The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With Which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). THURSDAY, JULY 15, 1880.

The Borough By-Laws, as finally passed by the Council of the Borough of Ashburton, are published as a supplement to the present issue.

Christchurch Industrial Exhibition. —The Industrial Exhibition was opened by the Mayor, to-day. There wa3 a large attendance. Mr. R. Allan, Chairman of the Committee of Management, delivered the inauguration address, sketching the progress made in manufactures, art, and science in New Zealand. The display of exhibits was very imposing, and include many valuable articles. The machinery comprises a weaver’s loom, tile press, boot sole sewing machine, potter’s wheel, etc., all at work. s Nail making, lens grinding, and other interesting processes are being shown. Altogether there are nearly 200 exhibits. The exhibition will be open till Saturday, and possibly next week.

Optical Entertainment. —Somefriends of the Primitive Methodist Church have •procured a splendid sciopticon, with limelight apparatus, and purpose giving a series of entertainments with its aid The first will come off in the Town Hall on Tuesday next, when, in addition to a large number of views, the slides for which have been imported, there will be exhibited transparencies of all the prin cipal buildings and objects of interest in Ashburton. These local views have been taken on glass negatives, by Mr. G. F. Henry, photographer. East street, and are very creditable productions. -Photographs of the members of the public bodies are in preparation, and these will be exhibited to show the magnifying power of the in strument, which throws a picture 14 x 14ft. Amongst the series of views will also be found a large number of im mensely comic ones. The Fire Brigade. —The usual fort nightly practice of the Fire Brigade was held last evening, and previous to the ordinary business being gone through, a discussion took place concerning the pro posed Fire Brigades Act now before Par liament. Lieut. Gundry, of the Fire Police, was present to represent that body. Captain VYilkie explained that as matters at present stood, it was somewhat doubt ful who could take full charge in case of a fire. The proposed Act delegated to the Mayor the appointment of a fire Inspector, who was invested with very large powers, and personally lie (Mr. Wilkie) was averse to assuming such an amount of responsibility. Still, it was needful that some individual should be looked to who would be capable of ordering the pulling down of buildings, etc., when necessary, and it was provided by the Act that the Mayor had power to appoint or remove fire inspectors from time to time. As a matter of custem the Captain of the Brigade was usually fire inspector, but it seemed there was a hitch in Christchurch as to the fire police acting under the inspector. After some discussion, in which it was shown that the Borough, under this new Act, could strike a rate of a penny in the pound for a fire rate, and also tax the insurance com panies to the extent of per cent, on the premiums collected, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Gundry for his attend ance, and in reply he promised to call the Salvage Corps together at an early date, and report progress to the Brigade. The Brigade then went through their drill in a very creditable manner, the new uniforms seeming to be an incentive to better at tendance.

CABLE NEWS.

LATEST FROM EUROPE

(Reuta's Telegrams.) The Australian Cricketers. London, July 13.

The cricket match, Australians versus Leicestershire county team, at Leicester, wa3 continued to-day. The Home team were all out for 1)5 runs in their first innings, being 47runs behind their oppon ents. The Australians then went in for their second innings, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had lost no wickets for 66 runs. Commercial. Consols, 98§. New Zealand securities unchanged. The markets for the South Australian and New Zealand breadstulfs and Aus tralian tallow are unchanged. Scotch pig iron in London continues to advance in price, and is to-day quoted at 545. Accounts of the hop crop arc less favor able, the crops being partially damaged by excessive rains. Mr. O’Borke’s Knighthood. The Gazette to-day contains the ofiicial announcement of conferring the honor of Knighthood on Mr. O’Rorke, Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand. Congratulations. London, July 14. The Queen has congratulated the English Volunteers on their progress during the twenty-one years of their ex istence. More Fighting. Constantinople, July 14. Fighting has commenced between the Albanians arid Montenegrins. The Turks Recalcitrant. The Porte continues to take steps to offer armed resistance to any attempts that may be made to enforce the decision of the Berlin Conference, and for that purpose Turkish troops are being massed at Adrianople, Salonica, Volo, Prevesa, and Thessaly—Gallipoli, in the Dardanelles is moreover being strongly fortified. The Republicans’ Choice. Washington, July 14. The Republican Convention have chosen Mr. Garfield as their candidate for the Presidentship. He has accepted the nomination.

Yakoub Khan.

Calcutta, July 14,

Intelligence has been received from Afghanistan that Yakoub Khan, Governor of Herat, who left that city recently for the purpose of attacking Candahar, has arrived at Farrah, and resumed his march towards Candahar.

AUSTRALIAN

(Per Beuter’s Agency.) Shipping. Melbourne, July 14. Sailed—Ringarooma, for the Bluff. The Elections.

The result of the elections, so far as known at 9 p.m., shows —Ministerialists, 22 : Opposition, 24. The former have lost four and gained two. The excitement is very great.

NEW ZEALAND.

(Per Press Association.) Auckland, July 14.

At the inquest on John Bakman, the jury returned a verdict of “ Accidentally suffocated ” on board the cutter Tweed, by fumes of charcoal. His mate, Johnson, the survivor, is still confined to his bed. At the Auckland Timber Company’s mill, Thomas Frestone had three fingers taken off by a circular saw. Rev. Mr. Habens, Inspector-General of Schools, has paid a visit of inspection to the Industrial Home, preparatory to com mencing an pnquiry into its management. A Newspaper Proprietor’s Nose Tweaked by an Actor. Auckland, July 15,

Wickham, proprietor of the Auckland Free Lance, had bis nose severely pulled by a member of the Company, for condemning their entertainment before seeing it,as “another lot of Yankee trash.” Other newspapers speak well of the per formance. Wickham did not get an advertisement, which is supposed to be the cause of his animus. An Expression of Confidence. Grahamstown, July 15. A meeting called last night by circular was largely and influentially attended, to consider what steps should be taken re garding the petition for removal of the Resident Magistrate, now before the House. The following resolutions were carried unanimously : meeting has entire confidence in Mr. Kenrick as R.M. for this district, and de sires to testify to the strict impartiality which has distinguished his judicial pro ceedings ; and that this meeting endorses the opinion expressed at a meeting of justices previously held. .2. That it i 3 the opinion of this preliminary meeting that an opportunity should be given to the whole Thames male adult population to express their entire confidence in the honorable and equitable justice manifested in the decisions given by Henry Kenrick, Esq., their present Magistrate ; and, further, that this opportunity should be given by calling a public meeting at an early date, and that any resolutions passed to that effect at such meeting be forwarded to the Minister of Justice, to Parliament, and the worthy Magistrate. A public meeting is to be held to-morrow. Wellington, July 14.

At the Bankruptcy Court an order was made for the Superintendent of the Wel lington Police to deliver up. twenty diamond rings, seized from F. Gleich, alias Fisher, when arrested for fradulent bankruptcy at Adelaide. In re D. P. Davis an application was made for a rule nisi to show why the debtor and his wife should not be committed to prison until they should disclose a certain sum of L 390, paid to the debtor’s wife by the New Zealand Insurance Company. The de fence to the motion was that the money did not belong to the debtor, but by virtue of an assignment made by him in her favor in March, 1879, it was the property of his wife. His Honor said he did not like to take such an extreme step at present, and provided witness promised to revea what had become of the money if

allowed time, he would adjourn the case, which was ultimatelv done until Friday. Cracking Stones. Wellington, July 15. • The City Council intend to resume the work of stone-breaking, so as to afford employment to a large number of men. Government will probably send a further detachment of men to Patea. The Accident at Kumara. Kujiara, July 14. The body of John Whelan was recovered shortly before five o’clock this morning, and buried with the two others, Denis, his brother, and Philip Cumins. The funci'al was largely attended, nearly 1,000 persons following. All the places of business were closed, and but few claims on the goldfield worked during the day. Heavy Damages. Dunedin, July 15. In the case of Alves v. the Corporation of Dunedin, the Court .awarded plaintiff L 2,600 and costs. The costs amount to nearly L 4,000. The Corporation offered L 1,200 before the case came on. Committed for Trial. Inveroargill, July 14. The investigation of the charge of man slaughter against Dr. Moffat, of Winton, was resumed at the Police Court to-day, and resulted in accused being committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court. Bail was allowed, accused in L2OO and two sureties in L2OO each.

DISTRICT COURT.

Thursday, July 15.

(Before His Honor Judge Ward.) FERGUS V. PETER. This case was adjourned for a month, LUSCOMBE V. GRIGG.

Claim L 35 Bs. 6d. This was an action to recover wages stopped bj l, defendant for alleged bad threshing. A case for recovery of damages by Mr. Grigg from Mr. Luscombe had been decided in Mr. Grigg’s favor in the R.M. Court, and this was the action referred to, during the hearing of the R.M. case, as pending in the District Court.

After argument it was agreed that the set-off be struck out, and if plaintiff re covered any judgment, execution to be delayed pending the hearing of appeal cn the judgment of the R.M. Court in Grigg v. Luscombe. If appeal is not brought before the Supreme Court within three months, or if brought within that time it fails, then the two judgments to be set off, one against the other. F. G. Luscombe, plaintiff, said that he was in the service of defendant, threshing grain, from January to May. The rate of wages to be paid was to be 255. per 1,000 bushels of grain. Was engaged by Mr. Button, Mr. Grigg’s manager, . who asked me ivhat I had got for wages in previous years. I replied that I had previously been paid 255., and he said the price would be the same as in previous years. I had been threshing for Mr. Grigg four seasons. I threshed bushels. When I got the account -of my wages I told Mr. Grigg to alter the amount to 255. per 1,000 bushels, the same as had been agreed on between myself and Mr. Button. Last year my brother and I worked in partnership, “and we divided the responsi bility of the work—he feeding, I driving. We took together L2 ss. per 1,000 bushels, and divided the money equally, thus getting each 225. 6d. This year I was to take all the responsibility myself, and therefore was to be paid 255. per 1,000 bushels.

By Mr. > Branson —Am certain that Button told me the rate of wages would be the same as last year. Got LI per 1,000 last year for feeding ; my brother was then driving. Could not tell how many bushels I was paid at the rate of LI perl ,000. Could not say if I got LI per 1,000 for 40,000 bushels and 225. 6d. per 1,000 for 9,000. Could not swear positively to how many seasons I have threshed for Mr. Grigg. Mr. Grigg fixed my rate of wages last year and Mr. Button this year. Henry Martin, engine-driver Was engaged as driver this year. The usual rate of driving was 255. I was paid more ; 253. included tucker. I was found.

For the defence, Mr. Branson called Edward Button, manager for Mr. Grigg— Recollected Luscombe coming to me and asking about the rate of wages for thresh ing. Told him, for aught I knew, they would be the same as last year. Luscombe last year was paid LI per 1,000 for 40,000 and 22s 6d per 1,000 for 9,000. Afterwards Luscombe asked me if the drivers’ wages wages were lower, and I told him I didn’t k.iow.

Frederick Waymouth—The usual rate of wages paid in the district was LI per 1000 for drivers. Other machine owners have told me so. Luscombe demurred to his account, and to .the rate paid. Mr. Joseph Clark has told me the rate of wages. His Honor said that this hearsay evi dence could not be accepted, and as the whole question between the parties was the rate per 1000 bushels, it would be necesary to produce machine owners. Mr. Branson applied for an adjourn ment to admit of the production of machine owners.

Mr. O’Reilly objected. His Honor said it was apparent from the evidened that the plaintiff had been en gaged as driver this year, and not as a feeder. Mr. Button had engaged Lus combe, and Mr. Grigg had ratified the en gagement by accepting the work, and pay ing for it. Judgment would be given for plaintiff for full amount, with costs. E. G. Wright v. Fletcher.—Claim L2OC. Adjourned for a month, on the application of Mr. Branson, for plaintiff. Stalker v. Megson—Claim L 123 16s. for threshing. For plaintiff', Mr. Branson, for defendant, Mr. Crisp. Mr. Crisp consented to judgment, on condition that execution be stayed, pend ing the hearing of a cross action. Security for the amount of judgment to be given by defendant. in bankruptcy. Orders for discharge were granted on the application of the several Solicitors for the following fdebtors : —J. Y. Ward, Henry Redfern, James Baylis, and C. B. M. Branson ; and orders for payment of costs re Risely Brothers and W. Frisby. Be John Moore, application by Mr. Branson for bankrupt’s discharge, his Honor said he observed that all the certifi cated accountants in bankruptcy had refused in turn to accept the trusteeship. These gentlemen had no right to refuse such a position simply because there were no assets, and unless good cause were shown why they had refused he would appoint others in their stead. The appli cation was ultimately granted.

Be Maclean and Winter.—Deed of assignment declared completely executed, on application of Mr. Branson. Be Roberts v. Friedlander—Mr. Branson applied for an extension of time for pre paring an appeal, as he had received a letter from Messrs. Garrick and Cow- Ishaw, solicitors for plaintiff, stating that they declined to accept the case for appeal stated by himself, until they obtained his Honor’s notes of the case, for which they had written.

His Worship said two days ago he had received a telegram asking for these notes, and had telegraphed his readiness to let them be obtained, but no application had been made to the Clerk of Court. No affidavit was laid before the Court by Mr. Branson, and the simple statement of solicitors could not be accepted. He would not assent to the application.

Parliamentary Notes.

(From our own Correspondent.) Wellington, July 14.

The House occupied all the afternoon discussing Sir W. Fox’s motion for Bible reading in public schools, Dr. Wallis and Mr. Stewart spoke in support of it, Mr. Rolleston, Mr. Saunders, and Mr. Ireland in opposition. The motion was talked out at 5.30.

On Government proposing Mr. Hurst to the chair, the Opposition proposed Mr. Thompson, and a sharp debate is now going on. The motion was rendered necessary by the illness of the Speaker, and Mr. Seymour being obliged to take his place.

Wellington, July 15.

The even tenor of the Legislative way in the House of Representatives was somewhat disturbed last night, by a long and cowardly attack on Mr. Hurst. Mr. Seymour being unable to continue the double duty of Speaker and Chairman of Committee, Mr. Hall last night proposed that Mr. Hurst, who had 011 a previous occasion shown himself an excellent Chair man, should take the chair. All the old fury against Mr. Hurst at once burst out, and the whole evening up to the 12 o’clock adjournment was spent in various at tempts to annoy him. The Government supporters sat. quiet, as usual, until Mr. Downie Stewart had the audacity to join in the cowardly attack, and to call Mr. Hurst “ the most objectionable man in the House. ” This was too much for Mr. George McLean, who fired up, and gave Mr. Stewart a bit of his mind and the House.a little of Mr. Stewart’s history. In doing so he called'Mr. Stewart “ per fidious and impertinent” ; upon which he was called to order by the Speaker, and was called upon to withdraw the words. He did so, saying— ‘ ‘ Well, sir, then I withdraw' those words, and wish I could think of some ten times as strong to take their place that were Parliamentary. ” As if to show Mr. McLean how to manage it, Mr. Moorhouse rose and said—“ Sir, I don’t say the lion, member for Dunedin, Mr. Stewart, is perfidious ; I don’t say that lie is impertinent ; I don’t say that he has betrayed his party and his con stituents ; I don’t say that he is contempt ible ; —but I have my own opinion about him, for all that.” After several divisions, Mr. Hurst was elected by a majority of four, but, with good judgment and a very judicious speeoh, be declined to accept the position under such circumstances.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

ASHBURTON LIBRARY.

To the- Editor.

Sir, —Off a review of what has ap peared in your paper, from last April, to date, concerning the Ashburton Library, something like a correct estimate of its state and condition may be found. With the light thrown upon it by the aid of the press the following items are seen : 1. For more than two years, say since March 1878, the institution has not been a success.

2. From some unexplained cause, a sub scribers’ annual meeting was not held in 1879, and whether the officers and Com mittee elected in 1878 could hold office for two years is uncertain. 3. For reasons then satisfactory to the subscribers, the building was in July, 1878, so altered as to be available only for Library purposes, yet in May, 1880, the Chairman regretted the public did not ap preciate what had been done. 4. Though not open for other than Library purposes after July 1878, the building has been used by outside bodies, such as the Episcopalian vestry and the Gas Company; and though the public are isked to believe that on the strength of a bye-law, a rent of 10s. 6d. has always been paid for the use of the building, there is no proof that this has been done. 5. The alteration of the building could not have been undertaken, without some expense, and rents could not have been received without creating receipts ; yet no statement of accounts was forthcoming last May, at the subscribers’ meeting, nor any reason assigned for the abs xnce of it. 6. The Committee of 1878 evidently held office up to May, 1880, and acknow ledged they were partly to blame for the bad state of affairs, but left the public to say in what x-espect. 7. The same Committee were eager to stop persons from voting at the last meet ing, unless it was clear their subscriptions had been paid up, though it was by no means certain that all on the Committee had paid their own.

8. The tardiness of the Committee in responding to the wishes of the subscri bers in reference to calling a public meet ing caused a suspicion that there was something to conceal, and the absence of the balance-sheet, also the way Uiey sat on persons who had not paid up their sub scriptions deepened that suspicion. 9. Nothing was said at the public meet ing last held in reference to the state of the piano belonging to the library, whether anyone bad free access to it, or whether it was earning money for the in stitution.

The present Committee have no blame attached to them, and they will have ac corded to them the warmest thanks of the subscribers if they can show a financial statement for the last two or three years, publish the rules and by laws, take stock of the property, and generally satisfy the public mind, either that the Library is not to be used for any outside purpose, or, if it is, that the rent is duly paid. An influx of subscribers will then most likely follow.—l am, &c., One Present at the Entertainment.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wednesday, July 14.

The House met at 2.30.

Mr. Murray gave notice to move (1.) That, subject to the approval of Parlia ment, Government should incite offers for the purchase of half interest in railways ; (2.) purchasers to work the railways and have all profits up to L 5 per cent, on the purchase price, thereafter profits up to Ll 7 per cent, to be clearly divided with Go vernment ; (3.) Government to have a right to regulate freights and fares, and inspect and audit accounts ; (4.) Govern ment to have a right of re-purchase at valuation at any time after thirty years ; (5.) that from moneys so received Govern ment to advance to corporations or indi viduals half the expenditure for construct ing and completing such railways as may be authorised by Parliament upon the terms stated in paragraphs 2,3, 4, and 5 ; (G.)the corporations constructing railways under paragraph 5 through Grown and native lands .should have special privileges of purchasing for purposes of settlement. Dr. Wallis gave notice that he would move for an amendment of the Electoral Act, so as to extend the franchise to lease ‘holders.

Sir W. Fox presented a petition praying for religious teaching in schools. Replying to questions, it was stated that Inspectors of Coal Mines had been ap pointed, but Government would not in the financial state of the colony make similar appointments for gold mines— Government was desirous of affording every facility for native girls attending European schools, instruction in needle work as far as possible to be afforded. Sir William Fox moved—“ That the Education Act be amended to provide permissive powers being granted to Edu cation Boards to introduce Bible reading in schools, subject to time-table and a conscience clause. ” He contended that a house to house canvass would prove that a large proport ion of parents were in favor of the motion, and argued that, while professedly a Christian community, the Bible was the only book expressly ex pressly excluded from their school teach ing. Dr. Wallis seconded the motion. Mr. Rolleston opposed. The difficulties of the question had been intensified by the ecclesiastical feeling imported into the subject. One-eighth of the population was Roman Catholic, so that the asser tion that a large proportion of parents were in favor of the resolution could not hold good. The introduction of the Bible would not tend to foster, but rather to destroy, the national system of educa tion, which the colony aimed at. The motion was, therefore, inopportune. They did not desire to see a return to denomi nationalism, nor did they wish to see the system wholly in the hands of a class pro fessing a contempt for all religious in struction. Public opinion was in favor of their system of teaching being religious, so far as the difference of opinion prevail ing in religious matters would permit. Mr. Stewart supported the motion, and Messrs. Saunders and Ireland opposed it. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30. NEW BILL. The Deceased Wife’s Sister Marriage Bill was received from the Council, and read a first time. CHAIRMAN OP COMMITTEE. On the motion for going into Com mittee, The Hon. J. Hall moved that Mr. Hurst act pro. tern, as Chairman of Com mittees. Mr. Macandrew thought that an older and more experienced member should be selected. He named Mr. Thomson. Mr. Shrimski formally moved Mr. Thomson to the chair. Mr. Thomson said he was not consulted as to his name being put forward on this occasion. He was sensible of the honor intended, but he could not think of occupying the chair unless he was called to it unanimously. He asked that his name might be withdrawn. Mr. Thomson’s name was withdrawn. Mr. Seddon suggested that Mr. Hurst’s name should be withdrawn, and with a view of at once ending the difficulty he proposed Colonel Trimble. Mr. Shephard appealed to Mr. Hurst to solve the difficulty, and decline to allow his name to be put to the vote. By that means he would prove his fitness to be elected at some future time. Colonel Trimble said it was out of the question that a mere routine piece of business should be taken out of the hands of the Government. He was sure that the Premier had no party feeling when they proposed Mr. Hurst. On the question that Mr. Hurst’s name stand part of the question, the Plouse divided—Ayes, 37 ; Noes, 33. Mr. Stewart then moved the previous question. He pointed out that the division that there was a large proportion of the*] House against Mr. Hurst. No man with any self respect would think about occupying the chair with a bare majority of four in his favor. No one would occupy the chair who had not the unanimous, or all but unanimous, vote of the House. Mr. Bunny seconded the motion. Mr. Lundon moved the adjournment of the House. The motion for adjournment was nega tived on the voices. The House divided on the motion that the question be now put—Ayes, 41; Noes, 37. Mr. Reeves moved that the House now adjourn. Mr. Turnbull seconded. Mr, Hurst said the Premier had asked him to take the chair that evening. Be yond that he had nothing to do with the matter. He felt that he would have been doing himself an injustice, if he had, as he was strongly disposed to do, followed the example of the member for Clutha, and retired. The main objection to him was that he had seen it to be his duty to change.sides. He did it in all good faith, but at the same time he felt that it was an injustice to him to try to destroy his public reputation. •He regretted what had trans pired that evening, and he now begged to withdraw' from the position to which he had been voted.

The Hon. J. Hall said that the conduct of the Opposition forced the Government to insist on the motion. • How, however, that Mr. Hurst wished to retire Govern ment would not object. At the same

time he desired to express the opinion of jgpjj the Government that the course adopted - by Mr. Hurst had been a dignified one. Mr. Reeves withdrew his motion for ad journment. IN COMMITTEE. ' The House went into committee on the. M Members of the General Assembly Ex-, • y penses Bill. After a few unimportant clauses had been considered, progress was Sg reported, and the Bill made an Order d of the Day for that day week. ■ The House went into Committee on the | Dentists Bill, which was passed with amendments. - . ; yj§| The House went into Committee on the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment Bill. Subsection 2of clause 1, was struck jp out on a division by 27 to 20. Clause 19 was struck out. At 12.30 the House adjournod. v q

Women’s Rights.

The public advocates' of woman’s rights'll! in New Zealand are not many. In Par- liament they seem to have been reduced I'Sj to one solitary individual, and Dr. Wallis, %f the member for Auckland City West, is permitted to stand alone as the champion' of the ladies in their claim for electoral q rights. He has placed the following be fore the House in the Women’s Franchise ¥ Bill : \v

“Every woman of the age .of twenty-one s; years or upwards, having of her own right, and , to her separate use, a freehold estate in possession, situate within ail electoral district, - of the Da value of twenty-five pounds, whether subject'll to incumbrances or not, and of or to which x-S she has been seized for at least six calendar months next before the .registration of her vote, ;- ■ is entitled to be registered as an elector, and vote at an election of members for "such trict for the House of Representatives. But - no woman shall be entitled to be registered as an elector, or to vote at any such election, in A respect of any other qualification, ft o woman, N although registered as an elector under .this Act, shall be qualified to be elected a member: of the House of Representatives for any electo- d;- ral district.” " i,' • A perusal of this measure will show that it grants to females no more electoral liberty in regard to Parliamentary repre ser.tation than they at presfent possess in ...... connection with municipalities, and it seems to us only a common-sense argu- - ment that if they are fit to be entrusted with votes for a borough Councillor they ought also to be fit to vote for a member of Parliament. We fear that the opposi tion the claims of women for enfranchise ment encounter is more founded on pre judice than on anything else. It has been contended that they are not intellectually fit to be possessed of the franchise, and a . great amount of balderdash is talked about their proper sphere being domestic' duties. We have heard men even go the v length of saying that the average woman of to-day could not afford time from the study of her personal adornment and the criticism of her neighbors’ to look into the public affairs of the colony, and that the only literature she cares to study is fiction, and the more romantic and sensational the better. Sensible men know the sex better than this, and willalllow, if they have done anything in electioneering, that the average woman is just as well qualified to discriminate between two candidates for a Parliamentary seat, as two-thirds of the men who are nowentitledtovotes. Nothing - can be simpler than the law regarding-the registration of electors as it exists at the present moment ; yet not a tenth part of those men who are entitled to votes appear to understand it, or they so undervalue their privilege as to lot it lie in abeyance, and neglect to enrol themselves. We feel certain that had women the same privilege the roll would bristle with feminine names —at any rate the ladies could not be more apathetic than are hundreds of the “ free and independent.” There is really no genuine objection to giving females votes, and it is a fully recognised axiom that representation should be co-ordinate with taxation. It is all nonsense to say they . are unfitted to take part in electioneering strife, because they are not required to do it. The protection afforded by the a ballot to male electors would be just as protective of females, and the latter need never join in the tom-foolery that too often characterises election meet- . ings. Full information about a candi date’s politics can always be had from the press, and to the press hundreds of male " voters look for such information as they desire. We feel thoroughly satisfied that were Dr. Wallis’s Bill passed nothing > would ever occur to cause regret for its passage, and it would be the first blow to a prejudice that alone prevents the fran chise from being as wide amongst women as it is now amongst men. So far as the municipal franchise is concerned, .we have always found the ladies bestowing a sensible and well pondered over vote, and the men they supported were always such as deserved the honor done them. In matters of the heart, women may be soft (so are men, for that matter) but they are sound enough in judgment when they set themselves to it.

Mount Hutt Road Board.

The usual monthly meeting took place in the office, at Methven, on Thursday, the Bth inst. Present—Messrs. Alington, McMiSan, Jackson, Pannett, and the Chairman (Mr. Edward Chapman). The overseer’s report was read and con sidered.

Be road applied for by Mr. Sydney Rolls, the Overseer reported that he had been up to inspect the road, but, owing to the snow lying upon the ground, the pegs could not be found, and he, there fore, could make no estimate of the cost. The matter was allowed to stand over till next meeting, the estimate to be made up in the meantime.

An application was received from Mr. George Johnstone, asking the Board to allow him to take shingle from their pit. The Board decided not to allow any shingle to be taken from the pit on the Board’s property, but referred Mr. John stone to Mr. Grigg, the owner of the pit nearer the township. An application was received from the Presbyterians, applying for the use of the office for the purpose of holding service in. It was resolved to allow the use of the office on a guarantee being given that it w r ould be kept in order. Mr. Butt waited upon the Board and made a complaint sgainst the Overseer for cutting the fence adjoining his section, and allowing the water to flow across his land. The Board informed Mr. Butt that the Overseer had instructions to cut tho fence, to allow the water to follow its natural course. .... As the present fences turned the water on

THE ASHBURTON HERALD, THURSDAY, JULY 15, iBBq.



Ainusements. IJIOWN HALL, ASHBUETO N. FAREWELL CONCERT BY THE Carandini OPERA and BALLAD COMPANY. A splendid Programme. Admission—3s. and 2s. 656 c TOWN HALL, ASHBURTON. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. GRAND OPTICAL Entertainme lit, CONSISTING of a large number of in teresting and DISSOLVING VIEWS, . .by LIMELIGHT, both LOCAL and FOREIGN, On the 20th JULY, 1880, in Aid of the Church Funds. See Hand Bills for Programme. Prices of Admission— Dress Circle, 25,; Body of Hall, Front Seats, Is. 6d.; Back Sean,lb. y Children Half-price to all parts . of the House. Doors'open at 7.30 p.m.; commence at 8 prompt. 643c-27 g ■v.Ly', Miscellaneous GOOD PIANO on hire, by the evening. Jones, H. M. Stationery and Fancy Goods Depot, East Street and Baring Square. A DVERTISEMENTS, inserted under , j\ ' the Shilling rate, must be prepaid. Booked, Is. 6d. will be charged. 625 c "ANTED KNOWN—That C. Haw 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 —417c TATANTED—A General SERVANT at yy once. Apply to Mrs. George Parkin, Moore Street, Ashburton. 642 c XTTANTED—A SITUATION as Cook YV or Needle Woman in a gentleman’s fanlily. Country preferred, good refer ence!. Apply at once, Herald office. 662 c WANTED A General SERVANT. YV Apply at this office. 661 c "ANTED—A Respectable YOUNG MAN to make himself generally useful. Apply Quill’s Commercial Hotel. 652 c WANTED, Immediately, a steady ex perienced man COOK, for a station. Apply to T. R. Hodder, and Company. 654 c PIANOFORTE FOR SALE. A GOOD Strong Cottage Pianoforte for Sale, second hand, price L 35 cash. Apply office of this paper. 641 c TO A. HARRISON, Esq., Dear Sir— 3, the undersigned Burgesses of Ash burton, respectfully request you to allow yourself to be nominated for the seat in the Borough Council, vacated bj r E. Saunders, Esq., and in the event of your complying with our request, wo pledge ourselves to use our best endeavors to secure your return. Yours faithfully, George St. Hill J. Tucker Wm. Anderson O. Digby Andrew Orr T. Chambers W. T. Davison JohnW. Baker J. M. Cambridge Thomas Taylor J. B. Chapman John Orr William Sparrow E. A. Garnett James Bradley Baker and Brown And 25 others. Havelock street, July 29th, 1880. . Gentlemen— - ;t T)ERMIT me to thank you for the I above kind expression of your wishes, in answer to which I simply say —PUT ME IN—and I will endeavor to act to the best of my ability for our Borough. And believe me, faithfully yours, 611 c ALFRED HARRISON. ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH BAZAAR. mHE VESTRY of St. Stephen’s Parish I beg to notify that all contributions to the forthcoming Bazaar must be sent in as follows : PRODUCE, &c., To the Store of Messrs. Edmiston, Gundry and Co., not later than Tuesday, 20th inst. LIVE STOCK, &c. , To the Town Hall, not later than 10 a. m. Wednesday, 21st inst. CONTRIBUTION S OF MISCELLANE OUS GOODS .Will be received at the Hall up to the . ’ ' opening of the Bazaar. THE BAZAAR WILL OPEN AT NOON ON WEDNESDAY, zist JULY. The proceeding will be interspersed with Singing and Music during the clay. AN ENTERTAINMENT Will alio be given. t # After 6 p.m. the charge of admission will be Is., and half-price for children. &•;*"** > J.WABD.



Miscellaneous FOOLSCAP Ledgers and Cash Books, Pocket Ledgers, Where is it ? 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. Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons printed at the Herald Office East street, near Railway Station. ASHBURTON GAS, COAL, AND COKE COMPANY, LIMITED. mHE ANNUAL GENERAL MEET- X ING of Shareholders in the above Company will be held at the Library Hall, Ashburton, at 3 p.m., MONDAY, July 19th. Business —To receive the Annual Re port and Balance-sheet, and to elect four Directors. Messrs. Wright and Orr retire by rotation and offer themselves for re election. Two are required to fill the places of Messrs Ivess and Doherty. J. WARD, 663 c Secretary. FINAL NOTICE. A CCOUNTS Outstanding DUE to the Business, of E. Taylor, Baker, Saunders’ Buildings, will now be SUED for, without further notice. W. WHITE, Authorised Collector. Ashburton, 15th July, 1880. 665 c



O. W. Duckworth, GROCER, HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH, (Near Strange’s Buildings.) Goods Delivered at Christchurch Rail way Station. Furnished Houses To Let at Sumner.