COMMERCIAL.

There was a good attendance on Satur day at the various sale rooms in Ashburton, and although transactions are limited a healthier tone exists. Messrs J. E. Buchanan and Co. report that potatoes sold freely at £4 15s to £5 per ton ; seed do, Flukes -and Derwents, 8s 6d per sack. A line of good grass seed failed to fetch a bid, owing probably to the late season, hut ucaii.be dealt for privately. Good feed oats are in full supply, and can be quitted at a low rate for cash. A large quantity of sundries were disposed of at very satisfactory rates. Mr A. Harrison reports that Saturday’s sale showed a slight improvement in tone. Potatoes were in demand, and wore quitted at Gs Gd per sack. A quantity of inferior grass seed brought 2s 9d per bushel, and aii exteiisiveTiiie in furnitiire was disposed of at very satisfactory prices. Tinware, of which a large assortment was offered, was also cleared out at rates which the seller was satisfied with.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the "Evening Echo"). TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1579.

The Borough Council are going in for retrenchment. When a man’s expendi ture is beginning to overlap his income it is high time to cut down the former if the latter cannot be increased, and we com mend the very thrifty notions with which the circumstances of the Borough have indoctrinated some members. Times have changed somewhat within the past few months. We remember the look of wither ing contempt that was cast upon sensible Donald Williamson when he proposed to do the Borough’s road work, &c., without an engineer, placing the supervision of such work in the hands of an intelligent foreman. The visions of asphalted foot paths, of which we heard so much, have faded away from before our eyes, the tongue that was wont to be so eloquent upon that pitchy subject became sud denly silent. We remember how anxious some people were that the area of our water scheme should be examined and re ported upon by an engineer of high stand ing ; and how £25 was virtually thrown away upon proving what we all knew be fore, that Mr Fooks was no fool, and knew his business as well as other engineers. We remember these items of extravagance and the desire to be extravagant that they discovered, and we congratulate the Borough upon possessing an apostle of thrift like the clear-eyed and evenly balanced St. Hill— an apostle brought up at the feet of the Gamaliel of asplialtc and engineers of standing, the Gamaliel who always saw a great future for Ash burton, but who never very clearly pointed out the possibility of a collapse like that which now threatens the finance of the Borough. Now that the steed has been stolen the Borough are very wise to lock the door. With an income from rates of £llOO the lit tie town pays salaries to the tune of nearly £6OO. It employs a clerk —as it must —an engineer, a foreman of works, with no gang of labor, a rate collector and health officer, and a solicitor. The apostle of thrift is going to reform all this, and a great deal more—down to the very adver tising. He is going to combine in one man all tlie foregoing enumeration of offices, and we hail with joy the approach to Ashburton of the man who is to com bine in bis own person the abilities of a civil engineer, a good secretary, a money hunter, a scenter of nuisances, and a lawyer. He’ll be an extraordinary man no doubt, and let us hope he acquire not his many sides in r the way Gilbert’s hero did, who was

At once the cook and the captain, too, And the mate of the Nancy, brig ; And the bosun tight, and the midship mite, And the crew of the captain’s gig.

By all means let us retrench, let us cut down the expenditure, “ on the score of economy ” let us do so, and let us do it thoroughly. Let us sweep away those Iftzy town clerks, and engineers, and health officers, and foremen of works, aud solicitors, and scavangers, and everything that costs a penny. A way with them. Their hour has come, and so has St. Hill.

Winslow Sports. —The annual sports at “Winslow have always been popular, and wo a!se glad to observe that this year their recurrence is to be provided for. On Fridav next, the 24th inst., a meeting is to •bo held to make the preliminary arrangements, and we have no doubt as successful a meeting as former ones have been will be held.

R. M. Court.—At the Resident Magis trate’s Court yesterday, before Mr. Frank Guinness, R.M., Win. Lambert, charged with being drunk, was let off, as he had not interviewed his Worship on any pre vious occasion.

Outward Mails via Suez.— The out ward mails for the United Kingdom, via Brindisi and Southampton (for specially addressed correspondence only) will close at the Ashburton Post Office this day, at 7.38 p.m. The Brindisi mail is due in London on 15th December, and the Southampton one a week later.

Councillor Campbell.— Wo regret to learn that it is the intention of Mr James Campbell, of the firm of Aeland, Camp bell, and Co., to remove to Christchurch. In Mr Campbell the borough will lose a a valuable public man, and the Council will have withdrawn from its deliberations a great amount of common sense and shrewdness, qualities that never can be well spared.

The New Ministry.—The following is the probable New Ministry ; —Premier, Native and Defence Minister, Colonel Whitmore; Public Works (Otago), Mr. Macandrew ; Public Works (Auckland), Mr. Reader Wood ; Treasurer, Mr. Bal lance ; Mines, Mr. Pyke ; Customs and Telegraphs, Mr. Montgomery ; Agricul ture, Mr. Sheehan. Sir George Grey, it is understood, has given to Mr. Macan drew exactly the same assurance about his disinclination for the office that he gave upon a former tine to Mr. Larnach, and fie is not therefore expected to attempt to upset the new arrangement and come in again, for two or three days at furthest after Mr. Hall’s defeat.

I. O. G. T—The weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held last even ing. About sixty members were present, including visitors from the Tinwald and Waterton lodges. Bro. Moses, of the lat ter lodge, gave a very cheerful report of the progress of that lodge—intimating since the opening of the new public house at Waterton, the lodge, although losing three had gained thirteen new members. About an hour was spent in harmony, several brothers and sisters contributing. Bro. Sando read a circular from a member of one of the Timaru lodges regarding changes in the constitution and Grand Lodge Pbye-laws, and asking the lodge’s opinion, which appeared to be that while some of the changes might engage the at tention of the Grand Lodge at its next sitting, others would not as they involved too radical changes in the constitution. The lodge closed in the usual form at 9.45.

Last Year’s Customs Duties. —During 1878, duty was paid on 650,195 gallons of spirits imported into New Zealand, amounting to £390,117, while £3432 was also paid on 11,440 gallons of New Zea land spirits. Cigars and snuff, 87,3961 b., added £21,849 to the revenue, and to bacco (inclusive of sheep-wash tobacco) brought £133,065, the amount imported being 1,004,5201 b. The duty paid on wine amounted to £39,035, that on beer to £29,315, representing 488,252 gallons. The tea imported into the colony amounted to 2,896,7201 b., the duty on which came to £72,418. Coffee, cocoa, &c., was im ported to the extent of 678,7361 b., and £80,877 was paid as duty. There was also £128,203 paid as duty on 30,764,7201 b. of sugar. Opium to the extent of 25801 b, was imported, the duty amounting to £2580.

The Nihilists’ Policy. —A Russian Nihilist in the “North American Review,” boldly avows that assassination is a weapon the use of which he and his friends deem lawful, and which they are determined to employ. He writes — “ When not only the public speech is stifled, but the innermost thoughts of the citizen are searched and pried into by a barbarous inquisition, then the time has come for the dagger and the pistol to speak ”

The death of Captain Wyatt-Edgell, of the I7tli Lancers, is, says “Truth,” a singularly melancholy one. There was not a more popular man in the regiment at any time. He had just succeeded to a handsome property in Leicestershire, part in possession and part in reversion, since the date of his sailing for Zululand. It is doubtful whether the news of this had reached him before he met his fate.

Chloroforming Pigs. —The “ Leeds Mercury ” relates that a medical gentleman at Sudbury, near Derby, gives his pigs chloroform when he runs short of food for them, and the pigs remain unconscious for periods ranging from a week to 10 days ; and, strange to say, so far from losing flesh, exhibit a marked improvement when they recover from the effects of the anes thetic.

A Mixed Indictment.— The peculiar manner in which criminal indictments are framed, even in these enlightened days, was exemplified this morning. A man was indicted first for killing seven sheep ; next for killing the same sheep maliciously ; then for killing them with intent to steal the carcates ; still further with intent to steal the skins ; and, finally, for stealing and driving away these unlucky sheep ! No person could surely be guilty of such fiendish atrocity as to steal, kill, cut up for butchers’ meat, and finally drive away seven innocent sheep. Chronicle. ”

£25 For a Leg.— A settler up Waira rapa way broke his leg. The local “ saw bones ” thought amputation might be necessary, but thought it well to have a well-known Wellington surgeon up to perform the operation, so a telegram was sent asking him to come, and guaranteeing £25 for the job. The “ Medico,” took his case of instruments, and started for the country. Arrived there, he ex amined the patient’s leg, and said he thought he could avoid amputation. So the leg was duly dressed and put in splinters. Then the patient handed the doctor a cheque for £l2 10s. “Hum,” says the doctor, “it was to be £25.” “Ah, but you haven’t cut off the leg,” retorted the patient. “ Well,” re joined the doctor, “ I’m not comfortable in my mind about that leg. After all, it might be safest to have it off. ” So suiting the action to the word, the “ Medico” off with his coat, got the leg into position, took knife in hand, and was about to operate on the unhappy patient forthwith. But he didn’t operate. Without a mur mur the patient handed over the £25 cheque, and the “Medico ” deferred the operation. And it is a remarkable fact that the leg is now getting all right.

North Ashburton Bridge. —At a late meeting of the Mount Hutt Road Board the application of a deputation from the Mount Somers Board for a quarter share of the cost of the proposed bridge over the north branch of the Ashburton near McFarlane’s to he borne by the first named body was considered, and it was decided that as a large special grant had been made from the Land Fund by the County Council to the Mount Somers Board for the purpose of erecting bridges in their disti'iet, that they could not recognise any liability on their part to contribute towards the cost, and would not therefore pay any share towards tlie erection. Tlie County Council and Mount Somers Board will, in consequence, have to bear the whole cost of the bridge between them.

Fire Brigade. At a meeting of the committee of the Fire Brigade held yes terday afternoon, it was decided that application should be made to the Borough Council for a grant of Section No. 434, in Tancred Street, for a permanent site for the station ; and as the bell is not suffi ciently loud in tone to be heard, an order was given to Messrs. A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, to cast one not less than 3cwt. This, when mounted on a 35ft. tower, should make its dreaded sounds audible in any part of the town. It may be expected here in about ten days, and we will then be able to judge what local industry can do in tlie way of bell casting. The old bell is for sale, and some of the country chapels should avail themselves of the chance of obtain ing the article cheap, as the brigade will not sell it to be used in town on account of the tone.

The Akaroa Railway. As we an ticipated in our last issue, tlie meeting at the Rakaia called for the purpose of urging the Government to push on with the Akaroa Railway came to naught. Why such a meeting should have ever been convened is a mystery to us. Rakaia is in direct railway communication with the best conducted seaport in the colony and could have nothing to gain, ex cept extra mileage, by sending her grain to Akaroa, and the reason given by Mr Dioken, who appeared upon the scene to advocate the claim of Akaroa, appeared to fall very flat upon his audience, as the only argument he could adduce was that the Moorhouse tunnel might fall in some day, and thbs stop the traffic to Lyttelton. The meeting did not seem to be inclined to throw over a friend for a future doubt ful one, and unanimously resolved that the initiative in the matter should not be taken in the Rakaia district.

A Stiff Storm.— To give an idea of the weather experienced at home, we make the following extract : “Writing from Twickenham, a gentleman states that dur ing a heavy storm in July over 900 panes of glass out of about 1000 in his vineries and flower houses were broken. On the balcony of the house every pane of thick, rough glass in the roof was destroyed, and a stained-glass staircase window shared the same fate. He picked up hail stones over five inches in diameter.”

A Clown’s Funeral. — Billy Walton, the clown, died recently at Finchley. The funeral procession was according to Billy’s own directions. First rode the ring-mas ter, leading four of the circus ladies in costume. These ladies were followed by the bounding brothers, the sword swal lowers, the saltimbangues, the barebacked riders, and other male performers. Then came a dwarf, carrying a black flag, and after him the Baibary ape, Jacko, on a Shetland pony. Jacko was dressed in a suit of sables, and his pony was decked in trappings of woe. The coffin was borne on an open bier, and on the plate, where the royal coronet should be, were tlie motley garments of the clown. Two clown colleagues followed the hearse and filled the position of chief mourners ; they were chalked, ochred, and dressed as if for performance. The cavalcade was wound up by part of the circus band in one of the gaudy professional carriages. They played such airs as “ Go where glory waits thee,” “Down among the dead men,” “In some far sultry clime,” and and other gems selected by their deceased comrade. At the cemetry the last re mains of Billy Walton were laid in the grave, and when the daisy quilt was snugly spread over him, each of his bro ther clowns turned a summersault over his resting place, and with that, the ser vice concluded.

Local Artists. —Ashburton will not he in the hack ground at the exhibition to be held in Dunedin in December next. We understand that Mr and Mrs Stott have landscape paintings in hand which will vie with the efforts of any of our colonial artists. One painting represents the “ Smugglers at Moeraki Bay,” and is very bold in its design and coloring, and another represents that terror to rail way passengers the railway along the Blue Cliffs. We think the railway authorities should purchase this picture, as any person looking at it would certainly never buy a ticket to travel on such a suicidal looking line of railway, and should the picture ever come to be lithographed, which its merits qualify it to be, we are of opinion that more work will be found for engineers and navvies to find a new and safer route to Dunedin. Two other paintings show great merit, but we hope to he able to do justice to them when finished, as “ fules and bairns should na’ see half-dune wark. ”

How to Break an Ox. — Somebody wrote the editor of a village paper to ask how he would break an ox. The editor replied as follows ; —“lf only one ox, a good way would be to hoist him, by means of a long chain attached to his tail, to the top of a pole 40ft from the ground, then hoist him by a rope tied to his horns to another pole. Then descend on his back a 5 ton pile-driver, and if that don’t break him, let him start a country news paper, and trust people for subscriptions. One of the two will do it sure. ”

The Borough Council Offices. — Last night the Borough Council of Ash burton held their first meeting in their new offices, and after the business was over the event was celebrated by a little merry making, the needful for which was kindly supplied by the Mayor with his usual open-handedness. Tlie health of the Council having been drunk, tlie Mayor, in proposing the toast referring to tlie happy feeling existing amongst the members, the healths of the Works Committee were given, and responded to by Messrs St. Hili and Roberts. It was stated by the Mayor that the Council had been blamed for building officesat all, but

he pointed out that the buildings had been erected with a view to their being made use of in happier and more pros perous times as a cottage for their over seer, or other officer. The room they were then meeting in could be partitioned, and an excellent four-roomed cottage would then be obtained. At the time they were erected, too, they had tended greatly to relieve the labor market in the building trade. Other toasts, such as the officers of the Council, the Press, and finally, though not least, his Worship the Mayor were given, and responded to, and the Council settled down to Committee business.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) CIVIL CASES.

Lancaster v. Cotton.—Claim £44. Ml' Ireland for plaintiff Mr Branson for defendant.

This was a claim for meat supplied to defendant. Mr Branson objected to a number of items in tlie account, as not being suflicently described. Mr Branson’s objections were upheld by his Worship, and judgment was given for that portion of the aocount fully described, £23 18s 9d, a fresh account to be rendered for the balance. Tiseli v. Todd.—Claim £lB 16s. No appearance. Tiseli v. Fergus—Withdrawn. Plain tiff tc pay 20s professional fee, and 25s witness’ expenses. Stoddard v. Smith.—Adjourned on ap plication of plaintiff’s solicitor, Mr Crisp.

PUBLIC MEETING AT RAKAIA.

A meeting was held at the Town Hall, Rakaia, on Saturday evening last, Mr C. N. Mackie, Chairman of the District Road Board, presiding, for the purpose of considering the advisability of urging upon the Government the necessity of at once proceeding with the work in con nection with the Akaroa railway and tunnel. The attendance was limited. The Chairman explained at some length the object for which the meeting was called, and introduced Mr Dicken, of Akaroa, to explain to tlie meeting tlie ad vantages likely to accrue to Rakaia. Mr Dicken explained to the meeting the necessity of having an additional har bor, by which the produce of South Can terbury could find another outlet, and the advantages to he gained by the plains in the event of a break down in the tunnel at Lyttelton. There would also be the further gain to the disti’iet of timber being conveyed at low rates from the Little River Bush to a good market in the Ashburton county, and he pointed out other directions in which both Akaroa and Rakaia could mutually be of service to each other. On the motion of Mr E. S. Coster it was unanimously resolved—“ That it is not advisable for the South Rakaia specially to urge the Government to pro eeed with the Akaroa railway and tun nel.” A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

[-BY TELEGRAPH.] FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Oct. 20. At a caucus of Ministerial supporters, this afternoon, it was resolved with great unanimity and animation that there should be no compromise or concession, but that the party would insist on pushing on their measures or ask the Governor for a disso lution, which Sir George Grey’s own con duct will ensure their getting. This means that the Greyites must support the measures which they were returned to support, or be sent back to their consti tuents. It was the unanimous opinion of the party that it would be a lesser evil to let Sir George be the avowed Premier than to have him the acting Premier under cover of Macandrew, Sheehan, Ballance, or Montgomery. There is no truth in the report that £BOO,OOO of the five million loan has been raised. The loan has not yet been jilaced on the market.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS

{Renter's Telegrams.)

Constantinople, Oct. 16. The Ministry have resigned and a new is Ministry formed, as follows :• —Said, Grand Vizier ; Said A., Minister of Foreign Affairs ; Mahomed, Minister of the Interior.

London, Oct. 17.

The English brandy market has ad vanced. The price of rum has advanced 3d per gallon. Sugar has advanced 6d per cwt. Tallow is in active demand at full rates. The tin market is excited, and quotations fluctuate from day to day from £92 to £93. . The corn market is strong, with an upward tendency. Aus tralian wheat, ex store, is selling at from Gls to G2s per 4901 b, according to quality. October 18. Currants have advanced from a shilling to three shillings. Brandy has advanced eighteen pence, owing to frosts in the Gironde. Hobart Town, Oct. 20. The Legislative Assembly has passed a vote of want of confidence in the Min istry. Sydney, Oct. 20. Crowds are arriving at the Exhibition, Dr Hector is actively advertising the wealth and resources of New Zealand. A match for £4OO has been made be tween Trickett and H. M'Lean. Tlie backers of the latter, if successful, will back him for £IOOO against the cham pion.

London, Oct. 18.

At a Conservative meeting at Manches ter, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs justified the policy of the Govern ment in reference to the Afghanistan war, and stated that the principle was the defeat of Afghan, not dominion. Calcutta, Oct. 18. An impressive entry was made into Cabul by the British forces.

General Roberts issued a proclamation stating that tlie city should he spared, but heavy fines would he imposed upon the inhabitants. A general disarmament of the city and suburbs would take place, and prompt measures would be taken for the capture of the mutineers.

Oct. 19. The Ameer Yakoob Khan lias resolved to abdicate.

General Roberts has made provisional arrangements for the administration of Government.

The Kuram tribes are in a great state o: commotion.

Constantinople,' Oct. IS. The Passes of the Balkans are at pre sent unoccupied by the Turks, because no formidable feature of Russian aggression is expected there. The occupation of Novi Bazar was included in the definition of Russian aggression on Turkish territory in that direction. If the rumors of an alliance beteen German}' and Austria are true, the news will be hailed with joy by all valuers of peace. London, October 27.

Australian wheat, 90s (id per quarter. Arrived—Duke of Sutherland, from Sydney, July 5. Waimate, from Lyt telton, July 19th. New York, Oct. IG.

The “ Agricultural Bureau’s” monthly report states that the average of the crop in the cotton States is 19 per cent short.

Calcutta, Oct. 18. Martial law has been proclaimed at Cab ul.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegram.) Melbourne, Oct. 20. Copious rainfall throughout the colon} 7 . Crops are looking healthy, and harvesl prospects are good.

Sydney, Oct. 20.

Serious floods are reported at Albury, Tumut, and Adelong, causing great loss of property.

A destructive fire has occurred at Mait land ; four shops were completely des troyed.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT'S TELEGRAMS.

Auckland, Oct. 20. The damage at the fire in Forster’s is estimated at £9OO. Mansfield had the block of buildings insured in the Royal for £IOOO. Broslin and Foster have their stock insured for £IOOO, their pattern loft’s contents for £350, insured in New Zealand and Queen. A cablegram received announces the death of Captain Carey, on board the Rotomahana, of heart disease, on the passage from Auckland to Sydney. He was well-known on the coast.

A public meeting was held to-night, at which the Mayor presided, to consider the action of the Grand Jury in the case of the Minister of Marine, and a resolution was carried, with tumultuous applause, as follows:—“That a gross miscarriage of justice had taken place, calculated to bring the administration of law and justice into contempt.” It was resolved to petition Government to appoint a Com mittee of Enquiry. New Plymouth, Oct. 20.

The Parihaka meeting has terminated for this month, and this morning a hun dred natives passed through town on their way home. Te Whiti delivered his usual speech on Friday last, but it was simply a repetition of his former speeches. The only noticeable change being that he was not quite so sanguine as hitherto of the triumphant return of the prisoners from Wellington. The great sickness which has prevailed at Parihaka has had the effect of driving away all the natives who did not live there, their faith in the prophet not being sufficient for them to rely upon him as the healer of his people’s afflictions. Te Whiti’s claim to divine authority has re ceived a decided check by the recent out break of disease, the most devoted of his followers being constrained to admit that the prophet can’t heal disease in the man ner they had expected. Te Whiti may be now considered, for the time being, deserted by his people, as they generally express determination never to return to Parihaka so long as sickness prevails. Wellington, October 20.

During an excursion trip of the steamer Huia to Picton on Saturday night, and while going into Tory Channel she struck twice on the rocks. The Captain states she had been driven off her course by a strong current. On reaching Picton she was leaking, but was allowed to return here, and it is intended to place her on the slips for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of her injuries. Christchurch, Oct. 20.

A fire in Victoria street was rather a serious affair. Sharpler’s cottage and store were burned down. They were in sured for £250 in the Sun office .

The police, armed with a search war rant, this afternoon visited the offices of a well-known solicitor, in pursuit of a docu ment which was important to the prosecu tion in the Timaru forgery case. The office was searched in vain by six con stables, and nothing but two safes were left unransacked. The keys were not produced, and two blacksmiths were pro cured •who commenced to break them open. After one blow had been struck the solicitor gave in, and handed over the document under protest. He could not see the destruction of the safes which were valued at £l4O.

The Supreme Court was occupied till nearly eight o’clock this evening by the case of Wright versus W. Wilson. The plaintiff sought for equitable relief in the matter of a conveyance of land to the former by the latter. The evidence was of a most conflicting nature, and Judge Johnston said it was quite evident that perjury had been committed. The verdict was substantially for the plaintiff on all the issues. Wilson is the well-known Christchurch seedsman. Timaru, Oct. 20. H. D. Manning, a publican at Pleasant Point, was brought up to-day at the JR. M. Court, charged with abetting one Edward James to forge the name of another cer tain Edward James, owner of 100 acres of land situated in Timaru district. The case, on the application of the defendant, was remanded till Monday, bail being allowed.

Edward Jeffreys was committed for trial to-day for attempting to upset a train at JNormanby. It is stated that Mr Whitefoord, the Kaipoi Resident Magistrate is to be re moved to Poverty Bay, while Mr Beswick Resident Magistrate at Lyttelton, will get his place. The Lyttelton vacancy is to be filled up by an old resident in that town. The Drainage Board have determined to deposit £OO.OOO of the newly raised loan at the Bank of New Zealand for six months.

Dunedin, Oct. 20. Over fifty lunatics are now located at the temporary asylum at Seacliff.

ASH BURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night. Present —His Worship the Mayor (presid ing), Messrs Roberts, Robinson, Fried lander, and St. Hill. mayor’s statement. The Mayor made his customary in troductory statememt, in the course of which he said that the balance at the bank to the Borough’s debit was £5lO. £4l 11s had been collected since last meeting in rates, and the total now collected was £BO2 12s. He had forwarded all corres pondence between himself and the Go vernment to Mr E. G. Wright, on the matter of the rural land endowment. He was sorry to have to state that the de mands for employment on the Albury works had been greater than were ex pected, but the Government had promised to forward 15 men to that place. In a fortnight, however, a part of the Oxford line would be ready for the unemployed. The Fire Brigade had applied for reserve 777, but they would see that that could not be granted, and application had been made by the Brigade for a section in the same street with the Council offices. Mr Hughes desired to be released from his duties as scavenger. It would bo for them to say whether he would be so or not. He had received letters which woidd be laid before them regarding the Municipal Association.

APOLOGY. The Mayor tendered an apology for Mr George Parkin’s absence that evening. THE MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION. Letters were read from the City Clerk of Christchurch, and from the Town Clerks of Kaiapoi, Waimate, and Lyttelton, acknowledging receipt of the Council’s resolutions regarding the formation of a Municipal Association, and promising either due consideration of the suggestion or support of the proposed union of boroughs. THE COUNTY COUNCIL IN DEFENCE. The Chairman of the County Council

wrote, enclosing copies of the parts of the local papers’ reports of last meeting of the Borough Council, in which reference was made to the action of the County Council in regard to the refusal of a grant in aid, with the object of enabling the Borough Council to procure work for the unem ployed ; also to their conduct in reference to the Mount Somers Railway extension. The County Chairman denied that any charge of “ lukewarmness,” or “apathy,” or entertaining feelings of “ opposition to the Mount Somers line,” could be brought against the members of the County Coun cil, and contended that some misunder standing must have existed, or such ex pressions could never have been made use of, nor could Mr Williamson’s resolution have passed. He also enclosed a resolu tion that had been passed after the Mayor, who was the deputation to the County’s meeting, had left the Council room. It was as follows : “ That the Government be urged to proceed with the construction of the line to Mount Somers already authorised, and that the Goyern ment be requested to consider the advisability of sending some of the unemployed there, as had been done at the Waipara.” Mr Walker hoped the expressions liad been used in error, and Would not be endorsed, and desired to be assured, in face of the resolution he quoted, that the treatment the County Councillors had received had been the result of a misunderstanding. The Mayor said there appeared to be some misunderstanding regarding the way in which he had been received at the County Council. He didnotremmemberhav ing seen the resolution referred to by the Chairman in any of the papers. Further he thought the Comity should have tele-

graphed to Government to have the works proceeded with. Had that resolution been known to the members of the Borough Council he did not think the resolution

proposed by Mr Williamson would have been passed. He desired to state, in passing, that the Engineer had told him the line in question would not afford much pick and shovel work to the unemployed, the main work would be for scoops. Mr St. Hill thought Mr Williamson, in the absence of any published report of the resolution mentioned by the Chairman, should be exonerated from all blame in

the matter.

The Mayor said Mr Williamson was not blamed in particular. The onus lay with the whole Council.

Mr Saunders thought the tone of the County meeting in regard to the subject, and the absence of the resolution from the published report of the said meeting, were sufficient exculpation of the Borough Council. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Chairman of the County, explaining that no resolution as supplied by Mr Walker had been published. THE BOROUGH SCAVENGER. Mr R. J. Hughes wrote, complaining that he was a heavy loser by his contract with the Council, and desired more favor able terms, or a release from his engage ment. He would take such steps as others “had done to get rid of their engage ments” if the Council did not meet his views.

Mr St. Plill said if the man was deter mined to follow Ashburton’s fashionable course of schedule filing, he should be allowed to relinquish his contract, on the

understanding that he should pay a part of the expense in procuring another sca venger. The Mayor was in favor of letting the man out of his contract, but he hoped the scavenger’s rate henceforth would be col-

lected by the man who did the work. Mr Robinson thought the man should have to carry out his contract, and the sureties made responsible for any loss. A resolution to call upon Mr Hughes sureties to perform the work in the event of his failing to do so, was put to the vote against another to release him if he paid the incidental expenses arising through the change, and the latter was carried by the Mayor’s casting vote. THE EIRE BRIGADE SITE. Mr Marshman wrote to say that Re serve 777 being for school purposes, could not be used for Fire Brigade purposes. The Hon. Sec. of the Fire Brigade wrote, applying for permission to the "Bri gade to occupy Reserve 434, Tancred street, to the rear of the Council Chamber, as a brigade depot and site for the pro posed bell tower and engine shed. He also asked that the brigade’s pump wells have their caps secured by chains to pre vent them being removed by children.

The Mayor said bo bad gono with the brigade captain to see several sections. The first one selected, near Jameson’s grain store, was on the highest ground in the borough, but it was too valuable, and he had suggested the one now asked.

Mr St. Hill suggested that the triangular section on the Wakanui Road would be suitable.

Mr Robinson thought the site near the post office was most suitable. Mr St. Hill moved— £ ‘ That the letter be remitted back to the Brigade with a recommendation to reconsider their re quest, and suggesting a part of Reserve 502 as a better site, and one that would be readily granted by the Council.” Mr Robinson seconded and the motion was carried. THE LAND REVENUE. A telegram was read from Mr E. G. Wright (in reply to one by the Mayor) stating that no sales of Government lands had been set. down in the returns as hav ing taken place in the borough. -,y ■ ■ $* The Mayor said he was waiting for further information on this subject, with a view to obtaining a share of the 20 per cent, of land revenue. j : ■ BURNETT STREET DRAIN. Mr Mossman wrote complaining of the state of the drain in Burnett street. Referred to the Sanitary Committee. THE UNEMPLOYED. Several telegrams from Mr E. G. Wright were read, regarding the Albury works, and the Oxford and Malvern line, the substance of which telegrams have al ready been published in these columns. ENGINEERS’ REPORT. North East Belt Contract for Formation and Shingling. The contract for this work is progress ing favorably. The gully across the whole width of the road has been filled up, with the extra pipes. The foreman is prepar ing the timber wings for ends of culvert. He requires some more timber for tlie posts, viz., 85ft. (running) 5x5 totara. South East Belt Contract for Formation and Shingling.

With the exception of breaking the large stones this' conti’act has been com pleted satisfactorily. In order to procure a proper channel for the flow of water, it has been found necessary to add extra fill ing in the large gully. Some timber is also required for a culvert on this Belt, across the North East Belt, viz.,- 200 ft. (running) ox 3. Ro id for Scavenger to River Bed,

We have examined the locality and find that the only practicable road (on account of water channels) is about in a line with the continuation of Cass street, and runs about 12 .to 13 chains through toi-toi to the edge of the stream. A/essrs Sounder’s Water Channel.

We find the channel from the back of Messrs Saunders Bros.’ premisesTo be too low in relation to the side channel, and Messrs Saunders wish the Council to make the neeessay alteration, and charge them with the cost.

C. E. Fooks & Son, Borough Engineers.

The requests for timber by the Engineers were granted, and the proposal regarding Messrs Saunders’ water channel was agreed to. DEPARTMENTAL REDUCTIONS. Mr St. Hill was sorry to report that the Committee appointed to enquire into the question of reducing the departmental expenditure of the Council had failed to meet. He had attended on two occasions, but only one had put in an appearance. It was an important question, and ought to have had more attention paid to it.

The ratepayers at this moment were pay ing a considerable number of salaries to no purpose, as no works were going on. He would move that the Council go into Committee on the question at once. Mr Friediander. thought the night would be spent in talk, and nothing would be done. He suggested that another Com mittee should be appointed. It was ultimately resolved to go into Committee of the whole Council on the matter at the conclusion of the business. valuation. It was resolved to call for applicants to perform the work of valuing the Borough property. Mr St. Hill, “ on the score of economy,” moved that the advertisements be given to the two morning papers and not the evening paper. Mr Friediander said that the Council had settled this question at a previous meeting. The Mayor said that the matter had been settled by a resolution. He was not in favor of that resolution, but thought the minority should give way to the majority. Mr St. Hill desired to know who were the members of the printing Committee ; by whom the advertising was controlled. On being told, he objected to the name of the Clerk being upon the Committee. It was ultimately decided that a valuer be advertised for, and that the

work be completed by the 15th of January.

SUBSIDIES. The Mayor said he was advised that no portion of the subsidies would be paid by the General Government until the ne gotiation of the £5,000,000 loan.

defaulting ratepayers. The Mayor suggested that due notice had been given by advertisement that summonses would issue if rates were not paid before the 14th, and that as the sheet before him showed the list of unpaid rates, it was advisable to instruct the rate collector to proceed .against them. It was ultimately decided that all rates

outstanding on the 27th of this month be sued for. THE UNEMPLOYED. On a suggestion by the Mayor to pass a resolution urging the Government to find work for the unemployed, in the belief

that it would strengthen his hands,- Mr Friediander said the Council had done its very best for the unemployed, and they owed the Mayor a debt of grati tude for the interest he had taken in them. The unemployed should now ap proach the County Council on the matter. It was ultimately resolved to make use of the resolution passed recently, by the Council. ACCOUNTS to the sum of £l3O 5s 4d were passed for payment, and the Council went into com mittee of “ Ways and Means.”

The death is announced of the Rev. W. Leeke, who carried the colors of the 52nd Regiment tit Waterloo.

Tuesday. October 21. 1879.]

iHE ASHBURTON HERALD.



R C O T T’S IMPERIAL BOARDING HOUSE, Durham Street South, 0 II RISTCHUECH. Board and Lodging, 20s. Beds and Meals, Is. each. 509 a >U . NOTICE. rnHE MEMBERS of the Borough X Cricket Club are particularly re quested to keep on the Footpaths and enter at the Gates in going to and coining from the Cricket Ground in the Domain. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, *57-7a' Hon. Sec. £1 REWARD. LOST OR STOLEN from the Somerset Hotel on the evening of October Ist, a well-bred CHESTNUT MARE, with white star on forehead, no brands. Had a colonial made saddle and bridle on when lost. Any person giving informa tion which will lead to her recovery will receive the above reward, MEREDITH WILSON, Wakanui. Or FRIEDLANDER BROS., sSoa Ashburton. WANTED— A MALE OR FEMALE COOK. Apply—Tinwald Hotel, Tinwald. 279 a