The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo"). WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1880.

Mail Notices. —The outward Suez mail will close at the Ashburton Post Office at 10 a. rn. to-morrow (Thursday). Mails for the United Kindom and Aus tralia, per Arawata, will close at the Bluff on the 13th inst. Sergeant Felton.— Our old friend Sergeant Felton arrived in Ashburton last night. The sergeant has almost com pletely recovered from his recent serious illness, and will probably resume duty about the end of the mouth. The Honorarium. —Mr J. B. Bain, M.H. R. for Invercargill, has divided one half of his honorarium between the Hospital and the Benevolent Institution— L 52 10s, to each. Cambridge School. —We learn that this school will commence work on the first Monday in March. Prior to opening there will be a public tea meeting and entertainment, due notice of which will be given. Smuggling Tobacco. —Two men were fined L 25 each with L 3 10s. costs, at the Auckland Police Court on Tuesday, for smuggling tobacco from the City of New York mail steamer.

The Irish Relief Fund —To-night, we would remind our readers, the public meeting regarding the Irish Relief Fund will be held in the Town Hall, when we hope the urgency of the cause will induce a large attendance. We notice from tele grams that Dunedin and suburbs have raised about LIOOO for the relief. The Florence Entertainment.— The complimentary entertainment given by several vocal and dramatic amateurs in Ashburton to Mr. and Mrs. Florence came off last night in the Town Hall. We had hoped to see a larger audience than that assembled, the hall being only about half full, but the chairs were nearly all filled, the thinness being especially remarkable in the back benches, which wei-e almost unoccupied. After the usual instrumental piece, played by Mrs. Paige, with her customary taste, the vocal work was initiated by a trio, “Through the world,” in which the abilities of Mr. and Mrs. Florence were well displayed, but to no greater advantage certainly than were those of Mr. Branson, who also took part in it, and rendered invaluable service. Mr. Pratt followed, singing “The sexton.” Mr. Pratt has a very useful voice, but scarcely enough of it, we should say, for a song like “ The sexton ” in such a vretched hall as ours. Mr. Harrison was as happy as usual in “Nothing else to do,” and in response to an encore he gave “The bell-ringer.” Mr. Branson and Mr. Florence then delighted the audience with the lively duet, “The moon has raised her lamp,” and had to repeat it in acknowledgement ©f hearty compliments. “The mountebank” afforded Mrs Florence an opportunity of pleasing the audience greatly, and when they signified their ap proval by an encore, she sang in response “Norah O’Neil,” an effort that made her more popular than ever. Mr. Branson is always acceptable, as his very effective singing of “Twilight is darkening” proved. After a duet “Flow Gently, Deva ” had been sung by Mr. and Mrs. Florence, and a song by Mr. Jacobson, which had to be repeated, the vocal part concluded with the prison scene from “ Maritana,” Mr. Branson being successful in his exposition of “In Happy Moments,” and Mr. Florence vei'y telling in “ Let me like a Soldier Fall. ” The entertainment concluded with the comedietta entitled “Jack’s Delight,” in which much amuse ment was caused by the lively personifica tion of Mrs. Brush by a lady amateur, and the drolleries of “Titus” and his father. The piece, which was well put on, and put through without any hitch and with much spirit, kept the audience in good humor to the close. We must not omit to mention how much the success of the vocal part of the entertainment was owing to Mrs. Paige’s admirable aid at the piano.

TERRIBLE CATASTROPHES.

Burning of the Theatre Royal, Dublin,

with loss of Life. Fall of Military Barracks at Constan tinople.—2oo Soldiers killed. (By Cable.) (Reuter's). London, Feb. 10. The Theatre Royal, Dublin, has been burnt down. Six persons were killed and several injured. Constantinople, Fob. 10.

During the soldiers’ fete at Stamboul, the barracks fell, and 200 were killed, while large numbers were injured.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS,

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

(Age Special. ) Alarming News from Afghanistan. London, Feb. 10. Latest news from Afghanistan states that the fiercest attempts are being made to arouse fanaticism. The High Priest appeals to all true believers to massacre the British.

Lord Salisbury’s Health. Lord Salisbury is improving.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Colonial Beer. Sydney, Feb. 11. At the Exhibition, in the class for mild ales, Joel, of Dunedin, took first prize, and Brown and Campbell, of Auckland, were highly commended. In the pale ale class, Martin, of Invercargill, took first prize, and Pascoe, of AVellington, and AVilson, of Dunedin, were highly com

mended. In strong ales, Vincent, Christ church, took first prize, the Phoenix Brewery (probably Elirenfried) second. No awards were given for bottled ales.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL The Waikato Land Difficulty Settled. Graham, stown, Feb. 11. Sir George Grey, when here, received invitations from Tukikua, the great native obstructionist, to meet him, and settle the question as to the road and railway through his land. Sir George Grey recommended him to submit it to the Government officer’s advice, and it appears Tukikua has done so, and the county road and rail way is allowed to be formed. This re moves the only obstruction in the line of the Thames-Waikato railway. The Caledonian Company. Mr. Rowe is not likely to float the new Caledonian Company, Auckland capitalists opposing the scheme. The Native Commission. Hawera, Feb. 11. Sir Dillon Bell and Sir Wm, Fox, who are both in Hawera, have engaged Mr. Furlong’s house for three months, as a residence. The Gamp at Kaikiki. Mr. Bryce visited Kaikiki camp yester day evening, and went as far as Kaupoko nui to inspect the site for the new camp, which had been selected by Col. Roberts in the early part of the day. A move for ward to Kaupokonui is expected to morrow. The work is being vigorously pushed forward, and pay-day passed at the camp without a single drunk. The weather continues exceedingly hot, and the dust is something fearful. A- 0. Movements. Wellington, Feb. 11. Thirty-two of the native contingent, A.C., left for New Plymouth last night, to reinforce those now working on the roads. The New Cable. The steamer Kangaroo landed the shore end of the cable at Wakapuaka yesterday afternoon, after which she left for Wan ganui. An Octogenarian-

Sydney Smith, better known as “old Smith,” an old resident, died last night at the age of 80 years.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE ( Reuter's Telegram. ) London, Feb. 10. A sculling match took place on the Tyne between Boyd and Elliot for L2OO a-side, the former winning easily. (Argus Special.) London, Feb. 9. Sydney mutton sold to-day at to 6d. ; beef, 4|d. to fid. The beef is not going so quickly. The sa'e of Home beef and mutton averages 6id. ; Ameri can beef, the same as Australian. The Irish members only moved an amendment to the Address, proposing that the loans to landlords shall be at one per cent. They demand the same privileges for tenants and general improvement in the land laws.

Owing to the continued wet of last year sheep rot is extremely prevalent, es pecially in the Midland and Western Counties. Ten thousand, chiefly ewes, are dead and dying in parts of Oxford, Warwick, Somerset, and Gloucester. It is expected that a large proportion of the lambing ewes will succumb. The state of affairs is becoming a matter of serious consideration. Tugs are bringing the mail steamer Hankow to Plymouth, her engines being disabled.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Reuter's,) Melbourne, Feb. 10,

Mr. Berry addressed the Geelong elec tors yesterday in a long speech, in which he defended the policy and actions of the Government. He sketched the future programme of the Ministry, and stated that they had resolved to abandon the nominee clause, but would retain the plebiscite and sixth clause in the next Reform Bill. A vote of confidence was carried by a large majority. A woman named M‘Mahon, while suf fering from religious mania, murdered her infant child yesterday.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON— Tuesday, Fkb. 10.

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

The following is the conclusion of the evidence taken in the case of larceny against Stephens : AVm. Mitchell, sworn—l am a partner of the last witness. On the 3ad inst. I went with him and Constable Farmer to' Stephens’ store at Alford Forest. The constable had a search warrant. He went into the store first, and Turner and I went in together afterwards. Prisoner was there. AVe went in search of goods missing from our wagon. Constable Farmer told prisoner we were in search of stolen goods, and if he had any in the place to give them up. . Prisoner said “ If you think I have, you can search for them.” AYe did search, and in the back store my partner pulled three shirts out of a bundle. AVe then searched the front store, and saw nothing, Then prisoner called me into the back store, and said— “l have a lot of your goods, and am perfectly willing to pay for them. ” He said he did not take them himself, and never had them all, and he would pay for the goods if we would hush the thing up. I told him we could not do that, as he must see Sergeant Pratt. I called in my partner and the constable, and told them what accused had said. I asked him to fetch out the goods he had. He brought out two bundles of sliiits, and I said that was not all. He then fetched another bundle. I asked him what about the collars, cuffs, and gloves. First he said he had no more, but afterwards fetched them, and said that was all he had got left, as he had sold the remainder. Constable Farmer took pos session of them and brought them to Ash burton. The goods in Court are the same. We mark our goods in plain figures. Two or three shirts in the bundle are marked with Turner’s mark, and I also identify them by the patterns and make. By Mr. O’Reilly—l first knew of the loss of the goods after Christmas. I was down South at the time of the loss. My partner put a notice up offering a reward for the goods. He told me that the goods had

been taken out of the wagon at Mount Somers.

R. F. Farmer, mounted constable, de poned—l accompanied Mitchell and Turner to Stephens’ he use on February 3rd. I had the search warrant produced with me. We searched the place for some time when Mitchell said he had found three shirts, belonging to him, and he asked the accused if he had any more. Accused then went into the shop, and brought out some brown paper parcels con taining shirts. He brought out some cuffs and collars afterwards. He said he would pay for the missing goods. I brought the goods to the railway station, and those in Court are the same. The prisoner said he had bought the tilings from an old swagger, whose name he did not know. By Mr. O’Reilly—At this time no illicit still had been found on the premises. Accused produced all the things except the three shirts from a loft. Mr. O’Reilly said the only evidence against the accused was the alleged state ment said to have been made by accused himself, and it was evident that the objec tions of the accused to have a search made were in consequence of his having a private still on the premises, which he did not wish to be discovered. Accused had very crude ideas of business, and he would call evidence to that effect. He called Andrew Orr, merchant, Ashburton, who deponed that he had known the prisoner for two years and five months. He had been dealing with witness’s firm continuously for that period. Knew him to have means. He paid us LIOO to his credit before having any goods at all, the greater portion of which lay to his credit for nearly two months. He dealt with us largely, and he has been in our debt upwards of LSOO on occasions, and has never had a bill dishonored. On the day he was remanded a bill was due by him for Ll3B, which he paid. I don’t know of any small store keeper who bought with greater caution. The class of goods in Court is quite common in the trade. I would not like to swear to any marks I make on goods in plain figures ; the pencil marks are usual ones. By Inspector Pender—l never sent goods to prisoner by a swagman. I can’t say whether we ever supplied goods of this class with any of the marks on the goods. All the goods -are common in the trade. His Worship believing that a prima facie case existed against the prisoner, committed him for trial at the next session of the Supreme Court. Bail would be allowed, himself in LIOO and two sureties of LSO each. the illigt case. James Stephens, the same prisoner, pleaded guilty to having an illicit still on his premises. The still was found by Constable Farmer while searching Step hens’ premises at Mount Somers for stolen goods. Inspector Pender said the still had evi dently not been used for some time. He Worship said he had no option, but to inflict a fine, and he would inflict as mitigated a penalty as possible—viz., LSO and costs. BREACH OF THE LICENSING ACT. James Wallace, hotel-keeper, Chertsey, was charged with having sold half-a-pint of beer after hours. James Blunt, blacksmith’s apprentice at Chertsey, sworn, deponed—Was at defendant’s house on Jan. 24th up till 11 o'clock p.m., and perhaps after. I couldn’t say what time I was turned out. I was told to go out by Mr. Wallace. He said it was closing up time. I went back about 10 minutes afterwards and got one bottle of beer and one of shandy gaff. Went in by the side door for that. Can’t say if the front door was open or closed. Went to the bar window, and we were served Jjy Mr. Wallace, and paid him Is. for it. Tom Childs was with me. We took the beer outside. By Mr. Branson—AYe often go through the passage to get drink. Tom Childs, blacksmith’s boy at Chertsey, deponed—l know Mr. Wallace. I was at the hotel on Jan. 24th. Up till the time Mr. AVallace told us to go out, the former witness was with me. AVe went back to the hotel about a quarter of an hour afterwards—We went in through the door fronting the line. AYe got two pints of shandy gaff. Mr Wallace’s barman supplied it, and defen dant was present. AVe paid sixpence each for it. Can’t say if the bar door was open. By Mr. Branson—lt may have been about half-past ten when Mr. AVallace turned us out. James Scarlett, farmer, Chertsey—AVas about Chertsey on the night ®f the 24th inst. Don’t know what time I left. The door was not shut when I left. I re mained about a good while, and had several liquors. I was there more than an hour after I left the house. Saw the last two witnesses about, but not in the hotel. Mr. Branson did not see that any de fence was needed, as there was no proof of the time of the house being closed. James AVallace, defendant, sworn—l did not supply any liquor to any person on the night of the 24th January. The two boys obtained the shandy-gaff before 11 o’clock.

By Sergeant Pratt—There was a large crowd of people about, and I told them to leave. It was not 11 o’clock when I told them to go ; and I closed up the bar door. The boys returned about ten minutes afterwards. It was not then 11 o’clock.' The drink was taken out of the house. The case was dismissed, Sergeant Pratt remarking that the boys had sworn alto gether different to the statements they made to the police, on the strength of which the charge was laid against AVallace. OIVIL CASES. Friedlander Bros. v. M‘Avey.—Claim L 36 10s., for goods supplied. Judgment for amount claimed, with costs LI 11s. UNPAID RATES. The Ashburton Borough Council v. Macplierson. Mr. Crisp for plaintiffs. Claim L2 12s. for rates. Judgment for amount claimed, and costs. Same v. H. B. Johnstone.—Paid into court. Same v. R. Hodgson.—No appearance. Claim L2. Judgment for amount claimed, costs 55., and professional fee LI Is. Stevenson v. Earle. —Claim, L 9 2s. The amount was paid into Court on Saturday, and accepted, but notice was not given by plaintiff of the acceptance till Court day, and defendant claimed costs, as the notice had not been given in time. After a long argument his AVorship granted costs to defendant. Bartlett v. Andrews.—No appearance. Butler v. Conolly.—Claim L3G 95., on a dishonored promissory note.

Miss Butler deponed that the note handed into Court was drawn by defen dant.

Judgment for amount and costs, with immediate execution.

ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the County Council was held yesterday in the County Buildings. Present —Messrs. W. C. Walker (Chairman), Grigg, Wright, Saunders, Coster, and Cameron. chairman’s statememt. Mr. W. C. Walker, the Chairman, said he had received a letter from the Engineer in charge of the Middle Island, to the effect that Mr. Higginson had been in trusted with the Rangitata Bridge exten sion, and tenders would be called for as soon as the plans were ready. Particulars of the ironwork obtained by the Council had been supplied to Mr. Higginson. On the management of the County Hospital he had obtained the written ideas of the medical gentlemen in Ashburton. Mr. Pridgeon, of Christchurch, had kindly consented to visit the Hospital, and would supply a list of the furniture, &c.. re quired. The Colonial Secretary had sent three copies of a Bill introduced into Par liament last session, to provide for the management of hospitals and charitable aid and for the distribution of charitable aid, and invited suggestions and remarks from the Council thereon. Mr. Walker went on—As you will see by a letter placed before you to-day, the Mount Somers Road Board approves of the acceptance of the tender for the construction of the bridge on the North Ashburton; the contract for the same will be now placed before the con tractors for their signature. The Secre tary to the Treasury has advised you that he hopes to remit to your credit this week the L4,7G4 ISs. 4d. refund on account of the Mount Somers Railway, and L13,4G4 3s. Gd. spare surplus land revenue. The supply of dog collars for this year has been received, and will be distributed to the Registrars within the county as soon as possible. “Gazette” No. 10, 29th Jan., contains a number of reserves which are brought under the con trol of the Council. It is with feelings of pain I have to announce the death of Mr. Charles Reed, one of the members of the Upper Ashburton Riding. From our intimate knowledge of the late gentleman, you will agree with me that such a calamity is one deeply to be regretted. During the time Mr. Reed occupied his seat on the Council, although in infirm health, he was seldom absent from a meeting, and by the interest he took in the Council’s affairs, and from his busi ness capabilities, his assistance at the Council will be greatly missed. THE SHARE OF LAND FUND. Mr. Wright desired to point out that a sum of L 13,000 odds, purporting to be the County’s share of the land fund, was less by L 1,500 than it ought to be. If members would make the calculation—it was a simple rule of three sum, —they would find . that the allocation on this occasion ought to be just double that of what was the ratio in the division of the last sum of L 50,000. He pointed this out so that the matter might not be lost sight of. engineer’s report. The Engineer’s report as follows was then read:— Pounds, The pound in the Warterton district was satisfactorily completed about the middle of last month. The fencing of the four paddocks pertaining to the pound at South Raltaia is nearly finished, and a consider able portion of timber for the pound itself is now on the ground. South Approach to Rakaia Gorge Bridge

The contractors have lost no time in making a start with contracts Nos. 1 and 3, and the work is proceeding satisfactorily.

B 1 idges. The pile driving at Tajdor’s Stream Bridge has been carried on during the month, and is now finished. It has proved a somewhat difficult operation, but the piles have now been driven to the requi site deapth. The work of the superstruc ture has been going on simultaneously, and is now well advanced, so that I anticipate the bridge may still be com pleted within the specified time. The contractor is now preparing to commence the pile driving for South Ashburton river bridge at Mount Somers. North Ask hut tun River Bridge at Rigby's

The pile driving here has been finished, the capsills and corbets are all in position, and the bracing is also nearly finished. There is planking on the ground for nine spans, and the timber for hand-railing has all beenxpi-ovided. So far the execution of the work has been satisfactory, but the rate of progress shown during the first two months has not been maintained latterly, owing to a short supply of birch timber, and the contiactor can hardly expect to finish now within the contract time, unless the remaining timber is sent forward without delay. Approaches. I now beg to submit sections for the proposed approaches to this bridge, with the view of calling for tenders for the work if the Council should approve of them. Ashburton Forks Protective Works. These works are now very nearly finished. On the 17th of last month con tracts 1,2, aiid 4 were completed, as were also the additional minor works which you authorised to be carried out on the repre sentation of deputies from the Upper Ash burton Road Board. Mr. William Sutherland has been making very satis factory progress of late with No. 3 con tract, and the work is likely - to be finished within the extended period granted him by the Council at last meeting.

Flood Water Drainage. Following up this subject, and with a view to obtaining data for facilitating any operations which the Council deem to be expedient, I devoted a considerable part of last month to extending the Mock levels below the railway, between the Islesworth road and Ashburton river, having taken levels and fixed numerous bench marks along the lines of Graham’s road, Ford’s road, Longbeach road, Isles worth road, Boundary road, Surveyor’s road, Osborne’s road, Bell’s road, Clark’s road, Dawson’s road, Waterton road, Ac., over a length in all of upwards of 50 miles. All these levels have reference to sea levels as a datum, and the declivities for drain ing in any required direction can be easily ascertained from the levels as now deter mined. I have noted on the accompanying plan the height of various points above the sea level, and from these the Council will observe that the flood water scheme as previously reported on for the several sections of this district is quite practicable, so far as the question of levels is con eecerned.

It appears to me that the proposed channel on upper side of Wheatstone road, the opening up of creek near Mr. Dawson’s and the cutting of main drain at Tinwald, are the most important requirements for relieving the district generally of flood water, and I would beg to suggest that if the Council determine to aid the Road Boards in this matter, that these be the first works for that district to be put in hand. In connection with the proposed drain at Tinwald I presume that the rail way authorities will defray the cost of the culverts, as these are rendered necessary solely on account of their works. I have already taken levels over the line of proposed main drain at Wheatstone, and find that the fall will be about sft. per mile.

The question of preventing the overflow of the Hinds river below the railway line is also important. It appears from the levels I have recently taken, that the Boundary road over greater portion of the length is situated Gft. lower than the bed of the Hinds where it crosses said road, as is also the Isleworth road for a consider able distance from its junction with the Boundary road, so that there is imminent risk of the river overflowing its very shal low banks, and altering its course entirely in that district, unless timely precautions are used to prevent it; more especially is this the case on the northern bank of the river there. With reference to the question of flood water on the upper portion of the plains, between the Ashburton and Rakaia rivers, it would appear that the Council and the diffei’ent Road Boai’ds concerned were unanimous in approving oj the joint report previously furnished, so far, at least, as it applied to the Ashburton side of the plains; and the clearing and altering of the creeks which discharge into the Ashburton river, as also the utilising of the old creek above Winchmore, are matters which seem also to call for early attention. Maps.

As to this question, I may state that the Chief Surveyor in Christchurch has kindly arranged to have delineated on the new maps about to be issued, all the creeks and water courses, which have been included in the recent surveys, and these will pro bably include nearly all the creeks on the plains. Certificates. I have granted certificates for work done under the various contracts during the month of January. MOUNT SOMERS POUND. It was decided to appoint Mr. Clark poundkeeper in cosonance with the re commendation of the local Road Board. digby’s bridge. A month’s extension of time for the complection of the Digby’s crossing bridge was granted to the contractor, Mr. Ben iiam. DISTRICT MAPS. The Chief Surveyor wrote saying that the district maps ordered by the Council to be lithographed, were in the hands of the printer. NORTH ASHBURTON BRIDGE. The Mount Somers Road Board -wrote advising the acceptance of the tender of Messrs. Thomas and Hill. ADVERTISING. Mr. E. G. Wright called the attention of the Council to the sum of L4OO cost to the Council for advertising for one year. The Clerk explained that an extra amount of advertising expense had been incurred owing to the Water Supply Bill. The Chairman said much of the adver tising was compulsory under statute. Mr. Wright said he had obtained a re turn from the Clerk, but had neglected to bring it with him. The matter was deferred till next meet ing. DRAINAGE. The Wakanui Road Board wrote bring ing the following matters under notice of the Council:—That works are now being carried out by the Wakanui Board for the drainage of that part of the district lying to the north-east of the Wakanui Creek, and extending from Mr. Butterick’s farm to the sea. That the work had been brought before your Council some con siderable time ago by the old Ashburton Road Board, and reported on by your engineer, and we believe that owing to the question of drainage not having been dealt with by the Council, nothing could be done in the matter. The Wakanui Road Board at the request of a numerous body of ratepayers urging that if the drainage was not carried out very con siderable damage would ensue, especially to those farmers who bought that land forming part of the Wakanui Homestead block, undertook to have the necesssary drain cut, believing that a work like this properly comes under the functions of the County Council, and that as soon as that body has dealt with the question, they would supplement the Board’s with a grant-in-aid. The Board—seeing the destruction that was done last season by reason of the work not being carried out, they being led to believe that something would be done after the report of your Engineer had been received, and the failure of the crops this season on some of the best land in the district, owing to the water having no outlet—thought it expedient, not only in the interest of the numerous ratepayers whom it benefited, but also to save a large expenditure yearly through damage done to the roads, to have an outfall drain made at once. We are requested to inform you that tenders have been let for this work, and when com pleted would cost about LBoo—that L 250 has already been advanced on work exe cuted. The Board now find that unless assisted by your Council it will take the greater portion of this year’s rates to pay for the works, and therefore trusts that your Council will place a sum at the credit of the Board for drainage purposes. The question of flood water drainage was disposed of for the time being by the following resolution : —That the Engineer be instructed to invite tenders for enlarg ing the drain at Wheatstone road, to be placed before the Council’s next meeting, and also opening up the creek near Dawsons—and that estimates be furnished at next meeting of the cost of drainage in general throughout the County. It was decided to consider the letter of the Wakanui Road Board at next meeting when the whole drainage question would be opened up. APPROACHES TO NORTH ASHBURTON BRIDGE. The Engineer was instructed to call for tenders for the approaches, the shingle to be taken out under the bridge, to clear the waterway as much as possible for the south approach. FINANCIAL. The Union Bank wrote, giving notice that the Council’s arrangements with the Bank terminated in six months.

THE VACANCY. The Clerk was ordered to instruct the Returning Officer to hold an election for a member in place of Mr. Reed, deceased. THE VALUATION LISTS. After a lengthened discussion it was resolved", on the motion of Mr. Grigg,— “ That as the Valuation Lists have not been made up according to the Rating Act, which is provided in Mr. Leach’s agreement, the Council refuses payment on account of Mr. Leach’s contract pend ing the decision of the Assessment Courts, as provided for in clauses 27 and 28 of the Rating Act, 1876. POUND BYE-LAWS. It was resolved that the bye-laws for the Mount Somers pound should come into force in March. . ... HOSPITAL. : ; ;v ': A letter was read from the Gas Com pany, undertaking to lay down mains to the Hospital if the County paid half the cost of the work, and paid the current rate for the gas used. . r , Mr. Wright said that one-third was the usual sum to pay. He was willing to give this, limiting the amount to Ll5O. The Clerk was requested to write to this effect to the Gas Company. It was resolved on the motion of Mr. Saunders, seconded by Mr. Wright,— “That the consideration of the arrange ments necessary for making the Hospital habitable be referred to a Committee— such Committee to be composed of Messrs. Walker, Wright, Grigg, and the mover.” LYTTELTON HARBOR BOARD. : Mr. E: G. Wright moved—“ That the Lyttelton Harbor Board be requested to reduce the wharf charges upon grain for export from 2s. to 13. per ton. ” This v ould place Ashburton and other grain growers on the same footing as the Dunedin farmers. This district was quite as much entitled to. be represented on the late Lyttelton Board as Ashley, Selwyn, and other districts. He thought the Council should take into their considera tion the expediency of having the Act amended, so as to get Ashburton repre sented on the Harbor Board.

Mr. Cameron seconded the resolution, which was carried.

It was further moved by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Grigg, and carried— “ That inasmuch as the Lyttelton harbor is the only harbor available for the import or export of produce and merchandise for the County of Ashburton, this Council is of opinion that it is entitled to be repre sented on the Lyttelton Harbor Board, and requests the Board to co-operate in obtaining the necessary amendment of the Harboi Board Act.” THE LINCOLNSHIRE DELEGATES. The Chairman said that he had been communicated with regarding the expense of entertaining the Lincolnshire delegates, and he hoped the Council would bear their share of the expense. This was agreed to. NOTICES OF MOTION. By Mr. Grigg—That the Council pro ceed to allocate to the several Road Boards within the County the proportion of L13,4G4, 13s. Gd., being the share of the sum of LIOO,GOO due to the Road Boirds from the Land Fund. WATERWORKS AND HOSPITAL COMMITTEES. It was resolved to hold meetings of both the Waterworks and Hospital Committees on Thursday next at 11 a.m., the one meeting to follow the other.

ASHBURTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the local School Com mittee was held last night. Present—Mr. St. Hill (in the chair) and Messrs. W. R. Boyle, Bean, J. Orr, and G. W. Andrews. Correspondence was read from the Education Board, stating that the Board would accept the nomination of Miss Jane Gooden as a pupil teacher.

From the same, requesting the com mittee to nominate three members for the Education Board. The following names were submitted from which to choose candidates :—Messrs. Geo. Booth, Rev. H. B. Cocks, A. H. Cunningham, R. L. Higgins, E. J. Lee, H. W. Peryman, A. Saunders, H. J. Tancred, Rev. H. B. M. Watson, H. R. Webb, and the ballot re sulted in the nomination of Messrs. Saunders, Tancred, and Webb. From the Board, stating that the sum of L7B 16s. 2d. had been passed to the committee for salaries. THE SCHOOL. The master reported that the attendance at the school since the holidays had aver aged weekly 326 ; that day’s attendance was 355. The number on the roll was 392—197 boys, and 195 girls. The parents had subscribed Ll 3 4s. Bd. for the school prize fund. The report was considered emintly satisfactory. Regarding school necessaries, it was stated by the Chairman that the late Com mittee had resolved to commission fhe Secretary to procure all these necessaries as his judgment pointed oui. It was resolved that the action of the former Committee be sustained The Chairman, as one of the visiting committee, reported that there were very few repairs necessary, and the charges on the committee were very light. He de tailed a few minor matters requiring at tention. The Secretary, in reply to a question, stated that the incidental expenses were paid for out of a capitation allowance which amounted last year to about L 125. SALARIES OF TEACHERS. The Secretary said he had been in structed last year to apply for an increase of salary for some of the teachers, and it •would be a part of the business of the pre cent committee to attend to this matter. There was now a staff of ten teachers, and the Inspector had reported favorably on three of them. Mr. Orr proposed, and Mr. Bean seconded—“ That the Board be requested to increase the salaries of Miss Stewart L2O, and the Misses Henderson LlO each.” The motion was carried. SCHOOL REGISTER. The Chairman said it was part of the committee’s duty to see that the School Records were correctly kept, and it was resolved that Mr. Ward be appointed to inspect the register. Mr. Boyle wished to know what was to be done about a school treat. The Secretary reported having a sum of Ll 4 9s. Bd. in hand towards the treat. Mr. Oit proposed that Messrs. Boyle, St. Hill, and Orr, be appointed a sub committee to collect subscriptions to sup plement the sum in hand for the treat, and to report at next meeting, when the date of the treat should be fixed. This was agreed to, and the meeting adjourned.

Wednesday, February it, 1880.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



New Advertisements. NSW TAILORING ESTABLISH MENT. CRAIGHEAD & Co., MERCHANT TAILORS, AYE opened those premises situated XJL in Tancred street adjoining Messrs. Orr and Co J s General-Stoic. H A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS, FANCY GOODS, &c., &c., JUST ARRIVED. 1 Mr. Craighead’s experience as Head Cotter in connection with First Class Tailoring Establishments in Edinburgh and San Francisco has extended over a period of ten years, and from the immense success which has always attended his efforts to please, he is prepared to guarantee a perfect fit in every case. TANCRED STREET, (Next Orr and Cl’s.) CRAIGHEAD & CO. 982 a WANTED, by a young person, SITUATION as NURSE HOUSEMAID in a private family. 39c Apply, Herald Office. -XT TAN TED IMMEDIATELY A :VV BED-ROOM and SITTING ROOM, with or without Board and atten dance, for a gentleman. Apply to office of C. Percy Cox, East street. 491g-48c WANTED— CLERKSHIP or other work in an office, by a young man. Some experience. Apply— Herald office. 49c STOLEN or strayed from the Triangle, Ashburton—A BLACK HOUSE, one white. spot on each shoulder. A reward of TEN SHIL jINGS will he given to any one supplying information as to its whereabouts ; and anyone detaining the same after this date will be PROSE CUTED. Apply, A THIELE, Co-operative Bakeiy. 6th Feb., 1880. 35c-478g



TWO POUNDS REWARD. T OST—One Grey Cob MARE, one | J Chestnut Heavy Draught do. Have been traced from Rakaia fifteen miles towards Ashburton. The finder will receive one pound reward per head on bringing them to Mutch and M'Kenzie, Ashburton. JOHN FRASER. 38c Tinwald. ' FOR SALE. ITIHE undersigned have on SALE 1 Second-Hand, M'CORMICK’S REA PER and BINDER (new this year). 1 Second-Hand, WOOD’S REAPER and BINDER. 1 Second-Hand, SAMUELSON. POYNTZ & CO., 32c Ashburton. A SHBURTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. President—E. G. Wright,Esq., M.H.R. Vice-Presidents—J. E. Trevor, John Grigg, W. C. Walker, and Alfred Saunders, Esqs. Committee —Messrs. H. C. Jacobson, W. H. Collins, G. Smith, J. G. Anstee, J. Sealey W. T. Davidson, J. Orr, H. W. Charlton, J. Sim monds, J. R. Chapman, T. Sealey, J. Coutts. Treasurer—F. Shury, Esq. Secretary—Stephen E. Poyntz. The First Show of the Society will be held on SATURDAY, MARCH 6th, At the TOWN HALL. Admission up to 1 p.m. 2s Gd. „ After 1 p.m. Is. Competition for prizes open to the Public. N.B!—lt is particularly requested that all those who have articles suitable for competition, or exhibition only, will bring them forward, in order to make this, the first show, a success. Notice for space must be forwarded to the Secretary on or before March 3rd. Any information with respect to entries, &c., may be obtained from the under signed. STEPHEN E. POYNTZ, 474 a 33c Secretary. WAKANUI ROAD BOARD. RATE NOTICE. THE Rate for 1879-80 will be COL LECTED FORTHWITH and not in April as previously notified, and all over due rates for 1878-9 will be sued for at once. Rates to be paid at my residence, Great South Road, next the Gasworks. , 1 i . JAMES WILKIE, 477g-34c Collector. ~ MONEY. £SO £m £260 ’ £SOO AND £IOOO. . These sums are ready for immediate investment, on approved Freehold securi ties at current rates. Apply to THOMAS & BRUGES, Solicitors, • 13c CHRISTCHURCH. % sf X THISTLE LODGE, S.C., 627. AN EMERGENCY MEETING will be held in the Lodge Room, Saunders’ Buildings, on THURSDAY, 12th inst., at 7.30 p.m,, sharp. Business —Urgent. Full attendance requested. By order of the R.W. M. J. E. HYDE HARRIS, 4g c Secretary. “ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. rivHE ANNUAL GENERAL MEET JL ING will be held at Quill’s Hotel, on FRIDAY, 20th February, inst., at 8 f o’clock, p.m. Business — To receive Annual Report; Election of Directors and Officers for en suing year. All members requested to attend. 5? J. E. HYDE HARRIS, Hon. Secretary.



New Advertisements. UR E MALT VINEGAR ON SALE. 2s. 6d. Per Gallox. WOOD & CO., 45c Ashburton Brewery.