SHIPPING

Pori of Lyttelton, Wednesday, 2.44. Arrived —Ethelred, ship, from London; Wakatipu, from Wellington. Sailed Loch Fyne, ship, for Plymouth.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “ Evening Echo”). WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 1880

St. Stephen’s Church, Ashburton.— A Committee of ladies has been formed to make arrangements for a Bazaar and gift auction proposed to be held on the 21st of July next, at the Town Hall, in aid of the funds of the churches in this district. The following ladies have assented to canvass the town, and will gladly receive any gifts which may be sent to their respective houses —Mrs. Bullock, Mrs. Fooks, Mrs. Crisp, Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Felton, Mrs. Gundry, Mrs. Shury, Mrs. Scott. Con tributions to the refreshment stall may be sent to the house of Mr. J. Ward in Burnett street.

Another • s Sudden Death. —A man named Daniel Campbell, a waggoner, died rather; suddenly at Mount Somers on Tuesday last. Our information on the subject is but sparse at present, but from what we can learn, the deceased com plained to his mates on Monday night of acute pains in his left arm. Although nothing serious was imagined, they tried to alleviate the poor fellow’s sufferings by rubbing the part affected with pain-killer and administering to him doses of whisky, but the man gradually sunk and expired at two o’clock on Tuesday moning. The deceased was about fifty years of age. An nqueßt will be held to-morrow.

Mrs. Brown, the nurse at the Auckland Hospital, who confessed to not accounting for money received from dead patients, has sent in her resignation. Mr. George Parkin’s Sale— The sale of Mr. George Parkin’s property was con tinued to-day, when the whole was disposed of by Mr. Alfred Harrison. The morticing machine brought L 1 0; the saw bench, with saws complete, tanks, and four-horse engine, brought L4O ; and a “ general joiner,” LSO. Other effects brought pro portionate prices. South Rakaia. —Mr. J. W. Sharp and Mr. William Allan were nominated yes terday to fill the vacant seat on the Road Board recently caused by the resignation of Mr. Neil Maclean. A poll will be taken on Wednesday, June 23. Sporting. —A trotting match of more than ordinary interest is to be run on Saturday afternoon. A L2O a side match has been arranged between Mr. George Willcock’s grey gelding, Deceiver, and the celebrated mare, Gentle Annie, for a five mile run from Wheatstone to Waterton and back. Of the two, the old mare as a trotter, has a reputation second to none in the colony, but she must be new getting into the “ sere and yellow ” leaf, as we recollect her as a trottist fully thirteen years ago on the West Coast, and she was then entered by Sam Garforth as an aged mare, so that she has the penalty of over twenty summers to carry inde pendent of her rider. Deceiver is a crack of a very different character, being a weedy looking but well bred hack, and he made a very good shape at the big water jump at the recent steeplechases. Since then his owner, Mr. Willcocks, has put him in harness, and he shows indications of being able to cover a lot of ground in a small space of time as a trotter. As a tip “ Telephone,” after having so successfully picked the winners at the steeplechases, gives the result of this event as follows : —Deceiver wins by half a mile hai’d held. Masonic. —On Tuesday evening, the annual installation of officers in the St. John’s Lodge, E.C., took place at the new Masonic Hall, followed by a banquet, given by Bro. Gundry, and catered by Bro. Thiele. The ceremony was conducted by the D.D. Grand Master, Bro. Henry Thomson, from Christchurch. There was a good attendance, and the whole pro ceedings passed off in a highly satisfactory manner. The officers installed for the ensuing twelve months were as follows : Worshipful Master, Bro. W. H. Gundry ; Senior Warden, Bro. W. H. Zoucli ; Junior Warden, Bro. Edward Saunders ; Treasurer, Bro. Crisp; Secretary, Bro. C. C. Fooks ; Organist, Bro. H. J. Weeks ; Deacons, Bros. C. C. Hurrelland W. H. Bristow ; Tyler, Bro. Cullen. The ceremony was conducted in a most im pressive manner by the D.D.G.M., who, in conclusion, addressed the officers and brethren in the principles of the Order ; after which, the whole attended the ban quet, in the room upstairs set apart for such purposes. The usual toasts were proposed and responded to, and the Ma sonic Choir enlivened the festivity by some solos and glees. Altogether the evening passed in a most pleasant manner. Obituary. —A telegram from Welling ton briefly informs us that Dr. Bennett, an old resident, has died, at the age of seventy-two. The deceased gentleman was a colonist of many years’ standing, and came to New Zealand in its very early days. He resided in Auckland for a con siderable time, and was appointed by Go vernment to the post of Registrar-General of the colony. While in Auckland he took a lively interest in all matters asso ciated with the social well-being of the community, and was president of the Young ' Men’s Christian Association, we believe, up to the time of his leaving the place. When the seat of government was transferred to AVellington the doctor, along with the rest of the Government officials, went to the latter x>lace, where lie fulfilled the duties pertaining to his office for several years, when the infirmi ties of age and declining health, com pelled him to relinquish the position of Registrar - General, and retire on liis pension, being succeeded in the office by Mr. W. R. E. Brown. The last few year 3 of the deceased gentleman’s life were spent in absolute retirement, and, although the meagre telegram states that he had attained the age of seventy-two when he passed away, we shall not be sur prised to learn that this is a mistake, and that his real age was an addition of ten to that number.

An Unreliable Complaint.— One of the legal profession, who occupies a pro minent position on the ordinary Court days, does not appear to pull in harness very well with the gentleman who rules matters at the rear of the Magistrate’s Court, and with a view of having an old standing grievance out, the barrister laid a lengthy and detailed statement against the official before Judge Ward on Tuesday evening, complaining that at four p. m. on May 21st the said official was in a state of intoxication. Judge Ward, in his usual urbane style, heard the complaint, and the Clerk of the Court being brought to book he called evidence proving that during the whole of that day up to half past three he had been engaged in writing out and signing warrants for the police; and at five o’clock on the same date a meeting wa3 held at his office at which two of our most prominent citizens were present. They gave evidence to the effect that the accused officer had not the appearance of having had the “least sign of a taste that day.” The charge broke down entirely, and Judge Ward gave a severe lecture to the com plainant, who went home with the pro verbial flea in his ear. We would recom mend him to be more particular about his dates when he makes the next assault. Caught Napping.—At the sitting o the District Court last month, it will be remembered that a man named Williams appeared and objected to the discharge of bankrupt Patrick Sullivan, alleging that Sullivan had had the wages due to his mates paid to him and had immediately thereafter filed, by which means he had appropriated his mates’ money. The debtor was not in Court at the time, and the Judge adjourned the application of discharge till yesterdaj% Williams was promptly up to time yesterday, and hung about Court all day long, waiting for Sul livan’s case to come. Seeing no apparent end to the cases against Messrs Friedlander he went out for a few minutes, but he had made a mistake. Suddenly (to his ideas at least) the civil business closed like the shutting of a knife, and in his absence Sullivan’s application was heard. No opposition being entered, the man who was accused of swindling his mates got his discharge without any trouble and the opposing creditor was left fuming.

DISTRICT COURT.

[Before His Honor Judge Ward.]

Tuesday, June 15.

V . Fergus v. W. S. Peters.—Mr. O’Reilly applied for an adjournment on behalf of the defendant, which w T :is granted. W. Sutherland v. James Steele.—Claim LIOO. Mr Branson for the plaintiff ; Mr. O’Reilly for the defendant. The latter declined to act because defendant did not appear. The claim was one for damages, estimated at LIOO, caused to certain stacks of grain, by the spreading of a fire from defendant’s land to that of plain tiff.

James Sutherland deponed that the stacks burned consisted of two stacks of wheat averaging 400 bushels each, the whole quantity was about 800 bushels, a,nd was worth about 2s. 9J?d. per bushel as it stood on the ground un thraslied. The evidence of a witness who saw the fire was taken.

His Honor gave judgment for the plaintiff, for amount claimed, with costs. H. G. Luscombe v. J. Grigg.—Claim LSB. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Branson for defendant. As no particulars were attached to the summons, plaintiff was non-suited with costs.

George Roberts v. Friedlander Bros. —Claim L2OO. Mr. F. Garrick for plain tiff ; Mr. Purnell for the defendants. George Roberts deponed that he knew a person named Gardiner, who was a tenant on his land, and owed him for rent. Friedlander Bros had since paid this rent, taking an acceptance from Gardiner for L4OO, which was due on the sth February last. Witness received a letter from the defendants after this bill was due. Received also several accounts from Gardiner.

Mr. Purnell objected to those accounts, being put in as they were handed to Gardiner by Messrs. Friedlander. His Honor over-ruled this objection.

Witness—Messrs Friedlander knew tlia a sum of L4OO would be due to witness by Gardiner to January, 1880 in August of the previous year. ||Had received no part of the money from anyone. Took no pro ceedings against Gardiner because the latter had 600 acres of crop, and did not want to press him at that time of the yeai’. Believed the funds would be ample to satisfy all requested witness not to press Gradiner, and he did not do so. Gardiner became bankrupt in April, 1880. Friedlander Bros, received the whole of the crop or nearly all. Had seen the liens given by Gardiner to Fried lander Bros. Mr. Garrick asked that the lien be pro duced. Mr. Purnell objected, as they were sued on a guarantee. His Honor ordered the liens to be pro duced. Witness—On the representation of the defendants, witness did not take any pro ceedings against Gardiner, as he (witness) had been given to understand that as soon as they had possession of the grain there would be plenty to pay his claim, and the Friedlanders had written to him to say they would part with nothing until witness was paid. By Mr. Purnell—The L4OO was due to witness as a first instalment on the land. Knew that there was a bill of sale and a lien given to Friedlander Bros. Was not surprised to hear that these were to cover certain advances made to Friedlander Bros. Gave an indemnity to Gardiner against any claim by the Trustee in Bank ruptcy. The sum claimed (L 200) would not cover the loss and depreciation in the property. Was not aware that Gardiner had insisted upon the wheat being shipped to England. James Gardiner deponed Was a farmer, living at Ashburton. Filed his schedule about six weeks ago—being forced to do so by Friedlander Bros. Gave a lien and bill of sale over crops and farm implements to Friedlander Bros. After these had been seized there was nothing left. His liabilities were about L4OO, besides what be owed to Fried lander, and exclusive also of rent.

By Mr. Purnell —The wheat crop would probably average twenty bushels per acre, the oats forty, and the barley thirty, at the time the liens were given. The crop, however, only turned out thirteen bushels of wheat, forty of oats, and eighteen of barley per acre. It was his wish that the wheat was to be shipped home. Fried lander offered 3s. 7d. per bushel for the grain. Told Roberts that he (witness) owed Friedlander LI,IOO. By Mr. Garrick—The price agreed upon with Friedlander Bros, was 3s. 6d. per bushel for the wheat at Dromore station.

Mr. Purnell spoke at some length urging that the defendants were entitled to a non-suit. [Mr. Garrick—We toill not be non-suited.] Mr. Purnell then said that in this event judgment ought to be given for the defendants. The letter of Messrs. Friedlander founded on by plain tiff did not amount to a guarantee, as no promise could be particularised, and no sum was specified as guaranteed. Only an interview which was to be held was re ferred to. If the correspondence that had passed between the parties contained any guarantee at all, it was useless, inas much as the letters were not stamped, and besides the subsequent bankruptcy of Gardiner released defendants from any liability that could possibly arise under the alleged guarantee, inasmuch os the bank rupt’s estate then passed into the hands of a trustee. The defendants had made a fair estimate of the crops as they appeared at the time that estimate was given—an estimate that was not different to the one given by Gardiner himself, and they could not be expected o have control.over the yield, which, as it turned out, was not so high as they cal culated, nor over the prices, which sub sequently fell. It was absurd to accuse the of having made false representations, as the position of Gardi ner was open to the inspection of plaintiff as much as it was to defendants, and it was plaintiff’s duty to have made an examina tion. It was imperative on plaintiff’s part to prove loss, and this he had not done ; but he now sought to recover a sum of L2OO, with the land and all the improve ments upon it. If he succeeded in this case he would be vastly better than if the defendants had paid him all lie asked before, for now he would secure Gardiner’s land and reap the benefit of some 8900 of improvements made upon it. Defendants had offered him L4OO if he would hand over the land, so that no loss could have fallen upon plaintiff, while the loss of L2OO had been suffered by defendants. He would now call

Hugo Friedlander, who said that Gardi ner being in difficulties, liis firm were making advances to carry Gardiner on through the harvest. Not wishing matters to be complicated by any action on the part of the landlord, he proposed to Mr. Roberts that the latter should permit his claim to stand over until the harvest was reaped, and defendants would undertake that after their own demands were satis fied, they would not part with any moneys realised from Gardiner’s crop until Mr. Roberts was also paid. At this time it was anticipated that the crop would yield far more than actually turned out to be tlie case, and the net result was that de fendants’ firm had lost L2OO by the transs action. They nevertheless paid Robert - L2lO for rent, Roberts giving them an indemnity. The indemnity was not given against the trustee in bankruptcy, because Gardiner had not filed then. Defendants insisted on this indem nity being given because they did not recognise any claim on Roberts’ part. As for the claim of L4OO, the land on which it was due had reverted to Roberts. Defendants offered to pay it if Roberts would place them in the same position as Gardiner occupied, which, however, he refused to do, insisting upon receiving the L4OO without consideration. With refer ence to the statement as to the secured account, amounting to L 230, witness said that he saw Mr. Roberts two or three days after his letter was written, and then ex plained to plaintiff that by “ secured ac count” he meant the bill of sale account, and that Gardiner owed bis firm L 450 on another account secured by lien. Mr. Garrick, for plaintiff, in addressing the bench, admitted that there was per haps no legal guarantee given by de fendants in the strict legal sense of the word ; but he held that the letters that had passed between the parties amounted on the part of defendants to as much. One of these concluded with this passage, “ There will be sufficient to pay all, and we will not part with any money until you are paid.” To his mind this was a guai’antee, and was equivalent to de fendants saying they would take over Gardiner’s responsibility to plaintiff, and was binding upon them. He would at tribute no fraudulent motive to de fendants, but the fact remained that throughout the whole correspondence they had assui’ed plaintiff that there would be plenty of funds in the estate to satisfy all claims, thus lulling Mr. Robert’s anxiety, and keeping him off until the crops were gathered when they swept in everything themselves. Without dealing with the motive, the action of defendants amounted to a false representation. His Honor said he could not see any guarantee had been made, but the de fendants had certainly made representa tions which were not borne out. He would find for plaintiff for the amount sued for, with costs. Mr. Purnell gave notice of appeal. G. Roberts v. Friedlander Bros.— Claim, L2OO. Mr. O’Reilly for plaintiff; Mr. Branson for defendants. Mr. O’Reilly stated the causes of action which were— (l) a special count for breach of agree ment to give a promissory note for L2OO, and three counts for goods sold and de livered, goods bargained and sold, and on accounts stated. It appeared from tlie evidence of the plaintiff" that the de fendants had furnished the extra parts of a Wood’s machine, and agreed in writing to accept a bill at four months from the Ist ’June. When this was tendered they refused to accept. These facts were ad mitted, and Mr. Branson raised the ob jection that no damages were claimed on the special count. Mr. O’Reilly said the claim applied to all the counts, and as it was clear the action lay in the special count he would strike out the common counts. This having been done, his honor suggested a settlement, and the defendants agreed to accept the bill, each party paying bis own costs. Pavitt, trustee of J. Smith v. Fried lander Bros. Application for an order to deliver up property of the debtor, Mr. O’Reilly for the trustee. This case was settled out of Court. in bankkuptcy.

Re Patrick Sullivan, debtor. Applica tion for order of discharge. By his Honor—l am a laborer, and was working on the plains with some others. I never received any money on account of my mates before I tiled. Discharge granted. Be J. Y. Ward, debtor.—Application for order of discharge. Mr. Crisp for ap plicant. Order granted. Be Risely Bros—Mr. Crisp for appli cants. Adjournment granted on applica tion of Mr. Crisp. Be George Rickard, debtor. Mr. Bran son applicant. Order of discharge granted.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(P er Press Association.)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

Tuesday, June 15. After the presentation of papers and reports and the disposal of some formal business, The Hon. N. Wilson gave notice again to bring up the question of the J.P. roll, by moving that this Council is of opinion that the Government should remove from the commission the names of all insolvents and others unfit to be there.

The Hon. Captain Fraser, in moving for a return, said that the Mines Department was worked verj’’ badly, and detailed two fatal accidents, the result of non-enforce ment of the regulations. The inspectors of mines were given no power to sue breakers of the law, and the whole question de manded reform.

111 moving the second reading of the Gaming and Lotteries Bill, The Hon. F. Whitaker gave notice of a new clause prohibiting the totalisator, ex cept to responsible racing clubs. The Bill was read a second time. The Council adjourned at 3.5 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Tuesday, June 15,

AFTERNOON SITTING.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. Mr. J. B. Fisher drew the attention of the Government to the' fact that the Statutes of the last two sessions had not been gazetted in terms of the law, and suggested grave doubts whpther they were really in force,. The Hon. John Hall replied that he was much indebted to him for calling at tention to the subject, and that it would have the immediate attention of the Go vernment.

QUESTIONS. Mr. Moss asked whether the Royal Commission on the Civil Service is autho rised, among it 3 other duties, to enquire how far the cost of the service might be reduced, and its efficiency increased, by extending local government so as to de centralise the administration of the rail ways, and other great departments of the public service ; also, whether the Royal Commissioners are likely to make an in terim report in time to enable the Govern ment to say before the debate on the Financial Statement to what extent a saving by this or any other means is likely to be effected.

The Hon. John Hall replied that the instructions to the Commission had been published, and that he understood the report of the Commission would be before the House in the course of a week.

Replying to Mr. George, The Hou. Major Atkinson said that 400 copies of the pamphlet entitled “ A Guide to the. Property Tax Assessment Act, 1879,” by Charles M. Crombie, Deputy Property Tax Commissioner, bad been purchased by the Government for distri bution amongst members, and for the use of the Department. Replying to Mr. Reeves, The Hon. John Hall said the Mr. A. J. Burns whose name appears in the corres pondence laid before this House relative to importing colliers for the Westport Colliery Company was the same Mr. A. J. Burns who was appointed one of the Com mission for Native industries, and that he (Mr. Burns) was a gentleman who had always taken a deep interest in the development of local industries. Replying to Mr. Ireland,

The Hon. John Hall said Government intended to bring in a Bill to mitigate the hardship under which hawkers labor with respect to their licenses in connection with County Council fees. Replying to Mr. Seddon,

The Hon. W. Rolleston said that Go vernment had no intention this session to bring in a Bill altering the constitution of the Waste Lands Boards of the colony by making them elective or partially so. Replying to Mr. Whitaker,

The Hon. T. Dick said that Govern ment had no objection to lay before this House all correspondence having reference to the classification of wool, and the pro vision of a suitable place for the exhibi tion of samples of the various brands of wool, which has passed between the Go vernment and Mr. Albert Potter, of Hamilton, Waikato. Mr. Bowen asked (1) Whether orders have been given for the transmission of correspondence from England to New Zealand not specially addressed at certain specified dates ; (2) who is responsible for the great inconvenience which has lately arisen from the forwarding of letters and newspapers from London by various routes without regard to the arrangements for through transmission ; (3) whether the Government will take steps to put an end to the inconvenience as soon as pos sible. The Hon. John Hall replied that letters not specially addressed were sent by San Francisco. By that means the postal revenue of the colony was benefited. Recently, however, that practice had been neglected by the London office, but a re monstrance had been cabled on the sub ject. The London office was alone re sponsible, and another effort would be made to remedy the mistake. Replying to Dr. Wallis,

The Hon. R. Oliver said that most cer tainly Clause 23 of the general conditions of Government contracts, providing for the payment every fortnight in cash of workmen’s wages, would be enforced. The Government knew of no infrirgement of this provision, and had their attention been drawn to any such infringement, action would certainly have been taken in the matter. THE FINANCIAL DEBATE. The Hon. J. Hall said that in con sequence of the papers connected with the inscription of the L 5,000,000 loan having only been circulated that day, and as it was necessary that these papers should be studied by members before proceeding with the discussion on the financial pro posals, he proposed to defer that discussion, and instead the Native Minister would proceed with the second reading of the Native Land Sales Bill.

fcsir G. Grey demurred to the Native Land Sales Bill being taken up until they had the whole of the proposed Native Lands legislation before them. Mr. Seddon proposed that they should have the local administration measures be fore discussing the financial proposal. The Hon. Major Atkinson said that he had consulted the leader of the Opposition, Mr. Macandrew, as to the postponement of the discussion on the financial pro posals, and he agreed that it should be delayed in view of the importance of the papers laid on the table, If, however, that course were objected to, then the Government would be prepared to pro ceed with the debate on the financial pro posals. Mr. Macandrew said that he had been consulted on the subject, and in view of the importance of members making them selves acquainted with the contents of the correspondence placed on the table, he thought a postponement was the best course to follow.

The Hon. W. Gisborne supported Sir G. Grey’s proposal, and thought the whole native policy should be before them before they proceeded with the Sales Bill. The Hon. J. Bryce said that the policy of the Government was before the House. Of course they could not tell what course the Legislative Council would adopt with the measures now before that Chamber. Still that did not affect the fact that the whole native policy was before the House.

REGULATION OP ELECTIONS BILL. The motion for going into committee on the Regulation of Elections Bill was then put and carried. In committee,

Mr. Hutchison moved the amendment of clause 28, which empowers the return ing officer to question the elector as to whether or not he had already voted in this electoral district. The amendment proposed was that the clause should be made to read, “have you already voted in this or any other electoral district.” The discussion was interrupted by the 5.30 p.m. adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. Progress was reported an the Regula tion of Elections Bill. NATIVE LAND SALKS BILL. The Hon. J. Bryce, in moving the second reading of the Native Land Sales Bill, said the law at present was not in a

satisfactory condition. The object of the Bill wus to simplify these laws. Each of the eight Bills brought in embodying the Native policy deals with a different branch of the subject. Hitherto their course on this subject had not been a satisfaccory one. They had all along gone on the assumption that their policy with respect to the Natives’ lands must be based on the treaty of Waitangi. From the time of that until now it had been deemed that the fee simple remained in the Crown. Until 1855 there was no regular machinery provided to ascertain the nature of the title. In 1844 some pressure was brought to bear upon the then Governor. He issued a proclamation enabling private parties to deal in these lands. A few months after wards he issued a second proclama tion reducing the payment from 10s. per acre to one penny for the issue of the Crown grant. The pre-emptive right was resisted by Sir G. Grey, the succeed ing Governor. The right was maintained till 1855, and he believed they would all agree with him in saying that it was a very great pity that that right was not maintained. After that date the right of private persons to purchase these lands was recognised. The next change was in the year" 1871, when the public works policy was inaugurated. At that time and subsequently as much as three quarters of a million were appropriated for the pur chase of a landed estate in the North Island. Then commenced a system which had done morethan anything to demoralise the natives ; he meant the purchase of native lands by agents. These agents scattered money amongst them like dust, and asked them to take rum, and resorted to almost every species of demoralisation. These Government agents did not regard themselves purely as Go vernment agents. They purchased land not only for Government, but also for themselves and their friends The result was that the Government got the bad land and these parties and their friends the good land. They, as a Go vernment, had got the reward which the evil courses resorted to might have led them to expect. In 1876 a Bill was introduced by the then Government which deserved more credit than it got, but it was too complicated. It was intro duced but withdrawn. In 1877 another Bill rvas brought in by the same Govern ment. It went in the direction of the free trade principle, and though an im provement on its predecessors in ma chinery, it too had to be withdrawn. It was withdrawn, as an amendment was accepted by the Government. It was known as the Native Lands Court Bill, and it served one useful purpose, as it in dicated the direction in which the country wished legislation in native land. It in dicated that the House did not wish free trade in native lands. The Atkinson Government went out and the Grey Government then came in. One of their objects was to reform this very practice, and he had no hesitation in saying that in this respect the Grey Government was an utter failure. It never attempted to deal with the matter until a few days before it'went out of office. He despaired almost of making the House understand the terrible iniquities perpetrated by the recent Native Lands Purchase depart ment. He would give them a few examples of these iniquities transacted. The advance system had been the great feature of these transactions, and the particular mode of making these advances was something atrocious. He meant the system of giving orders on store keepers. In Tauranga alone LII,OOO h?d passed through one Government agent’s hands in the space of eighteen months. The process of granting these orders was for the amounts to be left blank in the vouchers. The agent was supplied with funds by an imprest, and when he was called upon to account for these sums by the auditor he filled these vouchers up to suit the occasion. A transaction took place some months ago which induced him to send up and examine matters at Tauranga, and the result was something extraordinary. The auditor reported that he had found that moneys charged had never been paid at all, and where it had been paid the grossest irregularities had taken place. In connection with these payments two items were specified, one for L3O, and another Ll5O, as much as L 77 of the latter being spirits and beer consumed at a tangt over the land agent’s brother the late Judge Young. Then again it was stated that the negotiations with the natives were conducted with the utmost irregularity. He had already said that they had been guilty of iniquities, but they had received no equivalent for their trouble. When they came to settle the negotiations connected with these vouchers, on which advances were made, they would most undoubtedly be repu diated, and the Government stands to lose a large amount of money. Again, this fund had never been closely scruti nized, and it was most grossly abused. If a Maori wanted an order to pay his ex penses or to get rum it was charged to this fund. The rule was that any questionable payment was charged to this fund especially. He would now refer to the West Coast. He did not think that the system of land vouchers obtained there, but all the other objectionable features in the system were observed. The agents there would agree on a price for land they had never seen, and which no white man could tell 'them anything, about. They had purchased land which the surveyors now reported to be broken and worthless. The agents had to rely upon the statement as to the area. In one case the estimated area was 60,000 acres, but when it came to be surveyed it was found to contain not more than 7000 acres. The result of this was that the money advanced was far more than the total value of the land was in and about Wanganui. Further up the coast a gentle man who had been treating with the Government got LIOOO for his alleged inte.est in a block. That gentleman was then appointed a land purchase agent at L4OO a year to complete the purchase of that block, which has not been done yet. More than that, this gentleman was a storekeeper, and the advance made to the Maoris was paid through him, buggies, harness, and other articles purchased from liia store having been supplied in lieu of the money. The payment of compen sation for the confiscated land was next referred to. Payments to the chiefs -were made in secrecy, and they were ordered to sign fictitious names to hide the nature-of the transaction. A sum of LIOOO, the expenses of a, great Maori meeting at Waitara, were provided for in a most ex traordinary way. The native agent at Waimate got that amount by imprest, and to satisfy the auditors he got these Maoris,

who did not possess an inch of land in the place, to sign receipts for the money. What he would contend for was that the whole system was demoralising and that they would not reap the expected benefits from their efforts. They must do away with the old system. No system could possibly be devised that could work worse than the present system. The pre emptive right was, in his opinion, the best device that could be resorted to, but it would be impossible now io carry that out. Free trade in native lands was equally untenable. What then remained for them to adopt 1 He believed that the only valid system was that contained in the Bill, the second reading of which hej now prouosed. The great object should be to settle these lands, and he contended that the Bill before the House was a step in that direction. It was, he thought, the best law that could be devised under the circumstances. It was true that the Maoris might not be disposed to place their lands in the hands of the Waste Lands Board. To make it popular with the Maoris it was proposed to enable them to make reasonable advances upon the lands. As regards the Maoris themselves, it would eventually be a very great relief to them. It -would save them from the perpetual annoyance of those persons who were always after them for their lands. He detailed the features of the Bill, and concluded by moving the second'reading. Major Te Wheoro moved the adjourn ment of the debate.

Mr. Hamlin, in seconding the motion for the adjournment, said that they had heard something from the mover which they would much like to inquire into. Then again they wanted to have the other measures to see their effect upon the whole question of Native policy. He hoped that the Government would not object to the motion.

Mr. Macandrew supported the motion for adjournment. The measure was one which required calm consideration. The Hon. W. Gisbourne said the native Minister had quoted from documents not before the House, and that itself was a reason for asking the adjournment. Mr, Lundon also spoke in favour of the adjournment. • y - ; - J Sir G. Grey said that the speech had been chiefly an attack upon other persons, and it was only fair that the late Native Minister should be present before the debate was gone on with. The motion for the adjournment was then put and agreed to, and the debate adjourned till Friday. The Native Reserves Bill was with drawn.

The House then -went into committee on the Pharmacy Bill and, on resuming, it was reported with amendments and ordered to be considered on Friday. At 11.10 the House adjourned.

CABLE NEWS.

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(Per Renter's Agency.) Chinese Troubles.

London, June 14.

It is now announced that Colonel Gordon, R.E. (Chinese Gordon), who has left for China, has been invited by the Chinese Government in view of difficulties with Russia. There is considerable agita tion in Turkestan, and the Russians are reported to be marching into Kashgar. The Markets. Five per Cent. New Zealand Loan, 1889,103. Adelaide wheat, per 4961b5., ex wharehouse, 51. M. Laneour. A long and animated debate took place relating to M. Laneour, the new French Ambassador. Mr. O’Donnell attacked his antecedents, and the Right Hon. Mr. Gladstone moved that Mr. O’Donnell be not heard. The motion was ultimately withdrawn. The Markets. London, June 14. Consols, 98£. Four and half Per Cent. New Zealand, 1879-1904 Loan, 99. New Zealand wheat, ex ship, 495. Australian tallow unchanged. The Australians. The Australian cricketers commenced a match to-day, in Belfast, against 18 of the North of Ireland. The weather was fine, the home team went in first and scored 100. Spofforth and Palmer both bowled splendidly, the former taking 10 and the latter 6 wickets. The Austra lians then went in, and all were disposed of for 102 when the stumns were drawn.

Gordon Pasha. London, June 15,

Colonel Gordon having failed to obtain permission to go to China, has tendered his resignation of his position in the British service, and goes to China with the object of conducting the military operations of the Chinese troops in Kash* gar against Russia.. ; .

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter’s Telegrams.) The Mails. Melbourne, June 16. The P. and O. Company’s steamship Siam, with English mails dated London, May 7th, arrived here to-day. The Reform Bill. Numerous meetings are being held throughout the colony in support of Mr. Service’s Reform Bill. In the Legislative Assembly, Sir John O’Shannessy made a most severe attack on the proposed reform. He spoke for two hours. Irish Distress. The Lord Mayor of Dublin telegraphs that further help is required for the alle viation of the distress which still exists in Ireland. A b;-:: Trickett. Trickett sailed in the Orient. Commercial. New Zealand oats, 3s. 3£d. per bushel.' Sugars are showing a higher tendency.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association. ) ■. Killed with His Own Knife. Dunedin, .June 16.

J. Hood, of Pembroke, has met his death under singular circumstances. Three weeks ago he was riding with his knife in his belt, when his horse fell, causing the infliction of a nasty wound in the side from the knife. He took no notice of it, and tetanus set in on Monday. Gambling, 'ita-tA Christchurch, June, 16. The case againstitwo 'leading publicans, for allowing gambling in their houses, will be heard on Tuesday next,

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 1880.



Miscellaneous £IO,OOO rate of interest. Ashburton. TO LEND, in sums to suit borrowers, at lowest F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, 424c-835g TXT ANTED —A good GENERAL SER yy VANT. Apply at once, personally to Mr. Willcocks, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 559 c WANTED— BOARD and LODGING, by a Respectable Young Man, in a Private Family. Apply Herald office. 561 c TT7'ANTED, immediately—Good Gene- VV ra i SERVANT. Apply, Mrs. Baxter, Tinwald. 569 c * GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. TIT ANTED —One or two tradesmen to em- W ploy the Advertiser in Posting their Day-books and making up their Monthly Accounts; would also be willing to assist in a shop or store. Address, H., office of this paper. 944g-5G4c WANTED KNOWN, that M. NEAL AS is now OPENING UP a First Class Assortment of BOOTS a,nd SHOES, suitable for Winter wear, which he intends to dispose of at his usual CHEAP RATES. 924g-536c TTTANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw- VV kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g —417c W" ANTED—TENDERS for CLEAR ING Fourteen Miles of Drainage on the Chatmoss Estate. Full particulars can be ascertained by applying to James Scott, at Montgomery and Co.’s Store, East street, Ashburton. 535c-930g THE undersigned are now selling the best screened Old Lambton New castle COAL at LOWEST CURRENT RATES. W. MONTGOMERY & CO., 562c-949g Limited. ASHBURTON HAIRCUTTING . ROOMS. REDUCED PRICES. E. A. GARNETT, Hairdresser, East Street, WILL REDUCE his PRICES from June 19th, in order to meet the times, as follows : 6d, GENTS’ HAIRCUTTING g^J BOYS’-haircutting, under 12 years 3d. 3d. SHAVING 3d< A large and well-assorted stock of Tobacco, Cigars, Perfumery, and Fancy Goods, at greatly reduced prices. Note the address— E. A. GARNETT’S Old-Established Haircutting Rooms, East street, Ashburton. Agent for the sale of the Ashburton Guardian and Evening Herald. 565 c THURSDAY, 17th JUNE. By Order or the Bailiff. TO BE SOLD by Public Auction, on Thursday, the 17th day of June, on the Premises of J. E. Fagan, Rakaia — 1 Reaper and Binder. 1 Piano A. M. PEARSON, 568 c Bailiff of the R. M. Court. NEW ZEALAND WESLEYAN SUBSCRIBERS to the Wesleyan are respectfully requested to pay their subscriptions now due to Messrs. Weeks and Dixon, Ashburton. J. T. SMITH, Manager. Christchurch, June 15th, 1880. 566 c TO LET, A LARGE, comfortable room, centrally situated, suitable for society and committee meetings. Terms low. H. M. JONES, 567 c Baring square.