The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1880. The £1 for £1 Subsidy.

At the Borough Council mooting lust night a most unpleasant discovery was made—viz., that by somo inadvertence, or want of knowledge of the law relating to those Government sweets—now things of the past—the pound for pound subsidies, on the part of those guiding our municipal affairs last year, the Borough had lost a sum equal to the whole of its rates for the year 1879. The pound for pound subsidy had not been received by tne Borough during the year 1879, and the present Mayor had recently written to Mr. E. G. Wright to ascertain what was required to he done by the Borough to entitle it to the subsidy. Mr. Wright wrote in reply that, in order to qualify the Borough to participate in the pound for pound subsidy for 1879, it was neces sary that a rate should have been struck, and a claim sent in on or before Ist May, 1879. This, it appears, was not done, and as a result some £l,2oo'or so has been lost to the Borough. It will he re membered that some trouble arose last year over the making out of the roll, and the valuer was allowed two months to finish it. The delay has been fatal to the Borough’s claim, and it is not to be wondered at when a substantial loss like this has been suffered that Mr. St. Hill should “let out” pretty roundly at some body, though we fail to see why he should have directed his reproaches at the Clerk any more than, at the then Mayor and Councilloi’3, who were all equally to blame, with the Clerk. It is no use cry over spilt milk, and the members of the Council, we fear, as "well as the ratepayers will have to grin and Dear it. Perhaps at that sweet time in the Council’s history when the Chamber was the airing ground of Councillors’ eloquence more than the scene of practical business, had there been less feeling and more work, there would have been time found to look after trifles like £1,200 of subsidy ; but there was so much “you’re anothering” l’ound the Council table at that highly oratorical period that a matter so unimportant as a half of the municipal revenue might, of course, easily be overlooked —and, ap parently, it has been.

In Bankruptcy. —Mr. W. It. Boyle has been appointed creditors’ trustee in the bankrupt estate of John Hircock. Educational. —Miss Barratt announces her intention of opening a seminary for young ladies. Gambling. —Thomas Doru, licensee of the Clarendon Hotel, Christchurch, was fined LlO yesterday for permitting gamb ling to take place in his hotel. Hew Firm. —The shop in Tancred Street lately occupied by Mr. J. Fowler, has been taken by Messrs. E. Hutton and Co., where they are prepared to dispose of their stock at “ astounding bargains.” The Sunnyside Asylum —Hr. Hacon, late assistant physician at the. Warwick County Asylum, has been appointed Resident Medical Superintendent at the Sunnyside Asylum. Dr, Hacon is to enter upon his duties on August 15. Entertainment at Longbeach. —A grand entertainment is announced to take place in the Longbeach Schoolroom on Saturday evening next. From what we know of the promoters and the character of the entertainment as a whole, we can anticipate for our Longbeach friends a rich treat.

The New Rush. The correspondent of the Christchurch Star at Hokitika, telegraphs : —More diggers have arrived en route for Okarito, and a steady rush is now setting in. It is to be hoped that none will come without capital, as it is not likely that many wages men will be em ployed just yet. I hear that some store keepers are going down. The Hospital Tenders. —At a meeting of the Hospital Committee yesterday after noon tenders for hospital supplies were accepted as under:—For funerals, Mr. T. A. Gates ; for drugs, etc., Messrs. Neate and Cambridge, six months each, Mr. Neate to commence ; meat, Mr. R. Lancaster, 3 months ; groceries, Messrs. Orr & Co. ; medical comforts, as well as the tender for fuel, Messrs. Friealander Bros.; milk,Mr. Gardiner. The Committee resolved to adopt the rules and regulations for the hospital (as amended), and to publish them for general imformation ; and also to ask the Domain Board to co-operate in enlarging the hospital site.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Wheat.

London, Aug. 7. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 16,701 quarters.

The Markets.

Consols, 98-g- ; Australian mutton tallow 365. 6d. ; beef tallow, 345. 6d. ; Adelaide flour, ex warehouse, 3Gs. Gd. ; Adelaide wheat, ex warehouse, 48s. Gd. ; New Zea land wheat, c. f. i. 425. Shipping*. The steamship Northumberland arrived at Plymouth yesterday from London. A Compromise Recommended. London Aug. 9.

The Morning Post, in a leading article, strongly recommends Mr. Berry to seek a compromise with the Opposition and par ticularly in regard to the Reform of the Constitution Bill.

AUSTRALIAN

{Per Renter's Agency .) The Melbourne Cup. Melbourne, Aug. 9

The following are the acceptances for the Melbourne Cup : Mata, Napper Tandy, Columbus, Zambesi, Bee, Stag, Terrific, Riverton, Chatterer, Aspen, ABC, Adventurer, Kinsman, Gloster, Woodlands, Imperial, Chatterbox, Sir Joseph, Latrobe, Lord Harry, Star of the West, British Workman, Faublas, Lothair, Robbie Burns, Cynic, Pim pampa, Stockbridge, Trevallyn, Euclid, Geide Olgotacli, Respite, Yarclly, Con stance, Progress, South Hamilton, West ern Princess, Richmond, and Bosworth. A Gathering of Governors. Melbourne, Aug. 9.

The Governors of all the Australian colonieshave accepted an invitation to be

present at the opening of the Exhibition. Sir Hercules Robinson has, of course, been obliged to decline. A Negligent Harbormaster. Captain Payne, harbormaster, has been suspended from his position for neglecting to notify the removal of the fog horn from the harbor. Adelaide, Aug. 9. The P. and 0. Company’s steamer Maliva and the Orient Company’s Chim borazo have arrived.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Found Drowned. Auckland, Aug. 9.

The body of a man was found floating in the harbor, but as yet-has not been identi fied. At first it was believed to be that ofCassells, a settler of Waiheke. A Healthy Balance Sheet. At the annual meeting of the Race Club the reports showed the year’s receipts as L 1,613; balance over expenditure, L 757. It was agreed to communicate with the Southern clubs to have a paid handi capper for the whole colony. A Warning to Larrikins.

George Wheeler, for throwing rotten eggs during an entertainment at Milton, was fined L 9 and costs. The sentence is much approved of as an attempt to put down larrikinism.

A Comforting Doctrine. The Rev. George A. Browne, formerly Baptist minister at Lincoln, delivered a lecture last evening in the Temperance Hall against “Eternal Punishment.” His address was remarkably eloquent.

Seeing is Believing- Several sporting gentlemen, doubtful about th 9 statement which was ciculated that two hares stripped 500 trees in five days, visited Howman’s nursery grounds, and had ocular demonstration of the fact. More Legs. After a few days’ respite, ; Willis will essay to walk 112 miles in twenty-four hours, emulating young Scott’s feat. Topsail Schooner Ashore. Auckland, Aug. 9.

The vessel ashore at Tukubu is the top sail schooner Julia Price.' Anchors, etc., are being sent down to get her oft. Taking a Spell. New Plymouth, Aug. 9.

The natives have dropped fencing, none having come down since Friday last. It is not known yet whether the Natives have left off by Te Whiti’s orders, or whether they have refused to be made fools of any longer, seeing that seventy of them have been sent away. Sporting. Timaru, Aug. 27.

The reports submitted at the annual meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club last evening showed receipts for the year amounting to L 1,361 and that the financial position of the Club is satisfac tory. Buried in the Clay. Four men were excavating clay at a brick-yard near the town this morning, when a heavy fall of earth took place and two of them were completely buried. They were immediately , dug out by their comrades, and Dr. Hogg, who happened to be at hand, 2M*onounced their injuries so slight that their removal to the hos pital would not be necessary. The Ayes have It. Invercargill, August 10. The L 20,000 loan has been carried. There were G4l ratepayers for, and thirty one against the loan. A Try On.

Major-General Davidson having recom mended in his report that Government should encourage the formation of rifle clubs, the Invercargill club applied for a remission of the duty on rifles and amuni tion it is importing. A reply has been received to the effect that Mr. Seed had no legal authority to remit the duty, and Mr. Bryce declined to allow it to be re mitted.

CORRESPONDENCE

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE £1,200.

To the Editor. Sir, —It appears that only L 1,200 lias been lost to thi3 Borough from the cul pable negligence of our City Fathers, while they have been wasting time over trifling matters. We have been heavily rated during times of great depression ; and I think, sir, they are morally (if not legally) liable to the ratepayers for this breach of trust. I would strongly urge on the inhabitants the propriety of calling a public meeting forthwith for the purpose of asking this honorable body to resign their trust, in order to elect fresh members who would act for their advan tage.—l am, &c. A Victim.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday, August 10, 1880. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY. A first offender was fined the usual ss. ALLEGED LARCENY OP TREES. Nolan and Jeremiah Heffer man were charged with the larceny of eighteen trees, known as micfocarpa, the property of the Domain Board. Mr. Purnell appeared for tho prosecution. Prisoner Nolan applied for a remand until Friday, so as to obtain evidence from Timaru, proving that he bought the trees at that place. Hefferman stated ho was only a lodger with Nolan, and also wished for a remand. Mr. Purnell asked to be allowed to take evidence proving the larceny, before prisoners were remanded. Humphrey William Charlton gave evi dence that he was keeper of the Ashburton Domain, and had missed a large quantity of trees from that place on four different occasions, numbering in all sixty-six, and had found some of the trees in Nolan’s garden. He valued the trees at Is. 6d. each. The accused were remanded until Friday next, bail being allowed, accused in a bond of LIOO, and two sureties of LSO each. ALLEGED SHEEP-STEALING. George Pyke was charged with the larceny of four sheep, the property of Richard Lancaster. Mr. Crisp appeared for the defence. Constable Warring, sworn, deponed—l remember tlie 4th August. On tlxat day

went to Mr. Pyke’s slaughter-yard, in company with Mr. Lancaster: v I had a warrant authorising me to search for four sheep. Road the warrant to accused. He said, “I didn’t think Mr. Lancaster would be so sharp as this.” On going to the slaughter-yard saw two sheep married RL conjoined (in red) on the back ; also, two skins similarly marked. The skins vvere fresh, and hung on the fence of the yard, with the fleshy side out. The two sheep and skins outside the Court are the ones I took possession of. There was another living sheep in the yard. It was about II a. m. when I went there.

By Mr. Crisp—l met with Mr. Pyke at his house, and after reading the warrant, lie went with me to the slaughter-yard. The yard is situated in the middle of a paddock. It is not under cover. I be lieve it is usual to hang sheepskins with the fleshy side out. The sheep were en closed in a pen in the ordinary way. Richard Lancaster, sworn—l am a butcher, residing iu Ashburton. On the 3rd of this month, I bought ninety-five sheep at the Ashburton saleyards— seventy-five in one lot, and twenty in an other. The seventy-five sheep were mixed, most of them were wethers. I counted seventeen oqt. to kill, and the others to.be turned out on turnips, and branded them all with R.L. conjoined, with a bar over it. The brand is placed on the back of the sheep, with the bar to wards the head. The color of the brand is red. Left seventeen sheep in one yard, and the remainder in another. In the same yard were three “ crawlers ” be longing to accused. “ Crawlers ” is a technical term, and is used to denote old inferior sheep. These crawlers were worth about 4s. Gd, each. One was an old ewe, the other a cross-bred hogget, .and the third I cannot. describe ; it was course and ragged-looking. I gave Bs. for the sheep I bought. Was present when Mr. Pyke bought his sheep. They did not resemble the ones I bought in any way. The sheep which accused bought were in a yard separated from my own. Went to look at the sheep next morning, and found all of them mixed in one yard, and two of Mr. Pyke’s with them. I had to separate them, to get the sheep out for slaughtering. I missed the sheep before I culled them, as one or two of the best were gone. Never gave anyone permis sion to take the sheep. known Mr. Pyke. for some time. He never asked mo, nor did I give him permission to take any of my sheep. Went with Constable Warring to accused’s slau'ghteryards. My suspicions were aroused in con sequence of seeing Pyke’s sheep mixed with mine. Pyke’s man also told me in the street that he had taken five sheep away from the yards. The sheep and skins now outside the Court are the ones which I pointed out to Constable Warring at the slaughter-yards, in the presence of accused. The sheep are pass able animals, in good condition. They are about 451 b. in weight. By Mr. Crisp—Have known Pyke for some time as a butcher in Ashburton. Have had previous dealings with him. All transactions have been settled up satisfactorily. Have sold Pyke sheep a go©d time ago, for the purpose of supply ing his customers. Have also bought stock of accused. Have never exchanged sheep with accused. Always sell to him. Am not in Pyke’s debt for driving cattle. Ha has driven cattle from Stoddart’s for me, but I do not know whether it has been settled for, but believe it lias. The sheep were divided into two yards. Two of my men and myself branded them. One of Mr. Pyke’s.sheep, which jumped about, had to be tied down, Mr./ Pyke and a man named Meiklejolin helped me count the sheep. Afterwards we went and had a drink. It is customary on such occa sions to “ shout” for the man who helps you count sheep. In a conversation with Pyke, he said, “ I meant to have those twenty old ewes ; that was a little lot which would have just done me.” I said, .“I was bound to have them, as I have more turnips than I know what to do with.” There was nothing said about Mr. Pyke taking the sheep. I was per fectly sober at Ihe time ; never liad any thing to drink for a .fortnight previous. Saw Berry, Pyke’s man, and he told me he had taken five sheep. I asked him why he had not taken the other two. He said he took all that he was told to. Heard that Berry was a partner with Pyke. There was no attempt at concealment on the part of Pyke. Do not know whether accused meant to pay for the sheep. Never had such a transaction with him as thi3 before. I do not know how the sheep got mixed, but someone must have done so.

By the police—l left the yard the night before just before dark.

George Berry, sworn, deponed—Am a butcher, driving accused’s cart. On the 3rd August saw Pyke at Mr. Quill’s hotel, a little after six o’clock. I asked Pyke if we should go and get tlie sheep. lie said yes. I had a cart with me. Yv 7 ent with Mr. Pyke to the saleyards. Saw sheep in two yards. I went to get some flax, and left accused in the cart. When I came back helped'Pyke to catch four sheep. One was tied. I asked how many sheep there were, and he said a small lot. I saw more than could be put in the cart. While we were catching the sheep, 1 asked how many he had bought, and he said five. The sheep were in two yards when I came back with the flax. We took the sheep to Pyke’s slaughter yard, and I killed two..of the sheep. Sold the meat the next morning. Did not notice any brands on the sheep the pre vious evening,it was too dark. It was about seven o’clock 1 when we left the yards. Have been with Mr. Pyke about a week last Friday. 1 expected to become accused’s partner in the cart and butcher ing. I have been in Digby’s employment, and have worked for Pyke once before. I am used t@ handle sheep. Gould tell the difference between good and indifferent sheep in the dark. After I came back with the flax the sheep were mixed. The gate was opened, and the sheep were going from one yard to another. I was away about ten minutes. Don’t know who caught the first sheep. We took away five sheep altogether. We caught such sheep as we eould lay hold of. By Mr. Crisp—l was last in Digby’s employ. Did not leave on purpose to go into partnership with Pyke. Usually kill the sheep and supply tho customers. In one of the yards about twenty sheep were against the gate when we. first went there. Cannot say whether the gate was open when we first arrived. I could not have picked out any particular sheep out of the. mob on account of it being dark. The sheep were killed by me in the ordinary way.

By the Bench - After I got back with the flax the sheep got mixed. No one opened tho gate while I was there. Charles Cornelius, sworn—l am a butcher, in the employ of Mr. Lancaster. On Tuesday last saw Mr. Lancaster brand some sheep at the saleyards. They were afterwards drafted. A small mob were butchers’ meat. They were put into a separate yard ; we tied the gate.with flax. Saw three sheep in an adjoining yard. One of them was lying clown with, its legs tied, the other two were small ones. It was possible to pick two of Mr. Lancaster’s out very near as bad, but not as bad. Have seen the two sheep outside, and could distinguish them in the dark by handling them from the two small sheep. There were three separate pens. By Mr. Crisp—lt was nearly dark when I saw the sheep ; they were in the three pens then, and I have not seen them since.

George Berry, re-examined—The sheep with its legs tied was in a yard by itself.. In reply to Mr. Crisp, his Worship said ho did not intend to treat the case as one of an indictable offence. For the defence, Mr. Caisp called Sergeant Felton, who gave evidence that he had known the accused for several years, and had known him as an honor able and straightforward man. Mr. Crisp addressed the Bench, and stated that Mr. Lancaster had evidently laid the information in a heated moment. From the evidence, and especially that of Berry, it would be seen there was no at tempt at concealment. Berry had told Lancaster about the sheep, and Pyke had willingly accompanied tlie police and Lan caster to the slaughter-yard. There was no felonious intent proved. Mr. Lan caster had refused to state whether he felt ho • would be paid for the sheep. The whole thing arose out of a conversation which took place over a glass. The ac cused did not deny taking the sheep, and did so on the grounds of the usual friendly transactions which had previously taken place between the parties. Had the pro secutor wished to recover the value of the sheep he could have got it in the ordinary way. Mr. Crisp submitted there was no case against his client. His Worship said that the accused had placed himself in a most unfortunate posi tion, as if ho had been committed for trial, the judge, if the jury found him guilty, would probably have sent him to gaol for fourteen years. After carefully considering the evidence, he felt there was a doubt as to whether there was felonious intent in the matter, and would give the ac cused the benefit of the doubt. After cautioning the accused as to his careless and indiscreet conduct, his Worship dis missed the case.

There was an attempt at applause on the part of those present in Court, but it was speedily suppresed.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night. There were present—His Worship the Mayor (presiding), Messrs. Rudolf Fried lander, George Parkin, Donald YTlliam son, George H. St. Hill, Weymouth Roberts, George M. Robinson, Alfred Harrison, and Thomas Bullock. MINUTES. The Mayor took occasion, on the read ing of the minutes, to controvert the statement made by Councillor Williamson at last meeting regarding a discussion on the minutes, which he (the Mayor) held should take place before, and not after the minutes had been confirmed. Mr. St. Kill pointed out that the notices of motion of which he had given notice were not entered in the minutes in the order in which he had tabled them. He would move them in the order in which he had tabled them. Mr. Williamson said that, with all due deference to the Mayor’s ruling, there was on the occasion referred to no motion before the meeting. mayor’s statement. The Mayor delivered the customary statement, in the course of which lie said that, in reference to Mr. St. Hill’s ques tion regarding the necessity for butchers taking out licenses, by-law 104 explained itself as inapplicable to vendors of food. With reference to the hollow place at Mr. Williamson’s, the Mayor had been to Christchurch on the matter, and he believed if the Clerk wrote on the subject to the railway authorities the hole would be seen to. With regard to the motions tabled by Mr. St. Hill, one of these at least could not be brought forward, as by a minute of November last the Town Clerk had been appointed for a twelvemonth, and Mr. St. Hill’s motion could not be enter tained until that resolution were An Act had been overlooked which gave tenth part of the land in Boroughs to Municipal Councils, and the Clerk had been instructed to write to the Minister on the subject, and also.to Mr. Wright, the M.K.R. for the district. The balance at the bank amounted to L 268 os. 6d.; rates collected since last meeting, L 9 145.; .previously, L 990 14s. 9d.; dog foes, L 5 ; previously, LII9 10s.—total, L 124 10s. Licenses—Cabs, L 3 ; drivers, LI 55.; carriers, L 9 ; hawkers, LI ; kerosene, LI. Public buildings Town Hall, LI LIG ss. Rents, IGs.; sale of By-laws, Is. SUBSIDIES. Mr. E. G. Wright wrote, in answer to enquiries by the Mayor, that to qualify tho Borough to participate in the pound for pound subsidy for 1879, it was necessary that a rate should have been, struck, and a claim sent in on or before Ist May, 1879. The Mayor said that as.the rate had not been struck until after the date given above, the Borough could not participate. Mr. St. Hill complained that Council lors had not been made acquainted by the clerk or other officer with facts of this kind. There was evidently neglect somewhere of the Borough’s interests, or L 1,200 could not thus bo sacrificed. THE FIRE BRIGADE. ' A letter was read from the Secretary, Ashburton Fire Brigade, as follows : “ I am instructed by the Fire Brigade to lay the following-statement before you, as horn tlie reports in the local papers it is evident that the Council have decided not to pay the Brigade’s subsidy until November, from a misconception of the facts of the case. “The Brigade became entitled to a payment of L 25 on each of the following elates—May 19, 1879; Nov, 20, 1879 ; and May 19, 1880 ; also, to a further grant of L 25 towards cost of uniforms, making a total of LIOO of subsidies to be paid by the Borough to the Brigade, of which sum only LSO has as yet been paid, and we have, therefore, at the present time, -the sum of LSO still due. The Brigade have no wish to press the Council for the funds, but would respectfully draw their attention to the attached balance-sheet, showing ah actual debit

balance of L 6 19s. 2d. against the Brigade, in addition to which sum they will become liable in a week or so for further payments on account of goods ordered from England. Tne Brigade have, therefore, respectfully to request the pay ment of the subsidy, or a portion thereof, to meet existing liabilities. —I am, etc., W. Adams, Hon. Sec., Ashburton Fire Brigade.’ The Mayor referred to the minute of resolution under which the Brigade was appointed an institution under the Coun cil, subject to rules approved of by the Council. By that resolution a subsidy of LSO per annum was to be paid to the Brigade, but it was not set down at what dates this money was to be paid, so that the Council were the financiers, and not the Brigade. Mr. St. Hill thought the Brigade should not be allowed to suffer any financial em barassment, as they were a deserving and public-spirited body. He had been under a misapprehension regarding the funds of the Brigade, and he had understood them to have' plenty of money. He had thus done the Brigade .an injustice which he wanted now to rectify. He would do so by moving that L 25 be paid to the Brigade even though at last meeting he had moved its payment in November. The Mayor said the previous resolution would require to be rescinded first. Mr. Parkin explained the position finan cially in which the Council stood to the Brigade, - Mr. St. Hill asked leave to move with out notice, that the resolution passed on July 26 be rescinded, which being granted, the motion was passed. Mr. It. Fried lander moved—“ That L 25 be handed over to the Fire Brigade, and that they be informed that the LSO grant is payable annually. ” Mr. Parkin suggested half-yearly pay ments, as the most convenient to the. Brigade, but would second the motion. Mr. Williamson hoped the Council would reconsider their position with the Brigade. The Council's income had been reduced by one-half since the arrange ment with the Brigade had been entered into, and in these times of reduction the Brigade might accept a reduction too. Mr. R. Friedlander thought the Coun cil could not give less than L 25, as the other L 25 was given by the insurance companies. Mr. Parkin said the Council had under taken to find uniforms for the Brigade, but they had not done so. The members of the Brigade had found the uniforms, at a coat of LIOO, and towards this L 25 only had been paid by the Council. An amendment by the Mayor, to pay the L 25 at once, was carried. THE WATER-PIPES. A memo, from the Town Clerk at Lyttelton informed the Council that the sizes of pipes which the Council had to dispose of would not suit the Lyttelton Borough. The Town Clerk, Akaroa, wrote, re gretting the inability of the Borough Council of that place to avail themselves of the Council’s liberal offer to supply iron pipes. The Mayor recommended advertising the pipes in Dunedin. THE BORCUGH SOLICITORS. Messrs. Branson and Purnell wrote stating their willingness to act as solicitors for the Borough. SIGNS OP BUSINESS. A letter was read from Messrs. Matson, Cox, and Co., requesting permission to lay down a line of rails across West street, to give access to their new store, now in course of erection. The Clerk was instructed to procure plans, &0., of the railway crossing, the matter to be discussed at next meeting, when fuller information was before the Council. A COMPROMISE OFFERED. Mr. John Heftord, carrier, applied to the Council for consideration on account of being out of work and meeting with an accident, and offering the use of his services as well as his team as an equivalent for the licensing fee. Mr. G. M. Robinson said Mr. Hefford had done work for the last month quite sufficient to enable him to pay his fee, and lie (Mr. Robinson) weuld move that the letter be not received. Mr. R. Fredlander seconded.

Mr. St. Hill commiserated Mr. Hef f ord’s state in having suffered recently from an accident, and moved that Mr. Hefford be allowed to work out his license fee, under instructions from the foreman. Mr. Parkin seconded. :

Mr. Robinson said Mr. Hefford could afford to work one team and employ a a man to work another. A person in that position ought not to come to that Council to beg. Mr. Parkin denied there was any begging. After some remarks from Mr. Fried lander in reply to Mr. Parkin, who said the men employed by the Council were not ratepayers, while Hefford was, Mr. Harrison testified to the fact that Hefford had been suffering from an acci dent for some time. Mr. Williamson said they had no right to remit a license fee. They could give the man work, but he must pay his fee. After some further discussion a division was taken, when Mr. Robinson’s resolu tion was: carried by five to three. MR. QUILL’S CROSSING. Mr. Quill wrote complaining of the crossing at his hotel, which had been left in a dangerous condition. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the matter would be attended to. THE SHANTIES.- John .Purcell, a resident in one of the Baring Square Reserve “ shanties ” wrote asking for a month’s grace. Mr. Parkin said lie heard the shanties were to be shifted to the reserve opposite the Herald office, and that would be a greater nuisance. The Council resolved to adhere to their former resolution. RESERVES. The Reserves Committee recommended the letting of the reserve at the Hinds, the town reserves, and also to advertise that persons desiring to rent reserves could communicate with the Borough Clerk. The report of the Committee was ad dopted. The letting cf the reserves was left in the hands of the Reserve Committee with power to act. engineers’ report. Water Supply. —The concrete dam and earthwork at the intake at Mr. William con’s are nearly completed. It would be advisable, for better protection from cattle, Ac., to fence about four chains of the race with post and wire and cap rail, and a wicket gate to give access to +lie sluice, &c. We have had some channels cut and clay deposited in parts

of the gully in the Domain, in order to prevent so much waste of water. The stream.is now flowing steadily, but more rapidly than before!. Concrete Kerbing cmcl Channelling.—The contractor has made good progress with the work, which we expect will be com pleted before the next meeting of the Council.

Fencing at Reservoir. —We have arranged with Messrs. Jenkins and Choate, as authorised by the Mayor, to erect the fencing, etc., at the corner of the Domain at West and Wills streets for the sum of Ll2 14s.

Lamp-post, Havelock and West Streets. — We have had this lamp-post erected an d supplied with a kerosene lamp, and arranged with the foreman for its lighting. The Labor Gang have been engaged in making good footpaths necessitated by. the new kerbing and channelling, Tind work connected with the water supply.\ The Works Committee make the follow ing recommendations 1. That no horse posts should be allowed at the edge of the footpaths in Bast street, and that the present ones be removed. - 2. To form and shingle the footpaths in the following streets Cameron .street west, from West street to Park street, both sides; Cameron street west, from Park street to Winter street, S.W., side ; Wills street west, from West street to Park street, Id. E. side ; Tancred street oast, from Williams street to Town Belt; Cox and Peter streets. '< r-’-'-'A.; Fooks and Son, Borough Engineers.

FENCING. . It was resolved to have the fiumihg'and upper part of the water race fenced, as suggested by the Engineers, and the action of the Engineers in regard to the fencing was approved of.

.... ■ THAT LAMP.- - - - -- -■ It having been asked of the Engineer why the West street reserve lamp had not been lit, Mr. Fooks stated Tutty, one of .the Borough workmen, said Cr. St. ;Hill had ordered him to light it only on- Sundays. Mr. St. Hill denied this in toto. It was ultimately decided that the lamp be lit regularly in future.

HORSE POSTS. The Works Committee’s recommendation that horse posts be forbidden where con crete channelling is laid down, was dis cussed. .Mr. Bullock said this would be a hard ship in many eases, and the Mayor coin cided. : : Mr. Robinson said the posts in front of his office were used by everybody, and a horse-tail looking in at his office door was nothing unusual. Mr. Bullock moved that the posts already standing in East street be per mitted to remain. Mr. Friedlander seconded. A division was taken on Mr. Bullock’s motion, which was carried by five to four. SHINGLING. The recommendation as to shingling certain streets on the west side of the railway was recommended by the Mayor to be held over till next meeting, when Mr. Parkin’s motion for a fnll statement of the Borough’s finauce : would" be con sidered. Mr. St. Hill protested, as nothing had been spent on the west side of the railway, and the matter had been fully considered by the Works Committee. If the recom mendation were not attended to ; the Works Committee would be made, .look childish. The Mayor moved in accordance with his suggestion, and Mr. Robinson seconded. Mr. St. Hill said that seconding was a specimen of how some members came to the meetings once a month, and undid what the working members had spent in doing. Ultimately the Mayor withdrew his motion, and the Committee’s recommend ation was adopted. RETURNING OFFICER. Mr. St. Hill asked on what authority the Mayor appointed a returning officer, as by the Local Elections Act the proper authority for appointing a returning officer was the.local body.

Tiie Mayor in reply said the Act did not give him any special power to appoint a returning officer. Mr. St. Hill said that last meeting a bill of three guineas had been paid to the clerk, and when the sumi had been questioned it had been put forward that the appointment had been made by the Mayor. The Council had a voice in these appointments, and they should be made annually. The Mayor said the Clerk had been ap pointed by the Council, and such fee as had been paid to him had been under the Council’s consideration. It was not righ that these matters should be brought up after the accounts were passed. They should be brought up at the time.

Mr. St. Hill said these accounts were smuggled into the Council. Mr. R. Friedlander took exception to the attacks which were continually being made by Mr. St. Hill upon Mr. Braddell. He had no right to accuse an officer whose mouth was shut of “ smuggling in ” an ac count.

Mr. St. Hill denied having any ani mosity to Mr. Braddell, or to any one, and withdrew the expression “ smuggled.”

. finance. Mr. Parkin moved the motions of which he had given notice - For (1) a statement . of the probable income and expenditure J of the Borough up to the end of the present financial year ; (2) such statement to show in what manner the Committee propose to reduce the present heavy de partmental expenditure ; and (3) that the said Committee report at the next usual meeting of the Council, and if necessary fresh members be appointed on the Finance Committee at this meeting. The first two motions were agreed to, and Mr. Williamson’s name was added to the Finance Committee. The Committee, as constituted with this change, to report at the next meeting of the Council. MR. ST. hill’s MOTIONS;- Mr. Williamson recommended to Mr. St. Hill that he should defer his motions until the Finance Committee had reported. Mr. St. Hill agreed, but thought there -A was nothing to prevent the motion regard ing the Borough’s printing being con- A sidered, which was that tenders be asked for all printing, these to be opened by the Council.

Mr. Parkin seconded the motion, and, after a somewhat sharp discussion, it was carried without opposition.

THE SEPTEMBER ELECTION.' * The Clerk was instructed to advertise the nominations for Councillors in the official paper not later than the 24th inst.

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1880.



ty-'. Miscellaneous join nnn T 0 in sums to Sb_LU ? UUU suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-83dg v «. GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. A DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. Gd. will be charged. 625 c OINT STOCK COMPANIES ACT on sale at the office of this paper. T OLTJNTEER ACT and AMEND- V MENTS on sale at the office of this paper. TT7ANTED—FIRST-CLASS SITTING YY and BEDROOM, with Board for Lady and Gentleman, for three months. Address : Box No. 26. 737 c ANTED, by a Young Lady, who m . - has had much experience in teaching—A few MUSIC PUPILS, who can either come to her or be attendod at their own homes. For particulars, apply to Mrs. Pavitt, Cox street, Ashburton. 738 c PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte ;J\ for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c TENDERS WANTED, for making about 62 GATES ; labor only. Tenders addressed to the undersigned, received up to THURSDAY, the 13th inst. Plans &c.', to be seen at Sealy Bros., East street. The lowest or any tender not necessarily 733c P ' NELSON &CO UTTS. & - MASONIC. THE Masons of Ashburton are invited to attend an EMERGENCY MEET ING of the St. John’s Lodge, On TUESDAY, 10th Inst., at 7.30, At the - SOMERSET MASONIC HALL, When ADDRESS and LECTURES will be delivered by Bro. Rev. A. W. Hands Bro. H. Stephenson, P.M. Bro. F. Guinness. All are particularly invited to attend. THOMAS QUILL, R.W.M., Thistle Lodge, 627, S. C. ' * s CHAS. BRADDELL. W.M., Somerset Lodge, 1811, E.C. W. H. GUNDRY, W.M., 731 c St. John’s Lodge, 1858, E.C. • EDUCATIONAL. MISS S. BARRATT, having taught successfully in the colonies for the last four years, is anxious to join her •ister in establishing a SCHOOL in Ash burton. It is Miss Barratt’s desire to im part all entrusted to her care a THOROUGHLY GOOD GENERAL EDUCATION. English, one guinea. Extra charges will be made for Music, French, and Drawing. Apply to MISS BARRATT, 639 c Wills Street. E. HUTTON AND CO., IMPORTERS OF GENERAL DRAPERY, MEN’S AND BOYS’ CLOTHING, &c. HAVE OPENED AN EXTENSIVE STOCK OF New & Fashionable Goods, In those premises in TANCRED STREET\ Lately occupied by MR. JOHN FOWLER, Where, those who desire to secure Astounding Bargains Which have been appreciated by the Teeming Thousands Who have visited our establishment in other towns throughout Canterbury, and as the stock, was bought dur ing the depression in the English Market previous to the late enormous advanceofgoods in every de partment intending purchasers should COME EARLY As our stay in Ashburton cannot be pro longed over two or three weeks. E. HUTTON & Co. Importers, Tancred Street, ASHBURTON. •7 jf i i/i