COMMERCIAL.

Wmp'’ ' Dunedin, July 2. beef, 255. to 275. 6d. per 100 lbs.; •Hf mutton, 3d. to 3£cl. per lb.; good sample r milling wheat, 3s. 6d. to 3s. 10d.; fowls’ ii - wheat, 28. 6d. to 35.; feed oats, Is. 3d. to Is. 4d. ; milling, Is. 5d.; malting barley, 3s. 6d. to 3s. 10c!.; feed, 3s. to 3s. 3d; ‘ potatoes, L2 55.; old hay, L 4; new . paten hay, L 3 ; chaff, L 3; straw, L2 ; j’Lbran, L 3 ; pollard L 4; flour, L 9 103 to LlO ; oatmeal, L 9 10s.; pearl barley, L2O; onions Id.; cheese, 5d.; bacon, rolled, Hid; i A hams, lid. ; sides bacon ll£d.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1880.

School District or Hinds. The boundaries of the school district of Hinds are proclaimed in this issue. Tinwald. —Divine service will be con ducted in the Tinwald School to-morrow evening, at half-past six, by the Rev. W. Keall.

Tenders. —The South Rakaia Road Board call for tenders for some work, for which intending tenderers may see advertisement.

Montague’s Bazaar. —Mr. I. Mon tague desires us to state that his visit, to Ashburton is only for a limited period, and those of our readers anxious to obtain articles from his very large and varied stock would do well not to delay in visit ing the fancy fair. Tradesmen’s Quadrille Assembly.— On Wednesday night the Tradesmen’s Private Quadrille Assembly held their dance in Mr. Quill’s sample rooms. There was a large attendance, and the music was of very excellent character, while the refreshments were abundant. Dancing was kept up with spirit until four o’clock. The Assembly holds a practice every Wednesday evening. Railway Arrangement.— Fred. Back, Esq., Traffic Manager, announces that re turn tickets for ordinary fares issued at Tiraaru or any intermediate station north wards to Christchurch, on the 15th or 16th inst., will be available as late as the the 17th for return. This concession has been made to suit tlio3e desirous of visit ing ' the Industrial Exhibition to be held on the 15th and 16th in Christchurch. South Rakaia Domain Board. — In a Gazette of July 1, the following gentlemen are appointed members of the South Rakaia Domain Board Messrs. Charles Norris Mackie, George Robinson, Walter Hartnell, James Newland Sharp, Arthur Makeig, Charles Albert Creery Hardy, arid James Bruce. The Board will meet for the transaction of business on the first Monday of each month at 4p. ni., in the Road Board office, South Rakaia, or at such other time and place as they may fix, the first meeting taking place on Thursday next.

Inquest. —Yesterday the Coroner, Dr. Trevor, held an inquest on the body of Mrs. Wilkinson, the wife of a Avell-known Chertsey resident. The inquest was held at the residence of deceased, and Mr. L. Langham was chosen foreman of the jury. The evidence of two sons of deceased Avas taken, which Avent to show that deceased had partaken of strychnine. Dr. Ross gave evidence also, proving that from this poison deceased had died. The jury having retired, brought in a A r erdict that deceased met her death by taking strych nine, while in a state of temporary in sanity.

Special. —Owing to the present enormous demand forthe Wanzer’s Improved Sewing Machines in Dunedin, and throughout the colony, and anticipating that the present large stock will soon be disposed of, xMr. A.°B. Sidford has this day sent the under mentioned Telegram for 300 Machines : [Copy.] Telegraph Office, Dunedin, July 3, 1880. Received from Mr. A. B. Sidford, 4 Royal Arcade, Dunedin, the sum of £3 14s. sterling, being the cost of telegram sent this day to Messrs. R. M. Wahzer and Co., America, for 300 Wanzer’s Im proved Sewing Machines. —(Signed) A. J. Vincent, C.C. (Pro Telegraph Office). — Advt.

Sunday School Teachers’ Con ference. —A very interesting gathering of the teachers and office-bearers of the various Nonconformist bodies in Ashbur burton took place at the Cameron street. Wesleyan Church last evening, to celebrate tbe centenary of the establishment of Sunday Schools. After partaking of a substantial tea, supplied in Mr. Thomas Taylor’s usual profuse style, the tables were cleared, and the business of the evening was entered upon. The Rev. W. Keall presided, and suitable addresses were given by tlie Revs. Beattie, "West brook©, and 'Smith. The former part of the meeting took the form of a more de votional character, interspersed with the addresses of the gentlemen mentioned. The latter end of the meeting was of a conversational style, and many useful hints were thrown out for the Sunday afternoon service at the Town Hall. A motion was proposed and carried that a meeting similar to the present be held once a quarter. An amendment to the effect that the gather ing take place only once a year was lost by a large majority. A proposal that the Episcopal Sunday school teachers be asked to co-operate at the next reunion was withdrawn, it being explained that on the present occasion they had been asked to join in the affair, but had respectfully declined. The meeting terminated about ten o’clock. The scholars of the schools interested in to-morrow’s gathering at the Town Hall are requested to be punctual in their attendance at their respective schools at two o’clock.

Mount Hutt.— The Chairman of the Mount Hutt Road Board, Mr. Edward Chapman summons a meeting for Thurs day next, in the Road Board office of that district, to consider the advisableness of the passing of the County’3 Waterworks Amendment Bill now before Parliament. Vagrancy. —At the R.M. Court this morning, before Mr. Guinness, Hugh Miller was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Prisoner admitted the offence, and was fined ss. A charge of vagrancy was also preferred, Constable -- Parmer stating that he had found the accused in a blacksmith’s shop, belonging to Mr. H. J. Edwards. Sergeant Felton drew his Worship’s attention to the fact that complaints were frequently being made of men sleeping in empty houses, and as most of them were in the habit of smoking, there was a danger of fires tak ing place. Miller stated that until re cently lie had been in employment, and was willing to work if he could only get it to do. He was without money, aiid begged hi 3 Worship to be lenient with him. Mr. Guinness, after remarking that accused seemed to have sufficient money wherewith to get drunk, dismissed the culprit with a caution. “ The Lost Ship.”—The Amateur Dramatic Club gave their first representa tion last night of,“The Lost Ship.” The •performance was for the benefit of Mr. Charles Bourk,. tecenic artist to the Club, and we are glad to say that the public responded very heartily, all parts of the , house being fairly filled, the . dress circle more especially. The scenery, thanks to Mr. Bourk’s efforts, was excellent, and the painter was called before the curtain to acknowledge compliments paid to him. The piece was very well mounted indeed, and the cast of characters Avas very judicious. In one or two cases there Avas a manifest Avant of acquaintance with the text, but the lead ing parts Avere Avell pourtrayed. There Avere complaints made about the length of the intervals between the scenes, and the audience, a remarkably good natured one, showed some im patience, but as there abvays is stillness in a first representation, Ave may expect to see these intervals shortened to-night. The company are fortunate in the acces sion to their strength they have secured in Mr 3. Thompson, who Avas very telling in Rose Lindon. The cast wa3 as follows : BenTrennant (well played by Mr. Jessop); Ned Martin (by Mr. Franks, avlio Avould lose nothing by a closer application to the text, but Avould save the prompter a Avorld of trouble); Jan Dunsterswyvle (by Mr. Poyntz, the part could not have been put in better hands); Nicholas Nibble (by Mr. Felton); Timothy Trim (by Mr. Elston, Avho Avas as usual quite at home, and tickled the audience much); Vivian (by Mr. Higgins, whose rich voice belied his assumed years, but otherwise made a good old man) ; Mark Lindon (by Mr. Tippet, Avho had not much to do, but filled the part well); Sally Popple (by Mrs. Tippet, always popular, and highly so last night); and Rose Lindon (by Mrs. Thom son, as already mentioned). The Ohristys’ orchestra supplied the music. Mr. Nettle ton’s violin Avas missed from the little circle of musicians, but he will appear to-night. As it Avas, the orchestra Avas very useful, and we hope to hear them very often. With steady practice they ought to make an orchestra of no mean - merit. We hope the pernicious habit of whistling that some of the Ashburton youths indulge in at entertainments will not be further cultivated. Everybody is satisfied of their proficiency in this accom plishment, and having'proved their ability last night they will perhaps take the hint, and not treat the audience to a gratuitous performance of the inharmonious sounds to-night. Something should be done, too, Avith the gas arrangements. It is exceedingly awkward that e\ T ery attempt to lower the gas in the sunlight should end in total ex tinction, and necessitate re-lighting from the centre of the hall. We do not know whether the fault lie 3 with those Avho have charge of the taps or Avith the taps themselves, but surely it is not a neces sity that the lights should go completely out when a dark scene is brought on.

A lady Avho was frequently annoyed by the loquacity of her servants, being asked why she didn’t try dumb Avaiters replied : —“I have tried them, but they don’t ans Aver. ”

An old bachelor having been laughed at by a bevy of pretty girls, told them they Avere small potatoes. “We may be small potatoes,” replied one of the maidens, “ but Ave are sweet ones.”

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(By cable fi om Reuter's Agency.) Bank of England. London, July 8. The total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is L 16,500,000. The Australian Cricketers.

The Australians were to have played against Eighteen of Broughton, at Broughton, but owing to the inclemency of the weather the match has been post poned. A Reconciliation Possible.

London, July 9.

News has been received .from Pekin that Ching Haw, late Chinese Ambassa dor at St. Peter,sburgh, who was reputed to have been beheaded, but was, as now transpires, only impeached by his Govern ment for his action in connection with the conclusion of the Kuldja Treaty with Rus sia, has been reprieved. It is further stated that this step is indicative that the Chinese Government desires to make peace with Russia. Resignation, The Marquis of Lansdowne has resigned his position as Under-Secretary of State for India, because he is opposed to the Irish Elections Bill which has been intro duced by the Government.

AUSTRALIAN

(Per Reuter's Agency.) The Markets. Sydney, July 9. Hennessy’s brandy, bulk, quarters, 10s.; New Zealand wheat, 3s. 7d. to 4s. Bd. per bushel; New Zealand oats, Is. 6d. to 2s. 3d.; per 401b5.; maize, 2s. to 2s. Id. per 601b5.; candles, 6£d. A Cargo of Tea. The Eastern and Australian Company’s steamer Menmuir sailed from Foo Chow

on July 7th for Sydney.- She has 200 tons of tea on board for New Zealand. Flour.'

Adelaide, July 9.

Adelaide flour, L 9 155., town]; country, L9to L 9 ss. Freights from Adelaide to United Kingdom, 425. 6d., with a slightly improved tendency. Victorian Polities. Melbourne, July 1. Mr. Service, in his address to hi 3 con stituents, says that peace and prosperity in Victoria are impossible, until the question of Reform is settled.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) A Major-General’s Difficulties. Auckland, July 9. At a meeting of Major-General Stoddart’s creditors lie guaranteed LIOO a-year from his pension, until 20s. in the £ was paid. The creditors recommended his discharge.. A Shipping Speculation.

It is stated that an Auckland gentleman who is largely interested in the coasting trade, has in view the formation of a new. line of first-class .coasting steamers, with head-quarters at Auckland. By the last mail he received substantial offers of capital from a well-known Clyde firm, as Avell as prices and quotations for building a fleet of steamers suitable for the require ments of the trade which it is proposed to take up. The prices named, are very moderate, and owing to the cheapness of iron and the lowness of wages a meeting will be called shortly of those interested in the shipping and commerce of the port, and also with the vieiv of interesting local capital in the enterprise. The Fiji Mail Service. The tender of the Auckland Steamship Company, for the monthly mail service to Levuka and Fiji has been accepted at L 2.500 per annum, conditionally on the Parliamentary vote. Investigations. , The Board of Education has decided to investigate the complaint of the City School Committe against certain teachers of evading instructions re holidays, and will require them to explain their conduct. The payment of salaries has been stopped, pending the enquiry.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

“ I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains. Longfelloav.

I was quite overcome last week with the intensity of the situation. I had seen my respected friend Mr Purnell trotted off to the place from the limited room of which he has in his day so ably saved such a large number of . evil doers, and I was quite upset. I tried to write but I couldn’t go it—it Avas too much. So I Avent to the Oddfellows’ ball, and SAVung my elegant forrn about there for a while. I may say just here that I came to grief at that ball. I am something like Richard the Third— not suited to amble in a lady’s chamber— and so, after clumsily ruining several yards of drapery, and gettingi.one or two looks that Avere affectionate' on the surface but anything but loving-, I am sure, if the surface could have been lifted, I cleared. But it was in the clearing I came to grief. Dr. Htewart was about, being surgeon to the Oddies, and I thought I Avould ad journ upstairs with him. I only got half way up Avhen I met - with an accident. Thanks to the Dr. and a slice of raw beef that George Eagle found for me, I can look the Avhole world in the face again. The magistrate has much to answer for. If he hadn’t sent Mr. Purnell to quod I shouldn’t have gone to that bad, and shouldn’t have got that black eye. There, noA\ r , that’ll do on the subject of myself.

Mr. St. Hill is the best Councillor we have. I have always said so. He is so thorough, you know, and goes to the root of things. He went to the root of that immigrants’ cottage that was to have been given to the Fire Brigade to practice on, and he had made, what he thought to he, very effective arrangements for tearing it up, root and branch. He sold it for Ls— whom, think you ? Why, to Brown, the gentleman who was for some consider able time, “ The cook, and the captain bold, And the mate, and the purser big, Arid t! e bosun, tight, and the midshipmite, And the crew of the captain’s gig " in fact, in his own proper person, the com plete labor gang of the Borough Council. While Mr. Brown occupied that solitary but exalted position—a sort of concentrated essence of labor gang—l have often looked over his oerson to see if he hadn’t branded himself with the letters A.B. C., the same as the spades are—for he was so essentially the property of the! Council,- and looked after everything and everybody connected with it, or doing anything for it, that I fancied he ought to bear the alphabetical brand somewhere on his person, just .as the Freemasons -brand their new members. ' If you are a Mason I know you will feel an uneasiness about the left pocket- of your surtout, when I mention this brahT, 'and unpleasant re collections of tbe fiery ordeal will come to your memory. But I was never able to discover the mystical letters anywhere upon his person. When the Council rise to the dignity of having a man under Mr. Brown, I can find the letters about the working gang, because “he” has to use a spade, and the spade is stamped. Well, Mr. St. Hill sold the dilapidated cottage to the essence of labor gang, and smiled benignly to him self, thinking that the eyesore was to be removed, for tbe cottage was sold with that understanding. But Mr. St. Hill is not the “boss” of the essence of labor gang, and he found that out. The essence of labor gang sold the cottage again, and turned the nimble penny on the sale. The shanty has now become a stable—patched up, and niadp habitable for a horse, if not for a man—and Mr. St. Hill, the most practical man in the Council, the leader of the great Liberal party in tbe local parliament, has been had by the head and middle and tail (all in one) of a whole department of the pa rochial civil service.

Some genius or other has gone int© figures over the Borough Council’s expenditure on salaries &c., as against their income. I admire that chap’s way of putting things. He seeni3 to allow rates only for i evenue, and leaves out the license fees, and every little source of revenue that

exists Avast heaving, young man ! What about the money from the Road Boards and the County Council. Is that outfall drain paid for out of rates, or the water scheme, or the concrete channelling ? Don’t you believe it. Do you think my friend Mr. Fooks draws his salary for simply saying to the concentrated essence of labor gang “do this,” and he doeth it—if he please— and draws' it out of rates only ? Not he. The County Council stands in the gap for that work, for the same fund that supplies the concrete channelling supplies also the engineer’s cost. We get through a lot o’ money, I dare say. But don’t paint us any blacker than Ave are.

Boniface Quill and Auctioneer Harrison are to boputupin two lots. Tlieyareabout a size, and this fact is causing some fun. Tom BroAvn, hurriedly passing me offered two to one on the “ little man.” I took him. Who loses if Alfred knocks Tom doAvn all in one lot, and who if Tom gives Alfred a consolation blow out after Tom has got to the head of the poll l They are both litlle ones—both game. I don’t know how to vote. I like Harrison. He’s a decent little fellow ; and so is Tom. I like him, too. Oh—l know, I have two votes. I’ll give one to each.

UGive up smoking.” At the Library show, at the Sunday-school tea fight, and in every good or 'goody-goody ;periodical published, \ve have been told to give up smoking and we Avill be able to do great things. We’ll be able to joiri the Library, we’ll be able to subscribe to the Christian Beccrcl, to a Building Society, to a missionary society, to a church, to a thousand and one benevolent institutions, hnd put money in the bank. I went into figures on this subject, and I find that if I give up smoking I will be able to save about-a hundred pounds a-year if I put all the “ threepence a-Aveeks” together that I have heard mentioned. But then, as tobacco only costs an average man about 7£d. a week, and I am an average man, I fail to see how I am going to save from being spent what never was in danger. Chispa.

CORRESPONDENCE.

VVf, do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.

THE CONTEMPT OF COURT CASE.

To the Editor,

Sir—-The Avriter of an article in the Tiinaru livening Telegraph, re-published in yesterday’s paper, affirms that “Judges and Magistrates possess * almost un limited ’ power to punish persons for sup posed contempt of Court.” This is an error. No doubt the Judges of the Supreme Court possess virtually unlimited power in this respect; but Magistrates are on an entirely different footing. Their power of punishing for contempt is strictly limited, and the question involved in Mr. Purnell’s case seems to be Avhether ,a Magistrate has any, power whatever to commit a barrister to prison for alleged contempt of Court, while engaged in dis charging his functions and cloaked with the immunities and privileges of his profes sion.-—I am, Ac., Lex.

July 9th, 1880.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH EXPENDI TURE.

To the Editor.

Sir, —I notice with surprise a letter in this morning’s isßue of the Gxiardian, calling attention to our borough income and expenditure, and comparing the same with the Rangiora accounts for the past year. I should not have taken any notice of this letter had it not been for the support given to the writer in the leading article in the same issue, and the figures being so manifestly incorrect. In your article you state that the income of the Borough of Rangiora for the past year was L 2,459 63. sd.,and place the departmental expenditure at L 319125. To the latter item must be added fire prevention D 35 Bs., and valuation LlB, to bring the figures up to corresponding departmental expenses debited against our local expenditure. This will make the item L 373 103. But the fact that the first item of L 2,459 6s. sd. includes L 930 Bs., balance in hand from the previous year, appears to be entirely overlooked ; this must therefore be reduced to L 1,628 18s. sd. as the income of the Borough of Rangiora for the year, and the depart mental expenses will thus bear a proportion of 25 per cent, to the income.

Now take our local balance-sheet for the same period. The income, as shown, is L 3,245 10s. Id. (exclusive of the grant for water supply, L 4,357 19s. 4d., which in itself entailed a considerable amount of work on our official staff) while the depart mental expenses are L‘Bl3 6s. Tire pre vention, L 95 Os. 6d.; nuisances, L 24 17s. lid.; valuation, L4O (the L9O shown in the balance-sheet being for two years)— L 973 4s. 5d., or 30 per cent on the income. This includes an exceptionally heavy year in printing, advertising, fire prevention, and the extra office work connected with the water supply. - , If we compare the rates received by the Rangiora Borough with our own, they are Rangiora, L5lB 6s. 3d.; Ashburton, L 2,204 11s. lid. Thus the R-angiora departmental expenses bear a proportion of nearly 75 per cent, of the rates received, while Ashburton is barely 45 per cent. The result of these figures is that the departmental expenses of the Rangiora Borough are 25 per cent, of the income, and the Ashburton 30 per cent, while we have to credit the Ashburton department with the extra work connected with our water supply, and the necessarily heavy expenseein the formation of a new borough. —I am, &c., W. H. Gundry, Late Borough Auditor. Ashburton, May 9, 1880.

THE ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

To the Editor.

Sir, —It is to be regretted that the de tailed statement respecting the Library, which was rendered by the genial chair man last Wednesday evening, has not appeared in the papers for public criticism. The views then put forward are assumed to be those of the Library Committee or Trustees, if there are such, and may be reduced to something like the following : We have a Public Library. The public do not appreciate it. Unsupported, it does not pay, and is a burden upon a few per sons. The public ought to strive against the evil of ignorance by joining the institution, Then we should soon have

LIOOO worth of books and a self-support ing cause. To analyze the above sentences is by no moans a pleasant task, as it appears to call in question the sincerity and sympathy of the promoters of the Library. as a com mittee. It is hard to deal with a diffi culty which is perhaps intangible; and only the desire to help forward the interests of an institution, so useful as a well conducted public library, nerves one to enter upon the work. Those who know the chairman will be sure that he did not intend, in his remarks upon ignorance, to convey the idea that all non-subscribers to the Library, were ignorant people, and that all who joined it were wise ; but did he unwittingly leu a cat out of the bag which ought never to have been put in, and it is to be hoped never will again ? Did he unconciously say that those who belong to tlie Library feel that they are the people, and wisdom pertains only to them ? Please, Sir, to understand that. the re marks now made arc not in auy dishonor able or disparaging spirit, but solely on account of what has frequently. been heard, read, and observed, and with a view of testing the sincerity of the ex pressed regrets that the Library is in a poor way.' If it is a fact that the public are apa thetic in this matter, there must be a cause for it, which those who deplore it might do well to discover. Judging from what has appeared in the papers about this and other local institutions, and from what can be observed, the difficulties are at Home. and can be grappled with. Plato is said to have had written over the porch of his school—“ Let none but geome tricians enter here” ; and in playing upon words, it might be gathered that Plato was a believer in “caste.’' Some, who have resided in Ashburton long enough, say that with the creation of the town there was somehow an importation of what is known as “social caste,” which has tainted every local institution with its pernicious influence. While its influence is everywhere blighting, it is especially so in this county. It is said that the fact that a Gas Company assuming the Library to be a proper place for holding share holders’ meetings, and the fact that a church vestry, conceiving the Library to be the place for its ecclesiastical business to be carried on, is proof of the existence of this “ social caste.” And, further, that if the courts of other churches were held there, they would be quickly made to dissolve. Then the sympathy of the Com mittee, as at present constituted, is felt to be more with a class of residents than with the public interest, otherwise the conditions of that Committee would be such a 3 would approve themselves to a discerning public, and be followed up by a general and speedy participation in the blessings which the Library seeks to con fer. As at present managed, the institu tion seems to say—“ Good to all, but not at the expense of social caste.” As regards the meeting of last Wednes day, how was it that with few exceptions, both the audience and the platform were so unmistakeably of one denominational type? If more varied talent was not sought, why not ? If others were asked to take a part, and could not, why was not their absence accounted for by the chair man ? People are not insensible to even an unspoken discourtesy, though it may n6t be worth the while to say so. How ever high one’s self esteem may rise at the thought of being one of the elite of a town, such a thought is a snare and a de lusion. “ Caste ”is properly a thing of the past, and has no affinity with the living present, and this may go a long way to explain why so few persons care to join the Library. Though this letter may" bring down upon the writer a diverse criticism, yet if kindly done, and without any intention to wound anyone’s feeling, the attempt to put into shape the thoughts that burn in many minds, may be productive of some good results. One Who Was Present at the Entertainment. ' 9th July, 1880.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Friday, July 9.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R. M.) CIVIL CASES.

Friedlander v. Orr.—His Worship gave judgment in this case, which had been reserved from last Friday, Judgment was for the plaintiff, with costs. Mr. John Orr gave notice of appeal. THE THRESHING CASE. Grigg v. Luscombe —This case had been postponed from last Friday. Mr. Pur nell for plaintiff; Mr. O’Reilly for de fendant. For the defence, Mr. O’Reilly called on Mr. C. C. Hurrell, Clerk of the District Court, to produce the papers in a case Luscombe v. Grigg, which was to be heard on the 15th inst., to show that the same action was pending in the District Court.

His Worship thought that the two cases were quite distinct.

Jameß Mcßae deponed—l have had some years experience in threshing. Have threshed Tuscan wheat, which is very bad to thresh, If the grain is healthy, it is not so bad, but when it is rusty it is hard to keep the wheat clean, even with a new machine. If ithe wheat is blighted or rusty, three or four grains would be left at the bottom of the heads. If clover is growing amongst wheat the grain never comes to proper maturity. It would be nearly an impossibility to thresh wheat so grown if it were at all damp. Wheat in stook, if clover were amongst it, would prevent its drying properly. The result of threshing depends very much on the state of the machine. If the machine is old it is an impossibility to thresh Tuscan wheat properly. By Mr. Purnell—lf wheat is rusted it shrivels the grain. Some millers are fond of rusted wheat, but it would not be de scribed in the market as a bright sample. I never saw a good crop of grain grown from spring wheat. If the concave had been closed at all, the sheaves must have cqm§ through more than "half threshed. Samuel Finlay, sworn—l have been in the service of Mr. John Grigg. At the time Luscombe was threshing the wheat, I was carting wheat to Luscombe’s ma chine. Thomas Black, Mr. Grigg’s fore man, employed me. I saw the machine at work. Saw all the threshing done in iihe 11 bend” paddock. The machine girted generally after Luscombe’s; My opinion was that Luscombe was working carefully. Saw Hewston working, and he also was careful. If the wheat had

>■. , , f been put in with undue haste. I should s < have seen it. Refused to give, them ■- sheaves too quickly. The band-cutter wanted the sheaves faster, but I refused, .! ■, as I said, “ If it is put in too quick, .the jjffH man’s sheaves will go through threshing.” A portion of the sheaves ill were damp, which I carted. I don’t think'll it would have been possible to keep all'll sheaves dry. Some of the sheaves were ; lying in the clover out of stock, and were wet. , . By Mr. Purnell The band-cutter 111 wanted the sheaves too fast, and I re- • I fused to give them. There ‘ were three other carters beside myself, who might have supplied the 'band-- \M cutter too fast. The machine was not racing with another to my knowledge. ;if| Mr. Black told me that when I was wanted to cart to the machine, I was 'toil' cart to the railway station. Mr. Black was not always there. lam an experienced , 5f thresher. It was jdhe band-cutter wbo £S wanted to thresh too' fast. Lu3conibeVlff| brother was working in another paddock.l ' Don’t know whether there was any rivalry v,l between the machines. Never heard ; ;V’ Luscombe tell the feeder to “jam” the sheaves through. There was / some , V clover in what I carted. There was. inmost of the wheat. In consequence of'!’-' rust we had to change sides of the machine, hty I consider the wheat threshed a fair r':.'Si average sample. Never saw any sheaves Id pas 3 through which were not sufficiently 1 threshed. ; ..

F. C. Luscombe, sworn—Remember ’ $ getting the account (produced) from Mr. ' vl? John Grigg. The amount marked L2l >| 16s. 6d. in that account has been stopped by Mr. Grigg, and I am now suing for.' that amount in the District Court. I have 1 objected to this amount being stopped, and Mr. Grigg has definitely refused to pay it. Nothing was said about it not being a final settlement. I did the work as well as it could bo done, but had the wind been o'lf blowing from the north-west it could have J|l been done better. The sheaves were good condition for threshing, with the':?! exception of one or two. The wheat was r'ty a bad sample. There was a lot of seconds '■ in it from blight and rust. . Some of the sheaves could not possibly be threshed . out, because some of them were damp. The feeder would have the control of such sheaves. Any carelessness would rest ty 5 with the feeder, who was not hired by me, ty but under my control. Mr. Grigg has stopped wages from the feeder for his • carelessness. More care was taken with . ’ that paddock than any other. We kept the concave closer than usual—as close as ; i': could be, owing to the blighted wheat.

Mr. Bishop, who gave evidence, is a; > : | cockatoo under Mr. Grigg. Instead of _'l selecting a few heads the witness Bishop should have taken a bundle and given an opinion. Consider Bishop an interested witness. Do not believe ten per cent, of K grain to have been left in the straw. | ; By Mr. Purnell—l set the machine, and ',,'-; was in sharge of it. Could have got men working at it dismissed, if I had wished.|| Sc of the wheat was shrivelled. The total crop was a poor one. The machine was a good one. . Mr. Purnell wished to recall Mr, Grigg J l , : and Mr. Black to rebut evidence on the * other side.

Thomas Black, re-examined—The field ( V adjoiningthe one in question was rusted. It;; was threshed by the same machine as that >' in charge of Luscombe, before the ram.;;/ The men on the ground could only tell' || how long it would take the grain to dry. If the machine had been set as close as had been stated, as close as to strike fire, the grain would have been cracked, and the straw broken. The straw was not broken, nor the grain cracked. The '", haulm was left on the grain. Some of it' would have been le/t on if the grain has not been ready for threshing. Finlay was there to cart to the machine when required, and at other times to cart to the railway. The wheat in the adjoining paddock was ty Tuscan wheat.

John Grigg, recalled—lt is my custom to sow clover with spring wheat which does not affect the quality of the grain, unless the clover interfered with the growth of the grain. In one corner the clover did grow too strong, but this portion was not cut. The day before threshing I - saw the sheaves. There was not much clover amongst them. The machine had been set too high to cut the cloveE Ninety nine per cent, of the sheaves were free from clover. After the Bench had been addressed at ( length by both counsel, his Worship said he would reserve his decision till Tuesday. A QUEER DEFENDANT. Poyntz and Co. sued one Foley; for L 3 10s. rent of a house occupied ’by de fendant. Mr. Branson appeared for plaintiff, and put in an agreement signed by defendant. The document was un- '. stamped, but the law recognised its legality provided it were stamped within three months of its date, and a fine of twenty : per cent, of amount of the stamp paid. These condititions having been fulfilled the agreement was received. .., > - S. E. Poyntz said defendant, by the agreement put in, was to take the house in Burnett street west at 14s. a week from, 30th April, but the occupancy did not commence till the 10th May. From this date rent was now sued for, and 28s. had been paid. Defendant conducted his own case, saying he had not been able to obtain as good counsel as he could wish. He would ask the magistrate if witness was on oath. Hi 3 Worship—You heard him sworn. Defendant—Now, your Worship, with your permission, I will ask him if lam the man he sues, because in the summons my Christian name is wrongly stated. His Worship rectified the error, and again Mr. Foley wanted to be satiated about Mr. Poyntz’s oath. His doubts having been set at rest on this point, he made inquiries at a boy sitting by him regarding his spectacles and his papers. Mr. Branson said these aids to eyesight would not help him to see the oath. Mr. Foley p promptly answered that he could see through Mr. Branson, who was big enough. (Laughter). Mr. Foley theft Soceeded to explain the whole matter tq r. Guinness, "but was checked " and ordered to examine' Mr. Poyntz. Being again satisfied about the oath and his own identity, he got into the box, and com menced a melo-dramatic address to the Bench on his Worship’s righteousness as a judge, in the opening sentence of which he said that nothing but a feeling that he was being deeply wronged, would have brought him from Nelson to appear in _ that position. ' Mr. Branson some banter, which raised Sir, Foloy’s bile, and he at once stood on his dignity, saying he would take rebukes , from hi«

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1880.



ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST. WM Butter, inferior to best M o io to s. I d. 0 Eggs, ¥ dozen - i 6 to 0 0 €yk Cheese, prime quality, ¥ lb o 6 to 0 8 |gp Bacon, prime smoked, $?lb o 10 to I 0 Ip Hams in cloth, ¥ lb I 2 to 0 0 WS' Hour in bans, $ ioolb I 3 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 251b - 4 6 to 0 0 vV; Lard, *Mb . . . 0 7 to 0 0



■)f:, Sv Amusements. 8® To-Night. To-Night W ; ■■ 7; ••• :U - p !■' iJ&vV cfe T OWN HALL RECEIVED WITH UNBOUNDED APPLAUSE. “ The Lost Ship.” IW; sp. ffl... In Three Acts. mm&t:' * ' •/• ~ Full of Startling Situations and Grand Jv/f , Mechanical Effects. %/ An efficient Orchestra, under the able ;v.. ' ' guidance of Mr. H. Gates. ADMISSION—Dress Circle, 35.; Front -? V. Seats, 2s. 6d.; Middlo do., 25.; Back JV do., Is. . 2 ' Doors open at 7.30 p.m.; commence at punctual. 650 c rnttistiv'-o so^ te/lEill teA-^AIALU.^ : CONSISTING of a large number of in teresting and DISSOLVING VIEWS, l-V ' by LIMELIGHT, both LOCAL ,v. .. PRIMITIVE METHODIST. GRAND OPTICAL k Entertainment 'M v : ■ and FOREIGN, On the 20th JULY, 1880, in the TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. Sltg: ■ , v :;- .. <; -- In Aid of the Church Funds. 643 c Miscellaneous. \ DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under ■ >v r\ ' the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c GOOD PIANO on hire, by the . evening. H. M. Jones, Stationery ; '»nd Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and H Baring Square. I -TTYANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw ' VV kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, lias ■ 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 ft "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 TO LET —The finest Premises in Ash burton. For particulars apply ? Everett Bros. , Havelock street. 627 c ■TTTANTED; KNOWN—The Rev. A. VV J- Smith will Conduct a Special CHILDREN’S SERVICE in the Primi tive Methodist Church, TO-MORROW MORNING, at 11 o’clock. Parents and Children cordially invited. 649 c



b TO-MORROW, AT THE T OWN HAL ASHBURTON. s' V, CELEBRATION OF THE CENTEN ARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS. Sunday 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 brafce the Centenary of Sunday Schools. Addresses will be given by the Revs. % Beattie, Keall, and Smith. President—Mr. Gavin. Interesting pieces will be rendered by the children. Mr. H. J. - r Weeks to preside at the harmonium. Sunday School Children are requested to bring their Hymn Books. Wr: - All are cordially invited. 632 c NEW PROPRIETOR. CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Havelock Street. ■ „ (HE undersigned having taken the , - above Hotel, hopes by strict atten- J tion to business to merit a fair share of Public patronage. r*>, • ;Board and Lodging, LI per week; ds and Beds, Is. wma E OR G E WATTS. |mux..-vI v Proprietor. » 44c



Miscellaneous 117 ANTED—A Respectable Y V MAN to make himself useful. Apply Quill’s Commerc YOUNG generally ial Hotel. 652 c



NOTICE. ON SUNDAY EVENING NEXT, July 11th, 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. V/. KEALL, 640 c Circuit Minister. Alfred Harrison. MONDAY JULY 12. By Order of the Bailiff of R.M. Court. ALFRED HARRISON has received instructions from the Bailiff of the R.M. Court to Sell by Public Auction, At his Rooms, On MONDAY, JULY 12, At Noon sharp, A quantity of FURNITURE, BEDDING, &c. 651 c