ASHBURTON COUNTY CLERK.

TWELVE MONTHS' SIOK LEAVE. The numerous friendß of Mr F, Mainwaring, who has been clerk of the Ashburton County Council since itß inception in 1878, will regret to learn that iaiiing health has compelled him to relinquish his duties for the time being. He stuck gamely to his dutiep till about noon yesterday, when he felt so- ill that he had to leave the monthly meeting which was then being held. . . in granting Mr Mainwaring twelve months' leave of absence on lull pay with the use of the clerk's residence, each member of the Council paid the highest tribute to his 44 years of efficient service, his practical knowledge or every detail connected with the office work, his remarkable tact and never failing courtesy, and to the ready manner in which he could at any time and at a moment's notice put his hand on any motion, minute or other record on the Council's books, or any letter or memorandum which had ever gono into the Council offices. Mr W. T. LiH, m addin" his testimony to Mr Mamwariug's worth as a public servant, expressed the opinion that there should bo a superannuation scheme in connexion with all local bodies. Reference was also made to Mr Mainwaring nover having had had leave c.f absence or anythin" bevond the ordinary public holidays 0 during his long term of service as clerk to the Council, and to his never having been once absent from dutyMr Mainwaring, in addition to being clerk to the Council, was for a period of ab?ut fifteen years secretary to tfio Hospital Committee at the time the affairs of the hospital were under the control of the County Council.