird downstairs. • ' t By the Coroner —FoAvler told me He always took his books lvomq since, ay pre vious fire occurred in his shop. / L '• •: ** ». Heni’y Fowler, sworn, deponed—Am a ~ son of John Fowler, i and; assisted ,in ;* the store. The business wasr*a goneral. ’ one. I looked after the drapery most rif _ the time. Mr. Amos,.kept the books/ ” The store was about.3o feet by 20. The r wines and spirits were kept in ja • small, - place between the office and j grapery..; ; V , There were three rooms upstairs. Z There v was nothing stored upstairs but crockery and clothes. pegs. These 'fooms were rough lined. There Avas nothing. stored . r there likely to explode. My father/ Amos, and myself were at the store all day. -T ? don’t recognise the tin with a tapdiu j- we-":- /“ had one something like it in the .storey but -v don’t think the pne in Court is ours. ' We'*; usually kept the one we had outside. Ours Avas empty that day. We only had one, ; tin in stock that day ; it was kept in Hick’s fowl-house. The tin was about three-parts full. After, the ' fire, >I : found the tin in the Httap shed. I don’t knoiv who put it there. : -It. seemed to have about: the same quantify. •«. of kerosene in it. ■ We on|y did a small J • trade in kerosene. I was iri&tha store on the night of the fire till nearly 10 p/m. My father and myself .left together. He •» blew the candle out, locked the door, and v Ave came away together. We hsjd gas laid on, which was turned out shortly before we left. The gas was confined to. the' ' i store, and the pipbs' were v ceiling. Tnere had been a fire in the. office that day—a coal fire, which my father threAV sojne Avater oh before leaving/ Everything seemed safe when.; we left. If there had been $ fire up. stairs I would have-seen it-.-before - leaving.-'Amos left two or three .minutes before we did. I was in the shop when he left till my father and I left. We had no safe. We used to take home the ledger and cash book and day book every night, We kept a cash book, but did not'take it home except occasionally when we wished to balance, ; . We had a second ledger which was kept in the office. The two books Ave took : : home shoAved the state of our affairs.. We took them home every night. We./kep A; no record of cash sales, and could riot tell s# the extent of our transactions. at the of the'week. Did not alwayp- |akp ;* ;• cash bqok vtotscai' were made in the day book as well. Wept straight home that night. After being home a fe^y-minutes, heard the fire : bell ringing, and ray father apd I went out, : and-met Mr. Tait on the roadA- told us the fire was iri bur' store.. t ran there and let the horses loose.- • The roof was all in flames when I arrived. T tried. to<get office but could.,riotygetjrii for smoke. I believe the insurance pblicies*;- were usually kept iri the cash box. know that my father were doing very well, his peagori forwisning to give up business was bad health. There J was the usual amount of stbek Cln the place. When we ran out of stock- we got •/•••'• small quantities to carry on from, Bidloclc ‘ *;* and Co., and others, , but dealt mainly ” with , Christchurch merchants. We stocks of clothing and bootsin just before- - the fire. Gur stock was usually-L9OO - LiqOQ - §dro no one left after we did.', -“'&l . ’ i;! 'A: ;., , S Y. - By Mr. Branson—-The ;. rQQf - wa3 of , 1 ’bungles, and there was no lining.-on. the., • ceilings up stairs. There‘-. were three: chimneys in the.building. Hyde also had a small stove in his. workshop ; the smoka- • ' was carried'away by a pipe, fwfii^l- ; only carried up to the hejgld pf tTre de tached bqiiiimg. ' (pha'gpHpk-n’om this.pms£. would have driven with the breeze that on to our shop. The wind was bloifiiyf.;

Tuesday, December 16, 1579."}

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. WANTED. KNOWN, the season for transplanting is at hand, and we can supply, many thousands Cabbage. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Savoy, Brussel Sprouts, Celery, and other Plants, for winter supply.' ‘ - 745 a SEALY BROS. TTTANTED IMMEDIATELY VV APPRENTICES for. Dressmaking and Ladies’ jacket, making. Apply to T. 11. HOLDER & COMPANY. dvci ■ v.'- ■ 801 NOTICE. Cl TJEt AYEDbn mylandatTinwald, Brown Horse, saddle, marked, and branded No. 2on near Shoulder. If not claimed and expenses paid within one month from this date, will be sold. Apply— D. M‘LEOD, * r; •- Near Tinwald. 6th Dec., 1879. 780 a ROQUET full size—2ls. per set. 11. M. JONES, Stationer, Baring Square. ’ A RCHERY MATERIAL.—Bows from 2Y ss. each; Arrows from os. doz. H. M. JONES, Stationer, Baring Square. FULL of Reading Matter is the Herald Every Evening. CHRISTMAS CARDS—Tops and Pre sents. H M. JONES, Stationer, Billing Square. ~ WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. per ID. at the Herald Office. Apply early.:- v- 590 'WJ' ANTED. —The Herald tells your VV Wants iir)2Q words, for 1/-. THE Cheap Advertiser—the Ashburton Herald with its 20-words tariff. 1.0.G.T. The will and the way lodge, n will hold their usual meetings in future on TUESDAY instead of Wednes day at Jones and Bradshaw’s store, Tin wald, late Bullock’s, at 8 o’clock p.m. R. GALLOWAY. 319 a Sec. pro tem. ANTED—A General SERVANT. Apply to Mrs. Macbean Stewart. 817 a rpOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, pis- OPE RA . ONE NIGHT ONLY. ; ON WEDNESDAY EVENING, DEC. 17th. H. M. S. PINAFORE H. M. S. PINAFORE H. M. S. PINAFORE H. M. S. 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 jjig # 822 a



WESLEYAN CHURCH. SECOND ANNIVERSARY. THIS EVENING. A TEA.MEETING in connection with the above, will ,be held in the Cameron street Church, THIS EVEN* ING, at 6 o’clock, to be followed by a Public Meeting, which will be addressed by Revs. Baumber, Beattie, Keall, Smith, and Westbrooke, Music by the choir.' 1 Proceeds in aid of the Building Fund. ! - : ; 820 TO CONTRACTORS. "YTT ANTED—ISO acres of Native Land W’ PLOUGHED. Price—lss. per acre. Apply at once. 707a—268 POYS 'I'Z & CO. THRESHING MACHINE HAND. WANTED EMPLOYMENT hy a competent man to feed a ’ilhresh ing Machine. Apply, J. 0., office of this paper. 815a—281 Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and "Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station. BROWN PAPER, strong, and large sheets, at per lb. WEEKS AND DIXON, Stationers, East street North (near the Raihvry Station), Ash burton. JUST ARRIVED. PAPER BAGS, PAPER BAGS. /CONFECTIONERS, Fruiterers, V A ..Grocers, Drapers, Seedsmen, Ac., can be supplied with Paper Bags, all sizes, and Printed or Plain. WEEKS AND DIXON, General Printers, ■■ - : l1 East rtreet North. mEACHERS can obtain the MULTI JL PLICATION TABLES, printed oi gumvfied paper, in any quantity at th East street, near tli tafcion. DO you Want the News of the Day 1 “ React the Ashburton Herald.



New Advertisements- ITT ANTED—At once, a Strong SER VV VANT GIRL. Apply Herald Office. . I ;•- - ? brigade practice. YXTET PRACTICE to-morrow (WED VV NESDAY) at G-p.m. sharp. ‘ By order ■• i •’ J. M. CAMBRIDGE, Hon. Sec. COAL YARD. Messrs, cunningham & co., beg 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. RPBJNSON, 798a—269 Agekt.