COMMERCIAL

Christchurch. Com Exchange.

No change for the;better is apparent in the grain market during the week that has transpired, the small local trade being at present the only thing which keeps, busi ness alive. The depressed state of the market for all kinds of feed - produce ha 3 to some extent been productive of good, inasmuch as it has compelled growers to look further afield for a market for their Heretofore intercolonial mar kets have been the only ones sought for, this year these, on account of the lowness S>f?ptic.e,''haye=been practically closed, and a new field broached. Consignments of oats, barley/and beans: have been, made to Great -Britain, ~ It lias already been demonstrated that the first mentioned will answer, and it remains to be seen how the . rest will turn out.

/Wheat//- First-class milling quality in lines suitable for shipment is saleable at from 3s. 6cL r tb 3s. 7d., f.o.b. ; second class milling,-atfrom 3s. 4d. ; chick wheat, from Is. 9d.. to 2s. 4d. per bushel. OatSl—The "demand has sensibly in creased, although prices cannot be said to have altered. Good short milling samples are sought after, the "price being from lk£ij4d;2'ifb-.: ls.;;sd. per bushel. Feed parcels are, finding buyers at from Is. Id. to Is. 3d. per bushel; inferior feed samples at from lid. to Is. per bushel. On the whole the demand has improved. Barley. —Really good malting samples are meeting with more attention than formerly, but prices are not affected. The quality varies so much thac a good margin must be allowed. Business is being done between 1 2s. 6d. to 3s. 4d. per bushel. For discoloured and inferior parcels there is no demand. Prices nominal. "Potatoes.—The market has been rather mofb' sliiggish during the week, and prices have somewhat receded ; 225. Gd. to 255. per ton are rates ruling. The returns of the yield in Australia' show a large in crease/which is of course detrimental to our markets. The only hope of turning the prop to better account is to pit and hold till later in the season. Great care should betaken that the frost does not reach them this is the great bugbear to dealers in this tuber. More business would be done could the purchaser be assured that the frost had not touched them. Great loss is sustained by the shipper from this cause, the consequence being he cannot afford to leave a close margin. Grass seed.—A few trifling sales have been made; but not of sufficient impor tance ItoV influence the market. Good, well cleaned, heavy seed is worth from 2s. 6d. to 2s. 9d. per bushel. Cheese and Butter.—There is no altera tion to, note. /For the former 4d. to d. per lb. 9d to lOd. for the latter.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 1880. The Besom.

The police are to be commended for the raid they are now making on the bad houses that exist in the township. One keeper of a den of this description has already been sent to gaol, and to-day a second blackguard, whohas for some eighteen months lived, so to speak, on the moral offal of this community, has been committed to prison for three months. The decision is to be appealed against, however, and may result in the Court’s judgment being quashed. Wo hope it won’t, for the removal of keepers of houses of bad fame is at all times desirable, and a man like Ryal is always in good and safe quarters in prison. We hope the police will not cease their efforts until they have scoured out 3 every den of ini quity of the “lean-to” class that exists in the township. We are given to under stand that there are more houses of this description in the town than most people believe; but if they are as energetically attacked as those have been that the police have already succeeded in clearing out there is no reason to fear that their lease of life in Ashburton will be long. When the demand exists-there will always be a supply, and it is to be regretted that those found frequenting and supporting hells of the lean-to des cription are not exposed. It would be found, we are sure, that these houses are supported by such scum as gravitate to the township from outside districts, and it is intolarable that a quiet town like Ash burton should be credited with affording a living to such vermin as Ryal and Bariera, and others of their class. The police have the entire sympathy of the townspeople, and we hope they will not cease their efforts to scour out every den of filth that they know of.

Masonic. —The Somerset Lodge holds its usual monthly meeting in the Masonic Hall to-night. Telegraph Station. —A telegraph station is now open at Ivirwee and Spring field, in the County of Selwyn. Oddfellowship. —To-night the Ash burton Lodge meet for the election of officers, when a full roll of members is desirable. 'New Carrier. —Mr. H. Hooper an nounces having commenced business as general carrier, having taken over the “ tools ” of Mr. It. Cullen. Shipping. —The steamers Tui and Go- Ahead arrived in Lyttelton to-day from Wellington, and the Rotomahana from Dunedin. Enlargement of St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia. — The Church Property Trustees have granted a sum of LSO, and a loan of L2OO, for the enlargement of St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia, which will be carried out as soon as the necessary plans have been prepared. The Band Uniforms. —The tender of Messrs. Craighead and Co., tailors, has been' accepted by the Committee of the Volunteer Company for making uniforms for the Volunteer Band. The price is L 3 9s. 6d. per suit. The shakos are to be made by Messrs. C. P. Hulbert and Co., of Christchurch.

Cheap Meat. —ln another column Mr. Octavius Digby, butcher, announces sweeping reductions for cash in the prices he has heretofore been charging for meat, Mr. Digby has a large stock of cattle and sheep, and he is in a position to make the reductions he advertises.. In these hard times low prices for meat must be exceed ingly welcome.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Friday, June 25.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M., and Dr. Trevor and C. P. Cox, JJ.P ) VAGRANCY. Charles Ryal was charged with having no lawful visible means of support. Mr. Branson appeared for accused. Constable Neill deponed—T remember the 18th June, and on that date went with Constable Warring to a place called the “ lean-to. ” I saw the prisoner there with two prostitutes. It was at half-past ten at night. There were two cabs in front of the house. I heard voices of a number of people in a room inside the house. I arrested the prisoner, and. charged him with having no lawful visible means of support. Prisoner seemed quite surprised, and refused to leave the brothel. I told him if he did not come quietly I should have to use rough means. He then came away with me. On the way to the watch house he took a book [produced] from his pocket, which had the names of the girls inside, and accused commenced to tear leaves from it. The leaves fell out, and I picked them up. He also took a pack of cards from his pocket arid a set of dice. Mr. Branson here entered the Court, and objected to the case going on, as he understood it was to come on at eleven o’clock.

His Worship said that the case kad been adjourned until to-day from last Saturday, and the time for criminal cases coming on was at 10 o’clock. The case must proceed. Witness continued —I have seen several of the girls who were at the lean-to at another brothel. On the 16th inst. I went to the leari-to for the purpose of serving a summons on two girls. Went I went to the-front door, prisoner left by the back door, and went in the direction of a house in which he says he lives. On the 22nd May I saw the accused at the brothel, washing dishes, and “slushing” about the place. James W. Mcßae, sworn —I am a cab owner, and sometimes drive. I have known accused over twelve months. About last August he was working in the bush for Mr. Bossenburg. Accused has been living at the lean-to'lately, but has a private cottage close by. I have driven people to the former place, and have seen prisoner there. Have seen persons there whom I understood to be prostitutes. The lean-to is a house of ill-fame. It has been such for about eighteen months.

Mr. Bi'anson—Accused has a cot tage. He is a bushman by trade, and I have heard he owns a cab, but he has denied the ownership to me. I do not know where he lives. Edward Oughton, sworn—l am a cab driver residing in Ashburton. Know the accused. He lives at a brothel. I have known prisoner for the last twelve months. About twelve month ago, he was working at fencing, but have not known do any work since, except about the brothel. Have taken men to the house on many occasions, and nearly every, time I have been there I have seen accused.

Edward Ede, sworn—l am a cabman, and know accused, and have seen him at the lean-to, which is a house of ill-fame. For the last three months I know he has lived there.

By Mr. Branson—l have heard ac cused owns a cab.

R. W. Shearman, deponed—l have seen accused before. He was formerly a laborer, but I do not know what he is doing at present. He once asked me for work, but I refused to give him any ; since then have never seen him do any work. I have turned accused out of my hotel, because he was loafing on men for drinks. James Corrie, sworn—l know accused. Have seen accused at the lean-to. There were about fourteen other men there, when I was there on ( ne occasion, and two or three girls. I broke a pane of glass in the window, and prisoner asked me to pay for it. I refused to do so. On myself and others trying to get into a room, ac cused tried to put us out. James Dalton and James Forman gave evidence corroborative of that of previous witnesses.

Constable Warring, sworn Accom panied by Constable Neill I went on the 18th inst. to a brothel on the Alford Forest road. By instructions from Ser geant Felton I have frequently visited the house, The report [produced] is mine. On the 15th May I went to the house. Saw accused there with a number of men and several women. About 11 p.m. on the 23rd May, I visited the house, and again saw accused, there playing cards with three other men in a room. I saw accused push a man out of the house. On sth June, at 11 p.m., I again visited the house, when prisoner was also there with a number of men. At the time I went with Constable Neill I saw prostitutes there who had at one time been in another brothel. . This concluded the evidence for the prosecution. Mr. Branson said that all the evidence given did not tend to show .that the accused had no lawful visible means of support. Ho would be able to show that he had money to his credit in the bank, he was the owner of a hansom cab, and had done work for which he was paid. Mr. Branson said he would call

J. H. Guy, who deponed that he was ledger-keeper at the Bank of New Zealand. Accused had a running account at the bank, and had money there to his credit. The account had been running for three months.

John Newman deponed—l am a cab driver. The cab belongs to accused. I rent the cab from prisoner. I give him LI per week for the use of the cab. By Sergeant Felton—l believe accused lives at a cottage on the Alford Forest road. Have driven men to a place called the lean-to. Have also driven prostitutes in the cab. Have seen prisoner in the house called the lean-to. Never had any verbal agreement with accused. Don’t think I was prssent when accused bullied the prostitutes for not riding in the cab. Accused told me if any men wanted to go to the lean-to to drive them there.

Caroline M‘Cann, sworn—The accused has done work for me, for which I have paid him. The receipts [produced] are signed by accused. By Sergeant Felton— l live on the Alford Forest road. I was on one occasion brought before the Court for being an idle and disorderly person, and discharged with a caution. lam living in the same house as I was then. When I first came to Ashburton I lived in a tent in the river bed. lam always working at house-work. I keep a boarding-house.

Mr. Branson addressed the Bench on. behalf of accused, arguing that it did not matter from what source the money was obtained, so long as that money was a lawful means of support, and it had been proved from the evidence that Ryal had a credit balance in the bank, he received rent for a cab, and had got money for work done. He submitted the accused must be discharged. After consultation, Mr. Guinness stated that the Bench considered that the amount in the bank ..might have been placed there for the purpose of misleading the Court, and as regards the receipts produced they considered, they had been concocted. Ac cused would be sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.

Mr. Branson said that he should give notice of appeal, and asked his Worship to state a case. Bail allowed—accused in a bond of L2OO, and two sureties of LIOO each.

Pending the decision of the appeal, a farther charge against Ryal was postponed, on the application of Sergeant Felton.

The Dog Poisoning.- —Several more dogs, of greater or less value, have met their fate in the baits that have been laid wholesale about the streeis, but from the ease with which poison can be obtained on the out stations it is a matter of great difficulty to find out the guilty party.

The Political Situation.

[by telegraph.]

(From oUr own Correspondent.)

Wellington, June 24. Last night was the first this session in which real excitement was apparent, and it ivas a very damaging one for the Government. What their enemies had so entirely failed to do was done by them selves and their supposed friends. Mr. Macandrew’s speecli occupied the first hour. It did not by any means “ bristle with hard facts or damage the Govern ment,” but was fanciful and perfectly harmless. Mr. Oliver followed with a speech like that of a stupid schoolboy, well calculated to set the whole House against the Government. It is difficult to conceive anything so weak and yet as mischevions, and its effect on the Govern ment and the House was at once apparent. Mr. Ormond rose, and in a most masterly speech announced a well thought out policy in opposition to that of the Govern ment. The effect on the House was wonderful, and it was at once evident that he had a majority with him. He made no attempt either to oppose ©r to support the Government, but announced his own views as if utterly regardless of conse quences The Opposition vehemently cheered each of his announcements, whilst the always nervous Premier was unwise enough to ejaculate “ come here and do it yourself.” It is most evident that the Government are getting alarmed at the difficulties; that surround them on all sides for want of money, and would gladly throw up their heavy responsi bilities, so that their friends dare not risk unseating them by even a friendly dissent from their proposa’s. Mr. Oliver might be exchanged with great advantage, and Mr. Atkinson would not bo much of a loss, but Mr. Hall is a man the colony cannot afford to. lose in its approaching difficulties.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(By cable from Batter's Agency. ) Bradlaugh in Custody of the Ser geant. London, June 23. On the House of Commons meeting this evening, Mr. Eradlaugh appeared at the bar of the House and claimed the right to take his seat for Northampton. He was requested by the Speaker to withdraw, but this he refused to do, and was then ordered into the custody of the Sergeant at-Arms. Another Victory. The cricket match between the Aus tralians and eighteen players of Birming ham, at Aston Park, was concluded to day. The home team continued their innings, and the Australians won the match in one innings, with nine runs to spare. The Great Powers and the Sultan. London, June 24. A reply has been received by the Great Powers to their collective note to the Sultan, in which he was informed he would be responsible for the delay which has taken place in the cession of territory to Montenegro, and for his failure to execute necessary reforms in Armenia. The Sultan in reply proposes that the execution of the treaty of Berlin, so fat as it relates to Montenegro, should be delayed until the agitation which exists in,.. Albania against the,required cession of territory to Montenegro has, subsided. It has not transpired what answer the Sultan has returned regarding reforms in Armenia.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) The Cup. Melbourne, June 24.

Foul Play’s weight for the Melbourne Cup is 7st 91b. Camballo has been dis qualified owing to his nomination being informal. The Victorian Reform Bill.

The Opposition and the Corner party object to the division on the Reform Bill taking place to-night in the Assembly, and threaten to “ stonewall ” in order to gain their point. The Argus of to-day, in a leader on the present state of parties in the House, anticipates that a division will shew each j>arty with forty-two. There is only one doubtful vote. Efforts are being made to bring about a com promise regarding the joint sitting and to have a clause providing for the same to be eliminated. A caucus of unofficial Ministerialists was held yesterday to dis cuss the proposal, but no understanding was come to. Shipping. Arrived—Tararua, from the Bluff. Sailed—Albion for the Bluff. Adelaide, June 24. The Orient Company's steamer Liguria left Plymouth on the 14th of May, and arrived to-day.

The Reform Bill Rejected. Melbourne, June 25

In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr. Service’s Reform Bill was rejected by 43 to 41 votes. The debate concluded by speeches from Mr. Service and Mr. Berry. The former said that he refused to sacrifice the clause providing for, a joint sitting of both Houses. Mr. Berry briefly replied. Messrs. Williams, Sergeant, and Gaunson, and Sir John O’Shanasy, who were at the time of the last general election looked upon as supporters of Mr. Service’s party, voted against the Bill. At the conclusion of the debate Mr. Service moved the adjournment of the House. It is ex pected Parliament will be dissolved in consequence of the defeat of the measure. Mr. Williams gave notice of a motion in the Assembly yesterday, condeming the Ministry for threatening a dissolution while discussion on the Bill was taking place. It is not known, however, whether the motion will be persisted in. Previous to the division taking place, the Corner Party endeavored to effect a compromise, but were unsuccessful. The House was throngod last night, and there was much excitement at the result of the division.

The Cape. . Sydney, June 24. Advices from the Cape to June 6th states that breadstuffs are depresed: owing to large supplies. Wheat is quoted at 235. per 200 lbs.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Indecent Assaults.

Wellington, June 25. A man named John Wilson is before the Magistrate’s Court on two charges of indecent assault on children, aged eleven and six respectively. Sly-Grogging. The charges of sly-grog selling against Cato, the fruiterer, were dismissed, his Worship intimating that in no case would he convict unless the evidence of the in. formers’ agreed in every important point. No Appointment. Dunedin, June 25. The Education Board resolved to take no action in the meantime as regards the appointment of a third Inspector. Mr. Conyers and the Railway Con tracts. The Times has the following ;—“ We are informed as regards Mr. Conyers’ connection with Davidson, that it amounts to lending a certain sum of money in busi ness at a fixed rate of interest, without participation in profits. Mr. Davidson supplied us with a list of work done for the railways at his foundry during the past two years, amounting in all to 72 tons of castings, costing Government L2O per ton. The price was fixed by tender. Mr. Macandrew is aware of the precise nature of the arrangement between Mr. Conyers and Mr. Davidson. Negatived. Invercargill, June 25.

The poll yesterday on the proposed loan of L 120,000 resulted in a negative by 519 votes against 427 for. Consequent on this result notice of motion has been given to borrow L 20,000 for improvements and extension of the gasworks.

Destruction of New Zealand Forests.

On this subject the Napier Telegraph of a recent date has the following sensible remarks : —lnstead of being conservators, the. Government are, morally speaking, the greatest destroyers of our natural forests, by selling the land on which they are found, and compelling the buyers to clear so many acres every year of occu pation. No policy could possibly be more short-sighted or more mischievous. Nor is the soil of the Seventy-mile Bush of such quality as to attract of itself any great demand ; stripped of it 3 trees the land is decidedly poor, and this will become more apparent as cultivation is extended. A like policy formerly prose cuted in America has been bitterly i’e pented of. The more valuable descriptions of timber can scarcely now bo obtained, and that which was many years rejected as valueless finds now eager markets and high prices'. The forests that have been destroyed in one small State, if now in existence, would have paid off the national debt of the great Republic. And so it will be in New Zealand. The Seventy mile Bush, if allowed to remain intact, would in the course of a generation or two provide the means for liquidating the colonial debt. But, at the present rate of destruction, in twenty or thirty years, instead of a valuable jforest, there will be settled on the land a large population of struggling farmers whose united industry could never repay to the country the loss of the timber. A more sorrowful sight cannot be observed than that which pre sents itself between Norsewood and Dane virk. At the spot to which we allude, not far from the stable where the mail coach horses are changed, there is a large clearing in which the trees—splendid red pines (rimu) —grew so quickly, that the ground is literally covered two and three feet deep by the trunks of these fallen monarchs of the forest. As standing timber, each tree, when the market arises for its sale, would be -worth at least L2 OI LS sterling ; lying on the ground to dry, in order to be burned, it is an en cumbrance and a nuisance. And in the place of the valuable trees, the traveller sees a chaos of charred logs, a miserable shanty, some sickly grass, and a wretchgd patch of potatoes, the whole not worth half-a-dozen pines standing in their prime. But this is the result of the policy that seeks to satisfy the insensate de mand for “ land for the people and the people for the land,” at any cost to the future.

Here is a bit of fashionable intelligence from the Kansas City Times: “The daughter of Mr. Proddy, of Twelfth street, has returned to her father’s house from a visit East, and 0 how many fond and foolish boys rejoice over that Proddy gal’s return.” A rural paper observed, with great facility of expression : —“ These moon light nights ! Ah, by how many a vine embowered gate soft eyes that speak again, and the pressure of a tiny hand in a masculine paw wakes to ecstacy the living liar.” “I think the goose has the advantage of you,” said a landlady to an inexpert boarder who was carving. “ Guess it has, mum—in age,” was the withering retort.

A Fond mother in Valparaiso, on hear ing that an earthquake was coming, sent her boys to a friend’s in the country to escape it. After a few days she receivep a note from the friend, saying “ Take your boys away and send along the earth quake instead. ” Worthy magistrate : “ What ! a man be cruel enough to maltreat his lawful wedded wife, and even hurl a plate at her head?” Prisoner: “ But, your honour, do you know my wife ?” oj Worthy magi strate : “I have not that honour.” Prisoner : “ Then just go slow.” One very hot day a case was being tried in a court of law in one of the Western States. The counsel for the plaintiff had been speaking at great length, and, after referring to numerous authorities, was about to produce another imposing volume,, when the judge inquired what was the amount in dispute. On being told that it was two dollars, “ Well,” said he, “ the weather is very hot, I am very old, and also feeble—l’ll pay the amount myself.” A .r Accommoda—.n g —There 's no worse occupation, for an earnest physician than to listen to the complaints of people who pretend to be ill. A well known doctor, who was called upon by one of his patients for nothing about once a week, ended by inquiring—“ Then you eat well ? ” “Yes. ” “ You drink well ?” “Yes.” “You sleep well.” “Cer tainly.” “Wonderful ! ” said the doctor, as he prepared to write a prescription, “ I am going to give you something that will put a stop to all that.”

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Thursday, June 24.

The Deceased Husband’s Brother Mar riage Bill was read a first time after a short discussion, in wh'ch the Hon. Col. Brett termed the measure obscene. The Hon. Mr. Menzies moved for a call of the Council on July 16th, to consider the De ceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill. On this there was a long, disorderly, and irregular discussion, during which several members were called to order. Some em phatic expressions were used concerning members (of whom there are now twelve) habitually absent. Ultimately after two divisions, the call was rejected by 22 votes to 8. All the papers relating to the Volunteer misconduct were laid on the table. The Deaths by Accident Com pensation Bill, the Adulteration Bill (Statute revision Bills) wore passed through Committee and read a third time. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Thursday, June 24, The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE “ IMAGINARY SWAMP.

Major Harris moved that leave of ab sence be granted for a week to Mr. Ham lin. - bib | Sir W. Fox asked for further informa tion as to the nature of the business for which leave of absence was sought. It had appeared from the public prints that he had gone away to the West Coast for the purpose' of discovering an imaginary swamp, the existence of which had been already denied. Mr. George insisted that it was impro per to resist an application of this kind. ! The Hon. George M‘Lean complained that tins action on the part of the Opposi tion was calculated to excite the Native mind, and that was what the country would say if any evil consequences en sued.

Mr. Andrews condemned the opposition made to the application, and at the same time reprobated the practice of members absenting themselves without leave.

Mr. Hursthouse said that the member had gone on public business, and thought the application should be amended accordingly. He (Mr. Hursthouse) knew the country very well, and believed that it would take fourteen days, and even then he would have some difficulty in finding a swamp.

Mr. Seddon argued that, so far as they could tell, a blunder had been made in making the road through the swamp. The Hon. Major Atkinson complained that the statement made by the Native Minister had, in his absence, been mis represented. They had further informa tion that the road had been abandoned, and no swamp had been encountered. The Government had instructed plans of the road to be prepared for the information of the House. The name of Mr. Crombie Brown, correspondent of the Lyttelton Times , had been mentioned. It was quite possible that they might have some thing to say about that gentleman before the matter was finally disposed of. There could be no objection to Mr. Hamlin or any other member visiting the district. The motion was than put arid agreed to. CIVIL SERVICE REPORT. Dr. Wallis asked at what hour previous to 12 p. m. on Friday, June 18th, 1880, the Government supplied the New Zealand Times , the Otago Daily Times, and the Christchurch Press with copies of the Civil Service Royal Commission. In explana tion, he stated that the copies in question had been obtained by the New Zealand Times, New Zealand Herald, Otago Daily Times, and Christchurch Press, and pub lished by these papers to the prejudice of other journals.

The Hon. J. Hall said that the report became public property so soon as it was forwarded to the Governor, and before it was laid on the table of the House. It was forwarded to the Governor at 4 o’clock on the afternoon of Friday, and was re turned by him about 7 o’clock. He had not an opportunity of laying it on the table until a late hour of the evening. In the interim, two press reporters applied to him and obtained copies of the report. It was simply a case of vigilance on their part, and had applications been made to him by other members of the press they, too, would have been supplied with copies! It was simply a case in which one or two press reporters were more active than their neighbors. Had all been equally active they would all have had copies alike. Mr. Jongs asked what steps had been taken to discover and punish (he pgrson who stole the report of the Royal Civil Commission, as stated in the House on the 20th inst. by the Minister for Justice. The Hon. J. Hall replied that “ stolen” was rather a stronger phrase than the Go vernment -wished to convey. He would prefer saying that a report was obtained in a highly irregular manner by a member of the press. He had questioned the Go

vernment printer as to how the report had been got hold of, and the reply he made was that it could not possibly have been got through , any laches in the office. If the. Government could find out the of fender they would certainly cause him to be punished most severely.

; THE NO-CONFIDENCE DEBATE. The:. debate was resumed by Mr. 'Hutchison/' whose tame speech was cut short by the 5.30 adjournment Mr,vMacandrew followed. He con demned borrowing any more money, the interest on the debt already piled up amounting to more than a million and three-quarters. To having to pay this interest the depression prevailing-wiis traceable. He thought there was'-a pos sibility of reducing too much, and .killing the patient by a too free use of the lancet. ,'He denounced the Centralism that ' .had' supplanted Provincialism, r: and f fie b never would have gone-in for-the Public Works Policy if he had thought it was not to.be locally administered.' He objected -to further increase of taxation,- believing in the more equal distribution of the inci dence. An income tax was, no better than i a property tax* The' honi gentleman advocated retrenchment ; in >-expenditure and reduction of taxation, which * was too high now. He denied tfiat the. Opposi tion wished to unseat the ‘Government- on this matter. It was the wish of the Op position, who were not bidding for office, that all hands should go to the''pumps, and help to save the .ship. Mr. Macan drew then entered into a criticism of the Government’s proceedings in regard to the last loan, and other matters of their ad ministration, stating that, but for the indecent haste of the present Government to get on the Ministerial benches, these matters would have been more satisfac torily managed-than they have been since. In the course of his criticism of the Financial Statement of the Treasurer, Mr. Macandrew read one_ that he had pre pared to show how the thing should have been done. |A A a JI'O’U Q' l f T The Hon. R. Oliver congratulated file last speaker on his skill in manufacturing financial statements. Had he exercised his undoubted ability in,that line whenhe was in the Government it would' perhaps have been better for the country, and un doubtedly it would have been to the ad vantage of the Government i of.; which he was a prominent member. . It was plain that there was no proper understanding or agreement amongst those on the Opposi tion side. It was not the finance of tKe colony that they had been considering, but a general system of doing every thing, down to governing the uni verse. It was a most disagree able duty to be called upon' to engage in this unseemly fight, to simply defend the Government benches, without any colonial advantage or benefit beingjgained for the colony at large. He contended that a property tax was more"' in the form of an all round tax than anything that could be devised; It was. not only a land tax, but it doubled the taxation under that tax. The member for Port Chalmers was somewhat unintelligible when he spoke about no moreTbpiTdwing and the energetic pushing on of the’p'ublic works policy of 1878. He quoted from a speech made by the member at Port \ Chalmers, in which he said that he (Mr. j Macandrew) had often: thought.- that it would have been much better’ if the L 5,000,000 loan had missed fire. He did not see how he reconciled that statement with what he had just now said about the negotiation of that loan. The present Government would gladly quit the Govern ment benches if they could do so with any approach to honor or a sense of duty. They would be only too glad to leave then ; of that he could assure them. Mr. Ormond, ?Mr. Shepherd, and Mr. Sutton, were the other speakers before the House adjourned*

THE STORY-TELLER.

A NARROW ESCAPE. chapter in— continued. It was the wedding morning, and the weather was just what it should be on such a morning—bright, clear and sunny . a good omen to those who believe in fore? casts. Like all sensitive persons, Ettie was keenly alive to external influences, and the pleasant change in the weather seemed to her like a pledge of happiness, for the future. Not since she and George sat hand in hand upon,.the..bank, sloping into the sea. had she, been so happy Richard Ebertou and hik threats were for gotten in the renewed joy springing up in her breast. For - the inoriient’ she almost forgot the dismal tragedy of the excise man’s, death, which she had vaguely con nected with Ellerton’s re-appearance, and had so made/this all the blackerand more ominous. George- himself, too, had undergone a change. With the-breaking of the day whichyffis to crown, his'life by giving him Ettie for his own, his*spirits rose, and he came.down to Stanton Holm to greet his bride with a tender kiss and a bright and loving smile., His bwn face was reflected in the happiriess which beamed, from Ettie’s byes j arid so,hand in hand—for they were simple folk--they went, with a few chosen friends) up fb the village church. , The churchyard was filled with the villagers, George;-arid ;Ettie being great favorites with the Stanton people, of whom the poor .especially had received many a kindness at their hands. So, as • the bridal party' entered' the churchyard, old and young pressed round to give them a welcome, ■ arid blessings and good wishes mingled with the Inerry peals of the marriage bells. They had reached the ivy-covered porch, the clergyman was waiting, robed, at the altar, the bells rang out their .v loudest merriest peal, the sunlight fell in a golden shower on bride and bridegrqpnp Ettie turned with a look of trustful affection to him who was so soon to become her husband, . and George re turned the loving pledge by a firmer grasp of her little hand. One step more, and they would have been in the church ; but a few moments, and tee solemn and. irrevocable “ I will v would have linked them in the sweetest, most sacred bond than can unite two loving hearts! - - tn/t i.a But it was riot to be ! The steps of the bridal party were checked by a sudden commotion a( the churchyard gate, a cpn : fused sound of angry remonstrance and authoritative command, Then, as if yielding to irresistible pressure the crowd gave way, a body of armed -men, their cutlasses flashing in the sunlight, marched swiftly up the churchyard path, and the lieutenant of the coastguard stepping for ward from their head, laid his hand

THE ASHBURTON HERALD; FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 1880.



Miscellaneous WANTED—A good GENERAL SER VV VANT. Apply at once, personally to Mr. Willcocks, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 559 c GOOD PIANO on hire, by the • evening. H. M. Jones, Stationery and*Fancy ; Goods Depot, East Street and .’Baring Square. KNOWN—That 0. Haw ;,3'VV KIN'S,: The Tinwald Bootmaker, has to premises Opposite the avTinwald Post Office, where he is still open ; tq.Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his . usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots ' Made ahd ; Repaired. 805g—417c ~VJU' ANTED to buy Old Zinc 4s. 6d. per ’ ' cwt., Lead ss. per cwt. Apply to the Chef de Cuisine, Commercial Hotel. 596 c WANTED— A Good NURSEGIRL. Apply at the Tinwald Hotel. 591 c WANTED KNOWN—That H. Hooper, YY: having purchased the horse and dray from R. Cullen, has commenced business as General Carrier. 592 c MUSIC Polios, with Spring Backs ; Concertinas, 20 Keys, from 65.; heMouth Organs, &c. H. M. Jones, If’'Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East gCStreet and Baring Square. ;;;nrtALL' PROGRAMME CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and --Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, -East street, near Railway Station,



. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. : TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the execution of certain Additions to the Hospital. 7,7,” Also for Entrance Gates and about 18 of sawn timber Fencing. • Plans and specifications may be seen at sfflourilbffices,- and tenders, enclosing a guarantee deposit of £5 to be delivered , at the County Council offices, on or before ' "Wednesday, June 30th, at noon. •UT ; FOOKS AND SON, - 968g-588c Architects, &c. CHEAP MEAT FOR CASH. viiiwpa - - LONDON BUTCHERY, - (Established 1870.) Octavius Digby, FAMII Y B UICHEE. IN thanking the public for their liberal 11 support for the last ten years, begs leave to inform them that having a large stock of cattle and sheep on hand, he is pre pared to supply the best quality of meat at the- ’Undermentioned PRICES for cash; vizi— SIDES MUTTON 2d. per lb. KHIND QUARTERS,, ... 2*d. „ LOINS ... ... „ ... FORE-QUARTERS,. ... lsd. „ ■ FORE-QUARTERS BEEF 3d. „ JOINTS OF BEEF 2d., 3d., and 4d. „ Pork, Yeal, a,nd small Goods always on and. 0. D. having had twenty years’ ex perience in the London and New Zealand trade, customers can always rely on being '•• 'supplied with meat of the very best quality from cart or shop. 0. DIGBY, •592 c . Butcher.



Miscellaneous. SOMERSET LODGE, E.C. Regular Monthly Meeting of this .JL jULodge will be held 'THIS EVENING at 7 ‘30., in the new Masonic Hall, Tanered Street. , . ' . Visiting Brethren invited. \ . By. order / _ ' 594 c W. M. TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. Tuesday, June 29th. GRAND. AMATEUR Christy Concert, To liquidate the Debt cf Original Club. PROGRAMME — Part I. 1. Overture ... ... 1 Company 2. Opening Chorus ... j 3. Song— ‘‘Put Me in My Little Bed ” Mr. H. Stephenson 4. Song (comic) —“ Don’t Tell Father ” Mr. Joseph Dolman 5. Song —“ Kiss me Mother, Kiss your Darling” ... ,A. S. Gates 6. Song —“ Picture on the Wall ” Mr. W. Dolman 7. Song (comic) — <c Lovely Nancy Brown” Mr. R. Cullen TEN MINUTES INTERVAL. Part 11. Comic Trio —“ Military Lunatics ” Messrs. Cullen, Dolman & Stephenson Local Stump Speech Mr. W. Dolman Song and Dance ... Mr. R. Cullen To conclude with the Screaming Farce, entitled COURTSHIP UNDER DIFFICULTIES BY THE COMPANY. Johnston—Mr. W. Dolman. Bones —Mr.. R. Cullen. Toney— Mr. Joseph Dolman. Dress Circle, 35.; Chairs, 25.; Back Seats, Is. H. ARTHUR GATES, Hon. Sec.