POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails at the Ashburton Post Office close as follows For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a. m. 4 p.m., and 7.30 p.m., daily. p For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m uaily. For Rakaia at 10.20 a.m and 4 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Kangitata, Orari, Winchestei, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton i*orks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, .Waterton, and Longbeach, at ,xc p.m. daily. , For Wakanui and Seafield,. on Mondays and Thursdays, 7-3° ''

Mails for Wellington and Northern Ports will be despatched per'Express Tram to morrow (Saturday) afternoon, to connect with the Wanaka, at Lyttelton.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster,

THE friends of Mr. McDonnell are re spectfully informed that the funeral of his late daughter, Lizzie, will leave his residence at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. THOS. A. GATES, 5C9a Undertaker.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1879.

The Ashburton Courthouse. —In the House last night Mr E. G. Wright, the member for Coleridge, obtained an assui ance from the Hon. Mr Rolleston that a sum of money would he placed on the estimates for building a Courthouse at Ashburton.

Archery. —The Christchurch Archery Club opened its season yesterday, in Hadley Park, when about 18 ladies and gentlemen took part. In the ladies handi cap Miss Rose won the prize with 190. Mail News.— The Postmaster notifies that letters, &c., despatched by the train to-morrow (Sautrday) afternoon will be. in time to connect with the Wanaka, which leaves Lyttelton for Wellington in the evening.

Personating a Detective. —A man named Marshall was yesterday sent to gaol for six weeks by the Christchurch R.M. for personating a detective with a view to intimidating a young girl who had been walking in the Christchurch Domain with her sweetheart. Accused was a married man, but had taken this course with an improper object. _ The girl, however, though in great fear of the possible consequences to her own character that would ensue were the supposed de tective to charge her and her male friend with immorality in the Domain, rejected the overtures made by Marshall, and succeeded in having him apprehended and brought before the court. The young man had also organised a band of friends to give prisoner “ a hammering in the event of no case having been made by the police.

Canterbury Farmers’ Grain and Produce Store Company. —A meeting of shareholders in the above-named company was held yesterday, when it was resolved to wind up the company voluntarily, and Mr W. Bateman was appointed liquidator. The directors laid before the shareholders a report detailing the cause which had pre vented the company being a success. Pupil Teachers in Government Schools. —At a meeting of the Board of Education yesterday, in reference to an application from a schoolmaster, the Board decided that when pupil-teachers have completed their term of service masters are not entitled to payment foi giving them instruction, and no such pay ments will be allowed in future. Plantation Reserves. —It is often re marked by travellers on the railway what a barren-looking country the district be tween Rakaia and Ashburton is ; and the remark has a modicum of truth in it, as the land in the immediate vicinity of the railway is still in the native tussock. Although this tract of country is still in an unimproved state, it does not follow that the land is not worth cultivating. The fact is that an area varying from 15 to 40 chains wide on each side of the rail way line has been reserved for plantation and other purposes, and as the Govern ment seem to consider that they are more profitable in their native state than if let to tenants, or devoted to the purpose they were reserved for—plantations it is probable that they will not get out of the tussock period for a few generations. It would not be a bad notion if the powers that be would let, say one-half of the land for a term of years in consideration of the tenant planting the other half in forest trees, and attending to them until they had grown to such a size as not to require looking after. Should this course be adopted the present barren waste would be converted into an avenue, through which the railway would run, the climate would be improved, shelter would be gained, and the public revenue would be increased by the rental of what at present is no better than a desert.

The “ Diplograph.”— The diplograph is an apparatus invented, by M. Recordou for enabling the blind to communicate in writing with each other and with the “ outer world ” with greater ease than is possible under the system at present in use. Hitherto they have been obliged, for this purpose, to have recourse to characters given in relief, generally formed of a certain number of points, not exceeding six, distributed in three lines according to a certain order. Their sense of touch being extremely delicate and acute, the blind rapidly acquire the power of reading and ■writing by the aid of this system. But seeing people find great dif ficulty in mastering it, and written com munications between them and the blind, which shall be legible by both parties, are consequently rarely feasible. This diffi culty is said to be now overcome by the introduction of the diplograph, an instru ment which simultaneously produces the writing in two different ways, and two distinct leaves of paper—the one impres sion being intelligible to the blind, and the other to the seeing. The apparatus con sists of two discs bearing the respective ' si"ns 'dr characters of the two styles of writing, aild either party using the instru ment produces, together with the letters intelligible to himself alone, a verbatim transcript in different characters for the usq of his correspondent.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. 4. Before Mr. Frank Guinness R.M. a question under the stamp act. Orr and Co. v. Patrick Murphy. Claim £26 12s, on a dishonored promisory note. Mr Crisp for plaintiff, Mr Purnell for defendant.

John Orr, sworn, stated the amount due was on a dishonored bill produced. Mr Purnell took exception to the docu ment, as six penny adhesive stamps had been used, and that, further, the stamps had not been obliterated by writing across them, but by a pencil mark. He quoted the 57th section of the Stamp Act, which sets forth that the stamps at the time of affixing must be obliterated by the date and signature being written on them. Mr Crisp contended that as there was one shilling’s worth of stamps on the bill, the spirit and intention of the Act had been complied with. Mr Purnell referred to the case of Brogden v. Miller, where the Court of Appeal held it was necessary that stamps should be on all documents requiring them.

Mr Crisp argued that as the bank stamp was on the bill, they have become endorsors of it.

The Magistrate read the 36th section, and held that as sufficient stamps were attached, the Bill was admissible, but the parties who had attached the stamps, if wrongly done, were liable to penalties. It was sufficiently stamped, but the stamps were not properly cancelled. Mr Parnell applied to have a note note taken of his objections : (1). That the bill was not properly stamped; and (2.) that the stamps were not properly can celled.

Mr Orr’s evidence was continued. The acceptance was lodged in the bank for col lection. It was not paid. I sent notice of its being dishonored to Mr Markham at Chertsey. By Mr Purnell —The bill was due on 9th September. Got notice of its dis honor that day or next. Did not give no tice to the defendant. Mr Hamilton, who drew the bill, is, I understand, bank rupt. Instructed Mr Crisp to write to de fendant on September 30 for payment. Don’t know that Hamilton became bahk rupt since the date the bill became due. Had not taken proceedings against Mark ham and Co., the first endorsers. Hamil ton was not a partner of Markham’s. A. R. Markham said lie lived at Chert sey, and was trading under the name of A. R. Markham and Co. I gave Murphy a cheque for £25 as an obligation. The bill was drawn by Hamilton, and endorsed by Murphy, so as to facilitate the dis count. As soon as Murphy endorsed it I gave him a cheque, and I gave it to Orr and Co. on account. In due course I received notice of dishonor, and informed Murphy the same night I got the tele gram from Orr and Co. That was within three days of the dishonor. Murphy re marked that he had the money, hut would not pay. Hamilton has become bankrupt since. Cross-examined by Mr Purnell: There was never anyone in the firm but myself. I did not say, in a previous case, that

Hamilton was a partner. Mr Purnell wished to obtain the his tory of the transaction, but Mr Crisp objected, as consideration was implied. Witness —Mr Murphy introduced Hamilton to me and stated that Hamilton had sheep in his paddock, and wanted to start as a butcher. Hamilton proferred the bill to Murphy, and asked if I could get it discounted for him. The bill was signed by Hamilton when given to Murphy. It was made payable to me to facilitate the discount.

I took 5 per cent, on the transaction when I paid the cheque over. I don’t recollect that Murphy was asked for a receipt for the money due by him to Hamilton —I paid Hamilton’s man half his wages for delivering goods for me. I am debited with the amount by Orr and Co. in the their current account with me. Mr Purnell submitted that Orr and Co., having charged the bill against Markham, disposed of the case. Mr Orr, recalled —The account in my hands is a statement between our firm and Markham. We have debited Markham with the bill. It has not been paid. Mr Purnell argued that cheques and bills were treated as cash.

His Worship considered Messrs Orr had done what they had a perfect right to do. They held a dishonored bill, and had a right to sue for it. Mr Purnell also took objection as the notice of dishonor had not been sufficient.

His Worship held that the notice was sufficient for the defence.

P. Murphy—Mr Markham called my attention one morning to the bill being dishonored. He told me one morning. I don’t knew how long it was after the bill was due. Hamilton owed me £3O. Mark ham said he would get a bill from Hamil ton and cash it. I understood at the time that Markham and Hamilton were part ners. Markham paid me for hire of a horse for Hamilton. Markham’s name was over the butcher’s shop as agent for Hamilton. The bill was drawn on a Sun day. Markham drew the bill. I refused to pay the discount, and thought that when I signed the bill I was signing for the money I got. By Mr Crisp—-It is about a month ago since Markham told me. Didn’t know whether I would be sued. I told him that if I had to pay the bill I would sue Hamil ton. I swear it was on a Sunday evening when the bill was drawn. I got £25 from Markham.

After Council had addressed the Bench His Worship ruled that the stamping of the document was sufficient. Messrs Orr and Co. were the proper parties to sue, and as to the notice given, that he con sidered sufficient. As to whether there was fraud in the transaction he could see none. The only question then left was whether the bill being drawn on a Sunday would vitiate it, and lie ruled that it did not. The plaintiff held the bill in the ordinary way of business, and the judg ment would therefore be for plaintjff with costs. I Mr Purnell asked for judgment to be stayed for seven days, to enable the defen dent to take advice as to appeal. His Worship granted the application. PROTECTION ORDER. Maria Seymour made application for the protection of her earnings. Mr C. W. Ireland appeared for applicant, who stated that she was the wife of R. S. Sey mour, and had been married to him eight years, and had seven children, two of

whom were by a former husband —the eldest of the five being seven years of age, During the time since their marriage her present husband had not sufficiently pro vided for her. He has worked most of the time as a carpenter, and - had the means of providing for her. She had earned a little money herself, and had assistance from friends. Her husband was now employed as a seaman, and had been away from home for about three months this time, and has not sent her anything. He mortgaged a section be longing to her, and it had been sold since. Her two eldest children are out at service. . , Hi Worship made an order that the applicant should have the custody of the children, and that the husband should pay 30s per week towards their support.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

[BY TELEGRAPH.]

(from our own correspondent.)

Wellington, Oct. 17. The same course was continued by the Opposition yesterday that they followed the night before, and was carried so far as to practically refuse all supplies, so that the salaries cannot be paid and the Road Boards and County Councils cannot receive their subsidies. Mr Bryce’s statement to-night is sure to be very guarded, but it cannot fail to be very damaging. The £12,000 which has been spent amongst the natives by Mr Sheehan without authority, and without record, will never all be accounted for, but enough has already transpired to rouse the indignation of any Parliament that had not grown used to such utter con tempt for its control. feome of the more conscientious of the Grey supporters were evidently much shaken in their faith yesterday, and the facts that will he brought out in the no confidence debate next week must put the men who are so frantically hurrying to regain their ill-used power in a position that they ought to feel very humiliating. It is now stated that Col. Whitmore, whose character for veracity in the Legis lative Council is on a par with that of Sir George Grey or Mr Sheehan in the House of Representatives, is to be the new Premier. He is admitted by the whips of his own party to be one of the most ultra- Tories in the colony.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Oct. 17. The whole of the Te Aroha block has been handed over by Government to the juris diction of the Waste Lands Board. 3,600 acres have been made over as an endow ment to the Thames High School. A piece has also been reserved as a public domain. The block will be brought into the market very speedily. The licensed victuallers here are strongly opposed to Mr Saunders’ Bill, as putting them in a worse position than ever. Wellington, Oct. 17.

At the police court, Honora Morgan, for larceny from the New Zealander Hotel, was committed for trial at the Supreme Court. John Joseph Walsh, on two charges of embezzlement, was sen tenced to six months’ imprisonment on each, the sentences to be concurrent.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS. -- *

(Reuter's Telegrams.) London, Oct. 14. Australian wheat 58s ; flour, 41s 6d ; best Australian beef tallow, 34s ; do. mut ton, 34 ; tin, 90. A paragraph in the “ Standard ” states that a defensive aliance between Germany and Austria has been signed.

(Argus Special.) London, Oct. 14.

It is believed that England and Russia are effecting an understanding regarding Afghanistan and Central Asia. Midhat Pasha informed Sir A. H. Layard that it was impossible to effect the contemplated reforms in Syria, owing to the want of support from the Government at Stamboul.

Numerous meetings have been held in British Columbia against the employment of Chinese on the North Pacific Railway. Prosecutions have been instituted against the Directors of the Consolidated Bank at Montreal, including Sir Francis Hicks.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegram.)

Adelaide, Oct. 16.

The Legislative Assembly has read a second time a Bill for loans. The Trea surer stated that not more than £2,500,000 would be floated next year. Melbourne, Oct. 16. Le Loup is well backed for the Cup.

(Special. ) Sydney, Oct. 16. Since the opening of the Exhibition 110,000 persons have paid for admission. Arrived—Hero from Auckland ; also H.M.S. Emerald.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROViNCIAL. Auckland, Oct. IG. The Licensed Victuallers have resolved to send a delegate to Wellington re the new Licensing Bill to-morrow. The representatives of the liapus of the Ngatirakawa tribe met at Te Papa, 30 miles beyond Cambridge, to discuss a proposal made by Government to have the main trunk road continued through the Ngatirapawa lands to the Hot Lakes. At a meeting of the Auckland Waste Lands Board, a resolution was passed, respectfully recommending to Govern ment that such provisions may be in serted in the new Land Act as may be calculated to promote the immigration of a suitable class of farmers to this colony from Great Britain and Ireland. Resolutions were carried at the Waite mata County Council, asking the Minister for Public Works to extend the Kaipara railway north.

Grahamsxown, Oct. 16. About 30 Ohinemuri Volunteers, placed on pay by the Defence Minister, have re ceived no remuneration as yet, and are grumbling in consequence. Tney are drilled three times a day, and cannot attend their farms. Mr Mackay will be here on Saturday. It is rumored that Government do not wish to take steps that will precipitate war until after the floating of the loan of £5,000,000. The Thames hematite paint is a great success. The manufacturer is receiving a number of orders. He is also taking a knife polish from the product. Wellington, Oct. 19.

The Wellington Liberal Association have decided to support the Liberal party under the leadership of Mr Macandrew. A deputation from the Working Men’s Club waited on the Minister for Lands to day, for the purpose of urging the objects of the Small Farm Association.. Several of the members of the deputation uived the setting aside of a block at Hawera for settlement. It would settle the native difficulty. Mr Rolleston replied Go vernment were framing a Bill which dealt with special settlements and small farms. He said lie was anxious to assist the Association, but under the present circumstances could not definitely pledge the Government.

Dunedin, Oct. 16.

The Executive Officers of Friendly Societies of Dunedin, after considering the new railway bye-law making it im perative on all employees of the depart ment to join the Railway Benefit Society, resolved to wait upon Mr Conyers, or communicate with him by letter, with a view of having tne grievance redressed. The subscriptions already received in aid of the sufferers by the Octagon fire, though the canvass has only been engaged in for three days, amount to £l4O, and a large number of cards are yet out. The Committee think that a sum of £2OO will be sufficient to meet cases of absolute necessity. This morning the Crown entered up a “nolle prosequi ” on eleven inquisitions for murder, and one for arson against William Waters.

At the civil sittings of the Supreme Court to-day, a dressmaker named Mary Cradock David, sued James Hirst of Wel lington, tanner, for the sum of £I,OOO, damages for breach of promise. The defendant did not appear. The plain tiff deposed to having entered the service of the defendant as housekeeper some time since, whereupon he contracted a twelve-months engagement, on the strength of which lie seduced her, and from time to time he promised to marry her, hut he failed to do so. The jury returned a verdict for £4OO, with full costs.

New Process For Leather Manu facture. —Leather is now manufactured by certain novel chemical processes, which permit the utilisation of all sorts of waste leather, such as curriers’ parings, clippings from shoe manufacturers, old boots and gloves, &c., &c. These materials being wiped, and cleaned as thoroughly as possible, are submitted to the action cf a solution of soda, or other convenient alkali, the strength of which and the du ration of the process are proportionate to the thickness and the nature of the leather to be operated on. The proportions usually employed are 91bs of alkali to the hundredweight of parings, and the more alkali is used the harder will be the pro duct obtained. As soon as the alkali has produced the desired effect, which is in dicated by the softening and glutinous consistence of the raw material, the latter is withdrawn from the solution, and intro duced, with water, into a rag-pulping machine, where, in the course of a few hours, it is converted into a homogeneous pulpy fibrous mass. The pulp is then poured into perforated moulds, where the the excess of moisture is extracted by pressure, and by means of a partial vacuum, and the sheets of leather thus formed are then removed and hung up to dry. The thickness of the leather produced by this jirocess may vary from that of a sheet of paper to three inches or more according to the use for which it is intended. An Accommodating Clergyman. —An Anglican parson, being called upon to celebrate the rite of baptism, required the production of godfather and godmothers. The only available male sponsor who could be found handy was a stiff Cameronian, who consented to do the needful for the friend’s bairn. The minister duly arrived at that part of the service which requires the godfather’s assent to the creed, and to other vital doctrines of the Church of England. The Cameronian, being asked in the usual way if he believed all that, frankly re joined that he “ didn’t believe a word of it.” His reverence was fora moment taken aback, and hesitated, but quickly regained his self-possession, saying, “Well, it’s no matter; we’ll go on with the service !” A Manufactured Orator. What constitutes an orator ? This illustration will perhaps elucidate. A short time ago two gentlemen were breakfasting at Coleraine, which is, as everyone knows, in the electorate of Normanby. The honorable member for the county dropped in and joined the repast. The intro duction of Mr Tytherloigh to one of the two at the table took place. When he heard the name, he (Mr T.) said, “ Oh, are you a son of the late Reverend So and-so, of Portland ?” “I am,” was the reply. “Then,” said the legislator graciously, “ I am glad to meet you, as I owe a deep debt of gratitude to your late father—he first taught me to be an orator. ” Shade of Demosthenes ? an orator. —AEgles “ My dear fellow,” said an old member of the Congress to a new one, “ You work too hard on your speeches ; I often pre pare one in half an hour and think no thing of it.” “And that’s just what everybody else thinks of it,” was the reply. Holloway’s Bills. —It is difficult to de termine what is the more trying to health, intense cold or excessive heat, though every body knows that sudden transitions from the one to the other teem with disease, which may in most instances be staved oft by an early resort to these purifying, regulating, and strengthening Bills. This well known and highly esteemed medicine affords a safe . and easy remedy for almost every constitutional wrong which climates, changes, or dietetic errors can engender’ and effectually removes any weakness self-indulgent habits may have induced. In all conditions oi ihe system bordering on disceasc indicated by apathy, listlessless, and restlessness, Holloway’s Pills will prove espicially serviceable in begetting a vivacity appreciated by both sound and sick.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thursday, October 10.

The Council met at 7.30.

Mr Miller gave notice of motion for a select Committee to enquire into the native department and native land expen diture for the past year. Mr Whitaker said, as the Imprest Bill had not passed the Lower House there was no business for the Council. He there fore moved the adjournment till Tuesday, which was agreed to, and the Council rose at 7.40.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Thursday, October 16. correction. Mr Hall corrected a statement in ihe morning paper, which omitted to state he had told the late Premier that one month before resigning his seat in the Upper House he had addressed his con stituents with a view to his nomination for a seat in the Lower House. JOSHUA JONES, OF MOKATJ. Mr Hall, in reply to Col. Trimble, said, that Joshua Jones of New Plymouth or Mokau, was some kind of agent for the late Government. Payments had been made to him for special services, amount ing to £390. He also had free use of the telegraph wires. These was nothing to show the specific nature of his engage ment, but he had received sums of £l2O, £2O, and £250. On the question that the paper be printed, Mr Sheehan said he hoped no obstruc tion would he offered to the printing of the same, and the matter could be debated hereafter.

Mr Moss objected to such papers being printed for insidious motives. Col. Trimble objected to the use of the word “insidious” in connection with any paper he asked for. Major Atkinson said this person had been promised a block of land, and Go vernment survey had been made for him. The value of his services could be discussed when fuller information was furnished. Mr Sheehan said all surveys were now made by the Government, the persons for whom they were made giving a bond for repayment of the costs of same. The paper was ordered to be printed. THE STEAMER HANNAH MOKAU.

Mr Bryce, in reply to Mr Turnbull, said the Government had an interest in the steamer Hannah Mokau, but had re ceived no dividend or interest upon the share, or the mortgage advanced on the said steamer. The Government had paid for the share or interest in the name of Rewi and Te Wetere. A sum of £B6 had been advanced by the Government. A subsidy of £3OO a year was promised, but eight months’ subsidy had been withheld. The steamer was seized at one time, and Government ordered the money to be paid and an assignment made to them. £IOO had been paid on account of Rewi and Te Wetere’s share.

The paper was ordered to be printed, PROPOSED TIMARU COUNTY.

Mr Hall, in reply to Mr Wakefield, said they had received a petition from electors within the proposed County of Timaru, praying that the county may not be constituted, and would lay a copy _ be fore the House. They had also received a counter petition. CURRENT CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC WORKS. The Minister for Public Works, in reply to Mr Macandrew, said lie. would lay be fore the House a return showing the whole of the colonial public works under his de partment at present contracted for, and giving all particulars. ASHBURTON COURT HOUSE. Mr Rolleston, in reply to Mr Wright as to whether a sum of money would be placed on the estimates for building a Court House at Ashburton, said a sum would be placed on the estimates for the purpose. ARMS OF TARANAKI VOLUNTEERS. Mr Hall, in reply to Colonel Trimble, said the bulk of Taranaki volunteers were armed with muzzle-loading rifles, but he would see that they were exchanged for breech-loading rifles. There were 350 stand to be served out. GUTHRIE AND LARNACH’s CONTRACTS. Mr Oliver, in reply to Mr Sutton, said £12,445 had been paid to Messrs Guthrie and Larnach since July Ist for the supply of railway iron and rolling stock. 'Hie amount owing on same account was shown in a return. The arrangement was fully open to public competition. The return was laid on the table. waikato-tiiames railway. Mr Oliver, in reply to Mr McLean, said he would lay before the House a copy of the plan, estimate, and certificate of the Engineer-in-Charge of the North Island in connection with the railway from Waikato to the Thames ; also, a distinctly colored map showing the surveys that have been made of the country between Grahamstown and Te Aroha, and those parts which have not been surveyed ; also showing how far surveys of the line between Grahamstown and Te Aroha have been completed, and the places where the Natives stepped in and prevented the surveyors going any further, and the place where the man McWilliams was shot near Ohinemuri. The plan and esti mates were already on the table, but the other information would also be supplied. Mr Sheehan said they must not suppose that the surveyor in question was on the railway survey service. A LAND QUESTION. Mr Rolleston, in reply to Mr Harris, as to the transfer of lot 784, Queen’s Re doubt, to the Presbyterian trustee, and construction of the road through the same by settlers, said the communications were so voluminous he would like the lion, member to call at the office and see them for himself, and select those he would like to see.

Mr Beetham drew the attention of the House, as a privilege, to the allegation contained in the petition of Hirini Rawiri Tawhanga, and moved the appointment of a Select Committee to report on same, such Committee to consist of Messrs Brandon, DeLautour, Sir George Grey, Messrs Hislop, Murray, Ormond, Rol leston, and the mover. Mr Sheehan said the object of the petition was to punish Tawhai for not voting with the hon. gentleman’s party.

Ho denied that there had been any influ ence exercised in bis return, or the return of any other native members. He ob jected to the construction of the Com mittee, and said that unless a more impar tial one was selected by the hon. gentleman his motion would be opposed. The proper thing under the circumstances was to pass a Qualification Act rather than seek to thrust from the House one who was distinguished for all that was noble amongst his own people, because he was in receipt of a paltry £SO per annum from the colony as an assessor, and had ne glected to resign the appointment in time. Mr Wakefield contended that there was no question of a party character involved, and contended that they should act in strict accordance with the law and prece dent in deciding this matter. Mr Hislop moved—“ That the names of Messrs Stewart, Tolc, Swanson, and Pitt be added to the committee.” He would propose this as an amendment to the mo tion before the House.

Tainui said he thought it was the duty of the returning officer acquainted with the law to inform his friend of the nature of the Act, so that he might have sent in his resignation in time. He had only just learned that his return had been petitioned against, and the ground of ob jection. If the Act had been in Maori the mistake would not have been made.

The Speaker then replied to Mr Mont gomery that the ground of bribery alleged was sufficient to bring the petition under the Act. Mr Montgomery thought the question of infringement of the provisions of the Disqualification Act, 1878, should be first proceeded with, and would suggest that the motion be altered to that effect.

The suggestion was approved of by the mover.

Mr Hall trusted the House would deal with the matter regardless of any party question. The debate was cut short by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7.30. ORDER OF BUSINESS. Mr Beetham thought his question of privilege should take precedence of the orders of the day. The Speaker ruled that it must come on its place a fter the orders of the day to morrow, and he could not overrule the Standing Orders, which provided that orders of the day should come on at this hour. He called the orders of the day, stating that if members chose to postpone them they could do so. AUCKLAND IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION. Mr Hurst moved the second reading of the Auckland Improvement Commission Transfer of Powers Bill. He explained that the object of the Bill was to transfer the powers held hv the Commissioners to to the Auckland City Council. The Bill passed its second reading, and was ordered to he committed on Wednes day week. SUPPLY. Major Atkinson, at this stage, said he had consulted his hon. friends opposite as to going into Committee of Supply, but had received no assurance that they would not oppose it by introducing some measure which might defeat it and involve many days’ delay and debate. He trusted hon. gentlemen would give way and refrain from moving any motion which would frustrate the granting of supply, and assure them that they would not take advantage of the necessity of the colony, which required the passing of supply through the House. If they did not give way the responsibility would rest upon them. Mr Macandrew said ho had no intention on his side of the House of opposing the supply required ; but unless an assurance was given that the no-confidence motion would be allowed to come on next day, he should take other steps that evening. Major Atkinson said it was clear the, hon. gentleman meant to refuse supply. [“ No, no.”] Mr Hislop suggested that Standing Orders be suspended, to enable the hon. gentleman to make a statement. Mr Macandrew said it was clear the Government did not intend to accede to the request preferred on behalf of a majority of the House, and however much he regretted it, he should now have to move the adjournment of the House. Major Atkinson repeated that the re sponsibility rested upon those who ob structed the business. Mr Turnbull did not consider that a majority should he bound by the opinion of a. minority. Mr Montgomery said not one member of the Opposition would refuse to grant supply in consequence of any motion of no-confidence, as they would grant them quite as willingly as any member of the Government, but would state their grievance first. Mr M‘Lean said it might take them weeks to decide that grievance. It was useless to say they were not delaying business in the meantime by blocking the Order Paper and stopping supplies. . Mr Pyke said he rose to explain his vote, as he was one who gave a vote to place the present members on the benches, but not under the impression that Mr Hall would be sent for. He did so because he thought a re-construction would follow. Ho thought the same when Sir V/. Fox’s no-confidence motion was brought down, and should vote on the same ground again when an opportunity presented itself. Both ho and the mem ber for Dunedin thought a re-construction would follow, and therefore intended to use their votes to bring this about. He trusted they would have no more spec tacles of heaven-born financiers condemn ing the financial condition of the colony, and injuring it in the money market. Mr Saunders advocated improved finance if the colony was to bo saved from ruin, and condemned the mismanagement of the late Government in all matters affect ing the welfare of the colony. It was time such matters as those of payment of secret service money to persons named Jones, as shown that afternoon, were brought to an end, and the House should assist in Ringing this about. After Messrs Moss and Seddon had spoken, the question of adjournment was put and carried on the voices at 10.45.

Augustus, on reading the account of the murder of a woman, declared that the man who would kill a woman must be a veritable fiend. “Why, Gas!” exclaimed his sister, “ 1 thought you'd prided your self on being a lady-killer ever since your moustache took root.” Augustus was silent.

POLITICAL.

Affairs in Wellington do not promise well for as ession productive of the legisla tion, we had hoped for, and which every candidate, successful and unsuccessful, in the recent election was pledged to pro mote. No sooner had Parliament met than the vote of no-confidence on which the late Ministry went to the country was again passed, but by so narrow a majority that though the party led by the Hon. John Hall is now in power, its best friends cannot bespeak permanent security for its Government. But even, if the whirligig of politics were to wheel round with its lucky nick facing the Greyite side, and that: side were to be again pitchforked into office to-morrow, lie would speak without his book who would say, that security lay with them any more than with the Constitutionalists. How much, or rather how little the great measures members were sent.to Parliament to pass have to do with the bestowal of their sup port of a Government is now being made manifest by the readiness with which, for a price named, votes can he bought. Some members put themselves up, so to speak, for the highest bidder to buy, and the - one that will do most in the way of spending public money in the district re presented by the coveted votes, is the side to which the support is given. Loudly was the log-rolling of the past denounced from every platform some weeks ago, but no sooner have the echoes of the de nunciation died away, and the chance arises to repeat the trickery, than we find the same thing obtaining, and with such effect that, upon the log-rolling pro ficiency of either party depends that party’s future. “The Great Liberal cause ” was the cry rung out in full mouthed chorus by the supporters of the late Government, and one would have thought that the collective patriotism of the colony had centred in that party. But when it is found that to obtain power they are quite prepared to hypo thecate to the grinding of local axes a large slice of the five million loan about to be raised, so that the sympathies of these localities may be bought, the Grey party cannot complain if another bill of indictment is brought against the sincerity of that much vaunted patriotism which has flowed in honeyed words from the lips of their chief. The political grass-, hopper, Mr Vincent Pylce, who for a time danced to the music of the Con stitutional pipe, and then went over once again to the ‘‘ Great Liberal cause,” was followed by the exceedingly reliable member for VYaimea, and there are others who, though knowing and freely admitting the danger of again bringing the old team back to power, are perfectly willing to accord their support to the recently defeated ones if the loaves and fishes are sufficiently plentiful. The re sult of this trading in votes is that before the end of the week we may expect the political wheel to have again revolved with Sir George Grey’s party uppermost at the sticking point. It is patent that the policy enunciated in the Governor’s speech at the opening of the first of this year’s two sessions, and reiterated at the opening of the second, is in no sense whatever the bone of contention between the two parties. The real difference is —how are the five millions to be spent ? Shall we squander the money in small, detached works here and there out the colony—works that will enhance the value of property in the districts where they have been executed, but will not for many a day, if ever, return a fraction to the public coffers : or shall we lay the money out in works that will de velop the resources of the colony, and at the same time bring in a return on the money spent. Just as the two parties decide between the two courses above in dicated will their fates be sealed. Which ever will be most lavish to the clamant members, who look upon Parliament as a huge Board of Works, will be the party that will hold the reins. The Hon. John Hall will be no party to laying down the public money at the foot of an unproductive hill, while Sir George’s party, to gain the upper hand, will not hesitate to carry the money to the very summit. These are the real politics of Hew Zea land, sentimentalise as we may over the wider, higher, and nobler questions dangle 1 from the hustings. Those higher questions afforded opportunities for a dis play of what, after all, was meaningless oratory, that only served to gloss over the darker groundwork of selfishness of which our whole political fabric seems to be built. We heard accusations made by the Greyite party against the then Opposition that in its ranks were to be found men who had enriched themselves at the ex pense of the colony, men who had mani pulated the land laws for their own aggrandisement, and cared not a straw for the colony’s future if their own were secured. These accusations came with an excellent grace from a party who have shown their exceedingly warm solicitude for the colony’s future in the doings that Major Atkinson’s statement has laid bare. Well may they have rushed a £5,000,000 Loan Bill through the House, and made frantic efforts to have it placed on the London market with all speed. It was high time, when a million of it had already been traded upon, and a deficiency .of nearly another million waited to be made apparent to the country to be met by the budget of the session. If the £5,000,000 loan is not yet floated, its buoyancy will scarcely be aided by the figures Major Atkinson gives us in his statement of finance. Yet the party under whose guidance we have been brought to this pass have every hope of again coming into power. Just as Mr Macandrew has managed the public works of the colony, dropping a few thousand pounds’ worth here and there, as votes and popularity required to be secured for his Government, so has he done with members of the House who could be caught on the same princi ple, and “consideration,” either for the members themselves or their districts, is now being shown to be the real policy that rules. When Sir J. Vogel’s Public Works and Immigration policy was inaugurated, he had in view works that in a reasonable time would be fairly remunerative, and the anticipations of Sir Julius have been fully realised where the principle of his policy has been followed, the Exceptions being railways and other works constructed to suit party views, several of which could be easily instanced, both in the North and Middle Islands. But when the statesman like policy embodied in the Immigration and Public Works Act was abandoned, and a wholesale system of favoritism to par ticular localities was shown, then the object of the Act was frustrated, and the first step was taken to ruin the credit of the country.

Friday, October 17, 1879.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD,