SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

PORT OF LYTTELTON. ARRIVED. / Jan. 3—Wan aka, s.s., from Auckland, via East Coast and Wellington. , Jan. 3—Huitv, s.s., from Kaikoura and Wellington. -. ' ! _ . Jan 4—Bona, schooner, from Kaipara. Jan. 4 —Fawn, brig, from Newcastle. .-’Jan. 4—Hopeful, barque, from New castle. "• Jan.. 4—Prince Alfred, schooner, from Kaipara. Jan. 4 Ocean Bird, ketch, from Amrhau. SAILED. Jan. 3—Penguin, s.s., for Wellington and Northern ports. Jan. 3—Wanaka, s.s., for Port Chal mers. Jan. B—Rangitiki, ship, for London. Jan. s—Wild Duck, ketch, for D’Ur ville’s Island.

Jan. s—Cornet, ketch, for D’Urville’s Island.

Jail. s—Owake, for Timaru

POST OFFICE NOTICES.

Mails close at the Chief Post Office, Christchurch: for the . following places (subject, to necessary alterations) as under : •; • Wednesday,. Jait. 7. For Australian colonies, per express train to Port Chalmers, to connect with s. s. Rotomahana, at 7.30 a. in. For Chatham islands, per Island lily, at 1.50 p.m. ; late fee letters, 2.10 p.m.; guard’s van, 2.40 p.m. train. For Northern ports and Westport, per Star of the South, at 1.50 p.m.; late fee letters,'2.lo p.m.; guard’s van, 2.40 p.m. train. *

it- -T ' Friday, Jan. 9. - For Northern ports and Australian colonies, via Sydney, per Rotorua.

The next mail for the United Kingdom, via Brindisi, will be clcsed at Christchurch, on January 16tli, and will be due in London bn March 4th.

The next mail for the United Kingdom via San Francisco will be closed at Christ church. on January 31st, and will be due in London on March 16th.

UNCLAIMED LETTERS.

The following is a list of letters from places beyond the colony received at the Ashburton Post Office during the month of November, and remaining unclaimed oil Ist January, 1880 : • Appleton, Geo. Bishop, Jas. Dalton, Thos. Finnerty, John Gibson, Jas. (2) Jackson, David. Reilly, Jas. Ross, Alexr. Selby, A. Sier, William Sturgeon, Mrs. J.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1880.

The telegraphists’ strike still halts on, and there is every chance that by it one of the most inefficient services (taking f it all round) in the colony will lose many of its best men. The service is not too plethoric of masters of the art of telegraphy, and now that a secession from its ranks of 50 or 100 of those operators who have so to speak, reached journeymanship in the profession; has taken place, with no bright prospect of their recovery, the efficiency of the service will not be added to. The quarrel between the operators and the Government, or rather between ’the operators and Government’s represen tatives ’in officialdom, seems to be a simple one, with all the right of it on the side of the men. The latter are asked, to remain on duty for such length of time as the exigencies of the service de mand, but no definite promise of extra remuneration is given to them for the overtime they may be required to serve. Against the working of overtime the men do notrebel, but they do not, naturally enough, care to sit at their desks all the hours of the night and morning, in the service of a master who holds their labor so cheap as to consider it well paid with— nothing. For such is the reward the men are to receive for the hours of overtime they require to work. The strike as yet has not been so successful as in the interests of right, we would have wished to see it. It would be a regrettable thing, to be sure, to see the public service suffer, and the interests of business injured by a crippled telegraphic system. It would be a matter still more to be regretted were a hundred or so competent telegraphic operators, whose services the department cannot lose with safety to its own efficiency, to be lost to the public because of the niggardly cheese-paring of the authorities. We cannot believe that Government are consenting parties to the injustice done to the men, and hope that the case of the operators will be considered by some higher tribunal than Dr. Lemon. His crotchetiness is well known, and though he may be an excellent man of science he lias much yet to learn of human nature. The strike has not been fully successful, not because its demands are unfair or exorbitant, but simply because it has not been sufficiently well organised, and for the want of that loyalty to each other on the part of the men which is the the great weakness in all strikes. But those who have stood out against the grinding tyranny of de partmental red tapeism will have the satis faction, if they have nothing else, of knowing that the attention of members of Parliament has been called to their case, and the New Zealaysd House of Re presentatives contains plenty of men generous enough to demand that a searching inquiry he in&cfe into the cause why so many of the colony’s best servants in the telegraph offices suddenly, but certainly not without warning, terminated their connection with the Government they had hitherto un grumblingly served.

Accident at Rakaia. —On Saturday evening, Mr. Lyttelton, of Rokeby, was driving a buggy and pair containing three other persons, out from Rakaia, when the reins broke and the buggy came in con contact with the kerbing of the street, throwing out the occupants and breaking the arm of one, a woman, who was taken on to Ashburton for medical assistance.

Chiarini’s Circus. —Yesterday at the evening’s entertainment an excellent op portunity was given to a good counter of heads to get a fair estimate of the county’s population, for the inhabitants seemed to foe all there. Signor Chiarini says his tent when quite full can hold at last night’s prices 3000 dollars, and we should say that L 509 of that sum jingled into liis coffers lastj night, for every available seat on the raised galleries was occupied, and only a few of the circle chairs were empty. Visitors were at the circus from every part of the the county, and ev c ry grade of society sent its i-epsesentatives of both sexes. The programme was a very attractive one, and opened with the usual “grand entree” by the equestrians of the company, and the pageant was a very gay one. Then the “ hii-pjian serpent,” Signor Bartolo, entered, &wl asfophthed the crowd with his wonderful contortfeftS ; the perform ing zebras succeeded Signor Bartqlo ; then Miss Jeannette Watson, » graceful' rser, gained popular favor ; two acrobats oc

cupied the ring after her ; then two well trained and splendid looking black horses, exhibited Signor Chiarini’s power as a trainer ; Mr. Lavater Lee did some very extraordinary equestriansm; and then Miss Sarah Fergus performed a la Airec on the trapeze ; then some tumbling feats by the whole company ; after which perhaps the cleverest performance came off in that given by Miss Rosa Lee in her jugglery feats on a bare-backed horse. Mddle. Lotta, the lady with the iron jaw, then her exhibition of strength, and Charlie Watson having done a bit of dashing horsemanship, the tiger tamer put his tigers through their per formances, one of which, however, could hardly have been a rehearsed one, for the two male tigers had a bit of a fight that caused a sensation for a time. After the animals had been fed, the entertainment closed, and shortly afterwards everything was packed up, and the company was en route for Timaru.

Fine Wheat. —Some ears of wheat grown by Mr. Peter Drummondon his farm in the North Rakam district, measuring fully six inches in length and of a very healthy straw, were shown us by Messrs. R. M‘Kerrow and Co., Rakaia. The wheat is of the red straw variety, from seed obtained by the above firm from Oamaru. This is worthy the attention of farmers in districts like those of the Rakaia. North and South, as we believe this wheat to be moat suitable for the light sandy soil of the plains. The Subsidies. —The non-payment of the subsidies to Road Boards by Govern ment is causing trouble to such Road Boards as have pumped dry their pecuniary well. The Longbeach Board, at its meeting on Saturday, found from the statement of finances read that it owed the Bank L 1602 15s. lid., with a pay-sheet of L 548 6s. 4d. still to pass. Not a penny of the subsidy now due by Government, nor any other governmental money, had been paid to the Board, and the Clerk was therefore instructed to send an urgent telegram to the Treasury, ask ing when the half subsidy now due for last year would be paid. Run Out. —Poor Mr. E. G. Wriglit has allowed himself to be forgetful of the fact that while Parliamentary honors lay thick upon him, he had not resigned those given him by the Longbeach district rate payers, and that he was still a member of the Road Board. While attending his Parliamentary duties in Wellington he neglected to ask leave of absence from his Board, and as a consequence his seat has been declared vacant, and an election to supply his place will follow in due course.

Mount Hutt Road Board. —The an nualmeeting for the election of two mem bers to serve on the Mount Hutt Road Board, in place of Messrs. E. Chapman and J. Pannett, who retire by lot, was held at the Board office, Methven, yester day, at 12 noon. There was a very good attendance. The Returning Officer, Mr. Wm. Compton, read the notice calling the meeting, and called on the ratepayers to nominate two gentlemen to serve on the Board, Mr. E. Chapman was proposed by Mr. MacMillan, and seconded by Mr. Pannett. Mr. Uiyett proposed Mr., D. Cameron, and Mr. R. Patton seconded. Mr. Orr proposed, and Mr. Johnson seconded, Mr. J. Pannett. Mr. T. A. Winter proposed, and Mr. R. Patton seconded, Mr. D. G. Holmes. On a show of hands being called for, the result was —Mr. E. Chapman, 5 ; Mr. D. Cameron, 3; Mr. J. Pannett, 5 ; Mr. D. G. Holmes, 2. The Returning Officer de clared in favor of Messrs. E. Chapman and J. Pannett, on which a poll was demanded in behalf of Messrs. Holmes and Cameron. The poll will be taken at the Road Board office, Methven, and at the schoolhouse, Barrhill, on Wednesday, 7th inst. The statement of receipts and expenditure will be delivered at the next Board meet ing, after the audit. The totals are—To cash received, L 10,462 17s. 4d.; by works, &c., L 2701 ss. 6d. —L 7761 11s. lOd. The Plains Water Supply.— A pub lic meeting of ratepayers was held at the Road Board office, Methven, to consider the feasibility of bringing water from Pudding Hill to supply the upper part of the plains in the Mount Hutt district by means of an open channel. Mr. E. Chapman occupied the chair. Mr. R. Patton said that he believed a scheme to meet the requirements of the people during harvest and threshing could be de vised at a probable cost of six or seven hundred pounds, and could be done in time for the coming harvest. After some discussion it was resolved that a Com mittee consisting of Messrs. Patton, Johnson, M'Millan, Cameron, Orr, Pannett, Gaull, and Allen, inspect the locality of Pudding Hill Stream and Washbed Creek, with reference to their capability, and a deputation of three members wait on the Ashburton County Council at its meeting on Wednesday next to ascertain how far the Connell Pan assist the Committee in the matter.

Pastor Chiniquy. —On Sunday night at the Auckland Choral Hall, Pastor •Chiniquy delivered one of his lectures. The Rev, A. Carrick, of St. Andrew’s, presided, and he pronounced a high eulo gium on Pastor Chiniquy whom he said ho had known in Canada for some years. A t the dose of the lecture, Pastor Ghipiquy announced that -he would lecture at Otahuhu on Tuesday, the 6th. He had heard that violence would be threatened or attempted. He was now 70. years of age, and a year more or less of life would matter little to him, as lie could not die in a better cause. It is rumored that mal contents from the pensioner villages of Hawick, Pan mure, and Onefounga intend going to Otaliuiiii. Suitable precautions are being taken to protect Pastor Chiniquy and prevent disturbances. Communica tions have been received from ChrisL- Ghur.eh, Hokitika and Dunedin, request ing hife fo visit these places, and he has signified his intention of complying with their requests-

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S CABLEGRAMS

LATENT FROM EUROPE.

Reuters

London. Jan. 5.

Advices from Peru strife that the Presi dent of the Republic, Getteml Prado, has fled, in consequence of tlie dhlSenlfy ,of prosecuting the war with Chili and BoliV a, and because of the insecurity of his posi tion since Pierloa, was proclaimed Dic tator of Peru.

Calcutta, Jan. 5.

The Viceroy, Lord Lyttou, made a speech to-day in the course of which he said his first task would be to endeavor to reassure and conciliate the Afghans, with a view to an amicable settlement of of the Afghan question. Rangoon, Jan. 5.

King Theebaw of Burmah, having failed to come to an amicable understanding with tne Viceroy of India, is now seeding an embassy to the various European Courts.

(Hyj Special.) London, J.>n. 5.

A large ante-rent meeting lias been held at Killarney. Inflammatory speeches were made. The O’Donohue denounced the landlords, and attributed the whole ills of Ireland to them.

The Kohistan expedition has returned to Cabul without discovering the enemy. Ammunition is nearly exhausted at Cabul. General Robei’ts has telegraphed to Peshawar for immediate supplies.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’ 3 TELEGRAMS.

Dunedin, Jan. 6,

The Rev. Arthur Graves has been con victed of forgery, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

(Reuter’s.) London, Jan. 4.

Mr. Parnell’s visit to America is made chiefly with the object of making speeches appealing for relief of the distress existing in Ireland.

St. Petersburg, Jan. 2,

There has been an extensive discovery of Nihilism in the ranks of the Russian army, and the penalties for Nihilists in the army reserve has been consequently largely increased. Hong Kong, Dec. 27.

A hurricane recently passed over Zebu, doing considerable damage to the ship ping. The Maria, a French barque lying there with 2015 bales of hemp for Mel bourne, was totally dismasted, and driven ashore on rocks, and now lies in a bad position with six feet of water in her hold.

AUSTRALIAN

(Special.) Melbourne, Jan. 5.

The Insurance Companies, including several New Zealand officers, have pre sented Mrs. Bolde with a purse of sov ereigns in recognition of her bravery in assisting to navigate the Moorburg.

The total entries for the Australian Cup are 37. Twenty-eight were received at Melbourne.

INTERPROVINCIAL

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS

Waitara, Jan. 5.

The s.s. Hanna Mokau sails to-night forMokau, where her owners have made arrangements with the Natives for a cargo of coal, and they are willing to work the mine and bring the coal down in boats to the steamer, the river at present being unnavigable the whole distance. An ex perienced miner will accompany them. • Wellington, Jan. 5.

This afternoon Justice Richmond re ferred to the gaols of New Zealand in strong terms of condemnation, terming them hotbeds of vice, in consequence of absence of separation between different classes of prisoners. The Hon. John Bryce ha 3 taken the portfolio of Native Minister in addition to the portfolio which he now holds. The passengers by the ship Bebington were admitted to pratique to-day. The steamer Grafton, which left on Saturday night for Westport, had to put into Nelson last night, having broken the piston rod of the circulating pump. Christchurch, Jan. 5.

The following is that portion of Judge Johnston’s address to the Jury which refers to the riot cases :—I come to that portion of the present assize which neces sarily creates very painful reflections. It is not a very satisfactory thing that at this time of day, in a British colony, there should be traces found of the old feuds and dissensions which in old times in the mother country of the British dominions have created so much anxiety. One might have well hoped that in a community like this, where we may safely say there is alargeamount of personal civil and religious liberty and where prosperity is as extensive as in any part of the world at any. stage oi i ts existence, no person would have been so misguided and ill-advised as to disturb the peace ijnder the excitement of evil passions. What one says in this place is so liable to be misunderstood that I think I shall best discharge iny duty by .saying little now. I only trust that the good sepse pf the people, when they have recovered fr.opa the shock just given to them, will so demonstrate the inutility and folly of a small body of men attempting to act contrary to law, by as serting their views and gratifying their passions at the expense of the community, as to prevent the necessity for laws being made of a coercive cearacter. If, however, the peace of the community cannot be otherwise preserved, such laws must be passed. In the present cases it is gratifying to know that thp co-re ligionists of the accused have not only expressed no sympathy with them, but have repudiated their action. The law permits persons to join to gether fpr purposes not illegal. There is no ' restrict;#!} against thorp going through the public streets v/ifch any demonstration they think lit, so long as they SUP disturb the public peace. I understand the cases to be pf this kind It is usual for various benefit societies to have meetings of a social and friendly ; character on what is commonly called j Boxing Day. Among these societies there is one which chooses, quite within the law, to cah ifeelf by a name which suggests a political and. religious difference. They are perfectly justified iq doing so. The Grange Societies are, 1 understand bene fit societies, They use the Orange colors for reasons you all know, imt winch I should be only discoverable from . the pages of history ; for the causes which led to their being adopted have long ago disappeared. They are, however, quite \vi thin Lid Jaw in using these colors and .eipbierps. .anif. in going through the streets in. ppocessjioiq *2 they do it with out provoking a a breach of the peace. If are' interfered

in the exercise of this right, -we may well protect them. The indictment will he ifor riotous: assault and for unlawfully assembling. I do not know whether there will be a count for assault with intent to do grevious bodily harm, though there is good ground for it. It is perfectly com petent for the prosecution to refrain from presenting an indictment for: felony, and they may be satisfied with an indictment for misdemeanor. His Honor, then re ferred to the similar cases at another place, pointing out that there the Rio; Act had been read, a fact which materially altered the nature of the offence. In this case, the charge is only one of riot, which is defined .in law as a tumultuous disturbance of the peace by three persons at least, assembled together of their own authority, with the intent to assist one another against anyone who shall oppose them in the execution of some private enterprise, and afterwards actually execut ing the same to the terror of the people. His Honor showed how the acts alleged to have been committed tallied with the letter of the law, and concluded by stating that if the accused were acting for a common purpose, the action of each was the action of all.

Young Pillow, who attempted a few weeks ago to come in the role of the Kellys, pleaded guilty to the charges both of larceny and attempted highway rob bery, for which he received one and four years’ penal servitude cumulative. David Grubb, a post office clerk, got eighteen months for stealing three letters from the office.

Roderick McLennan, from Napier, received two years hard labour for forgery. The Customs receipts for December were L 15,720 4s. 6d. The receipts for the quarter were L 48,153 45., and for the second quarter of the previous year L 56,347 2s. 9d.,the falling off being due of course to the commercial crisis of the last few months. Two lads were summoned in the R.M. Court to-day for driving bicycles on a foot path. The cases being the first of the kind were dismissed. Blenheim, Jan. G. The “ Marlborough Express” appeared as an evening paper to-day. The strike of telegraph operators still continues, not one of the twenty-three having accepted the unsatisfactory terms offered by Dr. Lemon. Hokitika, Jan. 5.

The Claud Hamilton took away last trip to Melbourne large parcels of gold, viz., 10,4360z5. 19.iwts. 21grs., valued at L 41,748, shipped as follows : By the Bank of New Zealand, 63090z5. Gdwts. 12grs.; by the Union Bank, 41270z5. 13dwts. 9grs. In addition to the above, the Claud Hamilton shipped from Greymouth 73620z5., making a total from both ports of 17,798 ozs. The total amount shipped for the 12 months ended Dec. 3, 1879, is G 6,956 ozs, valued at L 267,824. Oamaru, Jan. 5. The amount realised by the Athmeum Bazaar is L 520.

Dunedin, Jan 3. The Dunedin telegraph operators are still on strike.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

Tuesday, Jan. G. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) VAGRANCY.

Henry Hamlin was charged with vag rancy, inasmuch as he being blind, and without means of support, had deserted the Old Men’s Home, and used abusive language to the inmates. He was sent to gaol for one month, saying there was no humanity at all in the colony.

BREACH OF THE PEACE. John O’Connor and Dennis Kelly were charged with committing a breach of the peace. Kelly failed to appear, and his mate denied the charge. T. H. Zouch saw O’Connor and Kelly fighting in a gully close to he Ashburton saleyards. Kelly knocked O’Connor down, and smashed his face about, which was very much marked. A mob gathered," and witness informed the police. This was on Friday last.

G. J. Martin said his attention was drawn to Kelly and O’Connor fighting on Friday last in a gully at the back of the sale-yards, Kermode street- O’Connor was very drunk. Some one went for the police, and Kelly ran away. Don’t know who began the fight, but when witness first saw the men they were going over to fight evidently a made up match. O’Connor was asked if he had any witnesses. He replied that he copld bring twenty men if His Worship would let him go over to Power’s Hotel. His Worship didn't see it that way, however, hut said O’Connor should have had his witnesses in Court. Prisoner was fined LX, or a week’s imprisonment, which alternative he accepted. A warrant was issued for the apprehen sion of Kelly. ALLEGED ASSAULT. D, Pearson laid an information for assault against J. E. Hyde Harris. Mr. Harris asked for an adjournment, on the ground that as the information had been laid at the advice of the Magistrate him self, tlpe case should be heard by other Justices. The Magistrate said fie would grant an adjournment, but he did pot know the merits of the case. The case would be heard on Friday, when his brother Beetham would be on the bench with him. CIVIL CASES. Stoddart v. Smith—claim, L 5 ss. for grazing a mare and foal from October last tp December. Judgment for plaintiff without costs, paynjenfc to bo made on return of r jare, now held possession of by plaintiff. Trickett v. Harper—claim, 12s. Gd. for goods delivered. Defendant pled the existence of a contra account, and also that payment has been tendered in due tinie. His M r orsfiip ga.ye judgment for plaintiff,* with’five' shillings ebsf?.

Hoj.i.oway's Pills.— These Pills are more efficacious jii strengthening a debilitated con stitution than any Other hiefii.eine in the w<>rld. Persons of a nervous habit of body, aijrj all who are suffering from weak digestive organs, or whose health has become deranged by bilious affection, disordered stomach, or liver complaints, should lose no time in giving these admirable Pills , a fair trial. Coughs, colds, asthma, or shortness of breath are also within the range of the sanaiiy.c powers of this very remark ably medic,ind.’ ‘' The cures effected by these Pills are not superficial of temporary, but complete any p.erjpanenf. " They are' as' mild as they are efficapipys, au<) may be given with confidence to delicate femyips ar f d yipung chil dren. Their action on. the fiver, stomapji. find bowels is immediate, beneficial, and lasting, restoring order and health in every case.— Advt f : "

String Binder Trial,

[By Telegraph.] (From our own Correspondent. )-•. ..Christchurch, Jan. 5. -■ The trial of the string binder in Mr. John Orereiid’s paddock, at Probbleton, to-day, was the commencement of a new era in harvesting in New Zealand; Nothing could be more complete than tl(e work done, and no crop was ever better tied. It is a much more complete machine'than the wire binder in many respects, and especiallj- surpasses it in the uniform size of the sheaves, in tightness of binding, and in being entirely unaffected by the wind. Dhfortunately there will be none to be had this season, but they will be used next season, as the string hinder can be attached in substitution of the wire bindei. The coil of twine will be less than that of wire, the bight, is perfectly secure, and the binding more uniformly tight.

Annual Meeting of Ratepayers at Mount Somers.

This meeting was held at the Road Board office yesterday at the hour of 2 p.m., owing to the business not being ready. ~~ At 2p. m., the retiring Chairman, Mr. Walker, took the chair, and briefly)apolo gised to the ratepayers present that, owing to circumstances beyond-the con trol of himself or the Board, the meeting., was held at the Road Board office in lieu' of the school, where the Board had resolved that it should be held, in order to accommodate the ratepayers ; and also for the fact that it had not been held at noon. He (the Chairman) had hoped that by this hour the annual statement'would have been ready to be presented to the ratepayers ; but he was sorry such was not the case. It was a position that lie and the Board were as sorry to be placed in as any of the ratepayers, and one in which they were as little to be blamed. He could only suggest that either the meeting adjourn until such time as the statement was ready, or else proceed with such business as the ratepayers chose to. consider, and have the accounts published afterwards.

Mr. Morgan stated that, so far as he knew, the School Committee knew nothing about the meeting being held at the school house, the Committee never having been consulted. ; The Chairman stated that leave had been granted, and Mr. Taylor, Chairman of the School Committee, explained that on his own authority he had acceded to the application of the -Board, considering that it was a proper place to hold such -meeting ; and- that it was a request he could grant without summoning a special meeting of the School Committee. The following resolution was then carried- —Proposed by Mi. Morgan, “ That the Chairman adjourn the meet ing for fourteen days, and that the same be duly advertised (to enable ratepayers to attend) in the “Press,” “Timesj” “Mail,” and “Guardian.” Also that the Board be requested to prepare a de tailed statement, giving ratepayers a clear and minute account of every item of expenditure in each ward for the past 12 months. ”

After some discussion it was agreed “ That the meeting adjourn to the adver tised time.”

LONG BEACH ROAD BOARD

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held on Saturday, the 3rd of January. Present—Messrs. Grigg (Chair man), Clark, Dawson, and Taylor. •A financial statement was read by the Clerk, from which it was seen that the debit balance at the Bank was LIGO2 15s. lid., which would be still, greater when the pay-sheet for L 548 63. 4d. was passed for payment. Bates collected up to date amounted to L 725 11s, 4d., and neither the subsidy now due, nor any other sum of money had as yet been paid by Go vernment.

The Clerk was requested to send an urgent telegram to the Treasury, asking when the half subsidy now due for last year might be paid. . .. A. Correspondence was read—From Mr. J. S. Bruce, Architect for the new office buildings, asking for payment of a sum of money which was deducted at the. tiipe his commission account was paid- The Board decided to pay the amount claimed. From Messrs, Branson and Purnell, solicitors, giving, an opinion as to the manner in which the forthcoming annual election of members should be held. .. The letter was received.

From Messrs. Crowe and * Lysaght, James Osborne, and Henry Hudson, ask ing for bridges over drains on Graham’s and Ford’s roads, and at Waterton, re spectively Those for Osborne were granted, and the Surveyor was desired to inspect and report as to the position and circumstances of the others.

Mr. George Wilcocks, lessee of the Wheatsheaf Hotel, w.ote asking that gravel might be spread in front of the Hotel. Tfip request was declined. From ML .1 ho. Black, asking that gn additional sum of LlO might be paid him on his contract for the shingling of Bell’s road, owing to one of the gravel pits front which he had to take gravel being in a different paddock to that specified. .The Board decided not to allow this claim, but agreed to pay for the repairs of the pump used in the work. From Mr. Jno. Bell offering to sell one and a quarter acre cif ianq to‘The "Board, as a gravel pit. The offer was accepted and the Clerk was instructed to ask Messrs. C. E. Fooks and Son to - make the necessary survey.

Tenders were opened for re-shingling the road between Window and Willowby, And tfiat of Mr. James Fletcher was ac cepted.’ Tlie tender of Mr. Samuel Holland for the office of pouudkeeper, for the new pound at Waterton, was accepted for recornmenda.fion jo tfie County Council. ‘Ail tlm tedder# foi; formation of footpaths at Tinwald were declined, lij consequence of the very low position of the Board’s funds at present. The rate lists were examined, and the collector instructed to sue forthwith for all unpaid rates fur the present year, as well as for the year ending 31st March. 187$). Accounts amounting to L 290 10s. Bd. were examined and passed for payment. It being discovered that M?. E. G. Wright, a of ffie Bqard, had been absent from ipur consecutive meet ings of the Board wjthQijt haying first 1

obtained, the Board’s sanction, his seat was declared to be vacant, and the Re turning Officer was instructed to take steps for holding an .election to fill 'the vacancy-- vaw! • y . . . The meeting then adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

SOUTH RAKAIA ROAD BOARD.

•- .. To the Editor. ■ S IRi Will you kindly spare me a few lines in your paper to ask a few questions ns to the manner in which the South Rakaia Road Board have performed their duties for the past year ? We all know they started work with a big balance, and so did all the other Road Boards iff €he County. South Rakaia had a matter of L 22,000 to its credit, and it seems they ave inclined to keep it at their credit, for 1 by the Chairman’s statement - they hajre only spent 112,73.5 on new- roads during* the year, and during that.time it is only too well known that work .was Slack' and

would have 'b'emi- only too welcome to a number of resident would have tendered, for low prices to keep /themselves-. horses at work. The South Rakaia Road" Board, however, seem t*>. consider that they are doing better service by (leaving the money in the hancis of .the bhnky,' and getting a return in the,‘shape of interest.

I think, Sir, if- the- voice of the ratepayers were taken, yj-.that; v; they would one and all say, “ spend the money in necessary works and don'tkeep it locked up for the sake of the paltry in terest allowed us.by the Bank./Another 1 point I notice in which this a ßoard . differs from all others in the County is the fact they do not strike any, rate. -' hfqw-.this is a great loss to tlie district,; because they

lose the Government subsidy, oD£.for £; . and as it has been a rule-., kithother ' Road Boards t<) strike a, rate ; with object of getting as much -as., possible froni Government \T think y the . .Board , have neglected their duties in- riot col lecting their dues from the laila : owners. No doubt this had a. good -deal'-to doU with the division of the,_ district.’: ‘ The details --of the ekpen'dithre kerb '’df 'Hig'**'

baldest possible description ; geiferal. ex penses were said to be L 435, -I .think ; well that is a big‘sum to put’. dbwtr-nn a balance-sheet without airy details, and ought to.be explained somehow. .Rakaia/ township had a hundred and something/ against it, and I would like to know if the crooked bit of work in the tokn&lup/which in honored by the name of kerbing •" is in cluded! in this cost, - as if it is; the;sooner the Rakaia township gets a man to lay kerbing down who can see . a straight line the better. In conclusion I donT . think the ratepayers will growl if - the Board spend the money as soon, as? harvest is over in those parts of the district' requir- ‘ ing work to be done, .and. it will-do all parties good to let- their X 12,000 .slide. - lam &c, - • •'-•‘--/U.

A hard up Contractor. Rakaia, Jan. 5, 1878.

The Recent Riots.

- Regarding the Boxing. Day-scenes- at Timaru and Christchurch, it was broadly asserted that the plans of both attacks had been arranged in hotels—the Timaru one in O’Driscoll’s, and the Christchurch one in Barrett’s. In fact, the Catholic mob on the one hand, who attacked the Christ church procession, trooped out of Barrett’s

yard to make their pick-staff onslaught ; while on the other, a certain damaging letter found or one of the Timaru-*rioters was sufficient evidence that- O’Driscoll was a moving spirit himself in the Timaru riot. The; Magistrates .’at Christchurch failed to obtain evidence strong" enough to connect Barrett, the landlord of the" Borough Hotel, with the origin - of the Christchurch row, and consequently he was dismissed, - but the Timaru Bench

have committed O’Driscoll for trial, During the excitement that follo\yed j}ftth rows, the hotels in question; wer-e' cloaed, and in Cfi ristefiupeh the populace Jolf so strongly *in regard to the. dastaydliness of the attack, on the Protestant "Friendly Alliance procession that they smashed in the windows of Barrett’s Hotel, under a deep-seated impression that thWdfinfilftFfl was concerned in the repy- Those hotels have again been opened We are rather sqrprjsed at this, we.-,Jiavet--known public-houses lose their licenses for : less heinous offences than harboring . mobs of in eh bent on disturbing the -peace, and causing a riot in the public street ; still less, certainly, than for being occupied by a landlord wliq rnqkesi conspicuous in organising an attacking - party whose movements necessitate the reading of the Riot Act, the swearing in of 350 special constables, the cost to the country of moving 50 members of the Armed Constabulary from Wellington to Timaru, and the call ing out of two companies of volunteers to prevent anticipated disturbances. But possibly, the Magistrates are willing to believe that the aggressors have got such a scare as is likely to prevent them from again indulging in an outburst of migtaken patriotism , and their faith in tho potency of this scare is perhaps sueh that they Cran afford to he forgiving, and allow the publicans mixed up with the'affairs to

escape with a gentle admonition to be more careful. If this is so, it is a mis taken leniency. Of all men, a r: hotel keeper should be a loj-al, peape-ioving subject ; in fact, the eoncjitjops ■ii'nder which he obtains his diceiifee deinand that lie’shall be cohservatiyh 'eff the. publip peace a§ fay as in liim‘lie§, and‘‘should a run of ill-luck follow him, and a dew fights occur round his bar, or in his house, the "police will very soon make out a case against him that will weigh With the Licensing Bench when renewal tinie comes. Such a case would be fjjtqltq tfip licensee's^cjianee-!pf the danihing Evidence before them - of O'Driscoll’s complicity in the Timaru riot, nay, more, of his being the chief instigator of it, and an energetic recruiting sergeant* of the Green forces who made the at- M tack, we find the Timaru authoritieg ngglp authorising.O’Prigcoli fco open h’ia'Viofons rendezvous, and thus they.run the risk of a repetition at any moment of the Boxing Day row. “Where the carrion is,there will be the eagles gathered together ” is a proverb with much truth in it, pnd as thoge Irishmen who attacked |lie ‘Gf&igj? ch urch' ! procession 1 liiid ; Vijlently . made Barrett’s Hotel their rendezvous. : •" It stands to Reason that when the .pro jected attack was known even to* some p| the ; Qrangemeiq i|ie ! tions 'cfnilcj. pqt tyfiye been'“unknown iq •< .

Tuesday, January 6, _ißSo.l gßßwessaHffiEsassaHHßsas*-^sshe

the Ashburton herald.



New Advertisements. NOTICE. CREDITORS of the late Christopher Taylor,, of Buccleuch Station, de ceased, are, requested to send in particu lars of their claims to the undersigned by tile 15th JANUARY, 1880. All debts owing to the deceased, which remain unpaid on that date, will be sued for without further notice. BRANSON & PURNELL, Solicitors for the Administrator. BS9a '|~~F you want a CHEAP SUIT OF CLOTHES go to G. J. F. LUBLOW, TAILORING DEPOT. Triangle, Ashburton, Between Post Office and Baldwin’s Central Hotel. G. J. F. Lublow, importing his own goods, 4$ enabled thereby to make as Cheap a Suit of Clothes as any tailor in New Zealand, and a First-class FIT is Guaranteed. Terms—Strictly Cash. -O'per cent. Discount off all Orders Paid ; IN ADVANCE. 813 a m R. IN BANKRUPTCY. OTICE —The “ Ashburton H erald ’ is a Gazette for all notices under the Debtors and Creditors Acts. ASHBURTON HERALD, Published Daily. KTCJB&mtIBERS are requested to make ‘known any irregularity in the delivery, ‘Whether!in Town or Country, which shall : he'immediatelyi3?£gnedied. Country Sub uribers along < the YVakanui Road to the iichool, thence, to-SeafisLd, Cambridge, aud Newland, are supplied by ithe mail-cart ievon ? Tuesda’ and Friday .rnEACHERS can obtain ; the tyIULTI- J/ • PLIC ATION TABLES, printed on mummed paper, in any quantity at tue ,Herali> Office, East street, near the .•Railway Station. trjTHE -Cheap Ashburton j Herald with its2o-y;orq? tariff.



New Advertisements. TO BUILDERS. TENDERS are invited for the erection of THREE SHOPS in BRICK in Tancred street, Ashburton. Plans and Specifications may be seen at the resi dence of the undersigned. Tenders will be received up to 7 p. m. on Thursday, the 15th January. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. JOHN FOWLER, 904 a Moore Street, Ashburton. I (RENDERS are invited for PAINTING jL and PAPERING a four-roomed House on West Belt. Particulars may be obtained, and tenders must be lodged with the under signed on or before TUESDAY, January 13th. 903 a POYNTZ & CO. mHE PARTNERSHIP hitherto exist- J_ ing between the undersigned as Barristers and Solicitors is this day DIS SOLVED by mutual consent. Ashburton, January 6t.h, 1880. J. P. O’REILLY, 906 a C. W. IRELAND. ~\KT ANTED—A First-class Cook. Apply »» at once, to Butler’s Family Hotel, Ashburton. 905 a ANTED—COOK d NURSE MAID. Apply to Mrs. Bran son, Aitken street, Ashburton. 890 a mO TAILORS WANTED, JOUR- I NEYMEN, also a Good COAT H AND. Apply to Mr. Ruxton, T. R. Hodder and Company. 880 a WANTED, a good strong BOY, to Milk, and make himself useful at Westerfield. Apply Herald office. 898 a CHINIQUY’S LECTURES.—H. M. Jones, Stationer, Baring square.