SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. ARRIVALS. Nov. 25. Stella, C.G.S., from Wel lington. Nov. 25. —Wellington, s.s., from Dimediß. Nov. 23,—Jane Douglas, from Kai koura and Wellington. SAILED. Nov. 25.—Ringaroma, s.s., for Mel bourne via the south and Hobartown. Nov. 25. Wellington, s. s., for Welling ton, Nelson, and Picton.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1879.

The decision of the ratepayers yesterday is only what was to be expected by those who know anything of public feeling, and who do not allow party feeling to obscure their powers of discrimination. The defeat of Mr. Ivess by a majority of seven, and the choice of a man against whom the very best has been done by his foes to raise prejudices, is very significant of the feeling of the population, and shows that fluency of talk is not recognised as the only graceneedful in a Mayor. We have no wish to remark further on the merits or failings of a beaten candidate ; but we take the liberty of pointing out to Mr. Ivess that, when he tried to accuse Mr. Friedlander of attempting to fix upon him a charge of making use of the “organ” he controls. to influence the election, he laid an accusation against him that had no foundation, in fact Mr Friedlander said the “Mail” does not stick at trifles, which is perfectly correct, as the last election will testify; but when he accused Mr. Ivess of prostituting the power of the Press to slander respected and respectable citizens under a borrowed name, Mr Fried lander referred to the ephemeral “ diplo matic paper” published during the last elec tion. Mr. Ivess knows this as well as anyone does who heard and read Mr. Friedlander’s speech. As to the truth of Mr. Fried lander’s charge, we prefer to allow the public to be the judges. We know Mr. Ivess’ merits and acknowledgeb them: but the sooner he disabuses himself of the idea that lie can rule the minds of the people of the town with a wave of his hand, the sooner will his merits be appreciated, and a way be opened for him to be a useful and popular public man. If he lays to heart the lesson of this election, the borough will profit, and the people will in time csome to believe that tkey have misunder tood him. But he must first show that e is willing to believe he is not the only man in Ashburton.

Mayoral Elections. —At the Christ church Mayoral election yesterday, Mr. Ick polled 380 votes against 317 for Mr. Ayers, and 207 for Mr, Gapes. Mr. Ick was thus elected Mayor, The new Syden ham Mayor is Mr. J. T. Brown, who pained the honor with 448 votes to Mr. W. W. Charters’ 257. Mr. Harry Allwright has been returned to the Lyttel ton Mayoralty, with 117 votes over Mr. Chalmers' 92 ; and for Kaiapoi Mr. G. H. Blackwell iml a walk over. Important to Builders. —Tenders will be received at Messrs. Friedlander’s stores until to-morrow aftorpoon at 6 p. m., tor the erection of a Masonic Hall in Burnett street. The Hyd.e Benefit Entertainment. —The benefit .entertainment for the Hyde family, burnt out and left penniless by the recent fire in street on Saturday night week takes pike# .to-night. The entertainment promises to hg » &Q.Q.4 one, but the claims of the cause ought to be ffi-Jl powerful in filling the house. The Sy, Stephen’s Tea Meeting.— A report of jt/je tea meeting and enter tainment in the 'Town Hall will be found in another 'column. Another Rise in the P&ifiiy £>F Wheat. _<jur Rakaia correspondent say# j-We ’ha-v.fc been shown the advices received by the lasi S,a£>. Francisco mail from the Lon don corresp&ihdpnts of Messrs. R. McKer row and Co., which state that their wheat per Maraval torched 55s Gd. and 565. in that market. In evet-y&i se Rakaia wheat has topped the market. Presentation. —Rev. W. 11. Elton, in cumbent of the parish of South Rakaia, presented on Tuesday with a really very nice cow, nearly calved. The cow was purchased <|uite unknown to him by a few

of Ml. Elton’s parishioners, and thd )?re senttaion formed a most agreeable surprise to Mrs. Elton—Mr. Elton being from home at the time.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

(A"e Special .) London, Nov. 25.

The Chilian army defeated the Peruvians and the Bolivians with great loss near Iquiqui. Excepting at Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, the demonstrations of sympathy with Davibt and Kealler were without enthusiasm.

Archbishop M‘Cabe’s pastoral de nounces the Home Rule agitation, and warns the people against treasonable associations. New Zealand debentures are in active demand, and have risen one-half per cent.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Nov. 27.

Mathew Hall, for breaking into and entering Craig’s store, Queen’s street wharf, is committed for trial. The barque Mary Milldred.was moved four feet off the bank yesterday, and it is probable she may be got afloat. A cutter’s crew from H. M. S. Coromorant were present on the barque yesterday, and ably assisted in removing the vessel from her old position. Captain Dawson has been elected Mayor of Hamilton, Waikato. Wellington, Nov. 27.

A deputation from the Chambers of Commerce waited on the Commissioner of Customs this morning, asking that the packing of goods be exempt from duty. The Commissioner replied that the matter would receive the serious consideration of Government.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT'S CABLEGRAMS.

(Reuter's ) London, Nov. 24. The Homeward mails via San Francisco, were delivered to-day. Mr. Gladstone has arrived in Edinburgh, and was enthusiastically received.

The Chilian Fleet defeated the combined Peruvian and Bolivian fleets off Iquiqui, capturing a corvette. Dublin, Nov. 24. Daly has been committed for trial; Paget and others were remanded. Mr. Parnell, at a meeting on Saturday, counselled moderation for the attainment of their ends. Other meetings in various parts of Ireland have passed of quietly. At the wool sales to-day, 6,931 bales were catalogued.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.20 p.m. OUT ON SUNDAY.

Sir G. Grey gave notice that he would ask the Government if a man named P. Armstrong had been given into custody by the railway manager at Westport for being unlawfully on the wharf on a Sunday. FINE ARTS COPY RIGHTS. A message was received from the Legis lative Council that the Fine Arts Copy right Bill had been agreed to with amend ment. Mr. Hall moved that the amendment be agreed to. Sir G. Grey objected to the amendment, alleging that it wa3 the commencement of a vicious system. Authors were asked to deposit, free of charge, copies of their works in certain public libraries. He knew of one case in which an author in England, when the system was first in troduced, being mulcted in a sum of £I2OO in this way. If an author chose to send his works free, there could be no objec tion ; but it was absurd to say he should be compelled. Mr. Hislop moved the adjournment of the debate till that day week, which was carried. SETTLEMENT. Mr. Shanks asked what steps, if any, had been taken to have the land at Mataura reserved and settled, for the purpose of paying for the construction of the Edendale and Foxton Railway (being about 43,000 acres), surveyed into suit able sized sections, and thrown open for Bale ; also, if they will be prepared to place a considerable portion of the des cribed land in the market upon the deferred system. Mr. Rolleston said it was being reserved until it had acquired special value from its proximity to the railway. As yet it had not acquired such value. MINES, Replying to Mr. Reeves, Mr. Oliver said it was not intended to appoint an Inspector of Mines for the Middle Island. A GAOL WANTED. Mr, Finn asked Government if they intend to erect a public gaol at Queens town. In reply to which, Mr. Oliver said the matter wouldbe con sidered in connection with the general question of district gaols in rural districts,

MISCELLANEOUS. Replying to Mr. Bain, Mr. Oliver said Crown Grants would be issued to the Invercargill Benevolent Institution when the Society had been incorporated. Replying to Mr. Shrimski, Mr. Hall said that the W. J. Hurst mentioned in the Estimates for the present year—Class 1 in Colonial Secretary’s Ropartipept—-as entitled to £B4 for service# rendered as Chair, pi an .to the Auckland Rospfel Coinipittee was a member of this Rouge. Replying to Mr. Fyke, Mr. Bryce said that £621 had been paid to Dr. Buffer during the present year for services rendered as counsel for the Native Land prisoners. ASHLEY GORGE BRIDGE. Replying *9 Mr. Moorhouse, Mr. Oliver said provision would be made for completing the to the Ashley Gorge bridge. MUNITIONS OF WAR. Replying to Mr. Andrew, My, Rail said the papers of correspon dence bearing .on the subject of the manu facture of ammunition and war materials in the colony would be produced.

Replying to Sir George Grey, Mr. Oliver said provision would not be made on the Supplementary Estimates for a drill hall for the Thames Volun teers. SCHOOL OP MINES. Replying to Mr. Reeves, Mr. Rolleston promised that enquiries would be made as,,-to the necessity tor es tablishing a School of Mines in the colony. THE CONSTITUTION ACT. On the motion of Sir G. Grey, leave was granted to introduce a. Bill to amend the New Zealand Constitution Act, 1852. MONDAY SITTINGS. Mr. Hall moved—“ That, for the re mainder of the session the House do sit on Mondays at half past seven p.m., for the transaction of Government business only ; and that on Thursday, Government business shall have precedence. ” Mr. Maeamlrcw complained that Go vernment was desirous of occupying too much time with Government measures' to the manifest exclusion of private mem bers’ business. GOLD MINING. Mr. Finn moved—“ That the House will to-morrow resolve itself into Com mittee of the whole, to consider a respect ful address to be presented to the Gover nor, praying that his Excellency will cause the sum’of £IO,OOO to be placed on the Estimates, for the purpose of encouraging gold mining industries within the Colony of New Zealand.”

The House divided—Ayes, 26 ; Noes, 22.

The motion was lost. THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Mr. Murray moved that a commission of five persons be elected by the House by ballot to investigate the manner in which the public services of the Colony are con ducted, to summon witnesses and take evidence upon oath, and report to Parlia ment at next session, how, in their opinion the administrative and depart mental business of the Colony may be so systematically organised and conducted as to secure efficiency and economy united to the requirements and means of the Colony. Mr. Hall said the matter would be attended to by Government, and he hoped on that assurance the motion would be withdrawn. Numerous demands, made by small communities for all the benefits of a complete civil service, in many cases altogether unnecessary, were the cause of many complaints being made against the service. He hoped members would im press that faff, on their constituencies Messrs. Turnbull and Speight spoke in favor of the motion, and hoped it would not be withdrawn. The latter said it was a notorious fact that men had been pitch forked into positions in the service in con sequence of their family or their relations, for which they were utterly unfit. He did hope something would be done to remedy the evil. Mr. Macandrew said he agreed in the opinion, that if anything was to be done it would have to be done by the Govern ment itself. If they would give the Ministry sufficient time, he believed great good would be done : mueh more than could poasibly be achieved by a commis sion. Mr. Murray said, that having directed attention to the subject, he would be pre pared to withdraw his motion, which was done. LAND FOR ROADS. Mr George moved—“ That the House will, to-morrow resolve itself into com mittee of the whole, to consider an address to His Excellency the Governor, praying that 20,000 acres of land in Rodney County, be set aside for purposes of con structing roads in the said County. ”

Mr. Seddon moved as an amendment, that the question for consideration should be the granting of lands to County Councils for making roads. Messrs. Macandrew and Pyke spoke in support of the amendment. Ma Sheehan moved the adjournment of the debate for a fortnight, which was carried. Mr. Macandrew moved that it he an instruction to Committee on standing orders to consider and report as to ex pediency of adopting a new Standing Order which shall provide that in the event of this House not being adjourned before the hour of midnight, it shall adjourned at half-past twelve without the question being put, the business under consideration to stand adjourned till the following day. In event of the House being in Committee of the whole, the Committee shall stand adjourned at half - past twelve without the question being put ; the Chairman to report to the Speaker at the next sitting of-the House. The motion was discussed and carried on the voices. PROPOSED REDUCTION OF SALARIES. Mr. Andrews moved that all salaries of civil servants amounting to £2OO, and over, per annum, be reduced by 5 per cent. ; and that salaries of Ministers and members’ honorarium be reduced by 10 per cent. Mr. George moved an amendment that the number of civ : l servants be reduced by 10 per cent. The debate was inter rupted by the 5.30 adjournment.

EVENING SITTING.

The House resumed ,at 7.30. In Committee of the Whole, to con sider the question that this House com curs with the Goldfields Committee upon the petition of Richard Reeves, and others, of Charleston and Westport, Nel son South West Goldfields, and recom mencls Government to make provision ac - cordingly. Mr. Hall opposed the motion, It pro posed an expenditure Government could not afford ; and further, he objected to the Committee assuming for itself adminis trative functions.

Mr. Macandrew supported the motion, and explained that half the interest was guaranteed by the Buffer County, and would be stopped out of subsidies, and the other half repaid out of proceeds. The .expenditure had been promised, and it would be ap act of repudiation to refuse it now. Mr, Reeves, Sir G. Grey, and Messrs. Be Lajtour .and Gisborne, spoke in fayqr q£ the motion. Mr, Hall said the late Government had stepped outside the Appropriation Act ; and so far as they were concerned, they had not the money to spend. This, and other works, would have to wait until the 9.Qlony could better afford their cost. Mr- ii.Lh,ordson suggested the with drawal of the rnovinn until the Public Works Statement had been made.

The House divided—Ayes, 31 ; Noes, 26.

TliO lilotion was adopted* Several Bills wore advanced a stage

(by TEDEiiRAPii TO-DAY.)

The Marlborough Hi vers District Union Bill was read a third time, and the Voting Act Amendment Bill No. 2, was passed through Committee last night before the House rose at 1.20.

ST. STEPHEN’S TEA MEETING.

Last night the tea meeting and enter tainment in connection with St. Stephen’s Church, arrangements, for which have been in progress for some time past, was held, and was an unqualified success, tliallies to the energy of the Rev. Mr. Paige, and the aid given to him by the mainstay of every church- the ladies. About livo o’clock the doors of the Town Hall wore opened to the guests, and a most inviting scene presented itself, of well laid tables, laden with masterstrokes of the genius of cook, confectioner, and pastrycook. If it is a pleasure to a pur veyor, as it is said to be, to see bis work demolished by those who relish the work of demolition, then the fair ones who pre sided at the tables yesterday afternoon must have enjoyed thatploasureto the full. There were seven tables spread in the lower portion of the ball, contributed to b}' tho following ladies : Mesdames ’Braddell, Branson, Bristow, Bruce, Bullock ; Miss .Boyle ; Mesdames Camp bell, Corsbie, Cox. ((.!.), Corbel t, Crisp, Curtis, St. G. Douglas, Ede, Kirill, Fooks, (? undry, Guinness, Ivess, Jacobsen, Jameson, Maimvaring, Purnell, Paige, Raymond, Rose, Slmry, Stewart, 'Trevor, Ward, Winter, Wright. The following young ladies lmd the care of the in dcspensable “bachelors’ table”: Misses Compton, Covvper, Guinness, and Johns. Contributions to the tables were also sent by Messrs Davison, Digby, Friedlander, Hodder, Tucker, Taylor, Tasker, Orr, and Shearman. After the table had been removed and the hall arranged for the entertainment, the Rev. W. E. Paige spoke as follows : Ladies and Gentlemen, So far our task is ended, And you, we trust, (ire all contented With our efforts, for all have vied,

In friendly strife, and their best have

tried To cheer you first'with strong bohea, Tarts, calces, and beef, to let you see

Their kindly wish to welcome all, Who’ve graced this pleasant carnival ;

And now will charm with melod}’, Both “ sweet and low,” of song and glee, Your patient ears, doing their parts

To make the evening merry And long remembered in your hearts

As a gathering of all degrees, Each seeking the other to please, And to assist in raising funds To satisfy our pressing duns For interest of money lent To build up St. Stephens, which we meant To duly pay off month by month, (All, fatal bond, for so it runn’tli.) Hard times, alas, have supervened,

Therefore this gathering we convened

To raise the needful. Thanks, then, friends, For your presence here ; it makes amends For anxious thoughts how to supply The very great deficiency. ’Tis partly done—we wish ’twas all. Of minutes ten, an interval Is provided, when our Worthy Mayor Will undertake to do his share.

At auction cheap he’ll sell you all —At least, he’ll sell for you to buy—

Sweeties, cakes, bouquets for the ball, For bashful youths, who long and sigh For presents to the belles to give, Whose glances pierce them like a sieve. The cause is good, don’t grudge your tin, And you’ve our wishes them to will.

And now, kind audience, greet, I pray With hearty cheer, The ladies dear, Who did provide our tea to-day.

Of the songs, please clap with a will, Till they’re sung be patient and still. Let no rude boy whistle, cat-call, or hiss, For these, I’m afraid, will be taken amiss. Thanking you all, I .make my bow, And the entertainment shall, now

Begin with “Friendship,” and I ween,

We’ll end it with “ God Save the-Queen.” The rhyming speech having been well received, the entertainment was proceeded with, a pause being made to allow the Mayor to “ knock down ” the surplusage of good things to the highest bidders. The financial results of the evening, all told, are very satisfactory, and Mr. Bullock’s sale of cakes, hams, round of beef, &c., realised £5. Mr. Wood, the purchaser of the beef ; and many other friends ; left their purchases to be sent to the Old Men's Home. The quality of the vocal and instrumental music provided was above the usual standard at these meetings, and the choir are deserving of all praise for the manner in which they rendered the glees. The first, “ Friend ship,” by the choir, was a gem, the voices harmonising well, and the accompaniment being simply perfect. A duet by the Misses Gates, “ Light in the East is glow ing,” was admired by the audience, if we may judge by the applause. A song, “liiy Grandfather’s Clock,” by Mr. Harrison, accompanied by tbe choir, elicited applause, and a duet by Mrs. Wood and Miss Kidd, “ Marche des Flambeau” was played- in an artistic manner. Mr. It. H. Pratt sang “My Old Friend John” in his usual taking style, and was followed by Mrs. Campbell, who delighted her hearers with the ever popular “Kate O’Shane.” The choir then sang the “ Angelas’ ’ from Maritana in a style which would have done credit to choirs of greater pretensions. The Misses Gates were again in requisition, and “ The Flower Girl” elicited a well-merited round of applause. A set of waltzes (a duet) by Mrs. Paige and Miss Johns was the next item, followed by a recitation by Mr. Jacobson, and a clever cornet solo by Master George Savage. Mr. Harrison’s song, “ I’ve Nothing Else to Do,” was sung remarkably well, and the National Anthem closed the proceedings, Mrs. Paige deservedly being thanked for presiding at the piano.

INQUEST.

The inquest on the bodies of the twin children, James Downey and Henry Arthur Peppy, who died so suddenly last Saturday mprpiijg) was continued to-day in the Central Hotel, before "Dr. Trevqr and a jury of whonj. Mr. W : . T. Davison was foi email.

John-Pratt, Sergeant of police, said : On Saturday, 25nd inst. ,1 received from James Downey Penny, tbe father of de ceased, 1 bottle of milk, 2 feeding bottles containing milk, 1 bottle which had traces of milk in it, 2 bottles which I was in formecl contained aniseed, k l wine glass,

1 cup and some sugai'i Some portions of tho bodies of the deceased children I a & - received from Dr. Ross, and I forwarded the whole to Professor Bickerton for analysis. 1 have tiiis day’ received a tele gram from Superintendent Durham, staff ing that Professor Bickerton had been un able to discover poison in the portions of the bodies of the deceased forwarded, nor in the milk, nor in any of the other articles forwarded.

Win. Grey Ross, sworn, said—lvanna duly qualified medical praotioner, residing in Ashburton. I was called to see therde ceased children on Saturday morning 22nd, at 0.30. Mr. Penny, wlio called me, said when he came for me they were both dead. They were tho children on whom 1 afterwards made a post mortem examina tion. When I arrived, one of the children was in the cot and the other in the mother’s arms. Both were dead. They were warm, and in my judgment had been dead about an hour or less. Their limbs were rigid, hands clenched, and the body of the smaller and weaker one already begin ning to become discolored. This child had a small quantity of bloody froth ex uding from the month and nostrils. I nol iced no other appearances respecting the bodies. 'Tho food bottles in the crib were neither of them touched. lexaminedabottle, containing a solution of aniseed that one lmd partaken of. It was a weak solution. I also examined the bottles that had con tained the milk the children had been supplied from tho previous night. They were empty, and there was no particular odour or taste, except that of sour milk. I also examined the crib where the babies bad been lying for the night. The im pression of their bodies was well marked, j. also examined the clothing covering the children and'tho relative position of their bodies. There was nothing to show in any of these things how the children came by their deaths, or to excite any suspicion of foul means having been used. There wore no marks of violence on the bodies, nor of any struggle—the cot- and bedclothes appearing as if the children had been quietly taken out of bed. • On tho same day, about eight hours after I first saw them, I made a “post mortem” examination of both bodies. The signs in both were much alike—the only difference being such as would naturally exist be tween a smaller and a stronger child. Tho congestion and discoloration were as a natural consequence more developed in a weaker child. Both bodies were well nourished, and without a single mark of violence anywhere. They were cleanly and well cared for ; the limbs were still rigid, the lips were blue, and the eye 3 natural, and also the pupils of the same. The nails were not livid, but of the usual pink tint ; the thumbs were turned in strongly. On opening the bodies, I found the right . side of the hearts healthy and flaccid, the left thoroughly contracted, and also empty. The blood in the arteries leading to and from the heart, was very dark and fluid. At the base of the heart, under the pericardium, were many extravasations of blood of the size of millet seed. The pinus gland was intensely congested, and also had extra vasations of this size. The lungs were congested in part, but for the most part healthy. In the lungs were also minute. extravasations under the pleura. There were about three drachms of serum in the pericardium, and about one ounce in each pleural cavity. The livers, spleens, and intestines were all healthy. '.The stomachs were healthy throughout, and were half full of partly digested food, having the natural smell and appearance. The brain was intensely congested, but the hr*-in substance itself was natural.. The ventricles were full of serum. The throat was slightly congested ; wind-pipe and gullet clear. I gave the stomachs and their contents, spleens, portions of the lungs and livers to Constable Farmer to take to Christchurch to Professor Bickerton. ’ for analysis. Appearances led me to sus pect poisoning by strychnia, and it was for that reason I forwarded parts of the bodies for analysis. The other cause of death with which post mortem appearances would agree is sud den suffocation. Strychnine produces death sometimes by suffocation by its action on the muscles of the chest. I consider the most probable cause of death suffocation. The cause I consider must have been rapid." I think the evidence of the mother, that the children were all right at 3.30 on the morning of their death is perfectly correct. I cannot ac count for their death by suffocation if it occurred. There was enough air in the room ; the coverlet was thin, and if it had fallen accidentally on the faces of the children would not probably have produced suffocation. In some respects I should not have expected to find the right heart empty, and should have expected the faces would be pallid. The signs of death by suffocation were however uncertain. There were no marks of fingers on the throat. The thumbs were not so rigidly turned 'in as they would have been by convulsions. From the appearance of the bodies soon after death, I do not think they died of convulsions. Had they taken strychnine it would have been found in the liver or spleen. There were n© marks to present any attempt at suf-' focation. A pillow would leave no mark. In many cases suffocation has been mis taken for death by natural causes. The signs are very uncertain.

Constable Farmer deposed tq having delivered the bottles and other articles to Professor Bickerton, in the same condi tion as he received them from Dr. Boss.

The coroner said he was sorry there was no evidence to point out how the deceased came by tlieir deaths. He was sorry for the public, sorry for the parents, atid sorry for himself as a medical man. The medical evidence pointed to suffocation. That was improbable, as the children were un covered when the mother saw them. There was no evidence to point out whe ther the children were suffocated or died by other causes. The theory of death by poison was cleared up, and the analysis showed that none had been found in the stomachs, and he could not recommend the jury to do anything else than return a purely open verdict. . . The jury returned a verdict in accord ance with the coroner’s recommendation.

The IINEMEiiOVEi}. —Messrs Friedlander Bros, advertise for tl[e clearing of 40 a pes of flax land. This kind of work only re quires a spade and some elbow grease to carry on the contract, and two or three of the “ unemployed ” may find something to earn wages at.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The annual meeting of the Ashburton County Council - wasl held to-day at tho Road Board office. .Present: Messrs W. C. , I'YValker “(Chairman), E. G. Wright, E. Sh ’Coster, Jno._ Grigg, J- Jackson, C. Reid

and Cameron. ’ THE CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT.

-As provided, in the Act, the meeting of the .Council takes .place tq r day at noon, for tlie purpose of electing a Chairman. . The ordinary meeting: is held to-day at-11 a.-m. instead of the one which would have been 'summoned-.on December 3rd, and-,no other ordinary, meeting will be called before the Ist Wednesday in January ; 1880,-on which I presume the Council will meet in the new chambers. . ... a. You have no doubt noticed that a petition has been sent to., the '(Legis lative Council, praying that-' the Bill to provide a certain part of. the South Kakaia with water may not be entertainecL. I have taken immediate action to-haif/e /ft instrted advertisements in 'the papers’ calling on those owners and occupiers,. of ' land in the district affected willing to do so tb sign a petition.in favor of the Bit] <» The result of this..will be laid beforeJiyifiu . to- day: In accordance with the authority , placed in my hands, I have, entered (into 1, an agreement witli “ Lyttelton Times ” f for lithographing the County map from" sheets supplied by the Chief Surveyor., These lithographic maps the Council will, * I think, be able to sell at a price- sufficient « t) recoup itself for the expenditure in curred. '• I'd '-A ■■■• ■' A AaaN

With regard to the Rangifata traffic bridge, some of the ironwork ordered from England, such as bolts, etc., are on board the. Knowsley Hall, but the member for the district, whom I. advised, thinking "it might in some way interfere ..with his negotiations with . tfie Government, in forms me, as you will.see,'; these-can- be obtained in the colony and will not delay the erection of the extension:; Aii : f,

The Government. hasjn ...notified • their willingness, as-per letter‘before-you,.: of their intention of taking in hand the extension of this bridge,: on- the distinct $ undertaking that the cost of the extension is to be equally divided between -the Ash burton and Geraldine Counties. - . The hospital will, 1 understand^be ready for occupation before next meeting,., and I ’ suggest some steps should be taken for a formal opening, this being .the.fitst public work- undertal ea by you that-has been completed. The instruments required for :' the institution have ■ been duly ordered from. England, and will be received- in time 1 hope for the . occupation ~of the building.

Tenders for the supply of dog-collars for 1880 will be -placed before-you, -also those for protective works in- the Ashbur ton River, above Digby’s bridge. As there will, be a long time before next meeting, I beg to suggest that you should make provision for payment to .-contractors on certificates by your' Engineer -and the. Architect. - -A- •

T bring up before you at this'-meeting, the question of .erecting a traffic bridge alongside of the' present combined bridge over the Ashburton, which subject-the Ashburton Borough Council wrote to you on on 2nd August, and which was deferred for consideration; -• • : ... :

Since last meeting another supply of trout has been received and successfully liberated. - , „-Yiy~ * .- .... RE KANCrITATA traffic bridge..

Sir. Grigg said that some of the mem bers of the Geraldine County Council were under the impression that the extension of the bridge was to be witlr cylinder - piles. Mr. E. G. Wright said that' as the solid iron piles were on hand,.:and the General Government had decided ter take the work in hand, and to utilize the ma terial ordered for it, the Geraldine County Council could not now offer any further opposition. - »-*> • THE EXOESEER’s REPOST. The Engineer reported as follows : ‘ ‘ Sir —l have the honor to report' = that since the date of last meeting of Council, the bridge over Hind’s Biver for Sur veyors road has been completed, and Mr. Butt the contractor had in hand the - erec tion of bridges over Taylor’s stream, at Alford Forest. So far, the pile driving there lias been a difficult operation. * The piles have been going at the rate of less than 1-lGth of an inch per stroke, and it has been found - necessary todrawsomq of them which were damaged before getting to the required depth. Three of the tiers are now secure at depths varying from 13 feet to 15 feet 6 inches 'in the solid ground. But bridge building in that quarter will, I fear, be a tedious process, unless the contractor can secure the use of a steam pile driving machine. . Mr. Ben ham’s work at North Ashburton river bridge at Digby’s is still proceeding satis factorily, and at the’ present rate of pro gress should be finished in about two mouths. • - “ At the last meeting of Council, it would appear the question of erection of bridge over North Ashburton river at Budding Hill was not quite determined on. Should this matter be finally settled ’ to-day, tenders- for the bridge . might be called for at once. - Some protective for Pudding Hill river near this site, wqgffi also require to be executed hsfpKO the completion of the bridgg in order to guard against tlie approach at north end being washed away! A SHBURTON FORKS PROTECTIVE. WORKS. “As requested by the Council, I hay§ referred plans and specifications.' fqr the scheme, which extends' over Vmile and a •half of the southern bank'of the North Ashburton- river, from Mr. Goode’s downwards, and includes ■■ that' portion of the river which presently threatens the greatest damage • to=- property ip the Forks, this being the! portion--.'fro which the Upper Ashburton Road -Board drew the attention of the Council -some time ago, and on which I reported-on a .pro* . vious occasion. Since that time the river has gained still further on the southern bank, and the expense for' repairing will now, therefore, be greater in proportion, but it seems to me that in the circum stances anything less than -the' work now proposed would hot be-siiffipignt to check the encroachment whiehf-is ■ how place on "the property in the joining that part qf . Hyetx' iTenderi vfi’ll bqplacqd before you to-day for these works. >< ,-r'g)

“ In connection with this subject I may state that several ratepayers in the Forks seemed to be under the impression that the works now tendered .for were -to ex tend more or less over the .whole length of river frontage along the Forks. I mention this in order that there may- b<3 no further misunderstanding in this rea*

YtiijfeSO'.V, if, I8?tj1

THE ASHBURTON HERALD. ,



New Advertisements. T FIRE! FIRE!! FIRE!!! OWN H A L L. THURSDAY, NOY. 27th, For Benefit of J. II Y D E, Rendered by the musical people of Ash burton. Programme : I—Hallelujah Chorus, Ashburton Brass , Banc 1 . 2_Part song, “ Come to the fair,” from Martha, Glee Company, of 20 voices. 3—Song, Mr. Dolman . '4—Duet, “List to the Convent Bells, Misses A. Permain and E. Savage. 5 Song, Mr. H. Stephenson. 6 Aria, “ Resignation/' Miss Strien 7 Song, Mr. Branson. 8— Recitation, Mr. Minnis. 9 Trio, “ Life’s a bumper,” Messrs. 1 ' Stephenson, Pickford, and Savage. 10— Song, Mr. Jacobson. 11 — Song, Mr. Harrison. INTERVAL. Part 11. 11— Selection, “ Pot Pourri,” Band. 12— Part song, “ Comrades in arms,” (Adolph Adam), Glee Company. 13— Song, Mr. Branson. 14 — Recitation, Mrs Manhire. 15— Song, Mr. Harrison. IG—Duet, Piano and Cornet, “ Staccato polka,” (Bonnisson), Mrs. Paige and Master G. Savage. 17 — Song, Mr. Stephenson. 18— Quartette, Messrs Branson, Pratt, Zouch; and Jacobson. 19— Song, Miss Strien. 20— God Save the Queen.” The above Programme is subject to altera tion. Mrs. Paige has kindly _ consented to 1 accompany on the Pianoforte. Conductor, J. Savage.



WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. TO COLLECTORS. TENDERS are invited for Collecting Outstanding RATES for 1878-9, and RATE for 1879-80—in accordance -with the Rating Act, 1876. To find two sureties £IOO each. Particulars can be obtained at the Board Office, Moore street, and Tenders addressed to the Chairman will be received till 10 a. m. on THURSDAY DEC. 4, 1879 BOOKS & SON, 21 9—732 a. Surveyors to the Board R O IR, 18 S 0.. Th e press almanac And Diary Can be obtained from the undersigned. Price—One Shilling. WEEKS AND DIXON, Heiiaid Office, Near Railway Station. NEWLApS PRIMITIVE METHOMST CHURCH, CAM BRIDGE. The (2nd) anniversary ser vices in connection with the above Church will take place on SUNDAY, NOV. 30. Morning at 11, Evening, 6.30. Sermon -will be preached by Rev. W. Keall. Anniversary Tea Meeting on following MONDAY. Commencing at 5.30. Tickets —ls 6d. . Conveyances will leave Messrs. Sando and Co.’s Store at 4:30 p.m. to convey friends to the Tea Meeting. 220—733 a. , .WESLEYAN CHURCH CHOIR. THE MEMBERS of the Wesleyan '■> Church CHOIR, are requested to MEET on FRIDAY EVENING, at 7.30 sharp Practice for Anniversary. 743 a A CAKD. R C ATTLIN, IVI SURGEON DENTIST, Is now at Quill’s Hotel, and will attend patients until further notice. 671 a TINWALD. RIO LET.—A SHOP and DWELLING, X fitted with shelves and counters, at remarkably low rent, and is beyond doubt the best stand for a good General Store in •this large district, embracing all the Long beach and Mount Somers traffic. The principal sale yards and grain stores being in Tinwald is also an inducement for a General Store or any other line of busi ness. Apply to 687 a ; • S. STEPHENS. TTT ANTED KNOWN, that NEW VV POTATOES can be had at SAVAGE'S, at THREEPENCE per lb. Early application necessary. 728 a ASHBURTON GAS, COAL, AND COKE COMPANY, (LIMITED.) NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS. ; i N EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL JX-i'MEETING of the Shareholders in thleabove Company will be held in the largticbbih at the Library Hall on MON DAY, the first day of December, 1879, at .12 o’clock, noon. Business —To adopt Articles of Aassocia ition, and elect an Auditor or Auditors. * ■ ! - jjy order, ' * J WARD, ’736a Secretary.



Now Advertisements. TO BUILDERS. mENDERS are invited for the EREC -8 TION of a HOTEL at Tinwald, for Mr. Robert Hill. 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, 1880. 741 a ASHBURTON “BOROUGH COUNCIL: ELECTION OF MAYOR. r HEREBY DECLARE the RESULT | of- POLL, taken by me this day, for the Election of MAYOR for the Borough of Ashburton, to be as follows : For Mr. Hugo Frikdlandek ... 01 For Mr. Joseph Ivess 84 Majority for Mr. Friedlander ... 7 I therefore declare Mr. Hugo Fried lander duly elected Mayor of Ashburton, for the ensuing year. CHARLES BRADDELL, Returning Officer. Borough Council Offices, Ashburton, 2(ith Nov., 1879. 231 R. V. In the District Court oe Christchurch, 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 DUNCAN M‘MILLAN, of Tin wald, Contractor, a Debtor. Notice is hereby given that the Creditors having failed to elect a Creditors’ Trustee, I have, pursuant to section 46 of the said Act, appointed William Richard son Boyle, of Ashburton, a certificated, countant in Bankruptcy, to be the Creditors' Trustee in the Bankruptcy of the property of the above-named debtor, and the said William Richardson Boyle has this day in writing signified his acceptance of the said trusteeship. Dated this 26th day of November. 1879. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, Clerk of the Court. Branson and Purnell, Solicitors for the Debtor. 74 0 a SHEARING will Commence at Shep herd’s Bush, Rangitata, on DEC. 8. Price, 15s. per 100. G93a WANTED— TENDERS for CART ING 250 BALES WOOL (more ar less), from Shepherd’s Bush to Eal ing. Tenders to be addressed to the Manager, Shepherd’s Bush, Rangitata, by Ist DECEMBER. 694 a