SHIPPING.

[by telegraph.]

\ Port of Lyttelton, Thursday, 2.50 Arrived Taiaroa, from Nelson and Wellington. / ' ; - j

COMMERCIAL.

> [by telegraph.j Wellington, June 2.; Messrs. Laery and Campbell report as follows :—Onions, L3 .10s. to L 4; oatmeal, 10s. ; pollard L 5 to Lo ss. ; flour, in 1001 b. bags, Ll2 ; bacon and hams, lOd. to Is.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails arrive at -the' Ashburton Pest Office ' ■ . ' ' . ...» From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m: daily.. r-Jam From Chertsey,. Rakaia, &c. at 10.30 a.m. daily:’ 7 1 1 (J - : ‘ • . From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. dailyP- ‘ Frem- Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a. m. and 5.'25'p.m. daily. From 'Greehstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and. Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From- Ashton, Waterton, and Long heach.at 10 a. in. daily. From .Wakanui- and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

<- Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :—-

For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m.yand 5 p.m., daily. For v 'Ghertsey Rakaia. &c., at 9 a.m. and 5-p.ni.-daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. For Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and 10.15 a. m. daily. For;'i Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton- Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a. m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 1880.

Christchurch City Auditors. Neil, Black, and William Jame son were the successful candidates for the position of auditors for the City of Christchurch. 1 ■ Personal.— Mr. Max Friedlander, who is about to pay a.visit to the “Fader land,” left by/ the express this morning. Several friends and acquaintances were at the railway station to wish him a pleasant jouriißy ’ and speedy return, it being under -Btood y that Max does not intend to prolong his travels beyond a few months.

Unclaimed Letters. —The following ai'e the accumulations during the month of April of letters from beyond the colony that still lie unclaimed at the Ash burton Post Office : —Thomas Armstrong, Win. H. Bennetts, Miss Joyce Bloom field, Win. Bryans, Patrick Collins, Henry Dysart, John Firth, James Gib son, Hugh,, Goodin, Kingett and Co., Michael O’Sullivan, Wm. Plumpton, Michael] Quirk, Wm. Knox Rennie, John N. Valpy, John Westwaj. Alfred Williams. /

Death of Mr. Hankins.;— Mr. 2Wil liam. Hankins, the jockey, who met with an accident at the last Grand National Meeting, died at the hospital last evening at about half-past six o’clock. Since entering the hospital he had gradually got worse from injuries he received by the fall, and it became evident that he could not survive the shock. An inquest will be held this afternoon. -The deceased was well known to a large circle of per sons interested in sporting. He had many friends, by . whom he was held in high esteem, and who will sincerely de plore the loss they have sustained.— Press.

W atm ate Steeplechases. —The Wai mate Steeplechases, which were.held yes terday, were a great success, about 1,500 people being present; the weather was all that could be desired, and the racing, in some instances being most exciting. Grey Momus secured the; Handicap, but was closely pressed by Ivahhoe at. the finish. Mr. Clifford’s Clarence Avon the Maiden. During this race Mr. M‘lvor, who . was piloting Stella, came to grief, and it is doubtful whether the injuries he received will not prove fatal, his collar-bone, arm. and several ribs being broken, and his back injured; Much amusement was created during the running of the Hack race, one steed laying down and refusing to proceed, and only one animal, Mr. Corcoran’s The Colt, which won easily, negotiating the fences in anything like a satisfactory manner. The County Steeple chase Cup fell to Mr. Mackay’s Shellelagh, Little John coming in first for +he Con solation Stakes. The Town Hall Alterations. —The alterations |in the Town Hall have now almost been completed, the painters having made excellent work of their part of them, and the carpenters have behaved equally well. For the entertainment to morrow the dress circle will be nicely and comfortably arranged, and from its posi tion, those occupying it will have really the best place in the hall, both for hearing and seeing, while its complete isolation from the rest of the building, whereby all crush must be avoided, ought to make it much sought after. It has a special en trance all to itself, and the crowding that usually takes place in the hall below when tickets are being purchased is thus got rid of. Below stairs, under the dress circle, a temporary gallery has been erected, where the “ gods” can range themselves. It may not be the very finest kind of gallery that ever was erected ; but it is very strong, and will give, in addition to a scat, a “ coign of vantage” to those who have hitherto had to enjoy entertainments in the hall standing a weary couple of hours on their feet. All these novelties, added to the attractions of Friday night, ought to fill the house.

UPPER* .fIC&REURXOiS -AX> UVJin.Jj.~- —Tile ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held on Tuesday, Ist inst. Present -—Messrs. Donald M'Lean (Chairman), M. Stitt, and H. Poole. The Surveyor’s report was read and considered. Tenders were then opened, and resulted as fol lows : —No. 59—James Gardiner, LIC6 30s. ; No. 66 —Charles Shepherd, Ll 9. An informality existing in No. 67, the Overseer was instructed to see it rectified. A petition from Wm. Stalker and six others was read, asking for a bridge over Shepherd’s Brook, through Reserve 350. The clerk stated that this petition had been considered on Monday, the 17th ultimo, and that the Board had instructed him to call for tenders for the work which had just then been opened. Apostcardfrom C. Wentworth Coolison,ClerktotheMount Somers Road Board, re boundary road, from A. Thompson’s to Bynhurst railway station, was ordered to be acknowledged. Mr. Stitt mentioned that the Board’s stabling accommodation was quite inade quate for members, and the public visit ing The clerk was instructed to call for tenders for a five stall stable. He was also instructed to call for tenders for the formation of roads near the Hinds. Ac counts were then passed, and the Board adjourned.

Social Tea Meeting. —ln accordance with the usual custom, the Primitive Methodist congregation held their quar terly tea meeting last evening. This meeting is held once a quarter, for the purpose of getting the members of the congregation together, and after partak ing of “ the cup which cheers, but not inebriates,” discussing matters of interest in connection with the Church. These re-uuions have generally proved success ful, and the meeting of last night was no exception to the rule. The commissariat was under the charge of Mr. Thomas Taylor, and his usually satisfactory efforts to please liis patrons were on this occasion amply rewarded by the commendatory re marks passed by the visitors present. At the after meeting, Mr. Isaac Scott pre sided, the pastor of the church, the Rev. A. J. Smith, being somewhat indisposed, but was able, however, during the even ing to add to the pleasure and interest of the meeting by making a few homely re marks. ’ Short addresses were delivered by Messrs. Stokes, Bevan, W. Smith, Puddicombe, Maidens, and Bill, and at intervals the choir discoursed several melodies of an appropriate description. The statement of accounts was very satis factory, showing an income for the quarter of L4O 125., which, however, left a defi ciency of Ll 5, but this is accounted for by the season of depression which we have heard so much about for the past few months. It was decided during the business meeting to have a circuit plan and balance-sheet printed in future. Holloway’s Pills. —The extraordinary range of temperature prevailing in our climate is extremely irying to the delicate-chested, the weak and nervous. All troubled by these afflictions should resolve to resort to the strengthening and legulating medicine immedi ately they perceive in themselves discomfort of that feeling of restlessness which betokens dis ordered digestion and defective secretion or bile. One of Holloway’s Pills taken about noon and followed at bed-time by a dose suffi ciently large to act apperiently will speedily recruit the faulty functions, and restore order throughout the whole system. A treatment so safe in operation and so successful in result should be known and practised when, from cold and. sundry other causes, disease is at tempting to gain a vexatious footing.—Apvg,

Malicious Mischief. -- On Tuesday evening, Mr. Baldwin, of the Central Hotel, was the victim of a most cowardly outrage. Shortly before six o’clock those in the bar were alarmed by the sound of a loud crash in the entrance hall, which was quickly succeeded by the entrance of a large stone through a pane of glass, doing in its ixissage a considerable amount of' damage—indeed it seems .astonishing that one missile propelled' by hand could have wrought so much mis chief. It broke two lamps] a large square of plate glass, two fancy barrels, and finished up by going for a bottle of Dun ville’s, but fortunately not striking any one, although, the barman had a very narrow escape. The affair has been placed in the hands of the police, and we trust the miscreant, whoever he may be, will soon be brought to book.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE IRISH RELIEF FUND.

To the ■ Editor.

Sir—l thank “ Subscriber,” who writes in your last issue, for calling attention to the Irish Relief Fund, inasmuch as his letter may possibly have the effect of stir ring up many of those interested in the matter who are now apathetic on the sub ject. So far as the present state of the fund is concerned, I may state for-his in formation that the money lies in the bank to the account of the Relief Fund, and the reason why it has not been forwarded is simply that all the subscription lists have not yet been sent in, notwith standing frequent appeals. They have been advertised for, they have been directly written for, and some even personally asked for. The latter are all in, but the others are not, and it was only three days ago that some of the lists that have been so long out came dribbling in. I have also received some of the money subscribed in the borough from Mr. O’Reilly. I may state for 11 Subscriber’s” informa tion that the Treasurer at least lias not gone to sleep, as he has repeatedly called meetings of the Committee, but these have invariably fallen through for want of a quorum to transact business. Perhaps, sir, you will allow me to again urge upon those who took charge of subscription sheets, and who have not returned them, to send them in at once, as I see from your mail summary that the distress in Ireland —in Galway at least—is as bad as ever, and that with a fall off in the subscriptions to face. The smallest contribution will be welcome in Ireland, now that the larger sums have been pretty well collected. The despatch of the money collected in this district, and the publication of the balance-street, are only delayed through the apathy of those who are keeping back the lists.—l am, &c., Hugo Friedlander, Treasurer.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Consols. London, June ! Tiucu per cent. Consols, ÜBg-. Brindisi Mail.

The mails via Brindisi, per Orient Com pany’s steamer Chimborazo, were delivered to-day.

The Australians.

The match between tbe Australians and eighteen gentlemen players of Keighley, Yorkshire, was commenced to-day. The weather was showery during the day. The home team went in first, and were dis posed of for 102 runs. The Australians went in, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had scored 56 runs for the loss of five wickets. More Trouble.

News has been received from Rangoon that, owing to the disaffected state into which Burmah has been plunged through the excesses of King Theebau) the whole country is now in open rebellion, but tbe outbreak is increasing, and has already extended to Mandala.y, where the British residents were formerly stationed. The Markets. Consols, 98J, ex div. Australian and New Zealand breadstuff's and Australian tallow are unchanged. At the wool sales to-clay, 11,800 bales were offered, making a total of 336,200 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale was steady. . Affairs. Bondon, June 2. During last night’s sitting of the House of Commons a question was put to the Premier with the object of ascertaining what steps Government had decided to take in regard to the Anglo-Turkish Con vention of 1878, by which the island of Cyprus was assigned to Great Britain, and Asia Minor was placed under British pro tection. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, said his Government intended to entrust the Colonial Office with the administration of Cyprus, and the same Department would see that reforms in Asiatic Turkey were vigorously prosecuted, in accordance with the terms of the Convention. Affairs in India.

In view of the rebellion which has broken out at Burmah, four conmpanies of British regiments, stationed at Rangoon, have been ordered to the frontier of the English territory to protect the lives and properties of the residents should they be in danger.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Reuter's Telegrams. J Skipping. Sydney, June 2, Arrived—Tararua, from Auckland. More Sticking-Up.

The Commercial Bank of Sydney at Quirindi has been robbed by four armed men, who were masked. The manager of the Bank was engaged feeding his horses at 10 p.m., when he was suddenly bailed up, and compelled to open the safe, from which BISS in gold was taken. The manager’s wife and sister were covered by the revolvers of the robbers while the money was being taken. The robbers departed at one o’clock in the morning. The clerk was absent on leave, and the police were engaged on country duty. Immigrants in Distress.

News has. been received via Soloman Islands that the foreign immigrants at New Ireland are in great distress and suf fering from fever, and ague, from which four deaths have already resulted. Forty

five of the party have removed to Duke of York Island. Six weeks after the party landed on New Ireland, only three were capable of exertion, the rest were prostrated with fever, and the severe ulcers peculiar to the island. They pos sessed no quinine, with which to allay their sufferings. Their supplies of pro visions, too, were quite insufficient, the Chanderhagore having sailed suddenly? after a dispute as to the leadership of the party-on shore, and left them without sufficient food.

U A ! Sporting.- Melbourne, June 2. The total entries for the Melbourne Cup are 110, and: for the’ Champion race 49. A Rise and Fall. From telegrams to hand,- it is under stood that Murdoch has superseded Boyle as captain of the Australian team. Those Kellys. ■ The party of police which left Benalla yesterday has arrivEcl at Beechworth, but has'seen nothing of the Kellys. Melbourne, June 3. Arrived—Rotorua, from the Bluff. Sporting.

Laycock, the well-known Sydney oars man, has gone to England by the Acon cagua. It is stated he is; desirous of meet ing Hanlon. •• ‘...'.j s.-: -

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.)

The Milkmen.

Auckland, June 2.

The police have made another raid on the milkmen. Since the last convictions most of the samples were up to the anar lyst’s standard—two above it. A Hard-Up Clerical. A man named McCormack, represented a 3 an Anglican minister, was arrested at an hotel on a charge o f vagrancy. Auckland, June 3. The so-called Rev. George Atkersburg, alias Cornoc 1 :, was charged this morning under the Vagrant Act, with imposing on private citizens by fraudulent representa tions with a view of obtaining money. Inspector Pardy said there were several charges of a kindred nature, including one of larceny as a bailee. Prisoner was remanded till Saturday. Inquest. Wellington, June 2. At the inquest this afternoon on the body of Stephen Sfcockbridge, a verdict of accidental death was returned. Supreme Court Gases. Invercargill, June 3.

There are nineteeu charges against eleven prisoners at the ensuing session of the Supreme C<mrt. Robert; Arnold, maliciously wounding ; Frederick Pres nell, larceny; Donald M‘Kay, Duncan Cameron, F. Wliiddon, Lauglilin, Rey nolds, arson ; F. J. King, wounding cattle ; 11. Hawkins, rape ; John Han boury, three charges of larceny from dwellings, and one from person ; William James, burglary; Louis Schenke, shoot ing with intent ; A. Cocks, manslaughter ; John Francis Collins, larceny from dwell ing ; Thomas Tibbetts, larceny-; Fook umng, cuFtnJg ancl svcunaiiig. The Unemployed.

Owing to the suspension of improve ments, many men in the building trade are out of work.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

BEGISBATIYE COUNCIL. Wednesday, June 2. The Begislative Council met at 2.30 p. m. QUESTION. Replying to the Hon. Captain Fraser, The Hon. F. Whitaker said that if con tractors under the Otago Harbor Board took contracts believing that the Govern ment would pay failing the Board doing so, they (the contractors) would make a mistake and would learn a lesson. The Government were under no obligation to assist the Otago Harbor Board. MOTIONS. On the motion of the Hon. N. Wilson, a Committee was appointed to co-operate with the Committee of the Bower House, enquiring into the state of the bankruptcy law, to report within a month. On the motion of the Hon. Colonel Whitmore, papers were ordered to be laid on tbe table re Major Kemp’s dismissal. On a. motion for a return, the Hon. Captain Fraser said he hoped Dr. S key would be appointed to supervise industrial schools. COMMITTEES. A number of sessional committees- were appointed. The Hon Captain Baillie was chosen Chairman of Committees. new bills. The following Bills, being part of the result of the revision of the Statutes Com mission, were read by message from the Governor:—Adulteration Bill, Aliens Bill, Cruelty to Animals Bill, Compensation for Accidents Bill, Animals Protection Bill, Building Societies’ Bill, Juries’ Bill, Marriage Bill, and Married Women’s pro perty Protection Bill. They are all con solidations of existing laws. ADDRESS IN REPLY. The HOll. Dr. Grace moved the Address in Reply in a brief speech, in which he expressed the hope that all parties would do their utmost to help the colony out of its difficulties. The Hon. G. R. Johnson seconded the Address. The Hon. Colonel Whitmore spoke at length on the Government policy, chiefly in its favor, especially as to native matters. He highly eulogised Mr, Bryce as the best Native Minister the colony has ever had. He criticised the Government finance, and said he would further their efforts to keep the colony out of its difficulties. Finance came before everything. Their house was on fire, which must be put out before abstract questions could be discussed. He opposed the withdrawal of subsidies, but would raise half the cost of education (in which there was gross extravagance, M.A.’s teaching boys the alphabet), by direct local taxation. The Hon. F. Whitaker briefly replied to Colonel Whitmore’s remarks and the Address was carried. FIRST READINGS. The following Bills were read a first time : —Wellington Racing Club ; Band Transfer Act Amendment; Cattle Tres pass and Pound Management; Fisheries Baw Amendment; Dividing Fences Law Amendment; Compulsory Registration of Dogs; Branding and Brands Registration. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, June 2. The House met at 2.30 p.m. notices of motion. Sir George Grey gave notice of a motion for reducing the salaries of Ministers. Mr. Gisborne gave notice of motion relative to the Agent-General’s recent contest for a seat in the Imperial Parliament. Sir George Grey gave notice that he . would move for a return of all correspondence relative to the discharge of the Maori prisoners from the Dunedin gaol. » ADDRESS IN REPLY. The House adjourned for a few minutes, and on resuming, The Speaker reported that the Address in Reply had been presented to the Go vernor.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of absence for one -week was granted to Mr. H. Hurst.

QUESTIONS.

Replying to questions, it was stated by Ministers that L 20.000 had been paid as succession money in the estate of W. B. Rhodes (deceased), but LIB,OOO had been refunded by order of the Supreme Court. Government did not intend to bring in an Education Act Amendment Bill. A sum of L4O had been provided for medical at tendance for the Wairoa District, East Coast, and if a medical man could be found willing to attend for the amount, an appointment would be made. The pro clamations in existence were considered sufficient for preventing the spread of pleuro-pneumonia from the North to the South Island. A circular had been sent to heads of departments, instructing them to distribute Government advertisements to papers independent of all questions of politics, and there was reason to believe the order had been obeyed. Government did not consider any subsidy to be due to the Hannah Mokau ; LI,OOO had been spent upon it by way of mortgage, and as the vessel was not likely to be able to per form the public service for which it was engaged, steps would be taken for the re covery of the mortgage by whatever means it could. The L 5,000,000 Loan had been

issued at 5 per cent., but the holders had the option of converting the debentures to 4 per cent, for the LIOO debentures ; at the latest dates 'LI, 160,000 had been con verted, and practically, when all was con verted, the loan would represent a debt of six millions. FIRST HEADINGS. The following Bills were introduced and read a first time Fire Brigades, Napier Church Trusts, Hospital and Chai’itable Institutions, and Drainage. CORRESPONDENCE. - On the motion of Sir George Grey, it was agreed that all correspondence between the Government and Messrs. Sheehan and Whitaker, relative to any lands, either native or Government, in the Patea dis trict, should be produced. COMMITTEES. Sessional Committees were then elected, add also a Committee to report upon the Bankruptcy Law Amendment Bill. SECOND READING. Tire - !Reg~ulcvfexcy*i E 1 o otions _Ei 11 ..was, read a second time, and the House ad journed at 4.40 p.m. until to-morrow.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton County Council was held in the County Chambers yesterday. There were present—Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chair man), Grigg, Cameron, Jackson, Bullock, and Coster. chairman’s statement. The Chairman read the usual summary of business done during the month and to be done at that meeting. He concluded his statement as follows :—I have for warded to Wellington the results of the papers which have been collected from the ratepayers in the water supply district as follows : Assents ... 106 acreage ... 66,498 Dissents ... 26 ~ ... 13,417 Neutrals ... 13 „ ... 2,879 Sixty ratepayers at that date had not for warded their papers. Some have since come in, and in much the same propor tion.

engineer’s report.

Wheatstone Main Drain.- —This drain, as contracted for by Messrs Cooper Brothers, is now complete, and Mr. Anderson is busy with the extension in that locality. Drainage near Belt's and Dcavson's Hoads. —Mr M‘Lauglilan lias finished his contract here, and the tenders which you authorised to be called for, for extending this drainage towards Osborne’s Road, will be laid before you to-day. Tinwald Drainage. —Tenders for main drain at Tinwald are also called for to day, and in connection with this it will be necessary before it is completed to clear several portions of the creeks which form the outfalls for this drain, as these are much too shallow and contracted in many places. This question was dealt with in my general report on the drainage of the district, and the expense is included in the estimate accompanying that report. Winchmore and Methven Drainage. — With the exception of Mr. Shepherd’s No. 5 contract, some portions of which are not satisfactory, the drainage work in that district is progressing favorably. Cooper Brothers have just commenced No. 1 contract, Mr. Boyle is well forward with No. 3 contract, and Devery and Prunty, at their present rate of progress, will have finished No. 4 in about three weeks.

Approaches to Taylor's Stream Bridge. — The works here have been much retarded lately by bad weather, but the earthwork is now nearly finished over the entire length, except at the lower end of No. 2 contract, where a considerable amount of embanking is still required for filling a deep gully there. As requested by the Council, I have arranged as to the im provement of the old road, near the upper end of No. 3 contract, and the contractor for the latter has undertaken the work.

Dam at Pudding Mill. —The contractor has as yet been unable to get in the foun dations of the dam. He has a large quantity of cement at Methven station, and has had a number of men engaged in preliminary work, diverting water, Ac., but this temporary work has been, in a great measure, frustrated by the freshets which have recently occurred in the river. North Ashburton River Bridge , Pudding Hill. —The contractors, Messrs. Thomas and Hill, are going energetically to work

at this bridge. They have got two pile driving machines in operation, and five or the piers are already in place. As might have been expected in so rough a channel, the process of pile driving is somewhat difficult, but so far the work has pro gressed satisfactorily, and the piles are driven to the specified depth. At South Ashburton Bridge , Mount. Somers. —Mr. Butt has made very satisfactory progress since the date of my last report. He has the trusses erected over nearly half the length of the bridge,-' and* the other work in connection with the super structure is also well advanced. .As this bridge is likely to be finished in about six weeks from this date, I would now ask authority for calling for tenders for the approaches against next meeting of Coun cil. _ ' . . • Floodwciter Drainage, Rakaia ana Mount Ilutt. —On further examination of these districts I do not see much reason to deviate from the principles of drainage proposed in the joint report. There is no doubt that considerable risk will be in curred by leading a large quantity of water in a concrete shoot over a terrace of such height, and of such a shingly nature as that at Barrhill : but there is no more favorable point of discharge unless the whole volume of water is to be led further down the plains, and dis charged at Rakaia. I observe the Mount Hutt Road Board .are recognising the utility of the principle of absorption by leading the read drainage at nearly equi distant points into the gravel pits, and by this means getting rid of nearly all the surface water arising after ordinary rains ; and, as the filter basin proposed near Methven might be expected to give a beneficial result, in proportion to the very much larger area of shingle proposed to be laid bare, I would recommend the adop tion of such a basin near the outlet of Patten’s creek on the site previously suggested, and I should think it advisable, in the meantime, to defer the works at Barrhill, until the action of said basin was fully tested. Indeed, it may be found that the adoption of two or three basins of a similar kind, placed on suitable sites and at proper intervals along the line of storm drainage, may obviate the necessity of discharging over the high terraces into the river by works tvliich, in the first place, would be more expensive, and the maintenance of which would cost more than it would take to keep the filtering basins in serviceable order. At any rate, seeing that floods, such as took place last season, are not of frequent occurrence, the alternative proposed may on that account be the more worthy of considera tion. It would be practicable in some places, to distribute the yolume of flood-water, in channels at varying distances apart, but as these would nearly all, at frequent intervals, discharge into the natural depressions which convey the flood water I do not think it would secure any good object to divert the water from its natural course.

Planting. Hirer Bed. —At those places where the Council have erected protective works, I have examined the course of the river for the purpose of considering the question of planting "with willows, and I estimate that a sum of L 45 might be pro fitably expended in this way, at the pre sent time over the various portions of the river to'which these works extend. Methven Pound. —The contractors have ordered the timber and are about to com mence the erection of this pound. Payments. —l have granted certificates of payment for various contract w r ork.

W. Baxter, 'County Engineer.

DRAIN A.GE. In the matter of drainage, the Engi neer was instructed to get written permis sion from each owner, through which drains have been constructed, and then proclaim these drains public drains under the Act. RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE. The Engineer was instructed to make the estimates of fencing required to the road in Ashburton. county to Rakaia Gorge Bridge, and forward the same to Selwyn County Council, asking their con sent to the work being done. He was also asked to examine as to the making of a temporary connection with the end of the road at the riverbed, and if it could be done for a small sum to let the work without delay. hood’s CROSSING BRIDGE. Tenders for an approach at this bridge were ordered to be called for. STORM WATER. The Engineer was ordered to call for tenders for a modified storm water filter ing basin on the South Rakaia plains as suggested in his report, the Chairman and the Engineer to see to the arrangements as to land. WILLOW PLANTING. On the paragraph regarding willow planting in the Engineer’s report, the Chairman said he w r as of opinion that if they were liberal in their planting of willows this winter, they would profit' further on by the quantity they put in. He thought they should plant as exten sively as possible. It v 7 as resolved that the Engineer pro ceed with the planting of willows at a cost of about L 45, the v r oi'k to be done by tender or otherwise. MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY. Mr. C. J. Wentworth Cookson, secre to the public meeting recently held in Mount Somers scliool-room, wrote, en closing copies of the resolutions then passed, and also a copy of the petition to the Minister for Public Works. The resolutions embodied a j)rotest against the rumored deviation of the line from the survey originally made by Mr. Tripliook, and one of them requested the County Council to use their best endeavors to have the line carried out according to Mr. -Tripliook’s survey. Mr. Jackson thought the two railways— Ashburton-Mount Somers and Rakaia-Ash burton Forks—w 7 ere a mistake as they now stood. They both ran, or were intended to run to Mount Somers, and thus two lines w 7 ould reach the latter place. By this arrangement a large extent of land betv 7 een the Hinds river and the Rangitata w r as left wholly without railway communi cation. He was of opinion that the Ashburton-Mount Somers railway should have been carried on to Mount Peel, and the Rakaia line carried on to Mount Somers. He thought if the County were to move in this matter at all they should recommend a deviation of the Mount Somers line to Mount Peel.

Mr. Bullock was not prepared to agree with the last speaker. The township of Ashburton would be the largest consumer

of all the produce that would be likely to come down either of the lines. In the matter of both posts and rails, and firewood from Alford ; Forest, and coal and stone from/ Mount Somers, Ashburton would consume something like fifty to one of the quantity 7 that any 7 other place w 7 ould, and to run. the Rakaia. line to Mount Somers, and deviate the Ashburton-Mount Somers line to Mount, Peel, would entail all these products being carried first down to Rakaia and , then along the trunk line to Ashburton. i-This arrangement would be particularly costly to Ashburton, it would seem, and he failed to see that were the arrangement suggested by Mr. Jackson carried out, any ad vantage would fibeAr-r gained by anyone, except.. perhaps .the Rakaia Rail way. The line of - the .Mount Somers railway had been approved,of the Council long ago,’ and without further “ information as to what cthe"deviation-re ferred-to by the Mount Somers Board wasp " he thought the Council should take no steps A in tlie matter." '’' J * * ‘ ‘ " ‘j* ‘ Mr., Coster desired to point out to-Mri J Bullock and the Council, that the timber of Mount Peel was far superior to that at/ ‘ Alford r Forest, and were the railway i v carried to Mount Peel, the,,district, in, the Ashburton neighborhood would profit materially by being- brought, nearer to, the , g . best material. . ..

. The Chairman could thoroughly under stand the Rakaia members,desiring to tap all'the rich resources of those hills in their 1 1. vicinity, but ,he could not understand.why they should’wish to have them all cbme down their own line, ,So far ./as they,) Mount Somers line was concerned, the Mount Somers Road Board had written to the Government asking for information as to the deviation of the making of : which they had heard a rumor. They had been.- . answered that a deviation from Mr. Trip hook’s survey was to be made} and a trac- ’ ing of that deviation would be forwarded. To the best of his belief it had not been so forwarded, and .the line had been with drawn from tender. He thought there was no hurry as the Government had withdrawn this work, along . -with many others in the colony, with a view to ascer taining their financial position before theyr undertook any more expensive works. It was ultimately moved by Mr. Bul lock, seconded by Mr. Grigg, and passed —“ That the Government and the Mount Somers Road Board be written to, asking for a tracing showing the deviation pro posed, and that the Mount Somers letter be considered when such tracing has been obtained.” dobbin’s ford. The Chairman of the Selwyn County Council wrote in reference to Dobbin’s Ford, at South Rakaia, informing- the Council that they (the Selwyn County) had decided to continue the present arrangement with the fordsman for another year. The Council approved of the Selwyn" County’s action. I 7 WAKANUI RATE ROLL. The Wakanui Road .. Board i wrote, drawing the Council’s attention to the un satisfactory manner in which the rate roll for that district had been compiled, and enclosed the legal advice of their solicitors!] on the subject—Messrs. Harper, Harper, and Scott, whose letter has already ap peared in these columns. The solicitors held that, the valuer having neglected to make the legal declaration previous jto compiling the list, and the Judge having signed the roll, there was nothing to pre vent any ratepayer from- refusing to pay such rate as may be levied by either Board or County Council. The Board asked the County’s co-operation in peti tioning to have the list upset. After considerable discussion, it was de cided to write to the Colonial Secretary, asking for compliance with the wishes of the Wakanui Road Board. PUBLIC CATTLE MARKET. ’ The Secretary to the Agricultural and Pastoral Association wrote as follows : -r. “ A short time ago our Association ap plied to have a piece of land (20 acres, being part of the Police Reserve, near Saunders’ mill), conveyed to them as a site for a cattle market. Mr. Marsh man, of the Waste Lands Board, informs us ; s that this cannot be done, but that he is willing to recommend the Government to grant the site to the County Council. I am instructed to ask if your Council will accept the reserve, and erect suitable cattle and sheep yards thereon, and also whether you will let the same to the As sociation, and upon what terms. lam also directed to ask if the Council will permit the Association to adopt the de sign on the Council’s seal on one side of the medals proposed for the/Association. ” Mr Grigg moved —“ That a sub-com- ~ .mittee, comprising Mr. Bullock, the Chair man: and the mover, be appointed to con-' fer with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association on the matter of sale yards, and to obtain plans and estimates, etc., and to report to the next meeting ; and that the Association be assured that the Council will do its best to further the matter. Also that the request re' the L 1 County seal be granted.” In speaking tQ this motion Mr. Grigg said wfiat the Council had to consider w 7 as not so much the request of the Agricultural ‘ and Pastoral Association and their convenience in the matter of a show yard, as the wel- - fare of the district in the matter of a central cattle, market, and he hoped any action taken in this matter would be with that in view. The district w r as an agricul tural and pastoral one, and the County should act with a view to 'aid. as far as possible, the industry which was the chief pursuit of the district. , T (7 Mr. Bullock seconded the motion, w 7 hich was carried. . ; COMPENSATION. Mr. J. M‘Quilkin wrote complaining that damage had been done to his property in the Longbeacli district by the cutting of-a drain through it by the Council with out his sanction, for which he claimed LIOO damages. The matter was decided to be referred to arbitration. ■' COUNTY TREASURER, ‘ 'T.J . Mr. Wright wrote, resigning his position - as Treasurer, and asking that a successor, either permanent or temporary, be ap pointed. . . V/; ; . ; ' ; f - Mr. Walker was appointed Treasurer in the room of Mr. Wright. BOOK OF SHEEP BRANDS. The South Rakaia Road Board wrote, forwarding a copy of a resolution passed at a meeting held on the 6th ultimo— “ That the attention of the Ashburton Couiity Council be drawn to to the fact' that there is no published book of registered brands for sheep and cattle in

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 1880.



AUCTION SALES



. Saturday, June 5.



Edmisfon, Gundry, and Co., at their Rooms, East street —700 acres of Turnip Land at Lagmohr.



:-- Tuesday, J one 8. Acland, Campbell, and Co. On the estate of Mr. Thomas Simpson, Wakanui road, Ashburton, 120 acres of freehold land. Wednesday, June 9. R. Davies and Co., at the Farm of Mrs. 0 Danniliy, Seafield—Stock, Implements, &c.' ,: Sale at l 'p.m. Friday, June 11.



Messr3.r--Acland, Campbell, and Co., at Westerfield Station —Horses, Cattle, Implements, &c.



OI A 000 LEND, in sums to SXUjUUU suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, " RANTED : KNOWN—That C. Haw , . kins, The Tinwald B.ootmaker, 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 TIJANTJED, a GIRL as General Ser- YV rant. Apply immediately, at the Manse, Ashburton. 528 c TTTANTED, —Coppersmith and Tin- VV plate Worker. Competent hand required.- Apply, J. Hyde, Moore street. 524c-917g THE PENNY made the postal system -of England a success. So has it made the Herald; I Everybody buys the Hera lp. “’Herald ” is ~ published every I evening, thus giving every day’s news. This is better than buying a Six penny .weekly.;,.;::; : TO LET. QIX-ROOMED COTTAGE, with half acre . Garden, East. Belt. Apply, ' 441 c ’ r : . ORR & CO. D AVIS’S Cheap FURNITURE AN D BEDDING M A N UFACT O RY, MOORE STREET, ASHBURTON. EVERY article Sold at Christchurch Prices and guaranteed best of material and workmanship. n ;k FUNERALS CHEAPLY & COMPLETELY FURNISHED