COMMERCIAL.

ASHBURTON RETAIL LIST.

Christchurch Corn Exchange.

The following is the Corn Exchange re port for the week ending, Friday evening, the Bth inst. f

There is absolutely no change to report in the state of the market during the week. Business is very dull. The transactions taking place are of a purely local character, or what might be-termed a hand to mouth business. Freight is difficult to obtain. Millers are still in the market for wheat, but hardly so eager. The weather is all that could be desired, and the crops in all parts of the country are looking well. At present there is every prospect of an abundant harvest.

Wheat. —Good milling samples are worth from 4s to 4s 3d per bushel. Exceptionally fine quality of certain descriptions a shade over these figures. Second class milling, 3s 3d to 3s gd; chick wheat, 2s to 3s per bushel. Oats. —The business done during the week has 'been of a most unimportant character. Good, stout, short milling are saleable at from is 6d to is 8d per bushel; feed quality, is 3d to is 4d ; inferior feed, is to is 2d per bushel. Barley.—The market for this cereal is rather sluggish. Maltsters and brewers are tolerably well Supplied, and nothing but exceptionally fine quality will tempt them, and that too at a moderate price. Fair malting quality may be quoted, at from 2s 3d to 2s 6d per bushel; extra prime, 2s 8 to,3s 6d ; feed samples, is 6d to is 9d. Grass Seed. —The demand is hardly so good. A few transactions have taken place at from 2s 6d to 2s iod per bushel; these have been farmers’ parcels, but of exceptionally good quality. Town dressed heavy seed is worth 2s iod to 3s ; light and badly cleaned, is 9d to 2s 3d ; cocksfoot, 2j£d to 3d per lb, in small lines.

Potatoes.—A few trifling orders have been executed during the week at about 15s the ton. Sales have taken place at less than this figure. It is hardly likely, however that growers will accept less, as the cost of labor, carting, etc., would not warrant it. The same prices may be quoted as last week—lss to 203 per ton, sacks extra. . Cheese and Butter. —The former, 4d to the latter, 7^d to Bd.

Messrs. H. Matson and Co. report on the live stock market, &c., for the week ending Thursday, October 7 th, 1880, as follows : For yesterday’s weekly sale a small supply of mutton only was penned for the day’s require ments, the bulk of that sent to hand being from South Canterbury. Both in crossbreds and merinos there were several lines of really piime mutton, but taking the market generally the quality was below the average. The day’s pro ceedings opened with a sluggish tone, and a slight decline on last week’s values had for a time, to be submitted to. As the sale progressed prices improved, and one or two consignments were cleared at an advance upon the previous week’s quotations. Messrs. Gould and Came ron’s merino wethers sold at from . 12s 9d to 13s 3d, the same class of sheep last week rea lising 12s and 12s 3d. The auction throughout was characterised by great irregularity, and several drafts of fat sheep were turned out un sold. In stores there was a large entry, and the brisk demand which has been ruling for some months is still maintained. A line of 700 fresh conditioned 2-6-4 tooth crossbreds found a buyer at 12s ; hoggets, 9s to 11s ; mixed lots at proportionate rates. Fat lambs are becom ing plenty, 7s 6d to ios 6d being the ruling price for good quality with a ready sale. The beef trade yesterday was a little better than it has been for some time past. Some really splendid cattle were yarded, and elicited a fair competition, prices taken all round ranging from 5s to ios per head better than for several weeks past. The same remarks apply to stores. Owing to the dry weather, there has lately been a depression for this class of stock, but the two or three days’ rain which fell last seems to have haye been general through the greater part of the - province, and the presence of a Southern buyer or two at yesterday’s sale had the effect of clearing most of the lots, a rise of fully 5 per cent, in price being perceptible. The totals yarded for, the day comprised—7l27 sheep, 494 head of cattle, and 28 pigs, of which our entry included—2277 sheep, 225 head of cattle, 95 fat lambs, and 26 pigs, for Messrs. Gould and Cameron, and others. In sheep we sold iod crossbred wethers at 15s, 24 at 17s, 45 at 15s 6d, 68 at 17s, 30 at 13s 6d, 37 at 15s 9d, 48 at 15s 6d, 19 at' 16s, 98 merino wethers at 13s 3<b 52 at I2s 9d, 48 at 12s 9d, 146 at 12s 9d, 102 at 12s 9d, 50 at ns 3d, 27 shorn crossbreds at 9s 6d, 42 light weights do. at 7s 6d, 41 at 7s, S 3 shorn merino wethers at 6s, 51: clo. at ss, 121 hoggets at ios 9d, 36 crossbreds at -12s 6d, 84 cull hoggets at 55 7d. Fat lambs, 5 at ns, 4 at ios 6d, 9 at ios, 8 at 9s 6d, 9 at iOs.6d, 8 at 9s 6d, 16 at Bs, 10 at 12s 6d, 10 at ios 9d, Bat ios 6d, Bat ios. Fat cattle, 4at L 8 1 ss, 3at LB, 4at L 7 ss, 3at L 6 1 7s 6d, 3 at L 7 ios, .2 at L 8 ios, 2 at L 7 12s 6d, 4 at L 7 15s, 3 at L 7 12s 6d, 5 at L 6 ios, 2 at L 8 ss, 2 at Id? ios, 3at L 7 17s 6d, 4at L 6 2s 6d. Stores, 5 at L 5 ios, 10 two-year old heifers at L 4 2s 6d, 12 two to three-year-old steers at L 5, 75,6 d, 3at L 6 ios, .6 yearlings at Li 9s, 12 at 1,2 17s 6d, s.mixed at L 4 ios. Pigs are un changed in value and dull of sale. . Yesterday we cleared our entry at current rates, 3 at 355, 3 at 30s, 10 at 37s 6d, 5 at 30s, 5 at 27s 6d.

MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows :

For Christchurch and North at 5.30 a. m. lQa. m., and sp. m., daily. For Chertsey Rakaia, &c., at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Rangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10 a.m. daily. For Temuka, at -6 a.m. and 10 a.m., daily. For Timaru and South, at 6 a.m., 10 a.m.,'and 4.20 p.m., daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 10.30 a. m. For Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, at 4. 30 p.m. daily. /For’ Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield, on Tuesdays and Fridays, at 6 a.m.

Mails arrive at the Ashburton Post Office— - - From Christchurch and Rakaia at 10.25 a.m.,-4.35 p.m., and 7.50 p.m. From Chertsey, &q. at 10.25 a. m. daily. From Dunedin and intermediate places at 5.35 p. m. daily.

From Temuka and Timaru at 10.15 a.m. 6.35 p.m., and 8.15 p.m. daily. From Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge oh Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m. r= From Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach at 10 a. m. daily. From Wakanui, Elgin, and Seafield on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2.30 p.m.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1880.

Cricket Much.-The team of the Ashburton Cricket Club chosen to com pete against the Mount Somers Club are requested to meet at Shearman’s corner at 5 o’clock to-morrow morning. The Dramatic Clue. — The Amateur Dramatic Club last night gave a per formance in the Town Hall, in aid of the Bazaar Fund of St. Stephen’s Church. The pieces chosen for representation were “ Josephine, or the Child of the Regi ment,” and “ Nan, the Good for Nothing.” The former was a first performance, but the latter has been twice played by the Club. A good deal of pains had evidently been taken with the preparation of “ Josephine,” and the cast of characters was very judicious indeed. The central figure of the piece is of course the “ child of the regiment,” Josephine, and this character was undertaken by Mrs. Thomp son, who personated the wayward vivan diere with much spirit. The chiild of the regiment became so from having been found, when an infant, on the battle field. She was adopted by the regiment, and was its members’ care and pet, thus having “800 fathers.” Her more im mediate protector, however, was an old sergeant (Mr. Jacobson), who has a somewhat difficult part to _ play. The sergeant extracts a promise from Josephine not to marry anyone but a soldier of the 21st, and this promise becomes an awkward one for Josephine, who has fallen in love with a Tyrolese peasant (Mr. Jessop), who saved her from death on one occasion when she, searching for flowers, had fallen over a precipice. To win her, the peasant joins the regi ment ; but, meanwhile, the lost parentage of Josephine is discovered, and her aunt (Mrs. Manhire), appears upon the scene. Josephine is taken away to the lordly mansion which is her inheritance, and the regiment, with her lover in its ranks, follows the fortunes of war. During the two years of her severance from the. army her lover, by a fortuitous combination of circumstances, earns an epaulette. Dur ing this time also, Josephine is being schooled by her aunt in the usages of polite society, but proves a very inapt scholar. Her hand, or rather her wealth, is sought by the Marchioness of Grandete (Mrs. Tippets) for her son (Mr. Fooks), but the heroine revolts against having a husband whom she does not know forced upon her. Just when the marriage set tlements are being signed, the march of the 21st is heard in the street, and Josephine tosses all her high life teaching to the winds, throws up the window, and hails her old comrades. In an instant the old sergeant is in the room, and a crowd of the men of the 21st. The aristo cratic company is greatly shocked, and re tire at the request of Josephine’s aunt, who finds her plans somewhat disconcerted. Then the lover of her youth appears on the scene in his now character of a French officer, and after the usual storm manages to carry off the bride, not, however, be fore, the fact has been discovered, that the aunt is not the aunt, but the mother of Josephine. It is only after Josephine has discarded her trappings of society, and once again assumed the dress of the vivan diere, to do which she escaped from the house, that the Sergeant succeeds in per suading the old lady to consent to the marriage of Josephine to the lover of her youth, and thus the story has the ortho dox ending. Mr. Poyntz plays a funny part as the old lady’s chamberlain very creditably, and Mr. Fooks is remarkably well made up for the polished roue. The other parts are very fairly enacted. Last night the orchestra was largely sup plemented—the piano having been taken by Miss Gates, which allowed her brother to use his violin, raising the number of stringed instruments tc three, the flute also being added to the orchestra, as well as a drum, triangles, etc., and we are told that shortly the band will include a violin cello. The incidental songs were accom panied efficiently by the orchestra last night, and altogether there was an im provement in the music. “ Nan, the Goo-for-Nothing,” concluded the perform ance, which would no doubt have been largely attended but for the very disagree able weather. The Plains Water Supply Scheme.— At a meeting of the County Council to-day there was a good attendance of members, only Mr. Grigg and Mr. Bullock being absent. On the motion of Mr. Wright, the Council went into committee to con sider what plan the Council should recom mend to the ratepayers for the supply of water to the Rakaia and Ashburton plains. After two hours’ discussion no plan was agreed on, but the Engineer was in structed to arrange with the proprietors for the necessary land to construct a con crete channel for one mile from the Pud ding Hill dam, and to get the channel constructed by day work, to ensure proper material and workmanship. Also to con struct a mile of a plough and scoop chan nel beyond the concrete. It was an nounced that colonial-made earthenware pipes could now be obtained much cheaper than when the estimate of their cost was last laid before the public—the reduction being sufficient to cause a saving of at least L6,0Q0 on the proposed work. It was shown that there would be no saving in substituting open concrete channels, but several members advocated the trial of open plough channels. The Engineer was instructed to furnish the Council with the measurements of water taken into his mill race by the late Mr. Reid, and of the quantity taken from the JKowai for the MaJvern waterworks. Mr. Cameron gave notice of motion for next ordinary meet ing that the pound by-laws be altered so as to prevent extortion by pound-keepei’s for feeding and delivering charges, which he complained was now largely practiced.

Extensive Sale. —Mr. T. Bullock an nounces an extensive clearing sale of tim ber, firewood, and miscellaneous goods, to be held to-morrow, particulars of which ap pear elsewhere. L.O.L. —At the meeting of the Orange Lodge, Star of Ashburton, No. 23, in the Templar Hall last night, Mr. Minnis was installed in the chair, and Mr. Ben nets in the vice-chair. The past-master, Mr. St. Hill, was presented with a hand some jewel in token of the esteem in which he is held by his brother Orange men, and after a convivial meeting, the Lodge closed in due form. There was a great gathering of visiting members pre sent, the Lodge room being full. The Star of Ashburton has now a membership of over sixty. The Magistracy. —Mv Warden Strat ford, the gentleman who. was to replace Mr Guinness as R.M., has been ordered to Greymouth, where Mr Mackay now sits. Whether this will affect the situa tion as regards Mr Guinness has not tran spired. The Otago Daily Times of this morning speaks of the following changes as about to happen—Mr Beetham removes from Timaru to Wellington ;.,Mr Mellish from Christchurch to Timaru, his place being supplied by Mr Whitefoord, from Kaiapoi, the latter place being the future location of Mr Beswick, now of Lyttelton. Mr I. N. Watt, Dunedin, goes to Oarnaru Mr Wood to Invercargill, and Messrs Parker and M'Culloch retire.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

Per Reuter’s Agency. Europe Down on the Turk. London, October 7.

Public feeling throughout'Europe is in dignant at the proposals of the Porte for the settlement of the Montenegrin and Greek questions, and the Continental press generally expresses extreme disap proval of the same. The French journals urge prompt action against Turkey to se cure a settlement of the diffieidties. The Great Powers, however, are awaiting pro posals from England before taking any steps. In some quarters the blockade of the Turkish ports is suggested as a means ef coercion towards the Porte. The Czar’s Yacht. The Czar’s new steamer Lividia has sailed from Glasgow for Russia. In View of Possible Trouble. In view of the state of affairs in Ireland the barracks in the various towns in the West of Ireland are being prepared to re ceive further complements of troops from England. Floods in the Midland Counties. Owing to heavy rain and storms serious floods have occurred in the Midland Counties of England.

AUSTRALIAN

(Per Reuter's Agency.) An Overdone Rush. Sydney, Oct. 7. The Bermagni rush i 3 now said to be overdone. The Elections. It is currently reported that the gene ral elections are fixed for the end of the month. 1 ' • • Sailed. Sailed—Australia, for San Francisco, via Auckland, with the Homeward English mails.

NEW ZEALAND

(Per Press Association. ) i The Auckland Tragedy. Auckland, Oct. 7.

Gibson Woolcott, the boy who was in jured by the New Hebrides murderer, is progressing favorably.

The Rev. W. Fletcher, B. A., late Wes leyan missionary in Fiji, accompanied by the Rev. W. Wallis, paid a visit this morning to the Fijian murderer, who lies sentenced to death. They found the crimi nal in a state of ignorance in regard to the spiritual state, and regardless of future consequences. Mr. Fletcher repeats his visit to-morrow. A gentleman in Auck land acquainted with the tribe to which Joe belongs, says that probably more out rages on traders will take place when the news of his execution reaches them, Collapse. At the annual meeting of the Auckland Laborers Mutual Aid Society’', the report showed that the members roll had dwindled from ninety to nine. A resolu tion was carried to dissolve the society’, and divide the funds. A Tumble. A child, aged five years, fell over the cliff at St. Barnabas’ Point, and was picked up insensible, suffering concussion of the brain. It is believed that the child will recover. Every Confidence. Wanganui, Oct. 7. At a general meeting of the Wanganui Jockey Club, it was unanimously’ resolved to retain the services of Mr. Hately as handicapper, and not to join the other colonial clubs in appointing one handi capper for tlie colony. Mr. Hately’s ability and uprightness were warmly eulogised by speakers at the meeting. Fire. Wellington, Oct. 7. A cottage in Majoribank street, in the occupation of Neal Hindeloff, was de stroyed by fire this morning. The origin of the fire is supposed to be a spark from the grate. The building is insured in some office. Drowned. During the passage of the steamer Tui, from Kaikoura, a man named Whittington fell overboard and was drowned. Whit tington leaves a wife' and a large family, who are in Wellington. A short time ago Whittington was burnt out at Kaikoura. It is not known how t tlie deceased fell overboard. Appointment. Judge Fenton has been appointed Chief judge of the Native Land Court. Important Testimony. Westport, Oct. ,7. The engineer of the Charles Edward, a man of twenty years’ New Zealand ex perience,, reports that the Westport is the best coal for steaming purposes that he has ever used in the colony.

Harbor Matters

Timaru, Oct. 7.

At the ; Timaru Harbor Board meeting to-day it was resolved, by four to three votes, to reduce the. salaries of the officers by ten per cent, although the Board will have nearly L 60,000 of the original grant •of LIOOjOOO in hand after the completion of the present contract, when the work '.will have been extended about 800 ft. The Board also resolved to construct some 60ft' of the nekt section by day labor,' as an experiment. It is now estimated that instead of the whole' work costing L 160,000, as stated by the Royal Commis sioners, it will be done for less than LIOO,OOO, leaving a balance in hand to go on with other improvements and exten sions. There is r.ow 24ft.'at low water at the outer end. The tender of Mr. C. Yv T . Turner of Christchurch, for 2,000 tons of cement at L 4 15s. lOd. per ton was ' ac cepted. Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach tendered at Id. per ton higher. Education. Dunedin, Oct. 7. Retui’ns for the quarter ending Friday last show that there are 151 schools under the Otago Education Board, employing 336 male and 172 female teachers. There were 18,240 children on the rolls at the beginning of the quarter, and 19,228 at the end. The average attendance during the quarter was 15,539, an increase of 214 over tlie previous quarter, and 2,138 over the corresponding quarter of last year. More Grumbling. Invercargill, Oct. 8. An agitation is afloat among the local sawmillers against the unfair action of the railway department in carrying round logs to the Dunedin sawmillers by string measurement, by which process only the freight of a square log cut from the tree is paid for slabs large enough to cut into boards, battens, and firewood, and carried gratuitously, at a great loss to the railway revenue and a severe wear and tear to plant. Shipping- Bluff, Oct. 8. Arrived—Ringarooma. She sails to-day for Melbourne.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Friday, October 8. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R-.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.

One inebriate, who had not interviewed his Worship for a long time past, admitted a charge of being drunk and disorderly, and was let off with a fine of 55., and a caution, > J . • : THREATENING TO SHOOT. Heury M'Cuteheon was charged with unlawfully threatening to shoot Samuel Hume. Samuel Hume, sworn, said—l am a ploughman in the employ of Mr. Trevurza, but have been working on Mr. Guiney’s farm, ploughing and harrowing. Henry M £ Cutcheon lives on the farm. On the Gth instant, M £ Cuteheon came along with a stick, and threatened to knock my head off if I did not leave the farm. Defendant told me to clear out, or he would shoot me. Defendant then beat the horses with which I was working at the time. Went to inform Mr. Guiney. On returning to work M £ Cutcheon would not allow me to proceed. Mr. Trevurza'engaged me, and I was working his horses. When I re turned to my work, Mr. Guiney was with me. M'Cutcheon had previously told me to go on with the work. ■ I was afraid to return to work, as I expected defendant would shoot me, and I wish him now to be bound over to keep the peace. By Mr. Crisp—l live near M £ Cutcheon’s farm, in the Wakanui district. Have lived there for the last three months. Defendant lives on the farm, which belongs to Mr. Guiney. Mr. Trevurza sent me there to plough for Mr. Guiney. M'Cutcheon was at home when I first went there. Don’t know what defendant said at that time. He has since told me to stop ploughing there. I did nut stop when told. Have been told more than once to leave off ploughing by M £ Cutcheon. I understand Mrs. M £ Cutcheon is very ill. There has not been much noise made about the house with the horses. The stables are about two or three chains from the house. Was told last Monday to leave the farm.

Samuel Guiney, is my brother-in-law. The property he occupies belongs, to me. Mr. Crisp submitted the title should be produced. His "Worship—When a question of title arises I have no jurisdiction. Mr. Guiney put in his papers, which his Worship did not consider constituted a title, and added that, if a person claimed to possess a title, he could accept the statement ; but, if the other side raised objection, he could not go into the matter.

Witness continued—When M'Cutcheon failed last year, the property’ passed into the hands of the trustee, and subsequently I signed a lease' for the property so as to give defendant a home. The rent had not been paid, and having signed the lease I was liable for the amount.

His Worship remarked that the question of title was evidently’ the cause of the alleged assault, and hence he must dismiss the case, but without costs.

Wakanui Road Board.

Tlio ordinary monthly meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, Messrs. Winter, Friedlander, Hunt, Brown, and Earle being present, with Mr. Winter in the chair. The Clerk reported the Bank credit at L 1,750. THE LAND FUND. Mr. Brown moved as follows :—“That the Board having considered the Borough Council’s application for part of the land fund paid by the County Council to tlie Road Boards, is of opinion that the Borough is not entitled to any part of the money, and that the Mayor be requested to refund the money to the Board.” He referred to the opinion of the County Council that had been expressed at a re cent meeting of that body, that neither the Borough nor the Board was entitled to the money, as the funds were purely County revenue, and the County Council could do with the money as they choose. The Board had thus no right to give it away’. Mr. Friedlander contended that the Board had a right to pay its just debts. Mr. Brown replied that the Council had given L 5,000 to the Borough, and with this sum giveii to it, he could see no claim the township had on the Board.

Mr. Friedlander would prefer that the discussion should be held over till he ob tained, the papers. The L 5,000 voted by the Council to the Borough was a special vote for a special purpose, and had no re lation whatever to the land fund. Mr. Winter seconded Mr. Brown’s reso lution pro forma. Mr. -Hunt said the matter would be settled- by the County, who would more likely’ make, the Board pay the money, either .directly or by keeping back what was y’et to come. The records of the Board would show that the accounts had been adjusted before the division of this Board from the Ashburton Board, and they were bound to carry out the agree ment that was come to then. Mr. Friedlander said the question was like one that would arise between two partners in a business, who had dissolved partnership—one refusing a share of the assets to the other. The Council ought not to be deprived of its share through the wrongful holding back by the Govern ment of the land fund. If it was due then it was due now. Mr. Friedlander read a letter from the Ashburton Board on the subject. Two payments had already been made on account of this share by the old Board. He also read a minute of the Board on the subject. He could as sure the Board the L 5,000 had nothing to do with the land fund, being a special grant for water supply, and with this grant the Board could only deal with the County’s consent. Mr. Brown read the remarks of the County Chairman on the subject. Mr. Earle questioned the accuracy of the Chairman on this subject, and referred to the letter read. Mr. Friedlander read minutes of the Public Accounts Committee on the subject of the land fund that had been im pounded. The minutes proved that the money had to be paid to the “ local bodies interested.” The whole question re solved itself into—who were those local bodies. He also quoted the opinion of Mr. Saunders on the matter, to the effect that had Government paid the money’ at the proper time the Board’s claim would have been recognised.

Messrs. Wright and Coster were of the same opinion. It was only theLongbeach Board that had tried to evade payment of the money to the Borough. Mr. Brown questioned the legality of the payment altogether, as he believed the Board had no power over the money. Mr. Friedlander said the Borough did not claim as a Borough Council, but as a part of the old Ashburton Road Board. He moved the following amendment : “That the matter be deferred for con sideration until after the next meeting of the County Council.” The Chairman had all along believed the money was due to the Borough. Mr. Hunt, having seconded the amend ment, it was put and carried. CORRESPONDENCE. A petition for the formation of the road from Mr. Bruce’s farm to the Boundary Road was read. The Surveyor said the length of the road desired would be about three miles, more or less. It was decided to form the road, and cadi for tenders for the work, to be opened at next meeting. The Minister of Public Works sent a memorandum, referring to the alteration in the Public Works Act re stoppage of roads.

A petition to form the footpath on the Wakanui Road to the belt was referred to tlie Borough Council. A letter from the County Council inti mated that body’s declinature to remit the charge made on the Board for the preparation of the rate roll, as the Board was not precluded from striking a rate as liad been stated. It was resolved to pay the money. ■ Messrs. Hodder and Co. wrote, asking payment of an amount due to J. Quigley, before the latter’s bankruptcy, and enclos ing certain declarations. The sum in question was £4l ss. lOd. Mr. Friedlander said that, unless an order were accepted by the person on whom it was drawn, it was not binding. Mr. Hunt did not know that Quigley’s trustees would not come on them for the money if they paid Hodder. The matter was referred to the solicitors for an opinion. Liberty to run pipes under certain roads was granted to several ratepayers, under the usual conditions. It was resolved to form Innis’s road to the creek from Stanley’s road, and to clear the tussocks on certain other roads where such work was necessary. RATES COLLECTED. The Clerk said that the Rate Collector had not reported. He had sent notice to his securities. Mr. Brown moved :—“That the minute book, and all papers relating to Mr. Wilkie’s contract, be laid before Messrs. Branson and Purnell, for their advice,” in order that the contract be terminated, and that the Chairman be requested to act in accordance with the solicitors’ advice. Mr. Earle seconded the motion, which was carried. TENDERS. Tenders for the works that have been advertised were opened. Those for main taining the roads were mostly informal, no sureties having been provided, and it was resolved to communicate with the tenderers, tlie lowest tender to be accepted conditionally on satisfactory sureties being found. The following were the other tenders accepted :—No. 26—Griffin, 2s 8d per chain ; No. 27 —T. Greenaway, 3s per chain ; No. 28—T. Greenaway, 10s per yard. It was resolved that the Surveyor be empowered to employ a man to stack shingle. surveyor’s report. Mr. Fooks read his report on work in progress and completed, which was ap proved. THE RATE. The Board then considered the desir ableness of striking a rate for the year. Mr. Brown proposed—“ That a rate of 9d in the £ be struck for the financial year ending December 31st, 1880, and that a special meeting of the Board be held on the 23rd inst. to confirm this resolution. JOHN BLACK’S CLAIM. The request of John Black for consider ation on account of loss sustained in con nection with his contract for making Deadly and Butterick’s drain, owing to the unexpected toughness of the subsoil, which had hindered the work, and des troyed his ploughs and scoops, was con sidered. He estimated his loss at L 220. It was resolved that Mr. Black’s request could not be entertained.

Mount Somers Road Board.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board was held at the office, Mount Somers, on Monday last. Present — Messrs. A. S. Peache (chairman), I. E. Taylor, and Duncan Cameron.

CORRESPONDENCE. The following correspondence was read : From Mr. W. Gerard, with reference to the Black Mountain track, and urging upon the Board the necessity of repairing it before November.

From the Chief Surveyor, relative to gravel reserves in the district, and also with reference to the Black Mountain track, consenting to adopt any route that the Board’s Surveyor may lay out. It was resolved to have the necessary repairs done, at once.

From Mr. J. S. Bruce, enclosing ac count for preparing plans, &c., of stable, and also for amount of premium for insur aiice on Road Board offices. The Board decided to pay the latter account, but the Clerk was direced to apply to Mr. Bruce for air explanation regarding the former one, which was contracted in 1879. From Mr. N. H. Macfarlane, manager for Messrs. Campbell Bros., requesting the Board to obtain the co-operation of the Mount Peel Board in making a road from Mesopotamia to the east side of Turn-again Point. The Clerk was in structed to reply that, as the point in question is below the boundary of the Mount Somers district, they must decline to act in the matter.

From the Upper Ashburton Road Board re metalling Boundary Road near A. Thompson’s, and informing the Board that it is the intention of the Mount Hutt Road Board to metal that portion of the road passing through their district. From tho same, with reference to the road from Twentyman’s corner to Lag mohr.

From the Manager of the Union Bank of Australia, Ashburton, with reference to the Board’s fixed deposit account. From the Under Secretary for Public Works, drawing attention to section 2, sub-sections 1,4, 5, and 6, of the Public Works Act, 1880, with reference to the stoppage, exchange, or sale of roads, whereby a considerable saving can be effected.

From the Standard Insurance Company, re the fidelity bond of the late clerk to the Board. The Clerk was instructed to re ply that it was not the intention of the Board to renew it. From the Mount Hutt Road Board en closing cheque for L 122 9s. 2d., being half the cost of the Boundary road. THE DIVISION OF THE DISTRICT. It was resolved —“ That the Mount Somers Road Board strongly protest against the proposed separation of the southern portion of the district, on the ground that such separation is wholly un necessary, and would only add to the pub lic expenditure, the residents in that portion of the district having always been treated on an equal footing with those in any other part of the district.” The Clerk was instructed to send a copy of the above resolution to the Colonial Secretary, and informing him that a counter-petition will be forwarded as soon as the necessary signatures can be ob tained. surveyor’s report. The Surveyor’s report was read and considered. With reference to Hewson’s road, it was decided to apply to Mr. J. H. Aitken, requesting him to give Mr. Hewson access to his hush through his section. It was further decided to re form and metal that part of the road from Stevens’ store to the eastern boundary of Syrae’s section ; to make cuttings on Morris’ road ; to re-form and re-metal Alford Forest road, 40 chains; make cuttings, North Hinds road ; and also to form and metal about 200 chains of Cameron’s road, from Devery’s to the western end of metalling done by Y. Soland, conditionally upon the proposed change being completed satisfactorily. EXTENSION OF TIMS. P. Shearer requested the Board to grant him an extension of time for his contract on Gorse Fence road. Granted. COMPENSATION. Messrs. Petersen and Shexffierd re quested the Board to allow them some compensation for detention on their con tract for Hewson’s road foot bridge. The Board could not entertain the claim, as every effort had been made to prevent delay. THE BOARD AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL. With reference to the accounts from the Ashburton County Council, it was re solved—“ 1. That the amount for half the cost of the approach to Taylor’s stream bridge, and also half the cost of compen sation made for land taken from Y. Rouse, be paid. 2. That the amount for half the cost of Pudding Hill bridge, les3 interest charged, he paid. 3. That the amount for half the cost of Hood’s crossing bridge, less interest, and half the amount of alleged omission in Butt’s tender, 'he paid. 4. That the Clerk be directed to apply to the Council for an amended ac count for interest charged on the two last named bridges, and to explain to the Council that the Board do not consider themselves liable for the error made by Butt, and therefore decline to pay half the amount.” MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. Hugh Smith, manager for Mr. Morrow, waited upon the Board and re quested them to form 80 chains of the road from Boyd’s house to the corner of the fence near Mr. Morrow’s new house. To he reported upon. The Surveyor was directed to report upon the roacl from Anama to Yaletta. The Clerk was directed to write to the Mount Hutt Board, requesting them to restore the natural embankment across the West Coast road, near the boundary, as its removal has already caused con siderable damage to the formation and metalling in the Mount Somers district.

TENDERS were opened, and one accepted, for each of the following works : —No. 25, Rey nolds road —John Boyle, L 145 17s. Id.; No. 26, McFarlane’s cutting—A. McFar ane, LBS ; No. 27, West Coast road—W. Fergus, L 97. Mr. Cookson’s tender as valuer for 1881 was accepted, at LSO.

ACCOUNTS amounting to L 4,087 7s. 7d. having been passed for payment, the Board adjourned.

Phrenology. -—A brother of the Good Templar Order is to give a lecture on phrenology at the open meeting on Satur day night. S e is well up in the subject, and we know his lecture will -be worth hearing. Some of the leading “heads” of the order will be operated on for illus tration.

THE STORY-TELLER.

THE DISRUPTION A TALE OF TRYING TIMES.

CHAPTER XXVlll— continued.

“ I jist mean, then, that when ye got a slump o’ siller frae Stiffriggs and your auntie, it was nae business o’ mine, and ye had a richt to keep your thoom on it if ye thoebt proper. But when ye got it pickit out o’ your neither played fair to yourseF nor your freends, to mak’ a secret o’ the matter.” Here Robin detailed minutely the manner in which the money came into his possession, and went on to say— “Ye see, Mr. Jimes, it’s mair by chance than gude guiding that your siller wasna clean lost; and if never hilt nor hair o’t had been seen or heard l tell o’, wha wad ha’e been to blame but yoursel’, I wonder?” y “ But why did you keep me in tor ture about it from Saturday night till . this time ? ”

“Just as I said afore, to gi’e yea f bite o’ your ain bridle. I thocht ye j : wad be the better o’ a fricht, to make ye franker for the time to come.. But . fegs, sir, I ha’e maist got my neck intii a kinch for my pains.” “ You see, Robert, the evil of follow ing a bad example.” “Ay, Jimes, ye may weel say that. It’s a black business. It has made you a suspeckit character, and me be thocht ” as bad as Deacon Brodie.” “ Who says I am a suspected charac ter?” v ' “ I say’t. That’s plain eneuch, I’m shure. Hoo can ye be onything else after ye’ve been kent to lose a hunder • pound in some secret manner, and after ye’ve been seen herding in a hiddling way wi’ thief-catchers? (Fegs,- y Jimes, ye may be thankfu’ that ye’re - only suspeckit, and no just set plump down for a black sheep and huntit like me?” . . . - “Ay! how do you come to, be treated in that manner ? ” “ Ou, partly for the tup business, and partly for this ill-faur’d affair o’ yours. Ye see Dr. Snapperdudgeon has gotten M‘Cheatrie the lawyer and some o’ the bagle tribe hounded after _ me. Hoo they fund oot my lodgings,.,, it’s unpossible to say; but they cam tliis forenoon when I was awa’ at:; Habbie’s Howe wi’ Jean Broun, and? rummaging through the hoo.se for .a hair to mak’ a tether o’ ; and fegs, sir,*; , they got their haunds on your pocket book, lying toom among my claes.” fc V “ That was surely no great matter.’ They could make nothing against you out of that circumstance surely ? ” r | “ Could they no ! I’ll tell you what they made. It’s thocht it seems (at least Saunders Drouthythrapple says sae) that I’ve rubbit ye, and ta’en yer life to the bargain, or tryT to tak' it. What think ye o’ that ? ” ~ “Why I just think you need give ~; yourself no concern about so ridiculous a suspicion. But how did you happen' to empty the pocket-book, and leave it behind you ? ” “Just for the gude reason that made Mother Meredith (honest body !) fear’d to lay a finger on’t, I riskit to carry the notes wi’ me, but I wasna sic a sumph as to keep, a book in my pouch that it seems a’ the beagles in Embro had had the marks o’, and were hunt- - mg after. And wha was to ken that the Deil had eggit on Dr. Snapperdudgeon again, or that they wad smoke me out in Mrs. Jamphrey’s? But mind ye, Mr. Jimes, I’ve gi’en you the siller^— every penny o’t—and cam wi’t on hVy ain free wull. That’ll shurely clear me • frae the charge o’ thieving, at ony rate.” .'••.* . “Yes, yes, Robert, you’re perfectly) safe ; so you may keep your mind easy and go home to bed when you please.” “To Mrs. Jamphrey’s, div ye mean?” ■ : • - “Surely.” “ Na, fegs ! then, I’ll do nothing o’ the kind. I can ne’er bide there .again withoot some kind o’ subterranean passage up the garret whaur I can jink the beagles ; for they’ll be after nie as lang as Dr. Snapperdudgeon stays in the toun. But I’ll tell you what I’ll do.' ; I’ll awa to Mr. Bacon’s, and dern mysel’ intii some safe hole in yon hoose. o’ his.”

CHAPTER XXIX. Man delights not me, nor woman neither. How weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable Seem to me all the uses of this world !

HAMLET. " ’ ' ' Mr. Bacon was sunk deep into an old leathern settle, smoking unconsci ously and musing, as if dreaming of death and desolation, before the' embers of an- exhausted fire, with his heels on the mantlepiece, when Robin Afleck roused him by beating a panic tune on the outer door. The boy Neddie lay stretched at full length asleep on the kitchen hearth, and slumbered far too soundly to be dis turbed by any alarm short of fire, so Mr. Bacon had to act as porter hinv self. The ambitious philosopher was in a most lugubrious mood; for the scurvy treatment he considered he had Q received from the Queen’s Ministers, and the consequent disappointment of his high-blown hopes of distinction, had sunk deep into his mind. Pie took-no notice of Robin’s extreme excitement, but beckoned him in, and strode back :>£< to his study with the abstracted air of %; a somnambulist. Robin, as soon as he got in, without asking leave, or offering any explanation, chained and locked the door, and barricaded it with all the heavy articles he could lay his hands on. Still this drew no re mark from Mr. Bacon; and it was only when Robin asked if there was any, .. means of fastening the windows, that

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1880. /



s. d. Butter, inferior to best $ lb o 6 to s. 0 d. 8 Eggs, t? dozen 0: 9 to 'p 0 Cheese, prime quality, 1? lb 0 : 6 to r ° 8 Bacon, prime smoked, $ lb 0 : 10 . to I 0 Hams in. cloth, lb : r.v 2 ! to 0 0 Flour in bags, ioolb 13 0 to 0 0 Oatmeal, 25ft 40 to 0 0 Lard, $ lb - 0 7 to 0 0



AUCTION SALES. To-morrow. Quill and Co., at their Mart, Saunders’ Buildings, and Yards adj oining—Landed Property, Horses, Cows, Pigs, Poultry, Produce,Harness, &c. T. Bullock, at'the yards lately occupied by Edmiston, Gundry, and Co.—Miscel laneous Goods,-&e. At 12 sharp. - NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS.;: All orders for insertion of advertise ments must be written legibly on the face of the advertisement. When no order is given the advertisement will be inserted until countermanded, and charged accord ing -