The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1880. The Municipal Corporations Bill.

This Bill ha 3 in effect passed the House, subject to the adoption or rejection, by hon. members of such suggestions by cor porations as these bodies may see fit to supply. The House has been graciously pleased to allow corporations an opportu nity to criticise the Bill in its amended form, and for this purpose has virtually hung it up for a month. It is noticeable, however, that the House has rejected the abolition of plurality of votes to property by 37 to 8.

The Borough Water Supply.

: The Borough Council are working very energetically in the matter of the water supply. Not from any want of faith in the extent of the works to fill the gully with water, but to expedite the filling of the re servoir, they have cut a deep trench across the road at the upper corner of the Domain, and have laid down sufficient culverting to give a strong additional flood of water. This additional flood is now flowing, and with that from the nine inch pipe that forms the link of the permanent supply, has largely increased the volume of water now running into the gully. The result is that quite a broad sheet of water has accumulated behind the cricket ground. This sheet has also greatly in creased in length, and fully three chains have been added to it since Saturday. To show the value of the addition made at the upper corner of the Domain, we may add that the water has travelled quite a chain since the new stream was turned on, and the absorption bugbear, of which some of the doubtful ones were so much afraid, has quite exploded. We have no fear whatever that the expectations of those promoting the scheme will fail to be fulfilled in every particular.

The High School.

The County of Ashburton is badly off for higher class education. Between the Government schools in the several school districts there exists no educational institution nearer than Christchurch to which children of parents willing to pay for education may be sent. There are, to be sure, several private establishments where such children may be educated, but these institutions are outside Government supervision, and though the tuition given in them may be in the highest degree excellent still they do not seem to meet the wishes of all. This fact is evident from another fact brought to light yester day at a meeting of the Ashburton High School Board. At that meeting a letter was read from a resident who urged the speedy institution of a High School, and almost guaranted the attendance of twenty-five pupils. We presume that, being a parent, and interested in the proper education of his children, he has made enquiries amongst his friends, and from the information thus gained lie is .justified in asking the Board to move in -the matter. No one wil doubt the" desir ableness of having a High School in our {midst, and, thanks to Mr. Wason, the ex :M. H. Iv. for the district, it is in our power -!to institute a High School. We feel that it is really wanted, and that Hvere it fairly established it would be well {supported. We know many parents, both ’in the township and outside, who would "gladly avail themselves of the benefits of :such a seminary, and the only difficulty ■{that appears to stand in the \\ ay is the ’very common one of funds. The High jSchool Governors possess £SOO at once ‘available ; in three years this sum will have increased to £IOOO ; while the fees jchargeable from twenty-live pupils would, ■yield say £2OO. The questions then for the Governors to decide are—Do the number of pupils likely to attend a High School i warrant its opening ? Information is to :sought for on this subject, and assuming that the answer is an affirmative, the next questions that arise are—How about the building, and the payment of a teacher ? It has been suggested to rent a room, give the master all the fees, and subsidise him to the amount of a £IOO salary. It has been also suggested to build to the limit of the funds in hand (£500), and ex tend if necessary when the other sum of £SOO accrues. Either of these courses would, we dare say, be perfectly feasible were a substantial revenue from fees as sured. But in the absence of any certain data on this latter subject it is vain specu lating ; for, as men do not always “ ride when they saddle,” it is quite possible that, though many parents speak of the necessity for a High School they would not be pre pared to use it yet awhile. It seems to us that there ought to be no difficulty about ’either a building or a teacher if those parents who desire higher education for their children come forward and express their willingness to use the school. At the next meeting of the Governors the information required will be obtained, and we hope ’that our country readers who feel the want : of a higher, educational institution than the Government school, and are prepared ■to send their children, will at once put 'themselves in communication with Mr. Main waring (the Secretary to the Go vernors) on the subject. We have no doubt that ample provision will be made for boarding country pupils, and the subject is decidedly of sufficient impor tance to give some thought to. Some parents may not be ready, for various reasons, to send their children to the township at once or for some months, but if they desire an institution of the kind, and would patronise it within twelve months, the information of such intention would help to guide the Governors.

Rakaia. —The Carandinis gave a con cert at the Town Hall, Rakaia, on Tues day evening. There was a very good audience, all of whom enjoyed the singing thoroughly, if we may judge by the ap plause given and the number of encores.

The Contempt of Court Case.—ln the House last night, Mr. Rolleston replied to Mr. Downie Stewart’s ques tion on the above subject, that “ Mr. Purnell, a barrister at Ashburton, had complained verbally that he had been com mitted for seven days for contempt of Court, and enquiries would be made into the facts of the case, if a proper written complaint were made. ”

The Property Tax Returns. —We {Lyttelton Times) were informed, on en quiry at the Government office yesterday, that instructions had been received in the morning from Wellington, allowing till August 31 for sending in of the Property Tax returns'to the Commissioner here. The Industrial Exhibition Commis sion.—The members of this Commission visited the Christchurch Industrial Exhi bition yesterday, and expressed their ap probation of the superior quality of the articles shown. The Commission will hold a meeting on Saturday in order to adopt a report to be submitted to the Government. The Exhibition closed last night. Eire Police.—A meeting of the Fire Police was held at Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry and Co.’s office on Tuesday even ing, Mr. George Jameson, captain of the force, occupying the chair. A copy of the Fire Brigade Bill, now before the House of Representatives, was supplied by Su perintendent Harris, of Christchurch, and approved of by the meeting. It was de cided that the force should meet for drill, or any other business, on the first Wed nesday in each month, and at the sugges tion of Mr. St. Hill, the secretary was in structed to advertise future meetings.

Accident. —On Friday evening last while Mr. A. G. Earle, (Wakanui), with his wife and family were driving home in a trap, and while opposite the house of Mr. Cox, milkman, on tho Wakanui road, the wheel of the vehicle came off, and the whole party were thrown on the road. The baby, which was in Mr. Earle’s arms had a narrow escape of being crushed to death, Mr. Earle having fallen above it, but providentially it wa3 uninjured. Be yond a good fright the party did not suf fer much damage, and the horse caught, and the wheel re-fixed, they started home.

The St. Stephen’s Bazaar. —In con nection with this bazaar, we have to sup ply an unintentional omission from our report of yesterday, viz., the name of Mrs. Mark Scott, of Tinwald, who was a most energetic worker at one of the stalls. Her name was quite inadvertently omitted from the list of ladies given. The great doll, which was raffled for in the evening, fell to the lot of Mrs. Gates, and the horses, cattle, etc., sold by Messrs. Bul lock and Gundry, realised good prices. Altogether, the church will net LIOO odd from the bazaar.

Ashburton High School.—A meeting of the Board of Governors of the Ashbur ton High School was held in the County Council Chamber yesterday, when there were present—Dr. Trevor (in the chair), lxis Worship the Mayor, Messrs. W. 0. Walker, and J. Grigg. In reply to a letter from Mr. Eyton with reference to the immediate establishment of the school, it was resolved that the Board would es tablish a High School in Ashburton if a sufficient number of pupils, in the opinion of the Board, can be guaranteed to attend the same ; also, that Mr. Eyton be re quested to forward a list of children whose parents would guarantee their attendance. A long conversation took place as to whether it would be advisable to erect a building at once — not to exceed the amount at present at the Board’s disposal, namely, Lsoo—or rent a room. Various suggestions were thrown out, one being :to erect a room to cost LSOO, which could be enlarged in three years’ time, if neces sary, when another sum of LSOO would have accrued from rents, etc. One mem ber facetiously suggested that possibly a room, at the Hospital could be obtained, .'another member adding that the table in the dissecting-room would be an admirable place for strapping unruly lads. Ulti mately it was resolved to defer any action ;until next meeting, to be held on the 4th August, by which time Mr. Eyton would be able to afford the Board further in formation.

Ashburton Agricultural and Pas toral Association, —A meeting of the committee of the Agricultural and Pas toral Association was held last afternoon ?in the Somerset Hotel. There were pre sent—Messrs. W. C. Walker (chairman), John Carter, Joseph Hunt, R. Leatliam, F. T. Mayo, R. Friedlander, W. H. Zouch, and John Grigg. On the motion of Mr. Carter, it was decided to hold the .annual show of the Association in the new grounds, on Tuesday, the 16th No vember, and the following gentlemen were appointed to revise the catalogue:— Messrs. Hunt, Cox, Leatham, Fried lander, and Stitt. Some discussion took place on the question of medals for prizes, after which it was decided to procure at Home a die and three dozen silver medals. The horse parade Avas fixed to be held on Tuesday, the 28th of September, on the neAV show ground, and the following gentlemen were appointed to make ar rangements for it : —Messrs. Hunt, Stitt, and Mayo. The Chairman said in re ■ ference to the cattle yards that the County Council and a committee of the Associa tion had adopted plans for yards, and tenders for their erection had been called for. The yards would cost L9OO, and would be completed by the end of October. Every attention had been paid to the plans, which would provide for a commodious shed with a gallery cf seats round two sides, ’'affording every protec tion and comfort for those using the yards. The auctioneers would be supplied Avith an office, and a caretaker’s cottage and other convenient buildings would also be put up. He had no doubt that in these yards the County and the Association would have a property of ever-increasing value. Mr. Hunt hoped the question of a ploughing match would not be overlooked. Mr. Grigg thought the matter Avas one that ought not to be gone into without much consideration. A ploughing match disorganised the teams on a farm for several days, and he did not think the benefit to be derived from these matches was commensurate with the cost. He had ho wish to throw cold water on tha idea of a ploughing match, if practical farmers were satisfied that any real good, direct or indirect, came of these matches. He fancied that the only real good they were was that they Avere useful for exhibit ing new implements. Mr. Hunt thought they ought to do something for the young men, and the ploughing match was a means of teaching them. Mr. Leatham thought the ploughing at matches Avas not the kind that Avas suitable to the district, and the majority of those present were of a like opinion. After some accounts had been passed for payment the meeting ad journed.—The next monthly meeting for the roading of papers and discussion of general farming matters is to be held on Saturday next, in the upper room of the ToAvn Hall.

Telegraphic. A . public telegraph office was opened to-day at St. Andrews, Comity Waimate. The Hospital Supplies. —Tenders for the supply of provisions, fuel, drugs, funerals, etc., for the. County Hospital for one year are asked for in this issue. Pedestrianism. The twelve-hours’ walking match between Swan and O’Connor has fallen through, owing to O’Connor not paying up the second de posit, which was due last Saturday. O’Connor will therefore forfeit the stake, which was paid down to the stakeholder, Mr. R. Richardson. The Borough Election. —The election of a Councillor to fill the vacancy in the Borough Council, caused by the retire ment of Mr Edward Saunders, took place yesterday. There was no excitement whatever over the contest, and the elec tion was virtually left in the hands of the personal friends of the candidates. When the contest was over it was found that Mr. Alfred Harrison had polled 67 votes, against Mr. Quill’s 59, thus winning the seat by eight votes. We congratulate the youngest Councillor on his success, and Mr. Quill on the close rase he ran his opponent. Everything in connection with the voting was done in the most pleasant possible spirit, and it will be seen from an advertisement in this issue that Mr. Quill is in no way discouraged by being unsuccessful. Having been honorably beaten, be is quite prepared to place his services at the burgesses’ disposal on a future occasion. Mr Harrison’s ad dress of thanks and the Returning Offi cer’s declaration are given in another column."

The Oriental Exhibition —Yesterday Messrs. Kaurt and Ali, the gentlemen from the Holy Land, opened their ‘ ‘ Oriental Exhibition ” in the upper room of the Town HalL They display in numerable specimens of clever wood carv ing, etc., and the nick-nacks they have laid out are really beautiful. Most pro minent on the tables is th 9 gorgeous grain of the olive wood from the Mount of Olives, and sections of this timber beauti fully polished on one side, and finely covered on fch® other, while the outside bark still remains, are to be seen every where. There are to be found every con ceiveable kind of carving, and every con ceivable kind of nick-nack, in oak from Mount Hebron; almond from Bethany ; olive from Mount Olivet ; walnut from Damascus and Syria ; balsam from the banks of the river Jordan, and the black ebony from Mount Basban. Porcelain work of the most delicate description from Constantinople was also displayed in pro fusion, while the eastern dress of Messrs. Kaurt, Ali, and their assistants materially helps the effect of the display. Yester day evening the large room was quite crowded from dusk till a late hour. A Careful Runaway. —Mr. John Carter ha 3 one of the most sensible horses a man could own. We do not know any thing of the general character of the par ticular animal we are referring to — whether it is in the habit of running away, or that it bears a good name for quiet behaviour. But fronv the fact that it is John Carter's horse, it will be generally conceded that all nonsense should long ago have been taken out of it. However, the best horse under the -sun does a bolt when it is in the humor, and this very sensible horse saw fit yesterday to enjoy a run without a driver. It had been harnessed up to- a buggy at its own stable door, at Tinwald, and was waiting, under its own care, for the buggy to be loaded up with contributions to the St. Stephen’s bazaar.-; Dobbin for once thought he would start without orders, and he did. He went along the winding of the drive as carefully and as swiftly as though Mr. Carter himself held the ribbons, and when he came to the gate he “ took ” it—buggy and all ! He had the sense to kick down the top rail, to allow his trap to follow comfortably and safely —and it is just here where the animal earns the character of being a sensible brute, for he landed in the road, buggy and all, safe and sound, without a strap injured. Elated with his success, he careered along the road, and only slacked off when he heard the persuasive eloquence of Councillor Robinson’s “ Wo, man, wo.”

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

MR. JOHN GRIGG’S PAPER ON FARMING.

To the Editor. Sir,—l see very little in Mr. Grigg’s reply to make me alter my opinion on his paper. He accuses me of mistaking the acreage under crop, putting it at 100 acres instead of 75 acres. I beg to refer him to his paper, Avhere he acres ; barley, 25 acres ; pease, 25 acres.” Mr. Grigg objects to allowing anything {for deterioration of horses and coavs, saying that he obviates it -by the intro duction of young stock. I will refer Mr. Grigg to his remark about “ tieing his work to his trig-pole,” and to his 200 acre farm account, where all the young stock are sold. It Avas the profit of LlO on the three-year-old colt that I objected to, not its price of L 25. A man could not buy a yearling and tAVO-year-old for L 25 that Avould realise L 25 per head as three-year-olds. In suggesting that a man could do better by rearing colts only, I merely intended to show more clearly that deterioration, death, etc., must be alloAved for, as without it an absurd re sult might be deduced from figures.—l am, &c.,

A Country Subscriber.

Retrenchment. The New Zealand Times asserts that by the closing of the Telegraph Offices from 5 to 7, the services of nearly thirty officers will be dispensed with, and between L 3,000 and L 4,000 per annum will be saved. Ned Kelly. —The Bruce Herald is re sponsible for a statement that Ned Kelly Avas shearing on Sir F. Dillion Bell’s station, near Invercargill, in the season of 1876, and passed by the name of Bill West. He was “ Avanted ”in Victoria at that time for sheep stealing. Professor of Chemistry : Suppose you were called to a patient Avho had swallowed a heaA r y dose of oxalic acid, Avhat would you administer 1 K. (avlio is preparing for the ministry, and Avho only studies medicine to fit himself for a mis sionary) : I would administer the sacra ment.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Fer Beider’s Agency.) The Australians.

London, July 19.

The Australian Cricketers commenced a match to-day against Eighteen of the Crystal Palace Club, on the Palace ground. There was a large attendance of the public, and the weather was fine throughout the day. The Australians Avent in first, and put together 155 runs before the last wicket fell. Blackham was highest scorer with 49. He av&3 given out leg before Avicket. The Palace Eighteen then commenced their first in nings, and when the stumps Avere drawn for the day had scored 44 without losing a wicket.

July 20.

The criclcet match Australia v. Eighteen of the Crystal Palace Club was continued, to-day on the Palace grounds. The Home team Avent in for their first innings and Avere ail out for 59 run 3. Being 96 runs behind the Australians they followed their innings, and AA r ere disposed of for 97 runs. When them stumps were draAvn for the day, the Australians had lost no wickets for 4 runs. A capital Avicket was pitched, and the ground Avas in good order. The fielding of the Australian team Avas excellent throughout. Consols and Brandy, Three per cent. Consols, 9SL Brandy, 10s. 6d. German Officials in Turkey. In the House of Commons the Secre tary of State for Foreign Affairs, in re plying to a question, said that the German Government had in no way encouraged German officials to go to Turkey to take part in that country’s finances, but had cordially proposed to co-operate in con cert with the other European Powers in that direction.

The Tenant Farmers’ Compensation. The Bill introduced by the Government for granting compensation to the Irish ten ant farmers under certain conditions, came again under consideration in the House of Commons last night. The amendment which was adopted on Saturday, fixing the the conditions upon which landlords would be required to make compensation, was, after further discussion, negatived, and. the Bill finally passed through Com mittee. Won’t Have Him. Mr. IvPLaren, who Avas appointed by Mr. Gladstone to the position of Lord Advocate of Scotland in his administra tion, and was.rejected for Edinburgh in seeking re-election on his acceptance of the office, has contested the vacant seat for Berrick, and been again defeated. Obituary. J uly 21. The death of Earl Dalhousic, aged 74, is announced to-day. The Distress in Ireland. A Bill, introduced by Government, to authorise further advantages for miti gation of the distress in Ireland has passed both Houses of Parliament. The Arneership of Afghanistan. Calcutta, July 21. News has been receDed from Cabul that, acting under the advice of the Indian Government, a number of most prominent adherents of Yakoob Khan have consented to accept Abdurrahan Khan as the neAV Ameer of Afghanistan. Firm Attitude of Austria- Vienna, July 12. It is announced that the Austrian Go vernment lias informed the Porte that it is determined that the decisions of the European Conference, recently held at Berlin, and the provisions of the Treaty of Berlin of 1878, so far as they relate to Montenegro, shall be executed in their entirety. The Austrian Government further informs the Porte that it will urge strict execution of the designs of the Con ference and Treaty by all concerned.

AUSTRALIAN

War to the Knife. Melbourne, July 21. The Opposition held a caucus to-day at Avhich it Avas decided to support Mr. Lalor, the member for Grant, to the Speakership, and force a vote of Avant of confidence to-morroAV. Markets. Moderate business has been done in sugars, but the market shows more activity. NeAV Zealand oats, 3s. 7|d.; milling qualities show a slightly improved tendency. The Political Situation. The political situation remains un changed, pending the meeting of Parlia ment to-morroAV. It is understood that no meeting has yet taken place betAA r een Mr. Berry and Sir John O’Shanassy, and much speculation continues to exist as to their probable relations in the House. A caucus of the Opposition members will be held to-day to decide upon the line of action. Victorian Politics. Melbourne J uly 22. Mr. Mason, the member for South Gippsland, and a supporter of the Opposi tion in the Assembly, is a candidate for the position of Chairman of Committees. A writ has been served upon a Mel bourne newspaper for L 5,000 damages, at the instance of Swallow and Ariel, for libel, in stating that the firm had dis missed several of their employees in con nection Avith the recent elections.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) The Missing Cutter. Auckland, July 21. A quantity of firewood supposed to be part of the cargo of the missing cutter Three Brothers, Avas passed by a vessel from Tairua. Many Masters. The Industrial Home enquiry is being continued. The evidence of Alexander McDonald, formerly an inmate of the Home, and that of Mr. Stickley, master of the Home, has been taken. It came out in the evidence of the master that Mr. J. Sheehan and Dr. Pollen had given parents orders for release of children. Mr. Habena remarked that neither of these gentlemen held or ever held poAYer to grant such orders for the release of the children. The release, before expiry of term, can only be effected by a Avarrant under the hand of the Governor.

Local Industry. A haudsome schooner yacht, built to the order of a chief of tlie Island of S r avail, Friendly Island Group, was launched from the yard of H. E. Niccol ; register 82 tons. She has been named the Motu Lalo. A Try On. Attempts are being made to re-estab lish a Society of Artists. Fresh Quarters. Stephen Fergusson, a stowaway on board the Arawata, from Sydney, _ has been sentenced to fourteen days’ imprison ment. The Markets. Wellington, July 22. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company report, under date, London, July 20 :—The wool market i 3 unchanged. Up to date, 290,000 bales have arrived. Wheat, Adelaide, is worth. 50s. per 4981b5.; New Zealand, 48s. rhe tallow market is firm, best mutton being worth L 35 per ton ; best beef, L 32 10s. The leather market is firm ; best sides are worth llfcl. per lb. A Bankrupt’s Diamonds Paying Cus toms Toll. The diamond rings seized by the police from the Adelaide bankrupt Gleicli, and recently ordered by the Supreme Court to be returned, were offered for sale by auction. Previous to the sale, the Col lector of Customs intimated that the Cus toms duties on the rings were not duly paid, and the proceeds would have to be forfeited. Tlie sale proceeded, and a sum amounting to nearly Ll5O had to be paid to the Customs. Our Sporting Governor. The Wakatipu, which left for Sydney this afternoon, will, on her return trip, bring down two racehorses —Lady Emma and Gitana—purchased by Sir Hercules Robinson from Mr. Lamond. Fires. Dunedin, July 21. Thompson’s store, in Forth street, was destroyed by fire at eleven o’clock last night. The origin of the fire i 3 unknown. The building was insured for L2OO in the Norwich Union, and the stock for L4OO in the South British. : At two o’clock this morning a two storey building, formerly occupied as the Auld Scotland Hotel, was burned down. The insurances are —On the buildings, LSOO, in the National (re-insured as fol lows: Transatlantic, Norwich Union, Victoria, and South British, LIOO each) ; stock Ll5O, and furniture L 350, in the Royal. Another Deputation. Invercargill, July 21.

A meeting ©f railway employees ap pointed a deputation to wait on the heads of the Department regarding the proposed reduction in the Civil Service. A Laudable Enterprise.

Steps are being taken for the develop ment of the coal resources at Preservation Inlet.

Business Notions. —A gentleman re cently about to pay bis doctor’s bill said, “ Well, doctor, as my little boy gave the measles to all my neighbors’ children, and as they were attended by you, I think you can afford, at the very least, to deduct 10 per cent, from the account of my bill for the increase of business we gave you.

The Bankruptcy Laws.

Wellington-, July 21. The Bankruptcy Law Committee have reported to the House .to the following effect :—The Committee resolved that an amendment was required in the direction hereinafter indicated, and -that the Go vernment be requested to bring in a Bill during the present session embodying the amendments proposed. The Committee further resolved that an amendment of the law of bankruptcy should form the subject cf a final report. The Committee recommend that the present Debtors and Creditors Act be amended in the following respect : —l. That meetings .of creditors should be held in the town in which the bankrupt carried on business, or the town nearest his place of residence if the place of resi dence is not in the town. 2. That an official assignee be appointed by the Government for each Court having juris diction in bankruptcy, and that the credi tors shall have power to appoint one or more trustees in each estate to act ’with the official assignee, and to find security <-o the satisfaction of the Judge to meet the salaries and expenses of the official assignees. The committee recommend hat the minimum charge of—per cent, bet paid upon all assets that are brought under the jurisdiction of any Court. 3. Any person shall not be en titled to his discharge unless and until a resolution shall have been passed by a majority in number equal to three-fourths in value of the creditors, and at a meeting convened for the purpose of considering such resolutions. The majority shall not be a mere majority of those at the meet ing, but of the whole body of creditors, so that it will be necessaxy for the debtor to secure a sufficient attendance of creditors, either in person or by proxy, for the pur pose of this provision. A person who has been scheduled by the debtor as a creditor, but who did not prove, shall be con sidered as one of the body of creditors, although of course he cannot vote till ho has proved. The object will be to make assent to the right of dis charge, so that there shall be an actual consent to the discharge by a majority in number equal to three-fourths in value of those persons who are in effect creditors. The decision of the creditors in refusing to give or grant a discharge shall be sub ject to revision by the Court. 4. That the present mode of arrangement by deed be repealed, and that any debtor unable to meet his engagements be compelled to sign a declaration to that effect. That the filing of such a declaration shall ope rate to stay all hostile proceedings against the estate until the creditors have deter mined whether the estate shall be wound up by a trustee or in bankruptcy, and that the assent required to the release of the debtor be three-fourths in number and value of all creditors, whether present or not. 5. That no bankrupt shall obtain his discharge except by order of the Judges of the Supreme Court or District Court,°m open court.

Smmuggled Amnmition.

Wellington, July 2!. A special telegram to the Post; from Napier, states that three followers of Te Whiti, who have been . visiting the

Hawke’s Bay natives, started*to return to the West Coast this morning. They had some very heavy luggage, and wanted to put it in the railway carriage, but the guard insisted on its going in the van. Their reluctance aroused his suspicions, and he opened the parcel, finding a hundredweight and a-lialf of shot and a large quantity of powder. On his return he gave information to the police. Tele grams were sent to Norsewood and Wood ville to stop the natives, who, owing to the weight of the shot, were obliged to travel by coach. Major Scully left Napier by the next train, and their arrest is prac tically certain.

Parliamentary Items.

(From our own Correspondent.)

Wellington, July 24.

Last night, in speaking, oil the Maori Lands Bill, Mr. De Lautour brought 'some grave charges against Mr. Bryce, accusing him of acting with Mr. Sheehan, and a ring of land speculators, to procure land : 'for themselves. This afternoon Mr. Bryce;; replied with the indignation and power of an honest man, and showed that Mr. De Lautour had made statements for which he had no foundation. Mr. Bryce con cluded by saying that if he (Mr. Bryce) had made such charges against any man on such an utterly baseless foundation he would never again hold up his head in that House.

Dr. Wallis spoke the last hour of the afternoon on women’s rights, in the course of which he said -that women were specially qualified to be nurses, comforters, teachers, and moral elevators, while men were specially qualified to be soldiers, sailors, fighters, gaolers, butchers, and members of this House. The Maori Lands Bill was read a second time this afternoon, without a division. On the proposal that the Bill be committed for Friday, Sir G. Grey made an attempt to defend 'Mr. De Lantour, but so com pletely failed that he did not elicit a cheer even from his own supporters.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Tuesday, July 20. The business in the Legislative Council was unimportant.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Mr. Stewart gave notice to more for leave to introduce tha Friendly Societies Act Amendment Act, 1880 ; and also to ask a question re Mr. Purnell’s committal for contempt of Court. The Hon. V/. Rolleston said that by this time the appointment of an Inspector of Prisons for the colony would probably have been made. In the present state of the colony such an appointment was im peratively necessary. The Hon. John Hall said the; session was too far gone, and there was too much business on hand for anything being done this year regarding amending the law of libel.

Mr. Reader Wood was allowed a week’s leave of absence.

The House was occupied during the re mainder of the afternoou sitting with the Maori Prisoners Trial Bill in committee. In reply to questions as to what Govern ment proposed to do; regarding the trial of prisoners,- The Hon. J. Bryce said it was plainly the intention of the Government to re lease the men without the necessity of re sorting to a trial. It would be no use at tempting to try them. Enough had already transpired to prove that even if they were brought into Court they could not possibiy be got to plead. It was non sense to say that these men had resorted to ploughing operations with a view of get ting their claims brought under the notice of a judicial authority. In accordance with the orders of Te Whiti they had re sorted to ploughing outrages for the ex press purpose of extending their own pos sessions. They had shown a thorough contempt for European law, and had as serted that Te Whiti was their sole law giver, in fact t.fieir conduct throughout had gone to show that they were utterly indifferent to our Courts, and would not be got to plead at all. Mr, J. Sheehan said that, as a matter of policy, they should be subjected’ to trial. If they were not, they would be sent back and the opinion would get abroad that there was no law that could touch them, i They would, at once jump to the conclu sion that Te Whiti’s prophecies had come true, and by that means a great evil would be wrought. He would propose as an amendment to the Bill a clause pro viding that these prisoners should be brought to trial before release. He would move that a 3 an additional clause to the Bill. Mr. De Lautour moved the following amendment on clause 2—“ This Act shall remain in force until the last day of Oc-. tober, 1880, and no, longer, unless .the Governor shall be satisfied that it is ne cessary from time to time by proclama tion to extend the date during which , the Act shall remain in force for any period not exceeding three months ; provided, also, that no such proclamai ion shall have any force or effect at the close of the next session of Parliament.” The amendment was agreed to, and the clause as amended passed, as did alsq tjie whole Bill. EVENING SITTING, ...... After a long and tedious discussion on the Native Land .Sales Bill, at 1.15 the House divided on a motion to adjourn the debate, which motion was lost by 27 noes to 18 ayes. After this motion had been negatived, Mr. Hamlin moved the adjournment of the House, and a desultory discussion followed. ‘, Mr. Hall regretted that members, wasted time in preference to going on with the business, and accused the native members of being put up to talk against; time, and to “stonewall,” Messrs. Te Wheoyo and Tawhai denied this, Mr. Hall stated that ho would agree to adjourn the debate if it were to be re sumed at 2.30 next day. Mr. Sheehan and others objected to the private members’ day being taken for Go vernment business.

Ultimately the motion for the adjourn ment of the House was negatived, and the adjournment of the debate till 2.30 next day was agreed to. The House rose at 2.15 a.m.

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1880.



Amusements. r mowN hall assembly room ; 1 . (Upstairs.) flft PRESENTS TO EVERY. VISITOR. '-The Greatest Success in New Zealand - - for the last twelve months. THE ORIENTAL EXHIBITION Iff “Will OPEN on WEDNESDAY, July 21, x ” -r. short season. One Shilling, and a Present to Every Visitor. KAURT AND ALI, 669 c Proprietors. IP Miscellaneous |£fv "PIANO on hire, by the evening. Jones, EL Stationery A | and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and '•Baring: Square. Y A DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under . the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. fr Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c ANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw- T T kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has "• REMOVED to premises Opposite the - Tinwald Post Office, .where he is still open td ; 'Sbll first-class Boots and Shoes at his • usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots i;p Made and Repaired. 805g—417c ||| Composition Dolls, China Dolls, . Wooden Dolls, Rag Dolls, Toys, China Mugs, Balls, &c. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East X Street:and Baring Square. 'ANTED KNOWN—That Money can be saved by purchasing your St.a monery and Account Books, for cash, at >-the “Herald” and “Guardian” Whole |.;.’tale‘“ Stationery Dep6t, Saunders’ Build ings, near Station. TO LET, TWO-ROOMED COTTAGE in Burnett street. Apply, Ashburton Hotel. PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. v- A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte i\ for Sale, second hand, price L 35 ■ ‘ cash.- .Apply office of this paper. 641 c TO CONTRACT PLOUGHMEN. ■\TTANTED, Immediately, several •; W . TEAMS for Stubble and other Ploughing. For particulars, apply to GOULD & CAMERON. Springfield, 16th July. 670c-52g To the Burgesses of Ashburton. /TjENTLEMEN,—I have to thank you '. VJ 'for the honor you have conferred up on me by Electing me to sit as a Member j- i of the Council for this Borough, and I can : ' . assure you I shall not fail to speak when I have anything to say. Meanwhile, permit - / me'to remain, faithfully yours, 'V- *- • ALFRED HARRISON. , July 21,1880. 682 c /r Commercial Hotel, ' Ashburton, 21st July, 1880. To the Burgesses, Borough of Ashburton. •. ENTLEMEN,—AIIow me to express •>v : my sincere thanks to those Bur 7. gosses .who kindly voted for me at the Election, and also to Mr. C. Braddell, who as Returning Officer. I would take this.opportunity to inform my friends that, although defeated on this occasion, /.'• I am not discouraged, and shall again solicit your favors on some future oc '7 casion. < “■»' I am, Gentlemen, ' Your obedient servant, THOS. QUILL. 60g ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. ELECTION OF COUNCILLOR. . T DECLARE the result of the Poll for I the Election of one Councillor, in the r.oom of Mr. Edward Saunders, re signed, to be as follows : ' Alfred Harrison... ... 67 Thomas Quill 59 ;'And I further declare Mr. Alfred Har rison duly elected. Charles braddell, .'XXX'X. • Returning Officer. Ashburton Borough Council Office, 1 . 21st July, 1880. 684 c ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. COUNTY HOSPITAL. TENDERS are invited for the Supply of Groceries, Bread, Milk, Meat, Medical Comforts, Fuel, Drugs, and to provide Funerals for a year for the County Hospital. a Specifications and conditions can he seen at the Council Chambers. Tenders addressed to the Chairman will be-received up to 11 a.m. on WEDNES DAY, the 4th day of August, 1880. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. By order, F. MA3NWARING, Clerk. Ashburton, suT July 22, 1880. 683 c ;r. OPENING OF THE CENTRAL BOARDING-HOUSE, Baring Square. THE Proprietor begs to inform 1 friends and patrons that he open the above house by a /r- D, A N C E, ON FRIDAY EVENING Next, July ,"7At 8 o’clock. his will 23, Tickets, ss. each; ladies half-price. Refreshments provided. GEORGE WATTS, 681 c Proprietor. AGENCY. MESSRS. POYNTZ and CO., opposite Town Hall, are Authorised Agents to* receive orders for ADVERTISE MENTS, PRINTING, etc. WEEKS and DIXON. Herald and Guardian Office, July 1,1880.