COMMERCIAL.

Alfred Harrison reports for the past week as follows:—On Wednesday, June 9, at Mrs. Dannihy’s homestead, Seafield, stock, implements, &c., were sold on account of Messrs B. Davies and Co., Rakaia, and brought as follows —7 draught horses and 1 hack, at. prices ranging from LlO to L3O; 2 cows and 3 yearlings brought fair prices. The implements were in good order, and were sold at a good figure. There was a fair attendance, and a very good sale of all the lots offered. On Saturday, June 12, at the Baring Square yards, there was a large attendance, and though the prices were low the bidding was spirited, all lots being disposed of ac good market values. The lots disposed of under bill of sale were Draughts, LlO, Ll 6, L2O, L 22 ; dray, L 5, L 5 7s. 6d., Ll 5 ; 4 reapers and binders from L 5 to Ll 3 55.; ploughs from L2 to LlO ; harness and sundries sold fairly well. On account of other owners, I sold draughts at Ll 3 10s. , Ll 6, and L 22, and several hacks at fair prices. Ten pigs sold at LI to LI 165., or say 6d. per lb.; potatoes, L2 to L2 55.; onions, >§d. to |d. ; carrots, LI per ton. Furniture and sundries, as usual, went off well. There was also a consignment of fruit trees and shrubs, the first of the season, for these it is almost too early, but they sold pretty well, only there was barely time to get them all through.

MAIL NOTICES.

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

Thursday. June 17.

For Australian Colonies, per express train (to connect with the s.s. Tararua at Port Chalmers), at 7.30 a.m. For Northern Ports of New Zealand and Australian Colonies, via Sydney, per Rotorua.

SYDNEY J. DICK, Chief Postmaster.

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

Sudden Death. —Sergeant Felton re ceived a telegram from itakaia to-day, to the effect that a man named Charles M'Carthy, a character well-known to the police, had died very suddenly at the residence of Mr. Carruthers. We under stand an inquest will be held to-morrow.

Land Sale. —Mr. Alfred Harrison held a sale this afternoon of Mr. George Parkin’s properties in and near the town ship. The three sections upon which the dwelling-house and, workshop stand brought L 155 being subject to a mortgage of LSOO, and a section at the corner of Wills and Tancred streets brought L 55, being mortgaged for LIOO. The sale was still proceeeA.ng when our reporter left.

Timaru Races. —The general manager of the railway, Frederick Back, Esq., an nounces that for the convenience of those wishing to attend the Timaru races, or dinary single fare tickets to Timaru issued at stations between Christchurch and Ash burton on 17th and 18th inst., and at stations south of Ashburton on 18th inst., will be available for return journey up to and including 21st inst.

Waterton Library. —Patriotic Water tonians are referred to an advertisement regarding one of their institutions, ou behalf of which a tea-meeting and an en tertainment ai'e to be held in the main school on Wednesday, June 23. The Library is an institution claiming the sup port of the whole district, and have we no doubt this effort to help it on will meet a full reward at the hands of those for whose benefit the Library was instituted, —and these are, all who care to improve their minds by sucking the brains of genuis living and dead.

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held at the Council’s Chambers last night. Present—His Wor ship the Mayor (presiding), Messrs. Wey mouth Roberts, George M. Robinson, D. Williamson, G. H. St. Hill, R. Fried lander, and G. Parkin. mayor’s statement.

His Worship, in giving an analysis of the business which would be brought be fore the meeting, said he had had an in terview with the County Council .with re-' ference to the amount which was due from the Longbeach Road Board, and it had been decided that he should make out a return of lands sold within the Borough, but lie . did not in tend to leave the Longbeach Road Board out of the question, because if no satisfactory arrangement could be come to with the County Council, they should certainly make the claim on the Longbeach Road Board. From a return which lie was compiling, he calculated that the amount which would be due to the Council would be about the same as that which they had claimed from the Longbeach Road Board. Referring to the waterworks contract, he thought the work was not going on as satisfactorily as possible, but tlie matter would be brought before them in the Surveyor’s report. The balance in the bank was L 347 17s. 7d., and the amount of rates paid in since last meeting was L 32. His Worship thought the manner in which the rates were being paid up was matter for congratulation. The Longbeach Road Board had paid the subsidy of L 42 9s. lid due by that body to the Council. CORRESPONDENCE. An application was made by Mr. R. W. Shearman to remove a culvert opposite his premises to a more convenient . place. Referred to Works Committee. A letter was read from Messrs. Mitchell and Turner, drawing the Council’s atten tion to the very rough and unsatisfactory state of the footpath opposite their premises. Some conversation took place on the matter, one Councillor recommend ing that Mitchell and Turner be asked to contribute half the cost. Referred to Works Committee. THE LAND SOLD WITHIN THE BOROUGH. From E. S. Liverserge, Survey office, Christchurch, forwarding a return of. the lands sold within the borough. Mr. Parkin proposed that the cost of the return —five guineas—be paid,, as it was a most valuable document. '' ’" ' ; Mr. St. Hill, in seconding the motion, wished to bear testimony to the very hearty way in which the Mayor was work ing for and in the interests of the borough. Himself and fellow Councillors could not fail to be impressed with the action which his Worship took in the County Council. The Mayor in putting the motion, said he was very sorry that press of private business prevented him from doing mere for the Council than he was doing. The motion was carried.. WATER-PIPES COMMITTEE.

The Water-Pipes Committee reported as follows :

The Committee, appointed to consider the proposition of the Council as to the advisability of disposing of the water pipes at present held by the Council, having met, beg to submit the following recommendation to the Council :—The Committee recommend the Council to appoint a deputation to wait upon the County Council to endeavor to obtain their consent to the sale of the pipes. If their consent is obtained, a portion of the money derived from the sale should be applied towards completing the water supply and drainage scheme now in hand. The balance, if any, to be placed in the bank, the interest to be added to the principal until the whole can be judi ciously expended for the purposes originally intended.

The Mayor thought it was unnecessary to send a deputation to the County Council, as the Chairman and himself were all that were necessary to give effect to the Borough Council’s wishes. Mr. Williamson said the reference to the deputation had inadvertently crept into the report, as he did not think that such was the Committee’s opinion in the matter.

Mr. St. Hill moved the adoption of the report, being thoroughly convinced of the soundness of the recommendations.

Mr. Friedlander seconded, and would add to the motion —“ That the members of the Pipes Committee be a deputation to interview the Chairman of the Council on the matter, as recommended by the report.” An amendment was proposed by Mr. Williamson, and seconded by Mr. Robin son—“ That the matter of interviewing the Comity Council Chairman be left in the hands of the Mayor.” This was carried, and the report was adopted. engineers’ report.

The Borough Engineers reported as fol lows :

Water Supply. —Neither of the con tracts are actually completed, but there is not much remaining to be done. What there is principally consists in finishing off portions of the work. We would re commend that the north-west side of the outfall drain be fenced from Burnett street to the terrace, the bank formed of the stuff thrown out not proving to be sufficient protection. Shingling East street. —We have been waiting for rain before commencing this work, but have given the contractors notice to commence delivering the sliingle required for Baring square at once. Concrete Channelling and Kerbing. —The first instalment of fifty sacks of cement has been delivered, and the contractor has commenced operations. The Labor Gang have been engaged in forming the footpath in Tancred street, shifting and fixing culverts and gratings, side channellings, &c. The Tancred street footpath is being shingled. We have arranged for the supply of this shingle at Is. 3d. per yard. Immigration Cottages. —One of these cottages on the north-west Belt requires

the roof and chimney to be repaired. The overseer report it untenantable in its present state.

Lamps. —The lamp-post at the corner of Tancred and East streets has been broken. There are none remaining in the yard to replace it. As two or more may be shortly required, it will be for the Council to de termine whether one or more should be obtained. THE WATERWORKS CONTRACT. Mr. Fooks said with reference to the non-completion of this work, that what was principally to do was the finishing off. In the riverbed the work was unsatis factorily done. The contractor did not seem to understand how much labor was required to do the job. In reply to Mr. St. Hill, the Engineer said that the water could be brought in, in three or four days, if the contractor were energetic in the matter. Mr. St. Hill moved that the contractor be allowed a week to finish the work, but if it were not done by that time the Council would finish it at the contractor’s expense and inflict the penalty for non fulfiln ent. ' Mr. Robinson seconded, and the motion was carried. OUTFALL DRAIN. His Worship said that if something were not done with reference to the outfall drain, the property in the neighborhood would be lessened in value, and in its present state it was dangerous. The Council should take into consideration the recommendation of fencing it in, and he would suggest that the Engineer be re quested to supply plans and estimated cost of putting down a concrete culvert, as it vvas just possible children might crawl under the fence and fall into the drain. It* was decided that the Mayor’s suggestion b 6 acted upon, the matter of fencing to be left in the Engineers’ hands. SHINGLING EAST STREET. The Engineers’ action in this matter was confirmed. CONCRETE CHANNELLING. In speaking to this matter, Mr. St. Hill thought the Enginers might be instructed to ask contractors of the Council to con sider the advisableness of giving work to married men in preference to single ones during these hard times. Of course there could be no compulsion in the matter, but he thought it might not be out of place to place this proposal under tlie notice of the contractors. IMMIGRATION COTTAGES. His Worship thought if something were not done with these cottages it would be better to give them away, as the amount which was spent in repairing them was more than what they brought in in rent. .They got about LlO a year rent for one of them, and it would take about L3O to re pair it. Moved by Mr. Friedlander and seconded by Mr. St. Hill —“That no more money be spent .on the cottages on the West Town Belt.” Carried. Mr. St. Hill moved—“ That the cottages be sold, and the matter be left in the hands of the Works Committee. ” Mr. Parkin seconded the motion, and it was carried. LAMPS. Mr. St. Hill thought that notice should be taken of when the lamp was broken, and how long it remained unlit, because he thought they should not be called upon to pay for a lamp which was not used. His Worship said that Messrs. Marsh and Groves would be called upon to re place the lamp and lamp-post which had been broken by their horse and trap. Mi*. 'Robinson suggested that half-a dozen lamp-posts should be obtained, as there was a chance of them getting a number cheaper in proportion than one.

The Clerk was instructed to write to Messrs Scott Bros., asking the price of one up to six lamp-posts, and further action in the matter was left in the hands of the Mayor. advertising. Mr. St. Hill wished to know whether the advertisement with re f erence to the By-laws had been published in the Mail ; he knew that it appeared in the Herald, and thought that it should also appear in the morning paper, as it was so important. Clerk rejjlied that the advertising of the By-laws was inserted by Mr. Crisp, and it was entirely in his hands. His Worship thought that each paper should receive a fair share of the Borough’s advertising, without increasing the ex pense. FOOTPATHS. Mr. Parkin moved and Mr. Robinson seconded, that the footpath from the Triangle to Baldwin’s Hotel be formed. Carried. finances. His Worship stated that it would be necessary to take into consideration at the Council’s next meeting, the state of the Borough’s finances, and the Clerk be in structed to bring up a balance sheet of their assets and liabilities at the next meet ing. Mr. St. Hill thought a lighting rate should be levied, as he objected to the cost of lighting the streets out of the rates. A COMPLAINT. The Mayor said he was very sorry that when he had anything to say against Mr. Bullock, lie was always absent. Carters going to Mr. Bullock’s store were in the habit of crossing the footpaths near the Templar Hall, and thus cutting them up. Mr. Parkin thought another Councillor was renting the store from Mr. Bullock, and the latter gentleman was hardly to blame in the matter. ACCOUNTS, were passed for payment, and on the PAY-SHEET being brought up, his Worship said that he was not one of those who were in favor of reducing men’s wages, but considering the times, and the number of men out of employment who were willing to w r ork at a reduced rate, the Council’s workmen should be asked to work at a shilling per day less. The other Councillors expressed themselves in a similar strain. Mr. St. Hill suggested that the En gineers be instructed to employ married men in preference to single men in the Council’s work, as single men could go over the country without much incon venience, if they were out of work, while a married man was tied to the township.

It was decided with reference to the Council’s carting, that the present man be asked to take a reduction in his present wages.

The pay sheet was passed, and the Council adj ourned.

Meeting of Cricketers. —Members of the Ashburton Cricket Club are reminded that a meeting is called for to-night at 7.30, in the County Council Chambers. Clerical Errors. —Long sermons.

Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Monday, June 14, 1880.

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

William Roberts, for being drunk and disorderly, and the additional offence of having used obscene , language, was fined 30s. for his ill manners, or the usual sacrifice of liberty for a period. ' A DEN OF FILTH. ■ Joseph Bai’riera was charged with having no lawful visible means of sup port. Constable Neil deponed to arresting the prisoner in a brothel in Havelock street on the 11th instant, at 11.30 p.m., and charged him with having no lawful visible means of support. There were pro stitutes in the house, and one of them told me I was a mean man to arrest the accused. He said his lungs were gone, and lie had been living on his heart for the last two years. He said he did not knock men down and rob them. I have known accused for the last two years, and during that time he has always kept a brothel. I have known his house as a house of call for prostitutes. I have never known him do any work, but sometimes lie would hawk about blacking. He told me when I arrested him that he had-sub let the house to. a prostitute named Jessie Davis for L 5 a week, and that the rent would be his means of support. Constable Warring, sworn—l know the prisoner. On the 17th of last month, at 10 p.m., I visited a brothel in Havelock street, where I saw the prisoner, and im mediately on my entering he hid himself under a bed. E. .Higgins, a prostitute, who was neatly nude, was ■•lying on the bed in a state of intoxication. Another prostitute, who was also very drunk, and was using most foul language, was with two men in another room. There were a number of men and women there drunk, and also a lad of about sixteen. Accused said he was tlie proprietor of the house. The house is notorious as a brothel, and I have seen a number of drunken men and women visit it. Was instructed by Sergeant Felton to visit the house. Thomas Hicks, sworn—l know the prisoner. He lives in a brothel. I have been in the habit of supplying prisoner with bread. I know the house to be one of ill-fame, and have seen lads of sixteen and upwards go there. Alexander Wilson, Sergeant of Police, Christchurch, knew the prisoner for years in Christchurch. He has always lived on the prostitution of woman, and I ordered him to leave Christchurch cr I would arrest him. He has been the proprietor of a house of ill-fame in Christchurch, touted for men, and used to supply the house with drink. He does no work of any description. His character is utterly bad. He was arrested for larceny in January last, and attempted to poison him self coming from Cashmere. He was laid up for a long time in the hospital, and was convicted and discharged for the larceny, on account of what he had suffered.

Sergeant Felton sworn—l visited a shop in Peter street, occupied by the prisoner, in May last, at 10.30 a.m. It was locked up, and a few tins, pies, and dried fish were in the window. Three days after, at noon, I visited it again, and found it in the same condition. 1 know that prisoner kept a brothel in Christchurch and one in Ashburton. I have passed his shop several times, but never saw it open, or any one in it. The house in Havelock street was under police surveillance. Have seen cabs take drunken men there® I was present in Court and conducted a case against a cabman for obstructing the thoroughfare opposite accused’s house in Havelock street, and the man was fined a pound. Last Saturday prisoner told me lie was not able to work, as he had disease of the lungs.. He said he had bought good furniture for the house in Havelock street, so as to keep it clean and comfort able, as he could not get a living by work ing. He said the girls were renting the house, and hoped I would not be hard on him.

After prisoner had made a statement, in which be tried to . excuse himself, and concuded by saying that in former times he had earned a respectable living, his Worship sentenced him to three months’ imprisonment, with hard labor. A VAGABOND. George Skites was brought up on two charges : the first for being drunk and disorderly, and secondly for being illegally on the premises of Mr. Knight, East town belt. For the first offence ..lie was fined 10s., and the second charge was adjourned until the next sitting of the Court. While in custody, prisoner made several statements to Sergeant Felton to the effect that he had been robbed of his watch, some new blankets, and a valuable fur cap. The man who had robbed him, he said, hale knocked him down, gagged him, and then took his things. A num ber of persons'.. were brought to him for the purpose of identification, bnthe failed to point out the culprit, and the Sergeant eventually found out that what he had said was totally false.. ~ TO-DAY’S COURT. DRUNK. William Smith, charged with being drunk and disordeidy said “ it was cor rect,” and was fined iOs. THE BOARDING HOUSE CASE. William Mahoney appeared in answer to the charge of assaulting Samuel Lucas. The case had been heard at a previous sit ting of the Court, and had been remanded for the purpose of obtaining the evidence of Constable Smart. This evidence was taken, but it did not materially affect the case ; and his Worship inflicted a nominal fine of 55., as, although the charge liad been proved, yet the conduct of the com plainant had been somewhat indiscreet. ALLEGED SHEEP-STEALING. Benjamin Corrie was brought up on remand, charged with slieep-stealing; and was defended by Mr. Crisp. Sergeant Felton stated that upon enquiring into the matter, he* found that the charges against the accused could not be sustained, and would ask leave to withdraw the case. Mr. Crisp applied for costs, as the accused had been put to a deal of inconvenience and expense. His Worship said it was beyond his powder to award costs, and the information u T ould be dismissed. ILLEGALLY ON PREMISES. George Skites wvas brought up on remand, charged with being illegally on the premises of Mr. Knight. Joseph Smith, fraper, gave evidence to the effect that accused had created a dis turbance near his premises on Saturday night last, and when asked to leave had

refused to do so. He and Mr. Knight had given him into custody. Prisoner had only been recently dis charged from Lyttelton gaol, where he had been serving a term for the larceny of a watch, and taking this fact into consider ation, along with the man’s well-known habits, His Worship sentenced him to three months’ hard labor. CIVIL CASES. A number of civil cases was held over, in consequence of several parties and solicitors who were interested in them, being absent at the District Court. His Worship said that lie would endeavor to prevent the recurrence in future of the two Courts clashing one with the other. It was just possible that by mentioning the matter to Judge Ward, the latter gentleman would have the sitting of the District Court. appointed for a day on which tlie R.M. Court was not usually sitting.

Proposed New School at Winslow.

As advertised, a public meeting was held at the Winslow Hotel on Saturday night to consider what steps should be taken to have a school established in the township. There was a very good attend ance of householders, and Mr. - C. Martin was called to the'bHair. * Mr. Martin said he would refrain from making any com ment on the necessity for a school in the township, as they all felt the isolated position they occupied in educational matters from the distance they were from tlie nearest scholastic establishment. To them all the desirableness of having a school in the township was not only apparent but felt. He then read the following letter he had re ceived from the Secretary to the Board of Education in reply to one lie had written asking for information respecting the steps necessary to he taken to obtain a school in the township : Christchurch, March sth, 1880. To C. Martin, Esq., Winslow. Sir, —I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd inst., and to request you to forward a tracing of the dis trict which you wish to have formed, with a list of the householders and the number of children in each family of and under school age, i.e. , between five and fifteen. Please markon the tracing the residences of the house holders, or at least the sections on which they live, distinguishing them by letters or numbers coiresponding to letters or numbers marked against the names on the list. Also show whereabouts it is proposed to place the school. The Board will then have the requisite data for considering you application. lam afraid, how ever, that there is little prospect of anything being done this year, as the claims already before the Board are far in excess of the funds at its disposal.—l have, See., J. V. Colborne Veel, Secretary.

Mr. Harris then proposed, and Mr. Rainy seconded, the following resolution : —“That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is very desirable that a school be estab lished in the township, and that steps be taken to procure the same. ” The resolu tion was unanimously carried. Mr. Harris also proposed, and Mr. Wilson seconded—“ That a petition be drawn up and signed by the residents in favor of the project and pre sented to the Board of Education, praying that a school be granted.” This having been carried, Mr. Weir proposed, and Mr. Grace seconded a resolution as follows :—“ That letters be written to Messrs. John Grigg and 0. F. Barker, respecting a site for the proposed school, asking if either of these gentlemen are willing to give or to sell a site, and on what terms.” This having been passed, Messrs. Martin and Harris consented to write to these gentlemen on the subjects suggested, and also to draw up the petition and procure the needful signatures. A resolution of Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Harris, defined the boundaries— “ That the boundaries of the proposed new school district on the north-east be as far as Frisby’s road, 2 b miles north west from the township, 2b miles south west, and a mile south-east.” This reso lution having also been carried unani mously, the meeting was adjourned till further notice, which will be given by ad vertisement.

Mount Hutt Road Board.

Tlie usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held at Methven on Thursday, the 10th inst—all the members present. The overseer’s report was read and considered. He was recommended to complete any work he had in hand by day labor ; and after finishing the same to discontiue that kind of expenditure. Any new works likely to incur a small cost, were ordered to be let by contract, one member and the overseer to decide upon accepting the same. Drainage of Mount Mutt ancl Alford Forest Jioad. —The surveyor’s report showed that owing to the storm water from Mount Hutt being of so sudden and destructive a nature, 'it would be necessary to cut a fresh channel to divert the flood water, through Mr. MTlraith’s upper pad docks, thence into a natural creek, and then through the same ratepayer’s lower paddocks, when the water would find its way into the permanent drainage scheme. As Mr. MThaith had not replied to the Clerk’s letter requesting him to contribute towards the cost, the matter was post poned till the next meeting of the Board. The overseer’s recommendation to divert Chapman’s creek into Mount Harding creek was objected to by the Board, as it was considered that in the event of any damage being done by floods on Spring field run, Messrs. Gould and Cameron would have a cause of action against the Board, and it was resolved that the original water course should be adhered to, and a flood-gate put in at Mr. D. G. Holmes’ fence, near Methven ; and the storm water would then find its way into the channels now being excavated by the County Council. The clerk was instructed to inform Mr. Holmes of the Board’s ob jection, he having consented to the diver sion.

Gravel Pits. —Correspondence was read from Messrs. Alington and Coward, ob jecting to the fencing of a gravel-pit on their property. The letter was ordered to be acknowledged, and Messrs. Alington and Covyard to be informed that the Board approved of the overseer’s action in this matter ; also that the action of the Board had been taken under the pro visions of The Public Works Act of 1876. From Mr. Wynn Williams, re the Board’s request for an acre of his land for a gravel pit. The notice served on Mr. Williams stated that the Board would buy one acre ; and as it appeared that the area did not require to be stated in the notice by the

Act, it was resolved to take as much of the property as would be necessary for metalling the road. Drainage on the Boundary of the Mount Mutt and South BaJcaia Districts. —An arrangement had been made by the sur veyors of the respective districts to meet on the ground to arrange preliminaries in connection with the work, and the officei’3 of the Boards had agreed upon a scheme ; but as no report had been received from South Rakaia, the matter was necessarily postponed till next meeting. Sundry accounts, including one from the South Rakaia Board, re expenses of division of district, were passed for pay ment and the Board adjourned.

Scene at the Napier Supreme Court.

(BY TELEGBAPH.I Napiek, June 14,

There was an extraordinary scene in the Supreme Court this morning, when John Boyd alias Hutton was brought up on a charge of obstructing the railway. He pleaded guilty, but when asked if he had anything to say for himself he launched into most horrible profanity and filthy language, swearing at Judge Rich mond, at the gaoler and police. His Honor remarked that the Anau- must :be mad, when with a string of oaths he de clared that it was his Honor who was mad.. He was sentenced to fifteen years’ penal servitude. His Honor said that he was either a dangerous lunatic or a criminal of the worst class. He added that he would represent the case to the Minister for Justice. The charge against Kerika of roasting Henoana, another Maori, was pro vocative of much amusement. His Honor, in his charge to the Grand Jury, treated the offence vei’y lightly, and expressed a doubt as to whether the Crown Prosecutor should present the indictment. The jury however brought in a true bill. The evi dence for the prosecution was the same as already reported. Kerika’s defence was to the effect that he was treating the man to drive out a devil or cure him of blind ness, and he mentioned Mr. Colenso’s letter to the Herald as proving that this was a proper Maori surgical practice. The jury returned a verdict of “ Guilty.” His Honor said that he did not think the prisoner had acted with any wrong inten tion, and inflicted a sentence of one month’s hard labour. The Maoris in their evidence showed a strong feeling against the prisoner, and taunted him with cowardice in roasting an old, blind, infirm, and weak man, when there were plenty of strong ones to operate on.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Per Renter's Agency.) Shipping. London, June 12. Arrived—Hereford and Maraval, from Lyttelton. The Ameership. June 14.

Confirmatory information has been re ceived that the Indian Government has offered the Ameership to Abdur Rahman. Should Abdur Rahman decline, Yakoob Khan will probably be offered the office.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Dismissed.

Auckland, June 14.

Two men, named Welsh and Francis, were charged with uttering a false deed, purporting to convey over 4 acres of land at Maliorunga. The inspector said the land belonged to a man named Moore, who was deceased. The case was dismissed. Committed for Trial. Ingothe St. Just Mackay was brought up on remand charged with trying to in duce a Frenchman named Juliat to com mit an unnatural offence. It is anticipated St. Just will be committed for trial. As They View it. A meeting of brewers to-day decided that the beer tax ought to be 3d. instead of Gd. A Gale. In the s'.orm at Onehunga a large iron shed belonging to Guthrie and Larnach was completely blown down;- in Queen street. Considerable damage was done to other property. A Narrow Escape. >\t Pakuranga Hunt meeting the horse Miss Stryak rode broke his neck in clear ing a fence. Miss Stryak escaped unhurt. Sentences. Napier, June 15. The criminal sittings of the Supreme Court commenced yesterday, before Judge Richmond. Arthur Barnsley, for forgery, was remanded for sentence ; John Lloyd, for obstructing a railway- train, received 15 years ; Potau (native), for horse steal ing, got two years, and Kirika (native), for attempting to do greviousbodily harm (the baking doctor), received one month. This day, for forgery, Arthur Barnsley was sentenced to four years. Wra. George Hewson, for rape on a girl eight years of age, two years and twenty-five lashes.

The Beer Tax. Wellington, June 14.

At a meeting of the Licensed Victual lers this afternoon, a deputation was ap pointed to wait on the brewers with a view to coming to some arrangements as to how much the recently imposed tax on beer should be charged to publicans. Sly Grog Selling. Wellington, June 15. Several cases of sly grog selling are pro ceeding at the Resident Magistrate’s Court, but none are decided yet. Richly Deserved. Later. Pouncaby and Smart, oyster saloon keepers, and Mrs. Campbell general store keeper, were fined L 5 for sly grog selling at the R. M. Court to-day. ~ ° Help from Blenheim. Blenheim, June 15. At a meeting of brewers and publicans last night, it was resolved to send a depu tation to Wellington to meet with dele gates from other places and take steps to repeal the beer tax. An offer by Dodson, a local brewer, to pay half the tax, and the publicans the other half, until the Bill iv is entered upon the Statute book, and the price of beer to remain as at present, was accepted. A Protest and a Suggestion. Invercargill, June 15. A large meeting of settlers at Thron bury, near Riverton, denounced the Pro

perty Tax, suggesting the substitution of a moderate land tax, exempting improve ments, and an income tax. A Reform Necessary.

At the Supreme Court the Grand Jury made a presentment re quarterly sittings instead of half yearly, as in one case, a prisoner against- whom no bill was re turned had befin imprisoned over six months, and others for nearly the same period. An Enquiry. Messrs. Strode and Simpson, have been appointed Commissioners to enquire into the circumstances connected with the death of Wilson, a prisoner, who „died in the Invercargill gaol.

Taxation.

In this advanced age of ours the great principle of action seems to be—get as much from. Government as possible, but reduce your contributions to the public purse to the veriest minimum. Oh this JJ principle the various districts in the colony have religiously acted, ever since the Pub lie Works and Immigration scheme was inaugurated,—ever since the. money, of foreign capitalists was put in the public chest, and began'to "be from'it; the Treasury. Government was a milch cow whom everyone looked to for a supply ; but now that her time of dryness has come, no one feels called upon to supply fodder. Loud-voiced suitors sued for railways, for roads, for bridges, for buildings, while the money lasted, and their eyes became green with jealousy over every penny that was given to dis tricts not their own ; while, like sulky schoolboys, they eyed their own dole with dissatisfaction, and grumbled heartily because it was not large enough to their liking. Too much of the borrowed money could not be given to them, nor too little to their neighbors. And now, when the time of reckoning comes, the boot is on the other leg altogether. The shares of | taxation come to be allotted, and every, V* man is as ready to cry out that he is getting too much as before he was ready to growl that the - share he got of .* public good things was too little. Government finds itself placed in a dif ficult position. It must make both ends meet somehow, and the tax-payers have to supply the exti’a length of financial rope. Let Government devise as it will, it will never discover a scheme of taxation that . will not find opponents. It is to taxation itself more than to the mode of it that most people object, and when a heavy deficit has to be made up, and the' shortest and most productive way is adopted, it is not surprising to find that way denounced just because of its short ness and its productiveness. Cuckoo cries about the inquisitorial character of the Property Tax have been raised, and a* deep growl against it has echoed from one end of the colony to. the other. But we are afraid the growl will have no effect —or at least very little—for the deficit must be made up, come in what form it may. Government have declared their readiness to relieve personal effects from the operation o* the tax, and to modify the admittedly complicated forms that the present law requires, and also to extend the time for collecting the tax; but the exemption thus; obtained necessitates the imposition of taxation somewhere else, and the Treasurer at once turns to beer. Here, too, he will .not have all his sorrows to seek, for the licensed victuallers and the brewers are a powerful body, and do not give in without a severe struggle. But in this instance they can only kick against the pricks, for the colony may stand 6d. on the gallon of its beer, but it will rebel against a reiinposition of taxes on its breakfast table. The Government are not wedded to the existing form of the. Property Tax Assessment Act, as they have already announced, and their con cession noted above will tend to close the mouths of the loudest opponents of the impost on property, but only a return of prosperity sufficiently abundant to enable the tax to be altogether repealed will entirely silence the grumbling. A land tax and an income tax concurrently work ing are desired by some; but others would oppose both with a vigor equal to the opposition now being given to the Property Tax, so that it is a dire impos sibility to please even a large section of the community, far less all, in the little matter of paying away money to the State.

Meanwhile, we believe the concessions proposed by the Treasurer will take out the sting that was believed to lurk in the tail of the terrible Property Tax—but we fear the fact that remains, notwithstand ing, will be just as disagreeable as ever— viz., that we have to.pay, and no amount of grumbling and growling will stave off the evil day of .cashing up.

Til a strangest thing in mathematics or history is the fact that, notwithstanding there are 1,000 men in a regiment, one man constitutes the major part of it; and, til though, there are thirty-one days in the month, one day is the fourth of July. “Ha ye you any objects of interest in the vicinity ? ” the tourist asked the Bur lington man. “I have IT have 1 ” eagerly replied the other ; “ but I can’t get at it' to show it to you. It’s a ninety day’s note, and it’s down in the bank now, drawing interest like a horse-race or a mustard plaster.”

Chinese Coo aery. —The skill of the Celestials in legerdemain is even exer cised in their cookery, ard at a recent Chinese banquet to Americans in San Francisco, some very curious dishes wtre produced. Each guest, the San Francisco Mews Letter tells us, received an orange which appeared to be in its pristine con dition, but on being opened, contained five different kinds of jelly, ffo trace was visible of any cut in the orange to extract the pulp. Coloured eggs were also filled with jelly, nuts, meat, and sweets, in a similar manner. The interpreter, -when asked for an explanation, declared “ Meli can man heap smart, why he not findee out 1” ' • A Tough One yarn : —The veteran was unfolding the mysteries of travelling stock, and keeping up a running fire of cross-examination all uhe time. “ Now, young ’un,” said he, to the new chum, “ if you had a mob of 300 head of cattle travelling, and put them in the camp at night, how would you count them ?” The disciple knew pone but the ordinary method, and was then informed, “ You see, they always turn over and sigh' at 12 o’ocloek midnight, and in the dark est night of the year you can check over your mob by counting the sighs.” Youpg Suckdove firmly believes it to this day. Do you ?

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1880,



Miscellaneous



PT A A/TA to LEND, in sums to jVvV/ suit borrowers, at lowest rate of interest. F. P. O’Reilly, Solicitor, Ashburton. 424c-835g TiI 7ANTED—A good GENERAL SER YANT. Apply at once, personally to Mr. Willcocks, Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wheatstone. . 559 c WANTED— BOARD and LODGING, by a Respectable Young Man, in a Private Family. Apply Herald office. 561 c MUSIC Folios, with Spring Backs ; Concertinas, 20 Keys, from 65.; Mouth Organs, &c. H. M. J ones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. W ANTED—One or two tradesmen to em ploy the Advertiser in Posting their Day-books and making up their Monthly Accounts ; would also be willing to assist in a shop or store. Address, H., office of this paper. 944g-564c WANTED KNOWN, that M. NEALAS is now OPENING UP a First Class Assortment of BOOTS and SHOES, suitable for Winter wear, which he intends to dispose of at his usual CHEAP RATES. 924g-536c FOOLSCAP Ledgers and Cash Books, Pocket Ledgers, Where is it 1 Letter Books, Note, Letter, and Foolscap Papers, Envelopes, Court, Business, and Official Drawing and Tissue Paper. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. TTT ANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw- VV kins, The Tinwald Bootmaker, has REMOVED to premises Opposite the Tinwald Post Office, where he is still open to Sell first-class Boots and Shoes at his usual Cheap Rates. All kinds of Boots Made and Repaired. 805g—417 c TTT ANTED—TENDERS for CLEAR- V ING Fourteen Miles of Drainage on, the Chatmoss Estate. Full particulars can be ascertained by applying to Jajies Scott, at Montgomerj r and Co.’s Store, East street, Ashburton. 535c-930a THE undersigned are now selling the best screened Old Lambton New castle COAL at LOWEST CURRENT RATES. * W. MONTGOMERY*CO., 5G2c-949g Limited. TAJEW LINES JUST OPENED—GIass Inks and Inkstands, .Book Slides, Scrap Albums, Desks, Workboxes, Photo graph Frames from 6d. each. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. COMPOSITION Dolls, China Dolls, Wooden Dolls, Rag Dolls, Toys, China Mugs, Balls, &c. H. M. Jones, Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square.