COMMERCIAL.

Alfred Harrison reports as follows for the week ending May 15 On Tuesday, May 11, at the Ashburton Forks, a lot of 10 foals were disposed of at prices ranging from L 5 to LlO. On "Wednesday, May 12, the farm of the late Mr. James Cairns was placed, at LG 10s. per acre. The stock and implements realised moderate prices. Business Avas rather quiet at the usual weekly sale on Saturday, 15th inst. One or two horses were disposed of, and implements brought fair prices. The following produce was also knocked down :—Pigs, 7d. to Bd. per lb. ; pork, s|d. per lb. ; ducks, 4s. to 4s. 6d. per pair; fowls, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. ; cheese, sd. per lb. ; onions, fd. per lb. ; apples, 6s. 6d. to Bs. per case.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

The outward mails for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will close at the Ashburton Post Office, on Saturday, the 22nd inst., at 9 a.m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under: — Thursday. May 20. For Northern Port? of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Tararua. The next mail for the United Kingdom via Brindisi (for correspondence specially addressed only), will be closed at Christ church on June 3rd, and will be due in London on July 24th.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

BIRTH.

Minnis. —On May 16th, at Cameron street, Mrs Minnis, of a daughter. 864g-471c

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1880.

The High School Site. —Tenders for fencing the site of the Ashburton High School which is to be, are invited. ~R angttata Island Siding. —The Ran gitata Island siding which has been closed for repairs is again open for traffic.

*** Owing to the length of our R.M Courc and a budget of cable news, we are compelled to hold back some New Zealand telegrams and our customary tale.

The Steeplechase Meeting.— The privileges of the steeplechase meeting are to be sold by auction at Mr. Harrison’s rooms on Saturday next, as per advertise ment elsewhere.

Warning. —Mr. Wentworth Cookson, registrar of dogs for Mount Somers dis trict, announces that all owners of dogs that are uni’egistered after the 30th inst., will be prosecuted. The Borough By-Laws. —The by-laws of the Borough will be “ advanced a stage ” at a special meeting of the Council to be held on Tuesday, 25th inst., at which the local statutes will be considered and adopted.

Borough Auditors. —The nominations of two gentlemen to audit the accounts of the Borough for the ensuing year will be received by the Town Clerk on Tuesday, the 25th May, and the election, if neces sary, will take place on the Ist June. Formation. —The Borough Council last night accepted Mr. James Wilkie’s tender ef Ll 5 15s. for the formation of Burnett street, the only other tender being that of Mr. W. J. Silcock, at L2l.

Fined the Wrong Man. —ln our re port of the last ft. M. Court sitting at Rakaia, we fined the wrong man. We made it appear in an assault case that Pluck was fined, whereas, Pluck was com plainant, and it was Mapples, against whom he laid the information, who was mulct in LI.

The Water Pipes. —The question of disposing of the iron pipes recently im ported for the Ashburton water supply, but not wanted yet awhile, was again be fore the Borough Council. The discus sion, which elicited nothing fresh on the subject, ended in the remission of the question to a committee to consider and report.

A Bad Cold. —One inebriate, who was locked up last night, had to give an account of himself at Court this morning, and in an innocent way told the Bench that having had a bad cold, he had taken!} a little brandy so as to effect a cure, an ex cuse which his Worship did not entertain, and the delinquent had to forfeit LI, or go to gaol for 48 hours. The Side Channels. —At its meeting last night the Borough Council decided to call for tenders for the supply of two or three hundred barrels of cement,, with a view we presume of making under the Engineer’s supervision, the concrete street channelling required for the water supply about to be introduced. The labor of putting in the channelling is also to be put up to public tender, and tenders will also be invited for the timber required for the town’s drainage.

A Lively Witness.— ln the case of Stokes v. Harrison, at the Court this morning, Mr. Purnell, who appeared for the defendant, met with his match in the person of the plaintiff. While Mr. Stokes was giving his evidence, he was verging on' matters of a secondary nature, when Mr. Purnell got up to object, upon which the plaintiff in very deliberate tones, drawled out “ Sit down, sir ; sit down, sit down.” Mr. Purnell persisted in his objection, and amidst the continued com mands of the plaintiff to resume his seat, characterised the conduct of Mr. Stokes as extremely impertinent, and his Wor ship eventually had to request the latter to be silent. The Fire Brigade Uniforms. —Now that the Borough Council have got better in funds than they have been for some time the Fire Brigade thought it fitting to take advantage of the opportunity, and appeal for the long-promised uniforms. In 1878 a resolution was passed by the Council, appointing a sub-committee to see to the uniform question, but as the committee were never in a position financially to move in the matter, the Brigade remained without uniforms. Now, however, they have ordered helmets, etc., themselves, and a deputation last night waited on the Council asking for a refund of the cost. The Council did not altogether relish the Brigade’s movement towards procuring uniforms without consulting the Council, but they eventually 7 voted L 25 towards meeting the cost, which, the deputation stated, was L3B.

Tenders Accepted. —At the meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board yes terday the largest number of tenders that have yet been opened at one sitting of the Board were considered, showing that work is a consideration of some weight among contractors at the present moment, and the low prices are a suggestive commen tary on the times. The following were the tenders accepted : —Contract No. 59. —Forming six miles, more or less, of road at' Dromore Railway Station—James Quigley, ss. per chain. No. 60—Supply of shingle, at per yard, for portions of same road—James Fraser, Is. Id. per yard. No. 61—Forming three miles, more or less, of road at Winslow, to meet M‘Lean's Swrmp road—John Black, ss. .Id. per chain. No. 62—Supply of metal, at per yard, for portions of same road— James Gardiner, Is. per yard. No. 63 Re-forming portions of Alford Forest road —Donald Forbes, 3s. lOd. per chain. No. 64—Clearing ditches, etc., Hinds Swamp roads—John Baker, 2s. 3d. per chain. The meeting was a special one to consider ten ders for the above works, and after these had been disposed of, it was decided to call for tenders for widening the Alford Forest road, near Corbett’s, at the place known as the Narrows. Drunk in a Railway Carriage.— John Angel was brought before Mr. Guinness this morning, charged with being drunk in a railway carriage, and refusing to leave when requested to do so by the station master. Mr. Pilkington gave evidence to the effect that Angel had applied at the ticket office for a ticket, but had been refused on account of his being intoxi cated. One of his mates, however, had obtained a ticket for him, and had managed, while he (Mr. Pilkington) was engaged elsewhere, to get Angel into the train. The stationmaster found him lying in one of the carriages, and on re questing the offender to quit he had refused, and his mates had tried at the same time to detain him. For his un angelic conduct his Worship fined the offender L2, 20s. for being drunk in a railway carriage, and 20s. for neglecting to leave when ordered to do so by the stationmaster. His Worship told the prisoner he ought to be very grateful to Mr. Pilkington for not allowing him to travel while in such an intoxicated state, in which state no doubt his life was in danger.

Serious Accident. —This forenoon, during the strong gale that was blowing, the brick gable of Mr. Lancaster’s slaughter-house was blown in, and the debris falling upon Mr. Lancaster and one of his men, some severe injures were in flicted upon them. Both are a good deal cut about the head, and badly bruised otherwise. A medical man was at once called and attended to the wounds, which, though severe, are not dangerous. A Precise Witness. —Mr. Alfred Harrison, in the course of his evidence in a case this morning, in which he was the defendant, detailed a conversation which he had with the plaintiff, and in his anxiety to give a correct account of what took place, endeavored, in a somewhat amusing style, to imitate the voice and style of the plaintiff, upon which Mr. O’Reilly reminded Mr. Harrison that he was not in a theatre, the former evidently forgetting that though no tragedy is en acted in our Court, comedy is not always absent.

Social Gathering. —A gathering of a very/ interesting character was held last evening in the premises of Messrs. T. R. Hodder and Company, on the occasion of Miss Smith, the forewoman of the dress making department, vacating her position in the establishment, to enter the more attractive and congenial state of matri monial life. The affair was got up at the sole expense and trouble of Mr. Hodder, who is noted for his endeavors to combine pleasure and recreation along with the more sterner engagements of business. The whole of the employees in the estab lishment- were present, and they also were not behindhand in their expressions of good-will towards the lady ivhose com pany they were so soon to lose. The evening was spent in the enjoyment of various recreations, in which singing and music formed no inconsiderable part, the piano being presided over by the Misses Hodder, who, along with Mrs. Hodder and other members of the family, were present. During the evening, Mr. Ruskin, on behalf of the employees, in an appropriate and pleasing speech, pre sented Miss Smith with a handsome writing desk, Mr. Macfarlane responding on behalf of the lady. We have the more pleasure in recording this very in teresting gathering, inasmuch as such events in connection with business firms are so rare.

A Hard Case. —A very respectable looking man was charged at the R.M. Court this morning with being drunk and disorderly. Constable Smart said that about one o’clock this morning the prisoner had accosted him in East street, and re quested to be locked up, and as he was apparently intoxicated lie had complied with his request. Prisoner stated in defence that he had walked from Long beach yesterday, and arrived in Ashburton late in the evening. He had no money, and had sought a night’s lodging at various boarding-houses, but had been refused. As it was a bitterly cold night, he had asked the police if they could get a night’s lodging for him, which they had tried to do, but without success. He then re quested them to lock him up for the night, upon which he was told that such a course could not be followed unless he was arrested for drunkenness, which they im mediately did. Prisoner stated that not a drop of liquor had passed his lips yester day, and if his Worship would let him off, promised to make tracks for his home in Christchurch forthwith. The man’s state ment bore evidence of sincerity, but Mr. Guinness mulct him in a sum of ss. or 24 hours imprisonment.

Resident Magistrates’ Court.

Friday, May 18. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) UNSERVED SUMMONSES.

Passmore v. Johnson. In this case there was a difficulty in serving the sum mons, and Mr. Purnell obtained an en largement of the summons until the 4th J une. Hewitt v. Bates and Baldwin. One of the defendants in this case had gone to Wellington, and Mr. Purnell asked for house service, and an enlargement of the summons for a fortnight. His Worship granted the application ; but an application for costs by Mr. O’Reilly in behalf of Baldwin who had appeared several times already to go on with the case, was refused. THE BAILIFF CASE. Meehan v. Friedlander. His Worship said the case had been entered up as “ case dismissed,” whereas it should have been “ judgment for the defendant.” On that occasion Mr. O’Reilly had asked that it should be altered to “ plaintiff non suited.” The case had been adjourned to allow of the point being argued. Mr. O’Reilly argued that if his Wor ship had power to alter the judgment in the first instance, it was quite competent for him to alter the judgment to ‘‘defend ant nonsuited. ” And if it was wrong for his Worship so to do, it would be a better course to allow the judgment to stand as it was —as “case dismissed.” Mr. O’Reilly contended that his Worship had done a very unfair thing. Mr. Purnell pointed out that Mr. O’Reilly had not given any authority as to the application put in. Mr. O’Reilly relied only on the dilemma in which his Worship was placed. If there was wrongfulness in the alteration of the judgment in the first instance, it would be equally wrong to make any further alteration. If the action was right, it would be equally proper to alter it again. His Worship asked the Clerk of the Court what was the judgment entered up, and Mr. Hurrell. stated that it was entered up as “judgmentfor defendant.” Mr. O’Reilly’s application was refused. A BOARDING HOUSE BILL. Lucas v. Heyland. Judgment sum mons for L2 7s. 6d. Plaintiff said he knew that defendant hadhounds, and from the fact of the defen dant being frequently intoxicated, he cal culated he had the means to pay. The debtor was living at Baldwin’s Hotel ; he must be paying his way there. The debtor had neglected to pay the money. The defendant stated that he was not in a position to pay, nor had he any means whereby he could discharge the claim. He had to receive money from Friedlander Bros, and from Mr. Hayes, at Waimate. His Worship made an order that such an amount of Mr. Friedlander’s debt as would discharge the claim of plaintiff should be given. A DISPUTED LEASE. Stokes v. Nealas.—Mr. O’Reilly for defendant. This was an action to recover i a claim of LlO, being 13 weeks good will of '

the lease of a shop and fixtures held of plaintiff by defendant. L 3 had been paid but the agreement had been lost, and though searched for could not be found. Under the agreement, plaintiff said, Mr. Nealas was to pay L 5 for the shop fixtures and ss. a week for the goodwill of the lease. Mr. Nealas had paid L 3, but had bluntly refused to pay any more. Alex. Buiclc was present when the agreement was made, and knew its con tents. Wrote the document, which was signed by both Stokes and Nealas. A verbal agreement was made that the ss. a week be paid to Mr. Bullock to liquidate a claim he had on plaintiff. The money has not been paid to me. Mr. Stokes explained that he had simply placed the matter in Mr. Bullock’s hands for collection, he being a general agent. Mr. Nealas admitted an agreement, but said that under it Mr, Stokes was to leave the premises on a certain date, and had not done so. That portion of the agree ment broken, lie considered the whole in valid. A subsequent agreement had been made with Mr. Bullock, under which L 3 had been paid. Plaintiff was non-suited, on the ground that the suit should have been brought by Mr. Bullock. Costs, LI Is. A VAGRANT PLOUGH. Stokes v. Harrison.—Claim, L 6, for value of a plough. In this case one Kennedy was a tenant of Mr. Stokes, who distrained a plough which was on the land, taking it to Mr. Harrison’s yard in mistake for Mr. Buchanan’s. Mr. Har rison, on Stokes discovering the mistake, refused to. give up the plough, as Stokes did not give him satisfactory evidence, that the plough was his own. S. Stokes deponed that lie bad found a double-furrow plough on land which he had let to John Kennedy, in tli9 Waka nui road. A half-year’s rent, amounting to LlO, was due. Kennedy had left the district, and I distrained the plough for rent. Took the plough to Harrison’s in mistake for Buchanan. When I found out my mistake I asked Harrison to allow me to take it away. He asked me if the plough was mine. I said it was “ mine in a measure.” He presumed I should not want a plough, being a tailor, but I told him I owned 80 acres of land, and he said he did not know that. He then asked how I had got the plough, and I told him that I had distrained it. He then said he could not admit the claim, but afterwards told me I could have it. I went to dinner, and when I returned for the plough Har rison told me that a party had been and claimed the plough, and I could not have it. Mr. O’Reilly washed to alter the sum mons to make the action one for deten tion, to which Mr. Purnell objected, but was quite willing to test the case on its merits.

His Worship decided that if the sum mons were amended it would alter the cause of action altogether.

Mr. Purnell here consented to the alteration so as to cause the plough to be returned, or its value paid to Stokes. Mr. Purnell called

S. Stokes, who said that rent w r as not due till the 17th instant. Witness admitted seizing .the plough before the rent -was due.

Mr. Purnell—Stop. Witness—Sit down, sir ; sit doAvn. Mr. Purnell characterised the conduct of Avitness as impertinent. His Worship ordered' witness to be silent.

Witness continued—l took the plough to Harrison’s at nine o’clock at night. My son Henry Avas Avith me. I know a man named Evans, and remember him telling me that a plough he lent to Kennedy had been taken away. I did not tell him I had taken it. I think Orr and Co. are Evans’ trustees. The first time I spoke to Mr, Harrison I told him the plough was mine in a measure.

Mr. Purnell remarked that it Avould have been better had Mr. Stokes made a plain statement of facts to Mr. Harrison. Alfred Harrison, SAvorn, said —1 found a plough in my yard. Mr. Stokes came and told me he put it there in a mistake. He said it Avas his ‘‘in a sort of w r ay.” I I told him that unless he, ! could prove ownership he Avould have to go aAvay Avifch out it. I refused the plough, because I Avished the proper owner to get it. At a laterperiod of the day Stokes came and told me the plough w.tshis. I remarked upon the strangeness of his not saying so before at once. In the interim I had seen Mr. Evans, who said the plough Avas the pro perty of Mr. Davis, at Waterton, from whom he had borroAved it. I slioAved him the plough Avhich Stokes claimed, and he identified it as Davis’s plough. When Stokes came back I told him Avhat had transpired, and refused to give up the plough. He said he Avould sue me, I told him if he did not clear out, I Avould pur sue him. I value the plough at 50s. at the outside.

By Mr. O’Reilly—l refused to deliver up the plough because Stokes could not prove OAvnersliip. In consequence of the owner claiming it, I Avould not allow the plough to go. EA r ans claimed it on behalf of one Davis. The plough Avas not left at my place in the ordinary Avay. This plough Avas not entered in my books for sale.

David Evans—l saAV a plough at Mr. Harrison’s, and recognised the plough as one Avhich I had borrowed last winter. I knew the plough by certain marks on it. There Avere certain parts of the castings cut off. It belongs to Mr. Davis, of Waterton. Mr. Kennedy, Stokes’ tenant, borroAved the plough from me, but did not return it. The first time I saAV the plough was at the Ashton.

By Mr. O’Reilly—No one told me the plough was there. It is about six weeks since I lent the plough to Kennedy. It is about twelve months since Davis lent it to me. I made an arrangement with my creditors before borrowing the plough. Mr. Purnell submitted that judgment must be given for defendant. The plough was not Stokes’ property, and he had seized it before the rent was due, which did not accrue till the 17th May. Mr. O’Reilly argued that the plough came into Harrison’s possession by mis take. He should have delivei'ed it up on demand. Even supposing that Stokes held the plough illegally, that would been sufficient for Harrison to have returned it. Mr. O’Reilly cited cases. Mr. Stokes was entitled to distress any property which was on the land. Mr. Harrison had no right to detain the plough, it having been left there in mistake for Mr. Buchanan’s.

His Worship reserved judgment till afternoon, when he found for defendant, with costs.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night in the Council Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor (presiding), Messrs. Bullock, Friedlander, Saunders, Parkin, Williamson, Robinson, Orr, and St. Hill mayor’s statement.

His Worship the Mayor, in a brief speech, reviewed the matters which would come before the Council that evening, and remai’ked that it was a great pleasure for him, for the first time during his term of office, to report a credit balance at the bank. The Council had now to its credit the sum of L 343 2s. lid. The amount which had been received from the Wakanui Road Board was on the distinct understanding that if the grant were found to be illegal the amount should be refunded, but such a contingency was not contemplated. PLANTING. A letter was read from Mr. Rowney, offering to do the work of planting re quired by the Borough at current rates. Referred to the Planting Committee. A NUISANCE. Messrs. Mutch and M‘Kenzie wrote, drawing attention to an offensive nuisance which existed near their premises in East street, and trusting, as the cost would be trifling, that the Council would see its way to remove the cause of offence. Referred to the Foreman of Works. FOOTBRIDGE. Mr. Geo. West, asked permission to erect a footbridge in Burnett street. Granted, subject to the approval of the Engineers. THE SCAVENGER, Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry, and Co. wrote, complaining of the neglect of the Borough Scavenger to remove night soil from their premises. With reference to this complaint, Mr. Gale, the scavenger, also wrote, defending himself from any blame which might attach to him on this account. Through the conduct of one of his employees and his horse bolting, breaking the dray, and doing other damage, some work had been neglected ; but it was unavoidable, through the causes stated. The Clerk was instructed to write to the scavenger, in forming him that complaints had been made, and trusting that the Council would hear no more of a like nature. THE EIRE BRIGADE DEPUTATION. A deputation from the Fire Brigade, consisting of Messrs Wilkie, Dolman, and Bradley, interviewed the Council with reference to a promise “which the Council had made to pay for uniforms for the Brigade. Mr. Wilkie read a statement of the accounts of the Brigade since February, 1879, which showed the expenditure to have been L 135 11s. __ 5d., and the receipts L 165 15s. The actual balance in hand was Ll 4 15s. 4d., against which they had a liability for L3B. Mr. Wilkie drew the attention of the Council to a resolution which had been passed by that body in November, 1878, accepting the services of the Brigade, and at the same time grant ing a subsidy of LSO a year, and appoint a committee to procure uniforms for the Brigade’s members. On the strength of this resolution the Brigade had ordered uniforms from England, and out of con sideration for the impecunious state of the Borough’s finances, had hitherto refrained from putting in their claim for the cost of uniforms, but now that the Council were in funds, they felt more confidence in interviewing them. Mr. St. Hill wished to know whether 355. per man was not a large figure for a helmet, which might be burnt to a cinder at the first fire.

Mr. Dolman replied that the reason such an ax>parently exorbitant x>rice was being paid, was to obtain what was needed, namely, fireqiroof helmets. His Worship said that certainly the amount of L 25 was due to the Bi'igade for the uniforms, but he thought the Brigade might have seen the Council before send ing Home for them. Mr. Wilkie replied that the Brigade was a long-suffering body, and had waited patiently for action on the part of the committee which had been appointed by the Council to procure the uniforms ; but as no assistance came from that committee they had had to enter into negotiations themselves.

His Worship thought the deputation would be wise in leaving the matter in the hands of the Council, and although no thing could be decided just now, there was little fear but that the Council would deal liberally with the Brigade. The deputation then withdrew. THE GAS FITTINGS.

The Mayor referred to the question of gas fittings for the Council Chamber, and it was decided that che Clerk write to the local gas fitters inviting tenders for the work, and that Messrs. St. Hill and Friedlander be appointed to accept ten ders. NUISANCES. The Inspector of Nuisances reported that he had visited the back premises of several of the places of business in the borough. They were in a most filthy con dition through the neglect of the Scaven ger, and the Inspector asked for instruc tions if this state of things continued. The Clerk was ordered to make the scavenger acquainted with the complaints referred to. THE L 5,000 GRANT. His Worship stated that in a private conversation with the Chairman of the County Council, Mr. Walker had ex pressed his opinion that the balance of the L 5,000 grant could be utilized for pur poses of channelling. engineers’ refort. The Engineers reported as follows : Water Supply. —The contractor has ex ceeded the time stated in the specification for the completion of this contract, but as the time (one month) was specified on the probability of the three several contracts being carried on by separate contractors at the same time, we consider that Mr. Wilkie having taken the whole work, may fairly be allowed a reasonable extension of time. The greater portion of the work has been done and satisfactorily.

We have had several culverts made and fixed, and the side channel in West street altered and deepened to the necessary levels for the overflow, and for this pur pose obtained the necessary timber and have taken on one carpenter and two labourers.

Shingling East and Tancred streets. — Before depositing the shingle on East and Tancred streets, we recommend that the

present surface to the width of 16 feet to 20 feet be picked up or scored. Gully, N. W. Town Belt. —According to instructions we have examined the gully crossing Cox street, and estimate that a crossing may be made at a cost of about five pounds. Immigration Cottages. —The Overseer has requested us to report that one of the cottages on the N. W. Town Belt is in a very dilapidated condition. The whole of the glass in the windows is broken. The paling roof is very defective ; the chimney requires pointing and repairing, and there are no fastenings on the doors. Several of the chimneys to other houses on this block are defective. Mr. Saunders said that the. Engineers’ had neglected to state why Mr. Wilkie re quired the extension of time to complete the contract.

Mr. Foolcs understood that Mr. Wilkie would have been there himself to make the application for the extension of time, but he thought that perhaps Mr. Wilkie had not put as many men on the work as were necessary.

Mr. Saunders had been given to under stand from Mr. Wilkie that he had really too many men on the job, but that he could not keep them going through not receiving the necessary plans from the Engineer. Mr. Fooks denied this in toto, and said that all the plans had been supplied with the exception of those for the intake ; and the drawings for this portion could be given at two hours’ notice if required, but they were useless to Mr. Wilkie until he could get cement to go oh with the job

Several Councillors corroborated what had fallen from Mr. Saunders, and a lively scene was approaching when His Worship drew the attention of members to the business in hand, remark- „ ing that it was only right to take the re port of their own officer. Mr. Saunders said the only reason he had for mentioning the matter was, that “ someone had blundered,” and it was only right that when blame was to be given, the person who de’served it should receive it. An extension of time was granted to the contractor. The portion of the Engineers’ report re lating to the gully on the N.W. Town Belt and the immigration cottages, was referred to the Works Committee. THE BYE-LAWS. It was resolved to hold a special meet ing, in compliance with the requirements of the Municipal Corporations Act, to consider and adopt the bye-laws which had been advertised ; the meeting to be held on Tuesday, 25th inst. THE WATER PIPES. Mr. Saunders, in accordance with his notice of motion, thought it would be well to refer this matter to a committee. The mat ter had been fully discussed, both by the County Council and the Borough Council, and it was not necessary to go into the matter at any length. There was a deal of money lying idle in these pipes, and it would be far better to have the money in use. The pipes could be sold at a great profit now, and there was a possibility of the xwice of iron getting low at a future time, when, if they felt disposed to enter into a more extensive scheme of water supply than that now in course of construc tion, it would be quite competent for the Council to again negotiate for a further siqqfly. He would propose that the Mayor, and Messrs. St. Hill, Bullock, and the mover, be a Committee to consider the advisableness of disposing of the the water qfipes, and to report at next meeting. Mr. Parkin seconded the motion.

Mr. Bullock did not wish to oppose the appointment of the Committee, but thought there was little use in bucli an ap pointment. The water supply scheme which they were now entering into had yet to be tested, and it would be unwise to disxiose of the x>ipes until it was certain they could be done without. It was also an undecided question whether the money realised from the sale could be used for any other purjiose than that for which it was first intended. Mr. St. Hill said that the Council was not lodged to any particular scheme, and he had very little doubt in his own mind as to the success of the x>resent undertaking; and if it was a cheax>er scheme than was at first contemplated, surely if anyone reaped any pecuniary benefit from it the Council should.

The Mayor said that the Chairman of the County Council and himself were not agreed as to the disposal of the profit which might accrue from the sale of the pipes, but it would be a matter upon which the Committee would have to report. The motion was carried. THE DISPUTED DEED. A letter from Saunders Bros., held over from last meeting, referring to the deed of of easement, the conditions of which did not meet with the approval of their solici tor, was read. Mr. Saunders said the letter required a little explanation. All that the firm of Saunders Bros. required was that in case of a scarcity of water in the mill race, they should have a preferential claim to it. Mr. Robinson did not see the use of cutting drains and going to the expense they were doing if Saunders Bros, could at any time divert the water to their own use, to the exclusion of what was required by the Council. Mr. St. Hill thought that all the firm wanted was that if there should be at any time not sufficient water botii to drive the mill and flood the side channels, Saunders Bros, were to have a preferential claim to the water. His Worship thought the claim of Saunders Bros, was very reasonable. It was resolved that the Borough Solicitor be instructed to prepare a deed to be approved of by the solicitor of Messrs. Saunders Bros. THE FIRE BRIGADE GRANT. Mr. Bullock moved, and Mr. St. Hill seconded—“ That the sum of L 25 be voted to the Fire Brigade for the pur chase of uniforms.” Carried. HONORARIUM TO THE AUDITORS. On the motion of Mr. Bullock, seconded by Mr. Friedlander, it was de cided the auditoi’s receive remuneration at jjthe rate of two guineas each for each balance-sheet. An amendment by Mr. St, Hill that the amount be one guinea, failed to find a seconder, and the motion was carried. SIDE CHANNELLING. His Worship thought it was necessary that tenders should be called for at once for the concrete channelling. The con tractor would finish his work at bringing

the water into the township in a very short time, and for this reason he thought there should be no delay in getting the side channels in preparation. After a lengthened conversation, it was proposed by Mr. Bullock, seconded by Mr Williamson, that the Council call for tenders for 100 to 200 casks cement, to be delivered at the Ashburton railway station. —Carried. On the mention of Mr. St. Hill, seconded by Mr. Bullock, the Engineer was instructed to call for tenders for channelling East street and Burnett street East—labor only. It was also decided that the Engineer be instructed to call for tenders for the timber required for the drainage. printing. ' v It was resolved— “ That the annual balance-sheet be printed and circulated amongst the various Borough Councils in Canterbury.” TENDERS. There being only one tender sent on for the supply of timber it was resolved to call for fresh tenders. There were only two tenders for the formation of Burnett street, W. J. Silcock, L2l; James Wilkie, Ll 5 Is. The latter tender was ac cepted. ACCOUNTS to the amount of L 33 18s. 3d. were passed for payment, as also the pay-sheet L2O 17s. 6d., after which the Council ad journed.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) The Markets. London, May 14. At the wool sales merino fleece and merino lambs’ wools were unchanged, but cross-breds are to 3d. lower compared with the previous sales. New Zealand wheat, 425. c.f.i.; 50s. ex ship. The Merchants’ Shipping and Under writers’ Association report the • arrival of the Lurline, which left Napier on Jan. 24. The Albanian Secession. Constantinople, May 17. In consequence of Albania having issued a proclamation of independence communications have been exchanged between the Great Powers, and their am bassadors have consequently demanded the dispatch of Turkish troops to surround the Albanian districts. The Great Powers will in no way countenance the indepen dence of that province. (Special to the Sydney Herald.) The Trade Outlook. London, May 6. Owing to the slate of the weather,. and also the foreign political outlook and un certain harvest prospects, the improve ment in trade which existed in February has gradually waned, and trade is not likely to rally till harvest. Iron and steel have fallen nearly 30 per cent. Hamburg’s Proposed Inclusion in the Zollverein. A telegram to the Daily News states that Bavaria supports Hamburg in her protest against the proposed inclusion of the latter in the German Zollverein. It is believed the German Reichstag will re ject the proposal. London, May 8. There is increasing excitement in Ham burg in reference to the proposal to in clude the city in fthe Zollverein, and the Daily News says a coolness has arisen be tween Prussia and Bavaria on the subject. The Melbourne Exhibition. Sir Cunliffe Owen will represent the Royal Commission at the Melbourne Ex hibition. The commission will give L2OOO worth of fine arts exhibits if Melbourne will return Home free the Sydney collection, after the Melbourne Exhibition is over. A Railway from Queensland to Port Darwin. A powerful syndicate has offered to con struct the railway connecting the Queens land lines with Port Darwin on condition that they receive a land grant of 8000 acres per mile. Queensland Mails and Immigration. The Hon. Thomas M’llraith has made a contract with the British India Company for the conveyance of mails and emigrants from London to Queensland. It is to be a through service, calling at Suez, Colombo, and Batavia. The first steamer starts in October. Indian Finance.

London, May 10. It is now conclusively proved that the Indian Government only informed the Cabinet of the deficit in the revenue when the. elections in England were nearly over. The Standard says it is intended to send a Financial Commission to inquire into the state of the Indian finance. The Albanians. The Albanians have declared themselves independent.

London, May 11. Turkish troops have joined the Al banians. The Daily Telegraph states that Russia proposes to Italy to intervene on behalf of Albania.

(Sydney Evening JVezus Special.) The Tichborne Claimant. London, May 6. The appeal to the Lord Justices whether the Judge who sentenced the Claimant had power to make the two sentences con secutive has been heard and adjourned. The Iron Strike. The strike of the ironworkers is sub siding. Accident to the Duke of Connaught. May 7. The Duke of Connaught met with a rather painful accident while out for a drive. The carriage upset and the occu pants were thrown out. The Duke was ... bruised about the face, arms, and legs. . ? No bones were broken. Mr. Gladstone’s Attack on Austria.

The statement made by the Hon. W. E. Gladstone, in an electioneering speech, that the Emperor of Austria had expressed anxiety that the English elec tors would vote for the Conservative party, created a considerable amount of disscussion in the Austrian press and of ficial circles. The Emperor is understood to have attached no importance what ever to the reported utterance, but through the representations of Sir

Tuesday, Ma\ iB, 1880.1

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



Miscellaneous GHRISTMAS Humber Young Ladies’ Journal, London Journal, Family Herald, Family Reader, Boys’ Standard, &c. Just arrived. H. M. Jones, Sta tioner, Baring Square. QiERVANTS requiring situations, call £3 and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is. TT7" AH TED—A General SERVANT. V V Good references required. .Apply to Mrs. R. Friedlander, Tancred street. 461 c WANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g—417c "07ANTED KNOWN—That Money can YY be saved by purchasing your Sta monery and Account Books, for cash, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” Whole tale Stationery Dep6t, Saunders’ Build ings, near Station. TT/'ANTED—SITUATIONS for a few * * good Housemaids and General Servants. Apply, Herald Registry. 467 c WANTED, a General SERVANT. Apply at once to Guardian office or to Mrs. M'Kellar Wix, St. Leonards, Sea field. 470c-865g OFFICE and Pocket Diaries for 1880 H. M. Jones, Stationer, Baring Square. /NHINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar \y rived, New Edition H. M. Jones, aring Square. PI A AAA -TO LEND, in sums to oulUjUvu suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-835g RCHOOL Requisites and Artist M ite rials. H. M. JONES, Scatio ier, Baring Snuare. OST— TEN YOUNG PIGS, just weaned. Anyone giving R. Lan caster their whereabouts will be re warded. Anyone detaining the same after this notice will be prosecuted. 451 c TO LET—A Five-roomed HOUSE, with 5 acre Garden, Princes Street. Rent 11s. a week. Apply office of this paper. 858g-473c TO LET. SIX-ROOMED COTTAGE, with half acre Garden, East Belt. Apply, 441 c ORR & CO. UNITY DEGREE TEMPLE. OWING to the inclemency of the • weather, the usual Monthly Meet ing of the Unity Degree Temple was not held last evening. The POSTPONED meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY next, in the Tem plar Hall, at 8 p. m. GEO. F. HENRY, 457 e " D. S. ASHBURTON GAS, COAL, AND COKE COMPANY, LIMITED. An adjourned meeting of shareholders will take place on WEDNESDAY, the 26th inst., at the Library Hall, at 2 p.m., to confirm reso lutions passed at the extraordinary general meeting held on -the 26th ultimo. J. WARD, Secretary. 474 c