MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : * /,' , „ For Christchurch and North at 6 a. m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a. m and 5 p.m. 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 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. : r For Wakanui, F.lgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—

From Christchurch at 10.35 a.m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. ■ ; -f' From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a. hi. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. From Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a. m. and 5.25 p. m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. / From Ashton, Waterton, ; and Long beach at 10 a. m. dailyvS From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and'Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1880.

A Clean Sheet. —There were no police cases heard at the usual sitting of the Court this morning.

The Prorogation of Parliament.— It is expected that the prorogation of Par liament will take place on Tuesday next.

The English Mails. —The Australia, with the San Francisco mail, arrived at Auckland yesterday. The Suez mail has also arrived at King George’s Sound.

The Beer Tax.— lt will be seen from the Parliamentary report published else where that the Beer Tax has been fixed at 3d.

The Bachelors’ Ball.—A grand ball was given in the Wellington Arcade on Monday night by members of the Legisla ture and the bachelors of Wellington, and passed off with great success. His Ex cellency the Governor, Lady and Miss Robinson and suite were present during tho evening.

The Injured Chinaman. —The South Canterbury Times of Thursday says : The unfortunate Celestial, Ah Song, who bo unexpectedly evinced signs of life after he had been mourned as dead by his friends, did not long survive his return to consciousness. He died yesterday affcei'- noon, and his body was removed to the Sportsman’s Arms Hotel to await the inquest.

Charge of Assault Against an M. H.R.—At the Wellington Magistrate’s Court an Tuesday a charge of assault, preferred against Mr. Acton Adams, M.H.R., by Mrs. Cecilia Stewart, was heard. It appeared that defendant was trustee for certain property at Blenheim in which complainant is interested. Mrs. Stewart called upon Mr. Adams with reference to the matter, and after a few words had passed, became abusive, where upon she was ejected. No greater force was used than was necessary. The case was dismissed.

Libel. —At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Christchurch, this morning, William White Fraser, Joseph Carnahan, and Samuel Johnston, proprietors of the Echo, were charged with committing a libel on Joseph Izett, editor of the Star. The alleged libel w r as contained in an answer to a correspondent in the Echo, which is said to contain a serious reflection on the prosecutor’s private character. The ac cused were committed .to take their trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court, but were liberated on entering into per sonal recognisances of LlOOeach.

Civil Cases. —At the R.M. Court this morning; the case of Saunders v. Harris w r as adjourned until Friday, 3rd Septem ber. Cookson v. Stewart, judgment sum mons for L 4 15s. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff. Mr. Ireland, for defendant, agreed to an order for payment of the amount in a week. Order made accord ingly. In the case of Meharryv. Wilson, claim L 8 18s. 6d., Mr. Branson appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Ireland for defen dant ; judgment was given for the plaintiff with costs L 3 2s Mr. Branson appeared for the plaintiff, ancl Mr. O’Reilly for defendant in Hasset v. Burns, claim LlO, which the plaintiff sought to recover, being the cost of a colt which he said he had bought from Burns, but which plain tiff averred had never been delivered. Judgment- was given for plaintiff for L 6 and costs L 3.

The Wires. —Telegraphic communica tion lias been restored with the North. An accumulation of telegraphic informa tion appears elsewhere.

The Widow op Matthew Henderson. -—A public appeal is being made in Christ church for a subscription for Mrs Hender son, widow of the notorious Matthew Henderson. We understand Mrs Hender son is left totally unprovided fox*. The Rev. E. A. Lingard is taking a leading part in the matter. •/ -. o.

An Awful Trick. —A trick was played in an Evangelical Union Church in Green ock lately. While service was going' on some unknown persons entered the lobby and poured a quantity of whisky into the water kept there for the use of the con gregation. Sentence of Death. —Charles Hanson has been sentenced to death in Melbourne for rape. In passing sentence the Judge said :—“ Rape is not punished by death in England any longer, but in. this country, for reasons excellent in them selves, as the country is at present advised, the punishment for rape is death. The protection of the honor and virtue of women is a matter of first importance. They are exposed to the solitude of life in ’tho country where population is small, and where the temptations to many evil men are great. Ido not hold out to you any expectation that the sentence will not be carried out.”'

A Tour at Jerome Park.—Last Satur day, says a recent number of the Turf, Field, and Farm, at the Jerome Park races, a green-looking individual scooped in 200. dols on Luke Blackburn in the first race. Shortly before the race for the Westchester Cup he was seen looking at the quotations of a prominent bookmaker, and appeared undecided about betting. The aforesaid bookmaker called a tout, and pointing out the green-looking in dividual, said :—“ You see that man ; go tell him to back CJncas ; that he is a 3ure winner, and I will give you 25 per cent of what he bets.” The green-looking indi vidual, being advised, stepped up and bet the bookmaker 100 dels, to 600 dols. that Uncas would win. The result i 3 known. Barbee landed Uncas a winner, and the bookmaker was beaten at his own game.

A Lost Collection. —A Leicester shire paper say 3 that an amusing scene occurred in a church at Penpout. The assistant had|}‘ exchanged” with a neigh bor, and the| stranger, not aware that in the Established congregation the collec tion was always taken with the ladle, allowed no opportunity for it between the last psalm ancl the blessing. The people were visibly amused, the more that the incumbent, a man of rather irritable temper, was observed to be trying, but ineffectually, to arrest the attention of the preacher by a series of short, sharp, and significant coughs. When the people began to move out at the doors he could stand it no longer, but rushed out of his pew, caught a fugitive by the shoulder, ordered him to seize a ladle, and the beadle another, and inter cept the collection that threatened to elude him altogether. The most of the congregation, however,- had already es caped by other doors, having much to do to restrain their laughter till they got into the open air. On the two toll collectors returning they reported a sum of 4s. “ Four shillings !” exclaimed the vener able divine with undisguised contempt ; and he proceeded to open the Sabbath class, held immediately after the service.

The Granville Ghost.— The Granville ghost has puzzled Professor Tyndall. During the last session, that terminated so abruptly, Lord Granville was often ob served gazing in an abstracted manner at the wall opposite his seat in the House of Lords'; and on more than one occasion while he was speaking he came to a dead stop for a moment or two, and looked earnestly at the point in question before resuming. It has gradually leaked out that the cause of this was the apparition of a casement in the wall with a shadowy form, as of a lady, sitting at the window with her elbow on the sill and her head resting on her hand. Her arm and face were always very distinct, the f former being adorned by a bracelet, in which a magnificent diamond star flashed brightly, and the latter, a singularly beautiful countenance, being characterised by un utterable sadness. • All hypotheses of dis ordered vision or “ unconscious cerebra tion ” have failed to explain the phe nomenon ; for, as Lord Granville is per fectly free from apparitions outside the House of Lords, it is evident that the “ghost” has to do with the locality rather than with the person. Professor Tyndall has been applied to, and has avowed his determination to clear up the mystery, but hitherto all bis investigations have proved unavailing.

The “Hand” of the Kavanaghs.— A few dayß ago the Morning Herald pub lished tho following relative to the well known Mr. Kavanagh of Borris. “ His family is a very old one, as the name MacMurrogh indicates, and there is a a curious legend in connection with it associated with Air. Kavanagh’s infirm ities. It was said many years ago that the Borris estates would pass into the hands of a ‘monster,’ and that the event would happen within twelve months’ of the finding of a human hand. Air. Kavanagh was the third son, and though his high mental qualities and his gentle man! mannershardly justified the descrip tion of ‘monster,’ his singular deformi ties led many to wonder, when he was a young man, whether the legend in any way applied to him. When his eldest brother was twenty years of age the finding of a bundle of twfca which looked very like a human liancr strengthened the suspicion that the legend would be realised. Within twelve months the elder brother died suddenly ; three months afterwards the second son died of fever ; and 011 coming of age the present Mr. Kavanagh inherited the estates.” Refer ring to the above, the New Zealand Tablet writes : —“ Wo can vouch for it that the hand that was found, growing upon a tree that stood on some portion of the Borris property could not properly be described as a mere “ bundle of twigs.” It was a wooden hand, almost as perfect as if it had been carved, and showing both the nails and the knuckles of the fingers. It was exhibited for a week or two at the Dublin Exhibition of ’53, but was taken away suddenly, as it was believed, at the indignant remonstrance of the Kavanagh family. The case that contained it stood in one of the galleries close by the bee-' hives, which attracted so much attention. Some of our readers may, perhaps, re member the circumstance we mention.’

The Proper Age. —“ At what 1 age were you married ?” asked she, inquisitively.— But. the other woman v. r as equal to tho emergency, and quietly responded, “At the parsonage.”

The Principle of the Thing. —“We should insist on the reductions being carried out upon a sliding scale,” said Mr. Seddon.(in the Civil Service debate). “It is the principle lam fighting for. The other day I saw little children going to school in the wet and. cold with no shoes on their feet, and I saw a Government official in the receipt of LBOO a-year driving past. This caused me to reflect. We are suing to impose additional taxa tion on the parents of these children. The 20 per cent, which we take off the salaries of these highly-paid officials would put boots upon those little children. We should, look at the matter in that light. We should make some distinctions, and the sooner we do so the better. ” The Governor-General of India.— Lord Ripon (says the Home Neivs ) fancies himself a Roman Catholic ; as a matter of fact he is an English Puritan, believing very strongly in certain truths of revealed religion, and thinking that he can only live up to his ideal of faith by strict sub mission to the laws of the old doctrinal code of Christendom. Possibly ho was not altogether aware of the full force of his words when he said that in turning Papist he had become more sincerely liberal than before. It was perfectly true, and meant this—that lie had become more profoundly penetrated with the con viction that there is a Divine ruler of the universe, and that an unflinching alle giance is due to Him if we would accom plish anything good or great in this world. So, when he received new spiritual com fort, the poetry of the political creed in which he had been brought up naturally struck his imagination more vividly than ever.

The State of Ireland.

(From late Cablegrams and by the , Eng. lish Mail.) London, Aug. 24. A long debate took place in the House of Commons to-night in regard to the sedi tious speeches recently delivered by Mr. Dillon, the Home Rule member for Tip perary. At meetings at Kildare and at other places Mr. Parnell and other Home Rulers endorsed the language used by Mr. Dillon. Mr. Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, said that he would not be de terred by such language from taking steps to protect life and property, and to im prove the relations between landlords or tenants in Ireland. A ug. 25. A further debate took place in the House of Commons to-day on the existing state of affairs in Ireland. Mr. Parnell made a vehement speech, in the course of which he said that the constitution of a native Parliament in Ireland was the only remedy to meet the grievances of the Irish people. The. Right Hon. W. E. Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, said that the action of the House of Lords in rejecting the Irish Tenants’ Compensation Bill was much to be regretted, and would possibly prove a great calamity. He added that if coercion should prove neces sary in Ireland lie would introduce a Bill to effect the same, and one which would relieve the Government from the conse quences of unjust landlords.

Aug. 17.

The state of Ireland is alarming and dis tressing. London papers contain lengthy and sensational accounts of disturbances that.are taking place in various parts of the country. Rioting is .general in the northern counties. The tenantry are organising for offensive and defensive operations. They have -combined for mutual protection and assistance against the landlords. Prospects of a good harvest have stimulated the people to increased activity in resisting evictions. Inflamma tory speeches, continue to be delivered throughout the country by excited orators, exhorting the people to fight for their rights. Every eviction that occurs is accompanied by acts of violence and fre quently rioting. At Dmigarvan, County Tyrone, a hot and sanguinary riot took place. The police fired into the riotous crowd, and killed several persons and wounded others. Scenes of disorder and distraction are recorded from many dis tricts in the northern counties.

In consequence of. repeated threats and covert acts of violence the police authori ties at' Cork have established a system of espionage, with the object of detecting offenders. The system, however, has proved ineffectual, and in consequence of the obliquy heaped upon officials con nected with it they are becoming dis couraged, and hesitate to follow their in structions.

Since the late acts of coercion in Ire land, large purchases of arms are being made in that country, and trouble is ex pected after the harvest, when landlords will claim back rents. The language used at public meetings is increasingly aggressive, and speakers urge the forma tion of a union in Ireland, numbering 300,000, and advise the tenants to refuse to pay rents and to liarrass the landlords. Serious religious riots' have-mccurred at Portadown, Downpatrick, and Dungarvon, and at the latter town the police fired at the mob, killing one man and wounding six.

In the House of Commons the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, in course of a speech on the present state of affairs in Ireland, took occasion recently to denounce in strong terms the wickedness and cowardice of the speech delivered by Mr. Dillon, mem ber for Tipperary, at Kildare, in which he made use of seditious language against the Queen and Government of the country. Replying to a question whether Alinisters intended to adopt steps against Mr. Dillon, Mr. Forster said it was not pro posed to institute legal proceedings although the Government considered the language made use of was of the most reprehensible character. July 16.

• Parliament is Btill occupied with the Bill granting _ compensation to evicted Irish tenants, and progress is very slow, partly owing to the vacillation of the Government, and partly to obstructionist tactics of Parnell, the tone of whose re marks indicate that the Irish party wish to dictate terms to the Government, who are accused in some quarters of undue defer ence to the Irish extremists. The Bill was originally introduced as an additional clause to the Relief of Irish Distress Bill, was advocated as a relief measure, and was next transferred into the Land Bill Amending Developing Act, 1879. The debate on the second reading showed that

Air. Parnell’s followers were satisfied with the measures, but that the moderate sup porters of the Government were alarmed. Lord Landsdowne resigned, several pro minent representatives of the great Whig families voted against it, and many other Liberals abstained from voting. On the 9th inst. the Irish Attorney-General intro duced an amendment giving landlords the option of escaping .from the penal opera tions of the Bill by offering defaulting tenants the opportunity of selling their interests in their holdings. Thereupon the Irish party lustily declared that the amendment was worthless. Mr. Glad stone was at first unmoved by the denun ciations, but on the 12th he gave notice of substitution for previous amendment. The Premier’s new proposal relieved the landlord from penalties for disturbance, only in cases where he offered the tenant a reasonable alternative before proceeding to eviction. A heated discussion followed, and since then the Irish members have generally sided against -the Government.

Aug. 1. The weather all over Ireland is most favorable, and it is expected that the potato crop will be enormous. It promises to exceed anything seen in Ireland since tho period anterior to the famine of 1848.. The root and cereal crops are also luxu riant.

There are encouraging reports of the improved condition of the West of Ire land. The annual report of the Local Government Board says that no deaths from starvation have occurred.

Mr. Parnell has summoned the Home Rule Convention in England at Newcastle on-Tyno fur August 9.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Renters Agency.) The Australian Cricketers. London, Aug. 24.

The Australian cricketers were enter tained last night by the §Alayor of Leeds at a public banquet. Air. Murdoch, in replying to the toast of the evening, took occasion to allude to the Sydney cricket disturbance last year, and defended the Sydney cricketers, .who, be said were quite blameless in the matter. The match Australians v. eighteen of Yeadon was continued to-day. The for mer resumed their first innings, but were not disposed of until they had made 217 runs. Bannerman was the highest scorer with 58 runs. Boyle scored 42. Both men were caught out. The Yeadon eighteen then went in for their first inn ings and scored 105 runs. Boyle bowled splendidly, and took 10 wickets. The Yeadon men being 112 runs behind their opponents had to follow their innings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had only scored seven runs for the loss of five wickets. Aug. 25. The cricket match, Australians v. eighteen of Yeadon, at Yeadon, was re sumed to-dry. The Australians won the match in one innings with 65 runs to spare. Boyle took eight wickets and Alexander nine. ‘ Wool, &c. London, Aug. 24. At the wool sales to-day, 8,200 bales were offered, making a total of 63,000 bales catalogued since the opening. Prices are firmly maintained. Aug. 25. At the wool sales to-day 9,500 bales were offered, making a total of 72,400 bales catalogued since the opening. The tone of the sale showed a good demand. New Zealand wheat, c.f. i., 445.; best Australian beef tallow, 345. 6d.; best mutton tallow, 365. 6d. Mr. Gladstone. Mr. Gladstone has norr quite recovered from his recent illness and leaves Graves end to-morrow on a cruise off the coast of Ireland and Scotland, in Messrs; Donald Currie and Co.’s steamship Grantly Castle. The Trouble at Candahar—Worse News. Calcutta, Aug. 24. Further intelligence from Candahar states that the British loss in the sortie which was made from the citadel a few days ago on Ayoub’s besieging force was heavy. Fourteen British officers and many rank and file were killed and wounded. Ayoub is' now shelling the city and riddling the ramparts. News has been also received that General Roberts, with bis relieving force from Cabul, will arrive at Kalat-i-Ghilzai to day on the road to Candahar. Sugar. Alauritius, Aug 12. The Admiral Ruyter is loading with 400 tons of sugar for New Zealand. Sugar operations have beefi hindered by the bad weather. " -

AUSTRALIAN

{Per Reuter's Agency.) A Distinguished Visitor. ATelbourne, Aug. 24.

It is announced that the Duke of Man chester will visit New Zealand during his stay in the colonies.

Sir Hercules and the Sporting Men. It is proposed to hold a race meeting here in Sir Hercules Robinson ’3 honor when he visits ATelbourne on bis way to England. The proposal meets with general approval in sporting circles. Aug 26. Sir Hercules Robinson has accepted the invitation to the race meeting to be held hero on September 16. There will be a large amount of added money to the chief events. Sugar. Sugars are from -|-cl. to §d. higher. Sporting. '"Sydney, Aug. 25. The race for the Haivkesbury Guineas resulted as follows ; Geraldine, 1 ; Sapphire, 2 ; Kamillaroi, 3. Time—lm. 45 8-10 secs. Won by a length. No Confidence- Adelaide, Aug. 25*.^ In the Legislative Assembly, Air. Bray lias tabled a vote of want of confidence in the Government on the Estimates. The Mail Contract. Brisbane, Aug 26. The Opposition have revived their- struction in the Assembly to the mail contract, and the Government how threaten to adjourn for three months without supply.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Indignant.

Grahamstown, Aug. 27.

Great indignation is felt here re .the proposal to divert the L 15,000 vote to the line between Hamilton and Cambridge. The Borough Council have appointed a committee to draft a protest, and at a meeting of the Railway Committee this morning, a very strong protest was drawn up.

The South British Insurance Company. Auckland, Aug. 27. At the last meeting of directors of the South British Insurance Company, Mr. Johnston, who has been performing the duties during Mr. Boardrnan’s absence, was appointed permanent manager. A Popular Town Clerk. His Worahip.the Mayor, on behalf of a deputation of citizens, presented the Town Clerk, Mr. W. A. Phillips, with a purse of sovereigns. “ Professional ” Visitors. Amongst the through passengers by the mail steamer Australia for Sydney were Herr Bandmann, actor; Miss Louise' Bandet ; M. Rowalsky, the eminent painist ; Miss Boyer, soprano, from the Conservatoire, Milan ; and Billy Sweet man, negro comedian. A Concession. r • Wellington, Aug. 27. A letter has been received by the Secre tary to the Hew Zealand Commission of the Melbourne Exhibition to the effect that all gentlemen who are eithermembers of the Legislature or belonging to the New Zealand Commission for the Mel bourne Exhibition will be entitled to free passes to the Exhibition, and visitors to free passes over the Government lines of railway upon their arrival in Victoria. A Mismanaged Hospital. The inquiry into the present administra tion of affairs at Wellington Hospital was continued yesterday afternoon. The evidence so far is in favor of the officials. The enquiry was adjourned until this afternoon. To-day’s Parliament. The House met at 11 o’clock, and went into Committee on the Wellington Harbor Board and Corporation Land Bill, which wa3 reported with amendments, read a third time, and passed.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, August 23. EVENING SITTING.

After the usual formal business had been disposed of in the House yesterday after noon, the Premier moved the re-committal of the Electric Telegraph Act Amendment Bill, for the purpose of giving members an opportunity of further considering the new clause, inserted last week by the Premier, dealing with the special wire. There was a good deal of discussion on the subject, the majority of the speakers being averse to the terms of the clause in granting a special wire to any person or association. The result was that the clause was excised, and the Bill, as reported, makes no reference whatever to the grant ing or use of a special wire for press pur poses. The Colonial Treasurer moved the second reading of the Beer Duty Bill. In doing so, he referred to the question of saving effected in the expenditure. He pointed out that the Estimates calculated expenditure at L 3,473,000, but reductions had been made in Committee of Supply of L1G7,000, and, including the 10 per cent, reduction. . on salaries, the net saving amounted to L 197,000. The surplus at the - end of the year was estimated at L 134,000. So far as he could see he did not think it necessary to correct the Esti mates. The revenue would all come in, except perhaps in regard to the railways, the falling off in which would probably reduce the surplus to L 95,000. The savings effected this year, if carried into effect next year, would amount to L 252,000, and this the Government hoped they might be able, to increase. The House would, however, see that the pro posed taxation was the lowest they could do with, as next year they would have over LIOOjOOO to the bad. With regard to the Local Boards, and Rating Bills, the Government very much regretted that there would be no chance of passing them this session. He looked upon them as of very great importance, and for himself he was a thorough believer in them. It would, however, necessitate the extension of the session some four or six weeks to deal with them, as they required great consideration by the House and country, and already members had been engaged in political matters some eight or nine months out of the last thirteen months. In regard to the subsidies the Govern unent proposed to pay one-half for the re malrnug nine months of the financial year. This wbtilpl amount to about LIOO,OOO. They migliLfairly expect to get about L 50,000 from the iand fund to go towards the subsidies, and the other L 50,000 would come from the consolidated fund. The whole question would receive further consideration during the recess. As to the Beer Duty Bill, it was practically the American Act, except that its provisions were not so stringent ; and it was similar to the Act of 1878, with very few altera tions. The total amount they . had col lected up to the 3rd June last was at the rate of L58,Q00 a year, but stocks were being held back. He very much regretted having to bring this Bill forward, but it was simply a matter of necessity. Upon going into Committee of Supply he would give particulars as to the state of the loan, so that the House might know exactly the position in regard to that. Mr. Reader Wood objected to the proposed tax, and did not think, from the Premier’s own statement, that the amount of taxation WhiehJwas proposed was necessary. He thought the beer tax should be reduced to 3d., and the property tax to id. Mr. Macandrew said the only ground upon which he could agree to the beer tax was the necessity of providing subsidies t® local -bodies. Mr. Gisborne said he in tended to""oppose the tax altogether. After some further discussion, Mr. Bar ron moved the adjournment of the debate. The general feeling seemed to be that the discussion on the question of taxation should not be fully gone into until the second reading of the Property Tax Bill came on for discussion. In the evening Messrs. Shephard and Reid and Sir

George Grey next spoke in succession, and in opposition to the Bill, and Messrs. Hurst and Murray spoke in favor of it. The motion for the adjournment of the debate was then put and negatived. Mr. Moss endeavored to show that without the beer duty there would be a surplus of revenue over expenditure of L 55,000, and this, to his mind, did aw r ay with the ne-. cessity of imposing the tax. He expressed an opinion that before next session it would be found necessary so revise the whole system of Government. A division was taken on the second reading, which was carried by 51 to 20. The Premier then moved the second reading of the Pro perty Assessment Amendment Bill, merely explaining its provisions in a few words. Mr. Reader Wood looked upon the Bill as opposed to the views of the people gene rally. He moved the. following amend ment (1) That in the opinion of this House the property tax should be reduced from Id. to d. ; that the exeznptions from the operation of the property tax should include steam engines and all machinery used in manufacturing, pump ing, mining, and mill purposes ; all books and wearing apparel actually in use, agricul tural implements actually in use only, and all ; property below the sum of L3OO. (2) That the beer tax be reduced from Gd. to 3d. per gallon. ’ Mr. Saunders announced his intentiqn to vote against the Bill, and do everything in his power to prevent its passing. It is needless to particularise the views of the various speakers,, as the subject was fully discussed during the no confidence debate, and it has frequently cropped up since. Suffice it to say tha't the opponents of the proposed taxation based'their objections on a great variety of grounds, while those in' favor of it urged in extenuation the present financial condition of the country. Sir George Grey pointed out what he considered a very awkward predicament—viz., that a no-confidence motion was just moved by one of the Government supporters, and backed up by others of the same party ; while the other side did not want the Go vernment to go out, not seeing at present who were to fill their places. Sir George was very humorous and satirical all through his long speech. Referring to Mr. Reader Wood, who had moved the amendment, he said, although he (Sir George) did not wish to turn out the Go vernment, he would follow the .lead of Mr. Wood in this matter. The Govern ment ship was sinking at last, and all knew who were the first to leave a sink ing ship. This palpable hit at the mem ber for Waitemata and one of the “ Auck land four” created a furore ofLaughter. He advised all to take this opportunity to march boldly to the victory which awaited them in carrying the amendment to the proposals of what he called “ that semi naked and impotent rabble which now sit on those benches” (the Government).' The debate continued in a somewhat flat manner in a thin House till 1.10 a.m., when, without any reply from the Go vernment benches, - a division was called for, with the following result :—For the second reading, 31; against, 9. The second reading was consequently agreed to. The House rose'at 1.20 a.m.

Tuesday, August 24. The Speaker took the chair at 2.30. On the motion of the Hon. the Pre mier, the Speaker was empowered to issue a writ for the return of a member to the House daring the present Parliament for the electoral district of Waikaia, in the place of the late Mr. Ireland. ■ i The following new Bills were, intro duced :—A Bill to enable the Govern ment to grant certain land and privileges to any. person or company willing to con struct a railway between the City of Wel lington and Porirua (Mr. Brandon). The Railways Gonstruction Bill (Hon. Mr. Oliver). The Hokitika Harbor Loan Bill (Hon. Mr. Hall), and the Canterbury Roads Ordinance Amendment Bill.- The report of the Committee on the Electric Telegraph Act, 1875, Amend ment Bill was brought up, and the amend ments agreed to. The Bill was then read a third time and passed. After several members had spoken, the House went into Committee on the Beer Bill, which was being considered when the House adjourned at 5.30.

EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 on the Beer Bill and Property Assessment Bill. Considerable . discussion took' place, especially on clause 2, which fixed the duty at 6d. per gallon, and at least half-a dozen hon. gentlemen rose at once. Mr. Ballance moved that .the word " sixpence” be struck out, and the word “ threepence” inserted in lieu thereof,. The Hon. the Colonial Treasurer assured the House that they would want every penny that the sixpenny tax would raise. He regretted as much as any member of the Committee the necessity for this tax, but as it was really required, he hoped the House would pass the Bill as it stood. After remarks and expressions of opinion from several members on both sides of the House, the amendment that the tax be thieepence was put and carried on the voices.

The succeeding clauses in the Bill were then considered, and passed without dis sent.

, - Mr. Seddon moved an extra clause, to the effect that any brewer who; shall wil fully affix any stamp to any cask, with a view to mislead, shall be liable to a penalty for every offence. The clause was accepted by the Govern ment and agreed to. The Hon. Major Atkinson said that after the reduction which had been made in the beer tax, it would be necessary that the Government should consider the Pro perty Assessment Bill, and he would therefore ask that the consideration of that Bill be postponed. He would there fore ask that progress be reported to the House on the Beer Bill.

It was resolved to go into Committee on the Property Assessment Bill on the fol lowing' day. An important amendment to the De ceased Persons Estates Duties Bill was agreed to, on the motion of Mr. Downie Stewart, by which all estates under the value of LSOO are exempted from succes sion duty. The Stamp Fee Bill having had no amendments in it, was read a third time and passed. The Stamp Act Amendment Bill was also read a third time and passed.

The Hon, the Premier moved the second reading of the Waikato Confis cated Land Bill, and briefly explained its object. The motion was agreed to, and the Bill was read a second time. The

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 1880.



NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ingly- . , , . All notices of Births, Marriages, or Deaths must be accompanied by the sig nature of the sender, as a guarantee of good faith. All advertisements and business letters to be addressed The Manager ; literary communications should be addressed to The Editor. Miscellaneous. PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte 'J\ for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c TTTANTED—TENDERS for POST & VV WIRE FENCING at the Hospital. Labor only. Apply to Fooks and Son, Surveyors. ■ATT ANTED—By a young man, a SITUA VV TION in an office. Some experi -ence. Address “Clerk,” Guardian Office. 805 c WANTED KNOWN—Boys’ Leather Satchels, 2s. 6d. each ; also, good Lt ather Bags, brass lock and two keys, 7s. 6d., at J. Tait & Co.’3, Saddlers, next Cookson’s Stables. 809 c EGGS ! EGGS! ! EGGS! ! ! ' Oflfi DOZ. FRESH EGGS, 14 for Is. \/ v/ all af t' : T. R. HODDER & COMPANY. 810 c £IO,OOO rate of interest. Ashburton. TO LEND, in sums to suit borrowers, at lowest F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, 4.24c-835g FOR SALE. A GOOD Brick Four-roomed HOUSE, J\ with back kitchen, wash-house, and boiler, all well finished and complete, good out-houses, and every convenience, ■ Quarter-acre Section, nicely fenced, well cultivated, with a number of trees planted thereon ; very cheap ; can be had on terms. Also, Quarter-acre SECTION adjoining, well fenced. Full particulars by applying to “ P.H. W.,” Herald Office. 798 c EDUCATIONAL. MISS S. BARRATT, having taught successfully in the colonies for the last four years, is anxious to join her sister in establishing a SCHOOL in Ash burton. It is Miss Barratt’s desire to im pact to all entrusted to her care a THOROUGHLY GOOD GENERAL EDUCATION. English, one guinea. Extra charges will be made for Music, French, and : Drawing. Apply to MISS BARRATT, 039 c Wills Street. KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTUR ING COMPANY (LIMITED ) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. EOBMS of APPLICATION FOR SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per Bhare on allotment. ..August 23, 1880. V. R. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. ALTERATIONS IN TIME-TABLE OF TRAINS—RAKAIA AND ASHBUR TON FORKS BRANCH. ON and after the Ist September a train will leave Methven for Rakaia at 5.40 a.m. and 5.10 p.m., and Rakaia for Methven at 9.40 a.m. and 6.50 p.m., instead of at present times. Y.' ; . V:i FREDK. BACK, ....La-rsV; Traffic Manager. Traffic Manager’s Office, ' Christchurch, Aug. 23rd, 1880. 160 g



Miscellaneous. V. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. ALTERATIONS IN TIME-TABLE OF TRAINS. AN altered Time-table will come into force on the . Ist September. Where alterations have been made in starting times elf trains to or from Ashbur ton, the present times of starting and the altered times are given below : Christchurch to Ashburton—Present times, 8.20 a.m. (express), 2.10 p.m., and 6 p.m.; altered to 8.0 a.m. (express), L 5 p.m., and 4.20 p.m. Ashburton to Christchurch —Present times, 6.45 a.m., 9.30 a.m., and 5.37 p.m. (ex press) ; altered to 6.0 a. tn., 10.30 a. m. and 6.48 p.m. (express). Ashburton to Timaru—Present times, 10.48 a.m. (express), and 5.25 p.m.; altered to 10.36 a.m. (express) and 4.50 p.m. Timaru to Ashburton—Present times, 6.45 a.m., 3.15 p.m. (express), and 4.55 p.m.; altered to 7.0 a.m., 3.20 p.m. (express), and 4.35 p.m. FREDK. BACK, Traffic Manager. Traffic Manager’s Office, Christchurch, Aug. 23rd, 1880. 159 a ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. TO OWNERS OF UNOCCUPIED SECTIONS. JVTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that J3j the owners of Unoccupied Sections in the Borough of Ashburton are required to have the same CLEARED of Tussocks and Scrub (in terms of By-law 113) within ONE MONTH from date hereof, or legal proceedings will be taken. CHARLES BRADDELL, Town Clerk. Borough Council Office, Ashburton, 24th August, 1880. 811 c IMPORTANT NOTICE. A GROCERY BUSINESS, centrally situated, to be DISPOSED OF. Shop aud Fittings, &c., to be taken at a valuation. Immediate possession can be given. Satisfactory reasons for disposing of the business. Apply on the premises. JAMES CLARK,; 812 c Prospect Buildings. R. SOMERSET LODGE, E.C. THE Regular Monthly Meeting of this Lodge will be held THIS (Friday) EVENING at 7’30., in the new Masonic Hall, Tancred Street. Visiting Brethren invited. By order 594 c W.M.