SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

TORT OR LYTTELTON,

ARRIVALS. : Oct. 24 Prosperity, brigantine, from Kaipara, with 90,000 feet of timber. Oct. 25 Penguin, s.s., from Port Chalmers. ■

Oct. 25 —Hawea, from Auckland, via East Coast.

Oct. 25 —Maud Graham, schooner, from Picton, with 60,000 feet of timber. Oct. 25—Huia, s.s., from Wellington and Kaikoura.

Oct. 20 —Sarah and Mary, brigantine, from. Bluff. Oct. 27 —Rotorua, from Port Chalmers. Oct. 27 Mary Blair, barque, from Hobart Town. Oct. 25—Hawea, s.s , for Akaroa and Port Chalmers. Oct. 25 Penguin, s.s,, for Welling ton and Auckland. Oct. 25—Torea, schooner, for Kaipara. Oct. 25—Onward, schooner, for Picton. Oct. 25—Fawn, brig, for Newcastle. Oct. 25—Especulador, barque, for New castle.

Oct. 25—Sunbeam, barque, for New castle.

Oct. 27—Rotorua, for Sydney. Oct. 27—Seabird, for Hokianga. Oct. 28—Huia, for Kaikoura and Wel lington.

Serious apprehensions are entertained regarding the safety of the ship Knowsley Hall, now 142 days out from the Start EXPECTED ARRIVALS. From London—Lady Jocelyn, Euterpe, Knowsley Hall (M.K.J. R.), Hurunui, Hereford, Southesk. 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 —Albion, This Day ; Taiaroa, Oct.' 30 ; 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 —Elmerauda.

From Melbourne Ringarooma, Oct. 27 ; Tararua, Nov. 6. From the Sounds —Esther. From Sydney—Rotomahana, Nov. 1. From Glasgow—Remonstrant. From Calcutta—Bruce.

COMMERCIAL.

FTdessrs Saunders Bros, report sales of wheat in London as follows :—Ex Mara val, 47s 6d, 48s 9d, and 49s 6d per 4961b5; and ex City of Quebec, 47s 6d and 48s per 4961b5. ’

BIRTHS.

Lancaster. October 24, at Ashburton, the wife of Mr. R. Lancaster, of a son.

Martin. October 26, at Ashburton, the wife of Mr. G. J. Martin, of a daughter.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1879.

The Mayorlty. —We have heard it rumored that Mr Bullock has decided not to stand for the position of Mayor at the forthcoming election. Mr. Ivcss, in bis paper to-day, announced bis intention of standing, but lie will not be allowed a walk-over, as we learn that a mem ber of a most influential and respetced firm in the Borough has consented to allow himself to be nominated.

1.0.G.T. —The usual weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held on Monday evening. There was a very large attendance of members and visitors. Two new members were initiated. The nomi nation for officers for the ensuing quarter was then proceeded with, with the follow ing result : —W.C.T., Bro. Ash wood ; W. Y. T., Bro. Jessop; S., Bro. Hardley; W.F. S., Bro. Poyntz ; W.T., Bro T. Andrews; W.C., Sister Timms; W.M., Bro. Bowling ; W. 1.-Q., R*’o. J. Bayliss ; W.O.G-., Bro. Knight. Sister Hardley was appointed organist. Bro. Ashwood reported an interview with the Star of the East Lodge re forming a Committee for The Old Men’s Home entertainment. The date fixfd for the entertainment was Thursday, November 13th. Members were requested by the W.C.T. to visit two sick members, w r hose state of health was reported on by the Visiting Committee. We would remind the members that the election of Lodge Deputy, and the polling for Grand Lodge representative and Dis trict Deputy takes place next Monday evening, and a full lodge is expected.

The Railway Line. —A case heard in Court to-day, shows how much a fence along the line of railway is wanted. A Mr Little had tried to get on to the train after it had reached the points some dis tance down the line, and of course was prosecuted for a breach of the railway re gulations. It is excusable for a man to attempt to catch a train that is just leav ing the platform, hut it seems to he rather foolhardy to try the experiment when the platform has been cleared and a spring lias to be taken from the dead ground to the carriage foot board, especially too, when speed has been pretty well got up. But such attempt could not be made at a distance from the station were the line propei’ly fenced.

Stray Cattle. —The police, aided by Mr. Price, the new lessee of the pound, are making raids upon animals straying on roads, and several cases of “ ss. and costs ” were recorded this morning, and one case of an entire horse at large got off very cheap indeed at a pound. A lady appeared to defend in one case, and stated that as she had already parted -with four shillings to the poundkeeper, which she considered ought to be seen about, she thought she might be let off any fur ther charge ; but the inexorable dis penser of justice meted out the same sentence, and the defendant tendered Mr. Purnell a pound note. That learned gentleman, although not averse to a fee at any time, shook his head, and pointed to the Clerk, who was asked by the fined one, “How much do you want?” “ Twelve shillings, ma’am,” replied the urbane clerk. The note was again ten dered. “ I must have law court stamps,” said Mr. Hurrell. This last hardship was too much for the good lady’s temper, and after having been publicly informed that the only medium of exchange recognised in Courts of law could be obtained at the Post Office, she departed, stating her in tention not to take any more trouble about paying, if they wouldn’t take good money, and left the Court, her voice being heard until it gradually died away in the dis tance.

Messes Acland, Campbell and Co. — This fn in announce that for the future their business in Ashburton will be carried on through the agency of Mr George Jameson, and for the future the auction sales of horses, &c., at the Bazaar will be held fortnightly, commencing on Saturday next, November 1. The stock sales at Tinwald and Ashburton will be carried on every fortnight as usual.

Taranaki leon. We notice with pleasure that the Taranaki iron sand is at last likely to become of practical value. In our telegraphic columns will be found an account of the successful smelting of the sand and the casting of a superior quality of various articles, prominent amongst which are some bogie wheels for the railways. The numerous attempts which have been made to successfully work the iron sand have up till now been dis astrous failures, and large sums of money have been sunk in endevoring to perfect some process by which the crude sand could be converted into pig iron. As the supply is unlimited there ought now to be a great future before Taranaki.

The Subscription Season. —The period of the year for shelling out has apparently arrived, judging by the number of sub scription lists at present on the move, and a great amount of firmness is required to say “no” to the numerous applications for half-crowns and guineas ; but the crop shows signs of increasing. There is the usual Ashburton Racing Club subsci'iption, the Winslow Sports, the Ashburton Annual Sports, the Waterton Sports, all time honored and legitimate; and then come tea fights and subscriptions to various church funds ; demands for de serving charitable objects ; art unions, and a host of other deserving but expensive objects, which we would all like to help, but they seem to come in rather too com pact a mass all at once.

Doctor for Rakaia.— A fairly attended meeting of residents in the town was held at the offices of Messrs It. McKerrow and Co., Rakaia, on Saturday evening, for the purpose of considering the course to be adopted to induce a properly qualified medical practitioner to reside in the dis trict. Mr C. H. McLean was voted to the chair. The Chairman stated the object of the meeting, and spoke at some length on the absolute necessity existing, owing to the increase of population, for the residence at Rakaia of a properly qualified doctor. The delay in obtaining medical attendance from Ashburton—a

distance of eighteen miles—is so greati particularly during the night and on Sun days, when no trains run, as in many in stances to cause the friends of sufferers to run great risk. On the motion of Mr John Mann, seconded by Mr W. Hart nail, it was resolved —“ That the follow ing gentlemen be written to, asking them to canvass their respective portions of the South Rakaia and Mount Hutt districts, to ascertain what amount could be guaran teed to a medical man for one year, and that they be requested to communicate the result of their efforts by the 20th November next: —Messrs E S. Coster, D. G. Holmes, John L°mbie, L. Lang ham, C. N. Mackie, C. T. Mackie, C. T. Allington, W. Hartnall, E. Chapman, C. A. Hardy, W. Saunders, and John Mann.” Mr McLean was unanimously elected to act as secretary. Trout for Ashrurton. —About a fort night ago 500 young trout were sent to Ash burton by the Acclimatisation Society, and liberated near Ashburton, and to-day another 1000 will arrive to stock some of the small creeks which empty into the river above Mount Somers. W. C. 'Walker, Esq., the County Chairman, has under taken the transit of the young fish to their future home. The trout turned out at Westerfield some five years ago have thriven very well, and we have heard of fish upwards of 121 b in weight having been cauglit in that foeighborlioud. > Wesleyan Home Mission. —On Sunday last the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, from Tiinaru, conducted the services in the Wesleyan Church, Cameron street, morn ing and evening. At both services there were large congregations, after which collections were made for the Wesleyan Home Mission Fund. ,On Monday next, it was announced, the Rev. A. Reid, Chairman of the district, will hold a public meeting in the church for the pur pose of speaking on the mission work in New Zealand.

Borough Rates. —We are informed that the Rate Collector has commenced a crusade against those ratepayers who have as yet neglected to pay their dues, and it would be advisable for them to interview the officer at once, and settle with him, to avoid another interview of a more expen sive nature. As the summonses are to be issued alphabetically, those having an A or Bin front of their names would do well to hurry up, whilst the W’s can take things a little more leisurely. The Wakanui Road Board is following the same course with regard to unpaid rates, and fix the last day of grace on the 6th of November.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Oct. 28.

The police are investigating the circum stances of an attempt to upset a train in Domain Tunnel.

Spurious florins, of date 1878, are being circulated here. The police are endeavor ing to trace the guilty parties. p". The Kingites are taking great interest in political movements at Wellington, and Tawhiao is kept constantly informed of what is going on. j

Arrived—Rotomahana. Her run from Russell averaged 14 knots. She leaves for South to-morrow.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS

( Reuter's Telegrams.)

London, Oct. 24,

Lord Harrington, at a Liberal demon stration at Manchester, stated tliat the abdication of Yakoob Khan precluded the possibility of a British resident at Cabul, without sufficient protection. The Liberal party called on the Powers to respect treaty obligations, and would insist on the Government of England combining with Europe in efforts for the maintenance of peace, to oppose aggression, and protect the weaker.

Despatches from Sir Garnet Wolsely, dated October 7th, state that annexation is irrevocable, and he recommended Go vernment to acquiesce in the same. News from Cape Town to October 15, states that troops had been sent to Middlebury, owing to disturbances among the Boers.

London, Oct. 25. Best Australian beef tallow, 39s Gd ; best Australian mutton tallow, 40s. Vienna, Oct. 24. The Austrian Defence Commission have held their first sitting.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Reuter's Telegrams.)

Sydney, Oct. 27.

Three Europeans and three Chinese of the ketch Pride of the Logan, have been murdered by Natives at Cloudy Bay, New Guinea.

Arrived—City of New York from Auck land.

Adelaide, Oct. 27.

Parliament has been prorogued. The Governor, in his speech, congratulated the country on the prospect of an excellent harvest and commercial prosperity.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Wellington, Oct.>27.

A lad named Williams fell down the hold of the steamer Albion to-day. He re ceived a severe shaking, but no serious injury.

An inquiry into the circumstances con nected with the accident to the steamer Wellington’s machinery on Wednesday, was held to-day. Evidence was given, attributing the cause to a flaw in the cast ing. No further inquiry is deemed ne cessary.

The Collector of Customs held an in quiry to-day into the cause of the accident on the steamer Stormbird on Friday, by which the seaman Long lost his life. No new facts were elicited, and the evidence proved it to be purely accidental. A deputation from the Ladies’ Christian Association waited on Messrs Levin and Hutchison to present a memorial relative to the necessity of establishing a home for destitute women. Messrs Levin and Hutchison promised to give the matter their earnest consideration. A memorial was also presented to the Mayor, who intimated that he would bring the matter 1 efore the City Council at the earliest 1 ossible moment.

At the inquest on the body of Louisa Taylor, who was found dead in her house yesterday, the jury returned a verdict of accidental suffocation.

Both ends of the cable are buoyed, but boisterous weather prevents the steamer working at it. She leaves at daylight should the weather moderate.

An elderly man named Dan Neil has been missing for nearly two months. Serious apprehension is felt for liis safety. Arrived—Kiwi, from Napier and east coast. Sailed—Penguin, for Auckland via east coast; Albion, for Melbourne and south. Cleared—Amelia Ross, barque, for Auckland.

New Plymouth, Oct. 27.

The castings made on Saturday at Vivian’s Foundry were turned out of the moulds this morning, and were in every case thoroughly satisfactory. The magnets made to the order of Dr. Lemon were perfect. He ordered the magnets be lieving the Taranaki iron sand of closer grain than ordinary metal, and would consequently retain the electricity longer. The ornamental castings were all ac curately made, and the bogie engine wheels of the finest description, both as to metal and manufacture.

Mr J. Lawson, the Commissioner for Constructed Railways in the North Island arrived by train on Saturday night for tfiie purpose of making arrangements for fine approaching opening of the line as far as Stratford. Christchurch, Oct. 27.

A young man named David Grubb, a clerk in the Post Office, lias been com mitted for trial for stealing letters from the Post Office.

H. Saunders is to be tried at Timaru, and will be remanded there in due course.

A public meeting is to be held to morrow night at which the Liberal Asso ciation intend to submit five resolutions, deprecating the bidding for power by open bribery, and protesting against the election of a member for Christchurch by a Parliamentary Committee. Timaru, Oct. 27.

Is has been decided to try the forgery case in which Edward James, 11. D. Manning, and Saunders are implicated, at Timaru next week. It is creating a great deal of interest.

The following is a summary of the entries for the Agricultural show which is to be held to-morrow and Wednesday : Sheep, Merino, 115 ; English Leicesters, 33 ; Border Leicesters, 31 ; Lincolns, 28 ; Romney Marsh, 33 ; Cotswold, 6 ; fat wethers, 4 ; total—27o. Pigs, 3. Cattle —short horned, 46 ; heifers, 3 ; Ayrshire, 3 ; fat cattle, 3 : total—ss. Horses— draught, 48 ; other horses, 41 ; hunters, 3 ; total—92. Poultry, 14. Implements, 57. Dairy produce, 22. Agricultural produce, 24. Extra exhibits, 7. Oamaru, Oct. 27. A meeting of the Oamaru and Naseby Railway Committee was held to-day, at which the following resolutions were passed:—(l) “ That the Chairman and Mr Gibbs be requested to address a letter to the Minister for Public Works, urging the desirableness of causing a complete and careful engineering survey to be made over the distance intervening between the terminus of the Windsor and Livingstone line, and the nearest point of the main trunk line on the Kyeburn Flat, with a view to determining the grades, distance, and cost of constructing the same, and asking that provision may be made on the votes for Public Works this session for carrying out such survey.” (2) “ That snch letter set forth the reason why the completion of railway communication with the interior is desirable and and expedient. ” (3) “ That the members for the district and MrDe Latour, M.H.R., be written to, inviting their aid and co-operation in the matter, and asking them to endeavor to secure the placing of £2OOO on the Esti mates for the purpose in view. ” Donedin, Oct. 27.

The inquest on the body of John Meldrum, killed on the tramway on Friday, was concluded to-day, when a ver dict of manslaughter was returned against John Craig, superintending engineer. The driver was exonerated from blame. A rider to the effect that a boy should not be allowed to act as a conductor, and that the line should be provided with a turn table to obviate the necessity of engines running reverse ways, was added to the verdict.

Government has decided to open two additional miles of the Oamaru and Living stone railway, to provide work for the un employed. An inspection made on Saturday shows all the harbor works to be in a most satis factory condition. Over £9OOO have been subsci’ibed here in sweepstakes on the Melbourne Cup.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

TUESDAY, Oct. 28th.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) CATTLE TRESPASS. T. W. Baker, foi allowing one horse to stray on the Wakanui Road was fined 5s and costs. Andrew Wood, for allowing a cow to wander on the Beach Road, was fined 5s and costs. James Campbell, for the same offence, was fined 5s and costs. George Gilpin had a horse wandering at large. Mrs Gilpin appeared in defence, but defendant was fined 5s and costs. James Connolly, for having an entire horse at large on the Wakanui Road was fined 20s and costs. BREACH OP THE RAILWAY REGULATIONS. Robert Little was charged with having entered a railway carriage whilst in mo tion. Defendant admitted the charge. Mr B. Pilkington, station-master, de posed that accused got on the train on the 11th inst. when it was about 50 yards from the station. The train was going at a tolerable speed, and Little stumbled twice in attempting to get on the train. Joseph Canning, railway storekeeper, saw Mr Little come across from the Post, Office and get on the train. He slipped in trying to get on, and a passenger as sisted him. Accused stated that similar cases had occurred, and no notice had been taken by the officials. He was fined 10s and costs. CIVIL CASES. Friedlander Bros v. Findlay. No ap pearance. Lancaster v. Bullen. No appearance. Same v. Moorshcad. No appearance. Smith v. Corsbie. Plaintiff had under taken the service of the summons himself and had served Mrs Corsbie. Case ad journed for a week.

Foreman v. Grigg.—Claim £6 10s, for wages. Joseph Foreman said he had worked for Mr Grigg, and there was a sum of £6 10s due. Had never sent a bill to Mr Grigg, but had called about two weeks afterwards for his wages. Asked Mr Jacombs, who said it was to go against plaintiff's father’s account. Was engaged to work at the thrashing machine by Lus combe, the engine driver. Had worked previously for Mr Grigg, and always made his engagements personally. His father had not received the money. Didn’t know whether his father had received the money in the shape of stores. Swore that he had not been told so. Did not get 40s per week, because it was to go against his father’s store account, and did not get 15s against that account. Had never seen any account between Mr Grigg and his father.

James Foreman, father of last witness ; Have had dealings withMr Grigg. Was a tenant of his. The account produced is against me. I have not received my son’s wages from Mr Grigg. He engaged with Mr Grigg himself.

By Purnell: My son is about 1G years of age. I was never refused stores, un less against my son’s work. I don't re member whether in previous transactions whether 1 was paid or the boy. I can’t say whether I drew £3 15s in January last. For the defence Mr Purnell called Mr Grigg : From time to time Foreman jun. had been employed on the station, and the first intimation I had of any claim was from Messrs Ireland and O’Reilly, about three weeks ago. I gave instructions that Foreman was to have £5 worth of goods, but no other goods were to be supplied unless against the son’s earnings, and a subsequent promise was made by Foreman to pay the balance of his ac count, providing I let him take a cow away. I never paid the boy a shilling, but always credited the father’s account with his wages. J. E. Jacombs, storekeeper for Mr Grigg—The lad has worked on the station from time to time, and his wages have alwas been credited to his father’s account. I told Foreman that the wages he was then earning would be treated in the same way. The son came about a fort night after he left and asked for his wages, and I told him I had given his father credit. His father told me his son did not like his wages being stopped. The son always lived at home, except when en gaged at the station. Edward Button, manager at Longbeacli, deposed to having engaged the boy, through his father’s application. His Worship, in giving judgment, said that the father must have been cognisant of the fact that the son’s wages were placed to his account, as the son generally lived with him, and there must have been an understanding been an understanding between them ou the subject. Judgement for defendant, with costs £4 Is.

Green v. Tisch.—Claim £45, balance due on a purchase of debts. Mr Ireland for plaintiff, Mr Purnell for defendant. William Green: I made an arrange ment with Tisch, to sell him some book debts for £7O, on June 13th last. He paid me £25 cash at the time, also a pro missory note at 3 months for the re mainder. It was written on ordinal paper. Some days after he took it from me, and was to sign a fresh one ane burnt the old one. He then took the fresh one, and after two or three hours refused to sign it. He gave no reason. I signed the agreement produced, but it had the words “ If all accounts are paid according to book shown to me ” added to it since. I gave him the book with the account in it. He has only paid £25, I don’t know who wrote the agreement. By Mr Purnell—l did not see any one write the agreement. I believe it was Johnny Tisch wrote it. The bargain was made at the Spread Eagle Hotel. There were several present at the time. The pre liminary bargain was not to the effect that I was to be paid when the debts were collected. These kind of debts (fees for entire horses’ services) are difficult to collect. In most cases a guarantee was given. A large number of the accounts have heen repudiated as the mares had not given increase. I took the promissory note back to Mr Tisch because it was not in due form. I asked him if he would sign a fresh one and he said “Yes,” and afterwards snatched it out of my hand and threw it in the fire. The agreement was read over to me two or three times and I appi’oved of it. The total value of the debts sold was £9O to £IOO.

James Johnston, farmer—l remember an agreement being made between Green and Tisch. I read it. I think something has been added : I am positive of it. Green had signed it, but don’t remember if Tisch had. For the defence, Phillip Tisch, sworn —Made a verbal agreement with Green, who wanted to sell the debts. I agreed to buy them for £7O, £25 cash, and the balance when some of the money was collected. If the mares guaranteed in foal did not prove so no payment was to be made. I have only collected £8 10s of the debts. This agreement was afterwards put in writing. The agreement has never been altered. My son wrote it, all at one time. Green said he wanted money, and I gave him a promissory note on a piece of not paper and a week afterwards, and said, “ This thing is no good,” and I threw it in the fire, and he said I should have to sign agood one and I refused, as I told him I might not get that amount out of the debts.

By Mr Ireland—l gave Green the promissory note to quieten him, as he was on the beer. I knew it was no good for him to raise money on. George Milne, builder, corroborated Tisch’s evidence re the verbal agreement made. Heard the written agreement read, and thought the agreement in Court was the same.

Mr Purnell argued that the agreement either must be considered a forgery, or a nonsuit be granted.

Mr Ireland addressed the bench at some length and the plaintiff was nonsuited without costs.

Fast Travelling. —The Union Com pany’s new steamer Rotomalmna is keeping up her reputation of being the fastest boat in the colonies. Our telegraph advices state that she has arrived at Russel, north of Auckland, after a speedy passage of 3 days 11 hours. This is the quickest on record : the nearest we can recollect being made by the s.s. Otago some 13 years ago, when new, from Sydney to bgalson in 4 days 4 hours, with fair -winds all the way.

The Drainage of the Ashburton and Rakaia Plains.

A meeting of delegates from the Ash burton County Council, Mount Somers, Upper Ashburton, Mount Hutt, and South Rakaia Road Boards was held 1 at the Road Board Office, South Rakaia, on Thursday, the 23rd inst, to consider the scheme and report of Messrs J. H. Lowe, Railway Engineer; W. Baxter, County Council Engineer ; and R. P. Bain, C.E.» as to the practicability of draining the plains of storm water, by leading it into the Rakaia and Ashburton rivers Present—Messrs C. N. Mackie, (Chair man), South Rakaia Road Board : Mr Stitt, Upper Ashburton Road Board ; D. Cameron, County Council and Mount Somers Road Board; Mr M'Millan, Mount Hutt Road Board; and D. G. Holmes, South Rakaia Road Board.

On the motion of Mr M l Millan, seconded by Mr Stitt, Mr Mackie took the chair.

The Chairman read the report, which has already appeared in our columns, which was accompanied by a tracing of the district, showiug the courses the storm water takes on the plains, and spoke of the work as being essentially necessary for the benefit of the whole of the plains, and it was for them to decide whether this was a feasible scheme. For his part, he did not agree with the whole of it. He then read a few clauses from the Public Works Act bearing on the subject of public bodies taking private land for diverting water courses, and for drainage . He (the Chairman) thought it would be a too expensive scheme to take the water from near Methven to A ilea’s Chasm.

Mr Stitt was of opinion that the first expense in these matters was always the least, and contended that it would cost more more to repair the damage done to roads every year by the floods than to go into a more extensive scheme at first. Mr Holmes understood that it would take something like thirteen or fourteen thousand pounds more to take the water from near Methven to Allen’s, there being a fall from the terrace of the river inland, and the terrace there being a hundred feet higher than where it was proposed to take it it into the river at Barr Hill. It was quite evident that something would have to be done at once, as there were miles and miles of fencing destroyed below the railway line by the last flood. He approved of the scheme with detail alterations, and would support it.

Mr M‘Millan did not think the scheme would be of any service to the district he represented, and they would object to carrying it out. Mr Mackie, although he could not agree with the remarks of Mr M‘Millan, was inclined to oppose the scheme, as he did not think the plan of stripping seven and a half acres as proposed at the outlet of the dry creek at Methven, would answer the purpose intended, there was such a heavy volume of water coming down the dry creek when flooded. He was afraid it would be too expensive to keep the hole clear of silt. Mr M‘Millan thought it would not answer, as it came over so much loose shingle in the creek before it came to the proposed sink, and did not appear to de crease in volume. Mr Holmes thought that it would absorb a great quantity, and it would be impossible to estimate the amount of per colation during its course down the dry creek. He thought it would be a very beneficial work, and could be carried out at very small cost. Mr Cameron, although he did not bind himself to the theory, was of the same opinion as Mr Holmes. Considerable discussion ensued, and instances were given of the amount of water absorbed iu pits where gravel had been excavated.

Mr Stitt was of opinion that for the Ashburton side they ought to clear out the creeks as proposed to a certain point, and then, by cutting a channel into a large and well defined water course, lead it into the Ashburton river nearly direct. He thought it might even be better still to cut a direct course and divert it out of its natural channel, and lead it more directly into the river.

Mr Cameron said the fall was so great in the locality that that would not be safe. He thought that clearing the present creek and cutting off a few of the bends, and leading the water into the channel pro posed by Mr Stitt, would be the most advantageous and least expensive. Mr Mackie regretted that the engineers were not present at the Conference, as they might have been able to give detailed information on some of the points mooted.

After a considerable amount of dis cussion, the following resolution was passed, with only one dissenting voice, all present agreeing that the matter should be taken up and gone on with as soon as possible, believing that by the time the surveys and -working plans were prepared the work would be ready to be commenced, about February, when the grain, etc., would be off the land.

The following resolution was moved by Mr Holmes, seconded by Mr Stitt, and caraied—‘‘That in the opinion of this Conference, consisting of delegates from the County Council, Mount Somers, Mount Butt, Upper Ashburton, and South Pakaia Road Boards, the scheme for the purpose of carrying off the storm waters between the Rakaia and Ashburton rivers, submitted by the different engineers would be advantageous to the district, and is urgently required; and they also recommend that roads should not be used for channels in carrying out the work.”

Mr McMillan wished to record his opposition to carrying out the scheme un less the cost was borne by the districts directly interested.

It w r as resolved to forward the fore going resolution to the County Council.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings of the Con ference.

Best Leg Foremost.— “ Mary,” said an up-town woman to a new servant, “when you hang out the clothes, be careful to always put the nicest pieces nearest the street.”

Very Lazy.— -Another lazy man has been found. He spells photograph, “ 4tograph. ” There have been only three as bad. One lived in Kansas and dated his letters “11 worth” ; another spelled Tennessee “ lOsC” ; and the other wrote Wyandotte “Y&.”

CHERTSEY CEMETERY BOARD.

A meeting of the above board was held in the Chertsey Schoolhouse on Saturday

evening.

Present—Messrs. W. A. Brown, A. R. Markham, R. Campbell, H. Childs, W. Payton, and W. Leslie. Mr. W. A. Brown, on the board assem bling, informed them that he had waited upon several members of 'the County Council, and after having discovered that the grants were already allocated, he had interested himself in the matter, and he had now the pleasure to inform them that a grant of fifty pounds had been placed to their credit in "the'bank. t Now the mem bers had been gazetted, and he presumed officially notified, he had called them to gether for the purpose of spending this money as advantagously as possible. On c the motion of Mr. Leslie, seconded > by Mr. Markham, —“ That Mr. W. A. ‘ Brown be chairman of the Board. ”ir Carried unanimously. Mr. Markham explained to the Board that Mr. Wilkinson was unavoidably absent through indisposition. ];■ t : . ; t % Proposed by Mr. Markham, seconded by Mr. Childs, “That Mr. W. B. Payton be appointed Secretary. ” Carried. : ; » After genetal conversation as to the distribution of the land for different sects and denominations,

It was resolved on the motion of Mr. Childs that the land should be ploughed and fenced the same as the recreation ground, and that separate tenders should be called for ploughing and fencing, plans and specifications to be seen at A. R. Markham & Co.’s Store.

The Chairman was instructed to procure the necessary books and stationery, after which the Board adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

The Exportation of Butter.

To the Editor.

Sir, —As I find the columns of your valuable journal are devoted to the in terests of the fanning community, and that you have given many practical hints and suggestions, I beg to solicit from you, or any of your correspondents, some in formation relative to the exportation of butter. The splendid season we are now having has naturally increased the supply much beyond the demand for local con sumption ; consequently the price is get ting very low. Whereas, if butter could he shipped to England, arriving there in good condition, the price must necessarily advance here. lam told the experiment has been tried on a small scale, with great success, but then very especial care was taken. On the other hand there have been many failures, probably through want of proper attention, or proper kegs. If you could help your many readers -by giving information upon this subject it would be greatly to-their benefit, and the general prosperity of the district.

lam, &c., Dairy.

[Our correspondent has brought under our readers’ notice a subject of very great importance to this district. Ashburton at present does not produce butter in very large quantities, but the production will be immensely increased year by year. In fact, we fully anticipate seeing dairy farming becoming quite as important a branch of the agriculturist’s labors as either wool or. grain - growing. Having tried the experiment suggested by our correspoudent, some 12 years ago, merely from curiosity, we have great pleasure in stating the modus operand! The process was first explained to us by a German merchant of great experience, who anticipated at that time the probability of a trade opening up in the direction suggested by our corres pondent. The first and main object to keep in view in this, as in all dairy opera- ; tions, is cleanliness ; and the next the quality of the packages used. We were in the habit of putting down about 15 cwt. per week for the West Coast markets at that time, and after being kept from three to five months the butter was turned out as fresh as the day it left the daily, and two kegs were sent to friends in Scotland, who pronounced it to be equal to the best they had ever used. We used white birch kegs, of the usual 5G to GO lb. sizes. As all timber is known to contain substances which will tend to deteriorate the quality and flavor of so absorbent an article as butter, the one thing needful is to destroy these substances ; and the process adopted to do so was as follows. The kegs were first filled with hot water and salt, and the liquor kept stirred for a few minutes, then boiled again for another" keg. The water would sometimes get inky looking and bitter on its application to the first keg, thus showing that there was a dye in the wood which, if not removed, would inevitably find its way into the butter and destroy both its flavor and color. The kegs were then filled with cold water and allowed to stand for about 3 weeks, changing the water every two or three days. They were by that time reckoned sweet enough to be filled. The butter was packed in in lib rolls, made up in such a shape as would occupy as small a space as possible, each pound being rolled in a piece of calico soaked in brine, and when the keg was packed full and headed up, an auger hole was bored in the top, and the keg filled with strong brine, and allowed to stand a day or two to allow the wood to absorb all the moisture is was cabable of, and then the keg was finally corked up tight. Of course, the best quality of butter only should be used, and packed fresh as soon after churning as possible. The experiment is one worth our farmers’ while trying. Kauri , kegs soem to be used most here, and we should think that they will require more soaking than birch or white pine. As we have already said, the butter packed in the way we have described and sent to Scot land, ai’rived in excellent condition, and drew eucomiums from makers in one of the most popular butter counties in North Britain. — Ed. A. G. ]

Levy’s, the great cornet player, occu pation is gone. His lower lip has become paralysed" and no longer will he enrap ture crowded audiences with his silver trumpet. This should be a sad warning to people who bolt without paying their printers’ bills. We write more in sorrow than in anger.— Auckland paper.

I uesday. Oc.tob Kit 28, 187Q.]

IHE ASHBURTON HERALD.



w ences. ANTED, a Good DRESSMAKER for up-country. Must have refer- Apply by letter. Y. K. HILLGROVE, SSBa Ashburton. Y. R. In the District Court of Canterbury, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, The Debtors ■' and Creditors Act 1876 Amendment Act, 1878, and of the bankruptcy of JOSEPH BENJAMIN ROGERS, of Winslow, Clerk out of Employ ment, a debtor. T HEREBY SUMMON a MEETING of i the Creditors of the abovenamed, to be held at the offices of Messrs. Branson & Pur nell, Solicitors, in East Street, Ashburton, on Friday, the thirty-first day of October instant, at eleven a.m., to consider the in tended application by the said debtor for his order of discharge. Dated this twenty-eighth day of October, 1879. W. R. BOYLE,- Tiustee. Branson and Purnell, Solicitors for the debtor. 610 a Housemaids. —The herald asks a Housemaid for you in 20 words for 1 /- rSr SOMERSET LODGE. i SCHOOL of INSTRUCTION in connection with the Somerset Lodge will be held in the Lodge Room TO MORROW (WEDNESDAY), at 7.30 p.m. By order, HENRY ZANDER. 612 a Acting Secretary. TEN SHILLINGS REWARD. LOST, on Tuesday last, a Dark Bay Heavy Ti’ap HORSE ; branded M on near shoulder, and newly shod. Anyone returning or giving information will receive the above reward. MR. J. TASKER, 590 a Trevorton. TO FRUITERERS, CONFECTIONERS, AND OTHERS. T7YVNCY Show Cards, neatly printed— Jj “ Finest Lemonade and Cordials ” —on Sale at the Herald Office. iTANTED Known, that TWENTY Words are inserted in this Column for ONE SHILLING prepaid, and FORTY Words for TWO SHILLINGS prepaid. f fnAL>P- --The Herald publishes a por | tioSkof a.seadable stc ry ever Satur day. Reao4r" FORMS PRINTED “To Let” and “ For Sale ” —can be obtained at the Herald Office.



mHE “ Herald ” is on every Tea Table _t in Ashburton