The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 1880. The Unemployed.

For a very long time past the term “ unemployed” has been quite a house hold word throughout New Zealand. The story of their wrongs, real and imaginary, and accounts of the distress and want which exist among some of them, have occupied a deal of the space in most of the journals of the colony. Meetings have been held in the principal centres of popu lation, and the most eloquent of the un employed’s number have been selected to interview Government and lay before the Ministry their grievances. Recently arrived immigrants, who, before leaving their native land, were led to believe they were emigrating to a country that was speedily to lift them from poverty to a competence, but whose hopes vanished like the dew before the rising sun, have aired their complaints in the newspapers of the Old Country, warning their friends not to be led away by the mirage which has been so destructive to their happiness, and in the endeavor to realise which the ties of home and friendship were severed. Kind-hearted and sympathetic colonists have, both as individuals and as members of public bodies, put forth a hand to alleviate genuine distress whenever ithas cropped up. There is little doubt but that, as a whole, the unemployed of the colony are a class who are deserving of the warmest sympathy and kindest consideration of their fellow citizens. Coming, as many of them did, from England at a time when the colony was not ripe to receive them, casting their lot amongst us as strangers in a strange land, and whose efforts to obtain employ ment have been a continued round of non-success, it is no wonder that many of them curse the day when they fist lent an ear to the silvery notes which chimed the praises of thi3 fair land. But while many of these men are worthy of our pity and assistance, there are some of them — and we trust and believe they are few— whom we can only characterise as most inveterate “loafers.” This latter class are oftentimes the loudest in their execrations of the Government of the day in not supply ing them with work, but are generally con spicuous by their absence if there is any immediate likelihood of employment for them being found in the neighborhood where they are located. Others There are who, because the rate of wages is not so high as it once was, scorn to accept em ployment at those rates which at present rule the labor market. It is to this class that we venture to offer friendly counsel ; to such men we are inclined to think a word of advice will not be without effect. The “ loafer” class is one upon which we feel advice would be lost, and from that body, it is to be feared, our gaols will be con stantly filled. But to those men who, while they may be willing to work if they can only obtain a high price fer the value of their labor, we offer a “ word in season,” Work of any descrip tion, and at any reasonable price, should, in the present state of the colony, be at once accepted. There is no one who will admit that New Zealand has seen her best days, and when a few years have rolled over our heads there is a bright prospect of, as it were, the phoenix rising from its ashes. If our recently-arrived fellow colonists will only be willing to accept the low wages now ruling, even though it be but a bare livelihood, it will neverthet less, to speak vulgarly, “ keep the po boiling” until a brighter day dawns, ahd the colony become, what eventually will be the case, a prosperous and happy country. All . that is needed now is patience, and a willingness to plod on, and the time will come when the glowing pictures which have been painted of New Zealand, and the golden anticipations of its wildest dreamer will become a solid reality.

County Council. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Ashburton Council will be held to-morrow. Methven Pound. —Applications are invited by the Mount Hutt Road Board from persons willing to undertake the duties of pound-keeper at the Methven Pound. Earl Spencer. Reuter’s Agency send s a telegram cancelling that which ap peared in the morning papers regarding the resignation of Earl Spencer as Lord President of the Privy Council. Savage Assault on a Wife. —Last night in Christchurch a man named ffm. Lee was arrested for a savage assault on his wife. He struck her on the head with a heavy piece of wood, arid inflicted a severe wound. The woman is now in the hospital. Unclaimed Letters. —We are in debted to the Postmaster for the follow ing list of letters from places beyond the colony, received at the Ashburton Post office during the month of June, and re maining unclaimed on Ist August, 18S0 : —Benham, W.; Brosnahan, James ; Buckley, Joseph; Daniel, Patrick Hayes; Devine, W.; Droney, M. ; Hewitt, John A.; Kelly, Terence ; O’Connell, John ; Riky, B. P.; Sturgeon, Joseph; Tura belty, M. E.; Williams, Edward. Honey. —The production of honey is an important and lucrative industry too little attended to in the colonies. The Ameri can Government think so much of it that they allow queen bees to be sent by post in paper boxes, with aperatures for the admission of air. The holes are, however, not to be so large as to make it lively for the clerks. The Loch Awe. —The New Zealand Shipping Company’s chartered ship Loch Awe arrived at Lyttelton yesterday from London, after a passage of ninety days. She brings thirty-six passengers, all of whom are reported as well. One of the Clydesdale entires coming for Messrs. Y/ilkin and Co., named Lucsall, died on June 30; the other, Chancellor, is in splendid condition. The Unemployed. —Yesterday a meet ing of the unemployed at which 300 attended, was held in Cathedral Square, Christchurch. A petition to the President of the United States was read, praying for assistance to emigrate, denouncing the Go vernment of this country as one of misrule, and severely blaming the immigration agency at Home. A petition to the Governor of New Zealand was also read, in which relief was supplicated, and a threat made of a serious disturbance if relief were not speedy and substantial.

Civil Oases. —At the afternoon sitting to-day, his Worship gave judgment for Hodgson in the case against him by Mr. Baldwin, with L2 2s. costs. Mr. Baldwin gave notice of appeal. Judgment was also given for defendant in the case of Anderson v. Passmore. “The further report will appear to-morrow.

Paineul Accident at Tinwald. —This afternoon, between two and three o’clock,- while Mr. Hicks’ bread cart, in which were Mr. Hicks himself and Mr. Brown, coachbuilder, was being driven over the usual bread rounds, and had just delivered bread at Mr. Quartermain’s house, the hoi-se took fright at a hand cart driven by Mr. Williams, builder, and set off at full speed. A few chains off 1 from where he started a deep hole exists, full of water. This is at the junction of Thomson street and 'Graham’s road. Here the animal swerved suddenty to the right, and Mr. Brown, who was sitting on the near side of the cart, was thrown out. Immediately afterwards the cart capsized, and Mr. Hicks was thrown violently to the ground alighting on his head, the cart overturning above him. The cart righted itself and was again overturned, the horse still keep ing on, and getting back through a gorse fence into Thompson street. Ultimately the cart was smashed to matchwood. On help reaching Mr. Brown, it was found that his leg was broken, and he was other wise severely injured. Mr. Hicks was found to be quite insensible, aud for some time he was thought to be dead, but he ultimately revived on restoratives being applied. He complains of injuries to his head and neck, but has suffered no broken bones. Mr. Moffatt’s trap being at hand, Mr. Brown was put into it by Mr. Williams and others, and brought over to his house in Ashburton, Avhere he was attended by Dr. Stewart, the Lodge Surgeon of the Oddfellows body, of which Mr. Brown is a member. Mr. Hicks Avas brought home in a cab. His injuries are not so severe as those of Mr. Brown.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday, August 3.

(Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.

Three first offenders, one of whom AA r as a female, Avere let off with a fine of 55., or twenty-four hours’ imprisonment. John Jones, charged with being drunk and disorderly, Avas fined 10s. j or forty eight hours. He had been several times previously convicted. William PoAver, avlio had been in com pany Arith the last prisoner, and shared his joys, Avas noAV his companion in trouble, and had also to forfeit 10s., or take the alternative. AN UNLICENSED COACH.

Thomas Cotton AA r as fined ss. for carry ing passengers in an unlicensed stage coach. Accused had recently taken over Mr. Wilcocks’ coach business, and Avas ignorant of the fact that the license had expired. AN UNPAID DRINK BILL. Baldwin v. Hodgson.—Claim Lsl. Mr. Ireland for plaintiff ; Mr. Branson for the defendant. Mr. Ireland questioned whether his Worship had power to alter the decision which Avas given at a former sitting of the Court, but his Worship decided to re-hear the case. Joseph Baldwin SAVore that the amounts in the bill of particulars were correct. A settlement had been made up to the Bth February, Avhich left a balance of L3l 10s. Gd. due. From the 9th February up to the last date mentioned in the bill, the items had been supplied in goods and cash. Most of the items were for bottles of beer sent to defendant’s house. Could SAvear as to how much had been supplied over the bar ; but thought L 3 would cover Avhat was given in drinks. Mr. Branson objected to the witness looking at a memo. Avhich he had in his hand, and asked Im Worship to stop the Ayitness from being impertinent. He (Mr. Branson) had been told that Avitness had given it out that Ayitness Avas going to make a “ holy slioav ” of him. Witness denied this statement. By Mr. Branson—Defendant has often returned sacks full of bottles, and some of the bottles had been re-filled. The liquor supplied Avas colonial beer, draAvn out of Avitness’ casks, and put into the bottles. Up to the sth February, 1880, was paid in full, by the purchase of a horse for L2O. Never received any other moneys. Have not my books here, but can send for them. Mr. Branson asked that the books might be sent for, and the case Avas adjourned until the books arrived. DEFAULT. Jamieson A’. Hammond.—Claim, L 3 Is. Gd. J udgment by default for amount and costs, 6s. ENGINEER and contractor. Anderson v. Passmore. —Claim, Lll Os. Id, Mr. Williams for plaintiff, Mr. Purnell for defendant. John Anderson, jun., deponed—l am a member of the firm of J. and A. Ander son, contractors for the Ashburton and Rakaia Forks Railway. We carried the goods mentioned in the summons for de fendant. A conversation took place svith the directors in the presence of the de fendant, in which we consented to alloAV goods to be carried on the line at Govern ment rates. The line at the time Avas under our control. Mr. Passmore Avas the engineer Avho controlled the laying doAvn of the line. A certain amount of expense Avas incurred by the firm in carrying these goods for defendant. Mr. Passmore asked me about the price of coal. I stated that Are could supply coal cheaper than outside persons, as Ave Avere large consumers. The result Avas that Mr. Passmore ordered coal from us, and gave us a cheque for the amount. The claim is only for carriage from Rakaia to Sherwood. If the coal had gone up con signed to Mr. Passmore the expense Avould have been increased, but being sent up consigned to J. and A. Anderson, the removing of the goods from the Govern ment trucks to our own lessened the cost. When the contract time expired the con tractors were to cease holding possession, and to pass over to tlio engineer of the Company. We still have control of the railway, as Ave have not received payment from the Company. The conditions for payment have not been complied with. Mr. Passmore did refuse to give a certifi cate passing the Avork, but that is not the cause of this action. When avo had the conversation with Mr. Passmore, ! asked him Avhy he did not work his steam plough, and lie answered it Avould not pay to bring up coal for the work, but I did

not offer to bring up coal free. When the coal was supplied we did not put in a claim for the carriage. The reason why the account was not sent in for carriage from Rakaia to Sherwood was because the amount Avas not a large one, and it was not usual for us to send in accounts until they Avere sent out for carriage for the whole district.

Mr. Purnell explained that the plaintiffs Avere contractors for the construction of the Rakaia and Ashburton Forks Railway, and Mr. Passmore was the engineer who managed the construction in the interests of the Company. When the contract time expired the Arorks passed over to the company. The contract time expired in August, and from that’time the contractors Avere only allowed to use the railway. 1 The defendant, as engineer of the Company, was alloAved by the directors to use the line also. In a conversation Avith Mr. Passmore, the plaintiffs had offered to carry up coal for the use of defendant’s steam plough free of any cost. In point of fact it was a friendly action. In conse quence of Mr. Passmore refusing to give a certificate passing the Avork, this case had arisen. Mr. Passmore Avould never have thought 'of having the coal brought up for working the plough if ho had calcu lated on having to pay for the carriage. On this supposition, he had sold some of the coals to his neighbors, and had not added the cost of carriage. Mr. Purnell read portions of the Act to show that the plaintiffs had no legal right to charge for carriage.

Left sitting.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

Arrivals. London, July 31. Arrived—Margaret Galbraith and Cor iolanus, from Lyttelton ; Comadre, from Timaru ; at NeAV York, Eleanor Vernon, from Auckland. Illness of Mr. Gladstone. August 2. The Right Hon. W. .E. Gladstone is suffering from slight congestion of the lungs, with feverish symptoms. Holiday. To-day being a bank holiday, all the markets are closed. Knocked Over. Paris, August 2.

The French millitary commission, Avhich was to have proceeded to Greece to re organise the Greek army, has been abandoned. Ayoub Khan Resting on his Gars. Calcutta, Aug. 2.

According to the latest news from Afghanistan, Ayoob Khan is quiescent, and lias not taken any steps to follow up liis victory. General Burrows continues his defensive measures, and has brought back all his infantry to Candahar.

AUSTRALIAN

Mad. Melbourne, August 2. A verdict of temporary insanity has been brought in against Greer, who shot liis Avifo and a Frenchman named Soun drey, at the Opera House, through a fit of jealousy. The New Victorian. Ministry. The following list of the new Ministry ha 3 been submitted to his Excelleucy the Governor by Mr. Berry- Premier, Mr. Berry ; Chief Secretary, Mr. Smith ; Minister for Education, Mr. B. Patterson; Minister for Railways, Mr. ,N. M. K. Vale; Treasurer or Attorney-General, Mr. R. Richardson ; Minister for Lands, Mr. G. D. Langridge ; Minister § for Public Works, Mr. H. R. Williams; Minister for Mines, Mr. A. T. Clark. The office of Commissioner of Customs and others are unfilled. Melbourne, Aug. 3. . Professor Peai’son and Mr. Robert D. Reid, members of the Legislative Council will join Mr. Berry’s Ministry without portfolios. Shipping. Sailed—Rotorua, for Bluff.

NEW ZEALAND.

10 Per Cent, Auckland, August 2, The Auckland Timber Company have declared a dividend of 10 per cent. Ferocious Assault. A ferocious assault was committed on Constabale Dows at Panmure by a man named Jas. Hogan. A warrant i 3 out for Hogan’s arrest. Wrecked. The cutter Fanny has been wrecked at Kawau. No lives lost. Threatening to Shoot. "Wellington, August 2. A man named Vuse, a saddler, was arrested to-day charged with threatening to shoot his wife. On beipg searched forty-four bullets were found on him. Threatened Wife-shooting. Wellington, Aug. 3. A [man named Vause, arrested yes terday for threatening to shoot his wife, was charged at the Magistrate’s Court this morning with lunacy. He had admitted that his action was due to excessive drink ing. Case remanded until Thursday for medical examination. Breach of the Registration Act. Dunedin, August 2. For a breach of the Registration Act, in refusing to certify as to the cause of the death of a patient, Dr. Burrows was fined a nominal penalty. Broken Into. Balclutha, August 2. McKenzie, Thompson, and Co.’s store was broken into between Saturday night and Monday morning. The burglar gained admittance by removing the glass and frame of the back window. The desk had been searched, and the lock of the safe had also been tried, without effect. Nothing was missed out of the store. The police are investigating the matter.

Railways.

It perhaps the most disagreeable posi tion in fclie bestowal of the New Zealand Government —that of a Royal Commis sioner. After pouring out a number of very unpalateable truths, and making a number of suggestions just as disagreeable for those concerned, the Civil Service Commissioners handed over their Com missions, and were discharged,, hut while their report wa3 before the public they were the best abused men in the colony : Why ? Just because they said things that were very unpleasant. The Railway Commissioners are likly to enjoy the same experience. In the abstract, eyery dis trict and township in New Zealand is going to be, in the very near future, the

hub of the Colony. It is going to be at some time the centre of a great agricul tural country ; the centre of a great mining industry, or the home of manufacturing emprise. And it only wants a railway to do the job for it. The railway line is the great means by which the springs of in dustry will be loosened ; by which the land will wave with golden grain, and flow with milk and honey ; which will impel the sinking of the shaft and the raising of the minerals; build the great factory, raise the tall stalk, and spin the busy wheel and run the dexterous loom. When the Railway Commissioners came to analyse the claims of the various dis tricts to be suppliers of traffic to proposed railways they found many of their claims as hollow as could be, and if they have not as mercilessly exposed their hollowness as the Civil Service Commissioners did the sore points of the departments they were appointed to probe, they have effectually enough hinted where Government will make mistakes if they go on with their railway making policy, and have given a pretty"safe guide to what lino 3 will bo re munerative if constructed. But the Com missioners have not yet reached the thickest of the mud that will be showered upon them. When the Public "Works State ment comes to be discussed, audit should bo found that Government have adopted the recommendations of the Commission then will be the opening of the vials of wrath. Dozens of districts fondly believ ing themselves to bo undeniably places through which railways ought to pass, have found themselves left out in the cold, and the lines they trusted to see made at some time or other, if not removed from the map of probable railways, at least so coldly treated by the Commission that the hearts of the trustful ones will be sick indeed with deferred hope before the hope they once held so lively can become lively again. Tiie representatives of these districts will not be slow to cast stones at the Commis sioners. These representatives will never admit that their pet lines could ever turn out losing concerns, and eyen if that fact should be proved to them to a demonstra tion they will still fall back on the old and fusty argument of “justice.” It is from the representatives of such districts that the Commissioners will receive the most abuse ; but doubtless they will be able to survive it.

It is to be hoped, however, that the storm raised by selfish districts will affect the Ministry as little as it will the Com missioners. If Government should be swayed—though we have no fear that they will—by the threats of interested members, and should neglect the advice given by the Commission, then the labors of the latter body will be valueless ; and the least con cession to log-rolling will be a mistake. Public works are undoubtedly a good in the main, but public works that do not pay intrrest on the cost of construction, and do not give even an indirect return in proportion to their cost are an evil, and the fewer of such works we have the better.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Monday, August 2.

The House met at 2.30 o’clock. Mr. Reid presented a petil ion from the brewers and publicans of Westland against the imposition of the Beer Tax. Mr. Wood gave notice that he would 011 going into Committee, on the Native Land Sale Bill, move a resolution affirm ing that native owners should be enabled to dispose of their lands without Govern ment interference, after receiving a certifi-. cate from the Lands Committee.

It was agreed, .011 the motion of the Hon. John Hall, that the House to-mor row resolve itself into a Committee to consider the following resolution : “ That the House approves of the arrange ment made (telegram dated May 31st, 1879), for Government joining in the scheme for a duplicate telegraph cable from Port Darwin, upon the conditions set forth in the memo of agreement be tween tlio Governments of New South Wales and Victoria., and Colonel Glover on behalf of the Eastern Extension and Australasian and China Telegraph Com pany, 4th December, 1879,” The Bill to amend the Property Assess ment Act, 1879, wa3 introduced, and read a first time. The House considered the amendments made by the Legislative Council on the Elections Petitions Bill, and after debate disagreed with them, and a Committee was appointed to draw up and sustain the reasons for dissent.

. Mr. Bryce moved the second reading of the . Native Land Bill. It proposed to render the proceedings less costly and cumbersome than under the existing Act. The object was to return as much as possible to the proceedings of the Act in force prior to the Act of 1873- Tamoana, Tawhia, and Te Wheoro supported the Bill, expressing, at the same time, an opinion that it should in Committee be amended so as to provide that natives should have more to do in conducting the business of these Courts. Sir William Fox supported the Bill, but suggested it did not go far enough in the way of making provision for taxing the costs of agents and lawyers employed by the natives. Mr. Reader Wood also supported the Biil, but would oppose the Native Lands Sale Bill.

Sir George Grey and Mr. De Lautour opposed the Bill. Mr. Thomson objected to the Bill, and charged one pf the members of the Go vernment with having been mixed up in these land transactions.

Mr. Rollestcn denied the imputation, and on it 3 being repeated by Mr. Thom son, he (Mr. Rolleston) rose to a point of order, which the Speaker disallowed. Mr. Thomson concluded by repeating the ob jections to the bill. Mr. Bryce replied, after which, the Bill was read a second time.. The Houe adjourned at 5.30 p.m.

EVENING SITTING. The House met at 7.30 p.m. The Hon. <T. Bryce moved the second reading of the Native Lands Frauds Pre vention Bill. The motion was agreed to. The Hon. J. Bryce moved the second reading of the Native Succession Bill. The motion was agreed to. The House then went into Committee on the Native Lands Court Bill.

Major Te Wheoro moved the insertion of an additional clause in the Bill, to the ffect 'that before any case went into the

Native Land Co art it should bo submitted to a Native Committee appointed for the purpose. The Hon. J. Bryce opposed the amend ment on the ground that it would lead to very great confusion. On the proposal to postpone the clause, the addition of which was proposed, Mr. Hall said that if it was only with the desire to consult with the Native Minister that the postponement was wanted, before passing the clause, the Native Minister would bo prepared to meet the Maori members to-morrow, and make such concessions as he possbly could before the final passing of the Bill. If members were earnest in their professions that would be deemed quite enough. Mr. Moss said that what they had to complain of was the utter indifference with which their appeals were treated by Ministers. Not one word was vouchsafed to them in reply to their appeals, as if these appeals were utterly unworthy of notice. He was sure that tlie members, lying asleep as they were on the Govern ment benches, would not submit to be treated in that way if they were in opposi tion. He held in his hand a closely printed sheet of double demy, which he would read for their benefit. Amid cries of “ Speak up,” and “ Go on,” the mem ber said he would read it again. Mr. Allwright said this was an example of what the great Liberal party could do. They had been ten weeks in session, and yet they had done nothing. In fact, this great Liberal party would not allow them to do anything, practically. Mr. George rose to a point of order, which the Chairman ruled.

Mr. Lundon said it was now past two o’clock, and if Government had no con sideration for itself, he hoped it would consider the stato of the House and the time of night.

Mr. Sedcon said that the Bill had been before the House for a considerable time, and they ought to have had their proposals on the Order Paper, so as to have the question fairly considered by the House. He proposed an adjournment for half an hour, with a view of ascertaining if any arrangement could be arrived at. Sir George Grey said the Maoris had asked for a consideration which he thought was perfectly reasonable. There was no attempt to coerce Government; but, on the contrary, Government desired to trample on the rights of what he admitted was a minority in the House.

Mr. George moved that progress be re ported. The House divided—Ayes, 13 ; Noes, 23.

The Chairman left the chair for half an hour, on a resolution.

At 3 a. m., Mr. Speight said that if the natives were satisfied no one would oppose the Bill.

The Hon. J. Bryce said if they would allow the clause to pass, Government would consent to the recommittal of the Bill to test any question of amendment the native members might bring forward. The proposed additional clause was withdrawn.

Clause 10 was then put and agreed to, and the Bill was reported as amended. The House rose at 3.30 a.m.

The Public Accounts Committee.

(By Telegraph from ciir own Correspon dent. )

Y/ellington, August 2. In the House this afternoon it was agreed to reject an amendment in the Election Petitions Bill, proposed by the Legislative Council; referring the petition to one judge instead of two. It was also decided to insist upon the question being tried either in or adjacent to the electoral district. The rest of the afternoon w'as spent in talking over native questions. For the last ten days things must have been going on in the Public Accounts Committee greatly to Sir George Grey’s satisfaction. His tormentor George McLean has been away on a trip to the South. Mr. Wood ha 3 also been away, and the three Government members have been too busy to attend often and long. This has left a Committee entirely after Sir George Grey’s own heart. Sir George Grey, Mr. Ballance, Mr. Gisborne, Mr, Moss, and r Mr. , Montgomery, with only the slight interference of Mr. Saunders and Mr. Johnston, were called on to pronounce judgment on all the irregular payments of the late Government and no doubt they pronounced them to be all very right and proper, and instructed the Chairman, Mr. Stevens, to report to the House accord ingly. The LBOO lawyers’ item ; the L 2,009 spent ondancing girls, champagne, and other luxuries at the Maori revels ; the L3OO paid by Sir George to his worthy friend Mr. Rees ; and the LSOO paid by Mr. Macandrew to his useful friend Mr. Conyers, in addition to his LX,200 salary, were all likely to pass such a tribunal, not only with censure, but absolutely with commendation. But this evening a change came over the scene. Instead of eight members in attendance there were twelve, and to judge from Sir George Grey’s long face as he left the committee, and the very audible denunciations of “ Sir George, a packed Committee ” from his faithful attendant Mr. Moss, there is every reason to believe that the satisfactory work of the last fortnight has been revised, and the Chairman instructed to report that public money should not be devoted to such pur poses. Why these members of the late Government shonld sit in judgment on their own actions, and attend the Public Accounts Committees with a punctuality and zeal that less interested members do not generally display is certainly a pro ceeding that a common understanding can hardly comprehend.

A Startling Petition.

At a meeting of the Christchurch un employed yesterday the following petition was read and signed, as also one to the Governor of New Zealand, praying for a Royal Commission to be appointed to en quire into the petitioners s grievances’:— “ To the President of the United States of America.'

“ Honored Sir,—lt has bpen conceived by p. Committee of the unemployed of tins city and suburbs to approach you and your people by humble petition. Our hope by doing so is through lively souvenirs of your history, and every day records of thousands flocking to your shores, thereby impressing us with a knowledge of an in controvertible fact—viz., ‘that immense fields must be opened to absorb population, that beneficient concessions are made to immigrants, and that fraternal links

cement the inhabitants of your country together, the unparalleled increase of that portion of the human family of which you have the honor to preside over abundantly shows. Our warrants and excuses for so doing are manifold—viz., parallel motives to those which actuated the founders of your noble flag and institutions : abuse of power in this portion of her Majesty’s dependency ; legislators, wealth, ministers of the gospel, judges, unscrupulous char latans, have been fit tools of leverage to disseminate in a false light the capabilities and resources of this colony ; by such acts alluring thousands to its shores, who have been enterprising enough as to forsake relics of forefathers in a land where they are so numerous. Again we repeat so enterprising, seeking after good virtuous reward in exchange for their industry. Now the veil is lifted. Nothing save indigence and poverty haunt them day by day, entailing un ceasing degradation. As a final remedy, we appeal to you, Sir, and your people, asking in the name of Providence for an extension of mighty generous sympathy, for! by so doing once more you will chronicle in your archives a magnanimous renown. Enclosed i 3 a list of trades and callings, with dates of arrival in the colony, number of days employed by ordinary avenues of supply and demand, amount of wages paid by Government, quality of work performed ; also the ages and numbers in each family, by way of justifiable guarantee to the action here initiated by the committee of the unem ployed. Honored, Sir, knowing how im perative it is that exhaustive information was necessary to guide you in any resolu tion you may arrive at, we further beg to enclose for your perusal the enclosed ex tracts from the local press of the last two years, likewise the assurance in all good faith that any disbursement of your Go vernment will be repaid by your suppli cants, should you accede to this, our peti tion.”

THE STORY-TELLER.

THE DISRUPTION: A TALE OF TRYING TIMES.

CHAPTER IV— continued.

A serious though amicable argument ensued, whioh ended as most argument do» in leaving each party in possession of his original opinions. In this case, however, ’ the disputants, though they could not agree/conceived a high opinion of each other’s integrity and candor, which threw them entirely out of sympathy with their aristocratic entertainer and his sycophant M’Quirkie. The latter sat listening to the contest between them, and at the con clusion summed up in the following terms : —“You are both very earnest for 1 the honor and independence of the Church, but in no other point are you agreed ; you, Mr. Calmsough, are all for -• conservation, and Mr. Duhcanson for her restoration or reform. Now it follows that one of you must be dissatisfied by the issue of the present agitation what ever it may be, and you speak so warmly on the subject, that I suppose you will, make a matter of conscience of your opinions, and only remain attached to the -.7 Church on condition of seeing them, i carried into effect.”

“ That is cutting before the point a little,” replied the aged minister. “ I’m not prepared say what I would do in any event till it be distinctly within view, but I hope to be enabled to do my duty whatever may happen. Have you, may I ask, been able yet to make up your mind as to the course you will follow V' “ On one point,” replied M’Quirkie, “I have. lam determined, at all hazards, to remain true to the Church ag by law established.”

“ Or as it may be re-established 1" in quired Mr. Calmsough. “Precisely so,” was M'Quirkie’s ready answer, his little eyes twinkling all the time with self-complacency to find himself entrenched on ground so safe,, and to observe the approving nod of the Baronet.

“ Well, I must say,” remarked James Duncanson, “ I can see no hazard in the case except some risk of character.”

“ Risk of character !’’ interjected Simoq M’Quirkie j “I beg you, Mr." Duncanson, to explain. lam not conscious of having committed myself as you have done, in any way that can lay me open |0 thg charge of inconsistency.” “ You certainly,” replied Jamo3, have been very cautious of committing yourself to anything but unconditional adherenco to the Establishment, but it is in that very resolution that I apprehend there is some risk of reputation.” “ Indeed ! then I am perfectly willing to incur the danger. I have uniformly held it desirable that the Church should be put in a position to crush Dissent, and if she be not so placed by legal mgans I shall be sorry fqr it ; but fop all that, I am not to be shaken from my attachment to the venerable institution.’' The Baronet here held out his hand to Mr. M f Quirkie in token of his cordial approval, and said significantly that it was well there were some young men, such as he, rising up to the ministry who upder 3 stood the intei'ests both qf Church and State, and could be depended on in trying tiniest Simon received the compliment with as much satisfaction as a miser pockets an approved bill, well knowing that it was a token of more substantial things to come. At this instant a member of the com pany, who had hitherto remained a mute but attentive witness of all that passed, rose from his seat, and advanced towards James Dunca.nson, took him by the haiid wjtli a fervour of feeling that made the grasp rather inconveniently rigid. This per sonage was a stalwart middle-aged farmer, one of Sir John’s favorite tenants, who had little to say on such subjects as he had heard discussed on this occasion, but nevertheless took a lively interest hi them.

“ Ye’re in the right, Mr. Duncanson,” said the farmer, again and again shaking hands with him. “"Ye’re perfectly right, sir, if I ha’e ony skill. I have heard a’ that ye’ve been sayin’ to the minister here about the auncient freedom of the Kirk, and what should be stopdpn up fo£ yet - , and the mapfqi §tapd for Xt by 4 Cameron J Renwick,’ Gargil/ana a- L tlieither worthies j and faith, sir, ye ha’e the right end o’ the tree. I’m but a simple unedyecated man, and can do little to help the cause wi’ words ; but if it suld (ever come to clour ing erouna*, as it did langsyne, mak’ sure o’ mo on your side for ane. ” The company being now a little out of harmony, the propriety of joining the — * Breaking heads ?

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 18&0.



PR I M IT IV E METHODIST «£>' CHURCH, ASHBURTON. _»P% GRAND OPTICAL fev V ;- .. fintert a i n hl e n t, r: '• I V - • of a large number of interesting and ifll SSOL VI N G VIEWS, Ah' BY Amusements. To-Night! LIMELIGHT, ! Both LOCAL and FOREIGN, will be given on v'• • • V 'TUESDAY, AUGUST 3RD, 1880. [n aid of tlie Primitive Methodist Church • - . Funds, Ashburton. For the first time : The Eastern Spend f. thrift, Syria and Palestine, etc., etc. Vocal and Instrumental Music. , - See Handbills for Programme Pricks op Admission — Adults, Is.; Children under 12, fid. each. Doors open at 7. 30 p. m.; commence at 8 prompt. 703 c Miscellaneous M USIC Folios, with Backs, Concertinas, 20 .Keys, from 65., Mouth Organs, &c. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. § PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c PANTED, those in search of employ ment, to call and enter their names at Herald Registry Office, on pay ment of Is. PANTED, a BOARDER, in a respectable family. Firstclass ac commodation, with use of Sitting and Bedroom. Apply, office of this paper. 711 AN TE D TO PURCHASE a . . STAUNCH HACK, _ about four years old. Apply office of this paper. 722 c ASHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. i mHE MONTHLY MEETING ofMem -1 bers of the above Society will be -held at Mr. Jacobson’s office on .TUES DAY, August 3rd, on which occasion Mr. ; Broomfield will read a paper. jfS Subject : “ Cucumbers, their Growth ■ and Cultivation. ” S. E. POYNTZ, 712 c Hon. Sec. A DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under J\ the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. . Booked, Is. fid. will be charged. G2se » GOOD PIANO on hire, by the ■ evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. TEN SHILLINGS REWARD. ,T OST.—On Saturday night, a BROWN Ju SHAWL, with a few white specks in it, between tlie Town Hall and Quill’s Hotel. The reward will be paid on returning the same to Mr, Ben. •Ede, Horse Bazaar, opposite Searman’s Hotel, Ashburton. 720 c PUBLIC NOTICE. ~|~F you_want a first-class SEWING MACHINE, hand or treadle, either for Cash or Deferred Payment, go at once to V. T. R. HOLDER AND COMPANY, I STOREKEEPERS, &c., Sole agents for Ashburton for the world famed “ Wanzers, ” for “Singer’s” fc superior simple working machines, and l il Wertheim’s ” celebrated. A Large Supply just Received. -Orders Promptly Attended to. ' - 636c-15g Annual Clearing Sale!!! OP WINTER, GOODS, WILLIAM GAVIN, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. CHEAP SALE OP Winter Drapery, T GREALY REDUCED RATES, TO SUIT THE TIMES. BARGAINS!!! 7210