The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1879.

The Hen-Roost Robbery. —To-day the R. M. Court was pretty well filled by the public in the expectation of hearing the case gone into against James Moore, the alleged hen-roost marauder. The prisoner was in attendance, and all his supposed booty —some twenty fowls, pure bred and hybrid, trussed and in feather — was spread out on the floor of the Court. At eleven o’clock, however, the clerk announced that the Court was adjourned till Thursday, and those who had come expecting to hear an interesting case were disappointed. The adjournment hap pened in consequence of the R. M. having been called away on urgent business, and the difficulty of finding the needful two justices to supply his place. Great fears were expressed that the stiffened corpses of the fowls would be altogether too tender if kept till Thursday, but there was no help for it.

Crowded Railway Trains. —The man ner in which passengers are crowded into railway carriages led to a fracas on the North line a few days ago. A first class carriage had more “insides” than there were seats for and, Mr. Arthur Devery in attempting to find a seat got to high words with Mr. James Hurse and some very uncomplimentary remarks passed, ending in a scuffle and the consignment of Mr. Devery to durance vile for the period of half an hour or so. The merits of the case were gone into before the magistrate at Kaiapoi yesterday and adjourned till Thursday. The railway authorities do not study the convenience of their fares as they might do, as the packing of the trains at Ashburton will frequently show.

The Weather. A black sou’-wester commenced blowing, with mizzling rain, during the small hours of the morning, and about five o’clock heavy rain set in, which has continued throughout the day. So far the farmers have every cause to be satisfied and hopeful as to the results of next harvest, and Jupiter Pluvius has dispensed his welcome showers during the present spring with no niggard hand.

Cricret. —We have been favored with the names of gentlemen appointed by the Match Committee af the Borough Cricket Club to do battle on their behalf against the County Club on Saturday next, and we are led to believe a close game is an ticipated. We are also given to under stand that the secretaiy of the Borough Club is in communication with several prominent clubs in other parts of the province, with the view of arranging a series of first-class matches for the season. The names of Saturday’s eleven are : —Messrs G. Andrews, A. Andrews, J. Ashwood, D. Amos, W. Broadbelt, C. Wright, H. Fowler, H. Whitley, J. Lusk, D. Leitch, F. Shury. Emergency men—Messrs Graves and Poyntz. I.O.G.T.—The weekly meeting of the Dawn of Peace Lodge was held last night. There was a very large attendance of members. Five new members were initiated. Two members were reported' as sick, and the Sick Committee were notified to visit them, and other members

to hold themselves in readiness to ta ~ their proper share of sick attendance 1 necessary. It was resolved to give another entertainment at the Old Men’s Home in three weeks’ time. It was also resolved to institute a Glee Club and Choir, under the supervision of Sisters Hardley and Taylor ; a number of brothers and sisters gave in their names as willing to join, and it is hoped that their attendance at practice will be regular, as nothing con duces to the Order’s well-being like well conducted high-class music and harmony. We feel sure that if the above named sisters are properly assisted and supported the Ashburton Lodges will soon boast a very superior Glee Club. After about an hour spent in songs, readings, and recita tions, the Lodge closed in the usual form.

Yankee Notions. — We had the plea sure of inspecting a large assortment of notions of American manufacture, at Messrs Friedlander Bros. ’ stores yesterday. They comprise every imaginable descrip tion of goods, from patent mousetraps to reapers and binders, and some of the minor articles such as locks of intricate construction, carpenters’ tools, capable of doing anything in woodwork except grow ing the timber, and ingenuities too numerous to describe, are well worth inspecting, and, to those in want of (hem, worth buying. Collapse of the Cook’s Strait Cable. —The telegraph cables across Cook’s Strait gave out last night, and our readers will consequently have to do without our usual telegrams from the North Island. The rocky bottom of the Straits and the swift currents of the tides must have a very abrading efFect upon the cables, one of which is of large size, and designed especially to contend with the power of friction known at the time to exist when it was laid down. The cable-laying steamer Agnes is now on her way down from Sydney, and will probably set all damages right in a few days ; but in the meantime we have to be content with such scraps of news as can be dribbled down the limited wire at the disposal of the Telegraph Department. Last night all all special wire communication across the Straits was suspended. A New Amusement. — The old and time-honored game of skittles is now being instituted afresh in Ashburton. An alley behind Shearman’s Hotel, which was in times past made use of for a like purpose, is once again being utilised for canying on the game in a legitimate manner. Mr Whitley, the lessee, does not intend to let his customers pine for want of amuse ment—as he has also provided a quoit ground for the muscular public, and a shooting gallery for more scientific sport men. We understand that a quoit match is on the “ tapis” between an amateur and a renowned “ l'ingist. ”

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

THE WRONG HORSE.

To the Editor of the Ashburton Guard :an

Sir, —Under the head of “ Sporting ” I notice a paragraph in the “ Ashburton Mail” of the 9th inst., in which the celebrated sire, Tribune, and myself are made to figure in anythiug but a flattering manner. It is as follows :

“Sporting. —An exciting and interest ing race between the celebrated sire, Tri bune, and a renowned trotting mare came off in the Wakanui road last evening. There was no betting on the event, but the groom in charge started off and made a good third in the race. ” It is far from my wish to cast any un pleasant reflections on the gentleman who occupied the editorial chair of your con temporary, but either he or one of the staff must have been somewhat “mixed on the evening referred to ; as Tribune and myself, being quite in a different locality, could scarcely be racing on the Wakanui road.

It is just possible the writer may have visited one of Professor Jonas’s entertain ments, in which optical illusions hold the premier place in the performance. I am, &c. Aleck Hewson, Groom in charge of Tribune. Alford Forest, Oct. 13, 1879.

PILLOW, THE CHRISTCHURCH HIGHWAYMAN.

Yesterday, the young man Pillow, ac cused of assault with intent, was committed for trial. The evidence of Mr. H. E. May descibes the adventure on the road as follows :

When about a quarter of a mile from the Riccarton Hotel on the Christchurch side a man rushed from the side walk on the near side to the centre of the road, and held up both hands, shouting to us to stop. He then seized the horse’s bridle, and the horse was pulled up to a walking pace. The lamps in the buggy were lit, and I observed the man had a mask on. He presented a revolver at me, and de manded me to deliver up my money, or he would fire. I told him I had no money. He still had hold of the bridle and stood about 6ft. off, and then he said, “If you have no money, you have a watch. De liver up your watch.” The coachman Har ris then said, “ I have 4s. 6d., if he would take that.” Harris was off’by that time, and behind the buggy. Harris handed the money to Mrs May, who was still seated in the buggy. She said, “ I’ll hand it him ; he’ll surely not shoot a woman.” By this time he had come nearer, and was standing about 2ft. from the front wheel of the buggy. Seeing Mrs May’s hand extended, I was rising to pull it back, and the man said, “ If you move, I will fire. I immediately jumped at him and he fired. This brought me within .about two feet of him, and I caught him. The flash of the pistol shone in my face. I experienced a sensation on the neck and shoulders as if the bullet had hit me. Another shot was then fired, Harris rushing to my assistance, while I had hold of him. We immediately had him on the ground. I requested my wife to drive back to the hotel for assistance, which she did. In a few minutes the trap returned, with Mr. Lewis, of the Riccar ton Hotel, and another man. I requested one to go to the Police Depot, and the other to take my place to secure the man, while I returned to the hotel to see if the shot had really touched me, and to look after my wife Harris and the other man were left in charge of the prisoner. I got the revolver from the prisoner, and after wards gave it to Detective Benjamin. It

was in the same state as when I took it from the man. The revolver produced is the same. I fancy I heard the pistol click, but am not quite sure. I did not know who the man was. It was very dark. The overcoat I wore that night I gave to Detective Benjamin. The mark on the shoulder was from the first shot. The undercoat I wore was also marked. I had a small bruise on my shoulder, but the bullet did not penetrate my clothes. Be fore giving the coat to Detective Benjamin 1 noticed a scorched mark, which must have been done by the second shot. It was not there previously. I examined the revolver before giving it to Detective Benjamin, and found two chambers dis charged and four loaded with cartridge and ball. I saw at the hotel that the man had on a leather belt. The man was a short man, shorter than myself. The mask was of some black material, with two holes cut for the eyes. It was very similar to the one produced. The man had on a pair of dark blue trousers, made of some cotton material. They appeared to be of navy blue. I saw the prisoner that night at the Riccarton Hotel, and afterwards at the Police Depot in charge of Detective Benjamin, at about eleven o’clock.

Detective Benjamin, who searched the prisoner, found this mask (produced) hanging by the strings round his neck. He had this dagger and belt (produced) round his body under his coat. I also found thirteen or fourteen revolver car tridges in his pockets. He had two pair of trousers on, an overcoat and an under coat, and a cap on his head. He had the hat produced in his pocket. At the same sitting of the Court prisoner was committed for trial on another charge of robbing the museum, whence he had stolen sundry daggers, poignards, and spear heads, from the Antiquity room.

TELEGRAPHIC.

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Oct. 14,

The Rev. S. Edgar, Chairman of the public meeting held re the Minister of Marine affair, has telegraphed to the Go vernment, on the authority of a resolution passed by the meeting, praying that fur ther action be taken and investigation made by the authorities. The petition for the release of Cates is being largely signed, and money is being subscribed to defray his expenses. The Hon. Mr. M‘Elwraith, Premier of Queensland, is a passenger by the mail steamer for San Francisco.

Wellington, Oct. 14,

At a meeting last night of the Working Men’s Club, it was decided that a small Farm Association, under the auspices of the club, should be formed, and a com mittee was appointed to wait on Govern ment and ascertain if they would be will ing to set apart a block of land for the purposes of such an association. At the annual meeting of the Central Fire Brigade, the report and balance sheet gave a satisfactory account of the work performed by the Brigade, and of its financial condition.

At eleven o’clock last night the jury found a verdict of common assault against all the natives who were arrested at Gis borne, except Hone Pakipaki, who was released this morning. The Crown Pro secutor stated that the Crown would agree to the prisoners being bound over to keep the peace, and Wi Peri would become surety for them. His Honor said he must consider the matter as only a breach of the peace, and he was prepared to adopt the course recommended by the Crown Prosecutor. He sentenced each to one day’s imprisonment, commencing from the opening of the sittings, and to enter into their own recognisances for £IOO, and one surety of £SO to keep the peace for six months, principally towards the prosecu tors in this case.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

THE INDIAN MUTINY.

FALL OF CABUL. {Age Special.) London, Oct. 11. News from Afghanistan states that the rebels are entrenched in Cabul citadel. General Roberts reached the city at night fall the day after his last victory, and de cided to attack it immediately. General Massey was posted at the eastern gate of the citadel to prevent the escape of insur gents. General Baker, with the main body of the British, attacked the front. The soldiers, defending the outer ramparts of the city retired precipitately as the British approached, abandoning eighty guns. The mutineers, on observing General Roberts, surrendered the citadel unopposed. The Cabulese evacuated the fortress and fled to the hills, General Massey pursuing. On the British enter ing Cabul, it was discovered that the city was extensively undermined, principally at the citadel.

{Reuter's Telegrams.) London, Oct. 10.

Australian wheat, 57s 6d; Australian beef tallow, 34s Gd; best Australian mutton tallow, 365. Later news from Cape Town states that Sir Garnet Wolseley has formally an nounced the end of the war.

Oct. 12. The Duchess of Cumberland has been delivered of a daughter. The Secretary of State for the Home Department stated at a Conservative meeting at Leigh that the Afghan policy was unchanged, and that the Government were not desirous to interfere with Af ghanistan merely to ensure the domina tion of England. New' York, Oct. 10.

A railway collision has occurred at Michigan. Twenty-five persons were killed, and forty injured.

(Argus Special. ) London, Oct. 11

Great excitement exists in the metal markets, and a rise has taken place. Amen can orders and still arriving.

Great surprise is expressed here at the action of the Sydney Government in re calling Mr Forster. No reason for doing so is assigned. The Oriental Bank’s profits for the half year are equivalent to 5h per cent. An

interim dividend of 4 per cent has been declared.

At the creditors’ meeting of Messrs Stevenson and Son, yesterday, the un secured liabilities were stated at £202,903. It was resolved to accept an offer of 14s in the £, payable in two years. Bankruptcy proceedings are avoided.

AUSTRALIAN

(Special.) Melbourne, Oct. 13.

Private cables advise that Messrs Stevenson and Son have acquired the com mand of large additional capital, which will place the firm in a stronger position than it has occupied for years. The firm will pay its creditors in full out of the first profits. The Jasper is loading sugar at the Maux’itius for Dunedin and Lyttelton. New York advices state that kerosene is advancing. Sydney, Oct. 13.

J. P. Wilson, who was arrested by Ser geant Bevan of the Dunedin Police, on a New Zealand warrant for embezzlement from Messrs Marshall and Copeland, Dunedin, has been released owing to an informality in the documents.

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Sydney, Oct. 13. The Trades Union Congress has closed its meetings. Several arrests have taken place at Waratah Colliery, in connection with the disturbances there.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, Oct. 13.

Murphy, of Panmure, was acquitted at the sessions of attempted rape. When taken round the village to the police station the constables were hooted at. The disgraceful proceeding was repeated at night. The report of the South British In surance Company shows a total income for the half-year of £G3,B7G in premiums ; interest, £50,558 ; transfer fees, £5,852. The losses amount to £41,197. Re insurance charges, £22,678. Balance car ried forward, £40,751. The report re commends a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. Grahamstown, Oct. 13. A party of miners, clearing the entrance of an old drive, found the skeleton of a man. It is reported that the skull showed marks of a blow with a pick. The body must have been there 8 years. The Thames Borough Orphanage will be opened on the 23rd inst., by a public demonstration, and a calico ball at night. It is the first orphan home built and sup ported by any local Corporation under the arrangement offered by the late Govern ment. Greytown, Oct. 13. An extraordinary and brutal outrage was perpetrated on a Scandinavian by four men on Taratahi plain on Saturday. He was taken into the scrub, a coat thrown over his head and face ; grossly mutilated, and left to bleed to death, until found by Mr Pickering, and taken to Masterton Hospital. Several men have been arrested but lie was unable to identify them. He is not out of danger. It is supposed that they did not get hold of the man they meant to attack, as he has a wife and four children.

At the railway works, Woodside, a child of Mr Smithers, two or three years old, was scalded to death by falling into a bucket of hot water standing beside the fire. Tisviaru, Oct. 13. William Warne, a farmer, obtained £SO damages in the District Court to-day against the Levels Road Board, for diver sion of a watercourse. James Guy, a cadet in the Temulta Telegraph Office, died very suddenly yesterday. Christchurch, Oct. 13. The young fellow Pillow, the would-be highway man, who revolver in hand, and got up for the occasion in two suits of clothes and a mask, attempted the rob bery of Mrs May, was to-day committed for trial, on two charges of assault with intent to rob and larceny. The libel case, C. F. Barker v. “ Lyt telton Times ” will be heard on Wednes day, before a special jury. A bicycle race of five miles, amongst members of the Bicycle Club, came off on Saturday, over a five mile course, on Ric carton Road. E. C. Farr, who had three quarters of a mile start, won in 18min. The contractor commenced operations at the Graving Dock to-day. Arrived Pleione, from Newcastle. Sarah and Mary, from Havelock. Sailed —Wanaka, south. The Tauranga sails to-night with the Suez mails.

THE MAORI PRISONERS.

Wellington, Oct, 13.

At the Supreme Court to-day seven Maoris were charged with riot and forcible entry on land at Gisborne. Mr Rees de fended, and stated that another Maori, in cluded in the committal, was unable to appear owing to ill-health, but would appear for sentence if the others were found guilty. In the case against Karai tiana, who had also been committed, the Crown Prosector entered a petition. It was to effect that the natives should be tried by their own countrymen ; but His Honor replied that he could not go into that matter. It was stated that one of the natives committed had been passed over in the arraignment, and it was arranged that he should stand out of the trial, counsel for the defence undertaking that he should appear if called upon.

The Crown Prosecutor in opening the case contended that possession was ‘ ‘ prima facie ” evidence of title, unless it were proved that Messrs Bond and Allen had no legal grounds. The charge, however, would still stand good provided it could be shown that the prisoners had assembled in numbers and used force. He said the question of ownership did not come into the issue at all. If they entered upon the land to the number of fifteen, with, the intention of asserting their disputed right to the land in a forcible manner they were-guilty of assault and forcible entry. Also, it was not necessary that all of them should have been actually concerned in the assault. The fact of their being present, and abetting the assault was suf ficient.

Messrs Bond and Allen, the proprietors of the land, gave evidence as to the nature of the offence, and that the natives came on the land, and threw the sheep over the fence. The case is still proceeding.

The Grand Jury found ft true* bill against David Salmon for larceny. The Crown prosecutor intimated that at next sitting of the Supreme court he would prefer another chai'ge against Morton Quinn. New Plymouth, Oct. 13. The few natives who left Pariliaka last month are returning to hear the words of the prophet. The extraordinary rate of mortality amongst the children at Pari-, halca has not yet subsided. It is said there have been over 100 deaths there in a few weeks, as many as twelve children dying in one day. Owing to a heavy sea running, it was impossible to tender the steamer Waitaki, and she was compelled to proceed on her voyage to Auckland, leaving behind our portion of the outward English mail. Nelson, Oct. 13. A meeting of the Waimea electors was held at Spring Grove on Saturday night, notice of which was only given that day. The meeting was very disorderly. A vote condemning Mr Shepherd’s support of the Grey Government was carried by a majority of nine. An amendment to adjourn, to give Mr Shepherd an oppor tunity to meet his constituents was negatived. A requisition asking him to resign will be circulated for signature. Arrived—Harmodious, 118 days from Gravesend, on Sunday morning.

A Conflict.

Hens are devils incarnate. Capt. Peeks lays down this proposition not with the view of inviting discussion, but as an axiom, wdiich his individual experience has taught him, is as immutable and un changeable as time. Captain Beelcs had, with infinite labor and pains, contrived to raise a few strawberries, some nice young peas, and other vegetables, and fondly anticipated how in a few days he would sit down with the produce of his own garden before him, like other “ horny handed sons of toil.” He was just settling himself for an afternoon nap. when the partner of his joys happened to glance out of the window into the garden and exclaimed, “ Drat ! them hens.”

Captain Beeks was on his feet in an instant. “ Somebody’s left the gate open and let them in,” said he ; “blast ’em,” and with that he started on a run for the garden, loading himself with brick-bats on the way. Setting the gate ajar, he tried to persuade the hens to leave the enclosure, but instead they scampered to the other end of the garden, cackling like mad. After performing this operation several times, Captain Beeks, now losing control over his temper, fired a brick at them, and succeeded in demolishing a dozen young cabbage plants. Growing desperate at the havoc lie had made, and regardless of consequences, he fired his arsenal of bricks, one after another in quick succession, at.the hens. This time he was successful in—missing the hens ; also, in breaking off two or three palings, smashing the glass of the hot-bed, and nearly driving a hole through Dr Bullett, who had looked over the fence to see what was going on. Dr Bullett, of course, went “to see a man.” In his excitement Captain Beeks hastily made a few obser vations concerning ornithology and the specimens before him, which were, on the whole, more remarakable for their com pact sincerity than for their strict ad herence to the technicalities of scientific investigation.

Rallying once more, after nearly wrenching his arm and neck from his body in his efforts to convert the wheel barrow into a projectile, he made a final rush at the cackling liens. He ducked his head at the arbour in going under, but did not make sufficient allowance for momentum. It caught him on the crown of his head, and—he sat down suddenly— on the upturned rake. Whether he was turning over mentally what efiect Chand ler’s appointment would have on the Herzegovinian disturbance ; or whether the northern portion of Alaska would be a “nice cool place to sit down and rest” will remain for ever a dark and hidden mystery, but as he was moving impetu ously away from the solemn scene, he might have been heard to scream : “ Schiedam ends with two ll’s. ”

The Hand that Rocks the World.

BY WILLIAM BOSS WALLACE,

Blessings on the hand of woman ! Angels guard its strength and grace In the palace, cottage, hovel, Oh no matter where the place ! . Would that never storms assailed it ; Rainbows ever gently curled ; For the hand that rocks the cradle, Is the hand that rocks the world.

Infancy’s the tender fountain ; Fewer may with beauty flow : Mothers first to guide the the streamlets ; From them souls unresting grow, Grow on for the good or evil, Sunshine streamed or darkness hurled— For the hand that rocks the cradle, Is the hand that rocks the world.

Woman liow divine your mission Here upon our natal sod ! Keep, Oh, keep the young heart open, Always to the breath of God ! All true trophies of the Ages Are from mother love impearled ; For the hand that rocks the cradle, Is the hand that rocks the world.

Blessings on the hand of Woman ! Fathers, sons and daughters cry, And the sacred song is mingled With the worship in the sky, Mingles where no tempest darkens, Rainbows evermore are hurled ; For the hand that rocks the cradle, Is the hand that rocks the world.

Stiff. —The Wellington “ Evening Chronicle,” during the recent Municipal elections, published certain charges re flecting on the character of Mr. Clark, the Drainage Engineer. These it now with draws, explaining that they were made in the belief that the person whose speech contained them was not “an unscru pulous and unmitigated liar,” which the “ Chronicle ” says he has turned out to be. Advertising pays in every way. An lowa tradesman, who advertises exten sively, was thereby lately discovered by his wife whom he had deserted some years ago.

ASHBURTON TOWN HALL CO.

A general meeting of the shareholders of the Town Hall Company was hold at the Town Hall last night, about 1G share holders being present.

Thos. Bullock, Esq., was in the chair, and explained that the object of the meeting was to pass resolutions granting borrowing powers to the Directors rqi to £2OOO. Their present position only gave them liberty to mortgage their assets for £I3OO. They did not think they would require all the amount sought to be obtained on loan, but it would be as well to obtain the power from the shareholders of negotiating in case the loan should be required. Mr. Crisp, solicitor for the company, read the bye-law bearing upon the subject, and moved that Rule No. 232 be re scinded, and also a resolution to the ef fect that borrowing powers bo granted to the Directors, giving them power to bor row £2OOO. Mr. G. Robinson seconded the motion, which was carried.

A discussion took place as to the man ner in which the money would be ex pended, and Mr. St. Hill contended that the object of the alteration was to take the power out of the shareholders’ hands, giving unlimited authority to the Directors. After a deal of explanation from the solicitor, the chairman, and others, it was at last made apparent that the amended bye-law was a necessary one. A vote was was taken, and the motion was carried unanimously. Mr. Crisp then read the rules relative to the method of raising funds for the company ; and stated that it would be necessary to hold another meeting in a month to ratify the present proceedings. In reply to Mr. Farr, Mr. Crisp said he was of opinion that the value of the shares could be increased.

Mr Robinson thought that the 240 for feited shares should be disposed of, and by the sale a sum of £SOO would be realised.

The Chairman thought that the present time was a most unsuitable one to attempt to dispose of shares, and considered it better for the company to increose their value.

Mr C. P. Cox did not think that any necessity existed for borrowing money at present; but he thought it advisable to give the directors the power to borrow, providing they found it necessary. Mr W. R. Boyle said that as only 14 shareholders were present, and 42 were on the list, it would be unfair to compel shareholders to take up unallotted shares. Mr Ivess did not think it would be popular with the shareholders to increase the value of the shares by £1 each, as it would interfere with the value of any shares which might be thrown upon the market. After some conversation as to the policy of increasing the value of the shares from £2 to £3, The Chairman said that he anticipated an increase in the income of £SOO per annum by the conversion of a portion of the hall into shops, &c. Mr Ivess proposed, and Mr C. C. Fooks seconded, “ That it was not desirable at present to increase the capital of the company ”

Carried. It was resolved that the next general meeting beheld on November IG. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

SPORTING.

[By Telegraph.]

Wanganui Races. Wanganui, Oct. 13. The nominations for the Wanganui Stakes are as follows : Gladiola Queen of the Vale Hailstorm Confident Orlando Flora M‘Donald King Quail Ottawa Astronomer Balmoral . Log Lomond Foam Handicap Hurdle Race. Aroha Banshee Loch .Lomond Grey Momus Pedestrianism. A match has been arranged between a local pedestrian, well known to fame, and another aspiranc, who has money behind him, for a match, to be run -in beats of 100yds, for £lO a side, the course to be in East street, in the neighborhood of the “Guardian” office. The match will be run off on Oct. 31.

At Wanganui, Delaney, the pedestrian, walked fifty miles in twenty minutes under ten hours on Saturday.

Stud Horses.

When the Horse parade was held on the 30th ult., there were a few horses shown whose names did not appear on the pub lished programme. Notable among these was the favorite sire Admiral. This horse, by Walton, out of Spray, can boast of a pedigree equal to anything in the colony. Spray was the dam of Storm bird, Belle of the Isle, Wetsail, and other fashionable stock. Admiral’s appearance is against him, his shoulder having been broken as a two-ycar-old, but when we call to mind that he took Ist prize at the Christchurch Show in 1877 against all comers, he must possess very taking points. An}' ot his stock we have seen look like having plenty of work in them, and their stamina is unquestionable.

Postal Facilities. —Credit is due to the post office authorities for the despatch that is now practised with regard to the mails. Yesterday the Suez mail was sent from the Bluff north by special train, im mediately on arrival of the steamer. The mail was sorted on the route, and arrived here about a quarter to eight, proceeding, to Christchurch immediately afterwards. The usual Ashburton mail that would have left this morning was despatched to Christchurch by the special, and will be delivered with the Suez mail in the morn ing.

Drunk and Disorderly.— A gentle man named Kavanagh Macarfchy, who, we need not add, is not a Frenchman, was fined 10s yesterday by His Worship the Mayor for being drunk and disorderly. Mr. Macarthy was at one time an inmate of the Old Men’s Horne, but that es tablishment became too big for him, and he sought other shelter. He had been knocking down a pension he periodically receives, and knocked down too much at one time, hence his interview with His Worship.

ASHBURTON A. and P. ASSOCIA TION’S SHOW GROUNDS.

The selection of a site at Tinwald for the purpose of holding the meetings of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral As sociation is, we are inclined to think, a grave error of judgment. Had more thought been given to the subject, we are of opinion that, all things considered, a selection on the north side of the river would have proved more profitable and suitable for the district at large. We are willing to admit that Tinwald has large and reasonable claims to the show taking place there, and prominent among those claims are the facts that they have more, and better . stock of all descriptions than can be exhibited on this side of the river ; ; and the difficulty and danger in transport ing cattle, horses, sheep, or pigs,- across the Ashburton bridge. But these; ad vantages of the southern side are more than counterbalanced if we consider the matter from a financial point of view, *».. Ashburton is the centre to which all dis tricts in the county gravitate on such oc- • casions, and the mere fact of the show being held at a distance of two miles from the main township of the district is suffi cient in itself to deter from attending a large number of people who would other wise lend their support to so necessary and important an institution. We must look to the fact that the gate - money col lected is a most important item in the revenue of such Associations, and if the position of the grounds present so many difficulties of access as the reserve at i Tinwald does, then, as a necessary result, there must be a proportionate decrease in the power of the Association to carry out the objects for which it has been formed. As a matter of fact it must be acknow ledged that, if the show grounds were within easy distance of the township, and the necessity for crossing the river ob literated from the programme of a day’s outing, the residents in the borough would to a certainty turnout “ en masse ” to so popular an event to an agricultural population as a show of prize annuals and produce. When the question was discussed at the general meeting of the Association, Tin wald was fixed upon because no suitable site was suggested on this side of the river. Now, we are of opinion that a very suitable site does exist, and one which fulfils all the conditions necessary, and one which will year by year become more and more fitted for the purpose. We refer to the Racecourse reserve. It is within easy distance of the town, gate fees can he charged, it is well fenced, a building, shortly to be enlarged, is erected on it, capable of containing the farming and dairy exhibits, the grand-stand would be just what is required for ladies to ob tain a good view of the proceedings with out running the risk of accidents from the crowds always collected about the exhibits ; there is ample room insider the course on which to erect permanent sheds, and places in which the various animals could be safely kept, and no bet- ' ter place could be pitched upon in which to hold that most popular of all events at a show—a jumping match for horses. We do not ihi lk for one moment that the Ashburton Racing Club would offer any objection to giving permission to the As sociation to hold their event •on the course pin fact, the two bodies may he looked upon as being cousins-gennan,, both having for their object the improve-' ment of stock : and the fact that both of them hold their annual jubilees in the same week is another reason why the same ground should be made to do double duty "for both Societies. An amalgama tion of interests of this sort is desirable, since the various interests involved would at once become identical, and we cannot. see any possible reason why they should not. There is another subject in connection with the Agricultural Show which we think is worthy of consideration—the ex pediency of holding the annual meeting in the autumn in place of the spring. All the country Associations appear to be unanimous as to the spring. It would be of service to the farmers if they had an opportunity after harvest of comparing results of the past year’s work, and their experience of various systems of ■working farms, and the most suit able kinds of grain. Great advantages would thus “be gained by comparing samples, and the conclusions arrived at in the growth of cereals, which would be of great utility in the next season’s opera tions. One tiling, of course, would be an objection—the want of an opportunity of having the stud horses judged, but we see no reason why that should not be done at the horse parade in the spring. At all events, we wish the Association every success this year. They have not had much luck since its institution, for - what with the terrible weather on the Show day last year, and the hard times since, there has not been much encourage ment for the promoters to take great trouble over the matter. However, we are confident that the energy of the old members has not cooled, and that if they do not gain success this year, “ they do more, they deserve it.”

A young man who knows all about it states that his experience has taught him that a flirt is a fool, who delights in fool ing fools, and the fool who is fooled by such a fool, is the foolishesf kind of a fool.

Some singers at a concert were some what startled the other evening by find ing that the selection “ When wearied wretches sink to sleep,” had been printed on the programme, “ When married wretches, etc. Holloway's Pills. —It is difficult to de* termine what is the more trying to health, intense cold or excessive heat, though every body knows that sudden transitions from the one to the other teem with disease, which may in most instances be staved off by an early resort to these purifying, regulating, and strengthening Pills. This well known and highly esteemed medicine affords a safe and easy remedy for almost every constitutional wrong which climates, changes, or dietetic errors can engender’ and effectually removes any weakness self-indulgent habits may have induced. In ail conditions of the system bordering on discease indicated by apathy, listlessless, and restlessness, Holloway’s Pills will prove espiciallv serviceable in begetting a vivacity appreciated by both sound and sick. „

Xyi&uAv, October 14,

THE -ASHBURTON. HERALD.



Clothing Establishment. ASSIGNMENT OF THE ESTATE OF MESSRS. AITKEN, PASCOE & CO.. CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS, TO Mk. J. H. Mobiuson, ] Manager Mosgiel Woolen Factoi Y> l Trustees. AND Mb. John Ross, j Of Sargood, Sons & Ewing j The above large Clothing Manufac turing Firm having had to succumb to these hard times, and assign their estate, we have been induced by the Trustees to purchase the whole of their large Manufactured Stock at a Very Heavy Reduction, and have resolved to sell the same again in our Branches direct to the public at prices at which we could not legitimately sell our own Goods. In fact (without exaggeration) during the next few weeks we are in a position to offer NEW GOODS IN MEN’S AND BOYS’ ATTIRE, Of Colonial Manufacture, at from ONE T H 1 R D TO ONE HALF THEIR USUAL COST. HALLENSTEIN BROS., New Zealand Clothing Factory. The assigned Stock will be for Sale in our Ashburton Branch from and on. SATURDAY NEXT, 28th JUNE. New Zealand Clothing Factory. 1 2a Special Notice. WANTED, Two and Four-roomed Houses, for Letting. —Apply 560 a POYNTZ AND Co. TO PRINTERS. WANTED —A Smart Hand, to make up the “Ashburton Herald” and “Ashburton Guardian.” Sobriety indis pensable. WEEKS & DIXON.