BIRTH.

Penlington. —At Ashburton, on the 18th December, the wife of Mr. Thomas Penlington of a daughter.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1879.

Cricket —A Fizzle. —lt had been arranged that eleven of Ashburton’s knights of die willow should try conclu sions with the Geraldine champions, and the day was fixed for the struggle, this day of grace, Thursday Dec. 18. But when the hour came for starting, the men did not, and only five of the selected in vaders of Geraldine felt themselves “pre pared for fight. ” The train that should have taken our prowess south went empty away, and Geraldine was disappointed. Poor Geraldine, and poorer Ashburton. But energetic Mr. Poyntz has given the men of Ashburton a chance to retrieve their good name, and has got together a team to essay the journey to-morrow. He has done vn at Geraldine’s request, and this is hii list—Messrs Hodder, Fooks, Ashwood, Fowler, Poyntz, G. Andrews, Grant, Moriarty, A. Andrews, W. H. Zouch, D. Amos, Lusk. It is to be earnestly hoped that these gentlemen will set an example of punctuality to-morrow morning, as it is intended to leave for Geraldine by the 7 a.m. train. As it is just a bare eleven any further addition of cricketing gentlemen will meet a welcome. New Telegraph Station. —A telegraph station is now open at Woodville, in the County of Waipawa. Miss Beatrice. —We much regret that owing to indisposition the public were de prived of the great treat of seeing Miss Beatrice in her splendid representation of “Little Buttercup” in the opera of “H.M.S. Pinafore,” at the Town Hall last night. No doubt this talented lady is as much disappointed as ourselves in not being able to appear, but we are pro mised that she will make amends for her unavoidable absence on this occasion in a week or two, when she will appear in Mr. Ogden’s new pantomime and in the admirable burlesque of “ Acis and Galatea.” Railway Christmas Fares. A “Gazette” of the 11th inst. announces that single tickets from any station to any station, issued from Saturday, the 20th December, 1879, to Saturday, the 3rd January, 1880, will be available for return any day up to and inclusive of Monday, the sth January, 1880. The above notice applies to the whole of the New Zealand Government Railways.

South Rakaia Wheat. —We have been shown a telegram received by Messrs. R. M‘Kerrow and Co., Rakaia, from their agents, advising them that wheat sent home by them has again topped the market, realising 625. per quarter. Chiarini’s Circus. — l his circus troupe have engaged a special train at LI per mile to carry themselves and impedimenta over their Middle Island tour.

Friendly Societies. —His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to autho rize “the promotion of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks,” as a purpose to which the powers and facilities of the Friendly Societies Act, 1877, ought to be extended, in order that temperance societies may be registered under the said Act.

Local Wheat. —Saunders Bros, are advised of the following sales on 13th October, of wheat in London, ex Boyne, from Lyttelton, S. B. A 5.85/107, s. 85/90, s. 85/80, s. 85/97, 563 6d. to 565. per quarter.

TELEGRAPHIC .

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

( Renter’s) St. Petersburg, Dec. 16.

Reports are generally current that there is another quarrel between the Czar and the Czarewitch. The latter demands constitutional Government, which the former refuses to accede to.

(Age Special.) London, Dec. 18, The new loan is quoted at 99.

INTERPROVINCIAL

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Dec. 18,

Mr. Errington, the waterworks en gineer, has made an offer to the City Council to work the water supply with a saving of 20 per cent. The Harbor Board suspended dredging operaf ions in the harbor, the silt' from Dempsey’s railway reclamation rendering the labor useless.

At the R.M. Court over fifty summonses against Dempsey by men for wages wei e heard. Judgment for plaintiffs. Opunake, Dec. 18.

There was a small attendance at the Parihaka meeting with nothing fresh to report. Te Whiti persists in saying there will be no fighting. He says the truth will appear this year, and nothing can prevent it coming out. Wellington, Dec. 18.

William Hales was charged this morn ing with voting twice at the recent elec tion for the House. Evidence was taken and accused was remanded to allow the voting papers to be produced. The reporters of the press gallery yester day afternoon presented Mr. E. T. Gillon,

cha rman of the gallery, with a handsome wal lut stationery cabinet, in acknowledg me- t of bis services during the present sess ion. The cabinet was accompanied wit.a a testimonial.

Dunedin, Dec. 18. 1 he petition by the present Mayor, Mr. Wa .ter, against the return of Mr. Fish, the Mayor elect, has created a consider abl 3 amount of feeling, and in the event of Fish being ousted a petition calling up m Walter to resign is to be prepai’ed iikmie capital firing has been made this morning at the Anderson’s Bay butts for the Association prize. A member of the Artillery Company made 77 out of a pos, ible 84, and many other good scores wert made.

A all of 2s. fid. in the £ has been made upon the creditors of James Black, bank re it, to defray law expenses, the verdict obtained by the trustees against the she> iff having been reversed upon techni „al grounds, and costs granted. The Christs’ College eleven defeated a team selected from the Dunedin Cricket Club yesterday in the first innings, the scores being—Christchurch, 103 ; Dune din, 90, In the second inning 3 Dunedin made 98, and Chi’istchurch lost seven wickets for 40 runs.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

(Age Special.) London, Dec. 15

The “ Times ’’states that Mr. Bei'ry’s appeal tests the sagacity of the colonies, and hopes the result will restrain the Minister from proceed ing to exti’eme courses. The res ponsibility rests with Victoria, as Eng land cannot prevent them from going wrong, and suffering the consequences. The landlord evicted the Dempsey family notwithstanding indignation meet ings at Balia. The Viceroy is preparing the Madras army for active service ixx the event of Earl Beaconsfield directing the invasion of Bur mall.

Theebaw declines to guarantee more courteous treatment of residents.

The rebellion in Afghanistan is spread ing among the friendly tribes.

( Reuter's .)

Calcutta, Dec. 15.

Further intelligence fully confirms that already to hand regarding the fighting on the 14th and previous days. The Af ghans were numerically superior to to the British, and they made a desperate at tack on the heights to the south of the position occupied by the British foi'ces. This was on the l?th, and the English general, Roberts, consequently decided to abandon the height’s position, and con centrated his troops on Cantonnety Sterzon, nox’tlx of Oabul. Orders were given to Genei’als Gough and Arbuthnot to bring up reinforcements from Ganda mak and Jellalabad.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Reuter's Telegrams.) Sydney, Dec. 17. Mr. Cameron has given notice of a motion for the suspension of the immigra tion vote till next year in consequence of the depressed state of trade and the financial exigences of the colony.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Dec. 17.

Sailed—The Waitaki at noon for the south, with the English mail per City of Sydney. The latter vessel sailed at noon for Sydney. Wellington, Dec. 17.

At the Magistrate's Court this morning a native lad named Tako Maki, was com mitted for trial on two charges of horse stealing. A third charge of larceny as a bailee was withdrawn.

The installation of the Mayor was post poned owing to the non-attendance of councillors.

Dunedin, Dec. 17.

Something new in connection with insolvency matters has just come to light in the estate of one James Black, a verdict obtained by the trustees against the Sheriff and others having been reversed on technical grounds. The costs of both plaintiff and defendant have to be paid out of the es tate, and after paying preferential claims, and a .dividend of ten shillings in the pound, there remains in hand L 528 4s. 6d.. Law expenses amount to L 717 10s. lid., leaving a deficiency of LlB9 6d. Id., to meet which a call of 2s. 6d. has been made upon the solvent debtors, whose claims amount to L 1535 ss. Bd.

Arrived—Beautiful Star, from Oamaru, Ringarooma, from Melbourne, via Bluff; Rotorua, from Sydney, via the Coast. Sailed—lno, for Preservation Inlet; Ringarooma, for Sydney. The Immigration Department has been advised of the sailing of the ship Canter bury from London for Port Chalmers with 340 immigrants. The annual statutory meeting for the installation of Mayor was adjourned for a week, as a petition against Fish’s return is not yet decided.

The distribution of pi’izes at the Boy’s High School took place to-day ; Judge Williams presided. The gold medal for dux of the upper school was awarded to Peter A. Lindsay ; silver medal for dux of lower school, to Herbert F. Labatt. A ci-icket match, Dunedin Club v. Christchurch Collegians, was won by the latter after a good game. In the first in nings Dunedin scoi’ed 90, and Collegians 103, Harman making 39, not out. In their second innings the Collegians lost seven wickets for forty runs, when time was called.

The annual prize-firing meeting of the Otago Rifle Association commenced to day. In the first match, ranges 400yds and 600yds, the first prize fell to Vol. A. Anderson, Clutha, with the average score of 67 points at each range. Prizes of 10s. each were carried off at 400yds by Vol. McSwan, S.D.R., with the excellent score of 39, and at 500yds by Vol. A. Anderson, with 32.

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

(from our special correspondent. ) Wellington, Dec. 18. The Public Works Bill passed about two o’clock this afternoon after a most b'tter discussion. It gives the Govern ment power to guarantee the debentures of the Disti’ict Railway Companies to the extent of L6G,QOO amongst tjie y/lxole four companies. The House now stands ad journed until 4 p.m, The work is virtually over, and the members are leaving.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE CF REPRESENTATIVES. Wednesday, Dec. 37. The House met at 11 o’clock ' r.d went into Committfc of Supply on tl;: bupple mentary Estimates. The following votes were pass-; i : —For services chargeable on Con solid, xt ; Raid, L 11.243 lisa sd; Colonial Treasury, L 5,337 6s. fid; Minister of Justice, L 7,923 ; Postmastei-General and Com missioner of Telegraphs, L 559 ; Commis sioner of Customs, Ls,Bfil ; Commissioner of Stamps, L 555 ; Minister of Education, L 6500; Minister of Native affairs, L 12,557 ; Crown Lands, miscellaneous services, L 1204; Railways, L15,80517s 8d; Minister of Defence, Lfi9,498 ; Minister of Public Works, L 109,379 ; unauthorised expenditure of Consolidated Fund, year 1878-79, L 62,818 15s Id. AFTERNOON SITTING.

On the House resuming at 3 p.m., a message was read from the Governor recommending the House to make pro vision for the purchase of Disti’ict Rail ways. Sir G. Grey moved the following reply to the Governor’s message oil the subject: -—“The House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, represent as fol lows —They are willing to proceed to the consideration of the subject read in your Excellency’s message dui’ing this session of Parliament, but humbly pray that they may not be inquired so to do until next session, for the following among other reasons:— (1) The Bill making provision for this matter was not brought before the House for consideration by the Go vernment until the very last days of the session, when mombershadexther retiled ol were prepai’ing to rox ire to their homes. (2) It was brought down in a wholly different form from that set forth in your Excel lency’s message. (3) It proposed, in fact, to authorise Government to pui’chase four District Railways which were private pro perty, in manner, which would entail a charge of considerably more tlian L 400,000 upon the colony. (4) None of these railways had previously or subsequently to commencement of their construction been submitted to or proved by Parlia ment. (5) Throughout the session Go vernment has steadily declined to enter tain proposals for, or to give assistance to, railways or lines of communication which many members considered of great public importance, 011 the ground that there were no funds available for additional public works, and meuibei’s have theiefore refrained from making proposals for sevei’al I’aihvays or public works for fear of uselessly delaying public business. (G) That the expenditure of any moneys on those district railways, until the claims of other parts of the colony have been fully considered, woxxld be an act of gi’eat in justice. (7) That varioxis other plans for the expenditure of any surplus public funds —such as settling families of settlers, xxiany of whom are now oxxt of employment, on public lands —should be considered be fore large sums of public money are dis posed of, without due notice to the House or county. (8.) Thatto the present moment no information of a definite kind has been afforded to this House by the Government of the sums which have been expended upon these several railways ; how far they are completed, or what sums will be necessary for their completion; what Crown land they open up ; whether they run through public land, or private pro perty, though there is reason to believe some of them run wholly through private property ; nor is there any information before the House to show the number of the inhabitants of the districts through which they run or are proposed to be car ried, for we do not even know that they have all been commenced. (9) That some members of the House are lai’gely per sonally intei’ested in these district railways. (10) That the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. Mr. Oliver, who is promoting the measure in the House, is personally interested in one of them. (11) That the sudden manner in which the Government has varied its proposals for dealing with the question shows how imperfectly ir has been con sidered. (12) That therefore, on the unexpected manner in which the question has been brought before us, the in sufficiency of the ixxformation afforded, the injustice it would inflict on other parts of the colony, and on the people of New Zea land at large, the nxagnitude of the sums involved in it, the fact of members of the House who are supporters of Government being so lai’gely personally or indirectly interested in it, and for various other good and sufficient l’easons, we respect fully pray that the consideration of this question may be delayed until next session, that is, for a period of little moi-e than five months, that this House arid the people of all parts of New Zea land may in the meantime have an opportunity of considering and discussing a question in which so many and such large interests are involved, Messrs Macandrew and M‘Lean spoke against the resolution. Mi\ Reid supported the motion. He did not expect it could be earned, still he desired it would be placed on record, as a protest against what he considered to be a most unjust proposal. Dr. Wallis said he had paired with Mr. Hurst on all subjects involving want of confidence in the Government. He would vote for the address unless he was assured by the Premier it would be ac cepted by the Ministry as a no confi dence motion.

Mr. Hall said it imputed censure on the Government, and as such it would be accepted by the Ministry as a no confi dence motion.

Mr., De Lautour said it had been ad mitted by the member who introduced the Public Woi’ks Bill Mr. Oliver was interested in one line to the extent of L 250. The sum might be comparatively speaking, small, still, in Parliamentary practice no degrees of that kind could be taken into account. He would vote for each of the twelve propositions, which he said were literally true in fact. He had followed a party in the House for years, and it was with deep regret he saw the leader of that party now aiding in carrying through this very questionable proceeding. He would now consider himself relieved from all party ties. Sir G. Grey said he had only one object in view, and that was to give time for the fair consideration of the proposal to purchase these railways. He looked upon the fact of these four railways having beep selected to the exclusion of all other private railway lines with grave doubts. No one had canvassed him for his vote in

the matter. He had been told other members had been pressed on in a way disagreeable to themselves. He did not regard this matter as a party question ; all he contended for was that the question be delayed.

Mr. Hall said the tenor of the address in reply left no doubt but it must be accepted in the light of a party question. He would not say the statements set forth in the address were incorrect ; they were simply, however, those half truths which were the worst of all lies.

The question was then put and nega tived.

The question was put “ that the House go into Committee on the Governor’s ad dress ” and a divisicn took place—Ayes, 39 ; noes, 14. Before going into Committee, the Land Bill was reported from the Upper House, with amendments. These amendments not having been agreed to, the Committee was appointed to draw up reasons for dis senting to these amendments. EVENING SITTING.

Mr. Oliver moved to go into Committee on the Governor’s message, recommend ing the House to make provision for guaranteeing the debentures of the under, mentioned District Railways Companies to the extent of seventy-five per cent upon the amounts which they shall re spectively prove to the satisfaction of Go vernment to have been expended in con struction, or in procuring rolling stock for such railways : —Schedule, AVaimate Plains Railway Company, Duntroon and Hakateramea Railway Company, Wai mate Branch Railway Company, Ash burton Forks Railway Company. On the motion for going into Com mittee

Mr. Barron saidtliatalthough he objected to the principle of taking over private railways, he would support Government in carrying through the proposal. Still he hoped they would sec their way to withdraw the objectionable clauses. Mr. Turnbull objected to the proposal in toto.

Mr. Macandrew spoke in favor of these Companies being aided in carrying out their work rather than a proposal for purchasing the lines. In Committee considerable discussion took place, and the Hon. Minister for Public AVorks explained tht views of Go vernment at considerable length. They would make the best terms as business men which they could. The House then adjourned in order that there might he a conference of two Committees from both Houses on amend ments made in Council on the Land Bill.

After an interruption of an hour, the Committee on the Public Works Bill re sumed, and the Minister for Public Works continued his explanation as to the course Government intended to pursue.

Several hon. members followed and expressed their opinion in regard to the Bill very generally, but particularly in reference to the 30th clause.

Sir G. Grey considered the explanation of Government insufficient, and said he would oppose the proposal at this stage. The report of the Free Conference on the Land Bill was brought up and adopted. It was to the effect that the Council had abandoned its amendments to all the clauses except 14, and that the House should not persist in its objection to the amendment on the latter clause. On the Committee resuming consideration of the Governor’s message re Distinct Railways, Mr. Montgomery moved an amendment to the effect that the information available on the subject was insufficient to enable the House to come to a conclusion on the matter, and therefore respectfully submitted to the Governor that Ministers should, during the recess, obtain informa tion which would enable his Excellency to recommend more acceptable proposals next session in regard to these lines of railway. The question was then put that the words proposed to ho left out stand part of the question, on which the House divided—Ayes, 24 ; noes, 13. The resolution being unexpected, was reported and agreed to, as no new business could be taken up by the House, it being 12.55. Mr. Hall said instructions had been given to detain the steamer Hinemoa until 2 p.m. for the convenience for mem bers who wished to remain until the busi ness was concluded. He moved that the House adjourn till 11 a.m. Mr. Pyke proposed the adjournment be for one month.

The adjournment till 11 a.m. was put and carried. The House rose at 1 a. m.

(By Telegraph to-day.) # The House met at 11 a. m. The Appropriation Bill and Immigra tion and Public Works Appropriation Bills were introduced. In Committee these Bills were passed.

Clause 30 of the Public Works Bill was then taken up. Mr. Oliver proposed to add the follow ing in lieu of clause 30 : —“ It shall be lawful for the Governor in Council, from time to time, on being satisfied that the expenditure, on any of the District Rail ways specified in the schedule hereto, by the company constituted for the purpose of constructing the same, has been economically expended to guarantee upon such terms, conditions, and subject to receiving such security, as the Governor in Council may approve, the debentures on mortgages to be given by any such Company for a sum in the aggregate not exceeding L 60,000 of the expenditure of the Company upon the construction and laying of any railway line constructed by them, and the erect ing and building of any buildings and erections, and the purchase of rolling stock in connection therewith being the property of Companies. ” Sir G. Grey moved that L3O,CCO bo substituted for L 60,000. In reply to Mr Barron, Sir G. Grey stated that if his amend ment was accepted lie would not insist upon specific sums being allotted to par ticular companies The question that L 30,000 be substi tuted for LOO,OOO was put and carried on the voices.

Sir George Grey then moved as a further amendment—“ That no amount be granted to any one company in excess of the sum of L 15,000. Mr. Montgomery suggested that the amount should not be insisted upon, as Government would be responsible for what they did.

The debate is proceeding. Later. The Public Works Bill was reported with amendments.

ARRIVAL OF THE SAN FRAN CISCO MAIL AT AUCKLAND.

tj, : SUMMARY OF NEWS. Auckland, Eec. 27. Among the passengers by the P. and O. s.s. Peia were Archbishop Stein, the new Auckland Catholic Bishop, and Fathers Dorney, O’Hara, and Baggioli. The Governor of Bombay travelled 15 miles on a locomotive on the railway through the Bolan Pass. . Princess Clotilde is wintering in Paris at the suggestion of the King of Italy, and her husband, Prince Napoleon, is sur rounding liimself by a complete diploma tic court, putting on the airs of a preten der.

The miners’ association of the United Kingdom are assisting miners to emigrate, and have fixed the allowances at —to America, L 6 ; Australia and New Zea land, Ll2. There is great improvement in the coal and other industries in Eng land. At the Guildhall Police Court Edward Froggatt, solicitor, whose connection with the tariff frauds will he remembered, was brought up on a charge of misappropria ting to his own use of LBO,OOO which had been entrusted to him as trustee under a marriage settlement. One hundred thousand copies of a pro scribed publication are reported dis covered in Moscow. The pamphlets had counterfeited the permission of the censor.

A scheme has been formed to build a canal from the river Maine, at Frankfort, to the Rhine. Frankfort will give 125,000 marks for a harbor.

The famine in Upper Silesia is assuming alarming proportions. A Copenhagen despatch reports that the police have arrested a student upon a charge of writing to the Queen of Sweden, demanding 20,000 crowns, and threaten ing, in case of refusal, to assassinate the Crown Prince of Sweden. The St. Petersburg “ Gazette ” is for bidden in the streets of the towns of Germany, on account of several articles entitled German women, which are full of insults to the German nation.

The French revenue for the ten months of the present year, including October, exceeds the estimates by 123,000,000 francs.

The Austrian Budget produced a had impression. The deficit is nearly double the amount stated, and the Finance Minister is unable to cover the deficit by increased taxes. He had re course to street loans.

Prince Bismarck has requested the Russian Government to withdraw a force of 20,000 cavalry from Poland, on the the borders of German territory. Russian officers on leave of absence have been ordered to rejoin their regi ments immediately. Letters from Constantinople confirm reports of the extreme distress in financial matters of Turkey. The pilgrimage to Mecca, which hitherto has been provided for atthe expense of Government, is unable to get any assistance —an event that never before has occurred since the establish ment of the Ottoman Empire. The Lorussia sailed from Liverpool on the 29tli November, for New Orleans, with sixty-five farmers and families, bound for Texas, mostly from Lancashire, York shire, and Durham, with a few from Scot land and Ireland. The French Government has sanctioned the lottery of 200,000 francs arranged by a committee of journalists for the benefit of the sufferers by the floods in Murcia. Considerable alarm is felt in Belgium at the fortifications which have been begun at Dunkirk, at Lille, Maineberg, and A 7 alencia.

The Danish War Minister is expected to resign, having said in public that Germany ought to seize the first oppor tunity to occupy Denmark. The German Minister of War ordered the re-survey of the Baltic Coast to see if further fortifications are needed.

The first steamship for the Chinese line to Honolulu and Canton is taking in passengers.

Latest dates report active preparations for war against Japan are going on in China.

Captain Rowles, of the English steamer Baltimore, from Baltimore for London, with cattle, was killed at sea during heavy weather, a block falling on his head. The mate was also disabled. There being a heavy sea running, the ship put back to Baltimore.

The mother of ex-Empress Eugenie died, aged one hundred, just two hours before her her arrival from Paris.

Jules Hotel, the French painter is dead.

San Domingo advices to the Bth Nov. report that a fight occurred between tlie forces of President Guillermo and the resolutionists at St. Pedro. Guillermo was dislodged from his position, and had to retreat to the capital. Gladstone commences his election cam paign at Edinburgh. A “ Standard ” despatch from Thegete mego, Burmah, says a serious affray occurred oil the 13th at Mergyon. on board a steamer between the crew and a number of Burmese coolies, in which six persons were wounded. The insurgents have been again defeated at Cuba.

In a gale on Lake Ontario, on Nov. 17, twelve small vessels sunk, and thirty-one persons drowned ; other wrecks and loss of life are reported along the Atlantic coast.

The Russian press allege that neither Government nor the people want war, the bad financial position of the Empire enjoin ing peace, but every day convinces them that a great struggle is impending. Winter has set in very severely in the eastern and north-western States of America ; heavy snow fell in Georgia. Two men of questionable character have been lynched by Yigilants at Dead ville, who number 700. They warned D. Belly, the accused, of giving bribes to White, the City Marshall, and warned Jim Bush to leave town, or he would be hanged. The thieves and rowdy charac ters have also enrolled a number of 750, and threaten avenging their companion’s death. They also warn persons suspected of participating in the hanging business to leave town or they would burn it down. This would be an easy task, the town being built of wood, and having insuffi cient water facilities.

Navigation from St. Lawrence to Mon treal closed on Nov. 22 for steam boats, the river being frozen in. Meetings were held in England on Nov. 28, sympathising with Irish political pri soners, but not very enthusiastic, except at Birmingham 20,000 attended.

Liverpool, Novi 24. California wheat 10s. 7d. to 11s. 5d., averaging 11s. sd. to 11s. 9d. per cental. Cargoes of wheat are in fair request at full prices for Homeland Continental des tinations.. . •

IRELAND. The Irish agitation has attained alarm ing proportions. I.7’warrants are reported issued for seditious language, including five clergymen. The garrisons of West port, Clare, Castlereagh, Belfast, and other places in Ireland have been strongly reinforced. The constabulary have been under arm’s day and night. The news of the arrest of three agitators, Davit t, Killen, and Daly, caused great ex citement in Ireland and among the largo Irish population of Dundee, who had been addressed by them. The English press, except the “ Daily News,” approved of, the arrests, the Irish press are divided in opinion. Many Irish landlords- are leav ing the country through fear. Three ad ditional regiments are under orders to pro ceed to Ireland. A new source of appre- r hension concerning the military has arisen —a large proportion of soldiers about to . be sent to Ireland are li’isli, and hints are thrown out that if ordered to fire upon their countrymen they will refuse to obey. In the barracks of these regiments Home Rulers and “Nationalist” journals of Ireland are often seen, andemissaries from Ireland are frequent visitors to the soldiers.

A despatch from Pittsville, Pennsyl vania, of Nov. 22, says there will be a general turning out of Irish Nationalists throughout the States to-morrow. At a recent meeting of Nationalists, at Mahoney City, it was resolved to take up the canse of Davitt, Killen, and Daly. In nearly every village, town, and city in the coal and iron country are lodges of Irish Nationalists, or branches of Fenian confederacies, and a meeting for organisa tion has been called for to-morrow. The leading officers of the Ancient Orders of Hibernians say hundreds of members are anxious to get to Canada to invade the British possessions in retaliation for the arrest and imprisonment of three advo cates of Ireland’s liberty, The British Government’s arrangements for watching the Fenian movement in America is very perfect. , r • ■

Preparations continue to be pushed forward in India with undiminished vigor. Pukkakour and Dobar railroad is open for engines nearly to Jellalabad, - and is being constructed-at the rate of over a mile per day. A large number of cars, and a quantity of war material are being shipped at Bombay for Kurrachee. : '.'lt/is; finally settled that the railroad from Taattah shall be extended to

The Viceroy of India telegraphed that an expedition has started for Ghuznee, where there are malcontents, stirred up by Mollahs. The investigation into the massacre, at the British Legation continues. Forty® Afghans have been hanged for complicity. The inquiry into the Ameer’s conduct in relation thereto progresses. It has been discovered that on the night before the battle of Charasick he was visited in his tent by Naid Mahomed, who commanded the enemy next day..: Yakoobl Khan is now practically a prisoner. All his at tendants except four have been dismissed. A sentry is consequently on duty inside his quarters, and a strong guard outside. It is still a mystery as to what has been done with the bodies of Major Cavagnari and his companions.

The “ Manchester Guardian’s ” London correspondent believes that documents were found in Cabul compromising the Russian Foreign Office. Lord Beacons field is urged to publish the documents, but declines.

A Cabultelegram of Nov. 20 says the en quiry into the conduct of the Ameer Yakoob Khan and his Ministers in connection with the massacre of the British Embassy has ter minated, and the report of the Commis-' sion of Inquiry and has been for warded to the Viceroy. Nothing has transpired to alter the unfavorable opinion hitherto current regarding the Ameer’s course of action.

The first number of “Aurora,” a daily paper, planned and issued by the Vatican, will appear on Ist January as a more authoritative exponent of the Pope’s views than the existing clerical papers. Marshal Canrobert, having been elected to the French Senate against the Repub lican candidate, resigned his connection with the French army. Henri Martin has been elected a member of the French Academy, in room of M. Thiers, deceased. Gortsehakoffs retirement from the Russian Chancellorship is not unexpected, owing to diplomatists. It was known he would resign as soon as the German in trigues against him ceased.

French influence at the Court of Russia has shelved Count Schouvaloff.

Gortscliakoff is suffering from mental depression, and there is little hope of his recovery.

Baron Donbriel, Russian Ambassador to Germany, has been summon'ed to St. Petersburg to explain the relations of Russia and Germany.

The Moscow Committee on Volunteer cruisers has called a meeting to discuss ways and means for raising subscriptions for the construction of cruisers in view of Russian relations with England.

THE MAYORAL BANQUET.

Last night Mr, Thomas Bullock, who has so acceptably discharged the duties of Mayor of Ashburton for the past fifteen months, entertained the members of Council, and the Council staff to a banquet in the Somerset Hotel, and the occasion of his retiring from the office into which Mr. Hugo Friedlander had that day been installed. The Somerset’s table was fur nished temptingly as usual, anl after it had been duly honored, the usual doyal and patriotic toasts were given and re-- ceived. After the “ County Council” had ■been proposed by Mr. Williamson, and the “ County Road Boards” by the chair man (Mr. Bullock) Mr. Williamson asked a bumper for the toast of the evening, “the Retiring Mayor.” He had known Mr. Bullock for many years, and had had many opportu nities of observing his conduct and ; noting his character. Mr. Bulloclc had occupied the chair of the Council for 15 months —two terms, one a short one to be sure—but during his two terms he had connected feelings of deep friendship' amongst the Councillors, and won the esteem of the people. They all knew how. much the Mayor had done for. the town ship during its early history, and K|

Thursday, December 18, 1879.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. X&TANTED IMMEDIATELY YV APPRENTICES for Dressmaking and Ladies’ Jacket making. Apply to T. R HOLDER & COMPANY. Wanted —a general ser vant. Apply— Herald Office. : : 830 a Jr OST, on the 17tli inst., a PURSE containing a Cheque for. £l7 on the Bank of New Zealand, j Ashburton, and 15s 3d in silver. Cheque drawn by Frank Standish in favor of Edmund * Robinson. Finder will be rewarded on leaving same at the Office of this Paper. Payment of cheque ’stopped. 831 a V. 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 TIMOTHY; MURPHY, DANIEL, ' LYNCH, arid JAMES MORAN, all of Lyndhurst, in the County of t ...... Ashburton, farmers, carrying on business together as partners, debtors. NOTICEis hereby given, that on THURS DAY, the fifteenth day of January next, at eleveno’clock in the forenoon, or as soon thereafter as Counsel can be heard, application will be made to the above-named honorable Court on behalf of the above named debtors for an order of immediate discharge. Dated this 17th day of December, 1879. A BRANSON AND PURNELL, SeSa Solicitors for the Debtors.



NOTICE. STRAYED on my landatTinwald, Brown Horse*, saddle marked, and branded No. 2on near Shoulder. If not claimed and expenses paid within one month from this date, will be sold. Apply— D. jVTLEOD, Near Tinwald. Cth Dec., 1879.' j > : ; ■ > 783 a ARCHERY MATERIAL.—Bows from ss. each.. Arrows from ss. doz. H. M. J ONES, Stationer, Baring Square. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. In accordance with Section 330 of “The Counties Act, 1876,” the Treasurer directs the publication of a copy of ‘ the Balance-Sheet for. the six months ended September 30th, 1879. By order, F. MAIN WARING, Clerk. Ashburton, 17th December, 1879. Balance sheet of the ash burton COUNTY COUNCIL, FOR THE SIX MONTHS END h ING SEPTEMBER 30th, 1879. £. 3. d. 55,032 8 6 218 8 0 12 10 0 0 15 0 40 0 0 358 10 0 0 6 0 1879. To .balance at bank ~ Dog fees „ Slaughtering licenses „ Stage carriage ... ~ Auctioneers ~ Hotel ~ Cattle driving fee ~ Rent of Ashburton pound and house, and part payment sale of un claimed cattle ... ~ Deposits received on con tracts ~ Interest from fixed de posits current accounts 1302 8 0 ~ Miscellaneous items ... 12 14 2 * ;l '' 57,312 16 2 43 0 0 291 16 6 £ 437 d. 1 186 0 5 52 18 1879. By office expenses ... ... ~ Advertising and printing including printing, Water Supply Bill, South Rakaia Plains, —viz., £22 os. Bfl. ... „ Dog collars, refund to Ashburton Borough Council, &c. ... ... ~ Collector of Customs ... „ Ashburton pound, pound keeper’s house, fencing, &c., : " ’ „ Slaughter-house Inspec tor’s salary ... “ Valuation lists, half cost, Mbunt Hutt and South Rakaia Ridings. ... „ Balance payment County map ... Plantation, Board’s vote v .from Council ... ~ Election, Mount Hutt Riding... ... „ Expenses, Governor’s re ception ... •; r ... „ Mount Somers Railway, petty expenses ~ Surplus land fund refund to Road Boards ~ Rakaia Water Supply ex penses ~ Domain and Cemetery Board’s grants from Council ••• „ Hind’s pound contract,&e ~ Bridge near Digby’s fen cing, approaches, &c. ... ~ Protective works near Digby’s contract, &c. ... „ County Hospital progress payments, &c „ Council Chambers, archi tect’s commission, &c. ~’Rangitata traffic bridge, cost of iron piles, and sundry expenses ... 2,809 17 10 „ Miscellaneous expenses 49 19 2 Balance at Bank ... 42,018 15 2 186 13 12 10 65 0 52 12 500 0 27 0 62 6 0 18 7,993 0 6 9 220 292 76 412 1,812 24 5 10 2 0 Total £57,312 16 2 EDWARD G. WRIGHT, Treasurer. ; have audited, this account, and I have opared the several items with the icliers, and find it correct, and the ba ee at the bank is accurately stated. J. OLLIVIER, Provincial District Auditor. November 1, 1879. 827 a ; • JUST ARRIVED. PAPER BAGS, PAPER BAGS. CONFECTIONERS, Fruiterers, / Grocers, Drapers, Seedsmen, &c., an be supplied with Pape?' B&gs, all sizes, tinted or Plain. BEKS AND DIXON, General Printers, | East rtreet North.



New Advertisements. FOUND— A PARASOL in Tinwald. Owner can have the same by apply ing Mr Joseph Clakk’s Stoke, Tinwald. 832 a £1 REWARD. CtTOLEN from the Tinwald Hotel -n JO TUESDAY the 11th of Nov. last (Sale Day) a dark grey tweed OVER COAT, the pockets of which eoutainod a pair of woollen lined dog-skin gloves, and a bag containing geological specimens. The above reward will be paid to anyone giving such information as will lead to the conviction of the thief. A. N. MACFARLANE, Ashburton Branch Railway, 832a* Tinwald.