The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 1880. Fenianism in Ireland.

Cablegrams from London give us t© understand that there is a certain amount of uneasiness in the United Kingdom regarding the movements of the Fenians. It is stated that four hundred Fenian emissaries have arrived in Ireland, that four hundred rifles have been purchased in Dublin and taken to Cork, while the same message hints the possible existence of a com plete Fenian organisation in Ireland. The message that gives this informa tion follows on the heels of one that told us of six boats, containing Fenians, being in Cork harbor, and their crews boarding a vessel, overpowering the captain and crew, stealing three cases of rifles, and escaping scot free. The recent famine in Ireland, the failure of crops and total collapse of the agri cultural interest in that unhappy country, followed by the rejection in the House of Lords of the Tenants Compensation Bill, a measure intended in some degree to ameliorate the con dition of the Irish farmer, have doubt less greatly aided in spreading disaffec tion amongst that portion of the Irish people whose love for England is the reverse of warm, Agrarian outrages, too, consequent on evictions of tenants from their holdings for non-payment of rent, have intensified the bitterness of feeling against the Imperial Govern ment; add the opposition to Home Rule,' so ardently desired by many Irishmen, whose hopes of seeing it an accomplished fact have been so often deferred, and causes are not wanting why disaffected men, with memories of old grievances still green and rankling, should believe the present time a criti cal one, and a fitting opportunity for raising the standard of rebellion. How ever hopeless their cause may appear, the “ National” Irishmen have ever been misguided enough to believe Ire land united could win its independence from England, and several times they have made abortive attempts in this direction —-knowing, too, that Ireland was not united'bn this subject. It is chiefly from American soil that the dis affection is fermented, as it is in America that most of the Fenians have taken refuge when their own country became too hot to hold them, and it is to American partisans that Irishmen look for aid when these apparently periodical ebullitions arise. A later cablegram tells us that the farmers throughout Ireland have been holding numerous land meetings, at one of these, at Kildare, the M.P. for Tip perary made several seditious speeches. We have no fear of any serious conse quences from a simple rising of a few Fenian fanatics, but when the great land sore has burnt itself into the heart of the people, and the deep-seated grievance that the Irish tenant has ever held against his landlord is shown, by the almost suicidal stubborness of the “ hereditary legislators’” to be farther than ever from removal, there appears to; be some reason to fear that the rumors of trouble in the “ ould dart ” are more portenteous than usual.

Fire Inspector. —Mr. James Wilkie has been appointed Fire Inspector of the Borough. Fencing. —The County Council want 50 chains of fencing done on the south approach to the Rakaia Gorge bridge. Specifications for the job lie at the Council Chambers. The Library Readings. —The usual reading in aid of the Ashburton Public Library will be given. to-night, in the Town Hall, when a complete relay of per formers will entertain the patrons, the last item of the programme being a sketch, entitled “ Bumble’s Courtship,” by a lady and gentleman already well known on the Ashburton stage. Entertainment. —An entertainment was given in the Town Hall last even ing, in aid of the funds of the Primi tive Methodist Church, consisting of a series of views by limelight, and several songs and recitations. The subjects illus trated by the views were “ The Trial of Sir Jasper, and “Robinson Crusoe.” Several songs were sung by Miss Jowsey, and Miss Davis, of Christchurch, in ad mirable style, and descriptive lectures were delivered by the Rev. A. J. Smith and Mr. Puddicombe. The limelight was well managed and the views were shown very distinctly, but despite the trouble that had been taken the attendance was not too large; Kyle. —An entertainment is to be given on Friday next, in the Kyle school room, on behalf of the library fund of the district. Looking down the programme we are rather agreeably surprised at the superiority of the pieces to be rendered. There are few country districts indeed that can produce without appealling for aid to the town, a programme replete with musical pieces requiring no small ability in their performance ; but the Kyle people have a very enticing programme indeed to offer to any one with a shake of music in him. And we know the performers sufficiently to be able to say of them they will do their work well.

The Christchurch Temperance Hotel. —The contract for the erection of the Temperance Hotel at Christchurch has been let to Messrs. Carmichael and Son, at L 4,000. It will be finished in about eight months.

Trotting. —Some betting is going on in the township just now regarding the fastest time taken to trot 100 miles. We are requested to state that Mr. R. Lan caster distinctly remembers a trotting match between a horse named Archie and another called Whisker, in which Archie did the 100 miles under ten hours. Whisker broke down on the road, which was between Fiery Creek and Geelong.

The “ Wheatsheaf” Hotel. —The popular hostelry at Wheatstone, on the road between Ashburton and Waterton, known as the Wheatsheaf Hotel, is about to change hands. Mr. George Willcocks, who built the hotel, and has presided over it ever since, is about to transfer his in terest in it to Mr. Esoott. Mr. Willcocks will celebrate his leave-taking and the in coming of his successor by giving a dinner in the hotel on Tuesday, April 24, at 7 p.m., to which he invites all his friends. The festivities will wind up with a dance.

The Tree Stealing Case.— The two men men Nolan and Hefferman, were tried to-day on the charge against them of stealing trees from the Domain. The case occupied all day, and lengthy evi dence was taken—too long for U 3 to give us in this issue, and we therefor© hold it over. After a short adjournment, the Court resumed at three o’clock, and his Worship, after hearing a witness as to the previous character of Hefferman, gave judgment as follows : —Nolan would be convicted and fined L 5 on each informa tion, L2O in all, and if not paid within an hour to go to gaol for two months on each information. Hefferman would be fined LI on each information, and if the fines were not paid within an hour, prisoner would have to go to prison for fourteen days on each information. Contempt of Court. —This morning while the case against Nolan and Heffer man for alleged tree stealing vtas proceed ing the Sergeant took a man into custody for conversing with Hefferman and carry ing the results of his conversation to a witness named Sullivan, who along with the other witnesses in the case had been ordered outside the Court. Mr. O’Reilly, for the accused, called Hefferman to prove that the conversation did not in any way bear on the case, and his Worship dis charged the offender with a sharp repri mand. In the course of Sullivan’s evi dence, he had emphatically stated that a man named David Evans, with whom he had had an interview at Acton station, was at Rakaia at present. When the name of the offender against the rules of Court was enquired for, it was ascertair ed to be “ David Evans,” who up to that moment was supposed to have been in Rakaia. There was a look of blank dis may on the faces of both police and counsel, and the titter which went round the Court, showed that the general opinion was that some one had been “ had.” ■

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

PLAINS FARMING.

To the Editor. Sir, —Permit me through the medium'of your columns to reply briefly to Mr Silcock’s letter, as published in your issue of Tues day, the’ 10th inst., in which he seems to wish to consign my former letter to the limbo of exploded theories. In the first place, Mr. Silcock appears to thinkit presumption on the part of any one to question the reliability and value of those agricultural papers read before the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral As sociation. I have no doubt that the read ing of those papers will be productive of good, to the agricultural portion of the community, but I think that those who read or draw up the papers, should not shrink from criticism, nor can I believe that because a man is a member of such an Association, all his utterances upon agricultural matters must be infallible. I think when a man goes into print he invites criticism and discussion. And as there are differences of opinion on most sub jects—agricultural ones not excepted—he should not be surprised if he finds some one who cannot agree with his hypothesis, or coincide with his views. Though Mr. Silcock professes to take my criticism “ all in good part,” yet there is an. approach to acidity in the tone of his letter, which is an indication that his favorite corn lias been trod on. In alluding to my letter, Mr. Silcock commences by misrepresent ing its purport. He characterises it as an attempt to patch an unworkable scheme, h ow, sir, I will leave those of the public who have read my former letter, to judge whether that letter wa3 not more likely to pull to pieces than to patch up Mr. Silcock’s scheme. Pro ceeding, he says, “ I can scarcely be lieve he is in earnest, for he commences by saying my scheme will be found some what expensive, and at once goes on to add more expense to it.” Now, sir, this also is a misstatement. What I said w r as that “ his system of working liis 1,000 acre farm will be found—if anyone adopts it—to be somewhat .expensive.” Does not Mr. Silcock perceive the difference between ivorking the land and working on the land'. What I meant was that his system of rotation of crops would be found expensive inasmuch as he proposes taking only one grain crop in five years, which v'ould necessitate a large annual outlay in clover and grass seeds. He admits that he was wrong in his estimate of expenditure for this article, viz., ss. per acre. Mr. Silcock states that his estimate for rent or interest was based on Mr. Grigg’s figures, but I do not think Mr. Grigg’s figures were reliable either. If Mr. Grigg proposes to sell his produce at “ present prices,” why not levy interest at current rates —namely, eight per cent. If Mr. Grigg or Mr. Silcock can obtain money at five per cent, interest, I believe they might make a very good living by doing so, for there are a great many farmers who would gladly give them two per cent procuration money if they could obtain a thousand or two at that rate of interest for a term of years. Then Mr. Silcock admits the rent is low, but thinks it will “ be more than I will be able to pay if he requires three men besides himself and seven horses to crop 250 acres. I did not say that it would require three men men besides myself, but ttvo men or one man and a good strong lad. And then with regard to croping 250 acres, has Mr.

Silcock forgotten his turnips, rape,"|£ahd grass sowing, and the cultivation necessary for it, if he grows 250 acres of crop ? I suppose he would have the same number of acres in. turnips previously, and that after the grain was taken off he purposes to’put the land in rape and grass, and consequently the 250 acres would require to be ploughed three-times, would be equivalent to the ploughing of 750 acres every year. Mr. Sihjockgoeson tosayhehas “carefully reckoned the time it would take four horses to do afl the work required in ploughing, sowings harrowing, rolling, and harvesting, and makes, it 225 actual work ing days. ” Mr. Silcock should have told us how much per day he intends doing of each of these operations. I, -too, have carefully gone over each particular item or part of the above works, and I came to a different conclusion. And Ido not speak from hearsay or distant observation, but from . actual •. practical experience, having worked at each of these jobs in its particular season for the last fourteen years, and in that 1 time have done hundreds, and I may safely say thousands, of acres of “ploughing, harrowing, sow ing, rolling, and harvesting.” The acre age per day given below most practical men will see to bo above the average quantity done in the colony. I estimate as follows :

Ploughing 750 acres at A acres per day ' ' ... ... 150 Days Harrowing 730 acres twice, 15 acres per day ... ... 50 ~ Sowing or drilling, 20 acres per day • ... ... ... 37% » Rolling do. at 18 acres per day ... 41 ~ Rraping 250 acres of crop at 18 acres per day 14^,, Stacking do. at 25 acres per day 10 ~ Total ... ... 303 Days 303 days’ labor to get in his turnips, rape, and grass, and grain crop, and harvest the latter ; and then there is the threshing and delivering of the grain to come yet; and with the fetching and removing of threshing machine, and the carting away of 4,000 bushels of grain or thereabouts (to say nothing of time consumed' in cut ting chaff for horsefeed ; wet days, &c.), would take at least 30 days more, which would bring it up to the sum total of 333. Add to that at least 52 Sundays, and you have 385. So you see the year isn’t long enough by 20 days.. We shall have to get “ an extention of time ” Mr. Silcock, and have the year elongated. Then with reference to the horse-feed. , Mr. Silcock admits being a “ little under the mark but thinks I have erred much further on the other side,” and then he immediately adds “ I did not say that the quantities of oats per horse allowed by him is too much.” Will I call that “confusion worse confounded ?” My estimate was half-a-bushel of crrtshed oats per horse daily (my own teams are eating much more than that at this present time),- and Mr." Silcock admits that half a. bushel per day is not too much feed for a -working.-horse.. Well, then, let us .take.his own figures, and see how they stand—4 horses at - half £’a bushel-per horse a day- Would be. 2 bushels per day; 2 bushels per day for 225 days, would be 450 bushels. 450- bushels at Is. fid. per bushel would be L 33 : 15s. Whereas. Mr. Silcock only makes it L 25 12s. -Wrong again, Mr. Silcock. " ’ ‘ v ‘ ‘ '

Mr. Silcock says, moreover, that if I reckon up my oats and hiy acres, I shall find it will cost me nearly three shillings per acre for oats". I can’t help what it-, costs • per apre for oats, that nevei’ enters into my calculations •in my way of managing. My theory is 'that a working horse has as .much right ~ta bellyful bf-good food as a working man has, and I have always acted on that theory, and am not “ on my last legs yet. ” I cannot understand Mr. . Silcock’s sys tem of reckoning the wages and keep of the ploughmen.at per acre, so I will .pass over it.

He admits having made a mistake in his estimate for clover and grass seed. His ‘ reply to my query -re gorse fences is, if I can’t trim them myself, I am to pay for them out of the annual returns.” Quite so, I suppose most of the expenses would have to be paid out of the annual re turns, unless some other fund was started. The error over which I waxed poetic was the printers’, not his. All right, I accept that explanation, I thought “ someone had blundered.”

With reference to the questions with which Mr. Silcock .concludes his letter.

1. With respect to r 'the well, I forgot that. But if Mr. Silcock is only content to “ Bide a wee ” until the water supply scheme is an accomplished fact, he can have a supply for 6d. per acre, which would only addL2s to allowance for rates and taxes. 2. I do not think it would be cheaper to buy or rent rams every year, than have the trouble and risk of keeping them.

3. You might not require a paddock for the calf of one cow, but if you “ kept on keepin’ on” breeding a calf every year, you would want some place for them, as I see there are no account. Bales of any cattle in the annual returns ; and, more over, you might want a small paddock to run your sheep in which you want to kill and use on the farm, unless you run them in a one hundred-acre paddock alone, which would scarcely pay, or run them with the ■ mob, and when you wanted one get the whole mob up, which wouldn’t be a good practice. 4. “ Won’t working horses be more profitable on the plains than brood mares ?” Answer—l hope all the plains farmers will think so, and then horses will go up in price. 5. “Are two wires a good and suffi cient fence enough to keep out cross bred sheep?” To this I answer-No; but I think if there was a sod wall, about two feet, or two feet six inches high, and then two wires on the top of it, perhaps it might do, and that was the kind of fence I meant ; and I suppose that Mr. Silcock knew that two wires and a stake ©very five yards wouldn’t cost seven, or even six shillings per chain.

6. “If you break lip your 1,000 acres all at once, where will you keep your 1,000 sheep while the grass grows ?” My object was to show what it would cost to place the farm in working order, or to re claim it and place it in a state in which it could be worked in the way Mr. Silcock suggested. I may have “ made a mistake,” but I don’t know. I think I’m in the right, and I’m very stupid when I think I’m in the right. “ I am not bound to please thee with my answer.”—Merchant of Venice, Act. iv., Sc. 1. I am, &c.,

Yorkshirebite.

Local Industries.

A public meeting v/as held yesterday in the Town Hall (which was very fairly at tended by the business men and others residing in the township), to receive the report of the sub-committee appointed at a previous meeting to draw up rules for the proposed Local Industries Association. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, and Mr. S. E. Povntz was elected Secretary.

The draft, rules were submitted and read by the Mayor, and after very little discussion these were approved of by the meeting. The rules were in fact a copy of Christchurch Association rules with such alterations as would adapt them to the circumstances of the district. The first and second give the name and object of the society as follows ' (1.) “ The Association to be called ‘ The Ashburton Local Industries Association.’” (2.) “ The object of the Association shall be to promote and aid in the establish ment of Local Industries in the County and town of Ashburton.” The other rules provide the usual machinery for working the Association, forty members forming the committee, the members’ sub scription being ss. After the adoption of the rules, Mr. E. G. Wright was proposed for the position of President of the Association, and un animously elected. Mr. John Young proposed the Mayor, Mr. Hugo Friedlander for the vice-presi dency, and Dr. Trevor seconded. The election was unanimous, and in accepting the position, his Worship said he hoped that at next meeting he would be able to lay something definite before the members. , Mr. Eyton having been elected Trea surer, the committee were then elected as follows Dr. Trevor, Dr. Stewart, Messrs. Donald Williamson, Andrew Orr, Thomas Bullock, J. R. Steele, Mr. Guin ness, T. R. Hodder, G. Jameson, 0. W. Purnell, H. C. Jameson, S’. Re vans, 4. H. Shury, W. H. Zouch, S. Saunders, F. Pavitt, John Grigg, W. 0. Walker, I. E, Taylor, John Mann, John Young, Charles Braddell, E. S. Coster, Gordon Holmes, Joseph Clark, Alfred Harrison, H. T. Winter, Duncan Cameron, James Scott, F. T, Mayo, C. P. Cox, Joshua Tucker, John Carter, Henry Moffat, Alfred Saun ders, sen., Julian Jackson,; Joseph Hunt, A. E. Peache, Joseph Ward, L. S. Cors bie. , ■ Mr. Bullock moved that the next meeting of the committee be held on the first Wednesday of September, in the upper room of the Town Hall, at 7 p.m. Mr. Harrison seconded, and the motion was carried.

It was decided that 250 copies of the rules be printed, and that copies be sold to non-members at 6d.

The meeting then adjourned,

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

(Before Mr, F. Guinness, R.M.) Tuesday, August 17. . BOROUGH BY-LAW CASES. Charles Arnold, a man employed by Mr. Lancaster, charged with driving sheep through the township without permission, was fined Is, . ’ A TROTTING MATCH. Charles Physick and James ’Appleton were charged on two informations with furious driving and obstructing the thoroughfare in Moore street. The charge of furious driving was heard first. Physick stated that he and his co-offender were riding a trotting match, but as the pace at which the horses were going did not ; exc.eed six miles an hour, he certainly did not think they could be.accused of furious; riding. Under any circumstances trotting could not be called furious riding, no matter how fast they went. His Worship disagreed with s tlie state ment, as, if a horse were trotting at the rate of twenty miles an hour it Avould un doubtedly be furious riding and dangerous to life and limb. Physick remarked that trotting at such a pace was confined to America. The chai’ge of obstructing the thorough fare by riding a race in Moore street ay as then heard. Thomas Toppin gave evidence that he Avas present and held the stakes on the day Avhen the trotting match occurred. The horses were going at about eight miles an hour. His Worship said he did not consider there Avas any by-law to prevent a trotting match taking place, and as the evidence did not shoAV there Avas any furious riding he would dismiss the case.

Francis Doherty remembered his horse being ridden in a trotting race. The horse was being ridden against Mr. Wilkie’s horse. The race Avas from the Royal Hotel to Dr. Trevor’s and back again. He and two or, three others rode with the racing horses. The pace Avas about six or seven miles an hour. A number of people congregated around the hotel. There was no obstruction caused by the horses racing, My horse Avon. There Avas not a great croAvd at any part of the road. By Physick—There were a number of people around the hotel at the time Ave started. No one kneAV beforehand the race was to be run.. Constable Neill remembered seeing, on the date of the offence, a number of people congregated in the yard of the Royal Hotel, and also on the footpath opposite. By Mr. Physick—There, were a number of people in the yard. The house is called an hotel. Cannot say Avliether the croAvd Avere there for drinks. His Worship did not think the informa tion could be sustained. He deprecated the conduct of the accused in racing in the public streets, Avhich Avas decidedly improper, but would dismiss the case, CABBIES IN TROUBLE. George Appleton Avas charged with driving a cab, he not having a license. Appleton stated that in cousequence of M‘Rae, the OAvner of the cab, having to go from Ashburton, he had consented to drive the cab for him in the meantime. J. W. M‘Rae stated that a relative of his having met Avith an accident in Timaru, he had to leave for f hat place, and on the understanding that Avlien an accident oc curred he could get a driver for twenty-four hours, he had engaged the accused. Wit ness had obtained permission from the Town Clerk. Constable Neill gave evi dence that to his knowledge accused had been in charge of the cab for twenty-five hours. His Worship fined the accused Is.

Edtvin Bartlett was charged Avith driving a cab without a licence. Accused said he

had applied for a license and paid for it, but had not received the license, and this he thought was sufficient authority. Con stable Daly deponed that he saw the accused driving a cab at nine at night on the 11th. Mr. Braddell, Town Clerk, produced the application of the. accused for a license, which had been put in bcfore five o’clock on the 12th. His Worship dismissed the case.

James M‘itae wa3 charged,with plying for hire in front of the Somerset Hotel, such not being a cab stand. His Worship gave a decision that any part of the Borough could be used to ply for hire, and dismissed the charge. James M'Rae was charged with leaving a cab, without locking the wheels. Ac cused admitted the offence, but did not consider it necessary, as it was never done in any other borough that he knew of, either at Home or in the colony. Fined Is. James M'Rae was charged with leaving a horse and cab in the middle of East street, and thus obstructing the thorough fare.' Accused plead not guilty., His Worship thought the intention of the bye law was to prevent any building material or anything of a like nature being in a thoroughfare. ' Constable Neill gave evi dence that the cab was certainly obstruct ing the., thoroughfare at the time the olfence. was committed. The charge was dismissed.

Left sitting.

Parliamentary Notes.

(By Telegraph from our own Gorrespon f dent) Wellington, Aug. 16. The House met at 11 this morning but at. once adjourned till 7.30 this evening, in consequence of the death of Mr. Ireland. Mr Rees is already in the field as a candidate for his seat. The report of the Public Accounts Committee will probably come on opportunely this week to show the Waikaia electors what an un selfish representative is now offering them his services.

It is now quite evident that the Licens ing Bill will not get through this session. It is even doubted if the Property Assess ment Amendment Bill will be pushed on. Indeed members have made up their minds to go, and they will. Mr. Wright is now the most- abused man in Wellington. The. Bishop has come out in the papers against him, and the leading articles describe him as equally weak and wicked. They, as usual, first misreport and misrepresent everything he said, and then find no difficulty in showing that their own reports are untrue. A Royal Commissioner, said to be a favorite mark for angry editors, (Mr. Saunders), lias discovered that the iron work in the defective railway wagons, which Mr. Blair says are “ at least four years and a half old” bear the English manufacturer’s brand for 1878, so that even Mr.. Hall has not yet been able to establish, Mr. Blair’s veracity.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE Ofr REPRESENTATIVES.

Monday, August 16,

After some minor business, at the even ing sitting of the House, Mr. Shepherd resumed the debate on Mr. Moss’ motion re the report of the Railway Commission. He condemned the report, and all Royal Commissions, as assuming Government’s duties without its responsibility. -■

Captain Russell spoke in defence of Commissions Log-rolling had retarded the Public Works Policy of the colony, and neutralised its object. Self-reliance was wanted more than borrowed money. It was important that the various rail ways should be connected, but that should be done as circumstances permitted. Re ferring to several lines of railway as need ful, and that might very well be gone on with, he said all traffic tended towards the seaports, and coast lines of railway should be completed. They should finish through railways, and not fritter away their money on fragments. Mr. Thomson was averse to Commis sions. After Mr. George, Mr. Hurst, and Mr. White had spoken, Mr. Jones, denying a statement by Mr. Pyke, said the Livingstone line would not benefit Mr. Reid, a member of the Com mission, and had not been made at his instigation. Mr.. Hutchison thought that of the three documents, the Railway Commission, Public Works Statement, and the Civil Service Report, the latter was the most important. He was afraid, however, that that document was buried from the public gaze beneath a heap of replies, reports, and so on. If the gentlemen who made that report were satisfied with the recep tion it met with they were very easily satisfied indeed. The report told the truth, and in doing so it had not made a single friend all round. So much for the truth and love of it. He believed himself that he was the only one in that House who had a good word to say of this un fortunate report. Regarding the Public Works Statement, he said it was not the outcome of a policy. It was simply a thing of patches and shreds. The Govern ment had no policy, and all they were doing was to damage the credit of the colony. They were throwing over a few under-paid clerks, who were, compelled to do work in excess of what they wore paid. Those men tvere dismissed, while not a single office-holder of any importance was cut down or dispensed with. The other night he asked what they proposed to do in reference to the recommendation made by tlieir own Commission about dispensing with the services of the two Railway Com missioners, who had cost the coun.try not less than L 20,000, and he could get no reply. Then, again, the proposal to reduce the Governor’s salary was shirked with equally little ceremony! Mr. Pitt generally, supported the re commendations of the Commission, con tending that from the impartial manner in which the Commissioners had conducted their inquiries, instead of conveying cen sure, as the motion is intended to do, the Commission were deserving of the best thanks of the colony. The question was then put for going into Committee of Supply. Ayes—3o. Noes—ls.

In committee of supply on the Public Works Estimates the following votes were passed ; —class 2—L14,870 ; class .3

Ivawakawa, L 47,000 ; Wangarei, L 39,000; Kaipara-Woikato, L 131,000 ; Waikato- Tharnes, L 99,000. * Wellington - Napier, L 37,000. Mr. Seddon moved it be reduced L 20,000. Ayes—ll ; Noes—33. The item passed as printed.

The following other items were passed:— Woodville, with branch to Grey town, L 120,000; Wellington to Foxton, L 36,000: Foxton to New Plymouth, L 117.000; Carlyle to Waitara, L 199,000 ; Nelson to Greymouth, L 13,500 ; Greymouth to Nel son, L7O,SGQ ; Greymouth to Hokitika, L7OOO ; Picton to Hurunui, LIO,OOO ; Hurunui to Waitaki, L 178.000 ; Canter bury interior main line, L 15,600. Progress was reported and the House rose at 3.50.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Renteds Agency.) Another Link to the Past Severed. , London, Aug. 15. .• .Obituary- Viscount Stratford de Red-. cliffe. The Land Agitation in Ireland. . London, Aug. 16. ■: Numerous land meetings are being held throughout Ireland. At a recent meeting • at Kildare, Mr. Dillon, Home Rule mem ber for Tipperary, made several seditious speeches. The Cologne Cathedral. The cathedral which has been in course of construction at Cologne for some time past is now completed. Paris, Aug. 16. It now transpires that Gambetta’s letter is of old date, and has not been recently written, as it first supposed. Mr. Gambetta on French Democracy Paris, Aug. 15. M., Gambetta has written a; letter in which he says democracy will strengthen France, and will enable her to recover the . provinces of Alcace and Lorraine, which she lost during the last war with the Ger mans. Caved in at Last. Capetown, Aug. 14. ( . The Basutos, the inhabitants of the ter- j ritory to the west of Natal, have at last submitted to the colonial troops. Calcutta, Aug. 14. . Confirmatory information has been re* ~ ceived from Candahar, which states that Ayoub Khan has commenced military operations for the seige of Candahar.

MEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) A Terrible Kick. Auckland, August 16. Delaney, the carter, who was kicked by his horse on the head, lies at the hos pital in a dangerous condition. A portion ; of the bone of the skull has been driven into the brain, and a portion of brain ex posed. - '' The Gold Fever. Wellington, Aug . 16. ■ It is stated that several parties are gold digging near Terawhiti, about ten , miles from here, and although without proper! sluicing appliances, are. making from five to six shillings per day. Official information from Lake Ma pourika diggings recommends that the rush should be discouraged, as it is being over done, and it is a matter of time to get at the gold, either deep sinking or, long tunnels being necessary. Men without means will find themselves in difficulties. , Wife At the R.M. Court to-day Mathew; Henderson was charged with .wife, deser- . tion at Christchurch. The counsel for the defence contended that on a charge of this kind a person could not be arrested on a telegram. His Worship upheld the objec- - tion, and discharged the prisoner. This afternoon Henderson was again arrested on two charges, one of, larceny as a bailee, and the other on embezzlement. Offences. ■ • ! i Wellington, Aug. 17. . At the ' Magistrate Court •H. Willis, schoolmaster at the Hutt, was sentenced to two months’ hard labor for assaulting a , resident there. Mathew Henderson, on a charge of „ larceny as a bailee and embezzlement, was again remanded. A v,'arrant has been.issued for the arrest-',’ of Johnston, assistant clerk at the trate’s Court at Masterton, on a charge of embezzling L3O of Court moneys

Important to Litigants.

From the Wellington Post,

At the conclusion of a judgment sum* raons case in the Resident Magistrate’s . * Court this morning, Mr. Shaw gave a, ruling with reference to a question raised' in Court last week, viz., is the defendant to a judgment summons entitled to his travelling expenses before hp can be com pelled to attend Court for the purpose of being examined as to his ability to dis charge a debt 1 His Worship referred to. a decision of Mr. Justice Williams on the subject, the learned Judge ruling, that . such a defendant is in the position of a witness, and is consequently entitled to his expenses; and he (Mr. Shaw) found A that it was most universal in the colony that where a defendant’s evidence was ac quisite to prove the plaintiffs case ho becomes a witness in the Court, and before an order could be made for contempt for non-appearance it was necessary to be shown that such a defendant had been paid his expenses. This practice was fol lowed in the Nelson, Dunedin, Hokitika, and Napier districts, and there seemed to be a consensus of opinion on the matter, which was fair and obvious. As the mat ter was one of considerable importance to litigants, he would like it to be understood that if a plaintiff is in a position to prove a defendant’s ability to pay at the time, then two courses are open to him—either to summon the defendant at the Court where the latter resides, or to tender his expenses to a foreign Court. Mr. Fitz herbert remarked that Mr. Giles, R.M. of Hokitika, once ordered a plaintiff to pay a defendant’s travelling expenses, and the defendant appropriated the money to pay his passage to Melbourne. Mr. Shaw .

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, TUESf§AY, AUGUST 17 , 1880.;



f v Anra« Amusements. - GRAND ATTRACTION ! ! psa COME ONE!! COME ALL!!! TOWN HALL, v Thursday & Friday, AUGUST 19TH AND 20m ££'/:T- A A ril Anniversary of the Dawn i*W#vJT* X• 0 f p ea ce Lodge, No. 16 ■■hi- ' ; Tea & Entertainment Will be held in the V TOWN HALL.. . ...... Mi&'v" Tea to commence at 5.30, after which the f* AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB Will Perform that Grand Moral and Sensational Drama, entitled jp* NIGHTS in* BARROOM || To which the curtain will rise at 8 p.m. x Prices of Admission—Tea only Is. 6d. and Entertainment (to Body of Hall), I 2s. 6d. Entertainment only—Dress Circle -—3erv Body of Hall, 2s. and Is. ON FRIDAY, THE 20th. The Drama will he Repeated. 749c-118g & s '



Miscellaneous 0“l'A AAA TO LEND, in sums to SlVjl/Uv S uit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-835g GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c w ANTED—A Girl as GENERAL SERVANT. Apply Herald office. 753 c w™- BOARDERS. -In a Family, Respectable Gentlemen Apply office of this paper. 757 c EDUCATIONAL. 1% TISS S. BARRATT, having taught IVI successfully in the colonies for the last four years, is anxious to join her sister in establishing a SCHOOL in Ash burton. It is Miss Barratt’s desire to im part to all entrusted to her care a THOROUGHLY GOOD GENERAL EDUCATION. English, one guinea. Extra charges will be made for Music, French, and Drawing. Apply to MISS BARRATT, 639 c Wills Street. R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1576, the Acts amending the same, and of the bankruptcy of ROBERT POWRIE, of Ashburton, Builder, a Debtor. I HEREBY SUMMON a MEETING of the Creditors of the above-named Debtor to be held at the offices of Messrs. Branson and Purnell, Solicitors, in East street, Ashburton, on WEDNESDAY, the 25th day of August, instant, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, to con sider the intended application by the said Debtor for an Order of Discharge. Dated this 14th day of August, 1880. JOSEPH CLARK, / Trustee. Branson and Purnell, ■ Solicitors for the debtor. 754 c R. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, and the Acts amending the same, and of the bankruptcy of JOHN LOGAN, of Rangitata, Farmer, a debtor. THIS IS TO NOTIFY that John Logan, of Rangitata, in the Provincial District of Canterbury, farmer, has this day filed a statement that he is unable to meet his engagements with his creditors. The first meeting of creditors to be held at the District Courthouse, Ashburton, on MON DAY, the 23rd day of AUGUST next, at 11 o’clock in the forenoon. Dated this 16th day of August, 1880. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, Clerk of the Court. " Branson and Purnell, Solicitors for the above-named debtor. 759 c mm rnumurn L. O. L. STAR OF ASHBURTON, No. 28. ARCH PURPLE MEETING. are hereby informed that the Lodge will be OPENED in the ~A .P. DEGREE on THURSDAY, 19th August, at 8 o’clock sharp, when their attendance is particularly requested. Visiting Brethren from other Lodges are cordially invited. 758 c GEORGE ST. HILL, W.M.



Miscellaneous. ASHBURTON RACING CLUB. < .■ ' A MEETING of Members and others interested in Sporting Matters will be held at Quill’s Hotel, on SATURDAY, August 21, at 8 p.m. Business—l. To consider the advis ableness or otherwise of holding a Spring Meeting. 2. To consider the question of letting the Course for cropping. JAMES WILKIE, Hon. Sec. 755c-127g