MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close at tlie Chief Post Offices for the following places (subject to the necessary alterations) as under :

The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will be closed at Christ church on April 24, and will be due in London on June 8. SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

Mails close at the Ashburton Post Office, as follows : For Christchurch and North at 10.20 a.m. 4.30 p.m., and 8 p.m., daily. . For Chertsey at 10.20 a.m daily. For Rakaia 10.20 a.m and 4.30 p.m daily. For Dunedin, Tinwald Winslow, Hinds, Coldstream, Kangitata, Orari, Winchester, and Geraldine, at 10.20 a.m, daily. For Temuka. Timaru, and South at 10.20 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily. For Greenstreet, Ashburton Forks, Mount Somers, and Ashburton Gorge on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10.30 a.m For Ashton, Walerton, and Longbeach, at 3.15 p.m. daily. For Wakanui and Scafield, on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30 p.m. W. St. G. Douglas, Postmaster.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). WEDNESDAY, APRIL, 7, 1880.

Mount'Somers Railway. —The Mount Somers line will open for traffic on Thurs day, the Bth inst.

Up.—The Borough Council notifies its intention of suing for all rates unpaid after the Ist May. County Council. —The County Council held their usual monthly meeting to-day, when a large amount of business was done. We will give a full report to morrow.

Horticultural Society. —A meeting of the Horticultural Society was held at Mr. Anstee’s last night, when about a dozen members attended. An excellent paper on the culture of grapes in this dis trict was read by Mr. J. Sealy. _lt con tained information of the practical and useful character that was to be expected from a professional gardener of Mr. Sealy’s standing, and elicited some dis cussion. After Mr. Sealy had been thanked for his paper, it was announced that the one to be read at next meeting would be the production of Mr. Mayo.

Oats. —lt reported recently that 80,000 bushels had been sold at Waimate for Bid. per bushel. This is now denied. 11,000 bushels were sold a few days ago at Is. 3d. Proposed Division of the Longbeach Road District.— A meeting of ratepayers in the Tinwald-'Winslow district is called by Mr. J. R. C. Graham for Monday, the 19th, in Scott’s Hotel, Tinwald, to con sider a petition to the County Council re questing separation from the Longbeach district.

Fire Brigades on Strike. At a meet ing of the Wellington Fire Brigades re lative to the stoppage of the Corporation and Insurance Companies’ subsidies, it was resolved that unless a satisfactory ar rangement be come to the eng ne-stations be locked up after noon on April 12, and the members requested Lot to turn out.

Gored to Death. —ln Auckland on Tuesday a man named William Streeter, a bullock-driver, was gored by a bullock which he was driving with a dog. The latter bit the bullock in the heel, and the animal turned suddenly and gored the man in the abdomen. He was removed to the hospital, where he died. Streeter was well known in the south. The Wallacetown Shooting Case.— It will be remembered that some time ago, a boy named Curtis was shot at the Wallacetown (Southland) railway station, and that the principal witness at the in quest was a lad named Cox. The boy Cox has now been brought up by the police charged with Robert Curtis’ murder, and has been remanded. Resurgam. —The plant of the “ Waka Maori ” has been purchased by Mr. Webbe. Under liis editorship the “Poverty Bay Herald,” which ceased publication during the past few months, will shortly be reissued. A large number of persons voluntarily came forward to assist in resuscitating the “ Herald.”

Black Legs Let In. —At New Ply mouth, Thomas Tait and Fred Earmbs, two men who frequent racecourses with a wheel-of-fortuue, wore brought up before the Magistrate, and charged with having maliciously killed four canaries, the pro perty of Joseph Freeman. After hearing the evidence, which was entirely circum stantial, the prisoners were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with hard labor. Plain Figures. —At the Agricultural and Pastoral Association Committee meet ing on Tuesday, Mr. W. Silcock moved, with the object of promoting honest deal ing, that the Association should pledge itself to support only such tradesmen as marked their goods in plain figures. The motion was not accepted for the reason that the Society could not control its individual members in the direction the mover indicated. But doubtless the hint will be useful to dealers, as a man is always best satisfied with article on which the price is marked in such characters as he can understand,

A Narrow Squeak.— Regarding the break-down of the case against Skedge well, the man who had a very fair show of being sent to prison for an alleged criminal assault on a woman at tilt Wheatsheaf Hotel, the “ Times” says : “ The woman who was the chief witness for the prosecution gave her evidence most clearly and circumstantially, and, though severely cross-examined by the prisoner, did not vary from her previous statements, or make any damaging ad missions. The Judge had summed up and remitted the case to the jury for their verdict, when he noticed that the jury were more than usually animated in their discussion. His Honor asked if any of the jury knew more of the case than the evidence had disclosed. One of the jury men said he did, and upon being sworn proved that the female witness re ferred to had perjured herself in one of her replies to the prisoner. This led to further enquiries by his Honor, the result of which was that a constable proved two other denials of the woman to be equally untrue. Under these circum stances the Crown Prosecutor declined to ask the jury for a verdict.”

Ashburton Fire Brigade.— The usual monthly meeting of the Fire Brigade was held last night, when about a dozen mem bers were present. Captain Wilkie said the state of the finance was as follows ; Cash in bank, L 9 2s. 6d.; County Coun cil grant, LSO ; Borough Council grant, L 2 5; total, LB4 2s. (3d. Balance due Burt and Co., for fire-bell, Ll 7 12s. 4d., thus leaving the amount of L 67 10s. 2d. at the disposal of the Brigade for uniforms, or any other purpose they might agree to expend it on. It was resolved that Burt and Co.’s balance be paid, and several other small accounts were passed. After considerable discussion as to the best method of expending the balance of funds, it was resolved that an order should be sent to Shand, Mason, and Co. for

25 helmets, 1 dozen keys, and a control ling nozzle, and that belts for the brigade be made by some local tradesman. One new member was proposed and one re signed.

THE SUPREME COURT SITTINGS.

[by telegraph.] Wellington, April 7

At the Supreme Court, John Thompson for larceny was sentenced to twelve months.

George Vackerstaff, who stole a letter from the post office at Carterton, was dis charged on his own recognisances, to come up for judgment when called upon. The charge of rape against George Long hurst is now proceeding. Prisoner’s counsel applied for leave to the jury to visit the shed in which it was alleged the offence had been committed. The Judge refused, as it would be incon venient. for himself and counsel to visit the spot, and there would be difficulty in pre venting communication with the jury. However, if later on he found the prisoner would suffer by their not visiting the shed, he would allow the application.

Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

The general committee of the A. and P. Association met on Tuesday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Somerset Hotel. The business was to draw up a report for the Annual General Meeting, and for general business. Present—Messrs. F. Guinness (chairman), J. Carter, J. Hunt, D. Wilson, H. J. Weeks, W. J. Silcock, W. H. Zouch, and G. Jameson (secretary). The minutes of previous meeting having been read and confirmed, the correspon dence from Dr. Irving relative to his

lecture on bees, which he has kindly con sented to deliver in the Town Hall on Tuesday next, was read. Mr. Gundry proposed, and Mr. Carter seconded—“ That the thanks of the Asso ciation be accorded to Dr. Irving for his promised lecture.” The value of bee keeping on a large scale in the district was strongly commended by several gen tlemen.

The committee appointed to get a de vice for a seal had not brought up their report, and it was agreed that Mr. Zouch should submit some devices for considera tion at the next meeting. Messrs J. Carter, C. P. Cox, and W. H. Zouch, were appointed a sub-committe to draw up a report for the annual general meeting. The Secretary informed the meeting that “ Gazettes ” had been received with notifications re property vested in the Association as an incorporate body, viz. : Reserve of 20 acres near Saunders Bros.’ mill, and 25 acres at Tinwald.

The question of holding a show for grain, roots, and poultry was considered. It was decided to let it stand over this year, as notice had not been given in time for farmers to reserve samples of grain. It was recommended that timely notice he given next year. Accounts were passed for payment, and the funds to credit showed about sufficient to meet liabilities. Mr. Zouch was ap pointed auditor. Mr. J. Hunt proposed, and Mr. Weeks seconded that the Secretary obtain a legal opinion as to the power of the Association to borrow money for any specific purpose. Carried. Mr. Silcock moved “ That the Secre tary compile a specimen copy of an ac credited account sales of a consignment of wheat and wool to London market, so that the members might see the actual charges to be paid. The copy to be left for re ference. ” —Carried.

Several of the members took exception to the limited publicity that had been given to the calling of the last committee meeting which had lapsed, only one gentleman attending. It was pointed out that the advertisement had appeared in one paper only, and it was recom mended to advertise in all three local papers.

Mr. Silcock gave notice to move at next meeting—“ That a monthly meeting be held to discuss matters of interest to farmers, giving effect to Rule 15. Also, that in order to prevent the spread of sparrows—clubs be formed throughout the county for their destruction.” Mr. D. Wilson, to move, at next meet ing, that the shows be held in Ashburton.

The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

A Yellow Back Novel Prisoner.

At the Supreme Court, Christchurch, on Monday Henry Russell and John Walsh were indicted, the former for having stolen a cheque for Ll 5 from Frederick Redder, and Walsh for receiv ing the same, knowing it to be stolen. The prisoners, who were undefended, pleaded “not guilty. ” Mr. Duncan having led evidence to prove the case, The prisoner Russell handed up a long statement, which created much amuse ment, particularly the allusions to his weakness for the fair sex, and his inter views with the various dramatis person®, which were detailed with peculiar minute ness, in regular yellow covered novel style, allusions to his devotedness to the fair sex being scattered throughout the document. In the course of it ho com pared his treatment by Detective Neil in the case to that of Mary Queen of Scots. At the close of the reading of the first instalment, the prisoner handed up a number of sheets, which Mr. Bloxam went on to read. These contained a tirade of abuse of Detective Neil. Like Mr. Silas Wagg, the prisoner dropped into poetry, and proceeded to pour out his abuse on Detective Neil.

His Honor said that the prisoner was taking advantage of his position to abuse Detective Neil ; stil], he would not have it said that the prisoner had been deprived of the slightest portion of right to be heard.

The prisoner handed up a number of prose sheets, which Mr. Bloxam proceeded to read. The document, after a romantic description of a night’s repose by the side of the river Avon, where a fearful dream awoke the prisoner, continued for a num ber of pages to abuse Detective Neil. At the conclusion of the document the pri soner once more dropped into poetry of a somewhat peculiar construction, and then went on to describe his peregrinations in search of pretty barmaids. After about three-quarters of an hour of reading, His Honor said that the whole docu ment w r as a pack of irrelevant, idiotic stuff, and that the prisoner was simply taking advantage of the forms of law to bring before the jury a document which was simply an insult to the understanding of the whole of the jury. However, if the prisoner desired it to be read he (the Judge) would not stop it. The prisoner having read several more pages of most incoherent rubbish, con cluded by reminding the jury of the re sponsibility they had taken with their oath.

His Honor then summed up, and after remarking that the defence was one of the most extraordinary compounds of imbecil ity, wild rhapsodies, and portionsbordering on blasphemy, he had ever listened to in his life, proceeded to recapitulate the salient features of the case, and concluded by requesting the jury to dismiss from their minds any feeling of indignation which might be aroused by such an extra ordinary farrago of idiotic nonsense as that put forward by Russell as his de fence, and simply say on the evidence whether they had any doubt that the prisoners were guilty of the offences with which they were charged. The jury, after a short deliberation, re turned a verdict of guilty of larceny from the person against Russell, and of receiv ing against Walsh. *

Twenty-nine previous convictions against both prisoners were also charged, to which they pleaded guilty. The highest sentence recorded against Russell was six months, ane against Walsh seven years. His Honor said that Russell was simply the most impudent vagabond he had ever met in the course of his forty years’ ex perience of courts of justice. He would be sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude. Walsh, though deserving quite as heavy a sentence, was an old man—seventy-one years of age—and he should not give him

a term which would necessitate his passing his last hours in prison. He would be sentenced to penal servitude for five years.

THE GENERAL ELECTION AT HOME.

(By cable from Reuter' 1 s Agency.) London, April 5. The election for Middlesex took place to-day, and resulted in the return of the two former members, Lord George Hamilton and Mr. O. E. Coope. Mr. Herbert Gladstone, a son of the ex- Premier, who contested the election, was defeated.

Mr. Gladstone has been elected for Mid lothian by a large majority. In the elections now proceeding the net Liberal gains are G2. Dublin returns one Home Ruler and one Liberal. The Hon. R. Lowe has been re elected for London University.

The “Times,” in a leading article, states that it has reason to believe that the Ministry will resign before Parliament meets.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY'S CABLEGRAMS.

AUSTR ALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Exhibition Awards

Sydney, April 7. The following further exhibition awards have been announced: —Walton for basils, and Burt, of Dunedin, for refri gerators, both first class. Burt’s refrige rator was also commended. The Education Bill.

In the Legislative Council last night, the Education Bill was passed through Committee.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

1 NTERPRO V I NCI AL.

Attempted Murder. In ve v.cAito ill, April 7. Louis Schmoll was charged at the Police Court with discharging a pistol at his wife Sophia. The pistol burst in SchmoU’s hand, but the bullet inflicted a wound in the forehead of his wife, but not a dangerous one. The attack is attributed to jealousy on the part of the husband, who was remanded for a week. Kicked Out. Four Invercargill riflemen are likely to be expelled from the volunteer force for insubordination at the Review. One never appeared on parade all the time the corps was in Christchurch. Registration. A large number of residential claims have been lodged with the Southland Re gistration Officer. Railway Regulations. The regulation prohibiting engine drivers from making up for lost time between stations, has been revoked. While in force the trains never arrived to time, which caused much dissatisfac tion. Fire. Barnard’s cowshed, burned down at Makerewa, caused a loss of LGO. It was uninsured. Boys were seen near during the day. Preservation Inlet Coal. The steamer Ino arrived yesterday with a cargo of Preservation Inlet co.d, in tended to give a trial on the railway. It is said to be equal to Newcastle.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE ( Rente) V.) Markets. London, April 1. MThree per cent. Consols, 93f ; brandy, lbs. Gd. Afghan. It is announced that Sadi Ali has been appointed sovereign ruler at Candahar under British protection.

AUSTRALIAN.

( Renter's 7 digrams.) Sugar Melbourne , April G. There is a good demand for milling oats. A cargo of Mauritius sugar has been sold at a decline of 15s. for whites and 10s. for yellows. Mauritius advices dated March 24 state that the sugar market is firm, but there is little doing. Tonnage is scarce ; freight, 325. 6d. NewfZealand Oats. New Zealand milling oats are worth 2s. 7d. to 2s. Bd. In consequencs of short supplies there is good enquiry. The Tararua in Trouble. Sailed —Tararua, for New Zealand. She grounded at the entrance to the Yarra, but it is expected she will float off at mid night. King George’s Sound, April G.

The P. and O. Company’s s.s. Siam, with the inward Suez mail, arrived here to - day.

Childrens Parties :—Children’s par ties are quite a feature in our modern entertainments, and a new ribbon dance lias been especially invented for the juveniles. A. ring is suspended from the ceiling to which eight different coloured ribbons are fastened; eight children, boys and girls, hold each an end of one of these ribbons; when the orchestra strike up a tune the dancers go through certain evolu tions which enable them to plait the ribbons. Then a different air isblayed by the band, and the performers go through another figure and the plait inS is undone. The children usually take their own ribbons, and wear dresses to correspond. Flower balls are also a new kind of enter tainment; each child represents some chosen flower ; the dress is covered with the favorite blossom, and the child’s hair is crowned with it. Chinese lanterns are very much used to light up the rooms on these occasions. Some persons think these entertainments a mistake, and fancy they foster vanity and a love of dissipa tion in the infantile breast, declaring bed to be the best place for children of tender years. The late hours seem to present the worst feature of these balls, but, it must be confessed, children run some risk from the danger of overfeeding and the consumption of the indigestible food which is sometimes provided for them by their entertainers.

Assessment Court—Wakanui District.

Saturday, April 3rd

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, Judge.)

Mr. E. G. P. Leach appeared to sus tain the Valuation list, and Mr. H. T. Winter, Chairman, and Mr. C. C. Fooks, Clerk of the Wakanui Road Board, were in attendance.

Mr. Winter objected to the whole roll on the grounds that numerous objections had been sent in, some 110 in number, that several properties had been omitted from the list altogether, that the valua tion in many instances was excessive, and that most of the Christian names of the ratepayers were only described by initials and not in full. The Judge said that as no written objection had been sent in by the Road Board according to the Act, he could not do otherwise than listen to the objections in detail. Certainly the roll would be totally useless unless the Christian names were in full, as the Board could not sue unless they could give full particulars of their claim.

The Rev. W. E. Paige objected to the valuation set against him forLoO onl rood, Wakanui township, on section 4984, on the ground that it was purchased by the church trustees and was church property, and therefore exempt. After some discussion as to what pro perty the assessor intended to assess, it was at last found that he meant to value the parsonage, which was not on section 4954 but on 4904, and instead of being a quarter of an acre was 10 acres, and the valuation was increased from L 66 to LBO, and the quarter acre originally charged was left out altogether. Mr. D. 8. Melvile, per Mr. Shury, objected to his valuation on the ground that he was only charged for 73 acres whereas he held 143, but the price per acre was too high. If the Court would fix the price per acre at what the land was really worth it would not make a great deal of difference to the amount of the rate, but it would assess the land at some thing near its value.

The assessment was then fixed at 140 acres, L3l. Thos. Bullock—No appearance. W. Alexander—No appearance. George Roberts, valued at L 558. Mr. H. T. Winter applied to have his objection heard jointly with Mr. Roberts, as they held the property together. He considered 7s per acre too high a valua tion, the land not being worth more than 4s. rental.

Mr. S. Saunders, sworn, his opinion was tha f - the selling value of the land was not more than £2 per acre, and taking improvements into consideration, L 3. Mr. Robert’s valuation was ultimately reduced from L 550 to L 41.6.

John Harrison, L 137 After a long examination as to the value Mr. Harrison set on his land, he was further questioned as to what his fences and other improve ments were worth, and after endeavoring to explain to the Court that the price per acre he set upon his land also included the fencing, he was informed that, according to his own statement, he had made his property out to be double the value the as sessor had put it down at. It was then pointed out to the judge, that in making this estimate he had taken the selling and not the letting value of the objector’s valuation of his house and fencing ; and his Worship said he thought Mr. Leach’s valuation too low, and would fix the value at Lloo. Upon it being shown that this was about double the price per acre fixed on Mr. Jamieson’s property contiguous to it; the Court allowed the valuation to stand at L 137. D. Ling, valued at LSO for 2 acres and a rood. Reduced to L2O. W. White objected as not being owner of property for which he was rated. As Mr White was understood to own property somewhere in the district, the valuation was sustained. F. Mayo, valuation L 25. Reduced to LIB. Edward Saunders, valuation Ll5O. Re duced to Ll2O. Samuel Saunders, valuation Ll5O. Re duced to Ll2O. J. W. Parker. Reduced to 200 acres, value LSO, and the balance put down to “ Owner.” H. A. Pickford, The Clerk stated that this name was incorrectly stated on the roll as Thomas Pickford. The name was altered, and the assessment reduced from Lo4to Ll 5. H. T. Winter, reduced from LB2O to L4IG. John Moore, who applied to have his name placed on the roll, did not appear. Application refused. James Brown. No appearance. The Clerk to the Board informed the Court that Mr. Brown, being a member of the Board had expected the roll would have been thrown out on the Chairman’s pre liminary objection, and consequently did not attend the Court. The Court ruled that in Mr. Brown’s absence his objection could not be considered. Gideon Scott. No appearance.

The schoolmaster at Greenstreet wrote stating he owned no property in the colony and had received no notice E. A. Field, per S. Saunders, valuation LGO. Reduced to L 43. J. Leggatt, LB3. Reduced to L 53. After this reduction had been made the Chairman of the Board informed the Court that a section of Mr. Leggatt’s had been omitted from the roll, and the as sessment was, after an examination of the map, fixed at LBl. W. B. Denshire per S. Saunders. Re duced from L2lO to L 144. John Brown. Objection dismissed. Chalmer Bros., reduced from L 557 to L 504. Edwin Watkins, whose name appeared in two places on the roll as Edward and Edmund had the necessary alteration made.

A. Dines, Thos. Greenaway, Meredith Wilson, John Williams, F. P. O’Reilly, L. Rattray, H. P. Murray-Aynsley, J. R. Dodson, Thomas Dalton, George Coe, P. Peterson, A. James, W. R. Boyle, Peter Rattray, G. Davidson, Wm. Crooks, Peter Stewart, Bryan Connor, George Lee, and Alfred Herrick, did not appear to sustain their objections, and these were conse quently dismissed. James Wilkie appeared on behalf of the following objectors -David Fitzgerald, L 267, reduced to L 135 ; James Jameson, L 255, reduced to L 136 ; W. J. Sileock, struck out ; G. B. and E. B. Cooper, struck out, James Quigly substituted, and valuation reduced from LOO to LG2 ; Martha Gibson, LG2B, reduced to L3GB ; Colliaon Bros., LIOG, reduced to LGO ;

George Millar, Ll2, reduced to L 5; Thos. Trevurza, L 92, reduced to L4O ; Francis Cass, L 214, reduced to Ll2l ; John O’Grady, L7O, reduced to LSO; Thos. Scott, L 45 reduced to L2O; Murdoch Bruce, L 93, reduced to L 67 ; Thos. Quill, altered to “ Owner; ” Samuel Brown, L 62, altered to L 47 ; David Johnstone, L 169, reduced to LS9 ; Thomas Wilson, L 262, reduced to L 152 ; F. Doherty, altered to “ Owner ; ” G. J. Martin, L2B, reduced to L2O ; George Cole, Lllß, reduced to L 9 4; Thos. Richardson, L7O, reduced to L 45 ; P. Innes, L9O, reduced to L 75 ; James Quigley, altered to “ Owner ; ” George Aston, LSO, reduced to L 45 ; Hugh Smith, LIS ; reduced to L 25 ; B. Hamp ton, L 75, reduced LGB; J. Pearson, altered to Jamos Wilkie ; Thomas Bran kin, Lll3 ; reduced to L7B.

E. G. Wright, LS9S. Mr. Wilkie ap plied to have the name struck off, as Mr. Wright did not own one acre in the Wakanui district. He had held land, but it was all sold. Moreover, the sections charged against Mr. Wright were also charged on the roll against Saunders Bros. The judge scrutinised the roll, and said he would assess Mr. Wright at LllO, and he would be able to recover from somebody the amount of the rates he would have to pay on that amount. Robert Maxwell, L 57, reduced to L4S; S. Scott, objection withdrawn ; F. Le Breton, LI2G, reduced to Llls ; George Fletcher, LllO, reduced to LBB ; David Evans, L 74, reduced to L 4 3; Hay T. Smith, L2OQ, upheld ; Gao. Grice, L 75, reduced to LGB ; C. Hill, Ll2l, reduced to L 96 ; T. Paynter L7B, reduced to L 33; John Black, L3l, reduced to L 2 4; Nicholas Fitzgerald, L 149, reduced to LII7. David Wilson’s name appeared on the roll as owner of 721 acres, but with no value stated against it. Mr. Wilkie here asked his Worship if he was not yet satis fied that the whole roll was a blunder. The instance now before him was of so glaring a nature as to show the utter worthless ness of the roll as a document on which to recover rates. The assessor said the omission was a clerical error, and he would like to know what price Mr. Wilkie would have the land charged at. Mr. Wilkie declined to do work for which Mr. Leach was paid, and said further that Mr. Wilson only occupied 338 acres, the balance of his land being in tenants’ hands ; and as the acreages of the various sections were not set forth in the roll, it would be impossible to correct such an abortion as the valuation list was. , After a deal of discussion, interlinea tions, and erasures, Mr. Wilson was eventually assessed at Ll6O. T. M. Jones’ name was inserted in place of W. J. Silcock’s, and the valuation reduced from L7O to L 45. Thomas Kelly, reduced from L 35 to L 2 2; William Jameson, reduced from L 35 to L2B ; William Brown, reduced from L 75 to LSO ; Proctor Bros., reduced from L 193 to L9O ; James Wilson, re duced from Lsl to L 32 ; John Hardwick, reduced from L 127 to L9l ; Tyson Hodg son, reduced from L 26 to Lll. The Judge then proceeded to initial the alterations, and the Court closed at 6.30 p. m.

Wakanui Assessment Roll.

We cannot congratulate those concerned in the production of the Wakanui valua tion list upon the success of their efforts. One of the gravest wrongs that a farmer can suffer is unduly high rating by the local body to which he contributes ; and should he be rated at double the value of his property, he has, after the roll is officially confirmed, no appeal against such rating. A rate roll to be perfect requires, :Ist, that it should have the names of occupiers in alphabetical order; 2nd, that the Christian and surname should be given in full ; 3rd, that the various pro perties should be equally rated in propor tion to their value, so as to have a uniform value throughout; 4th, that each property should be accurately described by having the number of section or lot and the acre age of each set down against it for the purpose of identification ; and sth, that all houses and improvements should be described on the roll, and the values placed on them separately stated. Not one of the necessary conditions have been complied with in the document which Mr. Guinness passed on Saturday last, and instead of possessing a complete roll of the district, the Hoad Board is saddled with an incubus, the half cost of which they will have to pay to the County Council, and on which we imagine they will have very great difficulty in collecting a rate even if struck. Those who appeared to object to their valuations obtained almost any concessions they liked to ask for, whilst the land of many of those who neglected to attend the Court is rated much above its value, and in some instances large properties are set down against persons to whom they do not belong, and in othei’S persons owning property are omitted altogether. When the County Council first inspected the rolls of the County they at once gave orders that all blanks should be filled up, but those necessary additions were certainly not made to the Wakanui roll. When the various rolls came up before the Assessment Court they were, in most cases, thrown out, and fresh ones' ordered to be made, and Mr. F. G. P. Leach was again appointed valuer without pay, and further time given him to perfect them. This delay does not seem to have enabled him to approach perfection, as the proceedings of the Assessment Court on Saturday have shown; but one of the features most to be regretted is that a j udge who previously, in a cursory exam ination of the roll, threw it out, should now by the strict wording of the Act and the negligence of the Road Board in hav ing omitted to give the required notice of their objection, be compelled to pass a roll very slightly butter than the one pre viously rejected. One other point in con nection with the business is the wholesale manner in which the word “owner"’ is made to stand for the proprietor of land where the assessor had neglected tp make proper inquiries as to the ownership. Altogether, the incapacity of the assessor will be the cause of endless trouble aiid expense in the future collection of rates, as there is hardly a single name on the roll but which bristles with non-suit points if the Board has to take any claims for rates into Court. If the Rating Act confers the necessary power, we trust the County Council will consider the advisable ness of withholding full payment from the assessor for his very incomplete work.

Wednesday, April 7, 1880.1

THE ASHBURTON HERALD



New Advertisements. McSHERRY DRILLS. A SHIPMENT of these celebrated J\ Drills is expected shortly to arrive. They will range in widtn from G feet G inches (12 Hoppers) to 10 feet (17 Hoppers). Orders taken by the undersigned, FREDK. PAYITT, Ashburton, For the SOLE AGENT, JOHN ANDERSON, *5460-2400 Canterbury Foundry. NEW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, HAVE opened those premises situated in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co’s General Store. A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cutter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s. CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a V R NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. TIMARU RACES, Bth and 9th April. ORDINARY Single Fare Tickets issued at all stations between Dunedin and Christchurch to Timaru on 7th, Bth, and 9th April, will be available for return up to 10th April. WM. CONYERS, Commissioner of Railways. Commissioner of Railway’s Office, Dunedin, 31st March, 1880. 280 c R. MOUNT SOMERS BRANCH. THIS Braneh will be OPEN for grain traffic on THURSDAY, Bth inst. Consignment notes and full particulars as to working can be obtained at the Railway Stations, Ashburton and Tin wald. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager's Office, Christchurch, April 7th 1880. 293 c



ASHBURTON DISTRICT AND RESI DENT MAGISTRATE’S COURTS. fJjjHE office of the above Courts will be CLOSED from Monday, April sth, to Thursday, April 9th, during the absence of the officers attending at the sittings of the Supreme Court. By order. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, 281 c Clerk to Courts. ■\TTANTED, TENDERS for CROSS- W PLOUGHING 200 Acres, Gins, deep, 9ins. wide. To be completed in five weeks from acceptance of Tender. Tenders to be sent in before 9th April. FRANK B. PASSMORE, 262 c Sherwood. TENDERS. TTT ANTED —Tenders for THATCH- W ING 110 Stacks of Grain. Tenders addressed to the undersigned, from whom all particulars can be obtained, to be sent in not later that 4 p.m. on THURSDAY Bth April. DONALD M‘LEAN, 275c-693c Lagmohr. TALE. —The Herald publishes a por tion of a readable story ever Even ing. Read it WASTE PAPER for Sale, 3d. perib. at the Herald Office. Apply r arly. 59a



XT 7"ANTED —A BOY YY Farm work. Apply to T. Bullock. 231 c TTTANTED, a strong BOY, accustomed YY to horses, and to be generally useful. Apply Herald Office. 66Gg-253c WANTED, TENDERS for PLOUGH ING 400 acres of stubble land on the Hinds, contract to be complete by July 31. To be ploughed 6 inches deep and 10 inches wide. The contractor to have the use of a sevenstalled stable and house. Tenders to be sent in not later than Saturday, 17th April, at noon, to H. MOFFAT, 285 c Wakanui Mill. A SHOP TO LET. Good Stand. Apply to Everett Bros. & Co., Havelock street. 257 c MONEY TO LEND.—Several sums of money ready for investment at current rates. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Tancred street, Ashburton. 2G3c-684g ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. TATOTICE is hereby given that all 13i Borough RATES NOT PAID by Ist MAY next, will be sued for imme diately after that date. By order, CHARLES BRADDELL, Tovrn Clerk. Borough Council Office, 6th April, 1880. 33-290 c ASHBURT IN BOROUGH COUNCIL. f inENDERS are invited for the ccn- JL struction of CHANNELS from the Mill-race at Mr. Williamson Homestead to the Domain ; also, for an OUTFALL DRAIN on the South-east Town Belt ; and for other EARTHWORKS, FLUM ING, PIPE-LAYING, and CONCRETE WORKS in connection withjthe proposed Water Supply. Plans and specifications may be seen at the Borough Council Offices, and tenders, accompanied by a Deposit of £5, to be delivered, on or before Four o’clock on SATURDAY Afternoon, April 10, at the Town Clerk’s Office. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. FOOKS & SON, G9sg —2Bßc Borough Engineers. ASHBURTON STEEPLECHASE MEETING. AT the request of several gentlemen, I hereby convene a meeting on SATURDAY EVENING, at 8 p.m., at Quill’s Hotel, to consider the advisability of holding the usual Autumn Steeple chases. JAMES WILKIE, Hon. Sec. Ashburton 691g-289c Racing Club. NOTICE. MEETING AT WATERTON. A, MEETING will be held in the Library, Waterton, on FRIDAY, April 9th, to take steps for the promotion of a fund to assist the widow of the late James Cairns. 286 c W. MUNROE. ~ NOTICE. IN consequence of Benjamin Ede re tiring from the Butchering business, all ACCOUNTS owing to him must be paid to Messrs. Poyntz and Co., before the 30th APRIL, and their receipt will he a sufficient discharge. 291 c BENJAMIN EDE. TINWALD—WINSLOW ROAD DIS TRICT. A MEETING of RATEPAYERS in this District will be held on MON DAY, the 19th instant, 2 o’clock p.m., at Scott’s Hotel, Tinwald, for the purpose of considering a petition to the County Council, requesting separation from the Longbeach District. 292 c J. R. C. GRAHAM. ASHBURTON GAS, COAL. & COKE COMPANY, LIMITED. MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS. TVTOTICE is hereby given that an EX JM TRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of SHAREHOLDERS at the above Company will be held in the Library Hall, Tancred street, on MON DAY, the twelfth day of April next, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Business : To adopt Articles of As sociation, and appoint an auditor or auditors. By order, 2G7c J. WARD. ALL ACCOUNTS against the Amateur Dramatic Club must be tendered to the undersigned before noon TO-MORROW Thursday), APRIL Bth. A GENERAL MEETING of Members of the Club is called for same evening, at he Templar Hall, at 8 p.m. All intending members requested to attend. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, Hon. Sec. 284 c