COMMERCIAL

At the fortnightly sale at Tinwald’’ on Saturday last, tfe* Messrs. Matson and CpJ-'report selling prime fat sheep on account of Ohas. Retdj Esq., at 9s. 9d. : do., in good condition, at Bs. 3d. ; good stores at 7s. Bd. Cattle- Yearlings, 375. to 455. ; calves,, 21s. ; fat cattle, L 7 10 to L 8 Is. ;; good stores, L;4 15s. Some first class draught horses were offered, but there were %• Messrs. Acland, Campbell, and Co. sold cross bred fat lamb»,on account of Messrs. Wilkin and Carter, at 6s. ; cows, L 6 ss. to L 6 10s. ; ewes and lambs, a mixed lot, at 4». Gd. : steers, L2 ss. up to L 4. Messrs. Bros, and Gundry, report haviiVg sold cows from L'4 2s.' Gd. to L 6155.. ; vyoung stock and yearlings, 245. to 445. ; calves, 15s. Light draught brought 5 L15-10s. to Ll 7 ; hacks, L 7 -7s. t(yL9. ;. £ There was an average attendance, but tlie prices realised were not equal to those at last, sale. Mr. Harrison reports having sold goods under 'order"from v bailiit' as follows-: Draught horse, aged, LG ss. ; and the fol lowing farm implements—Dray, Ll 4; double 1 furrow : plough, LG ; and sundry ■other goods at fair prices. Also, on Wednesday, Mr. Harrison reports having quitted l furniture,.etc., on.account of Mr. J. D. Perry, Burnett street, at satisfac tory rates. * Privately two draught horses have been disposed of by the same auc tioneer at L3O and L 35, respectively.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1879.

Accident 'at Rakaia. — An accident happened to Mr. Charles Lake, lively stable keeper, on Wednesday morning. Mr. Lake, accompained by Mr. Anderson, was driving a young horse through the town when the—horse bolted, and the buggy in which they were riding came in contact with the fence at the -old post office, throwing out both occupants. ■ Mr. Anderson j umped out without sustaining much injury, but Mr. Lake, who was thrown out, had one leg cut a good deal. The buggy was entirely smashed. Inquest. —There will be an inquest held on the late fire in Tancred street on Mon day next. Chertsey School Committee.— A meet ing of the above Committee was held on Tiiesday, the 9th inst. Present—Messrs. W. A. Brown (Chairman) A. R. Mark ham (Secretary), L. Maugham, T. W. Wilkinson, R. Campbell, and H. Childs. Tlie Secretary read the report of the Inspector of Schools, and also a general resume of the work done since the opening

of the school, forwarded by the master, Mr. Jas. Borthwick. Mr. T. W. Wilkin son proposed —“ That the Committee, having received the Inspector's report, perfectly agree with him as to the general efficiency of the master, and the progress made during liis term of office. ” The Secretary was instructed to forward copies of this resolution, which was adopted, and the Inspector’s report as appended—“ This school has been recently established. It is commodious, well ventilated, and fully

supplied with working materials. , Owing to wet weather, the attendance on day of examination was small, but as only four of those doing standard work were absent, the result attained may be taken as a fair test of the proficiency of the whole school. The methods of instruction are intelligent and fairly applied, and considering the short time the teacher has been at work, good progress has been made. The children were orderly and attentive. Singing and drawing are not taught. At a recent election meeting the walls of the schoolroom were slightly damaged.” The result of examination in standards was 100 per cent. After passing accounts

and authorising the Chairman to have certain repairs executed it was decided .that the Committee give the children a treat on Tuesday next, Dec. 16. Arrange ments were made for the supply of edibles and refreshments, and also for an entertainment to be held in the evening. A cliargeiof one shilling was decided to be made for the tea and entertainment for persons not connected with the children attending the school. The Committee then adjourned. A Circus on Fire. —At Wanganui on Monday night, the attendance at Chiarini’s Circus was about 2000. At two o’clock on Tuesday morning the tent used as a stable for the horses and zebras caught fire. The night watchman loosened the animals and let them go. The tent was burned down and the animals scampered .wer the town, but all were safely re captured. The huanacos were much s.wrched. The loss Mi about L4OO. Horsewhipped.— At the Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday a young man named F. White was fined ss. for hoise-whipping Wethers Watts, son of Dr. Watts, who had sent an insulting let ter to White’s sister. The fine was sub scribed by several gentlemen in the Court, and the balance was placed in the poor box.

Drunks. —Business in drunks is looking up at the R.M. Court, Mr. C. P. Cox, having had four of these helmless indi viduals befoie him to-day. One, John Robertson, had been before the Court be fore, on one or two occasions when his dinner bad had more liquid than solid matter in its compilation. This tune, the constable yesterday morning at 9 o’clock steered him up to the public hostelry where many a hotel-contracted somnolence is dispelled. John managed to persuade the sergeant that he wasn’t so tight after

all, and got bailed .outbut at the same evening the alcohol with which he had seasoned hi 3 food told upon him again, and as a penalty for contributing too heavily to the public’s and the publican’s revenue he was run in for his own safety, |j and the public good. To-day he told Iris ; tale. He didn’t often get drunk—drunks uiever will believe that they get tight fre -1 quently—he hadn’t been drunk for a long time, and hadn’t had much this time. His “not much,” however, was too much for him. Mr. Cox said he was willing to

take a lenient view of the case, and would let the man off if he would promise to go straight back to liis work at the Hinds. That was just the chance prisoner wanted, and he closed with the offer forthwith A dentist named Allan next waltzed up to the public confessional. Drunk last night. Hadn’t anything to say to the charge. Had been almost a teetotaller for mouths,, but this drop had a ‘ ‘ most terrible ” effect upon him. The phrase is a strong one, but the man’s face and general appearance said il Amen ” to its

truth. Sergeant Pratt raid there was nothing against prisoner in Ashburton, but the Christchurch Court knew all about bis liquor weakness. Mr. Cox was again iincllwjed to be lenient, and ex ! tracted a jpico/nise of abstemiousness in ' future. The m*k one was let off, with a

jjfic fine, and a ©action, however, that his next entry for the honoring event would be handicapped with his previous convic tions. Joseph O’Brien had a skinful of what a greater than he has “dis tilled damnation.” It turned Mm at Fried]ander’iS store, where he lay down.. He did his “ suiting ” gently, however, for the apprehendi-feg constable said he was very quiet—very qufet, Mr. Cox was a /rain merciful, and on frmsph promising to find :* .softer bed in the fixture than Friedlander’s doorstep, and thait a safe distance frora;tlie Ashburton township, £e 1 was permitted to take himself off without .! a fine One Sinclair, drunk, and also I charged, with .the larceny of a pipe, was * remanded till to-pioj^wr.

Ashburton Waterworks Bill. —The new County Waterworks Bill, introduced by the Hon. W. S. Peters in the Upper House, passed its second reading last night.

TELEGRAPHIC.

AUSTRALIAN.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS,

( Reuter's 7 elegrams.) Melbourne, Dec. 31. Arrived —Rotomahama- She made the fastest time on record. Sailed—Ringarooma, yesterday.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’ 3 TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Dec. 11

Intelligence from Alexandi’a states there is no truth in Rewi’s alleged intention to isolate himself among tl .e Kingites. Government have declined to accept the services of a new Battery of Artillery. 120 had enrolled, and were greatly disap pointed. The strikers at Dempsey’s reclamation contract held a meeting this morning. They state the wages owing them amount to nearly LBOO. They sent a memorandum to the District Engineer, and placed the matter in liis hands for solution.

Arrived—Rotorua, from Sydney, at Russell this morning. She brings 41 pas sengers and 196 tons of cargo for southern ports. Benjamin Duvall, better known as Dr. Duvall, has been arrested far forging and uttering a cheque on the Bank of New Zealand,

Wellington, Dec. 11.

A - young man named John Francis Thompson was charged at the Magistrate’s Court with issuing valueless cheques. On three informations he was discharged, but on a fourth he was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labor. All the single girls by the Arathusa have obtained employment at fair wages. Nelson, Dec. 1-1

A public meeting last night protested against the property tax as unfair and inquisitorial, took exception to hurrying through such a measure at a late period of the session, and suggested, of the necessity for the tax were absolute the exemption of personal effects, stock-in trade, machinery and plant, and that the rate should only be a half penny. Dunedin, Dec. 11.

At the City Police Court this morning, James Wilson was convicted of breaking two panes of glass worth 205., the pro perty ot James Ogden. He was fined L 3, and ordered to pay the damage to property or go to prison for six weeks. John Patsen, convicted of stealing a saucepan, value 11s., the property of J. C. Nicholas was sent to gaol for a month.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

(Reuter's Telegrams .) London, Dec. 8. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 2,120,000 quarters. The Queen continues to improve. Her Majesty decorated the officers of the Bath at Windsor. Brennan was committed for trial, hail tieing allowed. It has been notified that the New Zea land Government will abstain from a fresh loan for three years,

Calcutta, Dec. 6.

The Ghilzais and others at Ferowla cut off supplies going to Cabul. Brigades under Generals Baker and M‘Pherson were despatched to attack and punish them.

AUSTRALIAN

( Reuter’s)

Sydney - , Dec. 10.

The Treasurer has introduced his Financial Statement. The revenue for the last financial year was L 3,525,000, and the expenditure L 4,725,000. He estimates the revenue for the next year at L 4,762,000, and the expenditure at L 4,984,00. The deficit is to be covered by an increase of taxes upon stamps ; spirits, 25.; wines, sparkling, 45.; beers, 3d.; tobacco, leaf, 3d.; manufactured, , 6d.; excise duties on beers and tobacco, 3d. The estimates put the expenditure of next year at L 4,084,183, showing a de crease of L 8,500 compared with last year. Arrived —Hero from Auckland. Melbourne, Dec. 10.

Mr. Munro, in the Assembly, gave notice of motion to address the Governor, asking that satisfactory measures for the reform of the Constitution should be carried during the present session.

(Special. ) Melbourne, Dec. 30,

It is stated that negotiations are pending between M'Lean of Ballarat, and an un known New Zealander to walk 200 miles for LI,OOO a-side. Betting on the Champion is dull. Mr. Wilson’s string—Petrea, First King, and Avernus, are considered the most danger ous. New wheat, ss. Bs.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS,

Auckland, Dec. 10,

Another difficulty has occurred between Dempsey and his workmen at the rail way reclamation works. The men struck work to-day. The Gold Mining Company declared .a dividend of 2s. 6d. per share, absorbing L 750.

Rewi is said to be seriously indisposed. The Natives are looking forward with interest to the great Native meeting next month, when the land transactions Nga taraukawa will be reviewed.

The Regatta Committee met to-night and decided for a champion schooner mce—first prize LIOO, second prize L3O ; large cutter race, Ist prize, silver cup, value L 35, presented by the members and Ll 5 added ; second prize, L2O ; third, LlO. Two other silver cups were pre sented for open boat and y&cht races. There is every promise of a successful meeting.

Grahamstown, Dec. 10. A fire broke out this morning, at 2 o’clock, in Pollen street, and destroyed

Brien’s (furniture dealer) _ and VV ood a (fruiterer) shops. The cause is supposed to have been from a girl at Brien s leaving a candle ‘ burning on going to bed. In surances —Brien, Royal, LloO ; W ood, Norwich Union, £SO on building. Five Naval Brigade bandsmen are to be tried!by Court-martial next week-for refusing to attend a church parade. •I 1 ; ’ Wellington, Dec. 10.

I The Wellington City Waterworks Loan, which waAabout.to be .placed in the Lon don money'market, has. been' tempoarily withdrawn by the Lana agents of the Corporation bankers, owing .to the fact that the issue of the five million loan has affected the market to a considerable ex tent. : J ; . '• d 1 . % A Maori boy, Jako, was arrested at Carterton yesterday for stealing a horse, the property of Mr. Green, formerly his employer. He was brought to town to day and will be charged at the 11. M. Court to-morro w.

Timaru, Dec. 10.

The weather is now warm, but heavy floods are still coming down in most of the rivers.

The annual regatta on Anniversary Day promises to prove a very great success. Dunedin, Dec. 10.

A London telegram of the Bth inst. advises that Trust, Barrows, and Co., the leading South Staffordshire makers of bar iron, have withdrawn all quotations, and that prices continue to advance. On Monday night the Rev. Dr. Stuart, while walking in bis garden, slipped and fell heavily, dislocating his shoulder and sustaining a rather severe shaking. He was attended to by Dr. Blair and is pro gressing favorably. At the Board to-day, it was stated that for convenience of new arrivals and in tending settlers, statements would be pre pu.’-ed and posted in public places, giving all information regarding land open for selection.

The annual session of the Loyal Orange Institution was opened at she Oddfellows’ Hall, Rattray street, this afternoon. R.W.G.M., Bro. Revell, and 25 delegates were present. Part of the business will be the considering of a motion to take Father Chiniquy under the Society’s pro tection during his New Zealand tour. The Caledonian Society have resolved to make a first prize of LSO for Band com petition at the New Year’s Sports, and make sixteen the minimum number of members in each band.

At the City Police Court this morning Peter Preston was again' brought before the bench for failing to support his seven children, already inmates of the Dunedin Industrial School. He was ordered to pay 35s per week. Edward Brogan was ordered to pay ss. 6d. per week towards supporting his child. He admitted his liability, but urged in extenuation that he had only received 525. 6d. for (3 week's con tracting at Mullocky Gully. Kate Walker was'fined 20s. and costs for obscene lang cage. Henry Huer and Geo. Mantel were charged, on the information of Mr. Street, J. P., with cruelly ill-treating a dog. His Worship held the case was not sufficiently proved, and dismissed the action.

SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[by telegraph.]

Timaru, Dec. 10.

The half yearly criminal sittings of the Supreme Court opened to-day, before Judge Johnston. True bills were returned in the follow ing cases ; —Thomas Griffin, stealing from the person. William Charles Kiddey, forgery and uttering. Edward Jeffery, maliciously placing an obstruction on the railway line. Edward James, forgery; Harry Daniel Manning, aiding and abet ting to commit a forgery ; Albert Godfrey Saunders, aiding and abetting to commit a forgery. John Doyle, forgery and utter ing. William C. Graham, attempt to murder. Thomas Hunt, cattle stealing. Mary Hunt, wilful damage to property. Frederick Neiber, obtaining money by false pretences, two charges. No bills were found in the cases of Alfred Fisher for libel, and W. B. Nightingale for larceny. The following prisoners were dealt with : —Thomas Griffin, 12 months ; W. C. Kiddey, one day; Patrick Finn, 12 months ; Edward James, forgery, two years ; John Doyle, 12 months; Mary Hunt, one day; Frederick Neiber, 1 year on one charge, acquitted on the other.

Blenheim, Dee. 10,

In the Supreme Court yesterday, the cases of Kinvau, Goff, and Gowrie, for cattle stealing, and Yates, for assault with intent on a young girl, were dismissed. In the case of Earle v. Doherty, for libel, Mr. Travel's, who appeared for defendant, made a special plea, alleging the allega tions in the libel to be true, viz., that Earle had actually seduced his niece, and had had intercourse with her during flip past two years, and, further, that the alleged libel was made with a view to hav ing the allegations inquired into for the public benefit. 9 p.m.

Doherty’s ease k still proceeding. The effect of Mr. Travers’ speech was that Mr. Doherty was not guilty- that the libel complained of was fru,e sub stance and fact •; that W- Vf- Earll . had seduced his piece apb had had frequent intercourse with hep while living under his care and protection; ( the publication was for the public hepofit, as Earll had been a Councillor of the Boi'OVgh of Blenheim just previously ; that at the he was a candidate to fill a vacant seat > that fie held a high office as Grand Councillor in the <3pod Templar Order for the Soutli Island 5 tfet fee b el( l office in the Presbyterian Church; had served, and was entitled to serve a? a Grand Juror ; and that it was for the public good that the allegations should be cleared .up, and such a person px-evented from holding,such offices. Mr. Connelly &?feed for an adjournment to consider the plea, sfiicli was granted for an hour. ’ „ Op. re-assembling, Mr. -Co ( ip.pqJiiy the evidence must proceed. The .ease went on, publication of tl\e fib el was proved. Mr. Travers opened th-e s-ipfe out lined a most horrible story, .QOiqpyUrtug $ serious of alleged offences of & gFQ&J'Iy Jff decent nature.

This afternoon Fanny Townsend g.%ye her evidence in chief, and detailed a •WUbpr of indecent acts, and the com mute of & &apjtal offence. Other impoi tanfc witnesses to be examined to night.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. \'V Wellington, -Dec. 10.

Yesterday evening, after the Statement, the. House went to business inVearnest, and got; through-the Property Assessment Bill in;| Committee about; 3' o’clock this tndining. .Several' hours;were spent in further : fighting'clause . 21which,rafter all, received no furuher alteration. Mr Saufidets’ motion,,to exempt -agricultural implements, from taxation, was-, the t only - amendment carried. His motion to exempt steam engines was only lost by a majority of one in a full House-—3B to 37. His motion to exempt grain, roots, and growing crops, was lost by a majority of 5. A great number of divisions . were taken, and attempts were made to exempt house hold furniture, farmers’ dairy cows, gold and coal mining property, but all failed. The Colonial Treasurer resisted every amendment, and with the exception of agricultural implements, had everything his own way.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

W edl" esi)ay, Dec. 10.

In the Council to-day a large number of notices for leave of absence were with drawn on the understanding that the session was soon to end. Colonel Whitmore’s motion to appoint the colony’s Agents-General for short terms lapsed through Colonel Whitmore s absence.

Dr. Menzies’ motion that persons taking railway seats should hold the same seats all through the journey, was carried. The Jackson and Kinross cases again came up for discussion, and were finally disposed of —the first by the Committee’s report being adopted by 18 to 17 votes ; and the second by being shelved with the proviso that the Councillors and officers might appear as-witnesses in any future action against Mr. Kinross. The Registration of Electors Bill was read a third time.

The Council adjourned from 3 ti 117.30.

At the evening sitting, the second reading of the Ashburton County Council Waterworks Bill was passed.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, Dec. 9. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS.' ,

Mr. Fultoi.'. asked Government whether they would during the recess, devise some method for the more speedy apprehension and punishment of those who: deserting their wives and children leave them a burden upon the charity of the public, and whether they would endeavour to secure the united efforts of the Australian Colonies in this matter.

The Hon. J. Hall promised that the proposition should be favourably consi dered by Government. Replying to Mr. Swanson, The Hon. J. Hall said that the Chinese Emigration Regulation Bill was one they desire to see passed this session. Mr. Ireland asked if Government had succeeded in making arrangements for the completion of the Tapanui railways, and when the work was likely to be finished. Thb Hon. R. Oliver replied that Go vernment had not attempted to make any arrangement, but intended to ask the sanction of the House for that purpose.

Major Te Wheoro asked what lands are given as security for the loans from Eng land, and whether Maori.lands ware in- ; eluded.

Major Atkinson said that Maori lands were not given any more than Europeans. Replying to Major Te Wheoro, The Hon. J. Bryce said that Govern ment would not undertake to bring in a Bill to provide that, in future, roads should be enforced through Native lands that are Crown granted. Mr. Shephard asked whether Govern ment would make provision for paying the present rate of subsidies to local bodies, for the quarter ending June 30, 1880. Major Atkinson said he could not make the promise asked. It would be the duty of Government to bring down a general proposition on the subject next session. Mr. Reeves asked if it were true that no tender had been accepted for the con veyance of mails between Westport and Reefton ; also if it were true that tenders for a pack horse system had been called for between these two smportant towns.. The Hon. John Hall replied that this was one of those cases to which it was felt that retrenchment ought to be appled ; henee the pack-horse system had been accepted. In replying to Mr. Reeves, . . ! , Tke. Hon.; John Hall said thst at present Government would not be justified in undertaking a pack-horse m.dl service between the Waiau and the Ahaura.

Replying to Mr. Reeves, Mr. Rolleston promised to consider the necessity for the periodical removal of Wardens of Goldfields at least once every three years. Mr. Harris asked Government— (1.) Whether they were responsible for the damage to fences caused by sparks from locomotives on New Zealand railways. (2.) If they would cause enquiries to be made jpto .several claims, made by settlers in I'r&n'kjlinj against Government for compen sation for daipage clone to their.cattle by locomotives on the Auckland and Waikato Railway, with a view .of redressing .their grievances. (3.) If they will cause enquiry to be made into certain alleged unfulled promises in regard to fencing, stated to have been made by Government to settlers in Franklyn on their giving their land to Government for .railway purposes. (4.) If they s>ill erect fencing on the Aucldand- Waikato'Rafy/ay line, where settlers can prove that Govwhw# promised to do so. Mr. Oliver replied that ffrey were advised that they were not response fpr damage so occasioned. When cases of the kind occurred they were strictly enquired into. When a well-founded claim was established, the repairs would be made by Government.

TUB REMAINING BUSINESS OF THE SESSION. Replying ito .a /mestion put yesterday by Mr. MacanctVew.• The Hon. Hall said fag was the prde.r of business proposed QQvejMtyfrgJjt/They would’ pass .before the ,d.pse pf Jfessiop, the following Bills ■ Bfie pJiU,? s ; fobacco Manufacturers, Jleyjsfan ,q£ statutes, Pro perty Assessment, Land Tax G.eßlcßqn, Building Societies Act Amendment, and Electoral Acts Repeal. The other Bills

set down would depend on the time of the House. If time permitted lie hoped to ' get through the Special Powers and Con tracts Bill, the Counties Bill. Public Re serves Sale Bill, and Regulation of Elec tions Bill. They saw no hope of, ing with the Hospital and Ch r ritable-.Aitfe Bill. The other Bills on the would be dropped, including thelßepfeJl Mentation Bill, Electoral Petitions;! Bill,f •’■Gaming and Lotteries Bill, and Alienation; of Maori Lands Bill. If members; \you|di condense their speeches as much as pos sible Government hoped to be in a position* to have the House ■ prorogued not later than Tuesday. C

EVENING SITTING. The House re-assembled at 7.30 p.m. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

The Public Works Bill, 1879, was in troduced and read a first time. After the Public Works Statement had, been read, Mr. Maeandrew said that the Minister for Public Works was. to be .complimented upon the clear and ' businesslike statement he had just made. He \yas glad to find the policy as originally initiated was to be carried out in its entirety. , The Bill was ordered to he -read a second time on Thursday,, . ,; f ppr- PROPERTY ASSESSMENT BILL. '■( The House , then went into. Committee on the Property. Assessment,.Bill., A motion was made to include steam engines in the exemption clauses. The House divided—Ayes, 37 ; Noes, 38. The motion was lost. ,• jo'* Sir George Grey moved an amend ment —“ That the words ‘ and niachinery of every description,’ be inserted.” The House divided—Ayes, 35 ; Noes, 40. -■ ■>: p:- G?,*, ’> The amendment was lost. It was moved, as a further amend ment —“ That the following be exempted: Steam-engines used for manufacturing purposes, steam vessels, and machinery for mills and agricultural pursuits or timber industries. ”

A division resulted as follows :—Ayes, 31 ; Noes, 37. "

The amendment was lost.

The next amendment was by Mr. Seddon, for the insertion• of all property belonging to or vested in persons for mining other than gold mining. This was lost on the voices.

The next amendment was for the ex emption of draught, horses employed for farm purposes, and dairy cows, the division being—Ayes, 22 ; Noes, 37. The remaining clauses of the Bills were passed through Committee without sub stantive alteration. The House rose at 2.10.

Wednesday, Dec. 10.

AFTERNOON SITTING The House resumed at 2.30. HANSARD.

Mr. De Latour brought up a report from the Reporting Debates Committee' to the effect that the cost of translating “ Hansard” into vhe Maori language, so as to be available forthe native race, would be L 750, and recommended Government to make provision therefor if they see fit to do so. THE FAMA AGAINST MR. SUTTON.

The Report of the Native Petitions Committee, on the petition of Geo. Davey, making certain imputations against the character and dealings of Mr. Sutton, M.H.R., in the acquisition of native lands, was brought, up and read. : P-; - J The Report recommended that no action be taken in the matter.;

Sir G. Grey moved that the report be referred back to the Committee. There were persons on the Committee who had never been present until the vote on the report was taken. As a member of the Committee he had moved a resoluf ion that these members be not allowed to record their votes on that motion. An amend ment was moved by Mr. Ormond, which had the effect of burking all further dis cussion. That amendment was carried, which, under the circumstances, was most unfair, and prevented him from putting his views before those members who had not been present when the ~ evidence was taken. What he now wanted' was the re port to be sent back, so as to afford ;him an opportunity of placing his views oil record. . . •. •

Mr. Ormond explained the action he had taken in the matter. After sitting for about a month, a. determination was come to, the effect of which is embodied in the report. Upon that Sir G. Grey proceeded to move a number of resolu tions, embodying his particular views on the subject. Ail that he did was to moye a resolution that these views ,of Sir gGeorge, which in his opinion, were erroneous and calculated to mislead the House, should not be embodied in the report. , Mr. Rolleston, a member of the'Com mittee, also made an explanation of the facts of the case, as they transpired in Committee, defending the report as made. Sir G. Grey, in reply, stated that his resolutions could not-have come before the House, and thereby have, as alleged, produced an erroneous opinion. Unless these resolutions had been adopted by a majority of the Committee, it was mon strous that a member of Committee, who had attended all the meetings, and listened closely to the evidence should not be allowed to brin? his views before the Com mittee. The resolution was carried by the Committee and the amendment treated with unseemly merriment. Mr. Rolleston denied such was the case, and the accusation wa3 reiterated by;Sir ; G. Grey. 1 • i •• * The' lpfltion for re-committal of the report was lost fey to 36. On the motion Of Mf: DpLaqtour, it was agreed the minutes of the evidence should lie printed.

ROADS IN RODNEY. The adjourned debate on the question “that this House resolve itself into Com mittee to consider an address to the Go vernor, praying that 20,000 acres of land in Rqqtnpy' Qounty be set aside for the purpose of gQ'hstrijctfftg i n su id County,” was resumed.-

The motion was carried on the voices. OTAGO HARBOR.

Mr. Dick moved the second reading of the Otago Harbor Board Endowment Bilk

Mir. Macandrew opposed the motion as it now stood. He was prepare 1 to give them the endowment asked, but was op posed tb the extensive borrowing powers proposed: 1 There ’were great' differences of opinion as ‘to the beneficial expenditure of the IAoQ,QOO already expended' by the 8.ga.r.4- ffis opinion was t|ie money, to a ; large extent had bee# misapplied. They’

had no legal claim to the land asked for. 1 ’Xh s^tfcjLfejthe; l distty.|eiitliat had arisen, he He hoped the Bill •^6'ttld!T)^< r w|p|di‘a?w|fT What was asked be reclaimed from : ImeKsel^'arid they had not the %heaiis fo.’harrying ion ‘reclamation works. they wplild-be as far forward next session- they;:cbuld possibly be if the Bill passddsi§Kur Practically speaking-the; Ihiaid-'consisted of one man, who. was left;,t»jdq much as he liked. •v Mr. Oliver.sa,id'that originally L 600,000 expenditure was contemplated, aud at pre sent not half that amount had been spent. The work already done was practically speaking no use until further expenditure had been undertaken. bays proposed to be sooner that was done for the benefit of the railway the better. v Mr. Stewart explained 0 the -1 reason-the Bill had not been brought, up at an earlier . period of the session was the difficulty of" ; getting the Committee together .to agree . as to -the 6f the • Billed‘ThteA grant was. required in, respect-., of, land. taken from the Board for railway" pur-" r V' poses. . The position of affairs was r this— If money was riot available for- carrying- | out the proposed . works, then ~ money 111 would have. to be provided to /bring: --the harbor back to its f original. state. To stop the work‘at tlie : present stage be.most disastrous to the district.. The" gentlemen who constituted the Board were all gentlemen, who-had ,devoted large amount of time to the work.- These gentlemen.thought it; Tor/Mr. Macandrew to cast imputations on their bona ! fides.'> •• obit’it litn sei-jia Mr. Fulton said a great deal of dissatis faction existed, both in Dunedin and else where, with-the’ proceedings of. the Bo^td. He had no objection to the tndowmenfc, but in common with many others,- -he objected to the borrowingclause..... , TTr ,„, Mr. McLean thought The- Bill would not be carried'at this late- period' of the*’ 1 - - : session. Mr.. Macaridfew’si election fcr Port Chalmers depended Upon the opposi- , tiori he gave the' Board...t.lt regretted lie had gone the. length: of stating that the members of the Board.'were not, . equal to tlie occasion, arid that the. work''* was left in the hands of one.' man! That

was not'the fact of the case: l '' Y* Mr. Barron spoke. in opposition .to the borrowing powers. - - They r had com menced operations at the wrong end. The - proposed reclamation operations’ were* judicious in. respect that it. would enable the Port Chalmers j and Duhedin'Ttaiiway--ii to be improved in avaiiety of ways. Mr. Dick replied, and ~the ’ motion was —- put and carried on the voices, and ordered to be referred to the-Waste Lands Com mittee. . MINES*.*- n Tnrr jt The amendment' proposed byithe Legis- J lative Council on Mines Act 1877 Amend- 1 - ment Bill were not agreed to, and Messrs Reeves, Finn, and De Lautour were ap pointed t"' draw up reasons for; dissent.;ila A EVENING SITTING. ' The House met at 7.30 p.m. i . .MISCELLANEOUS. A resolution to be reported from a Com mittee of the House on the Charleston Water Race was considered. Mr. M‘Lean moved the adjournment of ... the discussion. The House divided—Ayes, 27 ; noes, 34. A motion that the resolution be agreed to was carried on the voices.

The Slaughter-house Act 1867 Amend ment Bill was passed. j On amotion to go into committee on Tara naki Iron Smelting Works 1876 Amend ment Bill, awarding the company 8000 acres of land, a lengthened debate ensued. The House divided—Ayes, 34 ; noes, 24. The Bill passed through Committee, was re ported, read a third time, and passed. On the second' reading bf-the Civil* iiistQi Act, 1873, Amendment Bill a division, ( was taken—Ayes, 25 ; Noes, 35. sir george’s pets.

The adjourned debate on the second reading of the Elective Legislative Council Bill was brought on. The House divided —Ayes, 24 ; Noes, 35. The Bill thrown out.

,On the mbtion for going into Committee; k on the Prevention of Corruption Bill'»' division took place—Ayes, 88 ; noes, 29, The Bill was thrown out.

The Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, Amendment Bill was also thrown out on the motion for committal.

(By Telegraph to-day.)

In the House last night the fallowing Bills were cpiqiqittgdj read ,a third time, pnd passed :—Palmerston North Reserve, Registration of Dogs, Auckland Harbor

Board, Oreti Bridge and Ferry Reserve, Wanganui .Endowed .School, RiveftQp Drill-shed Reserve, Alexandra tiem Regewe, Thames Hu?boF Board Agl Amendment, Auckland Collage and Grammar School Bill, Queenstown Race course Reserve, Hawkes’ Bay Rivers Act 1876 Amendment, Otago University Re serves Vesting, R. M. Court Act 1867 Amendment, Heathcote Bridge, Bluff Harbor Foreshore Endowment, Napier Church Land Trust.

The following werg jdj§charged : —lnch Cluthg, 1878 Amendment, Auckland Turn pike Act Repeal, Licensing - Law Amend meut, and Joint:, Stock .Company’s Act, 1860 Amendment;

In Committee, to consider an address to the Governor that 17,500 acres of land in Seaward Bush be sot aside for railway purposes, the motion was agreed to.

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

The usual monthly • meeting of the South Rakaia Road Board, which WftSfi on LQtp jn§t. ‘ Bregept—. Messrs. H\N. Mackie (Chair.roan) l ~s,'S,’ Coster, N. M'Lean, andD. G. Holmei,

The Surveyor’s report was read and received. ■ : >1 -- ■ • • Q-

G. Shellock, poundkeeper, Rakaia, wrote, asking tae Board whether it wa» their wish that he should impound all cattle and. horses found, straying. on the. roadii apei'ifl 1 lengthy discussion during woigfr’ sevsw of the members expressed, opinions to the effect that it waa Mr.' Shellock’s duty to } look after the pound, and the duty of the police to impound stray cattle. —On- the motion of Mr. Holmes it was resolved-E “That the duties of poundkeepers hot being fully defined in the • ‘ Trespass of ™ swat A letter Siva's read from Mr. W. Hi Allen;‘ Acfon,’ covering a claim of L6O for four acres of land acquired by the Bo^rd

Thursday, December li, 1879.!

THE ASHBURTON HtLRALD.



: New Advertisements. OST,.on.Saturday, a .Scythe Sharpen ing STONE. The owner would be glad ifi the,Finder would leave same at the Heralk Office/jr,, 765 a WANTED KNOWN, the season for transplanting is at hand, and we can supply, many thousands Cabbage. Cauliflower, Broccoli,' Savoy, Brussel Sprouts, Celery, and otliex’ Plants, foi winter supply: '' O 1 745 a i ; St t\ SEALY. EROS. TTTANTED IMMEDIATELY y.yi si APPRENTICES for Dressmaking and Ladies’ Jacket making. Apply to T R. HODDER & COMPANY. rn<y - LETb A COTTAGE opposite •>?■. Borough Council Chambers, Burnett street. Apply—Mr. Stott, School-house. 803 a ’ ’ 'TO BUILDERS. fIIENDEPvS are invited for the EREC ' X TION of a HOTEL at Tinwald, for IMr. Robert Hilly,/ ?•;, ;•; ;/ Plans and specifications may be seen at Quill’s Hotel on and after the Ist of De cember,- and at Mr. J. L. Fleming’s Christchurch, on and after December 15th. Tenders will. close at Ashburton on January 31st, ISBO. 237 741 a TO BUILDERS. TENDERS. TENDERS required for Building new ‘ MACHINE ROOM at back of the “ Guardian” Office, East street. Plans and Specifications to be seen at 'the £ 1 Guardian’’’ Office. s Tenders to be sent in by 10 a.m. on Saturday. MR HENRY F. ALLEN, (Of Cathedral Square, Christchurch,) SURGEON AND MECHANICAL DENTIST, May be consulted,;at,,Quill’s Ashburton Motel, Ashburton, from ;Dec. > 8 to 13, in riM cases appertaining to the profession of Dentistry. , i, 787 a WESLEY® CHURCH. SERVICES in connection with the Second Anniversary of the above Church, will be conducted by the Rev. W. BAUMBER, of Christchurch, On SUNDAY, DEC. 14. Collections in aid of the Building Fund Go TUESDAY following, a TEA will be held in the Church, after which a Public Meeting will take place, addressed by Ministers and other friends. Music by the Choir.' Tea at 6 o’clock, Tickets, 2s. each. vr: ' 755 a



' ;;:r f v ' notice:: OITRAYEDon my landatTinwnld, Brown Horse, saddle mra'ked, and’ branded No. 2on near Shoulder. If nob claimed •and expenses paid within one mo nth from this date, will be sold. Apply— «- D. MCLEOD, "Hear Tinvwald. 6th Dec., 1879. 783 n CALEDONIAN GA' THERING. ~ SATURDAY, 13th DECEMBER. 12.30 o’clc >ck. Alfred Harris instructions from the Caledonian Society following privileges for donian Gathering, to b December 26th, in Mr. Paddock, near the Gasw ON has received the Directors of to submit the sale for the Cale e held on Friday, . Hay T. Smith’s orks : , No. 1. Publican’s] 3ooth ~ 2 and 3. Confc ctioners’ Booths ~ 4. Right of Sp orts ~ 5. Gates ~ 6. Programme of Sports. • *di < ALFRED j HARRISON, ,276 Auctioneer. TO CONTRAi CTORS. X~\T AN TED—ISO acr< V¥’ ! PLOUGHED, acre;- • Apply at once. . 7l)7a—2J>B. o P( is of Native Land Price—lss. per LYNTZ & CO. WESLEYAN < . CHURCH. RAC TICE on SATURDAY EV] >•’clock, in Church, r "the AnP^rs.ivry.' friends invited The usual practice on 1 H. J. 85 a—267 TUESDAY and UNINGS, at 7.30 Cameron street, Members of the to attend. . Friday evening. WEEKS, “ Organist.



New Advertisements. FOUND, ' V: V LAST Evening—A SHEEP DOG. with about 3 feet of . Chain attached to its neck. "Owner can have the same by : pitying 'expenses. i j : Apply to Candish’s Boarding House. Ashburton, Dec. 11, .1879.; ■■»); 802 a