COMMERCIAL.

(by telegraph.)

Wellington. May 7. Messrs. Laery and Campbell sold to-day the following :—Onions, L 5 10s. to L 6 ; potatoes, L2 15s. to L 3 ; oatmeal, 10s. to 11s. per cwt.; pollard, Lsto L 5 10s.; bran, L 7 10s. to L 8 ; flour, Wood’s, Lll 10s. to Ll2 per ton ; maize, 3s. 6d. to 45.; oats, 25.; rye grass, 4s. per bushel.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch, for the following places (subject to necessary alterations) as under:— Friday, May 8. For Northern Ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Potomahana, at 1.50 p.m. The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco, will be closed at Christ church on May 22, and will be due in London on July 6. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “ Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1880.

Digby’s Bridge.— The County Council, at its sitting yesterday, remitted LIOOO from the Upper Ashburton Board’s share of the cost of this bridge. Scholarships. —The Secretary of the Education Board for the North Canter bury district announces that the list of candidates for the June examination closes on May 10. The Methven Pound. —The County Council, at its meeting yesterday, accepted the tender of Messrs Nelson and Coutts for the erection of a pound at Methven at a cost of L 199 10s.

The Domain. —The County Council have voted LIOO to the Domain Board, to aid in beautifying the Domain—more especially the part in the neighborhood of the Hospital.

The Yaluator. Unfortunate Mr. Leach made an appeal yesterday to the County Council, and told the tale of his difficulties, but the stony-hearted Coun cillors only shunted him off by referring him to the Judge of the Assessment Court.

The County Seal. —The County seal has now arrived, and has been set up in the Chambers. It is a very chaste design, and has been very well cut. It bears a representation of the Ashburton bridge, over which is placed a shield with the Canterbury arms. Informal Tenders.— We would im press upon tenderers for public works the advisableness of observing the conditions of tender, especially as regards deposits, and where marked cheques are required. In conseqence of informality, from not attending to matters of this kind, several tenders were rejected by the County Council yesterday.

The Borough Drainage.—Considera tion of the Borough’s application to the County Council for a grant for drainage was deferred yesterday, -but, in reply to Mr. Bullock, the Chairman stated that the fund for water supply could be legiti mately devoted to the laying down of con crete channelling to carry off the surplus water, and other works which were neces sitated by the introduction of a water scheme.

The County Chambers. —The ground around the County Chambers is to be planted with trees, and otherwise done up nicely. But the unshingled state of the street in front is a source of consider able annoyance to those who have to do business at the Chambers, and the neat and tidy offices on a wet day have their in ternal beauty considerably marred by the great gouts of mud and clay that are car ried in from the slough opposite by the feet of visitors.

The Library. —An application was made to the Secretary of the Library, for the Committee, to the County Council yesterday for a grant in aid of the Library’s funds. We are happy to notice that the claims of this institution and others of the same kind in the district will be considered shortly by the Council, when a general distribution of aid is to be made. Meanwhile, information as to the state of the. libraries’ affairs is to be collected, as a guide to the apportionment of money. The San Francisco Mail. —The Wel lington correspondent of the Press tele graphs as follows on Tuesday night : There is the usual muddle in bringing down the San Francisco mail this month. The Taiaroa, which brings it from Manu kau, was to have come direct from Tara naki to Wellington, and now, as the mail steamer is a day late at Auckland, the Taiaroa does not leave Manukau for six teen hours after the mail reached Auck land, and is to go allround by Nelson and Picton, losing fully another day. She is not expected to reach Wellington before midnight on Thursday, and will not pro ceed South until noon on Friday, thus the mail will not be delivered in Christchurch until Saturday morning, instead of two days earlier, a 3 could easily have been done. All this time the Hinernoa is lying idle at the Railway Wharf. This need less delay is the subject of great complaint here.

Stray Cattle. —Loud complaints are just now being made in Ashburton of tlie depredations of stray cattle. Two or three wily old milchers seem to have been allowed a roving commission by their owners, and they have made happy hunt ing grounds of several gardens. A certain bachelors’ hall in the township was visited one night recently by one of these wander ing cows, and after she had devoured every edible thing in the vicinity of the celi bates’ cottage, she commenced to amuse herself by rubbing her horns up and down the weather-boarding. It was “ the hour when churchyards yawn,” and the whole ti’oop of bachelors at once left their chaste couches and rushed to the door, when they heard the unearthly suraping of the cow’s horns upon the jagged weather boards.’ Ignorant of whether a second Dunedin tragedy was about to be enacted, or a volcano had burst upon them, or a case for the Fire Brigrde had occurred, or the last day had arrived, there were beat ing hearts in that shanty,—hearts that beat so violently as to interfere with their owners’ regard for the little attentions to toilet that go so far to put an appear ance of respectability upon a man—and when the troop of bachelors appeared at the door in the soft moonlight there were extremities to be seen innocent of all tailoring, and the scanty garment that apparelled Tam o’ Shanter’s heroine was the prevailing costume. But when the cause of disturbance was discovered one angry bachelor rushed out, regardless in his wrath of his personal appearance, and expelled the intruder. The others made a stampede to bed. But the end was not yet. The irate one forgot to fasten the gate, and soon the milker returned. The

disturbance had effected the nervous sys tem of one at least of the unmarried colony, and when he, possessed of a waking conscience, got up in the very early morn he found his bovine enemy of the night harvesting what was eatable about the place. We will not tell tales upon him, but there was plenty of milk in bachelors’ hall all next day. We fancy the owner of the cow, when he came to milk her, would be able to give a reason why. If all stray cows went home milked, perhaps they would be more effectively prevented from wandering round strangers’ back doors.

Poaching. —A Napier man shot a hen pheasant a day before the legal season commenced, and the Magistrate fined him L2 for his “ pot.”

The Borough Rates. The Town Clerk, Mr. Braddell, following out the instructions of the Council, has issued a batch of summonses against those rate payers who have neglected to pay up.

Worn Money. —Riches will not last for ever, and our silver money is getting worn out by its passage from hand to hand, and over the business counters. At a Cabinet meeting in Wellington on Tuesday tlie degradation of silver coinage of the colony was considered, and it was decided to take advantage of the facilities offered by the Imperial Government for withdrawing worn coins from circulation.

Pleuro-pneumonia. —We are glad to notice that action has been taken by the County Council in the matter of pleuro pneumonia, and that they are to urge Go vernment to advise His Excellency to pro hibit, by Order-in-Oouncil, the importation into the South Island of cattle from Aus tralia and the North Island. As re marked by the Chairman, the matter is one of undoubted gravity, and the Council, we feel assured, have not acted with more promptness than the case requires, seeing that the reports from the North do not in any way assure us that pleuro is dying out.

South Rakaia School Committee.— The usual monthly meeting of the School Committee was held on Tuesday evening. Present Messrs. Cox, Makeig, and Sharp. In the absence of the chairman (Mr. ~C. Tucker), Mr. Makeig was voted to the chair. The minutes of the former meeting having been read and confirmed, Mr. Makeig explained why he had. not attended the meetings of the Committee on three occasions. The explanation of Mr. Makeig was considered satisfactory. Correspondence from the Board of Educa tion on several matters was read ; also, the master’s report. It was resolved to defer the consideration of several matters for a fuller meeting. The meeting then adjourned.

UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Board was held on Tuesday the 4th inst. Present —- Messrs. D. M c Lean (Chairman) Stitt, and Sargent. The overseer read his monthly report, and several works reported on wei'G considered CORRESPONDENCE. From the Union Bank of Australia, carrying out the Board’s instructions re fixed deposits. From A. MU oil, Rangitata station, asking for the formation of 80 chains of the road from Ealing railway station up to the north bank of the Rangitata, the same .being in a dangerous state. The Overseer mentioned that tenders had been called on the 21st April, and ihe work let to Charles Smithel, at Gs. 6d. per chain. From the County Council, forwarding copies of Water Supply Bill for distribu tion.

From the same, informing the Board that L 2719 19s. 5c1., share of impounded land fund, with interest, had been placed with the Union Bank of Australia, to the credit of the Board.

From the same, with copy of Electoral Roll, for this rid : rg, to he on view at tlie Board’s office • :1 the 15fch May, as pro vided in the unties Act.

From the ne, granting Ll 5 towards protective we ion the south branch Ash burton river.

From John Fraser, contractor for Mount Somers railway, asking permission to take sliingle out of the gravel pit near Black’s road.—Granted.

From the Secretary to the Treasury, and from the Under Secretary for .Public Works, with returns to be filled up. From the Mount Somers Road Board, requesting that the boundary road from Thompson’s to the Lyndhurst Railway station, about 70 chains, be formed. The Clerk to reply that the Board is willing to form the road, provided the Mount Somers Road Board pay one-half of the cost, it being a boundary road between the two districts. From Win. Fraser, asking for extra moneys for fencing reserve No. 20G4. The Board considered Mr. Fraser was well enough paid, more especially as he was benefitting himself, he having leased the reserve.

From Alex. Finlay, asking for the use of gravel reserve No. 2C9S. Granted under the usual conditions imposed by the Board. The Clerk to write to that effect. The Clerk was directed to write to Mr. W. Sutherland, asking him to clear out the creek at the blacksmith’s shop, Alford Forest road. He was also directed to call for tenders for several works for the 17tli inst.

Accounts were then passed and the Board adjourned.

MOUNT SOMERS ROAD BOARD.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held at the office, Mount Somers, on Monday, May 3rd. Present —Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman), W. S. Feter, J. E. Taylor, D. Cameron, and A. E. Peache. The Chairman informed the Board that as he now resided out of the district during the principal part of the year, it was his intention to resign his seat as Chairman of the Board. It was proposed by Mr. Peter, seconded by Mr. D. Cameron, and carried unanimously, that Mr. Walker be requested to continue to act as Chairman. Mr. Walker thanked the members for their confidence in him, and consented to con tinue to act as their Chairman. The Surveyor’s report was read and con sidered. The following correspondence was read: From Mr. A. Printy, requesting pay ment of his account, being balance on Double Hill track, and repairs to Ruther ford’s cutting. The Clerk to reply. From the Resident Engineer, informing the Board that it was the intention of the Government to carry the Mount Somers railway along the south side of the South Ashburton, and to abandon a portion of the survey made by Mr. Triphook. The Clerk was requested to write to the Minister for Public Works strongly protesting against tlie abandonment of Mr. Triphoolc’s survey ; and also to the member for the district, requesting him to use his best endeavors to prevent the injustice of such a route being adopted as that mentioned in the Resident Engineer’s letter.

It was resolved that a public meeting of ratepayers be held at an early date to pro test against the proposed alteration of line.

From Mr. Jas. Carlton, consenting to accept the terms offered by the Board as final payment on Gorse Fence road and Tramway road. The Board decided to pay Carlton according to their previous offer.

From Messrs Ford and Ogden, inclosing price list of pipes. The Board decided to call for tenders for the supply of pipes for 12 months, to be delivered at Mount Somers.

From the Ashburton County Council in reply to a letter from the Board with re ference to subsidising cost of Alford Bush roads, and requesting to be furnished with estimates of costs of formation. The Surveyor was directed to forward esti mates, and also the amounts of the tenders accepted for Sawmill road and Boyd’s road.

From the same, advising the Board that the sum of L 2,441 Is. 6d., being the Board’s share of the impounded land fund, has been paid in to the credit of the Board’s account. From the same, enclosing accounts for the Board’s promised contribution towards the cost of the bridges over the North and South Ashburton rivers, and also over Taylor’s stream. From the same, re the shortening of South Ashburton Bridge. From Mr. C. Pei’cy Cox (as agent for the Union Insurance Company), with reference to the insurance of the Road Board house and stable.

From the Secretary for Public Works, informing the Board that the completed portion of the Mount Somers Railway was opened for traffic on the 7tli ult. From Messrs. Poyntz and Co. (as agents for the North British Insurance Company), with reference to the insurance of the Road Board buildings. The Clerk to reply. From Messrs. Garrick and Cowlishaw, requesting payment of expenses incurred in attending Assessment Court. The Clerk to reply. A petition signed by Mr. W. T. Chap man and nine other ratepayers was re ceived, urging on the Board the necessity of at once completing Fergus’ road. The Surveyor to report. A petition was received from Mr. Ed ward Saville and others, praying that the Board would at once call for tenders for forming the road from their property to the Lyndhurst Railway Station. The Clerk was instructed to reply - that the Board were only waiting for legal power to act in the matter. The Clerk was instructed to advertise the diversion of road through Messrs. Gould and Cameron’s land, under Section 93 of the Public Works Act, 1870.

It was resolved that the advertisements be divided between tlie Ashburton Mail and Ashburton Guardian for the future, provided the expense of advertising be not materially increased thereby. The Clerk was instructed to preparo a statement of receipts and expenditure from January Ist to May 31st.

Mr. Otto Bergtte interviewed the Board and requested some compensation for the trouble incurred in clearing out store at Mount Somers for the purpose of holding annual meeting therein. The Board con sidered the claim of Mr. Bergtte a fair one, and allowed him a fair price for the work. Mr. Fergus drew the Board’s attention to the damage done to his land by the overflow of creek. The Surveyor to re port, and to have culverts put in if neces sary.

It was resolved that the tender of Alexander Harvey for contract No. 6, Taylor’s read, which was considered by the Board on Monday, the 19tli ultimo, be accepted. The Surveyor was instructed to call for tenders for Anama Downs road, formation on Stevenson’s road, and for the supply of drain pipes for 12 months ; also to report upon Morrow’s road ; Shepherd’s beach road ; Anama cutting ; drainage, &c., Fergus road ; roads into Alford Forest ; Double Hill track ; and upon the different plantations in the district. Tenders were opened, and one accepted for each of the following works : —No. 7, Sawmill road, Alexander Forbes ; No. 8, Boyd’s road, William Easton ; No. 9, Anama to Mount Somers road, Donald Forbes; No. 10, putting in fords, &c., Donald Forbes.

The pay-sheet, amounting to LlOls 4s. 9d., having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ash burton County Council was held yesteyday in the County Chambers. Present —Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman), Bullock, Jack son, and Cameron.

chairman’s statement,

During the past month the Clerk has issued notices to all ratepayers proposed to be included in the district affected by the Bill to amend the Ashburton County Council Waterworks Act, 1879, as re quired by the Standing Orders of the New Zealand Parliament, by which they are invited to return their papers marked as “ assenting,” “dissenting,” or “neutral.” Considering the thought and attention which the Council has bestowed on the Act passed last .session, and the Amend ment Bill now before the ratepayers, it would be very disappointing if any mis understanding existed as to the real nature of the appeal now made to the ratepayers. I, therefore, take advantage of this oppor tunity to state briefly what they are asked to express an opinion on. The Amendment Bill seeks to obtain power to raise a loan not exceeding LIOO,OOO, to be secured by a separate rate on the district for which the water scheme is to be provided. It may possibly be thought that this is a very large loan, and that as the area of the district for which the Council are now endeavoring in the first instance to provide water is com paratively small—about 130,000 acres— the loan asked for is in excess of the actual requirements, and that if the power to raise the loan of LIOO,OOO were granted by Parliament, it might be raised by the Council forthwith, and if the separate rate were insufficient to pay the annual charges, the deficiency might be made up from the general County fund, or from a general County rate. But if the Bill is looked into more closely it will be seen that although the power to raise a loan not exceeding LIOO,OOO is sought for, a succeeding sec tion limits the separate rating power to Gd. per acre ; and, also, that another section compels the Council, before raising any loan, to go to the ratepayers of the district and, by voting papers, to distinctly obtain their consent to a loan for a definite sum ; such sum to be estimated by the measure prescribed by the section

before referred to, which states that the rate to pay interest and sinking fund is not to exceed Gd. per acre, so that, taking 130,000 acres as the present district, as proposed, the loan for that district can only be as much as can be secured by an annual charge of L 3210, or 6d. an acre on 130,000 acres. But even that cannot be imposed by the passing of the Bill. The ratepayers must be con sulted according to its provisions, and only after surveys and estimates have been made, so that they will be in a com petent position to judge of the probable results of the scheme. The question which is at present referred to the rate payers is much more general—it is simply asking them whether they are prepared to tax themselves for an efficient system of water supply, provided it can be of fered to them. The amount of the tax is unknown it is true, but as a safeguard the limit of Gd. per acre is inserted as an extreme rate. How much less it may be, no one can tell at present, but after the head works are constructed, which the Council has now in hand, and the water is allowed to find its course down the natural channels below Methven—and other works probably inexpensive in that neighborhood to distribute it in the way of experiment are undertaken —the Coun cil and the ratepayers may both be sur prised to find how easy and inexpensive may be the method of utilising the water they have to distribute. Some loan, it is probable, will be required to make this water scheme a work of really great utility, but I would express a warm hope that the ratepayers will not be scared by a mistaken notion that this Bill saddles them with an enormous loan. Hot a six pence can be raised without their distinct sanction, for which every opportunity of expression is given, and the maximum of LIOO,OOO is only inserted in the Bill to provide for the contingencies of another 100,000 acres or more requiring water supply, in which case the Council would be able to raise the additional loan, with out another appeal to Parliament for an Amendment Bill. In all cases, however, the loan will be in exact proportion to the acreage proposed to be benefitted, and never can airy loan entail a burden on the general fund, or require a general rate for its support. I therefore can most earnestly express my desire that the ratepayers will not in rash jealousy of taxation generally give an. adverse opinion on the Bill now submitted for their approval, but that they will recognise that their rights as ratepayers are 30 safely guarded in the Bill that they may without scruple ex press their acquiescence in the general principle that it is desirable that a water scheme should be extended for purposes of general utility by loan. The Council may have observed that the Borough Council has had a proposition made by one of its members that the iron pipes, im ported by them for a water supply for the Borough, and purchased out of the vote of this Council for a Borough water sup ply, should be sold. I have held a con versation on the subject with the Mayor, who, along with myself, as Chairman of the Council, operates on the special fund. It is not stated what the inten tion of the proposer is to do with the proceeds of the sale of the pipes. I should, however, be obliged if the Council would express an opinion on this point, as I think it would be as well -that the wishes of the Council, as the donors of the fund, should be known. The pipes probably would be sold at some profit to the holders, and under the scheme now in course of construction, possibly these pipes, calcu lated for a high-pressure system, may not be wanted. The Council should, how ever, in my opinion, be consulted whether the proceeds, including this profit accrued from the rise in iron, should be returned to the special fund from which it came. The bridge at Digby’s is at last completed, the balance payment to the contractor being placed before you to-day for settle ment. I shall feel now obliged if you would take into consideration the ques tion of the Upper Ashburton Road Board’s share of expense towards the construction of this bridge. The impounded land fund, placed by the Government to your credit, has been allocated to the Road Boards in this County, according to your resolution, since last meeting. The master and matron appointed to take charge of the County Hospital will be ready to com mence their duties in a day or two. The accounts for the half year ended March 31, have been audited by your auditor. Act ing on his advice I have opened a separate account for deposits received for contracts, such accounts to be operated on by cheques signed by the Clerk and myself. Several of the reserves placed under your control are seemingly let, and some of the leases are just expiring. It would be as well, I think, if you were to take the ques tion of dealing with the reserves under your power into account at this meeting. I have written to the Commissioner of Crown lands, requesting him to forward a statement showing what reserves are let, length of lease, and when the leases ex pire. With regard to the circular written to the County Councils interested in the stoppage of certain moneys of the im pounded land fund, the Selwyn County Council, as you will see, decline to take action in this matter. I have not yet heard from the other Councils. You may have noticed that the Geraldine County Council has memoralised Government on the subject of pleuro-pneumonia. This Council may also consider it advisable to take the question up, as it is one of un doubted gravity.

After the Chairman’s statement had been read, the Engineer’s report was read which we published in full in yesterday’s issue. DRAINAGE. The question of new drains on Bell and Dawson’s roads was postponed till a future meeting, and the matter of culverts at Wheatsheaf was left in the hands of the Engineer to arrange for the work. The matter of storm water drainage on the Rakaia plains was postponed till next meeting, and the Engineer was urged to have the subject fully considered by that time. Respecting the Tinwald drain, the Engineer was instructed to call for ten ders . RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE. The Chairman of the Selwyn Count}- 7 Council wrote, stating that an application had been received from Lake Coleridge Road Board for a grant to enable them to make an approach to the Rakaia Gorge bridge from the westward. The Board had had a good road laid off at a cost of L7OO, and the Selwyn County wished to know if the Ashburton County would concur in a sum of L6OO being voted to the Board for this work out of the special

grant now lying in the bank in the names of the Chairmen of the two counties. L3OOO of this grant had been voted for approaches, and of that sum the . Selwyn County had expended L 998 Gs. Bd., and the Ashburton County L 1395 175., leaving a balance of L 605 16s. 4d.

The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council considered that LISOO had been fairly allocated to each side of the river. Tenders for L 1395 17s. had been accepted, and probably extras would raise the amount to LISOO, and the Ashburton County suggested the prudence of waiting till the contracts were completed before any further work was undertaken, after which, if the Selwyn County wished to undertake a western approach, the Ashburton County would gladly see the balance of the L3OOO apportioned in that way. The Engineer was instructed to give effect to an alteration in the road at the south approach to the Rakaia Gorge bridge, mentioned in his report, at a cost of LSO. THE INITIAL MAIN. Discussion of that part of Mr. Baxter’s report refering to the initial main was deferred till next meeting. DIGBY’S BRIDGE. The making of the bridge at Digby’s sheep proof was left in the hands of the Chairman and Engineer to arrange, and the Engineer was instructed to report on the cost of planting willows on the groins at the protective works. THE VALUATION BOLLS. Mr. Leach wrote explaining how the defectiveness of his valuation rolls had arisen. It had somehow got into his head that there was no occasion for making a second declaration, when he required to prepare an amended roll. The absence of maps of the different districts had also been an obstacle to him, and he had been placed in an awkward position for obtain ing Christian names of property owners because any letters he had received from them had been signed by initial letters only. He also complained of the careless way in which the old rolls .had been filled up. He asked that the Council should deal with him in the matter of payment for preparation of rolls in a fair and liberal manner. Mr. Leach was referred to the Assess ment Court Judge, as the matter was out of the hands of the Council. THE ’ ASHBURTON LIBRARY. Mr. J. Ward wrote asking for a grant in aid of the Ashburton Library, pointing out that the erection of the Town and Templar Halls had taken away a consider able portion of the Library’s revenue. Previous to the erection of these halls, the Library had been self-supporting. The commercial depression, too, had materially affected the number of sub scriptions received, and as a consequence the library was in debt to a small amount. The Chairman thought that some more information as to the circumstances and constitution of the library was wanted, as from what he could gather as to how the library had been conducted, it was not-of much advantage to the town. Mr. Bullock urged that something should be done to aid the libraries in the district. There was one at Waterton, one at Rakaia, and one at Ashburton, and he stated that any money voted by the County would be devoted to the purchase of books.

It was resolved to reply that the matter will receive due consideration when the question of making grants to the public libraries in the district is considered. Meanwhile the Clerk was instructed to obtain information as to the number of subscribers belonging to the library, how much the institution was in debt, &c. BOROUGH DRAINAGE. The Mayor of Ashburton wrote, soli citing a grant in aid of drainage for the Borough. The matter was postponed. THE £IOO,OOO OF LAND FUND. In reply to the County’s letter of the 22nd April, soliciting the Selwyn County’s co-operation with the other Counties in terested in making a joint representation to the Government respecting the stop page of certain moneys forming part of the LIOO,OOO accrued land fund, the Chairman of the Selwyn County wrote to say that, as the Counties Act was not in force in Selwyn at the time the money became payable, the Road Boards and not the Selwyn Council were the bodies in terested in the matter. ASHBURTON DOMAIN BOARD. The Secretary to the Ashburton Domain Board (Mr. J. Ward) wrote, asking for a grant in aid to enable the Board to carry on the necessary w orks connected with the domain, especially the planting of trees around the hospital. The funds of the Board were nearly exhausted, and unless they were replenished, some important works must be relinquished, and others already undertaken would be to some ex tent useless. Mr. Bullock said any money which the Council might vote would be spent upon carrying out planting operations near the County Hospital, where operations of that kind were much required. It was resolved to grant LIOO to the Domain Board, on condition that half the sum lie spent in the neighborhood of the Hospital. FIN AN OR, 110,000 was ordered to be re-deposited for another six months in the Union Bank, DRAINAGE. The report of the Committee on drain age at Mount Somers and Upper Ash burton was adopted. THE HOSPITAL. The Hospital Committee submitted their report, and the appointments by the Committee of Mr. and Mrs. Madden as master and matron were ratified, and the report adopted. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to 12,478 16s. 2d., were passed for payment, but a cheque for L2O to a contractor on the protective works was ordered not to be paid until the Engineer had advised that the work had been satisfactorily done. WATERTON POUND. The Engineer was instructed to accept Mr. Holland’s offer to place a culvert and fence near the Waterton Pound, should he deem the offer reasonable. THE COST OF DIGBV’s BRIDGE.

Mr. Bullock called attention to tie sum the Upper Ashburton Road Board was expected to pay as their share of erecting Digby’s Bridge. The Board had under taken to pay L3OOO, on the understanding, however, that the site was to be lower down the river, but the change of the site had materially affected their position in regard to this liability. The bridge was a benefit to every district in this county ex cept Rakaia, and he thought some remis sion of this cost should be made, as the

change of site had considerably reduced the cost of the bridge to the Council. He would move that the Upper Ashburton Road Board be required to pay L2OOD only in lieu of the L3OOO they were now asked to contribute. Mr. Cameron seconded Mr. Bullock’s motion, strongly advocating the proposed remission. The motion was carried after some dis cussion. THE CHAMBERS SITE. Messrs. Grigg and Bullock were ap pointed a Committe to arrange for plant ing the County Chambers site. BUSH ROADS. A sum of L3OO was voted for the pur pose of making bush roads in Alford Forest, on condition that the Mount Somers Road Board spend an equal sum on similar work. THE borough’s WATER PIPES. . The Chairman called attention to the proposed sale by the Borough Council of the iron pipes recently imported by that body, and reiterated on the question the remarks made in his opening speech. The County Council had two years ago voted Lsoooto be set aside for a water supply for the Borough, and that fund could only be operated upon by himself, and the Mayor of the Borough. A sum had been paid out of this fund to defray the cost of the iron pipes now proposed to be sold, and these pipes had been procured for a particular scheme, at a time when iron was low in price. A temporary scheme was now about to be inaugurated, and possibly pipes may not be wanted for it, but in any case lie desired the County Council’s opinion as to whether the pipes should be sold at the present time. No direct expression of opinion was given by the Council as to what course should be followed, but it seemed to be the opinion of members that action by the Borough in the sale should be deferred for a time. COUNTY SEAL. The new seal for the County was adopted. PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. It was resolved to request Government to advise the Governor to prohibit, by Order-in-Council, the importation of cattle from Australia and the North Island into the South Island, in order to prevent the introduction of pleuro-pneu monia. slaughtering licenses. The following slaughtering licenses were renewed John Williams, Hay T. Smith, William Bland, George Smith. WHEATSTONE DRAINAGE EXTENSION. Tenders were opened for this work, but only one of the lot was not informal, and it was resolved to advertise the work again, and Messrs. Bullock, Grigg, and the Chairman were appointed a Com mittee to open the tenders an Saturday, the 15th, ard to accept a suitable one. METHVEN POUND. The tender of Messrs. Nelson and Couits for erecting the Methven Pound was accepted, the figure being L 199 10s. auditors’ report and balance-sheet. A special meeting should have been held to consider the auditors’ report and balance-sheet, but owing to these not having been forwarded the meeting was adjourned till after the next ordinary meeting.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

{Per Reuter's Agency.) The Money and Wool Market. London, May 4. Five per cent. New Zealand loan 1889, 107. At the -wool sale to-day, 12,900 bales were offered, making a total of 151,500 bales catalogued since the open ing. The tone of the wool market was quieter. Washed cross-breds were 3d. lower, and greasy cross-breds 2d. lower. Honorable Distinctions. May 5. The University of Glasgow has con ferred an honorary degree on the Hon. Thomas Mllwraith, Colonial Secretary of Queensland. The Right Hon. Robert Lowe has been raised to the peerage. > The Afghanistan War. Calcutta, May 5. Latest news from Afghanistan report that General Stewart has replaced General Sir Frederick Roberts in command of the British forces at Cabul.

London, May 5. A despatch from the Indian Govern ment has been published, which states that the cost of the Afghan war will pro bably exceed the estimate by at least four million pounds.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) An Interesting Purchase. Sydney, May 5. Dr. Hector has bought a diamond drill which was shown at the Exhibition. The Chinese Question. Sydney, May 6. At an Anti-Chinese meeting last, night, at which fully 800 persons were present, Ninian Melvalle, the new member for Northumberland, declared he would stone wall the Assembly on the Immigration and Chinese questions. Heavy Yields of Gold. News has been received from the Ber rington diggings that a crushing of two tons of quartz yielded 190 ozs. of gold. Discovery of Tin. Brisbane, May 5. Very valuable deposits of tin have been discovered on the Tate river. No Protection. Melbourne, May 6. In reply to a deputation of farmers, asking that the policy of protection should be adopted against admitting New Zealand grain into Victoria, the Hon. Mr. Service offered no encouragement that anything of that nature would be supported by Government. The Sugar Market. Melbourne, May 6. Mauritius advices to 20th April report : —lnferior sugar lower in price, and a poor crop expected; 1490 tons have been cleared for Australia and 200 tons for New Zea land. An Enterprising Firm. William Howard Smith and Sons, owners of a large fleet of steamers trading between Queenlsand, New South Wales, and. South Australia, contemplate having their boats fitted with refrigerating

IHE ASHBURTON HERALD.

[Thursday, May 6, 1880.



New Advertisements. WANTED KNOWN—That Visiting Cards, plain or mourning, can be obtained printed in various styles, at the “Herald” and “Guardian” offices, near the Rai TC ay Station V) LOUGH MEN. Wanted, SITUA | TIONS for a few Good Ploughmen. Apply Herald Registry. 421 c ANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g —417c WANTED Known, the “Ashburton Herald ” circulates throughout the Provincial District of Canterbury. Housemaids. —The herald asks a Housemaid for you in 20 -words for 1 h TO LET—A Four-roomed COTTAGE in Peter Street. Apply to John Olson, near the Foundry. 411 c ONEY TO LEND.—£IO,OOO to lend on approved securities in sums to suit borrowers. Interest at lowest rates. Apply to Mr. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 424 c GHINIQUY’S LECTURES.—Just Ar rived, New Edition H. M. Jones, aring Square. AMATEUR DRAMATIC CLUB. MEMBERS are requested to meet at the usual meeting room, on FRIDAY, the 7th, at 7.30 p.m. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 422 c Hon. Sec. LATEST STYLES FROM LONDON & PARIS. CRAIGHEAD & CO., Merchant Tailors, TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr & Co.) PERFECT FIT GUARANTEED. 394c-803g HORSE BREAKING. THE undersigned is now prepared to Undertake the BREAKING of HORSES to double and single harness, also to saddle. Mr. Willcocks has had a very consider able experience in Australia, and his success there as a Trainer is sufficient guarantee as to his ability. All orders to be left at the Coach Office, Commercial Hotel, Ashburton, or the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. 4G3c-816g GEO. WILLCOCKS. NOTICE TO HORSE BREEDERS IN THE ASHBURTON AND SUR ROUNDING DISTRICTS. WE, the undersigned, Trustees |in the Estate of W. Bennison, of Ashbur ton, hereby certify that the said estate has NO CLAIM on the different fees due from the service of the ENTIRE HORSE “ Sir Julius Vogel,” the property of W. Holley, which travelled the Ashburton and surrounding districts the season of 1878. B. EDE. JOSEPH CLARK. In reference to the above, I, the under signed, beg to state that after having waited until after harvest, at the request .of different persons who have not paid for the service of the abovementioned horse, I must now ask for payment of all moneys due respecting the same. Payment to be made to W. Holley, Tuam Street East, Christchurch, or legal proceedings will be taken to recover the same without further notice. Ist May, 1880. 410c-818g CENTRAL TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Baring Square (Near Town Hall). "f) E-OPENING of the above commo- JAi dious and centrally situated Pri vate and Commercial Hotel. T. BROADBELT, PROPRIETOR, Is prepared to give Superior Accommoda tion to Boarders and the Travelling Public on REASONABLE TERMS. Weekly Board and Lodging ... £1 Weekly Board 14s. MEALS AT ALL HOURS. Dinner on Saturday from 11.30. Beds (single), Is. Od. Private Room for Ladies. 153—G24a