The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1880.

A Big Cheque. —Yesterday the Upper Ashburton Road Board’s cheque for L 2,000, half cost of Digby’s Bridge, was paid to the County Council.

Change of Meeting Day. —The Upper Ashburton Road Board meeting day has been changed from the first Tuesday in every month to the last Monday.

Supposed Poisoning at Cheutsey.— Information has reached Ashburton of the sudden death of Mrs. Wilkinson, the wife of a farmer at Chertsey. Her hus band and son yesterday left her to go to work, and when they returned they found that she was dead. On searching her person, a bottle containing strychnine was found in deceased’s pocket, and it is feared she died from the effects of the poison. /

Horticultural Society. —A meeting of the members of the Horticultural Society was held at Messrs. Jacobson and Eyton’s office on Tuesday night. There was a good attendance, and Mr. Stephenson was voted to the chair. Sundry accounts were passed for payment, after which Mm Jacobson read a paper on “ The Pleasures and Benefits of Gardening.” The paper •was very ably compiled, and elicited a large amount of discussion. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Jacobson, and he was requested to allow his paper to be printed, which he consented to do. Mr. Broomfield will read a paper on “ Cucum bers ” at the next monthly meeting of the Society, to be held on the first Tuesday in August. Rakaia School Committee. —The usual monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held on Tuesday last. Present—Messrs. C. Tucker (Chairman), W. Hartnall, A. Makeig, and W. Cox. The master’s re port was read and considered. It was resolved that the Board of Education be applied to for a sum of money for the pur chase of a pump for the well at the master’s house. On the question of ap pointing a pupil teacher, it was resolved that the Chairman apply to the master for a return of all the children under four years of age attending the school, the Chairman to report to a special meeting of the Committee for the purpose. Several accounts were passed for payment, and the Committee adjourned.

Methven.—A meeting was held at the Road Board office, Methven, yesterday, to consider the advisability of the passing of the Ashburton County Council Water works Amendment Act now before Par liament. The meeting was poorly at tended, very short notice having been given. Mr. Julian Jackson was appointed chairman. He read the Bill, and explained the object of the meeting. Mr. Thomas Jackson proposed to adjourn the meeting to 1 p.m. on Thursday, the 15th inst., to ensure a larger attendance, as the greater part of the ratepayers had received no notice of it. This was seconded by Mr. Morgan, and carried. A meeting of per sons interested in the building of a school in the township was held immediately afterwards, to consider the reply received from the Board of Education in answer to their petition. Mr. Edward Chapman occupied the chair. This meeting was also adjourned until Thursday, the 15th inst.

Entertainment. —The first of a series of winter evening entertainments under the auspices of the Library Committee, took place last night in the Town Hall, and was fairly attended, although, con sidering the very small price for admission, we were much surprised at not seeing the building well filled. Mr. J. Ward, Presi dent of the Library, occupied the chair, and in a rather lengthy speech detailed the financial difficulties with which the institution was embarrassed, the means to be adopted to relieve it from such an un desirable position, and the claims which the Library had on the community. The entertainment opened with an overture on the piano by Miss Gates, followed by a humorous reading from Mr. Poyntz. Mr Branson and Mr. H. Gates each con tributed a song, both gentlemen being

called on for an encore. The Rev. Mr. Hands followed with a reading, Mrs. Eyton succeeding with a song. After Mr. St. Hill had provoked the risibilities of the audience with a jocular reading, the chair man called upon Mr. Harrison for a song, characterising him as the “ coming man.” Mr. Harrison’s song was followed by a reading by the Rev. W. Keall, and songs by Mr. Gates and Miss Guinness. Mr. Guinness read “ Mickey Free’s ” interview with the editor, which took immensely with the hearers, and Mr. Branson then rendered another song in his usual first class style. Mr. H. C. Jacobsen gave a splendid recitation—“ Room for the Leper ” —and the entertainment concluded with Mr. Harrison giving his ever-popular son—“ Nothing Else to Do. ” The Unemployed.— Ninety-three of the unemployed in Christchurch yesterday signed applications for work, and will be be sent away to the Albury railway works and Weka Pass. Government purpose commencing a section of the Waimakariri Gorge railway to provide work for more unemployed if required. Supposed Wreck.— Yesterday morning, the following telegram from Akaroa was received by the Lyttelton Harbor Master. —-“ A vessel lost inside Akaroa harbor, loaded with timber. Dingy found, and recognised as belonging to the Jane Hannah, from Catlin’s River to Lyttelton. Please inform agents. The above infor mation is forwarded to her owners, Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach, Dunedin.” The Jane Hannah was a ketch of 52 tons.

The Alford Forest Sheep Stealing Case. —A true bill has been found by the Grand Jury at the Christchurch Supreme Court, against Benjamin Corry in the charge laid against him of stealing sheep off the Alford run. ~»

“The Lost Ship.”—We would remind our readers of the performance by our local amateurs to-morrow evening of the stirring drama “The Lost Ship.” Espe cially would we remind them that the per formance to-morrow " eyening i? for the benefit of Mr. Charles JBourk, the local scenic artist, whose brush has so materially aided in the success of the pieces that have already ibeen performed. In con nection with “The Lost Ship” Mr Bourk has not been idle, as the number of new scenes to be presented will fully prove. A special feature of the evening will be the first presentation of the new drop scene,“ Lake Maggiore/’ painted by Mr. Bourk, and which would do honor to a stage of far higher pretensions than that of the Town Hall. We hope - such a deserving artist as Mr. Bourke, will have his due recognition at the hands of the public, by a bumper house.

INQUEST ON MRS. WALSH.

Deplorable State of Affairs.

An inquest was held this afternoon on the body of Annie Walsh, who died suddenly on the night of the 6th inst. Dr. Trevor was coroner, and Mr. Andrew Orr was chosen foreman of the jury. After the jury had viewed the body, the evidence, as under, was taken. Mr. Crisp appeared on behalf of John Walsh. Inspector Pender conducted the examina tion.

. Robert Neill deponed—l am a constable stationed at Ashburton. From instruc tions received, on Tuesday, the 6th inst., I proceeded to the house of John Walsh, at about 11 p.m., in company with Dr. Ross, Constable Smart, and Michael Murphy.-. I saw John Walsh, the body of the deceased, and a little boy lying in bed. The deceased had on a night-dress, and her husband was also undressed and in a state of intoxication. I arrested Walsh, and brought the lad away, and left him at Mr. Quill’s. The bedding was in a most filthy state ; the worst I ever saw. Saw a two-gallon jar which contained either brandy or whisky. There was also a number of glasses and bottles about the house. Dr. Ross was with me. There was r black mark under deceased’s right oye. By the Coroner —It was about a quarter to one on the 7th when we reached the house.

' By Mr. Quill —The jar containing the liquor was nearly full. By the foreman—Walsh told Dr. Ross his wife w f as dead.

Michael Murphy, sworn, said—l am a laborer, living at Ashburton; Have been living at YValsh’s for the last ten months. lam not a relative of Walsh’s, but have been workincr about the place. Walsh lived near the Alford Mill, with his wife and one child. Walsh lived on his income. The deceased and her husband lived on very good terms, but both were given to drink. I have had a nip now and then, and could get it whenever I wanted it. The weekly consumption of whisky since the cold weather commenced was two gallons for the three of us. There has only been a dozen of beer in the place during the last fortnight. Walsh and his wife did not eat much, and lived mostly on spirits. Mrs. Walsh had been confined to her bed for the last three weeks. She was always craving to wet her lips, but she did not complain of anything particular. Walsh has been about the house as usual lately. No medical man was called in during Mrs "Walsh’s recent illness, nor for the last twelve months. She did not ask to see a doctor. I knew deceased had been sink ing for the last three weeks. Walsh would not allow a doctor to be sent for, as he said she would be “said” by him. Deceased only had some beef tea and gruel during her illness. Walsh thought deceased was only put ting on. The day before the deceased died Mrs. Griffin was in the house, and washed and cleaned deceased. For three weeks previous deceased had had no at tendance, nor was her clothing changed. Walsh never gave any reason for not ob taining a woman to see deceased. I was about the house all clay on the 6th, but deceased did not seem to be any worse. On that day deceased had from me two drinks of whisky, but none from anyone else, to my knowledge. I should think Mrs. Walsh died about 10 o’clock on Tuesday night. She shook hands with me, and said, “ Good-bye,” and I gave her drink. This took place twenty minutes before she died. She then kissed the boy and said “ Good-bye” to Walsh. She did not say she was dying. For the last week she had been saying “good bye” to me and her husband, and asking me to keep company with her to see the last of her, but I did not think it neces sary to go for a doctor. Noticed she had a black eye in the early part of last week, but do not know how she got it. There was no quarrel. The only other people who were in the habit of coming to the house, were the butcher and the baker. Walsh is a man of means, and I believe was paying his way. Know Mrs Roberts. She came to the house on Mon day, and with my assistance lifted Mrs Walsh up in bed, and put a clean night dress on her, and a clean sheet under her. Walsh was in bed at the time. Deceased was in the habit of taking whisky nearly every hour. Used to take about half-a dozen nips of whisky myself during the day, but have not been drunk during the last three weeks. Cannot say how much Walsh drank. There were two gallons of whisky brought in the day deceased died. The previous two gallons came about the middle of the previous week. By the Coroner—l used to give Walsh his nips about every hour. I brought the two gallons to the house about five o’clock on Tuesday afternoon. By Mr. Quill—Walsh was neither drunk nor sober on Tuesday. I used to buy the liquor by Walsh’s instructions. By Mr. Garnett —Walsh was sober when I assisted to change the clothes of de ceased.

By the foreman—About a month ago deceased sent mo for a policeman to take her away, as she would prefer being in Addington goal again to living in her house. The policeman told me to see Sergeant Pratt. Deceased gave no reason why she preferred Addington gaol. By Mr. Quill - Mr. Walsh was not always sober when lie instructed me to go for the liquor. By Mr. Boyle—Walsh was quite sober

when he told me to go for the liquor on Tuesday. By the foreman—l always felt that it was my duty to do what my employer told me. By Mr. Puddicombe—Do not know when deceased was last out of the house. By Mr. Crisp—When she said she was craving to hp*ve her lips wet, I used to attend to her and give her whisky if it was in the house. Whisky was usually in the house. Liauor was usually locked up, but I could get at it. "By Mr. Allison—l had to lift up Mrs. Walsh’s head to give her the liquor. [The jar of whisky was produced, and it was calculated about two quarts had been taken from it.] Jane Roberts, sworn—l am the wife of Weymouth Roberts, living at Ashburton. Have seen the body lying outside. Re cognized it as that of Hannah Walsh. On Monday last saw her at her own house in bed. On the last wit ness begged of me very hard to come down to the house, as deceased was dangerously ill. When I went into the house, Murphy was under the influence of drink. Walsh was in bed, and was not sober. Dece vsed was very bad, but I dOj not know what it arose from. The state of the house and clothing was very dirty. The bed-clothes were filthy ; the whole place smelt very bad.. -.;Tt wfts as much as I could do to get deceased changed, because of the dirt. Never saw such a filthy place before. There was evidently muchf neglect on the part of some one. When I went in I made up a fire and made some beef tea for deceased, as she was craving for drink, and changed her clothes with the help of Murphy. I" asked last witness to go for a doctor,, but he said, “ Oh, no ; the doctor won’t come.” On the Sunday I also suggested to Murphy to go for a doc tor, or for Sergeant Felton. I asked Walsh why he did not get a doctor, and he said it -was no use, as the doctor would not come. I remained in the house two or three hours and made the place quite clean. Deceased was sensible the whole time I was there, but beyond telling me when I first went in that she was very bad, she never afterwards spoke to me. It is about six or seven weeks since I saw deceased out.

Mary Griffin, sworn, said—l am the wife of John Griffin, laborer, residing at" Ash burton. Have known the deceased for about four years past, but was never in her house until last Monday week, when I went upon some business. I knocked at the door, and Mrs. Walsh called out for me to come in. When I got in, Mrs. Walsh and her hus band were in bed; Mrs. Walsh asked me to stay and do some washing. The place was in a most filthy state. Saw Murphy there, he was at work washing the floor. The boy was there, but he was very dirty. Deceased said she was very bad, and I noticed that she had a black eye. There was nothing said about going for a doctor. Last Sunday'Murphy came to my house, and asked me to go and see Mrs Walsh, as he did not expect her to live. I said I could not go as I was out nursing, but advised him to go for a doctor or the police. While I was in the house, saw Walsh get some whisky ; I do not know how often, but he got out of bed several times for a drink.

By Mr. Crisp—l did not consider Mrs Walsh very bad in health, as I thought that she was suffering from the effects of drink. The place was deplorably dirty. Sergeant Felton, sworn—l am Sergeant of Police, stationed at Ashburton. Saw John Walsh, husband of the deceased, at the lock-up before eight o’clock on the morning of Wednesday, the 7th. I said, “ Hallo, Walsh ; you’ve been drinking again.” He said, “ Oh, I was not very drunk, sergeant ;my missus is dead.” I took him into my office, and told him that he was charged with causing the death of his wife, and that he was in custody for manslaughter. I explained to him that the meaning of the charge was that he had been the cause of his wife’s death by some means. He said, “ You ought not to 'charge me with that ; you ought to charge some one else ; you know I have always tried to keep her from drink. ” I said, “I know nothing of the kind; you are in a serious position, and if you want a solicitor, you had better see one.” Walsh said “ Oh, well, she died in my arms. Mr. Crisp is my lawyer.” Saw deceased last alive about three weeks ago, near the Post Office. She said she was glad to see me so well. Told her I hoped she was not going to be up to any of her old tricks again. She said she did not drink now, Told her J hoped it was true, and said that if gh§ took to drink again, I should send her away again. She was well-dressed, and had the little boy with her, who was also looking like herself —both clean and healthy. Told her I was glad to see the boy looking so well, as I had intended if he was not well cared for to have taken him from her. Have known loth Walsh and deceased for a long time. When I first knew them they were very respectable, but latterly they have been much given to drink. They were both committed once to Addington Gaol as habitual drunkards. Walsh is well off, and has been lining on his means for some time. Walsh was well able to pay for medical or other attendance. Murphy has been locked up for drunkenness.

By Mr. Crisp—Walsh is sodden from drink, and consequently of weak intellect. I did not caution him at the time I told him he was charged with manslaughter. Dr. Ross, sworn, said—At about twelve or half-past on Wednesday morning I was called upon by two constables, and went to the house of John Walsh. Found the man Walsh, with his child, and the body of deceased, in bed, I instructed the constable to take Walsh into custody. Examined the body of deceased, which was warm, but not very warm. I turned down the blanket which was over the de ceased. Everything about the bed and the body was in a filthy state, from the natural discharges of the occupants. SaAV a jar, and asked that it be removed into another room. The constable shook the jar, which sounded nearly full. Saw a cupboad in another part of the house, with a big pad lock and chain on it. Walsh was in a state of chronic alcoholism and verging on delirium tremens. Murphy was drunk. Have made a post mortem examination of the body. Externally the only things noticeable were the filthy state of the skin, and discoloration just below the lid of the right eye—l should say of four or five days’ standing ; and excoriation on the thighs and but tocks from the natural discharges of the deceased. The condition of the heart was healthy, and full of thin dark blood. The lungs were cedmatous. This was the im- 1

mediate cause of deatli. The liver had undergone a deal of fatty degeneration, and was of enormous size. The kidneys had undergone granular degeneration. All the serus contained fluid. The disease of the liver was or old standing. The stomach and bowels were empty, the former being in a state of chronic con gestion. The body was well nourished. I consider the black eye as of no consequence. The whole of the diseases* were from drink. 1 do not think deceased had taken any great quan tity of alcohoj for a few hours before death, as I did hot detect the smell in any of the organs. The neglect which de ceased was subject to accelerated deatlig; but even had she medical treatment life could not have been prolonged for a long period. She required attention and cleanliness more than medicine. By the Coroner—Under any circum stances, even had she had attendance, she must have died shortly. By Mr. Crisp—To my knowledge, the woman had the diseases about a year and a-half ago, and whenever she took alcohol it would make the diseases worse. The woman’s death certainly resulted from alcohol. The coroner stated that what the jury had to do w'as to decide whether John Walsh was guilty of manslaughter— whether the deceased died from neglect, 1 and whether that neglect was criminal ne glect. Mr. Crisp protested against the coroner making such a statement to the jury, as all that the jury had to do was to consider how the deceased came to her death. The coroner declined accept Mr. Crisp’s objection and went on to say that the evidence of the only medical witness was to the effect that deceased could not have lived long. The evidence went to; show there was a deal of neglect, but how far that neglect was due to the deceased’s own fault was not stated. Walsh was, as stated by the Sergeant of Police, a’ man of weak intellect through his con stant drinking habits, and he (the coroner) thought that Walsh was certainly not responsible for bis actions. He thought the charge of manslaughter had broken down. But that point would have to be decided by the jury. Coroner de plored that such a state of things which had been revealed by the evidence should exist in any civilised community. In fact it would be a disgrace to a heathen com munity, and he was very sorry that it should exist in Ashburton.

The jury then retired, and were con sidering their verdict when we went to press. : ; - > .

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{By cable from Reuter's Agency.) The Australian Cricketers-

London, July 6. The cricket match between the Austra lians and Eighteen of Middlesborough, at Middlesborough, was concluded to-day, when the former won in one innings with 26 runs to spare. The Disturbances in Palestine. The disturbances which were recently reported to be taking place at Haifa, in Palestine, between the Moslems and Christians, have been quelled, and the town is now quiet. Her Majesty’s gun boats, which were despatched to Haifa, have returned to their station in the Mediterranean. Russian Tactics. St. Petersburg, July 6. General Kauffmann has gone to Kuldja to assume the command of the Russian troops now operating against the Chinese. It is also further intended to increase the squadron in the Pacific.

AUSTRALIAN

[Per Reuter's Agency.) Shipping. Melbour?*e, July 7. The P. and O. Company’s steamer Hydaspes, from Galle, arrived at King George’s Sound to-day, with the inward Suez mail, which left London on June 4. Electoral. Only the seats of the four Ministers mentioned in yesterday’s telegrams will be uncontested at the forthcoming elec tions. All the other seats will be con tested. The Exhibition. The delivery of exhibits at the Exhibi tion building has commenced, Conduct of the Pplice. In consequence of the criticisms on the conduct of the police at the capture of the Kelly’s the Commissioner applied for a Board of Enquiry, and this request has, as already announced, been granted. Shipping. Sailed—Te Anau, for Bluff, yesterday. The New Taxes. Sydney, July 7.

In the Legislative Assembly last night, the Bill for imposing the new taxes on wool, coal, and stock was read a second time on a division by a majority of two. it is considered doubtful whether the Go vernment will proceed with the measure in face of such a small majority. Opening of Parliament. Brisbane, July 7. Parliament was opened yesterday by the Acting-Governor who, in his speech on the occasion, announced that Bills would be submitted for a railway to the Gulf of Carpentaria, for the augmentation of the revenue and for other objects. After the meeting of Parliament the leader of the Opposition presented a petition from Mr. Hemmant, formerly Colonial Treasurer, but now residing in England, charging the Premier with mal administration pf the business of the colony during his visit to England. Mr. Mcllwraith, the Premier, made a state ment replying effectively to My. Hem mant’a charges.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) The San Francisco Mail.

Auckland, July 8.

The City of Sydney, with the London mails of June 17, left San Francisco on the 4th inst., a day before contract time.

Agoing Again. Invercargill, July 8.

The Working Men’s Club have arranged business and are going on agatn. The difficulty arose through members not keeping their subscriptions up. j The Lumaden school committee intend enforcing the compulsory clauses of the Education Act.

The Volunteer Capitation. Representations are to be made by Southland Volunteer officers on the subject of capitation, several being liable to banks and private firms in considerable amounts for uniforms, etc. Debts'are being incurred' owing to the inadequacy of the present capitation and on' the faith of its continu ance.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL

Continued from Yesterday:

N. B. —The statement of liabilities does not include s alaries of office, Hospital expenditure, and contin gencies. ABRIDGED STATEMENT OF LIABILITIES, ETC.,

4)3*8 s 7 21,221 12 i 25,539 17 9 SLAUGHTERHOUSES. The Inspector reported on the slaughter houses of the district which he had visited. Sixteen of these were noted as clean, but those of Mr. S. J. M‘Rae, Mount Somers, and Mr. Arthur Ede, Tinwald, were reported—the . first “ dirty,” the second “very dirty.” The report stated that Mr. M‘Rae’s yard was inspected after heavy rain, which caused the state in which it was found, but Mr. Ede’s yard was found very wet and dirty —with rotten heads of bullocks and sheep strewed about, all over the place, and in the creek adjoining ; consequently there was a very bad smell arising therefore. He was given notice to clean the place or he would be prosecuted. The report was approved. HOSPITAL. The report of the Hospital Committee was then read, and adopted after a some what lengthy discussion. THE BOROUH’s AFFAIRS. The Mayor of Ashburton wrote as fol lows to the Chairman :—“ Ashburton Borough Council Chambers, July 5, 1880. Dear Sir—As you are no doubt aware, the Borough Council have carried out a less expensive scheme for supplying Ashbur ton with water than was formerly in tended. I am happy to inform your Council the scheme has proved so far suer cessful. I feel confident, with the outlay of an additional sum of money for the construction of concrete tanks in the more thickly populated parts of the borough, to be used in case of tire, the present scheme will meet all the requirements for some time to come, and so save the burgesses from a heavy tax which they undoubtedly would have to pay had the high pressure scheme been carried out. A large propor tion of the iron pipes are now lying idle, and will probably not be made use of by the borough for some years. The Borough Council meditate carrying out several im portant and necessary works in connection with the water supply, such as covering in the outfall drain, conciete channelling, &c., but which, for the want of funds, cannot be undertaken. It is hardly neces sary for me to point out to your Council that the work of covering in the drain ought to be proceeded with at once, not only for the many dangers it offers to the children of those ratepayers who are living contiguous to the drain, but also for sani tary reasons. I have therefore to ask the consent of your Council to allow the Borough Council to dispose of those jripes, which, in the opinion of the Borough Engineer, will not be required, and to ex pend the proceeds on such works as men tioned. If your Council will sanction this a great deal of labor will be utilised till the spring, when I hope work again will become plentiful. Hoping that your Council will give them their most favor able consideration.—l remain, &c., Hugo Friedlander, Mayor.”

The Chairman stated this letter had been written in consequence of a conver sation he had had with the Mayor, the Chairman having desired to have the wishes of the borough reduced to writing for the better comprehension of them by the County Council. The outfall drain would be indispensable under any scheme of water supply introduced, whether high pressure or otherwise. Mr. Bullock advocated selling a few of the pipes at least.

The Chairman said he had had com munication with Mr. Wright on the sub ject. He did not think the scheme now undertaken was a satisfactory one—inas much as it did not supply clean water, and was only a makeshift. The Chairman was fully prepared to meet the wishes of the Borough Council as far as possible, but he thought the borough ought to agree to the county’s conditions on the question of the special water supply fund, which were that the fund be kept intact unless to be utilised for the express pur pose of a water supply. Thus, if LSOO worth of pipes were sold, the original cost of them should go back to the fund. The Mayor attended as a deputation, and

The Chairman said in regard to the subject of the letter it would be better to wait until the water was actually running before any steps should be taken. The Mayor said the ratepayers would not how adopt the more expensive scheme, as the one they had - in hand was a pro nounced success. He now desired that in the matter of the pipes all proceeds should be returned to. the special fund, to be operated upon by the Chairman of the County and the Mayor of the borough

for the benefit of their respective bodies. He had received an assurance from Messrs. Garrick arid Cowlishaw that the deed giving the, borough the use of the millrace . water would be ready on Friday. | The Mayor .then raised the question of the ; borough’s claim on the Longbeach Road Board .for a share of the land fund apportioned, and proceeded to give figures showing_the extent and value of land that had been sold.

The Chairman said the dates formed an important question in this matter. The first date to be noted was the Ist of July, 1877, when the County came to have con trol of the funds. Then the next date was the 2nd of December, 1877. first large division was made by him (the Chairman), and that; was ..done with. Several small divisions had been made since—one was on the basis of fates—wfth which the borough) seemed a ip'effectly satisfied. The other was on the basis-of area of land sold.. It would be .necessary for the borough to show that; a large share of this area had been sold* in the borough, and it was well known that some rural land had brought a high figure. Mr. Grigg said the position 1 of , the borough as a municipality entirely altered its circumstances. The County could’not now vote legally one penny to the borough. The County had 'already had this position proved to them. r When the municipality was proclaimed the Ashbur ton Road Board had very liberally, he thought, voted a certain sum of money to the borough, but the fact 1 was that, though 20 per cent, of-the land fund went to the Road Boards in cash, the borough obtained their 20 per cent, in quarter acre sections, and therefore to allocate any money out of the accrued land fund was to vote a second share of the 20 per cent. He believed that the borough had really no claim whatever on the Road Boards, and he knew the Longbeach Road Board had no idea of entertaining this claim, which he was perfectly satisfied would not be entertained in Court. !(f r f f The Mayor said he did riot come there claiming any share of what had accrued since the borough was proclaimed, but to claim the share ,of the money that .had accrued before' the’ borough 'was pro claimed. The borough had works to un dertake that the Boards had not. There were footpaths to make, and • sanitary works to execute, and therefore it - re quired more. If Mr. Grigg would state in what shape he wished the claim to be made, he would be happy to put it in that shape, for Mr. Grigg would remember that a promise had been made by the Ash burton Road Board to give the Board its share of the money when it was obtained, and a memorandum existed acknowledg ing the right of the borough to a share of the land fund.

The Chairman felt inclined to-take Mr. Grigg’s view of the matter and'to think the borough had no claim whatever. He explained that really the accrued land fund was not, the property of the Road Boards, but the property of the County, and the money given to the Road Boards -wa3, therefore, only a vote to them. It was not absolutely imperative r. on: the Council to give this money in 1 cash, but they had done so, so that actually the borough had no legal claim on the land fund. He had no wish that the borough should think the • County was acting harshly with them. The borough could not think thus, in view of what the Coun cil had done for the township in the past. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Bullock said the sections sold in the township had realised a very large sum of money, and the share of proceeds had not been paid to the borough, but to the County Council. The claim of the Borough, he thought, ought to be referred to the Longbeach Road Board, which had obtained its share of this money. Mr. Grigg denied that the money for these sections had been paid into the County Council. The County had no con trol whatever over the municipality. The municipality obtained their 20 per cent, in sections, and it would be absurd to ask a double payment. He felt quite sure that, had the Ashburton Road Board known the full facts of the case, they would not have recognised the claim of the borough at the time they did.

The Chairman reiterated his statement that the money was a free gift of the County to the Boards. If it had not been the property of the County, the County would not have been able to vote L5,00C to the borough water supply. After Mr. Grigg had again assured the Mayor that the borough had no legal claim on this money, but that its share of the land fund consisted of quarter-acre reserves and rural endowments, the Mayor thanked the Council, and with drew. digby’s bridge. The Upper Ashburton Road Board Chairman forwarded a cheque for L 2,000, the Board’s share of the cost of Digby's Bridge and protective works, and also asked that a road from the bridge to the Forks be made as soon as possible. ; It was decided to ask the Board for a tracing of the proposed road, for consideration at next meeting. CATTLE YARDS. Regarding the Cattle Yards Reserve, it was resolved—“ That tenders be called for shingling the site of the sheep and cattle yards to a depth of eight inches, with fine shingle, and that Mr. Grigg and the Chairman be a committee to interview the Agricultural and Pastoral Association to definitely fix the site of the yards ; and- to accept a tender, if advisable, for erecting yards.”- - r ACCOUNTS: To the amount of L 3,995 2s. 2d. were passed for payment. ROAD TO CHERTSEY. ’ ' mb Mr. Bullock called the- Council’s atten tion to the absence of a road from Ash burton to Chertsey, on tjie east side pf thg railway. There was a track,'but-no formed road. The matter was referred; to the Waka nui Road Board. ! 'n .fu; J TENDERS.* Tenders were then opened for. the works that had been advertised during .the month, when the followingnwereM ac cepted : —Approaches to South Ashburton Bridge —• Greig and Guild;. Llsl / 10s.; planting willows, Upper Ashburton— Joseph Hale, L 4 7s, 6d.; * ' : ,,, , T ~q SLAUGHTER-HOUSE LICENSES.' t The following licenses were granted : William Scarlet, R.S. ; 23005 and 23064, Chertsey ; Joseph Ward, S. 3. 15690 ; W.’ Saunders, R.S. 26618/ ; «if; /. MELEVEN ROUND. A special meeting of' the Council was then held, at which the charges at the Methven Pound were agreed to.

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1880.



FUNDS AT DISPOSAL OF COUNCIL. £ S. d. £ S. d. Amount at fixed deposit, due— Nov. 6, 1880, 5,000 O O Nov. 6, 1880, 5,000 O O Dec. 4, 1880, 5,000 O O Dec. 4, 1880, 5, ooo O O 20,000 O O Amount at current account, July 5th, 1880. , ... Amount due from Upper Ash- io,S44 O O burton Road Board 2,000 O O Less amount for special vote 3 for Domain and Cemetery Boards 523 5 9 32,020 17 5 Liabilities of Council 21.221 .12 I Balance ... .. 10,799 5 4



Particulars. Due from Ro A D Liability. Total Boards. of Council, AMOUNT £ s. d. £ s. d. d. Office : • 33 10 O 33 10 O Pounds — 316 0 O 316 0 O Water supply South Ralcaia Plains, grant from Council — 10.000 O 10.000 0 O Ashburton Ag- ricultural & Pastoral As- sociation, cost of erec- tion of yards, sav — goo 0 O 900 0 O Bridges.. .. 4.3i8 5 7 4.343 5 8 8,§6i 11. 4 County Hos- pital .. .. 735 O O 735 0 O Drainage — 3.495 3 I 3.495 3 I F ernes ' - • 143 13 4 14313 4 Storm water, South Rak‘aia Plains filter- ing Basin & Land, say .. Miscellaneous — 400 O O 400 0 O — 855 O O 855 0 O



Amusements. To-Morrow. T O W N’: H A L L FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JULY 9th and iOrH. ; 'Kx' A;- ON FRIDAY, Mr. C. BOURK Will take a BENEFIT, When, will, be [produced, with grand and startling effects, that magnificent " Spectacular Drama, “ The Lost Ship.” Full particulars in Handbills. ADMISSION—Dress Circle, 35.; Front Seats, 25.;.j6d.; Middle do., 25.; Back do., Is. Doors open at 7 ; commence at 7.30. Carriages may be ordered for 10 p. m. 13g Miscellaneous. \ DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under J\_ the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c TO LET—The finest Premises in Ash burton. For particulars apply Everett Bros. , Havelock street. 627 c GOOD PIANO on hire, by the 'evening. H. M. Jones, Stationery • and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. r ANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw „;KiNS,:The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g—417c WANTED— A General SERVANT at once. Apply to Mrs. George Parkin, Moore Street, Ashburton. 642 c PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c £1 REWARD. LOST— From Dudley’s Stable, Ashbur -5 ton; on the 3rd July, a Light Roan ( MARE, jwith saddle on. Any person re turning the same to Smith’s Stable, or to Robert Maxwell, Wakanui, will receive the above reward. 633cV PETER CHALMERS. nW THISTLE MASONIC LODGE, S. C., 627. LODGE of INSTRUCTION will be held on THURSDAY, JULY Bth, at 7 30 p.m., in the Masonic Hall, Tancred street. ‘637c By order of the R.W.M. NOTICE. 0N SUNDAY July 11th, EVENING NEXT, the Rev. W. Keall, Circuit Minister, will preach in the Tinwald School, at half past six o’clock. A collection will be made on behalf of the Sustentation Fund of the Wesleyan Church. W. KEALL, :; 640 c Circuit Minister. TO THOS. QUILL, ESQ. TT JE, the undersigned, ratepayers of Yf /: the Borough of Ashburton, request that you will allow yourself to be Nomi nated for the Seat in the Borough Coun : cil now vacant through the retirement of Edward Saunders, Esq., and we hereby promise to you our undivided support. Signed— Donald Williamson ' " G. D. Branson 0. W. Ireland Joseph Baldwin Joseph Dolman Henry Britton Charles Reed Wm. Power James Scott Mutch and McKenzie James Wilkie Fred. Duncan Thomas Hicks John G. Anstee ... > • And 35 others. ' M



~ To Donald Williamson, Esq., and other ' 1 gentlemen signing the above requisition:— ENTLEMEN,—I have much pleasure 5 VJT acceding to your kind request to be nominated for the vacant seat in the Borough Gouncil. If elected, I will use my beat endeavors to further the interests of the Borough, and I shall feel proud to be “ RUN IN ” at' the 1 top of the poll, j, I remain, gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, THOMAS QUILL. ‘ S U ND A Y NEXT, •n-v/j :•> r i ; AT THE N HALL, ASHBURTON. J clelebration of the centen , ARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS. Cl . J ». u i. J ) ■ i ■' ; -- ON Sunday next, July 11th, 1880, at 2.30 p.m., a Public Meeting of the Teachers and Children connected with the /■respective i Sunday : Schools, Ashburton, will be held in. the Town Hall to cele brate the'Centenary of Sunday Schools. Addresses will be given by the Revs. ! Beattie, Keall, and Smith. President—Mr. Havin'. ' v Interesting pieces will be rendered by the children. Mr. H. J. Weeks to preside at the harmonium. Sunday School Children are requested to bring their Hymn Books. All are cordially invited. 632 c



Miscellaneous PRIMITIVE METHODIST. GRAND OPTICAL / •:'E-tit e r>t : a inm en t, CONSISTING of a large number of. in teresting and DISSOLVING VIEWS, by LIMELIGHT, both LOCAL . and,FOREIGN;. \ On the 20th JULY, 1880, in the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. In Aid of the Church Funds. 643 c