THE CHURCHES.

SUNDAY AND WEEK NIGHT SER ' VICES AND MEETINGS.

EPISCOPALIAN CHURCH.— Tancred Street, West. ' -Rev. A. WV Hands, Incumbent. V Sunday.

Morning at 11 a.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Afternoon at 2; 30, Sunday School; Bap tismal Service in the Church, at 3. Evening at 6.30, Rev. A. W. Hands. Wednesday. 7 Evening|Service 'at 7 p.m., Rev. A. W. Hands. Choir Practice at 8. Thursday. Confirmation Classes at 6 p.m., and Sun day School Teachers’ Meeting at 7.30. ;■ Country Services —To-Morrow. Greenstreet at 3 p.m., Mr. W. C. Walker. Tinwald at 6.30 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. Longbeach, Mr. Grigg. Elgin, 3 p.m., Mr. J. Ward. RAKAIA PARISH. Rev. W. Hi" Elton, Incumbent. j Sunday. St. Mark’s Church, Rakaia.— Morning at 11, Rev. W. H. Elton. Evening, at 7, Rev. W. H. Elton. St, John’s, Barrhill, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. Chertsey, at 3 p'.rn., Rev. W. H. Elton. Kyle, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. All Saints, Sherwood, 3 p.m., Lay Reader. Communion. —First Sunday in the month v at St. Mark’s. Second Sunday at St. John’s. Fourth Sunday at St. Barns bas. Fifth Sunday at All Saints. ’ Baptism’ in St. Mark’s, and Children’s Service at 3 p.m., second Sunday in the month. V ' Sunday School. St! Mark’s, St. John’s, and Kyle, at 2.30 every Sunday.' Friday. Evensong and Choir Practice at 7.30. — , St. Mark’s. > PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.—Have r lock Street, West. Rev.|A. M Beattie, Minister. ; , Sunday Services. Morning at 11, and Evening at 6.30, in the Church. —Rev. A. M. Beattie. In Ashton School and Waterton Library Hall alternately, at 3 o’clock afternoon —fortnightly—Rev. A. M. Beattie. Sunday School in the Church at 2.30 afternoon.—:Mr. W. Gavin, Superinten dent. i: Tuesday. Finance Committee—First Tuesday of every month, in the Church at 7.30. S. S. Teachers’ Association—Second Tues ’ day of every month, in the Church at 7 7.30. - Wednesday. Pastor’s Bible Class in the Church Vestry—Weekly at 7. Week night Service at B—Rev. A. M. Beattie. , i Thursday. Tinwaxd School— Weekly service at 7.30. Friday. / Choir Practice at 7.30 —Mr. Savage, con ductor ; Mr. A, Stott, organist.

RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. —Town Hall, Rakaia. Rev. B. J.-Westbrooke, Minister. Sunday. Rakaia Town Hall at 11 a.m,—Mr. Sil vester Methven, Road Board Office, at 11 a.m., Rev. B. J. Westbrooke. Alford Forest, Swamp School, at 3 p.m., Rev. B. J. Westbrooke.

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH. —Cameron Street, East. Rev. W. Keall, Pastor. Sunday. Morning, at 11, 1 Mr.'J. E. Buchanan. Evening, at; 6.30, Rev. W. Keall, Com ' munion after the usual service. Sunday - School—Afternoon, at 2.30. COUNTRY SERVICES.

Old Men’s Home—Afternoon, at 3, Mr.' J. E. Buchanan. Willowby—Afternoon, at 3, Mr. J. Ali son. . Tinwald —Evening, at 6.30, Mr. J. Ali son. Seafield Afternoon, at 2.30, Rev. W. Keall; Sunday School at 1.30. Monday. Cameron Street Church—Prayer meeting at eight o’clock. Tuesday. Class Meeting at 7.30. ' Thursday. Class Meeting, at 7 ; Preaching [Service at eight. > Friday. Choir Practice at 7.30., Mr. Weeks, con ductor. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. - —Wills Street, East. Rev. Arthur J. Smith, Pastor. Sunday. Morning School at 10 a.m. Morning Service at 11 a.m., Rev. J. Dumbell. Afternoon School at 2.30 p. m. Evening Service -at 6.30 p.m., Rev. J. Dumbell. U Monday. Ladies’ Class—ln the Church'at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday. . . Divine Service at 7.30 p.m. ' ~ Wednesday. Children’s Singing Class, at 7 p.m., Miss Jowsey, teacher. - Thursday. Class Meeting in Church at 7.30 p.m. Friday. Choir practice at 7.30 p. m. NEWLANDS PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. Sunday. Morning School, 9.30. Divine Service at 11 a.m. and at 6.30, ' Mr. W. Smith and Mr. J. W. Parker. ASHBURTON FORKS. Sunday Afternoon Service at 2.30.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL.— / :■- Burnett Street West. Rev. Father Chervier. Mass at 11 a. m. on. the second. Sunday of every month. Benediction service in the evening of the same day at 6.30.

COMMERCIAL.

Dunedin, Sept. 3. Good sample milling wheat, 4s. 4c!. to 4s. 7d. } fowl’s wheat, 2s. • 6d. to 35.; feed oats, Is. 6d.; milling Is. 7d. to is. Sd.; malt barley, 2s. 96. -to 3s. 3d. ; feed, is; :9c!; to-2s. 6d.; potatoes, L2 55.; grass hay, L2 10s.; oaten hay, L 3 ; medium wheat, 3s. pd. to 45.; "straw, L2 ; bran, L 3 10s. ; pollard, L 4 10s. ; flour, Lio ios. to Li 1 ; oatmeal, Lg 10s.; pearl barley, LiS ; onions, 75. 6d. to Bs.; cheese, Sd, ; bacon, rolled, pci.; hams, sides bacon, B^cl. per lb. (grain fed) ; chaff, L2 15s. ; prime beef, 265. per ioolbs. ; mutton, 2^d.

The Ashburton Herald. AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1880.

A Strike Imminent. —The revised scale of wages submitted, to the railway em ployees is, we understand, giving great dissatisfaction, and a feeling in favor of a general strike seems stronger than ever.

Primitive Methodist Church. —The Rev. Mr. Dumbell, of Timaru, will occupy the pulpit of the Wills street Church to morrow, morning and evening. We understand the rev. gentleman’s visit to Asliburtoh will be in the interests of the foreign mission work of Tie church.

Driving Cattle.— The Town Clerk has intimated to the- Sergeant of Police that the civic authorities have no desire, —at any rate, at present;—to strictly enforce the By-law relating to cattle being driven through the Borough 1 during : day-time ; and the prohibition will. therefore be removed.

Ashsurton Library. —A meeting of the Committee of the -Ashburton Library was held on Thursday evening, when -there were present Messrs. J. Ward (in the chair), .Jacobson, Roberts, Guinness, Young, Gundry, St. G. Douglas, and Shury. The Treasurer reported that there \yas a* credit balance of LI4 in hand.- It was decided to send for a number of new books, and a sub-committee was ap pointed -to draw up a revised list of rules, which will he submitted to the next general meeting of subscribers, to be held on Thursday next, notice of which will appear in due course.

South Rakaia Domain Board. —The Domain Board held its ordinary monthly meeting on Thursday. •. present—Messrs.. 0. N. Mackie (chairman), Robinson, Makeig, and Hardy. Mr. Robinson apologised for the absence of Mr.. Sharp. A letter was received from the Ash burton County Council, stating that the sum of Ll5O had been paid into the Bank to the credit of the Domain Board. Tile - chairman stated that he had applied to the Domain Board at Christchurch for trees, and that his application had been granted. It was re solved to push on the work so as to be able to plant tliis season. The secretary, Mr. A. Makeig, stated that hie had made enquiries about the price of gates, and found that the prices ranged‘from Ll2 to L2O per pair. It was resolved that at pre sent the Board is not in a position to in cur this expense. It was resolved that the front boundary fence of the Domain, and the erection of a gate be left to the Works Committee. It was resolved to procure mixed gum and wattle seed suffiU cient to sow half a chain in width all round the Domain. The Works Com mittee reported that J. G. Cox had com pleted his contract for ploughing' very satisfactorily. Accounts to the amount of L 24 3 4s. 3d., were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned. Elgin School. —The September meet ing of the Elgin School Committee was ; held on Wednesday evening last in the schoolhouse. Present—Messrs. J. Stanley Bruce (chairman), P. Innes. S. Scott, T. Greenaway, and J. Cochrane. The 'minutes of the last meeting, held on- the 6th ultimo, were read and confirmed. •The chairman stated that since the last meeting he had'received an application from the master, asking that. his. kitchen garden might be enlarged,, and which he recommended the Committee to. grant, subject to the Board of Education aanc . tioning the expenditure. He also recom -mended the trimming ,of the gorse fence, round the school site, and that, a letter-box and a set of pigeon-holes be provided' for the post office,, by subscription. The Committee requested the chaiiman to write to the Board of Education to apply for funds for the necessary cost-of the fencing required to enlarge the school garden, and further to disburse the out standing accounts for school books, etc. The Committee also desired the Chairman to see Messrs. Sealy Bros;, and request them to carry out their contract of plant ing the school site at once. The corres pondence was next read, and accounts Were passed to the amount of Ll 3 7s. 6d., after which the Committee adjourned to Wednesday, the 6th October.

Ashburton Cricket Club. —A meet ing of the Cricket Club was held last evening, in the County Council Chambers. There was a fair attendance of members, and Mr. G. W. Andrews was voted to. the chair, who briefly ex plained the object for which the meeting had been called—namely, that of electing a Match Committee. The Chairman also referred to the work which had been done recently for the Club. The ground had been sown and rolled, and the pavilion painted. The following gentlemen, along with the, Captain (Mr. G. W. Andrews) and Secretary (Mr. A. Fooks), were then elected a Match Committee :—Messrs. Westenra, Main waring, Dodder, and Strangman—three to form a quorum. After a long discussion, and a number of motions on the subject had been put and lost, it was decided that the colors of the Club should be a white cap with-piping. The Treasurer . (Mr. Douglas) reported that there was a balance of about Ll 3 to the credit of the Club, a piece of intelli gence which was highly appreciated by the meeting. However, there are a con siderable number of subscriptions yet to come in, and as the Club will have to incur expenses to no inconsiderable amount in the purchase of material, &c., it is to be hoped the amounts due will soon be handed over to the Treasurer. We hear it is very probable that one of the first matches of the season will be against an eleven of ,the Dramatic Club, the latter appearing ,in costume. The present enthusiasta of the cricketing fra ternity in Ashburton augurs well for a most successful season.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Friday, September 3.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) £lO DAMAGES.

Cameron v. Boyle.—Claim LlO for damages sustained by plaintiff, in alleged injury done to his sheep by the action of defendant. This was another case that arose out of the Cameron v. Boyle and Boyle v. Cameron cases of last Tuesday. Evidence was taken at some length, simi lar to that already given, but bearing directly upon the injury done to the’plain tiff’s sheep by defendant’s dogs, the flocks having been furiously driven about. Mr.

Donald Oliver, sheep manager, Wester field, as an expert, deponed that ewes heavy in lamb might suffer very seriously if over driven, and .compelled by an attack by dogs to run violently about. Tbe ewes may miscarry or they may die, but any how they would suffer, though it would be . difficult to define the amount of damage that may be done. His Worship was satisfied defendant had done a- wrong thing, but he would reserve judgment till Tuesday. ; ,.. •...

Saturday, September 4. cc YORKEY’s ” PLAYFULNESS PUNISHED. .. Robert Hodgson,..known as, “ Yorkey,” was charged on a warrant with stealing a coat, on the 3rd September, the property of John’ Harris, night, porter at the Somerset Hotel. .David Smart, constable, . sworn, said that he went with the search warrant (produced) to Hodgson’s house yesterday morning, l and read the warrant to him. He said “ you are quite welcome to search my place.” Searched' - the bedroom and then the outer room; - A Coat was. Hang ing up behind the door, which Harris, who was With witness, identified as liisi •Hodgson said “ Oh, I suppose I took it for a lark. ” Then, locked the prisoner, up. He was not sober. This was at 12.30 p.m. ' 7 John -Harris, night porter at the Somer set Hotel, sworn, said—The. - coat pro duced is mine. I left it in the front room of the hotel, next the bar, yesterday morning, on a chair, and last saw it about .twenty minutes - past seven. About, five minutes afterwards, went into, the room and missed the coat,-, Never gave Hodg son nor any one else permission to take it, The coat is worth 20.5, now,- but cost a lot more when new.

By prisoner—No ; I never saw you take it, and did not see you or any ope . else about tbe hotolv - Reported the loss to Mr. Shearman, and went:, with Constable Smart to Hodgson’s house, and saw the coat behind the door. When the door was open, it concealed the coat. R. W. Shearman, proprietor Somerset Hotel, sworn —The -last witness is in my employ. About half-past seven yesterday morning, he reported missing his coat. Told him it was on a chair in the front room, as I saw it there'hanging over the back of a chair, and;’partly on the seat, when Hodgson, Mr;Cotton, and another man came in for a drink of beer. No one else came in but these three yesterday .morning.’- Never - gave'Hodgson or' any one else permission Rr'take the coat. Re member on a previous occasion detecting Hodgson going away with an overcoat. He was putting it oii at the time. Asked him what he was doing with the coat. He said he was taking it-for a lark. He does not frequent my .house much. He was not in more than three or four minutes.

By prisoner—The coat was not lying on the floor. It was folded up lying on a chaii\ J.t was not in. your way, or any one else’s. .- - - •

Prisoner, in defence, said he and the others with him were very drunk. In fact,, just blind drunk. They could just see one another, that was all. Did not remember anything about the coat. He had had some beer at- the hotel, and a lot of whisky on the- top of it. He must have been very tight; ■ Must have’ taken the coat for a lark. : " 1 . ■

R. W. Shearman, recalled by the Bench —Hodgson only had ’ one glass in my house, and was quite sober. The police said that accused , had been a great drunkard,.!.,and several previous convictions on different chai’ges had been entered against him. His Worship characterised the offence as a most impudent and barefaced robbery, and sentenced the accused to six months’ imprisonment with hard, labor.

Ashburton Racing Club

A public meeting of those interested in rabing-mattW was Held in Quill’s Hotel yesterday afternoon. ' There was a good attendance of the public, and the Mayor occupied tile chair. ' : ; After some routine business, the Hon. Secretary;' Mr. James Wilkie, read the annual report of the-- Committee as fol lows

We-have to report that the past season, although not altogether ; a ' success financially, has been more than equal to the events of pre vious years. The Club paid away a sum of L3OO ss. in added money, and have also spent Ll 5 Bs. 9d. on permanent.improvements on the' course. The Club are at present indebted to the amount of L 22, as per statement in the - Treasurer’s balance sheet. During/the past year the Com mittee have furthered the interests of the Club with respect to the Racecourse as follows : The ground was found tp have..been gazetted as a recreation,-instead of a racecourse, Reserve, and the Committee took action to have the title altered. After considerable correspon dence it Was found that this could not be done except by a private Bill in Parliament, but the General Government offered .to place the ground as a.recreation-reserve in the hands of the County Council. This was done, and the Club then entered into negotiations with the Council, and that body granted the Club, a lease at the rental of Lio per ■ annum, the said ; rent to be considered as .. paid when vouchers were shown, for planting trees to the value of Lio per annum. Subse quently the Secretary again "was instructed to request the member for the district, E. G. Wright, Esq., to endeavor to have the name of the reserve altered, and his reply was un favorable. (Letter read.) The Committee then applied for the'only other concession they could obtain from the Council, viz., a grant from that, body for plantation purposes, .and the sum of LSO was granted, which will of course extinguish five years’, rent, and give the Club an indefeasible title to the course for that term. Acting upon this the Committee have let tenders for ploughing, harrowing, and fencing a belt a chain wide on three sides of the course, with a view of planting gums &c., in October. The County Council’s grant will be nearly absorbed by this work, and as the grant is to be specially de voted towards planting, the Club have no op portunity of devoting the money to other ob jects, however desirable. Tenders will belaid, before you fo-day for leasing the course for cropping, the terms being for one crop of tur nips and ©ne of grain. This will put the ground in sufficiently level condition to lay down in permanent pasture, where, from its contiguity to the new site of the saleyards, it will undoubtedly be of considerable annual value. It will, be advisable to clear, oft the present debts existing against- the Club ; • the amount is about L 22, and. it would perhaps meet the present state of our finances if the new Committee undertook " to' guarantee an overdraft of say LIOO to one of the local banks, so as to meet present liabilities, and provide for contingent expenses until the annual subscriptions are.collected., -It will be neces sary for the meeting to elect fresh officers for the ensuing year.. The Committee would also ask ||the meeting to consider the question of amalgamating the locaTSteeplechase Club with the Racing Club. The programme of last

year will be laid before you and a number of alterations suggested for your approval. As there is a probability of the Grand National Steeplechase meeting being held here , next year, it would be advisable for the Committee to take some action regarding the initi ative- steps in so important , a matter. In resigning our charge into the hands of the meeting, we regret that the depression prevail ing in this County, and in the colony gene rally, has,had a depressing effect upon sporting matters ; but we trust.that our successors will see their way to advance matters in a manner worthy the important district- we reside in, and keep up the reputation which Ashburton has hitherto borne in sporting matters. FOl the Committee, , James Wilkie, Hon. Sec.

Mr. Crisp .desired to add tp the report an expression of the Committee’s acknow ledgement, of the aid received from the County Council members, who had all met the Committee with with the utmost cordiality. . On the motion of Mr. S. Saunders, seconded by Mr. J. Scott, the report was adopted.

Mr. Crisp said - that he and Mr. Wilkie had repeatedly seen the ’members of the County Council, who had done all in their power to help the Committee in the matter of the racecourse title. Messrs. Wason, Wright, and Saunders, M.H.R.’s,, had also done very great service in the matter. He would move a vote of thanks to the County Council and the member for the district-.for the interest thfcy had taken in the Racing Club and the kindness they had shown them.

Mr. Quill seconded, and after the Sec retary liad spoken on the subject, sup porting Mr. Crisp’s remarks, thd motion was carried.

Mr. Cameron moved a vote of thanks to the retiring members of the Committee, who had performed their arduous work in a most satisfactory manner. • Mr. Denshire seconded, and the vote was most unanimously passed.. Mr. C. C. Fooks, Treasurer, read the treasurer’s statement, which showed an available - balance of LI ss. 10s., to meet an indebtedness of L 22.

It was resolved that a guarantee for LSO should be given to the bank to cover ex isting liabilities. Mr. Fooks moved the amalgamation of the Steeplechase Club with the Racing Club, and Mr. Wilkie seconded. On this subject Mr. Crisp expressed an opinion that it was injudicious, in the present state of the money market, to have’an amalgamation. . It. wotild be ex pected of the Racing Club, did this amalgamation take place, that a- steeple chase of importance worthy of the Club should bcgiven six months after the No vember meeting. He saw no means of getting up such a steeplechase meeting as would be worthy of the district) and he therefore opposed the motion—not that he was averse to the amalgamation did the times suit, but because he was averse to having to undertake a steeplechase meet ing in the face of the scarcity of money in the district, which would be sure- to re duce the meeting to a very ordinary affair. He would be willing, however; to aid the Committee in wiping off such deficit as lay against the Steeplechase Club. The motion for amalgamation was with drawn, but it was decided to pay the lia bilities of the Steeplechase Committee., Mr. Quill moved that a two days’ spring meeting be held in -November, which the Mayor seconded.- After some discussion the motion was carried. T ■ / The following officers-of the Club : were then elected President—E. G.. Wright, Esq., M.H.R. ; Vice-Presidents—John Grigg, Esq., and W. C. Walker,■ Esq.; Judge—Mr. M. Stitt; Stewards —Messrs. Duncan Cameron, C. J. Hawdon, E. S. Coster, Neil McLean, Joltil Carter, Rudolf Friedlander, C. DolvJing, Dr. Ross, L. E. Corsbie, James Scott, Win. Saunders, Joseph Hunt, Hay T. Smith ; Treasurer—Mr. C. C. Fooks; Clerk of the Course—Mr. E. Saunders ; Clerk of the Scales^—Mr. E. F. Wright ; Handi cappers—(left open); Starter—Mr. Neill McLean ; Committee Messrs.;: E. .G. Crisp, S. Saunders, Octavius Rigby, Jacobson, Thomas Quill) James Scott, John Carter, F. Standish, W. B. Den shire, Neil Maclean, T. A. Winter, Patton, E. S. Coster, M £ Coll, R. D. Pullar, J. E. Taylor, Julian Jackson, Thomas. Moffatt, A. J. Dawson, and all elected officers ex officio, except Stewards.' Secretary—Mr.- J. Wilkie. The following was added to the racing rules “ That horses walking over will receive only half the stakes” ; and it was decided to hold a Committee meeting on Thursday, to draw up a programme. The time for receiving tenders for .leasing - the racecourse for cropping was extended.

Upper Ashburton Road Board.

The ordinary monthly meeting of this Board, was held on Monday, the 30th ult. ‘ Present—All the members. The overseer’s report was read and works sug gested as being necessary, Were con sidered. The Clerk mentioned that Messrs. Tripp, Hawdon, and Harper, had asked for the straight road from opposite H. Poole’s, Hinds river, to the Rangitata traffic - bridge to - be cleared - of stones, Agreed to. Tenders were -then opened as adver tised, and one in eacli case accepted. CORRESPONDENCE. From A. M £ Donald, giving up garden ground granted by the Board. From R. Little, Hinds Hotel, asking the Board to repair the well on the old coach road, so as to prevent accidents to travellers. The clerk to reply, the well being on Mr. Studhohne’s freehold, the Board is powerless to do anything in the matter.

From Mount Somers Road Board re shingling boundary road near H. Thom son’s.

From the same, requesting this Board to have the stones picked off the road, and a ploughed furrow run on each side be tween south-east corner of section 31CS7 and Maronan Station. The clerk to reply that the Board had as yet received no com plaints from ratepayers in that portion of the district.

From Chavles Shepherd, asking for the use of Gravel Reserve No. 1973, on the Hinds, a 3 a camp for his men and horses while doing Road Board work. Granted. From J. R. Chapman, with his account. The clerk was requested to hand Mr. Chapman a; cheque. From the Ashburton County Council, re proposed road from Digby’s bridge to the Forks. The clerk was requested, to write'asking will the Council defray the expense of the road.

From W. White, asking permission to make a small cutting in front of bake house, north-east Town Belt. Granted.

From J. C. Bell, re Valuation Roll, for 1881. Tenders to be called for the same. Mr. M'Coll impressed on the Board that unless advisable, they ought not to take the lowest tender.

From Charles Remington, asking that the road past his land be shingled. The clerk to call for tenders for the work.

From Wilkin and Carter, asking for certain works on the road leading from Lagmohr road towards Remmington’s to be done. The clerk explained the works required, which were at once agreed to. Tenders to be called. The clerk mentioned that several neces sary works were required—forming and metalling certain roads near Wcsterfield township. Tenders to be called. The clerk was requested-te make out a list of rates in arrears, and to hand the same to Mr. J. C. Bell for collection.

Accounts were then passed, and the Board adjourned.

South Rakaia' Road Board.

The South Eakaia Road Board held its monthly meeting on Thursday. Present —Messrs. C. FT. Mackie (Chairman), Holmes, Allan, Coster, and Lanabie. The Clerk’s report was read and received. The Chairman of the Committee appointed to find work for the local unemployed re ported what had been done in the matter. It was resolved that the timber cut in the plantation be brought into the township, and stacked for sale. CORRESPONDENCE. With reference to the Board’s banking account, a letter was received from the agent of the Bank of Row Zealand at Rakaia, informing the Board that the bank cannot allow interest on current account. It was resolved that the sum of L 1,500 be placed as a fixed deposit for twelve months. From the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Christchurch, in reply to a letter of the Board of the 7th June, with refer ence to the cottages at Sodtown, informing the Board that Ministers approve of the proposals coming from the Board. From the Ashburton County Council, acknowledging the receipt of a cheque for L 23 10s. 7d. From Messrs. Garrick and Cowlishaw, solicitors, in reply to a letter from the Chairman, giving their opinion that the Board cannot legally give any money towards planting the Domain. From Messrs. Branson and Purnell, enclosing an account for fees on certifi cates. The account was ordered to be placed on the pay-sheet. From the Charitable Aid Board, Christ church, in reply to a petition for relief of John Hogan, informing the Board that enquiry had been made into the case, when it was found that the man has a son seventeen years of age, and he must con tribute to his suport. It was l’esolved that the Chairman make application for a width of two and a half chains of the old railway reserve for planting ; also for some sections for gravel reserves, and that the Chairman and Mr. Allan be a committee to have it planted and sown if the application be granted.

It was resolved to offer L 25 14s. in settlement of Lake and Beard’s account. The Clerk was instructed to inspect all the roads in the district, and give notice to all proprietors of lands fronting on the roads -to clear them of gorse to a width of thirteen feet. It was resolved to call for tenders for the formation of Jones’ road, from Somer ton railway station to the river ; also for the formation, of about ninety chains ’of Buckley’s road.

The Board inspected a proof lithograph map of the district, and found some slight alterations necessary.

Mr. Neill M‘Lean wrote, informing the Board that he is about to commence busi ness in the town as a commission ascent, and asking for a portion of their work. The letter was ordered to be acknow ledged.. ■ .•'

Accounts to the amount of L 234 11s. 9d.. were passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

POACHERS ON DANGEROUS GROUND.

To the Editor. Sir, —Most of the press have called the attention of the public to the cases in Dunedin where a number of poor work men, purchasers of land, were defrauded out of their money in consequence of not having obtained legal assistance in their business. Now, it is well within the knowledge of the profession here that an exactly similar state of things exists. The Legislature f has provided means whereby the public may be protected from the unprincipled scoundrels who, for the sake of a few shillings’ illicit gain, have placed a large area of land in this district in such ,a state that it is extremely dangerous to have anything to do with land. The solicitors, to my knowledge, have cases of the kind under their notice at the present moment, and why do they not take means to protect the public ? I should think the last straw has been placed on the camel’s back, and I await with some curiosity to see the formidable fraternity move in their own, if not the public cause. —I am, &c., Justice.

“ AND 50 OTHERS.”

To the Editor.

Sir, —As a ratepayer in this borough, I wish you to give me a short space in your useful journal for a few remarks on the coming election.' Every elector has a' right to know what sort of man asks his suffrage, and has a right, also, to a fair and straight answer to an honest question. I have a question to ask Mr. St. Hill and Mr. Ivess. From the general character and features of the requisitions presented to these gentlemen, I take it that a kin ship exists between them-that, in fact, Messrs. Ivess and St. Hill are running together, and Mr. St. Hill, therefore, ought to be able to answer any question regarding either of those requisitions.' There has been much talk regarding the genuineness of these requisitions, or, at least, the truthfulness of the statement with which . each closes namely, that fifty names were signed to each requisition more than those printed. It is broadly hinted that the line “ and 50 others ” is

an untruth—that the fifty have no exist ence, not even on paper. If it is a fact that fifty ratepayers in addition to those whose,names are printed have signed the requisitions to those gentlemen, then the election is virtually theirs, for the num bers represent nearly 100 votes to each candidate, because there are so many dual votes in the electorate that it is an un likely thing that the majority of any fifty men or sixty men likely to pledge for a borough candidate would be a majority of men holding single votes. If, then, the figure 50 is a fact, and not a falsehood, the gentlemen to whom the votes have been pledged ought, in justice to their rivals— who are gentlemen—to publish the full list, and show to the other candidates how hopeless .is their case. If the names are not published, but instead the suspicion is allowed to remain, then I am entitled, after this challenge, to-believe that the figure 50 is a lie, and that Messrs. St. Hill and Ivess, or, at least, Mr. St: Hill, acting for Mr. Ivess—are trying to influence the ratepayers with a false story,' and to ride into the Council on the wave of a false popularity, and by the ageiicy of a lie. If the names of the fifty are not published, I shall hold that those fifty, if. they do exist, are ashamed of \ heir choice or their choice ashamed of them, or that the worse suspicion is true, that their existence is a miserable and wicked lie told by Ahe candidates, or some one in their',interest, to obtain the votes of honest men who are prepared to take public men at their word, and accept their statements as truth. Waiting an answer from Mr. St. Hill to this challenge,—l am, &c., A Ratepayer, who will vote for Mr. St. Hill if he is Honest.'

CHISPA’S LETTER.

I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.”—Longfellow.

I do like to see men honest enough to alter their opinions when they find them selves in the wrong, and it was a graceful thing on the part of the Bracing Club, who were almost to a man opponents of Mr. E. G. Wright in his election, to acknow ledge his services on behalf of the sport ing interests of the County.

About this time last year there wer e great doings in connection with the annual parade cf stud horses. The only move ment I see in that direction this year is the exhibition of eats’ meat in.the auction rooms at the rate cf a pound a nob.

I hear another change is ~to take place in the personnel of the Magistracy here. In the days when Hellish reigned supreme over wandering cows and in-., elriates, matters legal used to be hurried , through as it done by contract —eighty cases in two hours was about the average ; and the reason why cases were polished off at that rate is, from past experience, to be attributed to the absence of the frater nity whose stock-iu-trade seems to be a copy of “Addison on Torts” and an un limited amount of brass. After Mr. Mel lish’s departure we enjoyed a peaceful week or two with old Daddy Woolcombe as dispenser of the Hew Zealand Consti tution and its manifold surroundings ; and then came, in all his pristine ignorance, our dear departed Le Grand Campbell, and with him the host of legal luminaries now shining in the Borough. I recollect when the father of our present bar made his advent. He had for some months nothing to do—couldn’t, get a case, in flict, and I recommended him to adopt " the same principle as was current ,in ‘another profession (the medicos), and import a ‘ rival. He took my advice. One came, more followed, and poor old Le' Grand was worried'out of Ashburton. He was followed by. our present beak, who, in my opinion, is superior to the quality he is expected to exhibit for the screw he gets, but owing to the attacks of the army of luminaries who can’t, of course, all.ex pect to win their cases, our suave and kindly old stipendiary is to be shelved, and put on a back seat. “Why?”. I asked my informant. ” “Oh ! Joe Beswick is coming as magistrate ” was the reply. I don’t want to say all I think of this.

A man living on his wits has an 'incen tive to smartness. I know a man whose godly addresses on the grace of God that giveth a. knowledge of all good graces— including also, I suppose, the grace of honesty—have been delivered with a rare unction ; and whose prayers at the street corners have been fervent that other men should be as holy and good as he ; and whose hymns of praise have been tuned upon a highly seraphic key. That was when the land craze was on, and when credit was good all round, and when any thing on two legs could borrow ad lib. These piping times are in the near past, but I fear in the very far future—they are that part of history that does not repeat itself every fourth of the month. Well, times have changed with that man, and he now lives upon his wits. They seem to feed him well, however, for lie loses nothing in flesh, and his face is as rubicund, his smile as benign, as though his cheque were a mandate before which even the Colorado beetle must still bow— and part. Old Barney was out of a job, and his last L 5 lay waiting to be used up, without the hope of a fellow rolling up to take its place. He of the wits met Barney, and asked the pleasure of “ taking his life.” The petition at once pointed in what direction the- wits had led the sainted one. “ How can I insure when I am out of a job?” “Insure, and I’ll find you a job.” Hard work suiteth not your “ moral agriculturalist,” and a fort night’s spade work at L2 a week has- no attraction for him. He prefers the culti - vation of morals to that of muscular Christianity, so he sent Barney to a job which the poor Irishman believed would last all summer, but a fortnight saw the end of it, and Barney’s policy brought a commission !! ! Not bad, that. The same “agriculturist ” some days ago had ahorse shod, and to stave off payment, thought to ■ frighten the blacksmith-, by wanting change for a L5-note. The black smith’s purse was longer than the imagin ation of the agriculturist, who had to con.-, fess his innocence of the fiver.

. A dreadful calamity is in prospect for the colony. The praiseworthy efforts of the Civil Service Commissioners in reduc ing all salaries 10 per cent., however pleasing to Parliament, don’t seem to be palatable to those most deeply interested in the amhmetical problem hingeing upon the matter in question.' From the auto cratic Commissioner Conyers, down to

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, SATUggQAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1880.



Miscellaneous. -PI A AAA TO LEND, in sums to suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. E. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-835g . TENDERS. WANTED— TENDERS for PLOUGH ING four or five hundred acres of Tussock Land. Tenders to be sent in by THURSDAY, 9th inst. For par ticulars apply to DONALD McLEAN, 842 c Lagmhor. HOR TICULTURAL SOCIETY. riIHE Monthly MEETING of the above J- will be held at Messrs. Jacobsen and Eyton’s Offices, Burnett street, on TUESDAY, September 7th, at 8 p.m. when Mr.. T. Sealy will read a Paper, being a sequel to “The Pleasures and Benefits of Gardening.” STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 841 c Hon. Sec. STRAYED into my paddock, a Black Draught COLT, with Head-stall on. The owner can have him by paying the advertisement, if taken out at once. Apply, J. TASKER, Butcher, 843 c Trevorton.



KAIAPOI WOOLLEN MANUFACTU R ING COMPANY (LIMITED.) CAPITAL £IOO,OOO IN 4000 SHARES OF £25 EACH. ISSUE OF NEW SHARES. \ Forms of application .for SHARES, with full information, can be obtained of Mr. Weeks, Ashburton i' Guardian Office, by whom application for Shares will be received. Deposit, 20s. per share ; and 50s. per share on allotment. August 23,-1880.



UPPER ASHBURTON ROAD BOARD. TENDERS are invited for the following WORKS : No. 79. MMalling 100 chains Rem mington’s Road. No. 80.—Metalling 100 chains Ben Ede’s Road into Lagmhor Road. No, 81. —Erecting Timber Culvert on Remmington’s Road. No. 82.—-Forming- Roads, Westerfield Township, about. 3 J miles. No. 83.—Re-forming and Metalling l£ ■' - miles of Road near same township. No. 84.—Picking stories off road' from Hinds river to Rangitata traffic bridge. ; No. 85. —Skim ploughing cross road opposite Greenstreet and Metal ling the same. No. 86.—Valuation, of the District under the provisions of the Rating Act, 1876. No. 87. —Formation, 80 chains, more or less, Great South Road. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman, to be sent in not later than noon, MONDAY, the 6th inst. Specifications, &c., can be seen at the office. ROBT. D. PULLER, 830c-184g Clerk. HE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRAL ASIA (LIMITED). Established 1869. ' 1 Actuary and Secretary —J. M. Templeton, F.i.A. The MOST LIBERAL and EQUIT ABLE OFFICE for Life Assurance in the Australasian Colonies. The best office for young men. Profits divided every three years. Offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide," Wellington, and Hobart Town. The New Zealand Branch—A LOCAL INSTITUTION, investing all moneys in the colony. Resident Secretary Thomas Swain, Temple Chambers, Featherston street, Wellington. ■Agent for the County of Ashburton — S. SAUNDERS (of the firm of Saunders Bros.), Ashburton. Note the name—The National Mutual. 1690-821 c [a card.] TO BUSINESS MEN, FARMERS, AND OTHERS OF ASHBURTON. GENTLEMEN, —In consequence of the high costs ruling here in reference to obtaining the simplest of LEGAL DOCUMENTS, and in consideration of my having had seven years’ experience as Law Clerk in Christchurch and Ashburton, I beg to inform you I have opened a DEEDS OFFICE and AGENCY, where all Bankruptcy and other Legal Business will be attended to through me. E. WADMAN, Up-stairs office, Saunders’. Buildings. 839c-189g East street, Ashburton. CHANGE OF PROPRIETARY. Ml HE UNDERSIGNED has mu ch pleasure in announcing to the in habitants of Ashburton and district that he has TAKEN OVER the BUSINESS of Mr. J. S. SAVAGE, East street, Ash burton,. and respectfully solicits a con tinuance of the patronage so liberally bestowed on his predecessor, trusting by keeping a choice assortment of all classes of FRUIT, CONFECTIONERY, &c., to merit a fair share of the public support. T. BEIINETTO, FRUITERER AND CONFECTIONER, East street, 1 Ashburton. 81'4c