The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is-incorporated the “Evening Echo”). MONDAY, MARCH 15, 1880.

More Libel Rumors.—We are in formed that Mr. Ivess is threatened with libel suit number three, this one at the instance of the ex rate collector for the Borough, unless a full and ample apology is made forthwith for the alleged damaging statements he has made reflect ing on Mr. Harry Friedlander’s character.

Induction Services. —On Thursday first the presbyterial services in connection with the induction of the Rev. Mr. Wesfc brooke to the Presbyterian charge at Rakaia will he held. These will he held in the Rakaia Town Hall, commencing at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, and in the evening a tea meeting in celebration of the induction will be held, at which all the clergymen who took part in the cere mony in the forenoon will be present. The excellent choir of the Ashburton church will also be present, and contribute anthems, &c., under the baton of Mr. Savage, conductor of psalmody, and Mr. Stott presiding at the harmonium. Tussock. Fire.—A tussock fire of some extent was the cause of considerable alarm in Rakaia yesterday. It commenced shortly before divine service began, and while the wind continued the fire kept spreading, and for a time the houses known as “Sod Town” were in danger. Several of the residents turned out and did what they could to stay the progress of the fire, and as the wind fell towards afternoon they were successful, but not before a considerable extent of the young blue gum plantations had been burned. The Horticultural Society’s Show. —Mr. G. T. Smith writes, pointing out that his name has been omitted from our prize list of the Horticultural Society’s Show in five different exhibits —viz., Nos. 39, 46, 104, 113, and 114. In four cases he got first prizes and two cases second in the exhibits he refers to, and he asks the reason why they did not appear. As far as we were able to ascertain the judges awards, we gave them, the lion. Secretary kindly supplying the list. Whether the Secretary or ourselves are to be blamed for the omission we cannot say, hut we are very glad to accept Mr. Smith’s recti fication of the omission.

Thanksgiving Services. —Yesterday the services at the Ashburton Presbyterian Church were special ones, and prayers of thanksgiving were offered up for the har vest. Appropriate references to God’s goodness and the richness of His Grace, and man’s duty to God were made during the forenoon service, by the Rev. Mr. Beattie, and in the evening he took occa sion to make use of the lessons of the sea son in connection with the approaching feast of the Lord’s Supper. Harvest hymns were sung by the congregation at the services.

Inquest.— An inquest has been held at Auckland on the body of the late Mr. Thomas Birch, who died on board the Penguin. The evidence showed that de ceased had been ailing on the passage up, and after leaving Gisborne got worse. He took a fit and died in five minutes. He had obtained some chlorodyne at Napier, which was the only medicine ho took on the voyage. The medical evidence showed that death resulted from aneurism of the heart, and the wonder is that he had lived so long. A verdict of 1 ‘ Death from natural causes” was returned. 2Gs. Gd. were found on the body, and while the inquest was going on the purser dis covered L9G in bank notes in his under clothing. Found Drowned. A man named Hyde or Hines was found drowned oS' the reclaimed ground, at Auckland, near the dock, on Sunday morning. As his boots and socks were off, it is conjectured that he went down the ladder on the face of the reclamation to wash his feet in the tide, and tumbled in, hitting his face against the woodwork. The New Goldeield. — -A telegram from Blenheim informs us that there are now about •GO diggers at work upon the newly discovered goldfield at the Upper Wairau, and the creek has almost as many men as it can carry. Owners of land contemplate taking pro ceedings on the ground of trespass, in which case Government will have to take immediate steps to proclaim the district. A party of four men obtained six and a half ounces in two weeks, and seem favor ably impressed with the prospects. Pain is the great thing the diggers have to fear, as a slight rain which fell during the week interfered sadly with the next day’s work. Two or three Blenheim store keepers have already opened branches on the ground. The Civil Service Commission.— The Civil Service Commission met on Satur day, at Wellington, .all the members being present. Mr. Alfred Saunders was unani mously elected chairman. The Colonial Treasurer attended and conferred with the Commissioners. After some preliminary enquiry from the heads of departments in Wellington the Commission will probably proceed South. Mr. W. Gray, Under Secretary of Postal Department, has been confidentially examined.

Interesting to Travellers. — The dis abled steamer Te Anau left the Bluff at 9.30 on Saturday morning in tow of the Koputai for Dunedin, but before leaving, the greater portion of the passengers and luggage were transferred to the Botorua, which sailed on Saturday for Melbourne. In consequence of the accident to the Te Anau, the following will be the alterations in the company’s time table : —The Roto rua leaves Melbourne on Thursday, March 18th, for the Bluff direct, in lieu of the TeAnau; the Rotomahana, which is due at Port Chalmers on Tuesday next, will return to Melbourne direct the same day, and arrive there in time to take up the Rotorua’s trip, as set down on the present time table ; while the Te Anau will tran ship the Rotomahana's northern pas sengers and cargo, and leave Port Chal mers for Northern Ports on Wednesday, Thus taking up tlie voyage set down on the ime table for the Rotomahana.

“ T. ieke’s Many a Slip, &c. —The corres jondent of the “Press” telegraph ivg from Invercargill, says A well

known publican from Dunedin was a pas senger per To Anau, for Melbourne, taking with him a lady friend and L9OO, belonging to liis creditors. Owing, how ever, to the accident to the steamer, he is not likely to see Melbourne for some time, as a constable has just left here with a warrant for his arrest. An Offended Deity. —A Japanese paper states that, having attended their lord’s obsequies near Hiogo, the ladies of the household of an official named Hamuro wore thrown from their carriages as they were being conveyed homeward. Fortunately, none of them were seriously injured ; but nevertheless the super stitious ascribe the mishap to the inter vention of a deity annoyed by a twofold innovation —that women should not only venture to accompany a funeral procession at all, but should even ride in a carriage on the occasion.

A Remarkable Death. —A most singular instance of death from strangula tion occurred near Melugin Grove, Mendota, Illinois, ten miles north of Mendota. A young man named Abies was standing in front of his horse while the animal was feeding. The horse coughed and ejected a kernel of corn, which flew into Abies’ windpipe. He ran into the house, and, by signs, endeav oured to make his family understand what had happened. A messenger on horse back was instantly despatched for a physician, but long before he arrived young Abies was a corpse. The Unemployed at Dunedin. —A meeting of about 500 of the unemployed at Dunedin on Saturday resolved not to accept less than seven shillings per day, and decided to forward a petition to the Government expressing their unwilling ness to accept the terms offered.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Renter's 7clegrams.) Earl Derby Deserts the Tories. London, March 13.

Earl Derby has written a letter to Earl Sefton declaring he has now given his de finite adesion to the Liberal Party.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Renter's.) Heavy Damages against the owners of the Gland Hamilton. Melbourne, March 15.

The owners of the Claud Hamilton have been mulcted in Li,078 damages for the collision with the steamship Adela in January last.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCiAL.

Pedestrianism. Wellington, March 15

Young Scott continued steadily on his twenty-four hours’ walking task, and on Saturday, at 8 p.m., had finished 100 miles. He then freshened up, but was unable to complete the distance, doing 109 miles four minutes within the ap pointed time. A large crowd attended, and Scott was loudly cheered at the con clusion. Mr. Saunders elected Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. At the sitting of the Civil Service Com mission on Saturday, all the members were present, and Mr. Alfred Saunders was unanimously elected chairman. The Commission will probably proceed south in the course of about a week. Reception of the Rifle Chompion at New Plymouth. New Plymouth, March 15. Owing to the steamer being delayed till Sunday, the arrangements made for the reception of Sergeant Okey, the winner of the Championship, were abandoned, but a church parade of the Volunteers was ordered for 10 o’clock yesterday, which was well attended. It was expected the steamer Wellington would have been here during the morning, but she did not show up till 3 o’clock, when the Volunteers were again mustered by bugle call, and were marched to the beach, where they were drawn up to receive the representa tives. In the meantime, a deputation went on board the steamer, and invited the Auckland and Thames representatives on shore. The invitation was accepted, and they came. On the boat reaching the landing place, four of Sergeant Okcy’s comrades advanced with a chair, on which they seated the Champion, and then, lifting him on their shoulders, carried him through the town to the Oddfellows’ Hall, the band playing, “See the conquering hero comes.” As the steamer left at 5 o’clock, the visitors had only time to have some slight refreshments at the Odd fellows’ Hall, which had been prepared for them, before they had to go on board the steamer again. A public banquet will be given this evening to Sergeant Okey, which bids fair to be a great success.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

A Revolt in China. London, March 12.

Information has been received from Shanghai that a serious revolt of Chinese at Pekin has taken place. Chinghow, a high Chinese official, has been beheaded by the rebels. The Markets. Three Per Cent Consols are at 99§. The total quantity of wheat afloat for Great Britain is 1,800,000. The wool sales have closed, the quantity sold being 190,000 bales. There are none held over. Earl Derby Joins the Liberals. March 13. The Hon. Mr. Gladstone, in a speech delivered at Marylebone, said he believed that Earl Derby would henceforth be definitely associated with the Liberal party.

THE LIBEL CASE.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE'S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Saturday, March 11.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.)

[The following evidence was taken after we went to press :] — George H. St. Hill, sworn, examined by Mr. Ivess, said —I am a builder, also a member of the Ashburton Borough

Council. I was present at a sitting of the Council on July 14th, 1879, at which ap plications were received for the office of Borough Solicitor, and Mr. Crisp was ap pointed. Ido not know if a schedule of duties was prepared. There was mention of a schedule to he prepared. When the Council became aware of the fact that their solicitor charged 6s. for writing letters, they gave distinct orders that such -charges should not be made. My im pression is that Mr. Crisp’s salary of LIOO per annum was to cover the cost of at tendance at Court. The Magistrate here called Mr. Ivess’ attention to the fact that the expert evi dence of Mr. Johnstone was before the Court, and a layman’s evidence against that could not be taken.

Witness continued—l am rather foggy as to Mr. Crisp resigning his office as Borough Solicitor. There was some con versation at the Borough Council about Mr. Crisp’s resignation, and there was an opinion expressed that it would be better to retain his services during the latter part of the year, in order that his aid may be made available in collecting the rates, and adjusting and enforcing the Bye-laws. Some of the Councillors said Mr. Crisp had done very little for his salary in the early part of the year, and the time was coming when his services would he re quired The services we looked for Mr. Crisp to perform were his attendance at Court to recover rates and to enforce the Bye-laws if infringed. 121 the opinion of the Borough Council the charging of 6s, for writing letters would be charging twice over. I speak as a party to the contract in this matter. I have read the article unon which this case is brought. I should say the criticism wa3 a fair one on Mr. Crisp’s action. By Mr. Branson —I have had a conver sation with Mr. Crisp about the payment of 6s. Ido not recollect saying to Mr. Crisp that the article was an unfair one. I won’t swear that L was not talking to Mr. Crisp for ten minutes at the Borough Council office. I have been told that I was to be turned inside out as a witness here. I can swear the conversation did not last ten minutes. It might have lasted five or nine minutes. I have no recollection of any conversation which took place there. Mr. Branson —Then your recollection must he a very convenient one. Don’t be afraid, Mr. St. Hill, I won’t do you any harm. Mr. Branson then read the paragraph in the “Mail,” and the evidence of the Collector, and asked Mr. St. Hill to state his opinion as to whether the criticism was a true or false one. Mr. St. Hill—The thing is so mixed up that I can’t form an opinion whether the “Mail” or the Rate Collector is telling the truth. Mr. Branson—Do you know the rela tions, friendly or otherwise, between Mr. Ivess and the Fried!anders 1 Mr. Ivess objected to the question. His Worship said he could not object to any evidence in cross-examination. Witness—l know four of the Fried landers. I don’t know if they ' are brothers. I know they trade under the name of Friedlander Bros. I was pre sent at the last Mayoral contest. The candidates were Mr. Hugo Friedlander and Mr. Ivess. At that time the rela tions between Mr. Ivess and the Fried landers were of a mixed character. I can’t say I have noticed articles in the “Mail” attacking the Friedlauders. I should say the relations between the parties are not of a hostile nature. Mr. Branson here explained that this reason for bringing out this evidence was that Mr. Ivess was endeavoring to attack the Mayor under the guise of attacking his friend Mr. Crisp. Witness continued—l first heard of the charge of 6s. to Mis 3 Callaghan about a week before I mentioned it in the Council. I had conversations with Mr. Ivess pre vious to bringing the matter up in the Council. I don’t think I had more than one, and I forget altogether what it was about, as I am very foggy about it. His Worship—l hen don’t be foggy about what you swear to, Mr. St. Hill.

Witness continued —I don’t recollect if the conversation referred to Miss Cal laghan. I brought the matter before the Council of my own free will, and not from any urging on Mr. Ivess’ part. I did not speak to Mr. Crisp before bring ing the matter before the Council. The question was afterwards discussed at a subsequent meeting of the Council. I spoke at that meeting, but don’t recollect how long. I don’t recollect if I spoke to Mr. Ivess between the first meeting of the Council, when this matter was brought up, and the second. I can’t sa} r if my memory is a perfect blank or not. I should like Mr. Braddell to point out to me the minutes of the meeting referred to. A fortnight elapsed between the two meetings. In reply to a caution by his Worship Mr. St. Hill said he had heard he was to be put into fits that day by Mr. Branson. (Laughter). "Witness continued—Mr. Ivess in no way influenced me in my speech at the Borough Council in the way of supplying notes or brains. I asked the question in the Council without knowing who had been charged the Gs. At the time I made the charge I did not know the truth or the falsity of it. I forget whether I stigmatised Mr. Crisp’s conduct as unjust and illegal. I don’t recollect stating that the rate payer was a lady. Mr. Branson—Do you think it just on the part of the proprietor of a paper to pass j udgment on an individual before he can he heard in defence ? Do you think the criticism published a fair one ? Witness—Cannot give an opinion on the article published in the “ Mail,” being on my oath. The Bench—Supposing, Mr. St. Hill, you were not on your oath, would you give an opinion 1 Witness—No, I would not give an opinion. Mr. Branson—-What would you think of a magistrate sentencing a prisoner with out hearing his defence ? Witness —I can’t give an opinion. Mr. Branson—Your mind is in a state of chaos. Witness ironically assented to this im peachment. Mr. Branson —Do you recollect Mr. Crisp offering to bet you a new hat that he was right in charging the Gs. in the cose ? Witness—l recollect something aboutthe hat, but not what the bet was about.

By Mr. Ivess—lt was not my duty as a Councillor to make enquries from Mr. Crisp. I hope never heard you speak dis paragingly of the Friedlander Bros. During the Mayoral election Mr. Ivess

frequently stopped skits being published against Mr. Hugo Friedlander, and did not refer in any way to Mr. Friedlander at public meetings. G. W. Ireland, solicitor, was called, and Mr. Ivess stated that he called the present witness to prove the fact of a schedule of the duties cf the Borough solicitor having been prepared; Mr. Ireland then stated that at the time the office of Borough Solicitor was adver tised, his firm, tendered for the work.

Mr. Branson objected to evidence of this nature being given, as it could not be proved if Mr. Crisp had cognisance of their nature, and if they were approved of by the Borough Council. Mr. Ivess here wished to prove that the schedule was approved of by the Council, but failing to elicit any proof of it, abandoned the part bearing on tie schedule.

Mr. Ivess—Wo aid it be competent for Borough Solicitor, enjoying a salary, to charge Gs. for writing letters ? Mr. Ireland - I should certainly have done so if not debarred by the contract. Mr. Ivess—Did you inspect the docu ment called a schedule ; and what were the duties mentioned in it 1

His Worship—-That question cannot be answered as the document is a nullity. Mr. Ivess —What is a retainer, Mr. Ireland ? Mr. Ireland—A retainer is a fee for certain services, and the term has a very wide range. When a man is employed by a corporate body bo is usually bound down by a specification to cei tain duties. By Mr. Branson —There are various descriptions of retainers. I have known of retainers wliere a solicitor has been paid a large fee for keeping his tongue quiet. The letter to Mr. Crisp produced I should call an appointment as Borough Solicitor, in the shape of a general retainer for 12 months. Under that letter, as being the only writing, Mr. Cr'sp was, in my opinion, justified in charging the usual fee for threatening letters to rate payers. I would, as a professional mart, have made the same charge myself. _ A lawyer does not usually take instructions from his clients to write letters. He writes and charges without instructions The charges for writing letters vary —the lowest charge is usually ss. I have read the article in the “Mail.” If I were an outside person, the effect of that article on my mind would be detrimental to Mr. Crisp in his official capacity. I think that it would be calculated to hold Mr. Crisp up to public contempt with people who were not acquainted with him, as it is a serious charge against a solicitor.

By Mr. Ivess—l did not look upon the LIOO fee as a silencing retainer. For that LIOO a year I understood the solicitor would be obliged to act for the Borough Council when called upon. It would be competent for the solicitor to charge defendant for writing letters. The con tract made was a very loose one. Donald Williamson, merchant, sworn — I am a member of the Borough Council. The Magistrate again called Mr. Ivess’ attention to the utter uselessness of the repetition of evidence which had been taken over and over again. Mr. Williamson continued—l don’t think it was contemplated that charges would be made for writing letters. I ap prove of the action of the Council in con demning Mr. Crisp’s action in charging for writing letters. This closed defendant’s case, and His Worship said there was no doubt in his mind as to there being a pr ana facie of libel against accused, and he would com mit him to take his trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court—bail being allowed in his own personal recognisances of 100.

DISTRICT COURT.

Monday, March 15,

Before His Honor Judge Ward. R. PATTON V. LAKE AND ANOTHER,

Claim L 142, for work clone on the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway, for for the construction of which defendants held a contract. The plaintiff stated that he had done work for the defendants to the amount of the claim. A certain amount of the claim for work done had been admitted, but the balance was dis puted. Daniel Leach, and two other witnesses measured portions of the works, and the amounts charged for by plaintiff were correct. Judgment for the amount claimed with costs was entered, with immediate execu tion. Mr. Purnell for plaintiff. F. PAVITT V. SAND RE Y AND BLACKLY. Mr. O’Reilly applied, on behalf of the plaintiff, for a change of venu to Christ church and an adjournment. —Granted. E. SARNIGHAUSEN V. AY. H. ZOUOH, TRUS TEE IN THE ESTATE OF SANDO AND BOAVLING. Adjourned till next Court day. HE THOMAS DUDSON. Application by Mr. O’Reilly for payment of costs. Mr. Purnell appeared for the trustee, and opposed the application. The Judge refused the application on the ground that the appointment of tlis trustees who employed Mr. O’Reilly wa illegal. RE SANDO AND BOWLING. Mr. Purnell applied for an order for payment of costs in this estate, Avhich was granted subject to taxation. Mr. W. H. Zouch applied for an order by his Honor enforcing the bankrupts Sando and Bowling to file schedules of bankruptcy as individuals as well as part ners. His reason for making this applica tion was that previous to the failure of the firm one of the bankrupts had removed a quantity of furniture from the business premises, claiming it as his private pro perty, and this furniture applicant desired to have put into the estate of the firm. His Honor said there was no order re quired. If a bankrupt firm’s property would not coA r cr their liabilities, the indi vidual members Avere liable in their pri vate property. I'hs Court then adjourned.

The Reason Why.—A lady entered her kitchen rather suddenly, in Paris, and was surprised to see a fireman quietly seated. The cook at once said : ‘ : As our chimrey has not been swept for some time, I thought it Avould be a good thing to have a fireman in the house in case of fire.”

QUARTERLY LICENSING COURT.

Saturday, March 13.

(Present —Messrs. F. Guinness (Chair man), C. P. Cox, and H. T. Winter, Commissioners.) TRANSFER OF LICENSES.

John Tisch applied for transfer of license from R. Morgan.—Granted. Sergeant P ratt, handed in the return showing the conduct of licensed houses in the district, which on the whole was fairly satisfactory. A charge against J. Wallace, of the Chertsey Hotel, and a similar one against MUvenzie, of the Ashburton Hotel, for supplying liquor to persons in a state of intoxication, were dismissed, as tlie Bench ruled that the charges could not be heard by the Commissioners unless they were previously adjudicated upon in the Resident Magistrate’s Court. Sergeant Pratt said that similar charges were heard by other Commissioners when laid before them by the police. Mr. Branson who appeared on behalf of the defendants, said that the police were persecuting the publicans. The Court then adjourned.

MYSTERIOUS TRAGEDY AT DUNEDIN.

[by telegraph. ] Dunedin, March 14'

One of the most horrible tragedies which ever occurred here happened this morning in Cumberland street, when James Murray Dewar, alias Grant, a butcher in the employ of Mr. Dornwell, of George street, was found dead, his wife injured almost beyond hope of re covery, liis child suffocated, and the bed room’ on fire, a lighted candle having been placed under the bed. The de ceased man was aged about thirty years, and has been in this colony nearly twenty two years. His proper name was Dewar, but his mother (who resides in a house just behind his) having remarried a carpenter named Grant, he adopted his step-fathei’s name- Between five and six o’clock this morningthemilkman, whosup plies the family, on making his customary visit to the house, was startled b} 7 seeing smoke issuing from one of the front windows. He knocked loudly at the front door, and received no reply. He then raised an alarm, which brought some neighbors to the scene, and subsequently a member of the Fire Brigade, and Ser geant Deane and a constable. On the house being entered, Mrs. Grant was dis covered lying on the floor in her night dress, with blood issuing from her head, and quite unconscious. The bedroom was next visited, and it was full of smoke. On the bed lay Mr. Grant, with a severe blow on his head, evidently inflicted by an axe, which lay at hand, and which bore marks of blood on it. The infant was also in bed, apparently suffocated, the lower part of the mattress having been set fire to by a lighted candle, which was found alongside it. Mrs. Grant was then lifted from off the floor, and carried into the sitting room, and Dr. Niven, who was sent for, on seeing her condition, ordered her re moval to the Hospital. The tragedy must have been committed very early tlxis morning. By whom it has been clone —whether the act of a stranger or by either of tlie Grants —is a question that the police are endeavoring to solve. So far as can be learned, noth ing has been missed from the house, nor does anything in the other rooms appear to have been disturbed, The only suspicious circumstance is that the door of the house wa3 found to be open. The wounds on Grant’s head and those on his wife appear to the unprofessional eye to negative the theory of having been self inflicted, and there is an additional cir cumstance, vouched for by many people wlio knew the couple intimately, that they lived very happy lives. The strangest part of the whole affair is that none of tlie neighbors, some of whom lived about twelve feet from Grant’s house heard the slightest no’se or were awoke by an alarm of fire, which was raised by a fireman who lives close by. The woman, who still lies unconscious at the hospital, has three wounds on her head, causing a com pound depressed fracture of the skull. One of the wounds is on the crown of the head, tha second behind the right ear, and the third on the temple. The affair has caused great excitement.

NOT HIS CANINE.

Alfred de Musset ahvayf declared he hated dogs for the reason that twice in his life an animal of the canine race had come within an ace of Avrecking his for tunes. The first time Avas at a royal hunt ing party, when the poet, Louis Philippe’s guest, Avhen a bird was flushed, fired hastily and sent the citizen king’s favorite pointer to meet Cerberus. The second time Avas Avhen, a candidate for the Academie, de Musset Avcnt to pay the cus tomary A r isit to an influential Immortal whose chateau Avas in the environs of Paris. At the moment that the poet rang at the gate, an ignoble whelp of incredible ugliness, covered with mud, rushed to meet him with joyous barks, and fawned upon him to the detriment of the poet’s new pantaloons. Disgusted as de Musset was, it Avould ha\ 7 e been perilous to have driven off the Immortal’s faithful dog, so he was compelled jto let the frightful ani mal lick his hands, cover him with caresses and mud, and precede him to the drawing room. A moment later the Academican entered. De Musset noticed his em barrassment, at which he was not sur prised, considering the behavior of the animal. They adourned to the dining room, followed by the dog, Avhich, after giving A T cnt to his delight by various gam bols and cries, placed two muddy paws on on the cloth,, seized [the wing of a cold chicken, and began contentedly to devour it. “ That’s the most abominable brute I have eA r er heard of,” thought de Musset, and continued aloud, “ You are fond of dogs, I see.” “ Fond of dogs ! ” said the Immortal, “I hate dogs.” “But this animal here ? ” I have only tolerated the beast because it is yours, sir ! ” “ Mine ? ” said de Mussett, “ I thought it Avas yours, which Avas all that prevented me from killing him ! ” The tivo men roared Avith laughter, and de Musset made a friend.

Lite that day a yellow dog crossed the frontier of the Rhine at Strasburg with the air of an animal that had scored upon the tablets of iis memory a decidedly un pleasant recollection, and headed for Con stantinople with undiminished celerity.

A Turkish prince, Avho is at present staying in London, had himself relieved, during a ramble the other day, of a pocket-book containing L 1,200.

CHISPA’S LETTER.

“I am not yet so bald that you can see my brains.”—Longfellow. For the last month, or thereby, the air has been quite sulphurous with libel, ancl there has been a general breathing out of threatening and slaughter. First, Stanley Bruce put on hi 3 war paint, and shook hi 3 spear in Jos’s face “20,009 times”; then the proud Champion of Roman Catholicism — so he would like to be called, only the adherents of that Church are not on, nob to be had—Mosely came down “ like a wolf ” on your fold, but departed, afraid of the fighting editor ; and then out trotted the Borough Solicitor with a charge of libel against the champion of freedom, and I wouldn’t ‘‘ be surprised to learn that the ex-collector, now that he is a gentleman, and not a rate collector, is setting battle in array for another pound of flesh if the solicitor should succed in having his opponent convicted. This libel case of the solicitor against the man of types ha 3 been the talk of the week, and has given rise to more libel, uttered over tea-tables, and shop counters, and bar parlors, at street corners, in railway trains, - and even in and around the courthouse itself, than our urbane and venerable magistrate could bear the evidence upon and judicially dispose of, if he sat till Christmas in that hall of justice of his— sacred to the punishment of drunks under the presidency of his Worship the R.M., and their reformation under the “charge” of the W.C.T.’s who hold Court in Good Templar Lodge assembled. In my wan derings I have heard the article of Mr. Edward Houghton denounced in anything but measured terms, and the proprietor of - the paper called names, the libellous nature of which was far more pronounced than any applied to the Borough Solicitor by the article, and hearty wishes expressed that “ he’d be properly soused ” over the case. On the other hand, I’ve heard the solicitor considerably dressed down, and designated by titles that would have put his temper to the - test considerably. But then, when it takes such a lot of the R. M’s. time, and such a number of newspaper columns to settle up which is right as between the lawyer and the printer, the men in the streets may be forgiven for making many mistakes while the case is sub judice. Ido not pretend to say which is right in this matter, lam no lawyer ; but so far as the case is concerned I think it never would have arisen if the Borough Council had taken proper steps to define what were their solicitor’s duties when they asked for tenders for the position. It was Mr. Ivess suggested employing a lawyer for the Borough at a “slump ” sum per annum, and if he had also suggested having a schedule of duties drawn up by one of the fraternity it would'have been at once known whether Mr. Crisp had any right to exact costs from the ratepayers. Still, I can scarcely expect Mr. Ivess to be pos sessed of foresight of this kind, seeing that he writes letters for nothing, and never even dreams of charging. And as he does his own legal work, and is his own advocate, he cannot be supposed to know anything about the little items of “ costs ” upon which that growth of civilisation called tlie “ bar ” live and grow fat. In tlie course of liis conduct of his own case, and in dealing with Mr. Braddell’s evi dence, Mr. Ivess took it upon him to say that tho schedule of duties prepared by the Council for the Borough Solicitor was vague. Nobody would have taken any notice of this had he not added that it was vague—like many other things done by the Borough Council. Seeing that Mr. Ivess once thought himself the leading light of that “vague” body, and only recently had the pleasure ofbeing verynear the top of the poll for the Mayoralty, it was a graceful tribute be paid to his own acuteness, unless he meant us to understand that “present company was always excepted,” in regard to himself. lam sorry that lie has been committed for trial, I am equally sorry that lie did not wait for Mr. Crisp’s explanation of his conduct to the Borough Council, before his editor’s “let out ” at the “ particeps criminis ” appeared in print. Courage is a noble attribute of a journalist, but there is just the possibility of being foolhardy and running one’s head against a gafcepoast, when charging full tilt at a foe before making one’s self sure that he has played all his cards.

The libel case had its funny side as well as its serious aspect. It shoAA r ed us what Avas Mr. Harry Friedlander’s opinion of a rate collector. A rate collector is “no gentleman ” according to Harry. That officer Avhen put into the witness box was asked in the usual way Avhat profession he folloAved. He gave his reply promptly, and his Avhole countenance beamed Aviih satisfaction Avhile he did so, as if he were glad that he had been able to fulfil his contract for collecting rates, and so get rid of a disagreeable duty. “He Avas a gentleman noAY, but formerly he had been rate collector for the borough.” Am Ito understand that the character of a gentle man can be put off and on like a Sunday suit, and Avorn only on special occasions, and for special purposes 1 Is our genial Town Clerk no longer a gentleman, noAV that he has been appointed rate collector for the borough, and have all the Road Board clerks, and dog-tax collectors parted with their claims to be called gentlemen on assuming the duty of collecting rates? I am afraid Harry Avill come in for a case of libel, too, if he don’t look out.

I would advise the writer of the letter in your paper, (asking Avhy the gambling case AA'as heard at ten a.m. instead of- at the usual hour, when the press and the public attend), and who s : .gned himself “ One wlio’d like to knoAV, you know,” to re-AA’ilte his letter, and send it at once to the Clerk of the R.M. Court, for that gentleman, in giving evidence on the libel case says he ne\ 7 er took any notice of what appeared in country newspapers. Chispa.

Monday, March 15, 1880.1

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements.



In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors Creditors Art, 1876, and. The Debtors and Creditors’ Act, Amend ment Acts, 1878 and 1879, and of the bankruptcy of JAMES STEPHENS, of Alford Forest, in the county of Ashburton, storekeeper, a debtor. '-pH IS IS TO NOTIFY that James L Stephens, of Alford Forest, in the county of Ashburton, and Provincial District of Canterbury, storekeeper, has this day filed a statement that he is unable to meet his engage ments with his creditors. The first meeting of creditors to be held at the' District Court House, Ashburton, in the said county on Friday, the 19th day of March, ISBO, at 11 o’clock a.m. Da'ed this 13th day of March, 1880. C. CAVENDISH HURRELL, ■ Clerk of the District Court. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor for the Debtor. 193 c Y. R, NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) OAMARU EACE MEETING, March 17th and 18th, 1880. ORDINARY Single Fare Tickets to Oamaru, issued by stations north of Timaru on 18th and 17th March, will be available for return up to and including 19th inst. FREDK. BACK, General Manager. General Manager’s Office, Christchurch, March 12fch, 1880. 170 c ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. ALL CLAIMS against the above Society must be rendered to the Undersigned before noon on TUESDAY, March 18th. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 173 c Hon. Sec. SATURDAY, MARCH 13. OPENING NEW STORE, East Street, Near Bullock, & Co’s. AMES CL ARK Begs to inform the Public of Ashbur ton and Surrounding Districts that he is commencing business as GENERAL STOREKEEPER, FRUIT ERER, BAKER, &c., And trusts by supplying good quality xrticles at moderate prices, to share public support. Note the Address — JAMES CLARK, PROSPECT BUILDINGS, East Street, Near Bullock & Co’s., Ashburton. IG3c PRIVATE and Superior Ladies’ “School - for DISPOSAL. Can be jaken with or without the Plant. Terms Moderate. Ladies about to commence scholastic duties would do exceedingly well by an early attention. Address— Guardian office, Ashburton. 151 c 592 g R. JOHN LLOYD CRAWLEY, Auctioneer, Stock, Land, and Commission Agent. Farms, Town and Suburban Sections, for Sale and to Let.



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