COMMERCIAL.

IfPflK - - £■ -■■-■——*- s r In 'circular 'dated London,*November 6, i-K .-f-i,., XNTew Zealand Loan and Mercantile pefrAgericy Company (Limited) report as fol “v: vs on the London grain market : Duthe earlier portion of the month >,' u3 market' exhibited much excitement, | r 0 various fluctuations .which were then , t , 'ting place in America being to a con siierable extent reproduced on this side. The highest point of improvement in value found New Zealond wheats ou offer at 60s. to 615., and Australian at Is. to A ; 2s higher. A few small extra choice ircels were sold at perhaps Is. more, but WB generally speaking these were the top i << notations. - ' Then there came not only a § partial lull in speculation, but a desire ou y- ?he part-uf-those wh<; hid already specu -1 ited to realise profits, which, taken in conjunction with an abatement of the Foreign demand and a simultaneous re i-> - lapse In the American markets, brought about a f sudden depreciation of values to h : the extent of 4ii. per quarter. Reduced rates tending to a renewal of purchases j>- for Foreign account, the demand, sup ported by a firmer tone from America, has again revived, and prices have reverted to nearly'their former level. As to” the future of the market audits

prospects'for the remainder of the period which has to elapse before another season’s .V crops ecu reach us, opinions are divided. ; On the one hand it is urged that the Con tinental-demand, which has been one of the main causes of the recent upward movements, .must presently be satisfied, even-if* it be not nearly so already ; that

: , the visible supplies in America havemate rially increased and that large and con tinuous shipments from that country, /> especially from the Pacific Coast, will pro bably be arriving in our ports through out the - Winter and Spring. On the other hand it is demonstrated that the crop of frhe United Kingdom is not only deficient in 'quantity—possibly barely more than half an average—but poor in quality as well ; that the other grain-growing countries of Western Europe have nothing to export; and that America will be almost the only source from which our wants can be supplied. Those who sup port the-, latter view do not hesitate to publish their opinion that before the com mencement of next season prices may be expected to rule even higher than those current during the period of the late excitement. This anticipation may or may not be borne out by the result. In the meantime shipments from American jposds continue to reach the United Kingdom at- the rate of over 400,000 quarters per week. Since the Ist September our net Foreign imports have aggregated 3,282,210 quarters, as compared with 2,253,143 quarters for the same term last year. Jn Australian wheats few ti*ansaetions are reported. One cargo on passage changed hands five weeks ago at 565. 6d. for the Continent, and another (the “ Trevelyan/') arrived at port of call, is on offer at 595. The highest bid yet made for it is 58s. for 'Continent. It was originally sold to present holders four weeks ago at 60s. v New Zealand wheats have shared in the general advance, their fine quality and condition being appre ciated by buyers, who have taken them freely. The stocks are much reduced, but importers generally continue to meet rim market whenever full values are obtainable. "Closing cjuofations are :—South Aus tralian wheat, 60s. and 625. per 496 lbs.; 'Victorian wheat, 60s. and 625. per 496 lbs.; New Zealand wheat, 565. and 60s. per 496 lbs. : Australian flour, 38s. and 435. per 280 lbs. : New Zealand flour, 355. and 40s. per 280 lbs.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the "Evening Echo"). TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1879.

The wisdom of the Borough Council’s action—so far at leas' as prices are con cerned —in ordering the iron pipes for their water supply at the time they did, is shown by the advices that reach us per the Rotojofthana of the recent great ad vance in the price of iron. In Melbourne the following prices are quoted, to take affect on January 1 :—Bar iron, for shoe ing bars, £l3 ; girder plate 3, £l3 ; black sheets, £2O ; guage, £l4 ; fencing wire, Nos. 6,7, and 8, £l4 7s. to £l4 10s., and £ls respectively, (galvanised iron is sell ing freely at £27 per toq, Telegrams from London, dated Dec. 20, advise the following advances :—Barrow bar iron, £9 { galvanised corrugated, £26 ; gi age, black sheet, £lO ; hoop iron, £8 10s. all delivered at the weeks, French wire nails are quoted at £ll ; anvil nails, £26 ; bolts and nails, £l7 10s. Fencing wire haj» abm very greatly risen in price. The rise in price of iron goods that has necessarily followed the eifiiijqcocl value of the raw material is indication of a looking up in the manufacturing interest at Home, at least that portion of it represented by tJm iron trade, and already many large works tbftt fiaye for some time been idle are again in operation. Tl>e rise in iron, it is said by recent papers from Home, will have the effect of making many iron masters wealthy who have been on the verge of bankruptcy, in other manufac turing departments in the Home country the same hopeful tone is exhibited, the only really depressed branch of industry being the agricultural interest to whom no evangel of hope promises to come.

Certificates of Merit —Those scholars of the Borough schools who have earned by their attention, diligence, and aptitude, the certificates of merit awarded by the School Committee, and which wiii bear the attestations of the examiners, the head master, and the Chairman of Com mittee, will have these important docu ments forwarded to them in letters by the secretary, Mr.- Ward, who well deserves the hearty cheers given UIV him yesterday by the scholars, for the unflagging interest he still takes in the school.

Heavy Weather.—The coach running between Christchurch and Hokitika has been kniekad PUP of time. A telegram from Hokitika says fhgi though due on Saturday the conveyance has not arrived. It has been detained at the Bealey, with fourteen passengers and a heavy mail. It has been blowing a gale of wind there for four days, with heavy rain, and is still blowing grd raining. All traffic by land or sea is stopped. The rivers are flooded, and there is no sign of abatement. Rain in the Nobts.—Recent rains in the North Island, says a telegram received this morning, have brought down for the Auckland Timber Company 440 logs, and the prospect of more is high. The average rainfall last week was 3.75 inches, exceeding the entire months of December in the last fifteen years. Pedigree Wheat. —At flie suggestion of Mr, W, Ivenmiway, Secretary to the Agent-General, Mr. W, H, Mold, of Ash ford, Kent, England, tho grower of heavy pedigree wheat known m (( Mold’s ennobled red and white,” has written to the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, with a viiw of having this wheat tried by the farmers in this Pro vincial district. Dr. M‘Murtrie, com missioned by the American Minister, visited Mr. Mold’s farm last year, and re ported that 70 acres sown with this wheat produced more than 170 acres of ordinary American wheat. That gentleman twk away 200 sacks to be distributed in America. It it stated that on one root as many as heads have been grown. Only half the usual quantity of this seed is required, and it is sown a month earlier, OS it requires more time and room. Teoeoraph Communication. —The Lyt telton and Christchurch post-offices are to be connected by telegraph, and it is ex pected that by Saturday the Lyttelton Harbor Board will be placed in communi cation with the Heads and tho pilot station.

Railway Reductions. —lt was rumored in Christchurch yesterday that over 70 hands in the various departments at the Christchurch terminus had received, or were about to receive notice that thgiy services would be dispensed with at an early date, and that some fis.. a day em ployees Mould be reduced to Bs, a day.

Hardley’s Pipe Well. —“ One who wishes to see Fair Play" writes to us im pusn£jig the accuracy of our correspon dent “ Ghisp&V f story on Saturday last, regarding the -poujad the Fh e Brigade Avon for throwing & jet of yy.p-yey a hppse near the well sunk by My j-jLarxJiey, ayM contends that that well was pq 113,1 fo, if' not better than any ot the coupled walls the Brigade have yet tested. He further assorts that the Brigade could, if they had liked, fhrofvp. a jet twice as high as they did that from the same pipe, at jyh.iqh fcli.ey bh'ly % wo,r!< 4 ed while fe# jyyiterj) has seen ,r<b,en? .\voj fk two hours ait the &6splieyjl pipe wells,“and then could not clo what top pipe

did. He wo?del like to see the engine fairly tried on the single pipe with the Same size nozzle, and then on the double pipe so that the powers of both descriptions of well ’would be ;airly tested. Our corres pondent denies that the pipe aas to be sunk a foot ir two, and hopes that the Borough Council will appoint a committee from their uvn number to judge the utility of the well, arid not leave the work to a “disappointed contractor.” In re ference to this letter, we are able to state that there is no well-sinking contractor upon the Brigade’s Managing Committee for this duty, the names of the gentlemen who have to pass the well being as fol lows : —Captain Compton, and Firemen Parkin, Wilkie, Sargent, Bradley, and Cambridge. As to “ Chispa’s ” “ yarn,” it may be true or it may bo imaginary-, we do not hold ourselves responsible lor all his vagaries. We have no wish to lie partial in opening our columns to the pub lic, but we cannot permit a letter, so armed as is the one we have condensed above, at one person, and, as we think, without cause, to appear in our columns. He lias always the Borough Council to ap peal fp p a fqjr (rjbqqq.l if tyj fpeltj hun aggrieved 011. the matter to which he re fers in his engthy letter. Measles. —The ship Auckland has arrived at Port Chalmers, and has been put into Quarantine. She has 4-0 cases of measles qh board.

Resident Magistrate’s Court. —To day the Resident Magistrate had a light calendar, only six cases being set down for hearing. In two of these there was no appearance, three others were decided in favor of plaintiffs with costs, and one was adjourned till the 30th. One of the de cided cases W9 S a suit for rates at the in stance of the Borough Council,

Somebody Wrong.-— At the Court to day, in a case in which a man named Parkinson sued defendant, Little, for L 8 15s, a witness swore that he had seen the summons placed in the envelope, had taken the document to Little, and given it to him into his own hand on the Saturday night. Defendant just as positively swore he never saw nor heard anything of the summons until the Sunday morning following* vylien lie got it from his wife. Either one or other of tfipgg gentlemen must have a very oblique recollection of things, or they sadly misunderstand the nature of an oath. The Magistrate will doubtless be able next Court-day to say who is who.

Harvester Trial. —A trial of the harvesters atGawler, New South Wales, took place on the 17th for tne Government bonus of L4GO. 31 competitors entered?

Another Caught.— Constable Beau mont interviewed a candidate for a “drunk” yesterday, who tried to chaff the representative of law and order, but the officer, with thp fear of tho Resident Magistrate before his eyes, arrested him, and to some purpose, fqr on the prisoner undergoing the usual ordeal of search in the lockup, a watch was discovered among his belongings which was “ wanted,” as having gone missing from a schoolmaster in the direction of Christchurch.

The Mm Personator. —The woman Tiemayne, who for upwards of QQ years personated a man and worked as a miner, lias hired herself out to speculators at LSO a month to exhibit herself on the stage.

The Rotomaiiana. —The Rotomahana did the Damage to Melbourne, via Hobart Town, in 4 days, including stoppages. Nothing has yet beaten this passage for swiftness.

Chiarini’s Cikcus. —On Monday, Jan. pth, we are to be visited by one of those kinds of apuiseipents which always draw a crowd in any part of the work], no matter whether they bo good, bad, or indifferent, and we have seen all sorts in Ashburton. From all accounts, the pre vious efforts of equestrians, acrobats, tigers, and ferocious animals of all de scriptions, Fife about to be eclipsed by Chiarini’s Circus, and if qpyvspapeps in other parts of tho Colony where Chiarini has visited don’t tell fibs, then w r e have a treat before us. One of them says:—The opening of the entrance an hour before the commence lpent of ijfQ performance, affords oppor tunity fpr a leisurely inspection of the animals located ip the outer tent. Qf the three adult tigers, two are males, and they Haye bgen named Brutus and Ciesar. The latter is tho largest apechnen, and is probably as good an example as could be found in any menagerie. The female, Nell, gave birth to her three cubs on Oct.

10 last, when three days out from Honolulu, so that they are now about ten weeks old? That they have thriven admirably 'may b.e inferred from the fact that the weight qt each ps f.filb. Whop they ftps two years’ old their training wifi bo commenced, and they will bp quickly taught to feai’ their keeper, instead of— as some of the spectators might imagine— entertaining an affection for him. The short tether of the buffalo is a pretty sufficient indication of the hrpte's temper. His keeper considers if is a ■ f mopcifni dispensation of provi dence ” the animal exhibits a piqgf un-

usual peculiarity in having turned do>vn instead of turned up horns. This buffalo is occasionally ridden by Mr, Warner, who “gets up” as a Comanche Indian, and “the trouble” is in the dressing tent, where, if the brute’s temper happens to p.e at aff ruffled, an hour may be occupied in the endeavor tp get on his back. In j

the ring itself he ig kept within due limits hy piip aid of a s.t.Qut pone passed round fire .control pole. The two zebras shown are both females ; the male fell a victim, in Chili, to the ecoeftt-rifiify of the buffalo. With regard to the performance in the ring, it is but common justice to state that the trick acts introduced by Mr. J. Holloway, one of the clowns, are very clever. He is speciaily good in his changes c.f costume, one of which is ef-

fected while vacating tfyrpiigha hoop, the j,oose attire being .apparently arranged S’itfrhf the paper coyering of the liodp, so as to bp litepally jumped into. A Brave Soldier. --The bpavery of Lieutenant Hamilton at Cabu'l deserved (says a Home paper) to be recorded by the side of Chard, Bromhead, and Meri yijlp. They say that the gallant officer fought like a young tiger in defence of the" British Residency. Hg is a modern Keratins Opecles,’wKo stood along against an over-whelming liost. He' piade' three distinct charges at the head pf the suite upon the fatal gun that was being fired upon the Residency by the insurgents, and on each charge he slew several men yrUfi hip hand. “When will his glory fade ? Cfli/t'be wild charge he made.” At

tlie tim'd charge so terrific was the impetus of tlih boy’s attack that he actually suc ceeded in silencing the gun single-handed. But there was no honor among the thieves this time. The Afghans all directed their pieces at him alone. They fired, and the young officer feil down dead across the gun.

Wanted Change. —A rather amusing incident happened recently on the hiew Plymouth-inglewood line. The railway guard, seeing a lady waiting at one of the signal stations, as if wishing to be taken up, accordingly gave the signal for stop ping the train. Much, however, to his surprise, he found (says the “ Taranaki Herald ”) that the lady was not an intend ing passenger, but merely wished to know if ho could oblige her with change for a pound note ! We wonder if the guard gave her the change !

A “ Daiuuwell ” Incident. —ln Mow lem’s Cup sweep there was LIOOO for the winning horse (says the “ Australasian ”). The neglected .Darriwell’s, name was on the ticket drawn by four ladies, who had clubbed together us. each for the pound it cosf. iTpmadiateiy afier the race was run the quartette presented themselves at Bowlem’s and demanded LIOOO. Bowlem, of course, informed them that they must wait till settling, day. They waited. Early on that merging they streamed into his hpt.cl, and were tendered a cheque for LIOOO. Suspicious glances at each other, and general dissatisfaction at only ope cheque being offered. Thou in chorus, “ We would prefer', sir, four cheques of L 250 oach,” Bowlem at once accommo dated them. Then one, with nose tip tinted like the petal of a flower, to {ho. amazement of the rest ordered one bottle of lemonade for the refreshment of the party. The others suspected some sinister intention, and forthwith quitting the hotel, started for the bank, instantly pursued by their generous entertainer, leaving the foaming beaker untasted. These four ladies chased each other to the bank counter in obvious fear that the first chppup bpiqg there might be qq funds left for the others, Their faith was

weak, but they left the bank smiling, and parted on the doorstep. Cardinal Wiseman on Fancy Bazaars. —The following is from a letter of the late Cardinal Wifterpan, recently published in the u Tablet ” :—t go in with LlO say. I might stalk up to kind Lady Bountiful’s stall, lay down my money, desire it to be put down to the account of the charity, find Walk out again without deigning to look at the vanity fair on either side, no,r at the cheerful yet modest vestals who are trying to palm its goods or its evils on me. r J ip's would he, to my mind, meek heroic, and possibly real pharisaical. Instead of that, I walk through the bazaar, go from stall to stall, pretend to let myself be taken in and done for by the kind-hearted SialemV'ompn, who know I have gone there for no other purpose, and whose extrava gant prices only mean the highest alms you will give; sow my ten pounds in fractions over t]ip various counters, and retreat without anyone the 7 ]east, knowing what I have given, though the fractions of it will join together to form tire stated figure. Igo out, covering my charity, not indeed with roses (unless in Berlin wool), but with shippers, pincushins, most use less baby tilings, lucifer boxes, and very coarse Homan collars, five shillings’ worth of the veriest trash, for which I have given LlO. Yet Ido not grudge it. They I were the roses which concealed my chfiritv. In the runtime, I have p.ysaed an hour of London weather in a bright

hall, and have met and talked with scores of charitable loungers like myself, whom I should not otherwise have met without a formal visit, who are also going off with pockets and arms full of equally useless and flimsy articles, which will be very much valued at the distribution of prizes in their poor schools, or at the next bazaar.

TELEGRAPHIC.

LATEST FROM EUROPE.

TQ-D4YS CABLEGRAMS

( A w Special.) London, Dec. 21. General Gough is marching on Cabul with two thousand five hundred men, and six guns. Secocoeni’s reported killed. The revolutionary party is active in the Spanish provinces.

Government hag ordered the arrest of the leaders of the party, including many military officers.

(Argus Special. ) London. Dec. 21. The impression is increasing that Par liament will be dissolved in spring. d’he Italian Embassy is pressing for an extension of time for their intended des patch of exhibits to the Melbourne Ex hibition by a man-of-war. One thousand exhibits are expected. Holland lias voted L 1,700 ; Belgium is backward.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’3 TELEGRAMS.

Auckland. Dec. 28

The Glenelg took down the pumps and steam-engine to the wrecked steamer Taupo. Another attempt to raise her will be made in a few days. Prince David Nga, eldest son of King George of Tonga, who accompanied the Rev. Shirley Baker, has died of dropsy. Mr, Baker intends removing the body to Tonga, arpl a lead coffin, hermetically sealed, has been procured. Deceased was p 4 years pi age. Dr, Steins, the new Catholic Bishop of Auckland arrived by the Ringarooma at a very early hour. He was received by a deputation of clergy and laity, and was conducted to his residence at Ponsonby. A public reception will be given at the Cathedral this evening.

The Gjoverpraent Engineer notifies that Dempsey’s men must obtain jqfigment in all cases against Dempsey before Govern ment can pay their claims. Government has served notice op Dempsey to proceed with the contract in seven days from the 20th.

Dunedin, Dec. 22,

A public meeting of the friends and sympathisers of Mr. H. S. Fish will be held to-night. The opinion that the action of the present Mayor was un generous ip tajcipg advantage of a legal process to be returned, singly ex pressed at the Council meeting yesterday.

Judge Williams, in dismissing a motion for summons to call upon a discharged debtor to contribute to the amount of 10s.

in the A ; hjs liabilities when he became bankrupt ■'mussed the opinion that the clause of" A 18(57, was in force in respect or p ■■• sons who became bankrupt under that neb The application was dis missed, .as the applicant lmd no locus standi in (lie court. The proceedings ought to have been taken at Auckland, the district in winch the debtor became bank rupt.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE

LAST NICtHT’S CABLSCrBAMS,

( Rcu/rr’s VWt’x> ams.) London, Dec. 10. Best Australian mutton tallow, 39s 6d. Thei’e is a serious famine in Silesia.

Dec. 20.

~ At; a meeting at Leeds,' Sir Stafford Northcoto made a speech, in which he stated that, the policy of Govern ment was unaffected by Afghan affairs. It continues to be defence, not annexation.

Dec. 21.

Latest news from the Gape .states that the British troops have taken the srrong nuld of Sttooeoeni. Two officers were killed and four wounded. Calcutta, Dec. 20. . General Gough • arrived at Jugdulluk unopposed yesterday. Numbers of Ghilzais were hovering- about, but they were a disorganised rabble. The other (ribes ave quiet. General Norman is rapidly advancing.

Dec. 21

Ths latest intelligence from General Roberts on Dec. IS reports all well and no im ther fighting. He is remaining on the defensive at Shei-pan---'. Lie urges General Gough’s immediate advance "in light order, and says he will meet with no opposition. When reinforcements have arrived he can settle Cabul affairs without difficulty.

General Gough left to-day with J ,400 men and four guns. The road to:Cabul is clear.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGffiAMS:

New • Plymouth, • Dec. 22.

James Hill, hospital steward, charged with indecent assault, was again arraigned, the jury he was tried before last week not agreeing to a verdict. Several witnesses were examined,and the trial was ad journed until to-morrow. - A mooting of the County Council-will lie held to consider its financial position. According to the report of tho Committeo it appeared that there are assets of LI3KI to meet liabilities of L 4454. If.was de cided to wait upon Major Atkinson on his return, and represent to him that much of the expenditure has been bn Government roads, and to see if he cannot assist them in the matter. " .. b • - - ;

Wanganui, Dec. 22,

The celebrated entire horse The Painter died suddenly. He was purchased in Sydney by Mr Mangham, the breeder: for LflOO.

Dunedin, Dec; 22,

A telegram, dated lltli December, lias been received from Mauri tins, reporting a further advance of L 4 per -ton in all sugars.. - -

Tlie Harbor Board have appointed Messrs. Ramsey, Fish-,Walcott.;'Houghton, and Captain Logan to confer with the Engineer as to whether any works at pre sent in progress can be discontinued pend ing . tlie Board receiving Parliamentary authority to borrow money. ' At the It. M. Court this 'morning, Mr W. L. Simpson, R.M., delivered judg ment on the petition of Messrs, Walters and two other"rat'pphypraying-that Mr, H. S, Fish, jun.v be ousted from the position of Mayor of; Dunedin,' on the ground that he was a sub-contractor for the new Town Hall. The judgment un seated Fish, and declared Walters to -be next on tlie poll and duly elected. ' A house belonging to Mr. Mollisoiq and situated at Otaria, was burped-down op Friday. Two boys' were--arrested on suspicion of arson. The house' was urn iniiabited, and isolated. It • was-insured for L2OO in tlie Sun Office.

TERMINATION OF THE BASUTO WAR.

[Bi r Telegraph.] The Orient steamer brings news or the conclusion of the Baguio” war by the capture of Moirosio’s stronghold,, and the death of the Basuto chief. After shelling the mountain three days and,.nights, on Nov. 19ill the British force, - under Colonel Bayley, assaulted it from five different positions. The .enemy, not being taken by surprise, kept-up a brisk fire, and rolled stones ..on the besiegers. The native allies .of the , British, carrying, scaling ladders, dropped them at the sound of the first shot The riflemen picked up the ladders, anfi qne §5 feet in length being placed against the sloping rook" the first man to 'mount was Lieutenant, Springer, at whom the Basutos fired point, blank. He had a’ narrow escape, one bullet passing through his hat, and strik- : ing the rock close to him. k:. He was quickly joined by other riflemen, and they held the position until ./qf,hqry. same’ up. . Once pii the fop ’the'-‘men ... fixed 1 bayonets, and charged'jn fine-right ac ross the mountain, carrying all before them. For about ten minutes smno severe bayonet work went on, both inside and on top: Moirosi was shot in the breast in the assault, and a bullet struck him in the neck. After the assault he was found dead in a cave, into which lie had crawled. Doda, a soil of M'oirosi'6, said he was (he only man of importance in tile mour-taii) who was not killeij. casualties wen: six killed and wounded, For the gallant, manner in which Lieut, Springer mounted the scaling ladder, he was gazetted a captain. " ;.:

PRIZES DAY AT THE BOROUGH SCHOOLS.

. Aesterdiiy was the day fixed by the School Committee for the ' distribution of prizes to- the .pupils who had been success ful in gaining them in the annual ex amination of the Borough schools, which tins year wm kindly conducted by. 'tbs Revs. W. E. Paige and A.‘'' Mi ' Tioattlej with the ability that was expected to mark any examination conducted by two such scholars. These rev. gentlemen finished their three days' work on Friday last, and their task was no.light one, as their re tnrps -,f fhp work dojip showed,..-.from wnich limy adjudicated thp teachers and Mr, Ward had a not very easy task allotted to them yesterday in

j writing the inscriptions upon the large j number of prizes given and filling up the ! certificates of merit, and when all was | ready for the work er-distribution, it was ; far past three o’clock when about 400 J young faces turned in the direction of Dr. i Stewart’s platform, from the two rooms j adjoining each'.other that were made use ; of to accommodate parents and scholars. | The infant room was full as usual, and under the charge of Miss Stewart, wln’le j Mr. Stott attended to the older children in ! the main roorit. On the platform with the | Hr: was Mr. Ward, the'Committe’s Secre tary, and other teachers. The prizes were distributed by Di\ Stewart, the Chairman of the Com mittee, who, in performing the duty said, —Ladies and gentlemen, this is the second time on which I have had"a'very pleasant duly to perform—that of distributing the prizes to (lie successful scholars at the Ashburton School. I may say that the examination has been a thorough one, and the result of it ought to Be -gratifying.f.. alike to parents, teachers,' and pupils. "The reports of the gentlemen upon whoPr-vA the onus of fixing the recipients of the prizes devolved, will show, that-they had j a difficult task, no less than 200 names having been given in as deserving of com- ' mendatibn ; but. owing to a want of support, being given towards the prize - . , fund.by the parents of the children and! 1 others, it was found that the Committee.. were not able to.carry out their intentions in that direction 'as liberally as they. L would have .wislied to. It was not fair to the examiners that the Committee should be placed in such a position, as they, were only able to give 3.12 prizes, and' the balance of those recommended would have to be satisfied with letters of- " : commendation. ' He • ' hoped[: :at : next annual meeting a more -liberal- spirit'-"A would ho shown, and those parents: who r ' refused on this occasion; under:the-:ini- > pression that their children would not receive a prize, would disabuse their minds ; of any, unfairness on the part of the . examiners, as the pupils'had- been putto. ;, a severe test throughout,-and-those "who deserved the prizes best had been awarded them.

The Chairman's speech was deceived by tlie numerous pupils with vociferous cheering, which was continued-all through :' the presentation of the prizes. •• v -ffp The following prizes were-;’then' pre-r sentocl to the successful pupils. Several-:;" prizes for special subject's were kindly!., given by"three or four old-friends"of'they-; schbok "IAR

Prize List, IST." CLASS.

Reading, dictation and spelling, {gram mar and geography—lst division * Ip G. Quarterman : 2, Ernest Fehoti ;■ 3, Annie Pei-main. 2nd division : : t-1; Emma Bean; 2, .Agnes Fowler ;T3p. W.eyffibuth Roberts. ' -a Arithmetic and Euclid—-Ist division :": 1, .Bertie Stewart and H. Felton (equal) ■2, Jas. Hepburn. ' 2nd division : 1, Richard- Ryan and Dora Henderson (equal) ; 2, John Hurst; ' r .:. Writing, and drawing—lst division): 1, R. Hodder ; 2, A. Inn is ; 3, B. Stewart. 2nd division : I, E’mina Bean; 2, Dora Henderson, 3, Annie.. Felton and "John Stewart (equal), .. ■ ... ...2nd. CLASS. .History, geography, grammar,' reacting; spelling, and recitation; —1, L. Wpirner} 2, A. Carson ; .3, A- Forman. ' g •- ■ ' Drawing and writing—l, ElizA" Potter and Alfred Carson (equal) ;2, ’■ "Sophia \ Shiny. ’ ; k Arithmetic—J, Lilly Worner ;"2, Emma * Perryman ; William Berry,' b- - - ' \ , 3rd class. " Reading, spelling, . dictation;- grammar, geography,, and recitation T) : jßehjartian Ede.2, .H4?.Ty" Hrest6n.y-"'2hd i '<®rision 1, ..Sophia Perniairi, "highest ' nhtrks'ih all : subjects;! 2, Henry .Burf dot Hu rad!. . A- : "

-Writing—lst. division :'l, Jasi,Hahcbk; 2,-Nelly B.arre’tt,—gild- divisionffd ,-Jodefh Tyess ;. 2, Isabella, Wilkie R' : 3," Perraain. .. ' J-

Alice! WHikiha ; % Edward Parkin. • Ay

... Arithmetic—lst .diyisibh' FT, Tilly Wil liams ; 2, B. ‘ Ede/;.3', F. Gaukrodger.’; — 2nd division-I, Joseph Tvessfk 2, Wm. Ryan; 8, AlL;Jamieson.. VV: „*’• •' * 4th.' CLASS. •' r English—l r Stella Henderson f . r 2,’ H. .Fooks :...3, R. Leggatt. 1 \ h-■ Writing atid Drawing—Ede ;' 2. ..Flora Williams'; 3, Herb. Fooksl' ' r -; ; ' - .Arithmetic—l, . W. Williaffison'';-'? 2, -Aug. Worneri ;■ 3, Mari" Pdarsonf M UTH;. CLASS, i > ° Reading, spelling, t eeitatipfiy^'nd-geo graphy—l,. Annie Watkins 2, ChvOlark; 3, Ada Pearson, Jarifit Smith, and'Annie Gaul (equal). F." b‘ ' /’’ Writing—l, ; Annie ’ Gaul'y-'-Yy Alice Hughes; 3,. .Walter Mills and Arinie- Bean (equal), , V',. ,/„/ /” )' ' "y‘l Arithmetic-41, „ /William Pqtjpr j 2, Jane .StTifel. Ap : dr#s.-

■ Reading anti ;-Spelling -ly Jak- '-Gauk rodgerq Writing’;Jas." Gaukrodger"' 2, ' Harry ■Mills. .Li 'V; A ‘ •

Arithmetic : 1, JasV Gaukrodger-; 2, Alice Cruinb'e... d. ~ ■,•

7TH CLASS. '•” English—ls.t. division : ly Rd Lan caster ;_ 2, Henry By rile ; ; 3) Ad, Empson. 2nd. division :VI, GeoV Gaukrodger-; 2, Fanity -By^neh ; ; y f Writing—lst division ;• ly‘ Newrich Mcynell .y 2,.. Ada Simmonds ; ,3, Annie 2nd'di vision": Emily Cotton and Maud .Williams equal." '' ': ■ ■

Awtimetic- ; klsi€''Mivi'sion : LJ : : -Edith *2nd division : Mary Crumb and Geo. Gaukrodgoy.' .pis--: r. - yd .- ->■' V Bi'h class. =- ; b/.. : :

: Reading.and spelling ily' Wm. Miller and Sissy Ryan equal ; 2, Ethel Gates and May Williams equal. - ;I - ’'J y,• Arithmetic': JohnVßydn. “ ' .: ~ 'OIItLS’ WojtK.- • ■■■ ' w Sewing I,' .Gonstahbe Dora. Henderson'; 3’/ Agnes "• Fowler. Hurst Mary -• Third class Florence Williams; Fourth class— • Maud; Wil!iants .(a complete tea service.)

v Fancy Work : 1,. Annie Pdrmain '; 2, Doi-a Henderson-3, Winnie'/Cfipkson. Knitting :1, Annie Gates'; "2, Matilda Williants 3, Edith : : V/y " 'HtmejAL. Mapping'":•' Henry Felton (box of water

colors. ) Drawing,: Dora Henderson.;-! - General Progress : Felton, Quarterman, I.nnis,.and Constance Andrews, . Bible Historj' : J. Hendejypq. t| istnry V./^eltdiiy .. and In my. ' V V V' v ; Recitation : Nelly Bftii’att,

D dCEMBEE; 23, 1879.] **... ' ' -- ' niw ■> 1 ■ in 1 if

TMis,,AsHBUkToN HEfcAli



New Advertisements, NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. FARES—CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. ORDINARY Single Fare Tickets from any station to any station issued on -SATURDAY, 20tlx .DECEMBER, 1879, and following days up to SATURDAY, 3rd .JANUARY, 1880, inclusive, will be • available for the return journey any day up to, and including MONDAY, sth JANUARY. . \ , WM. CONYERS, . '7 ' Commissioner of Railways. ... Commissioner’s Office, .... Christchurch, Dec. 13, 18J9, 846 a V. R. NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. (Christchurch Section.) CHRISTMAS AND HOX TNG DAYS, Dec. 25'i’H a NIC 26 th, 1879, TRAIN AR RANGEMENTS. CHRISTMAS DAY. •X YTTELTON and CHRISTCHURCH Line— Trains will Run as on Sun days', with an . additional train leaving Christchurch at 8 p.ni. for Lyttelton, and returning: therefrom at 8.30 p.m. .. .NORTH AND SOUTH LINES Ah D BRANCHES—Ordinary Trains. BOXING DAY, 26th Dec. LYTTELTON and CHRISTCHURCH Line—-Ordinary,Trains, and a Late Traiu leaving Christchurch at 11.15 p. in., and returning from Lyttelton at 11.45 p.m. NORTH LINE AND BRANCHES— Ordinary trains. SOUTH LINE, AND MALVERN AND WHITECLIFFS BRANCHES— Ordinary Trains. SOUTHBRIDGE BRANCH—Ordinary Trains, with the following exception : The ordinary 3.50 p.t»; train, Christchurch to South bridge, will leave at 5.15 p.m., and le one hour and twenty-five minutes later than usual at all stations to destina tion. FARES: Ordinary single fare tickets issued at any .station- from SATURDAY, 20th Decesaker, to SATURDAY, 3rd January, will be assailable for retur n up to and in cluding MONDAY, sth January. NO GOODS TRAFFIC ON EITHER DAY. jm FREDK. B ■ General ManagAE- Otmc'-il Minager’s Office, Chmjoliureh, Dee. It, 1879, 8.5%



&ew Advertisements. .. TTTANTJED IMMEDIATELY* i VV APPRENTICES for Dressmaking and Ladies’'Jacket making. Apply to T. R. HOLDER & COMPANY. rflO LET.—A Four-roonied COTTAGE L in Peter street. Apply to J. Olsen, near the Foundry. 845 NOTICE. Oj TRAYED on my landat Tinwaid, Brown Horse, saddle marked, and branded No. 2on near Shoulder. If not claimed and expenses paid .within one month from this date, will be sold. Apply— D. M'LEOD, Near Tinwaid. oth Dec., 1870. 783 a WANTED KNOWN, the season for transplanting is at hand, and we can supply, many thousands Cabbage,. Cauliflower, Broccoli, Savoy, Brussel Sprouts, Celery, and other Plants, for winter supply. 745 a SEALY BROS. rnOWN HALL, ASHBURTON, ENTERTAINMENT BY THE xVSHBURTON TEMPERANCE DRAMATIC CLUB, On FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, BOXING NIGHT, Will comprise that Laughable Farce “ WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH, A Musical Melange, “ A MOTHER’S MYSTERY.” New Scenery, New Dresse3, Unrivalled Mechanical Effects. See Handbills. 844 a ALL CARDS in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station. Archery material. —Bows from ss. each. Arrows from ss. doss. H. M. JONES, Stationer, Baring Square. JUST ARRIVED. PAPER BAGS, PAPER BAGS, r|ONFECTIONERS, Fruiterers, i Grocers, Drapers, Seedsmen, Ac., can be supplied with Paper Bags, all sizes, and Printed or Plain. WEEKS AND DIXON, General Printers, East rtreet North. INK for Marking Packages, Sten cilling, Ac. Large bottles, 2s. each. WEEKS A DIXON, Stationers, Ac., East street. FOB 1880. | THE PRESS ALMANAC And Diary Can be obtained from, the undersigned. Price —One Shilling. WEEKS AND DIXON, Herald Office, Near Railway Station. Teachers can obtain the multi plication TABLES, printed on gummed paper, in any quantity at the Herald Office, East street, near the Railway Station.



DIARIES ! DIARIES ! ! DIARIES ! ! ! have just received a splendid assortment of LETTS’ DIARIES for 1880, an inspection of v/Jiifih is invited. OFFICE DIARIES, POCKET DIARIES, SCRIBBLING DIARIES, DIARIES of everv description WEEKS & DIXON, “ Herald ” and “ Guardian ” Offices, Near the Railway Station.



TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FOR SALE, at an early date, — One Second-hand Double Demy Tape Printing MACHINE, in thorough working order, with rollers, moulds, &c., complete. We are replacing this machine by a Double Royal Wharfedale, which necessitates removal of the Double D.emy Machine now used for printing the “Herald ” and “ Guardian,” for hand or steampower. Can be men and all par ticulars obtained at our office, WEEKS & DIXON, Ashburton, October 14, 1879. 565 a ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTICE is hereby given that the Ash burton County Uonncil will conduct its business, on and after MONDAY, the 22nd instant, in its new offices, fronting Baring Square. By order, F. MAINWARING, Clerk. Ashburton, December 22nd, 1879. 851 a WAKANUI ROAD DISTRICT. "VTOTICE is hereby given that the _l> ANNUAL MEETING of rate payers will be held at the Schoolroom, Wakanui, on WEDNESDAY, January 7th, 1S&0, at the hour of noon, to elect Three Members in the place of Messrs. E Saunders and Hunt, who retire by rotation, and Mr. ©. Wilson, resigned. A Poll, if necessary, will be im mediately after the nomination, closing at 4 p.m. c. c. room, 29G—842a Returning Officer-, C£)OKS. —You can - advertise for a Cook iu QQ >yprds in the Hkiiaxu for 1/-.



New Advertisements?, n. Iti tRe District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashrurtont IN tHE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, The Debtors and Creditors Act 1876 Amendment Act, 1878, and of the bankruptcy of WM. FORD, of Westerfield, in the County of Ashburton, Dairyman, a Debtor. NOTICE is hereby given, that at the first meeting of Creditors of the above-named Debtor, held at the District Court-house, Ash burton, on THURSDAY the 18th day of December inst, Joshua Tucker, of Ashburton, Clerk, was appointed Creditors' Trustee of the estate of the above-named Debtor. And further, that the said Joshua Tucker has this filed, in the above Court, a written signifiea ti»n of his acceptance of the office of Creditors' Tjusjee in the above Bankruptcy, Ashburton, this iSth day of Dec, 1879. C. CAVENDISH HfJRREJLJ,, Clerk of the District Court. E. G. Crist, Solicitor for the debtor. 852 a