COMMERCIAL

Mr. Alfred Harrison reports as follows on his Saturday sale, at his yards : Dranghts and Hacks, L 5 55., Ll 4, Ll 5, Ll 7 10s., and LlB ; pigs, 15s. to L 3 2s. 6d.; fowls, 2s. (id, to 3s. 3d. per pair ; Cambridge rollers, L 6 15s. and L 9 10s.; harrows, L2 to L 4 10s.; ploughs, L2 11s to L 8 ; drays, L 9 to Lll. A quantity of harness sold very well indeed. Oranges brought Bs. to 10s. per case ; potatoes, L2 10s. °per ton; carrots, LI 16s. per ton ; barley, Is. 6d. per bushel ; wheat, Is. 3d. per bushel; cheese, sd. to per lb. A quantity of sundries, &c. , was also dis posed of. There was a large attendance, and-tlie bidding was spirited, all lots bringing a fair price, considering the times.

Wellington, July 5. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company report under date London, 3rd July ;—Wheat —Off coast cargoes have de clined 2sJ per quarter since last report, Adelaide is worth 495. per 496ibs. New Zealand 475. per 4961b5.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

The next mails for the United Kingdom, &s., via San Francisco, will close at Ash burton on 16th July, and will be due in London on 31st August. For Christchurch and North at 6 a.m. 9. a.m., and 5 p.m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 9 a. m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.15 a.m. daily. Fbr Temuka, Timaru, and South at 6 a.m. and. 10.15 a.m. daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Meunt . Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeacli, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui, and Seafield, on Tues days and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office—

From Christchurch at 10.35 a. m., 4.55 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Chertsey, Rakaia, &c. at 10.35 a.m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.25 p.m. daily. Fr*m Temuka and Timaru at 9.25 a.m. and 5.25 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui and Seafield on Tues days and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

W. St. G. Douglas,

Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1880. The Abolition of Hansard

That the publication of Hansard is a gross waste of public money, is an asser tion not very difficult of proof, and we are pleased to see that certain of our legisla tors are seriously- thinking the question of Hansard's abolition. It may be particularly gratifying to the members of both Houses of the Legislature to see the language credited to them in the official chronicle of the “ Parliamentary Debates” as their utterances in the Legis lative Council or the House of Represen tatives ; but it is a luxury very expensive to the colony, and, at the same time, a luxury which is not genuine, inasmuch as those speeches that we read in Hansard are just as often as not very widely differ ent from the speeches that actually fall from the lips of the speakers who are credited with them. Numerous and very highly qualified phonographic reporters are retained by the Go vernment for the purposes of taking down the words of •wisdom and grace as they fall from the lip 3 of the chosen of the people and the chosen of the Governor, and it is not an extraordinary supposition on the part of a Hansard reader that, with such a staff of highly competent reporters as those who do the Parliamentary reporting, the speeches printed in the official pages are the bona fide utterances of the men against whose names they are set. We say it is not an extraordinary supposition—it is a very natural one ; but ic is also a very erroneous one. With scarcely a single exception—only one that we know of, the Hon. W. B. D. Mantell —members of both Houses of Parliament demand proofs of their speeches after they have been put in type by theprinters in the Government printing office from the manu script of the Hansard reporters ; and when these proofs are returned the speeches are found to have undergone a most wonder ful transformation. They have been subjected to infinite elaboration and end less metamorphosis, and the poor reporters are often unable to discover any resem blance between the harangues they were at so great pains to take down -with the accuracy of a machine, in shorthand, and reproduce with equal accuracy in longhand, with perhaps the added virtue of corrected "rammar. When we know that the speakers are thus permitted to overlook the publication of their speeches, and enjoy the liberty of having printed for public perusal, not the speeches they 1

did make, but those they wish their con stituents to believe they made—the gilt if taken off the gingerbread, and we may as well have no Parliament in Wellington at all, so far as the debates are concerned, for the political essays thus disseminated as the actual speeches of members may just as well be written at their own firesides in the several districts of thecolony from which they hail, as at the firesides of Wellington by which during session they are sojourn ers. This farce which purports to be a faithful reproduction of our legislative oratory is an expensive one. For report ing alone, it costs £2,500 a year, and for printing £2,700. The cost for reporting, we presume, could not well be reduced ; but we know sufficient from our own ex perience with this journal that the cost of printing would be reduced by perhaps oner half did members allow the admittedly able reporters to reproduce, with the necessary grammatical amendments, the speeches they deliv w. While a luxury like this is being enjoyed by the members of the Legislature—and it is almost ex clusively for their benefit, for few indeed of the people ever see Hansard, and not a small proportion have but a hazy notion of what it means, —while this luxury, costing L 5,200 annually, is enjoyed, that could very well be done without, is it fair to say that all the oppor tunities for retrenchment have been taken? We say this thing could be very well done without ; but we know well also, that if reports of Parliamentary debates, of a more exhaustive character than that now given by the newspaper press were really wanted, and a public de mand made for them, such a demand would very soon be supplied by private enterprise, and at a cheaper rate than it costs Govern ment. But then only such speeches as really were delivered would find their way into the hands of the public, and all chance would be lost to hon. members of inter fering with and elaborating the shorthand writers’ reports.

Alleged Larceny of a Gun. —Before his Worship this morning, William M‘Arthur appeared in answer to a charge laid against him, of larceny as a bailee. Sergeant Felton asked for a remand, as he was not yet in a position to proceed with the case. Accused was accordingly remanded until Friday next. Wandering Cattle. —At the R.M. Court this morning William Tasker, for allowing a cow to wander at large, was fined ss. —H. J. Edwards, for permitting a horse to be at large on the public streets, was fined 205., and a distress warrant for the amount was orderel to be issued forth with.

Drunkenness. —-At the R.M. Court this morning, Hugh Smith, charged with being drunk while in charge of a horse, did not appear when called on, and was fined 20s. John Litheroe, for being drunk at the railway station, pled guilty, and was let off with the small penalty of ss. Tfl.e Li brary.— 'To-morrow evening the first of a series of winter evening read ings will be given in the Town Hall under the auspices of the Library. The Presi dent of the Institute —Mr. J. Ward—'will preside, and an excellent programme has been prepared—the performers being local gentlemen mostly of known talent. Acs ent Offenders. —Sergeant Felton took occasion, at the Court this morning, to draw his Worship’s attention to the fact that parties who were prosecuted by the police for minor offences were in the habit of neglecting to attend in answer to the charges, leaving it to the police to prosecute and collect the fines. Very trifling excuses were frequently made for non-attendance, and, as the system was open to much abuse ifallowed to go on un checked, the Sergeant hoped his Worship would express his disapproval of such con duct. Mr. Guinness said that in future in cases where trivial excuses were put in for non-attendance, lie should issue warrants for the appearance of the offend ers, and in the cases of this kind to-day he should inflict heavier fines than usual. A Sign of the Times. —During the s'lting of the R.M. Court this morning, a charge of vagrancy was preferred against a man named William Addison. Sergeant Felton stated that the man came to the police statii >n last night in a deplorable state, being wet, cold, and apparently very hungry. He asked to be locked up, as he had nowbere to go for the night. The Sergeant said be had given him a bed and made him some hot tea, which, with bread and butter, he had devoured most raven ously. Sergeant Felton said there was nothing known against the man, and under the circumstances, would ask that the accused he remanded so as to allow the police to make inquiries regarding him. In reply to the Bench, Addison stated he had been wandering all over the country in search of work, and had travelled on foot from Dunedin to Ashburton, but his e fib ids to obtain work were without avail. Ilis Worship remanded the man for a week in accordance with Sergeant Felton’s request.

Libel. —A writ has been served on the Southland News for LI,OOO damages for certain libellous statements regarding tlie character of a house.

Mark Masons. —A lodge of Mark Master Masons —Zealandia Marine, No. 261, under the constitution of the G. Marie Lodge of England and Wales is to be opened shortly at Dnnedin.

Infanticide. —At the Supreme Court, Christchurch, to-day, Jane Matthews was found guilty on a charge of infanticide, and sentenced to two years imprison ment.

The Methven Line Flooded. — Our Rakaia correspondent writes : The heavy rain which has fallen during last night and yesterday has flooded the Methven line near the Cairnbrae station so much that it is not known whether the line there has been damaged or not ; there is quite two feet of water on that part of the line. The train did not leave Meth ven this morning, but the guard rode into Rakaia.

“ Wicked Marks.” —The adjourned case against Henry Marks, fruiterer, for having, on Sunday, the 10th June, sold a quantity of fruit, the same not being a work of necessity or charity, came on for hearing at the Christchurch R.M. Court yesterday. The fact of selling, &c., being admitted by defendant’s counsel, the prosecution did not produce witnesses, and the solicitor for the defendant had merely to bring before the Bench tlie legal arguments bearing on the case. Finally the Court inflictrd the nominal penalty of 55., on the understanding that a case should be stated for the Supreme Court.

Coming Back. —Mr. TI. Bastings, at the 4th of July celebration in Dunedin on Saturday night, said he probably would re-enter the political arena at the next general election. It is rumored Mr Stout will follow suit.

Drinks Doings.— Samuel Brosnairn, a blacksmith at Petane, Napier is missing, lie left an hotel drunk on Friday night, and it is supposed that he tried to cross over the new bridge and fell into the river at the opening left for the turntables. ]lf i wife was told on Sunday afternoon of the supposed death of her husband, and the shock killed her. Five children are thus left parentless. Amateurs in Trouble. —A demand has been served by Mr. Gillon, agent for the Dramatic.. Author’s Seciety, for the proceeds of a concert given at Napier on Wednesday on behalf of the hospital funds. The total amount was over LCS. The ground of the demand is that Mr. Cross, secretary to the entertaiment, did not send the author’s fee in advance for one farce played, although warned. A public subscription is being raised to defend the action.

Died Laughing. —Thomas Connelly, a barber, thirty-eight years old, of No. 52 Roosevelt street, went home a few days ago from the Charity Hospital on Black well’s Island, where he had been confined with a broken leg, which had to be ampu tated above the knee. He left against the wishes of the doctors, who/desired him to remain until he was well. In honor of lrs return a private entertainment was given in his apartment, only a few intimate friends being invited. At seven o’clock sharp, on Wednesday evening, the per formance began. Songs were sung and toasts drunk. The invalid’s stepson then volunteered to dance a jig. The perform ance pleased Connelly, who burst out a laughing. Then suddenly, without a moment’s warning, the deceased fell off bis chair and expired, bleeding from his mouth. An autopsy showed that Connelly came to his death by rupturing the aneur ism of the aorta. — N. Y. Herald. Three Millions’ Worth. —The Prus sian capital, it appears, has long contained a jewel of quite fabulous value, although the news of its existence was first made known to the general public by the reports of the last session of the Polytechnic So ciety. This noble stone is a sapphire, and is the property of one of the members of that learned body. It weighs 12 y loth a little more than six ounces. The jury of the Polytechnic Society have settled its value at the frightful sum of 64,000,000 marks, or L 3,200,000 of Eng lish money. It need hardly be said that such a treasure is not very likely to find a purchaser at such a price. It is contended by go me of the adepts that the stone is not perfectly pure, but it can never be so far lowered as to tempt the richest and most eccentric collector in the world to give anything like the sum which must be asked for it.

The Borough Water Supply.

The Borough Council of Ashburton does not seem to be the most energetic public body under the sun. Notwith standing that the Messrs. Saunders Bros., while willing to fulfil the promise made by Mr. Edward Saunders ..to allow the Council a supply of water from their mill race, prevented any interference with the race until the deed of easement was signed, no steps have been taken in the matter. It is fully a week since the Borough Council were told that until the conditions under which they were to take the water were agreed to, and bore the Council’s signature, no water could be taken from the mill-race. Yet there the matter rests, and a most culpable apathy is manifested by the representatives of the burgesses. Surely, if tlie privilege of taking water from the race is worth having, it is worth fulfilling the not very onerous conditions that are attached to it. With a view to urge the affair to a con clusion, we hear that Mr. S. Saunders has nailed up the floodgate, and notified the Council that any interference with it until the deed of easement is completed will be treated as a trespass.

A Ploushins Match.

We hear of no steps being taken by the Agricultural and Pastoral Association to arrange for a ploughing match. We scarcely think the time has yet come when agriculture, even in an advanced county like Ashburton, can afford to drop from amongst its institutions one that tends to the encouragement of skill in one of the first necessities of cultivation, the guiding of the plough. We hear farmers of experience—men who have been born on the homestead, and whose whole life, from youth to manhood, lias been spent in agriculture—speaking in very critical language of some of the specimens of farming they see in this colony. We hear a gentleman of Mr. John Grigg’s standing somewhat roughly, if traly, setting down not a few farmers as only camp-fo.lowcr i of Sir Julius Yogel’s army of road-makeis, and possessing only a very parrot-like knowledge of tlie business they have undertaken. But while we hear these condemnations, ought we not alsf* to hear of something being done to .remove, as far as can be removed, all ground for com plaint in regard to practical work ing. We fancy that ability to plough well is just as much a necessity to tlie farmer as is a knowledge of liow profitably to stock liis farm or regulate the rotation of his crops. Blit while every thing that an Association, anxious for the farmers’ success, can do for the farmer is being done, nothing seems to be under taken for the ploughman. Many of the ploughmen on these plains have taken to the work they now follow since they came to this colony, and we think it would be in their interests if opportunities were afforded them of looking upon, work that practical judges are willing to consider and award prizes to as patterns—models of ploughing. Then we have young men growing up whose practical training should not be neglected, and just as tlie competi tion at school tends to healthy emulation and secures excellence, so we should imagine ought competition at the ploughing match promote healthy emulation in good ploughing amongst the lads who are to be our future farmers. “ God speed the plough,” is a holy and righteous prayer, but then, “ the gods help those who help themselves,” and if the ploughmen are deprived of all chance of measuring their abilities with the standard of excellence which our farming leaders swear by, then little excuse is left for condemning them if they remain stagnant, and plough as well or as ill to day as they did last year.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday, July 6. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) CIVIL CASES. Andrew Orr v. Carleton—Summons en larged, on the application of Mr. Branson, for a fortnight, on account of inability to serve.

Goldsmith v. Ruddock—Adjourned for a week, on application of Mr. Branson, for plaintiff. John Orr, trustee in Edwards’ estate, v. Corsbie—Claim L 3 15s. Judgment by default for amount and costs, LI 9s Poyntz and Co. v. Foley—Claim L2 2s. Mr. Branson for plaintiffs. Judgment by default for amount and costs ss. Wakanui Road Board v. Prendergast— Claim Llo 14s. 3d., on a dishonored cheque, amount for two years rates. Mr. Wilkie, collector, appeared for the Board. Judgment for amount and costs. Hugo Fried lander and others v. Orr and Co. Mr. Branson for plaintiffs ; Mr.

Garrick for defendants. Mr. Branson stated that Messrs. Fried lander Bros, had bought a quantity of oats from James Gardiner. The oats had got into possession of the defendants, and the plaintiffs wished to obtain,the oais, or their equivalent, L4l ss. 3d. ; .also L 5 damages for the illegal detention of the grain. Hugo Friedlander svorn —I am one of the plaintiffs in this action. Remember buying about 400 sacks of oats from James Gardiner, and produce the sale note. I got delivery of all tlie oats with the excep - tion of 143 sacks, which were in the pos session of Messrs. Orr and Co. in the grain store. I produce an order on Messrs Orr and Co. from James Gardiner, which is signed by Orr and Co., to the effect that they would hold the oats on our account. They have only delivered three sacks. I could have sold the oats. The sacks hold on an average four bushels to the sack. The price I gave was Is. 3d. per bushel. By Mr. Garrick Gardiner became bankrupt about a fortnight after the sale. John Orr became trustee in the estate. I took the order from Gardiner on April 16, and on the same day presented it to Orr and Co. Gardiner was not insolvent at the time. We held a lien over Gardiner’s crops, to secure amount on further ad vances. The liens are in my safe at home. The amount is about L 340. I believe the liens were registered. The amount of L 340 was due at the time I took the liens. There is no express agreement in the liens .for further advances. Mr. John Orr has not claimed the oats as trustee in Gardi ner’s estate, but for liis own private use. The sale was on mutual account. We bought the grain and gave Gardiner credit for it on bis account current. The term “cash on delivery” is true, because if there was any balance due to Gardiner I should have had to give him cash for the amount. When I bought the grain I knew the state of Gardiner’s account. It would have been a bad look-out if I had not known. At the time, 1 did not know how tlie balance of account would be. I believed there would be no balance to Gardiner, although there were payments which I believed I was bound to make, which would throw the balance on Gardi ner’s side. At the time we had security over his grain and plant. The accounts do not enable me to say whether there were any sums advanced at the time the Kens were executed. No money was ad vanced at the time the first lien was exe cuted on the Ist July, 1879. Cannot say whether any amount was advanced on the second lien being issued. My books are at my office. Mr. Garrick—Did you leave them at home intentionally ?. Witness—No. If we had been called upon to produce them they would have been here. Mr. Garrick—Would you like to have your books here ? Witness —I should not mind. Mr. Garrick—Will you send for them ? Witness—No. [At the request 'of Mr. Garrick, his Worship ordered the books of plaintiff to be sent for.] Rudolph Friedlander, sworn —I called at Messrs. Orr and Co’s, office, and Mr. Orr read the delivery-note over, and said that Gardiner owed their firm money, and it was necessary they should be protected. I went to Orr and Co’s, about three weeks after to get delivery of the oats. Mr. Orr sent his men to deliver the oats, and when three sacks bad been put into cart, Mr. John Orr came over and refused to allow any more to go. lie wanted his men to take the three sacks from the dray, but I would not allow them to do so, and took them over to our store.

By Mr. Garrick—At the time John Orr signed the note, Gardiner was not a bank rupt. John Orr refused to allow tlie men to take more than three sacks away.

John Orr, trustee in the estate of Gar diner, sworn —I claim the goods as trustee, and the lasi witness has made a clear statement of the facts with reference to the oats.

By Mr. Branson —The reason I allowed three sacks of oats to go was because I was undecided about the matter. I then changed my mind and stopped the de livery. I thought the safest plan, as trus tee in the estate, was to refuse delivery until I had got legal advice. The note was signed on the 10th April, and soon after Gardiner became bankrupt. I was appointed trustee about ten days after tlie delivery-note was given. I had no con versation, before the delivery of the three sacks, with Friedlander Bros. George Roberts, sworn—l am a com mission agent in Christchurch. Am a creditor in the estate of Gardiner. The accounts produced I am familiar with, and have seen them in the District Court. The amount of security over Gardiner’s crop was L 330 ; the lien and bill of sale to secure the one amount. It appeared from a case heard in the District Court that the plaintiffs had been overpaid. James Gardiner was called, but did not appear.

Mr. Garrick wished to have Mr. Hugo Friedlander re-examined, as the books of the firm were now in Court.

Mr. Branson objected unless counsel on the other side wished to make Mr. Fried lander his own witness.

Mr. Garrick, on such a condition, de clined to put Mr. Friedlander again in the witness-box, and After counsel had addressed the Bench, his Worship deferred judgement until next sitting of the Court. The Court then adjourned for lunch.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Bv cable from Baiter's Agency.) The Markets.

London, July 3.

Consols 9Sg ; New Zealand securities, 5 per cent. ; 10.40 loan, 104 J ; 5 per cent. 1879 loan, 104 ; 4-|- per cent. 1879- 1904 loan, 99 b. New Zealand wheat, ex ship 475. ; Adelaide wheat, ex ware house, 475. Gd. ; Adelaide flour, ex ware warehouse, 365. Australian tallow, best beef, 335. Gd. ; best mutton, 355. The Australian Cricketers.

The cricket match Australians v. Eighteen, Newcastle-on-Tyne, was re sumed and concluded to-day. The Home team being 105 behind their opponents, went in for their second innings, and making a good stand, were not disposed of until their score had reached 202 runs. The Australians, then requiring 96 runs to enable them to win the match, went in for their second innings, but want of time prevented its completion, and when the stumps were drawn, they had scorced 58 runs for the loss of four wickets. The match was therefore drawn, the Austra lians requiring 38 runs to make, and hav ing six wickets to fall. Bradlaugh.

An action has been brought in the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice against Bradlaugh to test the legality of permission granted him by the House of Commons to make an affirma tion instead of the customary eath.

The Tay Bridge. London, July 5. Report has been made by the President of the Board of Trade respecting the Tay bridge which severely blames the architect who designed it. Arrival. The Merchant Shipping and Under writers’ Association report the arrival of the Waimate from Lyttelton, sailed April 9. Bounceable Atbitude of Turkey. Authentic intelligence has been received from Constantinople that the Turkish Go vernment is inciting the Albanians to re sist the Greeks in any attempt they may make to take possession of the district in Epirius which the recent Conference at Berlin decided should be ceded to Greece for the extension of her frontier. The Falk Laws.

Berlin, July 5. The Upper House has passed the Bill for the mitigation of the Falk laws in the direction of granting concessions to Roman Catholics.

The Communists. Paris, July 3. A Bill has been introduced by the French Government for granting a plenary amnesty to Communists, founded upon a resolution recently passed in the Chamber of Deputies. It came under discussion in the Senate to-day, but the measure, as it stood, was rejected by a small majority, but an amended Bill was subsequently passed granting an amnesty to all Com munists with the exception of those who have been guilty of assassination or in cendiarism.

AUSTRALIAN

(Reuter's Telegrams.) The Kelly Affair.

Melbourne, July 5. Ned Kelly lias been brought up before the Resident Magistrate and remanded. Victorian Politics. MELBOURNE, July 6 Numerous meetings are being held by the candidates for Parliament throughout the colony, and the forthcoming elections are absorbing public attention. Ned Kelly. It is expected that Ned Kelly will ap pear on trial in a fortnight. Chinese Pirates- -The Genii—Chinese Affairs. Cooktown, July 6. The Eastern and Australian mail steamer Bowen has arrived from Hong Kong and Singapore, with the Torres Straits mails. She reports that on the upward voyage to Hong Kong a piratical plot among the Chinese passenger's to seize the vessel was discovered by a con versation being overheard. The passen gers were mustered, and all hands being armed, 25 Chinese were arrested. Boxes containing loaded revolvers and packet of powder, with fuses attached, were dis covered. On the arrival of the vessel at Hong Kong, the prisoner’s were handed over to the authorities. The Bowen also brings news of the arrival of the New Ireland colonising steamship Genii at Singapore on June 7. She had three feet of water in her hold, and her engineers had deserted her. The news from China is of the most warlike character. Exten sive military preparations are proceeding, in view of the expected outbreak of hos tilities with Russia.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association. ) Accident.

Auckland, July 5. A lad named Burton had his ankle dir vided by a turntable on the wharf yester day,

Broaching Cargo. Auckland, July 6. At the Police Court yesterday, eight seamen were charged with breaking into the cargo of the ship Chili, and sentenced to twelve months. Passing Away. Alexander Nelson, a respected old iden tity, aged 73, has died. A Stormy Voyage. The brigantine Clansman, which arrived from Melbourne yesterday' met with a very stormy passage. She ran short of water, and both crew and passengers suffered much. ° The Auckland Domain- The Domain Board are considering the question of utilising the boundaries of the Domain for leasing purposes. The Poneke. Wellington, July 5. No particulars have been received in connection with the missing schooner Poneke. The following is a list of her crew : —James Lee, captain ; William Young, mate ; Andrew Lillybed, James Grant, Edward D jile, and Paul Sappho.

Floods. The continuous rain of yesterday caused heavy floods in the Hutt river, the water being level with the banks. The low lying parts of the town were flooded, but very slight damage has been done. The gale has driven one or two yachts ashore. Gale at Wellington.

A southerly gale blew with unabated fury throughout the day, but no damage is reported. A brigantine, which ran in for shelter during the night and brought up at the far side of the harbor was seen drifting towards Petone beach. However ; t is expected her anchors will get firm hold and the vessel will weather the storm. No steamers have been able to leave port. ' Heavy rain still continues and no sigu of the gale moderating. Obituary.

Captain Peterson, of the Union Company’s steamer Taiaroa, died at Dunedin to-day.

Captain Sharp, an old settler, aged 74, died this morning. Bronchitis was the cause of death.

Supreme Court.

[by telegraph.]

Auckland, July 5. The Supreme Court sittings commenced, this morning before Judge Richmond. There are twenty-six names on the calen dar, against which thirty-three charges are made. The majority of cases are of an ordinary description, but there are one or two notable ones, including a charge of embracery against Samuel Coombes. There are seven charges of forging and uttering, and two more of an analogous character. The Judge, in his charge, deplored the readiness with which publi cans supply blauk cheques, it being only necessary for a man to get a nobbier to obtain a blank form. With regard to the embracery case, his Honor said the law looked with extreme jealonsy on any at tempts to influence a jury. Auckland, July 6. ; At the Supreme Court yesterday, Isaac Wilson, late landlord of the Ohinemutu Hotel, who was acquitted last session of shooting at natives who were assisting to levy a distress on his house, applied for costs, which the Judge refused, saying that defendant had endangered the peace of the whole country, and he thought that the natives had shown much forbearance. James Watson pleaded guilty of forgery, and was sentenced to three years. George Hart, Lawrence Jelling, and William O’Connor pleaded guilty on all the charges against them ; sentences deferred. Philip Alcock, a delicate looking man, pleaded guilty to stealing a watch and ring, value Ll 4. His Honor declined to prenounce sentence. Wellington, July 6. At the Supreme Court, J. F. Thomp son, on two charges of forgery and utter ing, was sentenced to three years on each charge ; sentences to run concurrently. The Crown Prosecutor clecl ned to offer any evidence against a youth named Alfred Brown for cutting and wounding. A charge against Haines for assault is now proceeding. Dunedin, July 5. The Grand Jury threw out the bill rgiinst Mrs. Fergusson, for child aban donment The Crown declined to g've evidence against William Roberts, for forcible entry, and John Thomson, for breach of Arms Act.

Union Insurance Company.

(by telegraph.)

Caitrsrciiaßca, July 6.

The annual meeting of the Union In surance Company was held to-day, the Directors’ report showing a profit balance of L 18,058 for the year, and recommend ing a dividend of ten per cent., absorbing L 7,500, and that L 5,000 be placed to the reserve fund, and the balance carried for ward. The report was unanimously adopted. Messrs. Joseph Palmer and Peter Cunningham were re-elected Direc tors. The Chairman of the Directors stated that as a matter of economy it had been decided to discontinue having a manager at Wellington, and only to have an agent there. They did not intend to ask the shareholders, as had been sug gested, for power to declare interim dividends. Mr. Cowlishaw thought the policy of the directors had been rather too conservative, as the profits were not so large as they should be from the business done. Be, insurances appearing to have been too heavy, the meeting endorsed the action of the directors.

Verdict of Manslaughter against a Doctor.

Invercargill, July 3. An inquest was commenced at Winton yesterday, and terminated to-day, touch ing the death of a woman maned Cameron, wife of a labourer at Winton. The evi dence shows that on Monday last, de ceased was taken in labour, and that on the evening of that day Dr. Moffatt was called in to attend upon her. He rema'rei with her until Tuesday morning about two o’clock, by which time the woman had reached an exceedingly critical stage. At this hour he threw up the case, saying he must have some rest. He carried out this resolve and never went near the house again and the case was attended to by Dr. Hannan of Invercargill. A post mortem examination on the body of the unfortunate woman revealed the fact that death had primarily resulted from a rup ture, but when the rupture occurred the medical witnesss could not say. The jury, after hearing a lot of evidence, re turned a verdict of “Manslaughter” against Dr. Moffatt, on the ground that Mrs. Cameron’s death had resulted from his gross criminal neglect and unskilful ness. i’i

A new patent stove for the convenience of travellers, has just been invented. It is placed on the feet, and a mustard plaster upon the head draws the heat through the whole system. “ The only liberty-cap,” says a clever and witty author, “is the night-cap. In it men visit, one-third of their lives, the only land where they are free and equal.” “ A dew for sale, commanding a beautiful view of nearly the whole con gregation,” is the way a Rochester man worded his advertisement. “ Why, Hans, you have the most feminine cast of countenance I have seen.” “ Oh, yah ?” replied Hans ; “ the reason ob dat is because my mother was a voomans. ”

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1880.



Miscellaneous. A DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under J\ the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c WANTED—A good GENERAL SER- Y\ YANT. Apply at once, personally to Mr. Willcocks, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 559 c TO LET—The finest Premises in Ash burton. For particulars apply Everett Bros. , Havelock street. 627 c TO LET SEVERAL Two and Four-roomed HOUSES at low rentals. Apply, 619 c POYNTZ & CO. A GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. WANTED 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 /COMPOSITION Dolls, China Dolls, yj Wooden Dolls, Rag Dolls, Toys, China Mugs, Balls, &c. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. ST. JOHN’S MASONIC LODGE. rpHE Regular Monthly Meeting will be _l held at the Templar Hall on TUES DAY, the 6th inst., at 7-30 p.m. Visiting Brethren are invited. W. H. GUNDRY, 626 c - W.M. ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THE MONTHLY MEETING of the above Society will be held at Mr. Jacobsen’s Office, on TUESDAY, July 6. Mr. H. C. Jacobsen will read a paper on “ The pleasures and benefits of Garden ing.” S. E. POYNTZ, 616 c Hon. Sec. TO A. HARRISON, Esq., Dear Sir — TT7E, the undersigned Burgesses of Ash- VY burton, respectfully request you to allow yourself to be nominated for the seat in the Borough Council, vacated by •E. Saunders, Esq., and in the event of your complying with our request, we pledge ourselves to use our best endeavors to secure your return. Yours faithfully, George St. Hill J. M. Cambridge J. Tucker Wm. Anderson. O. Digby Andrew Orr T. Chambers • W. T. Davison JohnW. Baker And 25 others. Thomas Taylor J. R. Chapman John Orr William Sparrow E. A. Garnett James Bradley Baker and Brown Havelock street, July 29 th, 1880. Gentlemen — PERMIT me to thank you for the above kind expression of your wishes, in answer to which I simply say —PUT ME IN—and I will endeavor to act to the best of my ability for our Borough. And believe me, faithfully yours, Clio ALFRED HARRISON.



Miscellaneous SUNDAY ‘NEXT, AT THE TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. CELEBRATION OF THE CENTEN ARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS. ON Sunday next, July 11th, 1880, at 2.30 p.m., a Public Meeting of the Teachers and Children connected with the respective 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, Iveall, and Smith. President—Mr. Gavin. 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 £1 REWARD. LOST —From Dudley’s Stable, Ashbur ton, on the 3rd July, a Light Roan MARE, with saddle on. Any person re turning the same to Smith’s Stable, or to Robert Maxwell, Wakanui, will receive the above reward. 633 c PETER CHALMERS. Y. R. IN BANKRUPTCY. In the District Court of Christ church, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors. Act, 1876, and the Acts amending the same, and of the bank ruptcy of NEIL MACLEAN and THOMAS ALEXANDER WIN TER, trading in co-partnership at South Rakaia as Auctioneers and Commission Agents, under the style cr firm of Maclean and Winter. Notice is hereby given that on the fifteenth day of July instant, at n o’clock in the forenoon, or as soon thereafter ?s Council can Ire heard, application will be made to the above-named honorable Coiut for an order declaring the deed of assignment filed herein on tire 27th day of May last past by the above-named arranging debtors, to be com pletely executed. Dated this 6tli day of July, 18S0. BRANSON & PURNELL, Solicitor for the Debtor. 634 c



Amusements. ASHBURTON AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY. “ The Lost Ship.” T 0 W FN HALL. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JULY 9th and 10th. FRIDAY-BENEFIT OF Mr. C. BOURK. Particulars in future advertisement. 609 c