The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1880.

Tinwald. —To-morrow evening a lime light entertainment will be given in the Tinwald Schoolroom ; there will also be descriptive lectui-es given, and several appropriate pieces will be sung.

The Old Men’s Home. —A capital little entertainment was given to the inmates of the Old Men’s Home last night, by a party of ladies and gentlemen who have more than once contributed to the enjoy ment of our friends in that institution. The programme was as long as it was varied, vocal and instrumental music forming the major portion of it, while two readings and several recitations, both grave and gay, combined to mako the evening’s enter tainment most acceptable to the old men, whose appreciation of the efforts put forth for their recreation, should encourage the the party to visit the institution more fre quently. Insolvents. —The insolvency is an nounced of Nicholas Grigg and George Gould, contractors, Ashburton, carrying on business under the style of “ Grigg and Gould;” also of John . Fraser, Alexander Dunlop, Nicholas Grigg, and George Gould, contractors, Ashburton, carrying on business under the style of “ John Fraser and Company also of John Fraser and Alexander Dunlop, con tractors, Ashburton, under the firm of “ Fraser and Dunlop ’’—and meetings of the creditors of those persons will be held in the Supreme Court House, Christ church, on the 3rd of August, at eleven, half-past eleven, and twelve o’clock ; also of Robert Powrie, builder, Ashburton, the meeting of creditors to take place at the District Court House, on Wednesday, August 4, at eleven.

Entertainment at Tinwald. Last night the members of the “ Will and the Way ” Lodge of Good Templars gave an entertainment in the Tinwald Schoolroom, which was quite full. Bro Galloway was chairman, and in a few introductory remarks, stated that the entertainment had been got up with a view to aiding the regalia fund of the Lodge. This object will doubt less be attained if we may judge by the size of the audience. The programme gone through comprised songs excellently sung by Sisters Craighead, Tippetts, Sanderson, and Reeves, and by Bros. Craighead, Shearer, Reeves, Bradshaw, Corrigan (sen. . and jun.), Tippitts. and Norrie ; duetts by Bro. and Sister Craighead, Bro. and Sistsr Reeves ; and an efficient choir sang. one or two glees in good style. Recitations and readings were given by several brothers from the Ashburton Lodges as well a 3 by Tinwald members, and every item, musical and elocutionary, was well received and heartily applauded. Altogether the meeting was an unqualified success.

The Fire Brigade. —The usual fort nightly practice of the Fire Brigade was held last night, and fourteen members turned out in uniform. Since the last practice, the belts have been supplied, and as they are of local manufacture, and of a very substantial nature, Mr. W. Anderson is to be congratulated on having given satisfaction to this section of his customer?. The belts are of stout colonial made leather, and are strong enough to bear a rope being “reeved” under them, and the weight of the heaviest member of the brigade. Circumstances may occur in which a fireman may require to be slung from tlie roof of a building by a rope passed through Us belt, and assuredly the belts of the Brigade will bear the strain of a member of the most comfortable pro portions. The helmets and o'her furniture ordered from Home are expected next month. By that time it is hoped the water supply will have reached the town, and it, combined with the Brigade, will furnish us with quite an efficient and reliable force of extinguishers. A con siderable amount of drill was gone through, both with the engine and the hook and ladder company, the Brigade being officered by Captain Wilkie and Lieutenant Dolman. We notice that this useful body would be more likely to be of service when wanted if they were better supported, both financially and physically—the fact is the brigade want both men and money to be of any service in case of fire. The present members are working an up-liill game, and while we ad mire the pluck they display, we deplore the want of interest shown by the large property holders in this necessary body. However, there is some hope for the brigade yet, as five new members are pro posed for ballot at the monthly meeting on Tuesday next, when a discussion will take place re the state of accounts between the brigade and the Borough Council, and other matters of interest.

A Fright.— The correspondent of the Christchurch Press, telegraphs from Wel lington as follows :—About 12.30 this morning (Wednesday) during the dis cussion on the estimates, a loud report from the sunlight aloft caused considerable consternation among the members. The heat of the gas had apparently cracked one of the large sheets of plate glass, and those who were sitting below feared they might be guillotined by the glass falling on their heads. Almost simultaneously with the report, every member rose to his feet, glanced hurriedly upwards, and started for a door. No immediate danger being apparent, the committee resumed. On two occasions large sheets of glass have fallen from aloft upon the benches beneath, and therefore there was ground for their fear this morning.

The Unemployed. —Forty more un employed were sent up country ftp-day from Christchurch to work on the railway line.

Mokmonism. A Mormon elder has commenced a missionary enterprise in Oamaru, but as yet we have heard of no signal success he has made in perversion.

Alarming Earthquake. — At 5.12 yes terday afternoon the sharpest shock of earthquake experienced in Wellington for a long time was felt. The effect in the House was decidedly alarming, and startled members immensely, the debate being completely interrupted for a short time. The building creaked and swayed in a most formidable manner but no damage was done. — Press.

New Zealand University. —The cere mony of conferring the recently-obtained degrees of the New Zealand _ University took place in the old Provincial Council Chambers, Christchurch, to-day. . The Chancellor of the University presided. With him, on the dais, were the Primate, the Board of Governors and the Professors of the Canterbury College, and Judge Johnston. The following degrees were conferred M. A., Frederick Fitchett, J. Hay; L.L.8., Frederick Fitchett. ; B.A J , Helen Connor, W. H. Herbert, J. K. Thornton, H. W. Williams. After the ceremony, Judge Johnston addressed the assembly upon the advantages of higher education, and the great facilities for ac quiring it in New Zealand. The President also gave a brief address, specially with a view to urging that careful attention must be given to rudimentary work. A Father, who had passed innumerable sleepless nights, has immortalised himself by discovering a method of keeping babies quiet. The modus operands is as follows : —As soon as “pet” awakes, set it up, propped by a pillow, if it cannot sit alone, and smear its fingers with treacle ; then put half a-dozen feathers into its hand, and it will sit and pick the feathers from one hand to the other until it drops asleep. As soon as it awakes again, repeat the operation ; and in place of the fret and cry of former nights, there will be silence and quiet repose. “ Professor Agassiz lias recently estimated that a man’s finger nails will grow to be 3,00 C feet long if he leaves them uncut for 1,000 years.” The next to discover is, how long a man’s nose will become in half the time if he keeps poking it into business that dosen’t concern him, and cannot be of the least use to the world in general. Will Professor Agassiz kindly say ?— Fun. The Badness of Trade.— Shopkeeper (to Commercial Traveller). —“ Can’t give you an order. Quite over-stocked.” Tra veller.—“Let me, at least, show you my samples.” Shopkeeper.—“ Spare yoiu'- self the trouble. I can’t look at them.” Traveller.—“Then will } t ou allow me to look at them myself? It is three weeks since I have even seen them.”— Funny Folks.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Per Reuter's Agency.) Sugar. Mauritius, July 16. Sailed—Kate Tatliam, with 350 tons of sugar, for Melbourne.

Wars and Rumors of Wars. St. Petersburg, July 28,

The last Russian war vessel ordered to the Pacific, in view of possible hostilities with China, left Cronstdat to-day. Calcutta, July 28.

Nows has been received .from Afghan istan that Abdul Rahman has left Chari kar for the purpose of having an inter view with the British general at Zunina, when the question of the Ameersliip will be again discussed.

AUSTRALIAN

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Shipping. Melbourne, J uly 28. Arrived —Rotomahana, from the Bluff. Sailed —Albion, for New Zealand, yes terday. Victorian Politics.

His Excellency the Marquis of Nor manby on receiving the address in reply expressed his regret that reference had been made to the want of confidence motion, which was moved on Friday last, as being unconstitutional. Mr. Service has tendered his resignation to the Go vernor, and Mr. Berry ha 3 been summoned for the purpose of forming a new Ministry. In the Legislative Assembly, supply has been passsed and the House has adjourned till Tuesday. Taken to Task. Melbourne, July 29. The Age to-day criticises adversely the Governor’s remarks regarding the reference in the address in reply to the motion passed on Friday re vote of no confidence. Shipping. Sydney, July 28. Arrived— Wakatipu, from Wellington. A Rush.

The rush which lias taken place to Temara still continues. There is no water, and all are mostly stacking.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Sudden Death. Auckland, July 28. A child two years old, the son of a man named Connell, was found dead this morning under somewhat strango circum stances. It was in perfect heath last night, but this morning, when the mother lifted it from the cradle it was quite cold. Fatal Accident. At Russell, a little boy of two year s and a half, named Stone, fell into the fire and died from the effect of burns. Miss Neilson- It is said, on the authority of Captain Dearborn, that though Miss Neilson was unable to get away by the City of Sydney, she may positively be expected next month, and will play in New Zealand, should sufficient inducement offer. A Brush With the Kanakas. The officers of the French war ship Getchn report that tlie French naval division in the Pacific, consisting of iron clads La Nichoricase and Aviso Le Chasseurs t made an expedition against the Kanakas of La Dominique, who had

killed and eaten some white men. About 200 troops, with two mounted guns, were landed. Two shots were fired and one man killed and seventy-two made pri soners. When the remainder of the natives heard the reports of the guns they fell on their faces and surrendered. They were transported to the Island of Karaka. The Rees Perjury Case. Gisborne, July 28,

; The Court was occupied all the after noon, in hearing the perjury case against Mr. Rees. Mr. Cooper applied for a re mand, as he was unable to obtain counsel to prosecute in Gisborne. After an hour c deliberation the Justices decided to go on with the case, so Mr. Cooper prosecuted the case himself. While going on with the case, Mr. Rees sent several Natives te Mr. Cooper’s farm, and they broke open the gates and drove all Cooper’s stock to the pound. It is expected that this action will cause a charge of forcible entry to be laid. The Court adjourned till to morrow.

Earthquakes. Wellington, July 28. A sharp shock of earthquake was felt this evening. New Plymouth, July 28. A slight shock of earthquake was felt here about 5 o’clock. Wanganui, July 2S. A heavy shock of earthquake occurred about 5.15 to-night. It was the heaviest felt for. many years. Se v eral chimneys suffered. • • The Wellingfcon-Foxton Railway. Wellington, July 29. A deputation, consisting of the ihem bers of the City Council, Hutt County Council, Makara Highway Board, and the Chamber of Commerce, also, a large num ber Gf influential citizens, waited on the Minister for Public Y/orks and strongly urged Government to prosecute the Wel lington-Foxton Railway. Mr. Oliver replied that the report of the Railway Commission would bear certain weight, but the question would receive earnest consideration, and a reply would be made known through the Public Works State ment, which would be given in a few days. Burglary. Wanganui, July 28.

The Court House was burglariously entered last night by thieves, who got through the window of the bailiff’s room, and burst open the door leading into the clerk’s room. The attempt made to open the safe was unsuccessful, and the drawers were rummaged, but nothing taken. It is thought that the thieves were after documents, and not cash.

Retrenchment

Dunedin, July 29,

' At the Education Board to-day, a tele gram was read from the Minister of Edu cation, notifying a 10 per cent, reduction on all salaries, and asking the Board’s co operation in retrenching expenditure.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR. M‘RAE IN REPLY.

To the Editor. Sir—l was much surprised at a letter in yesterday’s Herald from Mr.. Bird. I never in any way objected to Bird being granted a license for lnmself. What I ob jected to was that Mr. Ryle who has been accused in Court as the owner of a brothel, should have charge of a,cab, more particu larly as a letter from the Borough Coun cil warned cab owners against carrying prostitutes. I never meant in any way to oppose Mr. Bird ; all I objected to was that Charles Ryle should take out a license as owner of a cab, when it was publicly known that he was interested in carrying about loose characters, and I think that the Borough Council after writing in the way they did, should certainly exercise dis cretion, and not grant a license to any person laboring under such an imputation as Charles Ryle does. I again repeat I have no objection whatever to a license being granted to Mr. Bird, or any other respectable citizen. I deny altogether having stated in my letter that the cab in question was used exclusively for carrying bad characters. I made an error in stating that I did not think Mr. Bird was the real owner of the cab, but after his public statement, fully believe that lie is.—l am, &c.,

J. W. M‘Rae,

THE DURABILITY OF BLACK PINE.

To the Editor. Sir, — I notice in your report of the last Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation’s meeting that Mr. Silcock, in speaking of the durability of certain timbers, avers that his statement as to the 11011-dnrability of black pine could be easily verified by a walk through the bush, where a person would never see a fallen pine that bore evidence of having lain any length of time. Now, while .there is nothing like leather to the one who sells it, and while I am an agent for the sale of both black pine and totara, I believe, with him, that totara is the most durable. I think, however, that he is rather hard on the pine species, as I could show him black pine trees which have been lying exposed to the ravages of both insects and weather for the last fifteen years —and, for aught I know to the contrary, far longer—and are as yet undecayed ; and not only so, but they are harder now than they were the day on which they were felled, and, to all appearance, bid fair to retain their firm ness, durability, and pine-like nature when their doughty superior’s sap shall have dried uo, and his trunk have withered and decayed, and perhaps have gone to foi'in the component parts in the growth of some young pine. If anyone doubts it, let him invest in a good American axe, and let him follow me to the time-honored trunk, and apply himself vigorously there to, and he will soon find that the black pine iz not so soft nor full of vanity after all, even though it may be full of years. That it is a durable timber, no one who lias had a large and long experience in its use can deny, even though he beanative. At the Bame time, that timber of the same species grown in certain districts, and under 'certain conditions will last for long no one will admit. There are a great many things to be taken into account in connection with ‘the durability of timber as; in all other 'organisms. There is, for instance, the nature of the soil—a 3 to whether it con tains the necessary chemical constituents in order to produce that qualification.

Then there is tlie quality of the soil—as to whether it contains these properties in sufficient quantities in order that the cellular tissue of the tree' may be natural, compact, and strong, and so be able to resist the action of external influences. Then there is the condition of the soil—as to whether it is wet or dry ; the former of which is the cause of the fatal objection being lodged against the use of white pine which grows chiefly in humid, wet soil, and in consequence of which is of a soft, spongy nature, and becomes brittle when dry. This is not the case, however, with all white pine, as that which grows on dry soil is very durable, being hard, wiry, and tough in the fibre, and capable of bearing heavy strains. Then there is the age of the timber, the time during which it is felled, and many other things which tell on its enduring properties. Instances of : he durability of black pine in Canterbury are not rare, but are many. There is one nstance now brought to light, viz., that of piles which have been buried in the ground for the last fifteen years, and are now being withdrawn with very little decay, and are fit to be again used for the same purpose. Of the durability of totara there is no doubt. We have of late had an instance reported from the north of totara piles being withdrawn after having been in water and earth for upwards of a quarter of a century, and still some parts of it quite sound. It is a pity, I think, that this timber is not more largely used in places where durability is the main feature re quired in it. Mr. Gundry, in the same report, in referring to this timber said “he thought it was brittle. ” There is no doubt but totara is brittle, but not so very brittle as is generally supposed. Some of it has a very tough and flexible fibre, and. is capable of bearing heavy strains, and being durable will carry greater weight in the long run than many other timbers used for strain bearing purposes, the latter being - so soon liable to partial decay, and therefore loses its strength. Apologising for trespassing on your space—l am, &c., Timber.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, J uly 28,

The House met at 2. 30 p.m. Mr. Whitaker presented a petition from the Patetere block natives, praying that the proclamation over their lands be re moved.

Replying to questions, it was stated that Government did not think it advisable to frame a Bill during the recess providing that Ministers, before taking office, should have to be re-elected by their constituents. —Government was desirous of giving every encouragement for the development of goldfields, but at this lats period of the session they were not disposed to discuss the desirableness of a commission being appointed to report on the goldfields.— Government intended to fulfil the promise made re introduction of the Redistribu tion of Seats Bill, and it would be circu lated at once.

The Hon. John Hall gave notice that he would move that the House sit on Friday at 11 a. m. to dispose of certain new political measures on the Order Paper. The Governor’s assent to the Maori Prisoners Bill was received, and a notifi cation that a further Imprest Supply Bill would be asked.

The Hon. John Hall, alluding to a speech by Sir George Grey on the Maori Prisoners Bill, in which he stated that the Governor had promised a deputation of Maoris that the Bill would be brought on in January or February last, said lie had the Governor’s permission to state that no such promise was given. Te Wheora, Tawliai, and Tainui stated they were present at the interview referred to, and they distinctly understood the promise in question to have been made to them.

Sir George Grey stated he had taken the precaution to take the statement made by the Maoris to him in writing, and got them to sign their names thereto. He thought a misunderstanding had arisen, but, still, he was not by any means disposed to think the Maoris were solely responsible tlierefor. Permission having been granted, Sir George Grey moved that his name he struck off the Native Affairs Committee, which was carried without dissent. Mr. Thomson moved the recommittal of the vote Native Lands Court (L10,2b'7) with the view of getting it struck out.. It was passed at a late hour last night, when most of the members were absent. Mr. Sheehan defended the vote.

Mr. Mac an drew complained that this was another of the irregularities resulting from the House persisting in sitting to untimely hours, when only a few mem bers were present, who were not in a fit state to transact important business. He supported the proposal for striking out the vote. Mr. Bowen and Mr. Moorhouse spoke in favor of the vote. The debate was interrupted by the ad journment at 5. 30. EVENING SITTING. The motion for recommittal of the Native Lands Court vote was negatived on the voices. Mr. Tale brought up the case of a man named Edmonds who claimed compen sation from the Government for a vessel destroyed by the rebel natives fifteen years ago. Mr. Tole said the claim had been partly recognised already, and he asked that a reasonable sum by way of compensation should be placed on the estimates, and moved accordingly. Mr. Bryce opposed the motion as it would open the way for a host of similar claims. Sir G. Grey supported the claim as it was different from most of the native disturbances claims. Mr. Hall would agree to an enquiry, but opposed the establishment of a pre cedent. Mr. Sheehan favored the claim.

Mr. Macandrew opposed it, as claims to the amount of a million pounds would follow its recognition. Still some of these claims might be well based, and their grand total might be ascertained. Mr. Gisborne spoke in a similar strain. Major Te Wheoro was of opinion that claims of this kind should be considered on their merits, adding that there were a number of just claims on the part of Maoris, coming out of similar cases, which ought to be looked into

Mr. Tole’s motion was put and nega tived on the voices SUPPLY. An Imprest Supply Bill pf L 250,000 was passed, as also a resolution authoris ing tlie issue of deficiency bills to the amount of L 200,000. The Estimates were then gone on with, when the following reductions took place : —Survey Department—L93,476 3s. 4d., reduced by L 5,000. Volunteers —L 42,640, reduced by L9,0C0. Constabulary and contingent defences—Ll3B,2l3 17s. 6d.y reduced by L 9,000.

The Rising Tide.

In these times of threatened heavy taxation aud actual slackness of business, it is satisfactory to listen to even the faintest authoritative hint of returning prosperity. The returns of Customs re venue at the several ports of Hew Zea land during the quarter ended June 30, 1830, gives this hint in the increase over the corresponding quarter of 1879. The increase in the revenue returns is not one confined to one port or to a few ports, but manifests itself in the revenue collected at each, from Auckland to Riverton, with the exception of Poverty Bay, Wanganui, the small Marlborough ports, Timaru, and Invercargill, and at these ports the .decrease lias been remarkably slight. Taking the totals of the two quarters between which the comparison is made we find 1879 giving L 278,636, while 1880 reaches up to L 333,213, an increase of L 54,577. The anticipation of merchantss that the Budget would bring with it a rise in the tea and sugar duties may be credited with a portion of the increase, but, after making due allowance for this, there is still evidence that the people must have more money to spend than they had in the parallel period of 1879. If any value can be attached to this in crease as an indication of returning pros perity, and if we can by any means trust it as a criterion of the future, then we may, without question, accept a prog nostication that the end of the financial year will see the estimate of the Treasurer realised, with a good nest-egg over. The greatest decrease appears to have beßn on ad valorem goods, which in 1879 .netted to the Treasury L 65,396, and in 1880, 156,244. We may not, perhaps, be very far wrong in flattering ourselves as a colony over this decrease, inasmuch as we may safely augur from it that colonial made goods are coming more into use. The protective duties have considerabl} 7 operated against the ability of Borne and American manufacturers to defy colonial competition, and sell goods at a cheaper rate than they could be manufactured here. But, though this has certainly been the case, it must not be forgotten that there is a steadily growing inclina tion, and even desire, on the part of colo nists generally to support colonial in dustry ; and though native industries are neither so plentiful nor so extensive as they might be, nor as we would wish to see them, still, such as are now carried on are being vigorously and enterprisingly pushed. The quality of colonial-made goods are in most cases high enough to suit all requirements. Push and enterprise always command their reward, and success will doubtless attend the exercise of these business virtues in regard to colonial-made goods. We have re marked that the increase of Customs revenue has been felt all along the eoasts, and from this we are encouraged to look for better times near at hand, a speedy return of the firm confidence in the future that was ruthlessly shaken, and an exercise on the part of the whole colony of that self reliance which is so indispensable to steady and natural progress.

The Railway Commissioner’s Report.

The report of the Railway Commission is now before the House. After some introductory remarks, the Oommisioners say that the limited time at their disposal prevented them from following the entire route of every projected line of railway in the colony, of which flying surveys have been made, but their personal observation of the various districts has qualified them to understand and clearly appreciate the weight of evidence given by' the settlers who came before them in the various districts. They then go on to remark : At the outset of our investigations we were met by the fact that the already constructed railways of , Hew Zealand do not, as a whole, yield returns sufficient to pay half the interest upon their cost, and we felt it necessary before we could take upon ourselves the responsi bility of recommending an extension of existing, or the construction of new lines, that we should endeavor to learn the causes to which this unsatisfactory state of things was attributable, and the extent to which the causes may be pre vented or the operations modified. One leading cause was sufficiently apparent. We refer to tiie making.of railways in some parts of the colony far in advance of existing settlement, and consequently of an amount of traffic adequate to their support. In Great Britain' the population to each mile of railway is 1961, in the United States it is 800, Hew South Wales, 1,108, Victoria, 924, while in Hew Zea land we have only a population of 362 to each mile of railway already made. It should, however, be borne in mind, in consideration of these figures, that our exports per head of population are much larger than those of the neighboring colonies, and that the country traversed by the railways of Hew Zealand is gene rally of a more fertile character than that served by the lines of Victoria and Hew South Wales, and is therefore calculated to provide a greater amount of traffic per mile of railway, although more thinly peopled. We are led to the conclusion that the present expenditure may be largly diminished by converting many small and unremunerative stations to flao stations, by greatly reducing the train mileage on many lines, and smaller branches especially, and by making the rates of wages more in accordance 0 with those paid by private employers of labor in the colony. All the heavy and almost all the paying traffic of the branch lines in purely agricultural and pastoral dis tricts is confined to the grain and wool seasons, which are almost concurrent, and during what may be termed the dull season, comprising about six months in each year, trains running during three or four days in each week would in our opinion meet the requirements of tlie traffic. Our recommendation in refer ence to train mileage in short amounts to this that the running of trains should everywhere be reduced to a number that will actually pay. ,

The receipts of revenue upon the working railways are an element in the question of profit arid loss. On comparing the rail way tariff or New Zealand with those of the Australian, colonies, we find that while the average of rates charged upon the Australian l’ailways for haulage of wool and agricultural produce is somewhat lower than the rates on these commodi ties current in New Zealand, on the other hand the average Australian rate for minerals (a term which serves to include coal, building stone, bones, bricks, clay, lime, and road metal) is higher than the New Zealand rate to the following ex tent :—First 10 miles, 80 per cent, higher ; from 10 to 50 miles, 9 per cent ; from 50 to 100 miles, 47 per cent. ;. from 100 to 150 miles, 80 percent. ; or taking coal itself the first 10 miles, 16 per cent, higher; from 10 to 50 miles, ll£ per cent. ; from 50 to 100 miles, 33 per cent.; .£ from 100 to 150, 68 per cent. With re spect to timber, the evidence we have taken leads irresistibly to the conclusion that whenever that product is carried / under the existing tariff for a distance ex ceeding seventy-five miles it is so carried at an absolute loss, and when at the § same time, the haulage is over heavy grades the cost to the colony amounts to 50s. for every 20s. received to the credit of the railway account. We desire to ex- ; press or firm conviction that maintenance of uniform scales of charges applicable to every railway in every part of 'the colony, without regard to the amount of business to be done, cost of service performed, or amount and nature of the competition to ... be overcome is absolutely incompatible with favorable traffic. We urge, there-' fore, most strongly that the system of uniform tariffs should be abolished, and the railways conducted upon commercial principles—that is to say, by charging, for- . each rate proportionate to tire cost of that particular service upon that particular line, varied from time to time as com petition shall increase or diminsh. We. are of opinion that the constructed rail-T ways of New Zealand should not continue. to be as at present under the manage ment of commissioners, subject to the control of the Public Works Minister, and we recommend that in the place of that system a Board be appointed, consisting of men of knowledge and business habits, free from political influence, and having as nearly' as may be the same status and holding the same powers and exercising the same functions as a Board of Directors of the English railway companies.

THE STORY-TELLER.

THE DISRUPTION: A TALE OF TRYING TIMES.

chapter ii— continued.

“ Oh, dimes ! Jimes ! are ye really sic a fule as to ha’o serious thoughts o’ that 1 I’ve seen a gude deal in the Witness and ither papers about Non-intrusion and sic like havers, but I never dream’d ye were sae daft as to be led awa’ wi’ them. There’s nae sense in them, man ! There was naething o’ the kind spoken o’ sin’ I ha’e mind ; and yet the Kirk was aye the Kirk, and will be whan a’ the palaver aboot Non-intrusion is forgotten. Na, na, Jimes ; stick j r e fast by the gude auld Kirk, and if Chaumers and Caundlish, and the fules that think as they think/ are sae far left to tliemsel’s as to leave the Kirk, then, dimes, there will just be the better chance for gude snug places for the like o’ you.” “But you know, aunt, I must act con scientiously. ” “ Hoot, I ken that, man; wha wad bid ye act ony ither -way ? I’m sure it wad na be me j only, Jimes, come what will, ye maun never speak o’ leevin’ the Kirk o’ Scotland. To marry for naething but beauty (or love as ye say) would be ill eneuch, bat naething to this ; but to do; baith would be red-wud madness. .

“ I’m afraid then, aunt, there is little hope of me, for I feel convinced that, supposing certain circumstances should occur, I will act, notwithstanding lqy respect for your feelings, exactly thq part you so much condemn. The fact is, | must do it. I caqnot do otherwise, cons sisteptly with self-respect and a good conscience, unless my opinion change, " “And what for should your opinions, no change ? The sooner ye change them the better, if they be the. least likely to lead you sic a dance as to leave the Kirk o’ your faither, your grandfaithers, and inony a dacent Duncanson and Renshaw afore them. ” " ' ' :

CHAPTER ni. Sanct Mungo was ane jollie sanct — Sa weell he lykit gude zil, ; Thatte qtihyles he staynede hys vesture quhyte Wi’dribblands o’ ye still. RODGER. Mrs. Deborah Renshaw was a managing woman—very ! Finding her own influence unsuccessful with her nephew, she deter mined to attempt to influence him, at least in matters ecclesiastical, through the persuasive powers of another, . Thi3 was no less a personage than the parish minister, the Rev. Dr. Hairtrigger Snapperdudgeon. The Doctor had a very imposing preseiice, and a very forcible manner. He was portly, rubicund, and grave—even to sternness. Avery heavy sense of his own importance at all times oppressed him, which, along with his cor pulency, made him puff and blow cessantly in whale-like manner, with much labor to himself and no small effect on others. A stout champion was he of the Church’s rights secured to her by the law, and a bold assertor of ecclesiastical-estab? lishment principles. The honor and glory of the Church (by which he understood the power and wealth of the clergy) con cerned him above all things, except his own individual aggrandisement. Personal ambition in him was even paramount over professional sympathy ; but these between them occupied his entire' soul, and ab sorbed ail his other feelings. Still Dr, Snapperdudgeon, though every inch a priest, had much also of the brow-beating tricky, pettifogger about him. The con stitution of his mind made him revel with delight in quibbles, quirks, and technicali ties. He valued the law as an impreg nable fortress, that not only protected the interests he most valued, but afforded him many loop-holes and . subterraneous passages through which he could effectu ally aEsail opponents. He had much knowledge both legal and polemical, and was more than moderately ostentatious of it. It must be conceded that lie had a clear head as well as great learning ; for though ardently bent on stretching the powers of the Church to their utmost limits, he perceived, and qniforinly asserted, that so long as she was estab

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1880.



Amusements. School-Boom, TIN WALD. A GRAND OPTICAL Entertainment, Consisting of a large number of interesting and DISSOLVING VIEWS, BY LIMELIGHT, Both LOCAL and FOREIGN, will be given on FRIDAY, 30TH JULY, 1880, In aid of the Primitive Methodist Church Funds, Ashburton. Several Songs during the Entertainment, by . Miss Jowsey, and others. See Handbills for Programme Prices of Admission — Adults, Is.; Children under 12, 6d. each. Doors open at 7 p.m.; commence at 7.30 prompt. 7030 g Miscellaneous CHAFF ! CHAFF ! ! CHAFF ! ! ! TMRST CLASS CHAFF can now be £ obtained at 9d. per bag, by applying to B. C. SMITH, Carrier, 706 c Moore street. NEW INDUSTRY. ASPHALTING.



TAMES BRADLEY is prepared to take J orders for ASPHALTING at very moderate rates. All orders to be left at tho Works, Park srreet. All work kept in repair for twelve months. 695 c T^TANTED—Three or Four Respect- Vy able Young Men as BOARDERS in a Private Family J , all the comforts of a Home. Apply, Herald Office. 694 c TTTANTED—TENDERS, on MON VV DAY, August 2nd, for Sawn Timber Fencing, at Reservoir, Wills Street. Apply at Borough Engineer’s Office. 709 c PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. - A GOOD . Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c TINWALD. T/jT"ANTED KNOWN—C. HAWKINS yy and CO., have opened a Large and Varied Stock of Boots and Shoes, and having engaged a PROPER BOOT and SHOE MAKER, can guarantee Good Fit and Workmanship. Men’s Strong Water- Rights 14s. 6d. per pair. No connection with any other shop. Note Address: Next door to S. Stephens, Saddler. 693 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 ÜBual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. Sosg —4l7c ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. TENDERS are invited for the follow ing WORKS : L—Filter Basin at Belmont, near Methven 2. —Approaches to North Ashburton River Bridge, Pudding hill 3.- —Approaches to Hinds River Bridge, . Surveyor’s road. Plans and specifications can be seen at Council’s Office, Ashburton, and Tenders, addressed to the Chairman, to be sent in not later than 11 o’clock a.m. on WED NESDAY, 4th August next. By order, WILLIAM BAXTER, 700c-72g County Engineer. Edmiston, Gundry and Co. HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE AND 'v; / EFFECTS. Messrs, edmiston, gundry, and CO. will sell at their Rooms on _ SATURDAY, 31ST JULY, At 1.30 p.m., On account of the owner, relinquishing . housekeeping, a quantity of FURNITURE AND EFFECTS, Comprising— Bedsteads, Bedding, Tables, Wash stand, W. and G. Cups and Saucers, 1 set W. and G. Toilet Ware, 1 set B. S. Toilet Ware, Pictures, Ivory handle Knives and Forks, Dessert, Table, and Tea Spoons, Matting ’ Kitchen Utensils 1 SPRING MATTRESS DINNER SERVICE (74 pieces) FENDER and FIRE-IRONS A QUANTIY OF BOOKS, &c., &c. To parties furnishing we would par ticularly, draw their attention to this sale, the goods being the very best ; and have never been used. EDMISTON, GUNDRY, & CO. | 54-708 c Auctioneers. ]



Miscellaneous. Advertisements, inserted under the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c .71 GOOD PIANO on. hire, by the Ol evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. (&/ - Mfe ®tff- SOMERSET LODGE, E.C. mHE Regular Monthly Meeting of this j_ Lodge will be held TO-MORROW EVENING at 7 '30., in the new Masonic Hall, Tancred Street. Visiting Brethren invited. By order 594 c W.M.