The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1879.

The Brindisi Mail. —Supplementary mails for Europe, &c., via Brindisi and Southampton, for specially addressed cor respondence only, will close at the Ash burton Post Office on Friday next at 10.20, a.m., and will be despatched per express train to catch the Arawata at the Bluff. Accident. —A trap accident was one of the first incidents at the races yesterday. Dr. Ross and Mr Shury were the occu pants of the first named gentleman’s buggy, and while on their way to the course they collided with a two horse express, which does duty in dispensing gingerbeer and such like harmless liquids in the district. As the gingerbeer cart’s horses had no breeching on, nor had the wagon itself a brake, the driver had no power of checking his steeds. When the two vehicles met at Thompson’s corner, the lighter and v eaker four-wheeler was bound to come to grief. The doctor narrowly escaped making a patient of him self, while the banker, although a New South Wales man, was compelled for once to make a deposit on a New Zealand “bank.” The buggy had an axle broken, but the damage was not so great as might have been expected from the nature of the accident.

The Hydes “Gems.” The second performance by Mr. J. P. Hydes’ com pany was given last night to as crowded a house as they enjoyed on Tuesday even ing, the night of the Cattle Show. “ Who Speaks First ? ” was the first item on the programme, and Miss Madge Herrick sus tained the title role in such an able manner a« to fairly carry away the audience, while Mr. Hydes in his favorite part of the reconciling brother, provoked peals of laughter. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin son played the parts of “ Smart” and “Potter” most effectively. Mr. Alexander also played well. The second part con sisted of a duet by Misses Lizzie Morgan and Amy Johns which was re-demanded.

X Jit? aits lit? ItuXlcoolsTTg STmjran tx Miss Johns gave one of those step-dances which have made her famous. Mr Hydes then presented Mr Nolan, the jockey of Lara, winner of the Cup in yesterday s racing, with a handsome whip, at the same time making a humorous speech that convulsed Ids hearers. The farce of “My TtiPn Next ” followed, in which Mr Hydes created extreme amusement by his pour trayal of Taraxicum Twitters. Miss Lizzie Morgan looked charming as the supposed designing widow . of numberless tints, and Mr Wilkin son and his clever wife were effective as Tim Bolus and the housekeeper. The company appear to-night in an equally attractive programme, in which some minstrel business will be introduced, and the performance will wind up with a race ball.

Judging Produce. —lf our reporter were asked what he considered would be the most arduous duty he could be called upon to perform he would without the least hesitation say, “Judging butter.” He went to Christchurch and saw no end of bucolic ladies driving thumbs and fingers into the lacteal product, and pro nouncing opinions favorable and otherwise on the various exhibits, some being des cribed as “ bee-yutiful,” apd more as “ muck ; ” and the judges were criticised by the gentle sex as not fit to enter a dairy. Even at Tinwald show the butter judges had to be subjected to some severe remarks by dairy maids who are no doubt better up in making the article than pronouncing on its market value. Usually spanking, al shows there are two classes of exhibits—-first, buftpr With no salt, and second, “ powdered” butter $ that te, V/ith a little salt in it. Such is usually sold in shops. The distinction was not made at our local show, and an exhibit which our reporter, and many more with him, con sidered first class, was passed over be aaiig.e it was shown “fresh” according to the instjrugfjons in the catalogue, whilst the prize exhibits mi'§ “ powdered,” and consequently more palatable, Jyf} doubt this and a few other slight errors in the management of the show will be put right next year.

Primitive Methodist Church. —The Rev. A, J. /Smith has just arrived from England. He lias bfipp appointed to the charge of Ashburton station oi thp Primi tive Methodist Church, and will enter upon his duties as soon as possible. He Rrrrived in Wellington last week, and may bp (expected here to-morrow. He comes with high recommendations, ond it is hoped he will be a successful preacher. Probably he will preach on Suneay in the Ashburton Primitive Methodist Church.

Cricket. —An Association match will be played on Saturday between the two halves of the alphabet in the membership. We have b@m fgvpred with the A to M list which is as follow# Cl, Andrews, Amos, Buchanan, Bruce, Crisp, Dougloa, Dixon, Fooks, Groves, Harris, Hodder, Emergencies Ashwood, A. Andrews, Broadbelt, Dunn, and Fowler. fxOAL Salaries. —The irregularity of salaries in the Colony’s gaols has been a vexed question for gome time. The Hon. W. Rolleston is to equalise them this ses sion. We conclude, however, that the process will be one of levelling up, as he promises to place a sum on the estimates to meet the requirements of the case. Tftk WeiAlNGton Tragedy.—Further particulars os this melancholy afiair are as follows MV Miller had beep ih during the night, and Clarence (who had been at home for a few days owing to a bad finger) went to Dr. France’s in the morning for some medicne fir his father, which was given him. Mr. Miller then lay down to slppp, and the son ordered the servant to get about her work. At the time no suspicion seem# to have attached itself to his conduct in any way. Mfj.lpp then fired a blank charge at his father, cut his throat and multilated the body. On coming out of the room he met his mother taking in coals, and cut her throat, finally going out side in view of the servant, and cutting his own. The girl was horrified at the sights and immediately sent for assistance, which was of no avail, life being extinct. The instrument u&efi. jn perpetrating the deed was an ordinary eawlttg lfjvife. The prepretrator lias on more than one occa sion given signs of aberration of the intel lect. A brother named Sidney, accountant in the Bank of New South Wales at Grey mouth, committed suicide recently by shooting himself, and it is believed another is in the lunatic asylum at Sydney. The afiair has cast quite a glopm over the city, Mr. and Mrs. Miller being greatly respected. Owning Superiority. —A correspon of the “ New York Herald,” wiiting from Birmingham, says that recently a leading manufacturer in Sheffield showed his workmen an assortment of American made goods, and taking up a pair of tailor’s shears, offered to give the Onion £SO if any one of his men, in a month, would produce one pair of shears as good as the American sample.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON SPRING MEETING -1879. Stewards Messrs. Edward Saunders, Hay T. Smith, H. T. Winter, E. S. Coster,M. Stitt,Rudolph Friedlander, John Carter, Joseph Hunt, Neil Maclean, Dr. Ross. Treasurer Mr. E. Saunders. Judge—Mr. M. Stitt. Clerk of the Course—Mr. S. Saunders. Clerk of the Scales—Mr E, F. Wright. Handicappers —Messrs. H. P. Lance and Neil Maclean. Starter—Mr. Neil Maclean. Secretary— Mr. James Wilkie.

Farmers’ Plate of 10 sovs. ; for horses the bona fide property of owners residing in the County of Ashburton. No weight under 12 stone. Distance 1-3? miles. Entrance 1 sov, Mr. P. McCausland’s b g Orange Peel, 6 years, (owner) - - - 1 Mr. Herrick’s b g Merlin, aged, (Smith) 2 Mr. Primmer’s b g Johnny, aged, 3

(owner) Four horses appeared on the card, but Lone Hand bached out and went home, and the race was confined to Orange Peel, Johnny, and Merlin. The first named having had a heavy bucketing a quarter of an hour before with 12st. 41b. up, was looked upon as quite out of the race, Johnny being made the favorite. The Peel, however, showed what a well bred horse in good hands could do, by coming in an easy winner.

Eight horses entered, and the evergreen and everlasting old Steamer rolled in first. He has run and won more races than any other horse in the County, and he wears well indeed. Second Day, Thursday. The weather to-day was all that could he desired, and the attendance was fully equal to yesterday. County. Steeplechase of 30 sovs ; over about 2 miles of fair hunting country, including a double jump in front of the grand stand ; weight for age ; for district horses only ; entrance 2 v sovs. Mr. H Primmer’s h m Ada, aged, 12st 41b ------ 1 Mr. J. J. Dawson’s b g Lonehand, aged, 12st 41b - - - -2 Mr. P. Husband’s hr g Itaven, aged, 12st 41b ----- 3 For the first event the lot weighed out, but the race started rather late—a con siderable difficulty being experienced in finding leads and other descriptions of dead weights to bring the jocks up to the mark at the scales. The start was not. an extra good one, Ada and Lonehand getting the best of it. Ada was first passing the stand, Lonehand in close attendance. At the next hurdle Johnny fell, and Outside baulked, and was out of it. At the back of tfig 60qrse Billy Ijuttopg thl-gw his rider, and the other three raced close together. It was soon apparent, however, that Itaven had had enough of it; hut Lonehand and Ada made a splendid race, and jumped the last hurdle together. The mare, however, had the most foot, and won pretty easily by a length, Haven third —the rest right out of it. A protest Pptprefl agaipst Afiti. by MV- Pftwson, on tfie ground that she t ,vr3 pat a district horse.

The protest against Ada was not sus tained.

Racing Club Handicap of 40 sovs., added to a sweep of 3 sovs. for acceptors ; I f miles ; open ; nomination 2 sovs. Mr. P. Butler’s b g Nuraa, aged, 7st, §l]) - ' - - - - 1 Messrs, Mason and Yal}aqce 5 § h h Lara, aged, 9st » = - -2 For the Racing Club Handicap Lara was the favorite, Numa declaring 8-Jlbs over weight. The start was good—Lara taking a slight lead, but Numa, before the grand stand was reached, took up the run pij)ff, qpd kept the lead. Half a mile from home, Lara hggaif to cpipe up, apd it looked as if he would win, but Numa wqa not to he denied, and won by half a length. The pace was hot from start tfi finish.

Traijesmpn’s of 20 sovs. . for district horses only j i-| miles j nomi nation 1 sov., acceptance 1 sov. Mr. P. McCausland’s h. g. Orange Peel,

6 yrs., lOst. 91b - - - - 1 Mr. Herrick’s b. g. Merlin, 9st - lib. -2 Mr. M. Friedlander’s ch. m. Cassandra, 4 yrs., 9st. 41b. - - - - 3 . Qri|pg§ Ppql, Merlin, and CftMncN were tfie oply three that weut for tfie the Tradesmen's Handicap. Orange Peel led all the way, and was hard held—Mer lin second, Cassandra nowhere. Betting 2 to 1 on Orange Peel.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

(Reuter's ) Sydney, Nov 20, Arrived—WakfJipu. Sailed—Rotomahana,

The inquest was held yesterday on the bushranger shot. Witnesses identified Nesbitt as an old Pentridge prisoner.

Lawrence, aged 19, was the son of a hotelkeeper at Melbourne. The prisoners are Bennett, Bogan. Lyon, and Moon light.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY'S telegrams,

Auckland, Nov. 20.

Mr. late purser of the City of New York, will make a tour through the colonies, having been engaged by Elder and Co., and the Pacific Mail Steanighip Company to give iniormation to agents* and the public respecting the American overland routes. Great interest was manifested in the carbine match arranged between Payne’s battery of artillery and the men of H. M. S. Cormorant.

A minute description of the remains of j;he officer of H. M. S. Orpheus, lately dis covered at Manuka Heads, is to be for warded to the surviving officer Paymaster Amphlete, to assist in identification. Wellington, Nov. 20.

The memorial stone of the new Wes leyan Church was laid last evening by Mr. W. S. Levin, M.H.B.tea and public meetings were held in tho evening. A cablegram fpqin Sydnpy states that Captain Holt is still in a critical condi tion.

Messrs, George Allan and William Hutcfrigon were nominated to-day for the Mayoralty.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

(Age Special.) London, Nov. 17.

The Marquis of Salisbury denies the correctness of the Duke of Argylifis state ment at Leeds, respecting the causes which prompted the Government policy in the settlement of the Cabul and Eastern difficulties.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Special.) Sydney, Nov. 19.

Captain Moonlight was training his gang for a bushranging career, JJe says that he intended to bail up the Gundagai banks, but the men commenced drinking at Wontabadgery Hotel, and spoiled his game. At the station they prepared to hang ti e overseer for refusing rations, Moonlight got a rope, ordered the gang to put Mr. Baynes in a buggy, drive to the first convenient branch, and leave him suspended there, but the women’s shrieks prevented the accomplishment of the deed. At the hut where the final combat took place, the owner and his wife were inside. When the fight commenced the owner jumped into an under-ground dairy, but the bushrangers prevented Jus wife following, sayingthatthe police would cease firing when they discovered her pre sence. She got up a stone chimney. The

IffMHPiMPilii tion. Melbourne, Nov. 19. Sugar has advanced £2 per ton. Trade generally is very active. (Renter's 7elegrams.) Melbourne, Nov. 19. Arrived—ltotomahana. A caucus of Liberals promised their support to Government to prevent ob structiveness. It was resolved to close the session at the earliest possible date. The third reading of the Reform Bill will be taken on December 4, when the House is called together.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Nov. 19. The Auckland tobacconists have tele graphed to Sir George Grey against the increased tobacco duties, and propose in stead an annual license fee on tobacco. Sir George Grey suggested that a petition should be sent to the House, which he would present. Mr. Bearsley, late purser of the City of New York, returned by the ZeaLndia, and has been appointed resident agent in the Pacific, and also agent of the Union and Central Pacific Railway Company. The Newton Fire Bragade has been dis banded, owing to insufficient support by the public and Insurance Companies. The new battery of artillery is now sixty strong. Mr. A. E. Isaacs has accepted the Captaincy, and Mr. S. C. Caulton a Lieutenancy. The former is late of Nixon’s Light Horse, and the latter of the Napier Artillery. Mr, J, W, Robinson was elected Mayor of Papnell without, opposition. Oliver May Quintle was charged with making and filing a false affidavit before Hudson Williamson, Deputy Registrar, in reference to a bill of sale on certain stock, purporting to be signed by Mr. Shaw, at Auckland, on March 17. Mr. Tyler remarked that a summons had been made out for his client to appear in the Resident Magistrate’s Onuyt, and that, acting under- his advioe, he had done so. There was no appearance of defendant, and the case was struck out. Grahamstown, Nov. 19. Fifteen cwt. of good specimen stone were obtained in the Albumia mine last night, making a splendid show. Shares have advanced to £14 155. , and fheye has been great excitement, Since the gold wafi obtained, things have brightened up ■wonderfully here. One gentleman cleared £IOOO last week by dealing in Alburnia stock, Hho Resident Magistrate’s Court was occupied all day. with the case of alleged larceny against ex-Sergeant Lambert, of Government documents relating to Volun teer script. Majors Murray and Cooper were examined to-day, and the further hearing was adjourned till to-morrow. Npw Ppya.iGtmf, Nov, 19. At. the Rarihaka meeting on Monday there was a very small attendance of Natives (less than 400). Te Whiti and Tohu both addressed the assemblage. They distinctly expressed themselves op posed to European laws, and refused to be bound by them.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wednesday, Nov. 19.

A large amount of general business was done by 'he Coyjncjl today, but none was of groat interest, Among the notices of motion was one by the Hon. Mr. Chamberlain to abolish all the fencing laws of the colony, and one by the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse— “ That in view of the likelihood of much increased taxation, there should be new facilities afforded for appeals against one’s valuation. ”

Sip F. D, Roll asked the General whether- the attention of Go vernment had been called •to a letter from the Agent. General in the “ Times ” Sept. 26, respecting his position a Director of the New Zealand Agricultural Com pany, and whether there is any ob jection to inform Parliament of the cir cumstances which may have justified Sir Julius Yogel in publicly declaring that he had the authority of three Ministers for gSSigtipg: ip r organising that Company. The Hon. F. A. Whitaker said that Government had sent a telegram asking Sir Julius Yogel for an explanation of the point. He would lay the answer on the table.

There was a long discussion oii t]\c position of the Otago University Bill, but nothing eventuated,

The Council carried the following motion—“ It is desirable that Govern ment should take into consideration the present tariff of charges on the railway, so as to make the working of the several lines realise a fair profit, or at least con tribute theiy fid] shfirp of' receipts in aid qf the revenues of tlie colony.” The following were read a third time : —Building Societies’ Act Amendment Bill, Triennial Parliaments’ Bill, The Council rose at 5 o’clock.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, Nov. 19. AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.20 p.m. NOTICE OF MOTION,

Mr, Pykp gavg notice that he would move—That this House will not consent to the abolition of local subsidies until adequate provision has been made for carrying on local works,” Replying to Mr. Gisborne, The Hon. J. Bryce said that Govern ment was afraid it was too late in the session to bring in a Bill to amend the existing land purchase system. The Hon. W. Gisborne asked the Colonial Treasurer to what specific Ameri can Act he referred, when in his Finan cial Statement he asked the House to impose a property tax upon the American model 1

Major Atkinson replied, to the New York Statutes for the year 1859. Replying to Mr, Kelly, Mr. Bryce said that a return had been laid on the table showing the blocks of Native land purchased from the Natives in the North Island since 1870, indicating their position, acreage, and cost; also, a return and' map showing the blocks of Native land for which negotiations have been entered into, showing the position, acreage, and jirice per acre agreed on. Mr. Shanks asked what steps Govern ment intended to take with the view of supplying the Volunteer Artillery Bat

teries with the , proper complement of field guns, arid whether a sum would be placed upon the estimates this session fbr procuring the necessary guns ; alsOj if Govermnerit propose to make any increase oii the capitation at present paid to Artillery Corps, and if so, to what extent. The Hon. J. Hall replied that Govern ment had the matter under consideration, and hoped to be able to make some effectual provision. Government recog nised the importance of increasing the capitation paid, but in the present finan cial state of the Colony, no increase could be made. ; CUSTOMS RETURNS. On the motion of Mr. George, Govern ment agreed to produce a return in a tabulated form showing the value of the duty paid to the Customs on spirits, tea, and sugar which had been cleared from the various bonds in the Colony for the respective weeks ending Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1,8, and 15 ; and also value of the duty paid on the above named articles for the corresponding period of the yoar 1878. THAMBS-W AIKATO RAIL WAV. Mr. Murray moved—“ That the Law Officers of Government be instructed to prepare and submit a case to the Judges to decide as to the legality or otherwise of certain expenditure by Government upon railway and reclamation works at Grahams town, and between Grahamstown and Te Arofia. ” Mr. Macandrew suggested that the mo tion should be withdrawn. It would open a party question, and lead to endless dis oussion. The ITon. J. Hall thought the motion would not bear any practical result. At the same* time lie did not tliink it would lead to any party question. Mr. Murray withdrew the motion which was agreed to. PUBLIC WORKS IN AUCKLAND. Mr. Whitaker moved —‘ ‘ That this House will, to-morrow, resolve itself into Committee of the whole, to consider a respectful address to be presented to His Excellency the Governor, praying that be will cause the sum of £200,000 to be placed upon the Estimates as a grant to the Provincial District of Auckland, for the formation of roads and bridges.” Mr. Murray moved the' adjournment of the debate.

The House divided, with the result, Ayes S 3, Noes 20. The motion for the adjournment' was carried.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. NATIVE MATTERS.

Tlie interrupted debate was resumed on tlie question that there be laid before the House a return of all persons who have been employed since Jan. 1, 1879, on matters concerned with the purchase of Native lands or any other Native matters, whose salaries have not been voted by the House, showing the amount of salary or allowance paid each officer since that date, tlie amount now due to each, and whether payments have been made out of loan or general revenue.

The motioifiwaa put and carried. • PAYMENT TO MR. REES.

Mr. Sutton moved —“ That there be laid before the House (1) a copy of the voucher for £4OO, or thereabouts, paid Mr. W. LJRees in July or August last, on account of legal advice on some matters on the West Coast, (2) A copy of any correspondence that may have taken place between Mr. Rees and the Government in reference to any legal opinion supplied to the Government. ”

Mr. Kelly argued that the question in volved the application of the Disqualifica tion Act- —Mr. Rees, at the'time the pay ment was made, having been a member of the House.

Mr. Sho&iian said that when the money was paid, Mr. Rees had ceased to be a member of the House.

The Hon. J. Bryce said that so far as he knew, Mr, Rees had not supplied Govern ment with a legal opinion, and no corres pondence had taken place such as that re ferred to.

The previous question was put, and carried on the voices. THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY AND THE HINEMOA, Mr. M c Lean moved—“ That a respect ful address ho presented to his Excellency the Governor, praying that he will cause to be laid before the House all corres pondence detween the Marquis of Nor manby and the Premier, relative to the refusal to grant the use of the Hinemoa to convey his Excellency and family to Mplbourng, together with copies of all enclosures therein. ” Tlie motion was carried. Sale OF LAND ON DEFERRED PAYMENTS, Mr Ormond moved for a return of all lands disposed of on deferred payments in each provincial district sauce the passing of the Land Act, 1877, such return to specify the acreage of each selection, the price paid, and where situate ; also, what expenditure has been incurred, if any, in opening such lands for occupation, The motion was carried. PAYMENT QT7 MEMBERS.

The House went into Committee on a message from the Governor, recommend ing that payment of members’ expenses be provided for by statute. The recommendation was adopted, and on resuming, a Bill to that effect was in troduced, providing for the payment of on the scale at present in force. NEW COUNTY OF TIMARU. The adjourned debate on the proposed new County of Timaru was resumed. The Hon. J. Hall moved —‘ ‘ That the proposed County should not come into operation until the close of next session. ” On a division, the amendment was carried—Ayes, 44-; Noes, 25. Mr. Tamoana drew the attention of the Government to an epidemic raging in his district, and hoped that something would be done for its abatement.

The Hon. J. Bryce promised that en quiries would be made for that purpose. The Licensing Further- Amendment Bill (Nq, 9) was further considered in Com mittee.

After a short discussion, a motion “That progress be reported and leave granted to sit again,” was carried. The District Courts Aot, 1858, Amend ment Rill was further considered in Com mittee. The Bill was passed with amend ments, and on being reported was read a third time and passed.

[By Telegraph To-Day. Wellington, Nov. 20.

In the House early this morning the Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Bill was shelved in Committee? by' 22 to 25. Pro gress was reported without leave bem» asked to sit again.

THE COLONIAL TREASURER’S FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

[concluded.] FUBLIC DEBT.

Our public debt div the 30th June last amounted to L 25,222,311. Treating the guaranteed! debentures as practically issued, and including treasury bills, of which £442,000 mature on tlie Ist of March next; in London, and will have to be re-issued, .the ( annual charge for interest and sinking fund in respect of this debt, was L 1,232,119. Since then we have issued a Deficiency Bill amounting to L 600,000 ; and when the loan of Of L 5,000,000 is raised, our total gross debt will amount to L 28,822,311 ; or, deducting tlie accumulative sinking funds, our net public debt will be L27,112,304,* subject to an annual charge of L 1,400,000 for interest, and LIIG,I7G for sinking fund, making together L 1,516,176^ Si aS— annual burden requiring, our most watch ful attention, and one which can Only be borne if yur taxation is properly and our financial affairs .managed with.., discretion. It may 'be gratifying to the 1 ’! Committee to learn that, ' though the amount is small, last, year We redeemed out of accrued Sinking Fund debentures,, amounting to £71,000. Of these, £58,00(> 'J represented the whole of tlie outstanding debentures issued under the “Wellington Debts Act Amendment, 1876,” and * £13,000 represented a portion of those. • issued under “ The North Otago District Public Works Loan Act, 1872.” . .. .of

PUBLIC WORKS FUND., I showed ill my speech of Oct. 14 last, that we began the year ending June 30- \ 1879, with a credit balance of £2;056,940> including advances outstanding amounting to £1,156,260, and this year with a. nominal credit balance of £506,205, but that of this sum £289,543 consisted of advances outstanding, which, as hon. members are aware, are in fact moneys spent but not yet brought to account ; so> that we really began the year with only £207,662. This includes, as cash on the ... credit side, tlie whole of the loans (in- !-■ eluding the guaranteed debentures) ' authorised to date except the £5,000,000 loan. I further showed that we hadspentin . the first quarter of this year, that is, up to> Sept. 30 last, some £504,733 of the £5,000,000 loan, and that we had entered ; into contracts and engagements which would necessitate our finding £733,553; more by Dec. 31 next, and' £921,818 be tween that date and June 30, 1880. lii. other words, that the late Government had in various ways .anticipated the new loan to the extent of £2,220,104, including £140,000 for contingent defence, and £200,000 for purchase of native lands, but ‘ l exclusive of cost of raising the loan ; and that in addition to this large sum, which is payable by June 30 next, therie will be f\ outstanding at that date a further sum oft £957,177 for land purchase, and £128,815- for contracts entered into before the present Government took office. These: figures were disputed at,the time I .spoke: by the late Minister of Public Works, but I regret to say that, after most careful re examination of the whole subject, I find the figures I then gave were strictly ac curate. My hon. colleague, the Minister of Public Works, in consultation with the Engineers-in-Chief, has been endeavoring to arrange an extension of the period dur ing which these payments will have to be made, and will shortly inform this House of his success in that direction, but he warns me that much practical relief is not likely to follow his exertions. The Com mittee will, therefore, see that unless we 4 can abandon some of our land purchase bargains, for I fear that none of the other engagements can be got rid of, the new loan is anticipated to the extent of £3,300,000, without including the sum of £154,791 payable to Canterbury and Otago on account of impounded land > revenue or making any provision for the redemption of the guaranteed debentures, and also without taking into account the cost of raising the loan. When we re member that the Public Works scheme of 1878 was to take five years to complete, that the expendi ture from loan was only to be at the rate of. some £goo,ooo a year, and that by a special provision of the “ Loan Act, 1879,” no money raised under it was t 6 be spent without the appropriation of Parlia ment, we shall, I- fear, have to come to the conclusion that 1 arliament has not been treated with frankness in this matter, and, that its authority has been disregarded. The Government, Sir, have reason to believe that not more than £3.00O a QO® of the £5,000,000 loan can be floated this year ; that it will be 12 months before we can place the other £2,000,000, and that we cannot go upon the London market for two years afterwards. These facts will render the exercise of the utmost pru dence necessary in the expenditure of the balance of the loan yet available for ap propriation by Pailiament. I hope hon. members on each side of the House will insist upon all expenditure being con fined to necessary and profitable works, and that tlie expenditure of the balance of the loan shall be extended over a period of not less than three years.

PROPOSALS FOR EQUALISING EXPENDITURE AND INCOME IN FUTURE.

And this, Sir, brings me to that part of my statement for which hon. members are no doubt looking with some impa tience. Axe the receipts from land sales to be retained’in the Consolidated Fund, and spent as ordinary revenue 1 -Sir, we have been relying upon the receipts from land sales as one of the chief items of our Consolidated Revenue. This is thoroughly unsound in principle, and should be abandoned at the earliest possible date, that date being not later than the end of March. The receipts from land sales should, in the opinion of the Government, be chargeable with the expenses of ad ministration and survey of the land, and the balance scrupulously applied to Public Works—local and general—and to immi gration. By this means it is clear, that a real and not an imaginary .fund- would be created to aid in carrying on our Public Works—local and general, and we should get rid of treating as revenue that which is really capital, and spending it upon the ordinary services of the State. It is our duty not only to place our Consolidated Fund upon a sound footing, but also to show the London capitalists unmistakably that we are not availing ourselves of the expenditure of borrowed money to sell our public lands, and at the same time apply ing the proceeds to the maintenance of services properly chargeable on annual in come. I submit, Sir, that we have no more effective means of- showing the soundness of our financial position, and of



Naw Advertisements ~\Tß. HUGO FRIEDLANDBR’S IVI Committee are kindly requested to meet cm SATURDAY EVENING, at 8 p.m., in Mr. Wm. Taylor’s simp (oppo site Mr. Wm. Power’s Hotel, next Road Board. 703 a



IMPORTANT NOTICE. OWING to the Increase of Customs Duties on Tobacco, all TOBACCOS will he RAISED ONE SHILLING PER POUND from this date 19th November. 207 E. A. GARNETT.



Town hall, ASHBURTON. TO-NIGHT, THURSDAY, NOV. 20. THE RACE BALL. THE GEM MALE AND FEMALE MINSTRELS. TI ME TABLE. At 8 p_.ni. - Loan of a Lover At 9p. m. - Male and Female Minstrels At 10 p.m. - - Dancing Commences At 12 midnight - Dancing Finishes ~, LOAN OF A LOVER. Gertrude - - Miss Lizzie Morgan Peter Spyk - - Mr. J. P. Hydes At 9 p.m.—The Gem’s Male and Female MIN ST R ELS. Opening Chorus - - - Company “ Sweet Genevieve,” - Miss Amy Johns “ See that my Grave’s kept green,” Mr. Mack D. Alexander “ Coming down the Stairs,” Miss Lizzie Morgan “Blow the Candle out,” Mr. J. Wilkinson “ My Hearts best Love,” Mis 3 L. Morgan “ Hannah how’s your Ma ? ” Mr. Mack D. Alexander Comical Comic Comique Catastrophe. At 10 p.m. THE BALL. Front Seats, 45., cards for the Ball and Perforaiance.. Back Seats, 35., for Ball and Performance. 2s. 6d. at 10 p.m., for Ball' only, admitt ing lady and gentleman. Front Seats, 3s. ; Back, 2s. 709 a FIRE ! FIRE ! ! FIRE !! ! T OWN HAL THURSDAY, NOV. 27th, L . For Benefit of J. HYDE, Rendered by the musical people of Ash burton. Programme : 1— Hallelujah Chorus, Ashburton Brass Band. 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, c< In verdure clad,” Miss Strien 7 Song, Mr. Branson. 8— Trio, “Life’s a bumper,” Messrs. Stephenson, Pickford, and Savage. 9 Song, Mr. Jacobson. 10— Song, Mr. Harrison. INTERVAL. Part ii. 11 — Selection, “ Pot Pourri,” Band. 12— Part song, “ Comrades in arms,” (Adolph Adam), Glee Company. 13— Song, Mr. Branson. 14— Recitation, Mr. Minnis. 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 accompany on the Pianoforte. Conductor, J. Savage. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS.



NORTH OTAGO AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION SHOW. OAMARU. 20th and 21st NOVEMBER, 1879. ORDINARY SINGLE FARE TIC KETS issued from Dunedin and Timaru, and all intermediate Stations and Branches, to Oamaru, on 20th and 21st November, will be available for RETURN up till MONDAY, 24th November, (inclusive.) From Christchurch and Stations North of Timaru, Ordinary Single Fare Tickets, issued on the 19th or 20th November, to Oamaru, will be available for Return up to and including 24th November. WM. CONYERS, Commissioner of Railways. Commissioner’s office, Christchurch, Ist Nov., 1879. GG3a FOR SALE. Q| ECOND - HAND REAPERS AND BINDERS—by McCormick, Wood, and Osborne, in good working order, and VERY CHEAP. Apply, POYNTZ & CO, 683a-195 Ashburton. TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FOR SALE, at an early date, — One Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers, moulds, &c., complete. We are replacing this machine by a Double Royal Wharfedale, which necessitates removal of the Double Demy Machine now used for printing the “ Herald ” and “ Guardian,” for hand or steampower. Can be seen and all par ticulars obtained at our office. WEEKS & DIXON. Ashburton, October 14, 1879. 565 a TEACHERS can obtain the MULTI PLICATION TABLES, printed on o-ummed paper, in any quantity at the Heraxd Office, East street, near the Railway Station. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Heraxd Office, East street, near Railway Station.



The press almanac And Diary Can "be detained from the undersigned.



Price —Oiio Sililliiig; WEEKS AND DIXON, Herald Office, Near Railway Station. SHBURTON RACES. A 1 SETTLING DAY, To-morrow (FRIDAY) at 12 noon. QUILL’S COMMERCIAL HOTEL. JAMES WILKIE, 706 a Hon. Secretary. SHEARING will Commence at Shep herd’s Bush, Rangitata, on DEC, 8, Price, 15s. per 100. 693 a ANTED—TENDERS for CART ING 250 BALES WOOL (more or less), from Shepherd’s Bush to Eal ing. Tenders to be addressed to the Manager, Shepherd’s Bush, Rangitata, by Ist DECEMBER. b94a TINWALD. mO LET. —A SHOP and DWELLING, I 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 8, STEPHENS. A CARD. Mr cattlin, SURGEON DENTIST, Is now at Quill’s Hotel, and will attend patients until further notice. 671 a SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF TEM PERANCE. Helpmate Division, No. 16. MEMBERS of the above Division, are hereby Summoned to attend on FRIDAY NEXT, 21st at 8 p.m. The Grand W.P will pay an official visit. A full attendance is requested. By order, THOMAS WILLIAMS, 705 a Worthy Patriarch. ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH. A TEA MEETING and ENTERTAIN MENT will be held in the TOWN HALL on WEDNESDAY, Nov. 26th, commenc at 5 p.m. 697 a W, E. PAIGE. ASHBURTON TOWN HALL COM PANY. NOTICE. THE MEETING of Shareholders, ad vertised for last Tuesday, and POST PONED, wiU be held on FRIDAY, at eight o’clock, in the Town Hall, By order, CHARLES BRADDELL, 710 a Secretary. MASONIC HALL. TO BUILDEFL&. TENDERS WANTED for BUILDING Masonic Hall. Plans and specifica tion to be seen at Messrs Friedlander Bros., until Tuesday, 25th inst. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Sealed tenders to be sent to the under signed on or before Friday, 28th inst. 12 noon. HENRY ZANDER. W. Secretary, 711 a