The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1880.

.Tones’Art Union.— The drawing for prizes in Mr. H. M. Jones’ Grand Ait Uuion closed on Saturday evening with the following result Doll, L 3 35., Miss Bun dell, Grange; album, L2 10s., Mr. Mulhaney ; desk, LI 15.3., Mr. E. Felton; croquet set, •LI 10s., Miss Alice Orr; concertina, 10s. 6d., Miss Orr ; besides the minor gifts. Professor Waxlenburg.— This gentle man, the fame of whose extraordinary success A r ith cases of blindness and deafness, and ailments of the eye and ear generally has preceded him, has arrived in Ashburton, and may now he consulted by those who may desire to give him a trial, lie courts the severest and apparently the most hopeless cases.

Accident to the Express Train. —On Saturday evening, as the north going express was nearing Rolleston, a spring of one of the smoking carriages broke, and the after end of. the spring travelled for some distance on the ballasting. The driver’s attention having been called by means of the alarm rope, the train was stopped, and matters were put to rights sufficiently to allow the train to proceed to Rolleston junction, where the disabled carriage was left.

Congregational Meeting. —The an nual meeting of the Presbyterian congre gation was held last night, in the Church —the Pastor presiding. The financial statement was submitted, showing that a large amount of money had been raised during the year, and a heavy slice of the debt 011 the cause reduced, leaving, how ever, two mortgages on the church and manse to be wiped away. It was resolved to make a special effort to accomplish this object, and a strong financial committee was elected with this view. Borough Water Supply Pipes.— The iron pipes ordered by the Borough Council from England for their proposed scheme of water supply have at last arrived—all too soon, however, for our readiness to make use of them. Tenders for carting the pipes to the Council yards ax-c to-day advertised for, to ho sent in not later than 10 o’clock to-morrow morning.

Christmas Pantomime.— The Hydes Gem Burlesque and Comedy Company will be popular with the little ones on the occasion of their visit this week, the energetic and versatile Mr. Hydes having chosen as his bill of fare the Pantomime “ Harlequin Mazourka.” Doubtless many children of a larger growth will also enjoy a broad grin at the comicalities of Mr. H}'des’ Harlequinade.

Accident on the Methven Railway. —One of the men employed on the Methven railway met with a nasty acci dent on Saturday afternoon. He was standing between two trucks for the pur pose of coupling them, and was signalling to the driver to come a little nearer, when —one of the trucks having lost its buffer —he was caught just under the arms, receiving a terrible squeeze. The engine at once started with the man for Rakaia, where it arrived in time to catch the 5.30 p.m. train for Christchurch, whither the poor fellow was taken for medical attend ance.

Mount Somers Road Board. —The Mount Somers Road Board have at last succeeded in getting over their annual meeting, and we must say with all due re spect to the ability and probity of the members composing this public body that the ratepayers have some cause of com plaint. We do not coincide with 'one ratepayer, who, by the way, has not yet paid his rates, that any suspicion of dis honesty attached to any member of the Board, but there has no doubt been too much reliance and responsibility placed upon the Board’s executive officer. A sum of LIO,OOQ odd has been spent on contracts for works, .and maintenance of roads, and both have been sadly negl cted, as any traveller may see without much searching. The Board cannot bo held blameless for their part in the matter. At the same time, the conduct of some of the ratepayers at the annual meeting dis played an indecent amount of ill- feeling in one case especially. Mr. R. Morgan, on the principle, we as sume, of measuring every man’s corn by his own bushel, made some very im pertinent imputations as to the honesty of the members and past members of the Board, and we were rather surprised to see that his insolence was tolerated by the meeting. lie had evidently been schooled for the occasion, but had for gotten his lessons, and the venom ex hausted itself in the transfer from its originator to its mouthpiece. It is, how ever, satisfactory that the accounts have been adjusted so as to be in a state fit to be submitted to the auditor in a few days, and we sincerely trust that the troubles of the Board are now over, and that their business will travel in the easy grooves in which most of our other country Boards do. Meantime we would call the atten tion of the new surveyor to the want of certain repairs to the Alford Forest road, and the necessity of harvesting the thistle crop in various parts of the district. Travelling on the Board’s roads is a work of great difficulty, to say nothing of dis comfort, for the roads comprise, in most cases, thistles, boulders, and ruts.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Rat to V.) London, Jan. 19, The Queen to Open Parliament.

Parliament will be opened next session by the Queen in person. Death of the Due de Grainont.

The death is announced to-day of the Due d) Gramont, the French diplomatist, aged CO. Public Relief Works Demanded,

A meeting was held in London to-day at which a resolution was passed demand ing that the Government should initiate public relief works.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, Jan 20. Trickett, the Rowing Champion. Triekett has announced his intention of

proceeding to England to row Hanlon, the Canadian sculler. Cooxi own, Jan. 20. The Torres Straits Mail. The Eastern mail steamer Somerset has arrived from 'Singapore and Hong Kong, with the Torres Straits mail. The Cattle Plague in China. Latest news from the East states that a serious cattle plague is 1 aging around Shanghai Violent Earthquake’,Hin Japan. A violent shock of earthquake has been experienced at Yokahama, and a number of buildings have been destroyed and others injured.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTER-PROVINCIAL.

Gkahamstown, Jan. 20. Numerous Applications.

Twenty-two applications were received by the governors of the High School for the head tcachership. The applications will be opened to-morrow. More Law. Owners of forfeited shares in the old Wliau mine intend testing the legality of the forfeiture. Legal talent are already engaged. Wellington, Jan. 20. Our Fleet go 23 to Practice. H. M. S. Cormorant proceeds to the Heads this afternoon for shot and shell practice. An Echo of the General Election.

The libel action, Anderson v. Kirkbirde, claiming L2OOQ for alleged libel published in a leading article of the “ Rangitikei Advocate ” on September 18th last, is now being heard at the Supreme Court. The Totalisator. The Jockey Club intend to allow two totalise tors on the course at the forth coming meeting. : Kelson, Jan. 20. Fire. A largo stable, belonging to AY. Hunt, was burned on Sunday. The origin of the lire is unknown. The stable was filled with new hay. A Railway Station Broken Into. The office of the Foxhill railway station was broken into on Saturday, and between L 5 and LlO taken. Dunedin, Jan 20. The Pira Brigades’ Annual Conference. The Fire Brigades’ Annual Conference opened this morning, with 18 brigades re presented, exclusive of Dunedin. Superin tendent Harris was re-elected President of the Association, and Fireman Robert son lion, secretary. Mr. Robertson was also appointed corresponding secretary to the United Association of Great Britain. A Disputed Will Case. In the Supreme Court to-day, a special jury is trying the validity of the will of the late David Calder, of Caversliam, which is disputed by several of his family on the ground of undue influence by his youngest dam-liter. His property is .valued at over LIO,OOO, and war left to the four youngest, all the others being ex cluded. Mr. Fish’s Testimonial Mr. Fish was presented with a purse of 230sovs. by his sympathisers. The meeting carried a resolution expressive of entire confidence in him. Invercargill, Jan. 20. The Irish Distress Relief. The meeting to raise funds for the Irish distress was a great success. A strong Committee was appointed, and over Ll3O subscribed at the close of the meeting. LSOO was cabled to the Mayor of Dublin to-day through the Union Bank. Another Good Man Gone Wrong.

William M‘Pherson, a well-known mer chant, has filed. The Recent Scaffolding Accident.

At the inquest on the body of George Smith, who died from the accident at the Supreme Court building, the jury found that no one was to blame, adding a rider asking the Municipal Council to take steps to supervise the erection of scaffolding, with a view to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents. The Volunteer Majority of Southland- The “Times” says a movement is on foot amongst the volunteers to secure the return of Capt. J. Thomson as Major of the Southland district volunteers.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVI N O ! AL.

Auckland, Jan. 19. Sir George Grey has written to the Thames, stating that he visits Auckland on the sth February, to open the College and Grammar Schools, then, if his health permits, he will go and address the Thames constituents. The Wanaka went into Walii harbor and took 160 tons of the Kawi coal. This is the first trial of the coal by the Union Company. Heavy rains caused an overflow <:f the Ohinomutu wharf and the low lands. Some damage was done to the crops. Maori Kingites are preparing for hold ing another great meeting at Xiikurangi in March, between the Ngatihua and Nga timaniapoto tribes. It is not jrnt known whether the meeting will be open or the representatives of Government be invited. Rewi lias quite recovered and is at Te Kopua. He says what with the luxuries of civilisation —jellies, syrups, and pastry —he has been nearly killed with kindness. He recovered when he returned to the plain Maori diet. Tawhio addressed a meeting of the principal chiefs the other day. Ho strongly advised them to keep aloof from Te Whiti, and said in former times they had suffered through inter fering in the quarrels of others. They had lost all their land but a few acres, and if they took up Te Whiti’s cause they would lose all. To continue their former obstinacy would only meet with disaster. Mr. Sheehan wili go into partnership with Grace and others as natives’ agents and solicitors at Cambridge, where they will open an office. Opunaxe, Jan. 19.

There is a very small attendance at Pavihaka meeting this month. This fact and Te Whiti’s words show that no im portance is attached by the natives to the removal of the Maori prisoners to Hoki tika and Dunedin. Te Whiti and Tohu both express themselves satisfied there will be no lighting. Te Whiti says that

lie told them in September there would he a company of people sent to Pariliaka be fore the prisoners returned. Several Europeans (including two ladies) from Opunakc were present at the meeting. They were interviewed in the evening by Tohu, a Maori acting as interpreter. Un less the Royal Commissioners or Con stabulary go up, nothing more is likely-to take place at Parihaka till after -March'. Tt.uaru, Jan. 19.

At the It.M. Court to-day,-John Griffin, late barman at the Club Hotel, was com mitted for trial at the Supreme Court for larceny of money from the till. A number of marked coins were traced to his posses sion.

At the meeting of the Geraldine County Council to-day, slaughterhouse fees were fixed—Anyone killing two large or ten small cattle per week to pay an annual license fee of L2 ; and over this number a license foe of L 5. It was resolved to apply to Government for an advance of 1.-200. A hot discussion took place on the proposal to make Timaru instead of Temuka the County town. The question was eventually postponed. The weather is again very favorable for harvesting, and reaping is rapidly becom ing general, the crops looking magnificent. Dunedin, J,m. 19. A sudden death occurcd yesterday. A Mrs. Penham, at Brighton, was engaged in her usual household duties when she full down, death being instantaneous. Heart disease was the cause of death

Blue Duck, at Tinkers, washed up with a result of 15700z5. The Cornish Com pany, at Mount Burster, washed up with 2500z5. They expect lOOOozs. before finished. liidsr and Guffie, at the same place, obtained 4-OOozs. for three months’ work by six men. 111 a fortnight hence they expect to wash up another SOOozs. Accounts from Dry-head are equally good. Last week’s escort from Mount Ida° was the largest sent down for years. Tlie calling of the Hinemoa at Port Chalmeis with wlutefisli ova, was a mis take. ine Acclimatision Society had made arrangements with Government that she was to proceed direct to Bluff, the whole of the Otago ova being intended to be sent to Lake Wakatipu for hatching, the mistake was discovered before the Hinemoa left, and the ova boxes were resliipped. Mr. Deane made an early start this morning with the ova from Bluff to Queenstown by special train. Before the holidays there were 700 men at work on the ‘ ■ unemployed ” section of the Otago Central Railway at Hindon ; now there are only 300. On Win ton section, near Oainaru, there are 200 men, in place of 500 before the holidays. Electric five indicators have now been fixed throughout the city, and connected with the Central Fire Brigade Station. They work very well.

At the Presbyterian Synod this afternoon, the Rev. L. Slackie moved that the Synod, being made aware that Pastor Cliiniquy, of Canada, will shortly visit this part of t-ho colony with a view to raising- funds for the erection of a College for the training of priests who have left the Roman Catholic Church, beg to offer him a very hearty welcome, and suggest to ministers that they should render him whatever help he may requre in pursuit of his object. It was ultimately decided that notice of motion should be given. Chiarini, the circus proprietor, lias offered a benefit on Friday for*the Irish famine relief fund.

The case Davidson v. Davidson, petition for judicial separation, was continued before Mr Justice Williams at the Supreme Court to-day, and the case was concluded. Judgment was reserved. Some 50 persons attended old Knox Church, when the Rev. L. Moore con ducted divine service. Before delivering his sermon lie explained that advanced ritualism was now practiced to such an extent 111 the Episcopolian churches that he was compelled to initiate a service at which he, and those who thought with him, could worship God in accordance until the simple form of their Church’s service which was beautiful and effective in its simplicity.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Tuesday, Jan. 20. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, RM.) DIIUNK AND DISORDERLY. Win. Miller was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and with using obscene language. For the drunkenness, several previous convictions being on the records against him, lie was fined 20s. or 48 hours ; and for the bad language ho was passed on to Lyttelton for a month.

Ihos Joyce, for being illegally on the premises of the Royal Hotel, was dis charged with a caution. “the government whisky bill.”

Snearmam v. Knight.—Judgment was given in this case, as follows This case requires that complainant should clearly prove that defendant obtained the goods from plaintiff by a fraudulent representa tion of certain facts, and that when de fendant made this representation he knew that it was false, or that ho had not rea sonable grounds for believing it to be true (Addison on Torts, 4th edition—p.p. 835-0). It is there laid down—“lt is enough if a representation is made which the person making it knows to be untrue, and which is intended or calculated to in duce another to act oil the truth of it in such a way that he may incur damage, and that damage is actually incurred. A wilful falsehood of such a nature is in the legal sense of the word a fraud.” (Other authories -were also quoted bearing on the case). I have there fore to say whether the evidence adduced discloses su;h a fraudulent misrepresenta tion as the law, as laid down in the above quotation, seems to require. lam of opinion that the defendant made such a representation, on the truth of which plaintiff supplied certain goods for the men employed on the public works, under the control or supervision of the defen dant. It is proved that defendant did not use any of the goods himself or that he derived any pecuniary benefit. It is proved that plaintiff supplied the goods. It is therefore necessary for me to ascertain if defendant had authority to order the goods. On this point the evidence is con tradictory—Mr. Lowe’s evidence not being positive as to giving permission to order them, whilst defendant swore he received a verbal order from Mr. Lowe. Under all the circumstances I am unable to say that defendant did not get the order, and as the plaint in this case is tantamount to a criminal charge, defendant is entitled to the doubt, and plaintiff must be nonsuited Avith costs.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The adjourned annual meeting was held at Mount Somers yesterday. The meet ing had been advertised for the school house, but owing to repairs now going on there, Mr. I). Henderson kindly placed his new store at the disposal of the pub lic, and the meeting was held there. A private meeting was previously • hold at Morgan’s' store, for the purpose of initia ting matters for the: meeting. At noon there were about 25 ratepayers present, and W. C. Walker, Esq., having taken the chair, read his statement as follows : ---The school being under the control of the Board of Education, they were com pelled to hold the meeting in Mi’. Hen derson’s store. The following financial statement had been prepared :

The Chairman hoped the report would be satisfactory, as under the circum stances of last winter it was thought judicious to spend a larger sum than womd otherwise have been done, owing to the depression in financial affairs. In reply to Mr. Tisch, the Chairman said that the amounts did not include existing contracts. The culvert by W. Smith’s was not yet passed and the con tractor had to pay for the material.

Mr. Tisch considered this statement wrong, as the agent for Messrs. Montgo mery and Co. had informed him that the Board paid for it. Mr." Tisch also wanted to know why a certain contract of L2OO had been let privately. It was stated that the job had been let to Mr. A. Mac fariane. The Chairman replied that the Board had let the work to Victor S danrl.

In reply to a ratepayer as to the distri bution of money to the various wards, tlio Chairman said the Board had en deavored to spend the money with a view to give access to all parts of the district, and to make all the roads with an eye to utilize the railway system now being initiated : he was unaware of any district having been unfairly treated'; the Gorge read, he had insisted upon being made as it was done with a view to future require ments.

Mr. Craighead asked the amount of rateable property in each ward. The Chairman said the following were the values ; —-

Mr. "Tisoli asked what the Board in tended doing with contractors who were absent from their work for months at a time on the maintenance of roads. The Chairman replied that no money had been paid to the contractor for maintenance. Mr. Tisch considered that the contractor should bo made to put the roads in good order according to his contract. Mr. Morgan asked to sec the vouchers for a payment of L32G. Mr. Craighead asked for a statement of the rates collected during the past year, and the amounts still due.

In reply to Mr. Morgan, the Chairman said he could see no useful purpose to bo achieved by supplying the information asked ; if any ratepayers wished to obtain any information the best way would be to appoint a committee of two or three to in vestigate any or all amounts they want to see.

Mr. Morgan said so far as he e mid see there was nothing to show whether the Board had put this money in their pockets or not. (Laughter).

Some remarks were made as to the Board having had plenty of time to pre pare a statement. The Chairman 'said the statement was full and plain, and lie did not see what object could be obtained by producing the vouchers. The accounts would be laid before the auditor in the course of a week or so lie hoped.

Mr. Tisch asked if the Board considered they were justified in letting one member let a contract, as they did with Mr. Mac farlane last year. The Chairman said the occasion spoken of was one of emergency, and the Board did the best they could. Mr. Macfarlino said Mr. Tisch was under a misapprehension, as lie did not let it. The surveyor let .it on the authority of the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Tisch asked then if the Board would give the surveyor authority to let such a work privately. The Chairman replied —“ Undoubtedly, if necessary, they would. ”

The Surveyor then produced vouchers

for the amounts asked for by Mr. Morgan, and in reply to Mr Craighead’s enquiry furnished the following particular’s of rates :—Total rates, L 917 7s. Sd. ; col lected, L(jl3 15s. Gd. ; still due, 1298125. 3d.

Mr. Craighead said he would like to know why this amount was not collected, as he saw there was an overdraft at the Bank.

The Chairman explained the overdraft was only an apparent one, as it was really only a cross entry'' in the Bank account. The Board was anxious to get the rates in, but it was impossible to <_st all the sums paid. The land tax was equally difficult to collect by the Government.

Mr. R. Todd asked why the road to the Spread Eagle had been altered from a 5-inch crown to a 12-inch.

The Chairman replied it was clone to bring it within the specification.

Mr. Cameron said he came over the road that morning, and could say it was fit for either light or heavy traffic. The Chairman said he objected to the question of the construction of a road being discussed at a ratepayers’ meeting. The fact, however, was that the contractor had not finished his work, and the Board had taken it out of his hands, and if Mr. Carlton wished to know his (Mr. Walker’s) private opinion, he would tell him. Mr.: Carlton would like to know it. Mr. Walker said it v> as the it. ost slovenly work he had seen in the district.

Reference was made by others present to the manner in which other works had been allowed to pass. Mr. Easton asked why a rate was not struck this year. Tire Chairman stated that it was by a reso lution qf the members, and the reason was that so many drains were made upon the ratepayers’ pockets that it was deemed necessary to levy a rate. In reply to Mr. Hood, The Chairman said it was considered advisable last year, owing to the Govern ment subsidy to be received.

Mr. Easton—You landed proprietors and squatters don’t want to tax your own properties.

Mr. Walker—Wc are the best j udges. Mr. Morgan considered on such a sub ject the ratepayers ought to be consulted. Mr. Tisch said they had put in the Board as competent men, and did not require to call the ratepayers together on every occasion. Mr. Craighead wished to know what accounts had been paid to the various newspapers. The Chairman—“ Times,” L3O 125.; “Mail,” L 33 Is. Gd.; “Press,” LG 13s. 4d.; “ Guardian,” Ll 5 4s. Gd. Mr. Craighead wished to know why all the advertisements had been withdrawn from one paper and given to another. The Chairman—The advertising had been fairly divided, and the “ Mail ” had had its share and then the “ Guardian ” had its share, and was appointed as the paper for six months. Besides he did not see that the ratepayers had been at any inconvenience, as the “ Mail ” had kindly advertised free. Mr. Morgan asked if Mr. Walker had any interest in the “ Guardian.” Mr. Walker declined to answer any questions as to his private business. Mr. Easton said there had been no row about newspapers until the election. (Cheers.) I’he Chairman said such was the case, but why it was so lie could not say. Mr. Craighead wished to know why the lowest tender for Graham’s road had not been accepted, and what was the cost of it. The Chairman said the Board did not bind themselves as a rule to accept the lowest tender. In the instance referred to the lowest tender was informal, and different to the specification. A contractor complained of birch hav ing been substituted for totara on that contract. The return asked for by Mr. Morgan was then supplied, and he objected that it was not what he had asked for.

The Chairman said it was impossible to give satisfactory information of this nature at a public meeting, and advised him to adopt Mr. Edson’s resolution—“ That Messrs. Morgan, Hood, and Harvey, bo appointed a committee to inspect vouchers Go., and report toameetingof ratepayers. ” The auditor would inspect the books on the 27th inst. , and the resolution was to the effect that the Board was not to be trusted, and they had better say so at once. Mr. Edson said certain works had not been carried out to their satisfaction, and there had been a waste of money in the district. Mr. Cameron said lie was of opinion that as so much ill-feeling was engendered at the meeting, lie was quite willing to sever his connection with the district, and there seemed to be a feeling in Mount Somers that there had been dishonesty in the dealings of the Board. Mr. Hood did not think any charge of dishonesty had bean made, simply one of carelessness. Mr. Tisch said the whole of the ill-feel ing had arisen from so much power being put in the overseer’s hands in the letting of contracts. Mr. A. Macfarlauo said that if the angel Gabriel came down to Mount Somers ho would not satisfy them, and all the work done by the Board had been done fairly and above board. Mr. Craighead considered the Board had displayed negligence in not seeing that their servants did their duty. Mr. Edson’s motion was then with drawn. Mr. Tisch was of opinion that no con tract should be let except by public ten der, and moved, “ That the Board, or the overseer, shall not have the power of let ting any work over L2O, except by public tender.” The Chairman said he quite agreed with the resolution, but he must say that the Board had never let any work except in cases of emergency. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Hood, and carried. Mr. Craighead proposed, “ That in the opinion of this meeting the Ward system ought to be abolished. ” He desired to point out that the spirit of the Ordinance was that no ratepayer should have more than five votes; but under the Ward system it was possible for a man to have 25 votes.' JMr. Morgan here stated that Messrs. Walker, Taylor, and Peters had gone to Alford Forest to vote for another squatter. The Chairman said he supposed that j any ratepayer was allowed to exercise his ’ votes in any way he liked, and under the i Ward system less votes could actually be given than in the other way, as where the

district is all in one he could exercise 25 votes, while under the Ward system lie could only exercise 31.

Mr. Peaclie said so far as the late elec tion had resulted, he .would have been returned even if all those who had voted had only one vote each.

klr. Craighead pointed out that there \vas a considerable difference in the valua tion of tlio various Wards, and would press the motion. The voting stood thus—For, 10; against, 7. The motion was declared carried.

Mr. Cameron proposed, and Mr. M‘Far lane seconded, “ That the Road Board office bo removed toga more central posi tion,” which was afterwards withdrawn. Mr. Easton wished to know whether the Board had anything to do with the site of the pound. The Chairman answered thaUho.Board, had chosen the site. Mr. Tisch proposed— “ That ;all con/ tracts for maintenance of roads or fords be’ gone over within 14 days' of accept '• tance. ’’—Carried. *"« hu- a Mr. Hood proposed—“ That the Board take immediate steps to lecover. all out- , standing rates.’’—Carried. k;///"' 1,; - Mr. Morgan wished to know how % muc!v: work had been let privately. The: Chairman replied—Hardly. . any thing. Day labor Had cost in Hoi 8 2? ward, L 137 ; Ho. 3, LI4G 19s. ; No. 4, L7,lGs. Mr. | Craighead said. the Board hacl ob- ! ; tamed a pile-driving, machine, piles and shoes,, and he would like to know’the cost, as he heard the piles and shoes were now lying down the river-bed somewhere/ The Chairman replied, they had been procured for the purpose of making a ford which was not now necessary, as a bridge was to be built there by the Couty Council. The cost of the machine was L 75. Mr. Tisch proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and several left the room.

Mr.: Morgan wanted to know why the pound was built in its present site with out consulting the ratepayers. Mr/ Walker stated that the site‘-was selected because it was the most central. .

Mr/ Cameron seconded Mr. Tiscli’s pro posed, hind it was carried. The meeting then adjourned.- a : : i : / i.

The District Court.

In the session of Parliament recently closed our legislators’ attention was at tracted to one of the most useful institu tions of the judicial machinery, of the colony—viz., the District Courts. The establishment of these Courts at various places in each Provincial district, with areas of country .distinctly, laid out, over which the Courts shall have jurisdiction, has materially simplified and facilitated legal proceedings, and saved residents in country districts much time and expense that otherwise would have been incurred had there been no medium /between the R.M. Courts and the Supreme Court of the colony. Only a few months ago a District Court was established in Ash burton, and its operation if not a blebsing has cortaialy been a relief to many who but for its institution would have had to perform many journeys to Christchurch, and bear the accumula tions of expense incidental thereto. The Court has undoubtedly been a benefit, but it would be a still greater benefit if Ash burton were constituted a district “by itself, instead of being only an arm of the Christchurch Court. As it is at pre sent constituted, Judge Ward has no

power to grant probates of wills and let ters of administration at the Ashburton Court, even with the added powers given to District Judges under the Act of this session, entitled the “ District Courts Proceedings Validation,” the 3rd section of which reads thus : “ "Whereas doubts have arisen as to the powers of Judges of District Courts to grant probates of wills and letters of ad ministration within their' own districts : Bo it enacted that the Judge of every District Court has had and shall have the same power as the Supreme Court to grant probates of wills and letters of ad ministration within his own district, unless the office of the Registrar of any district of the Supreme Court lias been or shall be at the time of the granting of the same situate within the district of such District Court.”

The Ashburton Court being within the the District of Christchurch thus prevents Ashburton from pertakiug of the advan tages this clause confers. This is a matter tha- not alone affects the legal fraternity, but every man in the County likely to leave any property behind him when ho dies, and every one likely to be interested in proving a will, or in the administration of the estate of a deceased person, is affected by t, and the proper course to follow would be to secure if possible the constitution of Ashburton a separate District Court district. It is a matter that all the public bodies in the district should take up—County Council, Muni cipality, and Road boards—and from the importance of the County as a legal centre the question is worthy of the consideration of all.

The Inspector of Public Works has visited the Borough of Ashburton, and prepared a plan of a most commodious and well-arranged court-house, and as the whole machinery of the District Court is now in working order, it only wants the power given to the Judge, by the consti tution of a separate district, to complete i 1 s powers, and place it upon an equal footing, as regards its functions, with Christchurch and Timaru. We commend the matter to the public interested, to tho public bodies of the county, and to the" members of the Ashburton bar, and hope that steps will be taken to petition for a separation, and so,reap the benefit of the powers given to the Judges of District Courts by the Validation Act of 1879.

January 20, ISBO.I

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



Total Expenditure. Wards. New Roads. Other Works . No. 1 447 11 8 135 10 9 2 1018 8 6 1008 2 11 3 1081 0 8 42G 9 0 4 3072 5 G 21 1G 0 5 2502 9 7 18G 8 G £9021 15 11 £1803 7 2 Incidental and general ex- penses ... 1178 19 G Total ... £12,009 2 7 Return on Work Done. Formation of roads... 33 miles 70 chains Re-formation do ... 33 ,, GOi „ Ditching ... ... 24 „ 30 Shingling ... ... 7 „ 3G Stone picking ... 19 „ GO i Cutting 57,GS4 yards. Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending Deo. 31, 1879. Jan. 1, 1879. Receipts. Balance at Bank 4,132' 17 10 Rates 558 4 9 Grant: from County Council 1,193 2 11 Interest on fixed deposits... 1,063 13 11. ,, current account 22 10 7 Fixed deposit matured 15,000 0 0 Half subsidy on rates col- looted ... 154 12 10 Grant from County Council for tree planting... 91 12 0 ’Unpresented cheques 133 7 3 Overdraft at Bank... 475 17 4 £22,830 18 7 Expenditure. By new road s ... 9.021 15 11 ,, other works 1,808 7 2 ,, incidental and salary ... 1,178 19 G Sept. 10 — Fixed deposit at 3 months 2,000 0 0 r> >> 0 ,, 2.000 0 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 -2,000 0 0 2,000 0 0 „ „ u 2,000 0 0 Dishonored cheque... 39 0 0 Deposit cheques 76 0 0 Cheques paid for 1878 4G 1G 0 £22,830 18 7



Wards. £ s. cl. No. 1. ... 5211 13 A \JC 2 ... 5SG4 4 1 3 G2GS 0 0 4 ... 11,704 2 2 5 ... 7677 14 0 Total, £30,815 13 ty



New Advertisements. H LABOR MARKET. REGISTRY OFFICE FOR MASTERS ■£ AND SERVANTS, AT THE * EVENING HERALD ” OFFICE. T7IARMERS REQUIRING HANDS _|j can engage men through the “ Evening Herald ” Registry for 1/- each, prepaid. LABORERS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can engage through the “'Herald ” Registry Office by paying 1/-. SERVANTS REQUIRING SITUA TIONS can get them by applying at the “ Herald ”, Registry Office, and paying i/-. ;!T ENGAGEMENTS will be POSTED UP every day at 12 noon and 4 p.m., by numbers given to the applicants, who will learn the address on enquiring. SPECIAL or URGENT WANTS will be inserted in the “ Evening Herald ” in the registry column on payment of Six pence .additional in advance, for each issue.'O'-'t : ’ '■! ’ Further Particulars on application at - ' the “ EVENING HERALD ” REGISTRY OFFICE. SAUNDERS’ BUILDINGS, EAST ST., ASHBURTON. WJ ANTED, those in search of employ - W ment, to call and either enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. __ LABOURERS requiring work can secure first opening by applying early at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. SERVANTS requiring situations, call and get your names entered in the Herald Registry, Is.



EMPLOYERS requiring any kind of laborers can engage through Herald Registry Office, on payment of Is. in ad vance. MONEY TO LEND. WANTED to Lend Five or Six Hundred Pounds on Good Free hold Security. Apply Box 31, P. 0., Ashburton. ' 923 a ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. TENDERS FOR CARTING. TENDERS wanted for CARTING Iron Pipes from Railway Station to Borough Council yard. Tenders to be addressed to the Town Clerk, and to be sent in not later than 10 a.m. TO-MORROW (Wednesday. ) For particulars, apply to Town Clerk. CHARLES BRADDELL, 957 a Town Clerk. A RARE CHANCE. rpENDERS are for LE ASIN G, JL for a term of twor years, the ASH BURTON RACECOURSE, consisting of 146 acres, of first-class land, within a mile of the Ashburton Railway Station. Tenders will be received till SATUR DAY, Jan. 31, at 5 p. m. The terms are very liberal, and all particulars can be obtained at the “ Guardian” office, on application to JAMES WILKIE, 958 a— 4o9 g Hon. Secretary. -\-\TANTED TENDERS for TYING W and STOOKING 47 Acres Wheat, 37 Acres Oats, and 26 Barley (more or less), the contractor to find sufficient hands to keep up to machine, and stook as the work proceeds not more than fourteeen or leas than ten sheaves in each stook, and not to be stookcd in gullies. Tenders to be left at MESSRS. FRIEDLANDER BROS. Or JAMES JAMIESON, , . Fernside Farm, ■- Ashburton. Tenders to close by WEDNESDAY, the 21st jnst., at noon. 953 a W .ANTED—A SITUATION by are sponsiblepersonas General Servant in a respectable family. Apply, H., office of this paper. 957 a WANT ED, a RESPECTABLE i.., YOUNG MAN who has a know ledge of Bookkeeping. Salary, LBO for Irst year, advance according to merit. Apply “ Books,’’Box 42, Ashburton. 944 a TTTANTED, a good strong BOY, to VV Milk, and make himself useful at Westerfield. Apply Heeald office. 898 a



Town .hall, ashburton, ON THURSDAY & FRIDAY, JAN. 22 & 23, J. P. HYDES’ GEM BURLESQUE AND COMEDY COMPANY, Will give their CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, ON THEIR FAREWELL NIGHTS. NEW <fc BEAUTIFUL DRESSES. NEW MOVING PANORAMA. NEW MUSIC, SONGS & DANCES. Look Out for the Clown ! Look Out for Columbine ! Look Out for Harlequin & Harleqeina ! Look Out for Pantaloon ! MIND THE SHOWER OF FIRE. 95G TINWALD BOOT AND SHOE SHOP. C. HAWKINS. CH. begs to. inform the inhabitants of Tinwalcl and surrounding districts that he has taken the Boot and Shoe Shop adjoining Mr. S. Stephens’, sandier, and hopes by strict attention to business to obtain a share of public patronage. 742 g 937 a V. aswe R. ■^"OTICE— The “Ashburton Her ail’ is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Creditors Acts.



Accident at Raicaia.— A man named Sullivan, while exercising his horse on Sunday, met with an accident which very much injured his knee, the horse rearing and throwing his rider. Sullivan was taken to Christchurch by the 11.40 train on Monday morning.



Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— An infallible remedy for bad Legs and all kinds of Wounds. —The suprising sale of these invaluable medicines in every part of the civi lised world is the most convincing proof of their efficacy. They speedily cure bad legs, old wounds, scrofula, and other diseases of the skin. Thousands of persons suffering from these dreadful maladies have been cured by them after every other means had failed ; and it is a fact beyond all doubt that there is no case however obstinate or long standing, but may be quickly relieved and ultimately cured by these wonderful medicines. Their united action is irresistible ; more need not lie said in praise of these celebrated Pills. Let those who doubt their excellence give them a trial. —.A DVT.