CORRESPONDENCE.

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

To the Editor. S IK] I see by the newspaper report that a letter from James Mcßae, stating that Richard Bird had applied for a license for a cab, of which he was not the owner, the ; .owner of the cab being Charle3 Ryle ; and that the said cab was employed in carrying prostitutes. X think the above letter, if allowed to go unchallenged, would make it appear that I was something worse than - the average humanity. I have instructed my solicitor to call upon Jame 3 Mcßae to prove his assertion. In the meantime I should like, with your kind permission, to lay the facts of the case before the public. The-said Charles Ryle'was at a certain time (like many other people in Ashbur ; - ton) in want of money. Mr. Joshua Tucker and myself, purely to oblige the man, purchased the cab jointly, at the same time agreeing to sell it to him at the '"same price within a certain date. That time has gone by, and he has failed to buy back the cab. It was, therefore, determined to take out a license and let the cab to a driver at a weekly rental, without dictating to the driver what fares he should take. I don’t suppose, however, that he will, get a monopoly of the characters referred to in James Mcßae’s letter.—T am, &c.,

R. Bird,

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1880. Local Railways.

Regarding the railways affecting this district, the report of the Royal Commis sion says : “ Tinwald to Mount Somers. —This branch is already in progress. The cost [of the ex tension] would be small, and it will serve a large agricultural district, and at the same time open a coal mine and stone quarry at Mount Somers, which would, it may fairly be calculated, bring consider able traffic to the line.

“ Goalgate to Temuka. —lts construction would entail very heavy expenditure in bridging the Selwyn, the Rakaia, four branches of the Ashburton, the Hinds, the Rangitata, the Orari, and some minor streams. The traffic over it would, in our opinion, be small in proportion to the cost of the work, and the districts through which it would pass are already to a great extent served by the existing branch lines. Any further development of those dis tricts would, we are convinced, be more economically and more effectually pro moted by the formation of additional branch lines, and the extension of exist ing ones, as the expenditure becomes war ranted by the progress of settlement in the bade country.

‘ ‘ Coalgate to Rakaia Gorge. —The line from Homebush to the Hororata cannot be recommended as part of the proposed Canterbury interior main line, which as a whole we altogether condemn ; but an ex tension of the White Cliffs branch to the Gorge of Rakaia will hereafter be desirable, with a view to its ultimate con tinuation to the Acheson coal fields, which are the most valuable yet found on the eastern side of the Middle Island. As re gards the alternative routes by way of the Wairiri Valley and Hororala Downs, the balance of advantages and disadvantages in each case is nearly equal. The Hororata route would serve the largest number of settlers, and would also be the cheaper to construct ; while that by the Wairi Valley is shorter and would open up some seams of brown coal of the same quality as that obtained at Glentunnel. We consider the latter to be the preferable route : but as we do not recommend the early construc tion of either line, and as the circum stances may materially change before a final decision upon this point will be required, we do not think it necessary to enter more fully into that part of the sub ject. “ Southbridge to Rahciia and Waterton. —We think it desirable that the work should not be undertaken.”

Inspection of Mines.

The terrible explosion in the Kaitangata Coalmine had the effect of awakening in terest in the working of mines with a view to the safety of life from such acci dents as these, and, as a result, mine in spection is now carried on with vigor. The annual report by the Under-Secretary of Mines is now before the House of Representatives, in which he says : —“I am glad to state that up to the present time coalmine owners and managers generally have not only accepted the Act as a necessity, but have recognised the benefit which has accrued by adopting it as most calculated to prevent accidents and ensure the safe working of the mines. There lias been a large increase in the numbar of coalmines in the South Island during the year, and steps are now being taken to establish the Act, together with general and special rules for new mines. In the North Island the number remains the same. One of the Waikato mines has been worked out, and a new one, which promises a more extensive area of coal, has been opened by the same Company upon the opposite bank of the river. The number of coalmines in the colony last year was thirty ; this year it is ninety. Many in the South Island are upon a very small scale. It is possible that next year’s report will show that some of these mines have developed into much larger concerns. I agree that the smallest coal mines should be subject to inspec tion. A statement of the coal im ports and exports for the year 879 shows that 158,076 tons of coal have been imported, being 16,072 tons less than the quantity imported in 1878. If we add the total output for the colony during 1879 to the quantity imported, and deduct the export during the same period, and assuming that the remainder has been consumed, the total consump tion in the colony in 1879 would be 328,898 tons, or an increase over the con sumption of 1878 of 49,654 tons. The increase of coal derived from the mines of the colony during 1879 was 69,000 tons over the quantity raised in 1878. There have been six injurious and two fatal accidents during the year. Although the present Act does not provide for

certificated managers this difficulty will be got over by the fact oTrecent immigra tion of a better class from England hav ing brought to the colony a number of experienced managers holding home cer tificates, some of whom have already been employed by mine-owners in preference to former managers less qualified. My ex perience of the present Act, so far, is that owners and managers have a very wholesome dread of proceeding to arbitration as provided in part 5 of the Act, and that they infinitely prefer to remedy any de fect complained of by an inspector than run the risk of incurring the heavy costs of a tedious inquiry after submitting the matter to arbitration. It may still, how ever, be necessary to make provision for an improved method of settling disputes between the. Government and mine owners and managers, as referred to in my last report. The inspection of mines other than coal, including gold-mines, re mains in the same position. Inspector McLaren inspects the gold-mines of the Thames and Coromandel, but, as the Government has deci led not to undertake the inspection of scattered, gold-mines in the South Island, which could not be done without an increased staff of In spectors, the Regulation of Mines Act has not been introduced in any of these cases. Step by step the reins have been tightened, and although the condition of the coal mines is by no means entirely satisfactory, a great deal has been done by owners and managers towards establishing, precautions against accidents by the expenditure of money in effecting improvements for safety, and by the observance of the rules designed to establish the better working of mines. Within eight months from the present date it will be necessary that many of these mines should have a second opening to the surface as a means of egress to the persons employed. TheKaitangata Company’s mine, which was the scene of a terrible explosion, is by the district inspector’s latest report considered in a satisfactory cbndition, and the company has been at great pains to effect improve ments, and to observe the provisions of the Act. Notwithstanding these facts and anything which the Government may do in the matter, accidents of a most serious nature may occur, aud it is well that mine-owners and managers should keep the fact in mind that the real safety of the mines depends upon increasing vigilance in taking every precaution against danger. It will not be the fault of the department if they are not con stantly reminded of their duty in this matter.”

Somerset Lodge. —Members of- this Lodge are referred to an advertisement in this evening’s issue.

Postal. —Mails for the United King dom and Australian colonies, per Arawata, close at the Bluff at 11.30 a.m., on Friday, 30th inst. Telegrams to catch the this mail may be presented at Ashburton office up to 10 o’clock on Friday morning. Entertainment at Tinwald. The Templars at Tinwald are to give an enter tainment in the Tinwald Schoolroom to night, and are to submit a very full pro grame to their patrons. We hope their occasional efforts to supply amusement for the little township will meet with appreci ation by the residents, and that a good attendance will reward them.

“The Lost Ship.” —“ The Lost Ship ” was repeated last night in the Town Hall by “ special desire.” There was a most discouragingly small attendance, but not withstanding, the players pluckily went through their work. The part of “Ned Martin ” was played at three hours’ notice by a young member of the Club, who, all allowances made, acquitted himself credit ably.

South Rakaia School- Committee.— The South Rakaia School Committee held an adjourned meeting on Monday last. Present —Messrs. C. Tucker (Chairman), Sharp and Cox. It was resolved that Kate Doherty he recommended to the Board for the appointment of pupil teacher to this school, subject to her pass ing the necessary examination.

The Scarcity of Work. —A corres pondent signing himself “C. Sharp” writes urging the Borough Council to put as much work in hand as possible, and not to restrict their employment of men to a favored few at six shillings a day, but to distribute it in turn amongst a larger number at a reduced rate even. He urges that many men would be glad to find work in the town even at five shillings, and work that find men bread would prevent them going begging work of Go vernment in Christchurch, and thus retain them in the township. As it is they must go elsewhere to seek what the Council have it in their power, by judicious division, to bestow.

Ashburton Temperance Association. —Those ladies and gentlemen vvho met at the Templar Hall last evening with the expectation of hearing a lecture from the Rev. Mr. Hands on “ The Wines of the Bible” met with a certain amount of disappointment. The rev. gentleman’s intentions were announced at least in one of the churches on Sunday last and also advertised in two of the local papers, hence there was a very fair audience assembled at the time appointed, to hear an intel lectual treat. After waiting for some time, however, for Mr. Hands’ arrival, Mr. Thomas Scott, the Secretary of the Association, explained that, through seme misunderstanding, the meeting would be deprived of the treat which they had ex pected from Mr. Hands. However, the Rev. W. Keall was present, and no doubt would consent to say a few words in the interests of the temperance cause. Mr. Keall, after opening the meeting with prayer, apologized for the absence of the Rev. Mr. Hands, stating that the latter had just informed him that he had not been made acquainted with the fact of having to lecture that evening until an hour or so previously. Mr. Keall then read an article entittled “ Stimulants and Common Sense,” and was followed by the Rev. A. J. Smith, who gave a reading— “ Mission Work in Paradise Lane.” Before doing so, Mr. Smith, by a homely illustration, remarked that while he had been trying to exercise faith that the lecturer would be present that evening, yet he w r as somehow impressed that he would be disappointed. At the close of the readings, the business of the Associa tion was entered upon. The Secretary read the proposed rules, which were put to the meeting and adopted. After some further conversation on the objects for which the Association was formed, and the immediate work which was before the members, the proceedings terminated.

Suicide of a Chinaman.—A . China man jumped overboard from the Beautiful Star on Tuesday, while on the passage from Oamaru to Dunedin, and was drowned.

Native Coal.—lt is satisfactory to find that the use of native coal is becom ing so general as to justify the Govern ment in refusing to impose a tax on the imported article, as quite unnecessary.

Finding Funds.— The economical fit in Parliament has necessitated the charg ing of fid. admission fee to the Auckland Museum, the House having negatived the usual subsidy to the Institute.

Shipping Accident. During the pass age of the Annie Hill from Grey mouth to the Bluff, Captain Mackay was washed overboard. The accident happened on Friday night, and owing to the darkness and heavy north-east gale the crew could not rescue him.

A Maori Burnt.— At New Plymouth on Tuesday, a Maori whare was destroyed by fire. An old man and woman were in side asleep at the time, and the man was only got out with difficulty, and after he had been severely burned. He is not ex pected to live. Inspection of Liquors. —ln reply to a question on Tuesday, the Hon. Mr. Dick in the House said the new Licensing Act, clause 171, made provision for the ap pointment of inspectors in various dis tricts, with power to enter on premises used for the sale of beer or spirits, and to obtain samples of the liquors vended for the purpose of analysis, and Government intended to enforce that provision strictly.

Municipal Endowments'. —Mr. Barron in the House of Representatives on Tues day, asked if Government intended to reserve Crown lands for the endowment of those boroughs that have been unfairly treated in that respect. The Hon. Mr. Rolleston said the Legislature had no in tention of granting any more endowments, and did not think it advisable to re-open the question.' Tahiti. —The French gunboat Guinea, arrived at Auckland on Tuesday. Her mission to that port is to telegraph to the French Government the annexation of Tahiti and Marea Islands, whence the gunboat has come. The annexation has taken place on the petition of the chiefs, and the king will be pensioned. The French have also proclaimed a fresh pro tectorate over Paumutu and the islands of the group.

The Hon. Taiaroa. The Hon. Taiaroa, the native member of the Legisla tive Council, who accepted office before the required time had elapsed between his being in receipt of Government pay for work as a native assessor and his accept ance of a seat in the Council, is to be relieved ofithe penalties he thus incurred by the passing of a special Act, after which he will probably be re-appointed by the Governor. The Hon. N. Wilson has given notice for the appointment of a Special Committee to inquire into the matter. . A “ Respectable” Man. —ln the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Mr. J. B, Fisher asked if an individual named Edward Francis Harris, gazetted a native, interpreter in January last, had not been sentenced in 1869 to six years’ imprisonment for forgery ? The Hon. J. Bryce replied in the affirmative, adding that when the appointment was made, the fact of Harris’s conviction was not known. He (Mr, Bryce) read a letter of recom mendation which accompanied his applica tion, signed by a Judge of the Native Land Court, a Resident Magistrate, one or two JJ.F.,and others, supposed to be respectable, persons, residing in the dis trict where Harris lived.

Sir Hercules Robinson’s Stud. —The Wellington correspondent of the Press Bays :—I hear on good authority that Sir Hercules Robinson intends making Wellington the headquarters of his new racing stud instead of Christchurch, as reported some time ago. Boxes for six horses are now in course of construction at M‘Nab’s garden at the Hutt, and in a few days will receive their tenants. These will comprise two fillies expected from Sydney by the Wakatipu, two colts from the North, and two others which his Excellency has purchased from Mr. Finlay, his son-in-law, a well-known sporting man in New South Wales. Wellington sport ing men are very exultant over the Governor’s decision, and are sanguine of making Wellington races the best in the colony.

CABLE NEWS.

Iron. London, July 26. No. 1 Scotch pig iron, free on board in the Clyde, 565. Shipping. The Orient Company’s steamer Orient arrived at Plymouth to-day. Arrived—Loch Urr, from Auckland. Montenegro’s Claims—Probable War with Turkey. London July 26. It is expected that an ultimatum will be sent to the Porte, summoning it to satisfy the claims of Montenegro within three weeks. A levy of all men capable of bearing arms is being made in Monte negro, with a view to enforce its claim. The Irish Compensation Bill Passed. London, July 27. In the House of Commons to-night, the Bill to provide for compensation to Irish tentans was read a third time, on a division, by a majority of 66. The Irish members voted with the majority. The Queen Doing the Persuasive. It is stated the Queen has sent a private note to the Sultan of Turkey, urging him to yield to the decisions of the Berlin Con ference,'as required by the Great Powers. Naval Preparations. A Rear-Admiral of the British navy will be appointed, to command a fleet to be composed of vessels of the navies of the European powers, which it has been decided to send as a demonstration against Turkey, in favor of Montenegro. Back From the Scene of Her Son’s Death. The Empress Eugenie arrived at Plymouth to-day from the Cape. Affairs in Afghanistan. Calcutta, July 26. Ayoub Khan has crossed the river Helmund, and it is expected that 4,000 horsemen will join him as an advanced guard. The cavalry approached close to the British camp at Grishk, on the road to Candahar, to which the British troops had been despatched to support Shere Ali, the newly appointed ruler of Candahar.

London, July 26,

In the House of Commons to-day, the Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for India, made a statement concerning Afghanistan and the Ameership. He said he had been informed that it was im possible yet to enter iuto any negotiations regarding Candahar and Gundamuk. It has been decided b} r Government that no foreign influence should be allowed at Cabul, and that no British Resident should be sent there. Possibly it might bo decided to send a Mahomedan envoy instead. Want of Confidence. Melbourne, July 27. In the Legislative Assembly, after the delivery of the Governor’s speech, a vote of want of confidence in the present Ministry was taken without discussion, the result being 35 for, and 48 against the motion. A Thick Slice. Melbourne, July 28. Levin, a member for Barwon, has given notice in the Legislative Assembly for the introduction of a Bill for reducing the salaries of Ministers by one third. (Per Press Association.) Fire. Auckland, July 28. A fire broke out in a house in Hobson street, belonging to Mr. James, at present occupied by Mr. Tremain and some lodgers, but it was put out, after a sharp struggle, by the salvage corps. Consider able damage was done to the lodgers’ property, which was insured; value un known. An Experiment. The Loch Dee takes Home a trial con signment of preserved peaches. H.M.3 Raleigh. Wellington, July 28. Arrived—H.M.S. Raleigh, 20 guns, from Sydney, after a passage of eleven days. On Monday night, during thick weather, one of the crew fell overboard, but was rescued almost immediately. She stays here ten days, and then leaves for Plymouth, via Falkland Islands. A Fraudulent Bankrupt. Dunedin, July 28. At the City Court, Arthur O’Neill was remanded to Laurence for fraudulent bankruptcy. A Doctor in Trouble. Dr. Borrows, charged with a breach of the Registration Act, was remanded till Monday. Mr. Bathgate. Mr. Bathgate took his seat on the Bench to-day. Arrival. At the Heads—The Otago, 90 days from Glasgow. A Big Octopus* The schooner Torea reports meeting an octopus 30ft. long, off Cape Egmont, cn the 25th. The Kelly Drama. Invercargill, July 28. The drama of the Kellys was produced last night at Sloan’s theatre. Owing to the action of a section of the press, con demning the play beforehand, there was a crowded house. | Washed Overhoard. During the passage of the Annie jjHill, from Greymouth to Bluff, Captain M‘Kay was washed overboard and drowned. Native Affairs. ■ Haweka, July 28. ■ The Star says that, despite Govern ment’s contradiction, it believes its infor mation regarding the cause of natives fencing is reliable. The Plains natives, especially young men, are going to Parihaka this week. This is earlier than usual. Four young men rode through here this morning; on being asked if they were going to Parihaka, one of them re plied that they were going to be taken prisoners next week. A person from the camp says he will not be surprised if a very large body of Maoris go on with the fencing within the next few days. There is no excitement amongst the Europeans, but many en quiries as to what it all means, and when it will end.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

(Before His Worship the Mayor and C. P. Cox, Esq.)

William Madden appeared in answer to a charge of having stolen money to the amount of L 5, on the 28th June, from Henry Cross. Henry Cross, sworn, said —I am a laborer, living at Ashburton Forks. Re member 28th of June last, when I was in company with the accused at the Alford Forest Hotel. We left the hotel between ten and eleven o’clock at night. I had L 7 in my pocket-book. We then went to Mr. Win. Ravers, at Alford Forest. On arriving there, I immediately wentjto bed. We both slept in the 3ame bed. I took off my trousers and put them across the bunk, with the purse in the pocket. Prisoner was not sober, but I was. I was awoke during the night by Madden making a noise ; but I went to sleep again. Both of us awoke at daylight. Madden made the remark that he felt bad, aud would ike a drop of drink ; .1 suggested sending for some. He said “ all right.” I went to get the money from my pocket, and took out the pocket-book. On opening ■ the book I found two single notes placed within the leaves. I exclaimed, “ Good God, someone has taken my money.” The reason I said this, was because the money was not where I had left the L 7 the night previous. Fi v e pounds had gone from the book. When I made the above remark, prisoner said “Nonsense,” and suggested that I had mislaid the notes. He helped me to look for them, and asked me if I knew the number of the notes. Prisoner said “ never mind ; say nothing about it, you will be as well off as those who have got it. ” I then gave him a Ll-note to get a gallon of beer. Madden went for the beer, but did not return until Wednesday night : this was on Tuesday morning. He came back on Wednesday night, but was not let in, because he was abusive. Saw accused the following morning; watched him leave the premises, and he went towards the Alford Forest Hotel. He returned on Friday evening, and went to bed ill. He appeared to have the “horrors.” On the Saturday week following accused Madden of taking the money from my pocket-book. He said, “ Don’t give me in charge ; it won’t mend matters; but if you let me be put over the river, I’ll be no more trouble to jj * you. By accused We brought some beer home on the evening of the 28th June. By the Bench—When the accused did not return from going for the beer, I did

not take any steps to find out where the accused was. The next time I saw him' was on the Friday night, and did not say anything to him about the money until a week after. The beer we took home was about a quart, aiid was left on the. table when we went to bed, but was gone in the morning. Prisoner spoke to me during the night, and asked me if I would have a drink of beer, bub I declined. Prisoner knew I had the money in my pocket. William Payers, sworn, said—l am a laborer, residing at Alford Forest. Have known Madden and Cross for some time. Madden has made my place his home for years, off and on. Pemeinber the two men coming to my house one night in June last, about ten or eleven o’clock. Heard Cross send Madden for drink. Prisoner had been staying with me for about five weeks this last time, and never saw any money in his possession. Mad den was staying with mo because he was out of work. After accused had gone for the beer, I saw my wife find some notes in a box under the bunk where prisoner and Cross had been sleeping. When Madden came back he was very ill, and remained at the house until arrested. Ho was not fit to be moved.

By the Bench—The box where the money was found belonged to us, but the notes were not ours.

Hannah Payers, sworn, gave evidence to finding two LI notes in a box contain ing old newspapers, which was under the bunk where prisoner slept. They were just on the top of the box. I let them remain there ; we called Cross in, and he gave them to me to take care of for him.

Alfred Allfrey, sworn—l am a black smith, living at Alford Forest. Know prisoner, and remember 29th June. He came to my shop between nine and ten o’clock in the morning. He took four LI notes out of his pocket. He offered me LI, and asked me to take care of it for him. I took the note from him. He came back the following day, and asked for the price of a drink. I lent him a shilling. He afterwards asked for the loan of half-a-ci’own, and I returned him the LI he had left in my possession.

John Tisch, sworn, said—l am an hotel keeper at Alford Forest. On the night of the 28th June, prisoner and Henry Cross were in my house drinking together. Cross had some money ; sa.w him change a cheque for L 3. Madden had no money; I had refused him drinks the same day because he had no money to pay for them. The two men left in company about eleven o’clock. The next morning Madden was at the bar door when I opened it. He was in company with Henry Gunderson, and accused told Gunderson he had owed him 2s. for a long time and would now pay him. He changed aLI note at the bar. Accused was at my hotel for two or three days. On the morning of the 28th June, I heard prisoner try to borrow money. He had not been doing any work, to my know ledge. By prisoner—lt was the morning of the 28th June, when, you asked for drinks, and I refused you. Constable Gaffney, sworn—l arrested prisoner at Alford Forest on the 18th July, at the house of William Payers. Told him he was charged with stsaling L 5 from Henry Cross. He said, “ I suppose so ; all’s right ; remove me from here in the morning. I suppose ten years’ is the extent of what you’ll give me. It will be a caution to me while I live.” I said, * £ What will, Madden?” He replied, “ Drink and robbery.” This closed the case for the prosecution, and after being cautioned, accused said he had nothing whatever to say, and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor. CIVIL CASES. Markham v. Turton. Claim L 3 3s. 4d., balance of account due. Judgment by default, with costs 125., the amount to be paid at the rate of LI per month. Little v. Murphy.—Claim, Ll 6 14s. 6d. Mr. Branson for plaintiff, Mr. O’Peilly for defendant. This case was one of dis puted accounts, a portion of the claim being for drinks. The evidence of both parties was taken, defendant denying any responsibility for his brother, who had done a share of the liquor. He also dis puted certain items in the account, and put in a set-off of Ll 3 16s. for some sacks of seed oats. After a lengthy hearing, their Worships said the evidence was most conflicting on both sides, and they had, therefore, allowed what, in their opinion, seemed to be undisputed items. They disallowed the set-off in this instance, leaving defendant to bring another action, and gave judgment for L 9 18s. 6d., with L2 6s. costs. The amount to be paid into Court within the present week, and to re main until the counter action had been disposed of.

Little v. Williamson.—Claim, Ll 6 6s. Mr. Branson for plaintiff; no appearance for defendant. Judgment for plaintiff for amount claimed, with immediate exe cution.

Cambridge.

(From our own Correspondent.) Tilings down our way are not very lively. Life, down here, like a pendulum, goes on with a never ceasing I-go-on-for ever kind of monotony. The weather for the last week or two has been remarkably dull, neither wet nor fine, and, one morning we had a fall of snow but not much to speak of. The farmers round about are busy getting in their seed and from early morning to dewy eve can be heard on all sides the familiar phrases “ get up Duke, now Captain.” Plough ing and harrowing are the standing orders.

Last Friday night, our dominie intended to give a lecture on “ Agricultural Chem istry ” in the school ; but owing to the un favourablenesa of the weather, clarty roads, and the prevalence of bad colds, &c., only ten rolled up to hear it. As that number would not pay for the advertising it was postponed. Disappoint ment was expressed by the few present at the non delivery, and the hope that it would come off next full moon when the weather will be more settled. I have since heard that the date has been fixed for 20th August. A petition, pretty numerously signed was, some weeks ago, sent to the Post master-General praying for a mail service and post office to be established here ; but so far nothing has been heard in the shape of a reply. Parliamentary duties, I sup pose, are too heavy for any attention to be paid to us. We must exercise patience.

Service was held in the Primitive Methodist Chapel yesterday, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Keall in the absence of the regular minister Mr. Smith. A very

able sermon was delivered, the rev. gen tleman taking for his text the elevent h verse of Mark eleven. Cambridge, Monday.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HdUSE OF REPRESEHTATIVES.

Monday, July 27.

After a lot of unimportant talk on Mon day afternoon, the House got on to the Estimates at 5.30, and passed the Library vote, in the general expenses of the Legis lative Department, L3OO. In the evening, the Hansard vote was discussed, and passed with a few reductions, pending the Committee’s report. The following items were reduced :—Property Tax Depart ment, L 28,418 reduced by L 2,000. Audit of County and Road Board ac counts, L 2,70 out. Commissioner of Customs, L 42,622 3s. 6d.— reduced by L 2,000. The item, L 1,070, expenses of weather report and storm signals, was struck out.

A long discussion too place on the Edu cation vote of L 297,730, most of the speakers contending that we aimed at giving too high an education altogether. Mr Rolleston contended for the retention of good education, and that we should not rank behind other colonies in the excel lence of our system, but was prepared for a reduction of L 32,000. Mr. M'Caughan moved the reduction of the vote by L 50,000. At 1 a.m. the House rose. Tuesday, July 27. After questions, etc., the House went into Committee of Supply, and resumed the debate on the education vote reduc tion motion of Mr. M’Caughan.' The de bate continued over the evening sitting, and ultimately Mr. M f Caughan withdrew his original motion, and substituted one with the amount of reduction increased to L 64,000. A division of 15 to 58 negatived this motion, and one was passed reducing the vote by L 30,000. The vote for District Court L 8,085 was reduced by LI,BOO, Mr. Rolleston saying that cheap justice had not been a success in this colony. The R.M. and Wardens’ Court vote of L48,21G, was reduced by LI,OOO, the Hon. W. Fox suggesting the discharge of clerks and bailiffs in small towns, and having the work done by the constables. The vote of L 39,529, for prisons, was re duced by L 2,000. All the other votes on the Estimates taken up by the House were passed, and the House rose at 12.30.

Local Industry.

There is not a little talk just now over the want of colonial enterprise in the establishment of manufactories for work ing up the raw material, for many in dustries, produced in Hew Zealand. It is one of the reproaches of the colony that, notwithstanding the quantity and' varied character of her products, the extensive resources she has in soil, mineral deposits, timber, etc., she is almost wholly depen dent on the importer for everything she uses. In the article of clothing, for in stance, the market is stocked with goods made in England, in spite of the fact that Hew Zealand supplies no mean proportion of the wool from which these goods are manufactured. Several of her provinces are known to have plenty of minerals that might be extensively used here, but as yet Hew Zealand iron has only a name, and every tool used by her workmen has to be brought across the sea. Hever in her history has she been so well supplied with oats, and some statisticians say she has as much of that commodity on hand as will supply her own wants for two years. Yet enter prise seems to be wanting to turn it in any quantity into oatmeal. We produce hides largely, yet our leather manufac tures are insignificant—and this in face of the knowledge that a numerous body of men are unemployed, hundreds of them possessing the skill that is required for working at many of those trades for which we could supply raw material, and which, now supply us with the articles we im port for our daily use. In a recent issue a correspondent called attention to the suitableness of Hew Zealand both in soil and climate for the production :of flax —hearing out what had already been said on the subject by Mr. Mur phy, at a recent meeting in Christ church, and suggesting the article of European flax as a product of Hew Zea land that would command a remunerative price in the English market. Some days ago we were presented with a bar of excel lent soap that had been made in Ashbur ton by a gentleman residing here. It was a good sample both for color, durability, and detergent properties, and he assured us that with proper appliances it could be made and sold in Ashburton at a fair profit. All these facts point out ways in which much of our now waste labor could be utilised. The handsome profit given by the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory shows that there is plenty of room and inducement for the development of woollen weaving in the colony, and points to this industry as a suitable one to be prosecuted in such a county as Ash burton, where wool could be obtained straight from the shearing Bheds, and where we know plenty of the proper kind of labor could be procured with out sending to the centres of the woollen industry at Home. We feel certain, also, that the manufacture of leather only wants a sufficient investment of capital to make it a paying speculation, for here the raw material could be obtained at very low prices. Regarding the manufacture soap, we do not know that, beyond local supply, apd, perhaps, Christchurch and Timaru, any very extensive market would open up for the article .; but even those limited outlets for the industry would be worth taking advantage of, and tallow would be at almost unlimited command. There are really plenty of industries that could be made local ones, the chief wants appearing to be capital and enterprise. We have heard it suggested that the, Agri cultural and Pastoral Association should take the matter of local industries in-*

hand, and do what it can to establish and foster them. We would be glad to see that body move in the matter, but we are afraid it has quite enough to dq to attend to the interests of agricul ture. We Tvould prefer to §ee companies formed of practical and energetic men, and industries started under their auspices. It was a company of local men that gave us our gasworks, why not another company give us a wool-mill, another a tannery, another a soap boiling

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1880.



Amusements. School-Room, I;. TIN WALD. V A GRAND OPTICAL E ntertainment, 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 a the Entertainment, by Miss Jowsey, and others. See Handbills for Programme Pbicis os’ Admission — Adults, Is,; Children under 12, 6d. each. Hoors open at 7 p.m.; commence at 7.30 prompt. 703 c Miscellaneous CHAFF ! CHAFF ! ! CHAFF ! ! ! T7IIRST CLASS CHAFF can now be jD obtained at 9d. per bag, by applying to B. C. SMITH, Carrier, 706 c Moore street. NEW INDUSTRY. ASPHALTING. JAMES BRADLEY is prepared to take orders for ASPHALTING at very moderate rates. All orders to be left at tbe Works, Park srreet. All work kept in repair for twelve months. 695 c WANTED —Three or Four Respect able Young Men as BOARDERS in a Private Family ; all the comforts of a Home. Apply, Herald Office. 694 c TO LET.—A Four-roomed COTTAGE in Peter street. Apply to John Olsen, on the premises. 7050 GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c TINWALD. ANTED KNOWN—C. HAWKINS y * 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 tights 14s. 6d. per pair. No connection with any other shop. Note Address: Next door to S. Stephens, Saddler. 693 c \V; kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the tinwald Post Office, where he is still open 0 Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his isual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Jade and Repaired. 805g —417c Ashburton county council. TENDERS are invited for Erection of Ist, Cattle Yards; 2nd, Sheep Yards ; 3rd, Caretakers’s House ; and 4th, Shingling ; separately, or for the whole work. Plans and specifications can he seen at the Council’s office. Tenders addressed to the Chairman will be received up to 11 a.m. on WEDNES DAY, tbe 4th dav of August next. ■ ■ By order F. MAINWARING. Clerk. Ashburton, July 20, 1880. 679c-62c:



Miscellaneous. %<«# SOMERSET LODGE. A LODGE OF INSTRUCTION in connection with the Somerset Lodge, 1811., E.C., will be held at the Masonic Hall THIS EVENING, at 7.30. Sub-building Committee .to report re fencing section. By order of the \V. M., HENRY ZANDER, 707 c Hon. Sec. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. TENDERS are invited for the follow ing WORKS : I.—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. ADVERTISEMENTS, inserted under the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c