SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.

POUT OF LYTTELTON. ARRIVALS. Oct. 23—Albion, Garrard, from Mel bourne ancl Hobart Town, via South. Oct. 23 Waitaki, Edie, from, Welling ton and Nelson. Oct. 24 Rangitikei, ship, Millman, from London, with 333 Government im migrants, and fifteen saloon passengers. HAILED. Oct. 23—Albion, Garrard, for Welling t Oct. 23—Waitaki, Edie, for Port Chal mers. ..... . Oct. '23—Son tag, barcpie, Mayo, for Manilla.

COMMERCIAL REPORT.

FOR WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 23, 1879. (From our Christchurch Correspondent. ) In your issue of a recent date, the ques tion of the most convenient and appro priate site for the purposes of your forth coming Agricultural and Implement Show received some amount of consideration ; certainly not more than the subject de served. There are a few points I would like to bring before the notice of those interested. . , , c ~ r . The first and most important ot all (it I may be allowed as an outsider to express an opinion), with all due respect for local interests which should at all times give way in a matter of this kind, I think thei e can hardly be a difference of opinion as to which is the best site, as wherever there is the best accommodation and the most central situation, that spot is bound to draw the greatest number. The success of all shows must depend in a great mea sure upon the facilities offered to the general public and persons from a distance, to enable them to attend ancl induce them to honor the fair with their patronage ; and, keeping this old-established axiom in view it must be patent that the more we study the interests of the many, the better will be the attendance. It is all very well fer your stalwart farmers and their strap ping sons to cross the bridge and toil down a dusty road. 1 would ask what would youi show, or in fact any show be without the ladies ! Why, it would probably end in what it Avould deserve —a failure finan cially, and also unprofitably as a means of educating the public as to what is con sidered the standard excellence or the re-

verse. For live stock it is perhaps not abso lutely necessary to find shelter, but for local manufactures and dairy produce ex perience should by this time have taught all concerned, that it is a perfect farce to judge cheese, butter, bacon, or beer, after it has been subject to a few hours in a tent with the sun pouring down upon it. Poultry again—to the ladies the most interesting part of the show —should be under cover of some description; from the fact that choice and rare birds exposed to our sudden changes of temperature, are very liable to contract all sorts of com plaints, much more so than those birds which have become acclimatised, or pos sess more strength than beauty. I have again and again heard remarked by fan ciers to the effect, they would not risk having their best birds blown across a paddock for the chance of a ten shilling prize. With regard to when is the best time at which to hold the show. I consider the only way to solve that problem would be to have two. One in the spring and the other in the autumn, and until that plan is adopted there Avill always be divided opinion on the point. If we Avere only en abled to attend one Ave Avould give the lat ter the preference on account of the pos sibility of getting a good show of grain and roots. While upon this subject I no tice at nearly all our exhibitions Avhat we look upon as a very grave mistake—viz, asking say two or three gentlemen, on the face of it, simply because they are sub scribers, to judge the whole of the exhibits coming under the head of manufactures and produce. I will explain by stating I have seen the same persons pretending to give an opinion on the merits of bacon, ale, porter, butter, spiced beef, pearl barley, prepared fodder, malt, leather, grass and clover seeds, soap and candles, all within a short time on the morning of the show. Noav I would like to ask any person avlio has had experience, Avhether it is reasonable to expect a cor rect estimate of the comparative value of all those articles from those Avho do not even pretend to be experts. I expect to be met by the answer, it is so difficult to obtain judges. I maintain this Avould not be if carried out on fairly liberal prin ciples. Gentlemen avlio are quite willing to give the association the benefit of any experience they may possess for the gene ral welfare, and Avho are asked to attend at the cost of some inconvenience to them selves, should at least be recouped their actual expenses Avhenever possible. I have heard it suggested that the different societies should nominate judges from each other, Avhose opinions are of some value. Exhibitors would then have more confidence in the justice of the aAvards, and he more satisfied that their contribu - tions were receiving the position on the pi’ize list their merits deserved. There is a brisk demand for chick wheat ; oats, limited demand ; barley (seed) demand very slight ; barley (malt ing), nominal; rye grass, still dull of safe; potatoes demand good, supply limited ; butcher’s fat, improving ; corn sacks and woolpacks, a large shipment to arrive shortly ; market very quiet.

Flour, Adelaide sacks, £l4 per ton. ~ local, £l3. Sharps, 65 Fran, >64 lOs .- Onions, 61T&616 per ton, for good. Cheese, 6)4(1. Putter, iopbl. to xid. Paeon, ioj^d. Hay, 64 J S s - Si raw, £2 15s. Salted Hides, 3d. Putchers Fat, to !>§d.

The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1879.

Sir George Grey has been unseated for Christchurch, and it is a peculiar fact that his fate as the representative of the City of the Plains was for a time in the hands of Mr Allwright, the Member for Lyttelton, who at last made up his mind to give his vote against the great pro consul, under whose banner he entered Parliament. Sir George has now learned that, great as he believed himself to be> he is not so great as to be able to over ride all parliamentary law and usage. He is now learning, too, that he is not the hero in the country’s eyes ho be lieved himself to be, and that though questionable electioneering tactics were not beneath him to take a majority to the House, these do not avail to keep a majority together. Two can play at the game he initiated last election, and we are not astonished to find that when Sir George’s side literally bought over from their opponents the weak and vacillating to enable a No Confidence motion to be hung over the heads of Government, there were men to be found in the so called Liberal ranks who would soon get tired of Sir George’s farce, and agree to a fair understanding with Government. Four of the Auckland Members are in the latter case, and for a time at least we may expect to hear of public business proceeding. There are other disconten ted men in the Opposition ranks, whom we would not be astonished to learn had shifted over, and the more noted weather cocks may change at any time ; but upon the tact of the Ministerial leaders will altogether depend the future success of the present Government.

The Volunteer Corps.—Captain Bur rell writes to us correcting our statement that the election of officers of the Ashbur ton Volunteers was informal, but desiring us to say that his resignation has been sent in.

Home Mission Services. —The Rev. J. H. Simmonds, of Timaru, will, to-morrow morning and evening, conduct services in the Wesleyan Church, Cameron street, in connection Avith the Wesleyan Home Mis sion. The funds of this mission are de voted to aiding outlying districts, Avho from sparseness of population or from other causes arc unable to support a clergyman for themselves. A public meet ing m connection Avitli the sair.e scheme Avill be held shortly, when the ReAL A. Reid from Christchurch Avill be one of the speakers.

I. O.G.T.—We are requested to. remind members of the Star of the East Lodge that to-night the officers for the quarter ending will be elected, and a full muster of members is desired.

The Troubadours. —The now famous juvenile troupe of players pays a passing visit to Ashburton to-night, performing in the Town Hall. Considering the age of the performers the entertainment is a most extraordinary one, but apart from that the representations given by the Troubadours are of sterling merit, and Avell Avorth the \usit which Ave hope many will pay them this evening.

Local Public Works. —The Wakanui and Mount Somers Road Loads are calling for tenders for a number of Avorks which will find employment for seA-eral con tractors Avho are noAv loudly complaining of want of employment. We notice that pedestrians living at Trevorton are to have a footpath made along the Leach Road, for Avhich they Avill no doubt feel duty grateful to the Loard, and about three miles of the same road is to be put into a better shape and a fresh coating of shingle spread on it. About nine miles of metal ling is to be done on various parts of the plains, and oA r er five miles of a drain cut from Eutterick’s to the sea. This last mentioned Avorlc is for the purpose of taking off the flood water from the rich land in that neighborhood which suffered severely last winter, some of the farmers having to plough and sow tlieir land over again. This Loard meets on Thursday, Noal G. The Mount Somer’s Loard is also calling for tenders for formation and shingling. The Mount Hutt are calling for tenders f ir offices and stables, and the County Council liave the bridge at Hood’s Crossing, and a pound at Waterton to build, so that there should be employment for a number of hands till harvest finds work for everybody again.

New Year’s Day Sports.—We notice that a meeting is to be held on Wednesday evening next, at Quill’s Hotel, to endeavor to get up some enthusiasm Avith respect to our now time honored sports on New Year’s Day. As the Caledonian Society intended taking the matter in hand on this occasion, we may expect to see the organization of a strong committee to carry out the programme.

The North Toavn Belt.—The contract for the formation of the North Town Belt, has been in hand for some three months, and is still progressing towards completion, in anything but .an energetic manner. This contract Avas, we under stand, let to a youth Avho had the ambition to become a second Lrogden, and who tendered at absurdly loav prices for se\ r eral works in the district, and ingloriously retired from the field without finishing them. Mr Trevurza, Avho is now carrying out the Avork above mentioned, is known to be a reliable contractor on road work, and will no doubt struggle through the job as time rulls on. At present the Belt would be a very good illustration of the “ Slough of Despond ” in the Pilgrim’s Progress, and as a considerable population is now resident in the locality the sooner the road is made, the better they Avill like it.

Proposed Retrenchment ! —Mr Ree Ams means to reduce the cost of “ Hansard,” or at least to make it in a measure self-sup porting. He has a motion on the Order Paper of the House to compel the Simon Spoutforths to pay the cost of printing their speeches in “ Hansard ” when they exceed a column. There are exceptions to all tariffs, and the only “duty-free” speakers Mr Reeves would allow are the members of the present and immediately preceding Ministers. Mr Reeves is not likeiy to succeed in his laudable intention to save the country from the infliction of such a sea of closely printed small talk as avc have to Avade through in “ Han sard. ”

Immigration and the Unemployed. —By the arrival of the immigrant ship Zealandia at Wellington this week, ivith o\ r er 300 passengers the ranks of the un employed have been largely swelled, and as a consequence men Avithout Avork are again agitating, and not unsuccessfully, Government having promised to find em ployment on some railway Avorks. The Rangitikei arrived at Lyttelton yesterday brings another 333 to swell the crowd of those Avho are seeking AA r ork.

An Intruder. —A member of McLean’s Juvenile Troupe, avlio are to perform in Ashburton to-night, caused some amuse ment in the Wellington Supreme Court- While the Court Avas sitting the youngster Avalked in coolly and took his seat Avitli the special jury. After the crier had re covered from the shock to his dignity, occasioned by the intrusion, he tumbled the young Troubadour out.

Cant.erbu.ry A. and P. Show. — In tending exhibitors at the annual Novem ber show of the Cantei’bury Agricultural and Pastoral Association must make their entries not later than 4 p.m. on Friday, the 31st inst. An additional prize of £6 6s is offered by Mr T. S. Tailored, for best English-Leicester ewes under eighteen months old.

Music Hath Charms, Ac.—Not always, as witness the following from some news paper man whose nervous system has been jarred by the blasts of the trombone : “ A trombone sounds very nice, no doubt, when heard at a distance of some miles. A certain biped, who resides in Taranaki street, has taken to that instrument, and “ makes night hideous” with his blastings. Last night he was murdering “ Mollie Darling,” when several small boys assisted him by rendering a tin whistle obligato (op. 74, reaching B flat easily). We caution that trombonist against annoying the butchers who live opposite him, lest he may be poleaxed. ’

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

[by telegraph.] FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Oct. 24. Sir George Grey, Mr London, and a feAV other virtuous members of the House having expressed their views as to the conduct of Messrs Wood, Swanson, Hurst, and Colbeck, Mr Wood was provoked into a retort, in Avhicli he showed that whilst nothing whatever had been offered to him by the Government, Sir George Grey had offered him the office of Colonial Treasurer, and Mr Macandrew had offered him the position of Premier. Supply was granted this morning, and the Opposition declined to take any steps towards a vote of censure.

Mr E. G. Wright was very fortunate last night in getting the second reading of the Ashburton Water Works Bill passed, and shoAved his judgment by saying enougliand not too much about it. After the House had been wearied with a per fect Hood of talking on the reduction of the Gold Duty, Mr Adams put what he called his Licensing Bill through its second reading. It only provides for lowering the charges for licenses, putting out the lamps when the bar of the hotel is closed, and ensures that drink may be sold from Ip.m to 2 p.m., and Spain, to 9 p.m on Sundays. The “ New Zealander” professes to ridicule the loss of Messrs Wood, Swan son, Hurst and Colbeck, but the excessive activity of Sir George Grey and Mr Sheehan, Avho have quite superseded tlieir whips, and the very long faces of Messrs Montgomery, Ballance, Stewart, Pyke, and Shephard, look as if the report was not unfounded.

PARLIAMENT.

The following items of last night’s Parliamentary sitting appear in this morning’s “Press”:— Wellington, Oct. 24. Mr Hall this afternoon moved that the House go into Committee of Supply, and invited Mr Macandrew to ventilate his grievance. Mr Macandrew asked that the no confidence motion might be placed first on the order paper after supply. Mr Hall then promised to postpone all busi ness till the no confidence question aauis settled.

Sir George Grey moved for correspon dence between the Government and the seceding Auckland members. This Avas negatived.

Mr Wood said he Avas not ashamed of his action. He had promised his consti tuents to support Liberalism, Avitli Sir George Grey as leader. Sir George Grey having resigned his leadership, he felt free to A-ote as he liked. The Opposition offered him the Treasurership in a con tingent Ministry. Mr Macandrew had even offered him the Premiership, but he felt that any Ministry from the Opposi tion would be unable to command con fidence. He denied that any extravagant promises had been made to the Auckland members. Nothing more had been promised than that, if it was found that Auckland had not received her fair pro portion of Avorks flie balance would be made up. A supply of £300,000 Avas granted. The other business Avas unimportant. It is expected that the Avant of confi dence ivill be discussed on Tuesday. In the House in the evening, Major Atkinson asked for supply at once. Sir George claimed the right to continue the debate, though not opposing supplies. The Supply Bill Avas then passed. Sir George Grey continued, referring to to the desertions from his party, and blaming three gentlemen for hiding the thing. The member for Marsden cer tainty had the courage to tell him. Still he (Sir George Grey) was sanguine that right would triumph, and the majority in favor of the Libera] party would be largely augmented. Mr Reid followed, condemning the members Avho had abandoned the party.

Mr Macandrew referred to Mr Wood’s statement regarding the Premiership, stating it aauis an after dinner affair, and that lie said to Mr Wood that the Go vernor would not sene for him (Mr MacandreAv), and that Mr Wood Avas better fitted for it, but that they should first catch their hare. Mr Moss denounced the action taken by the Auckland members, and condemned the member for Waitemata especially.

Mr DeLautour accused the member for Waitemata of acting from a feeling of dis appointment, because he went Home to get the Agent-Generalship and returned without it. He said that Mr Wood was the loudest in urging that Mr Macandrew should retain his leadership to the end of the session. He considered the whole thing pitiable, especially the way in which it had been kept secret. He considered Auckland was committing suicide, and hoped the party would stand firm and have nothing to do with men who acted falsely. The Council met at 8.30, and passed the Imprest Bill through all stages. It then adjourned till Tuesday. It is tolerably certain that Mr Reader Wood was sworn in as a member of the Ministry to-day. Messrs Swanson, Hurst, and Colbeck agree to vote with the Go vernment. Tomoana also votes with the Government. Mr Lundon and another member will walk out of the House when the division is called. The Committee on Dr. Vvallis and Mr. Hurst’s election report against the peti tioner, on the ground that the forms of the House were not complied with, and the Elections Petitions Act does not make any provision for a single petition against two members.

The Heathcote Bridges Bill, introduced by Mr Fisher, contains four clauses. The preamble sets out the necessity of em powering the Road Board of Heathcote district to construct and maintain a bridge over the Heathcote River at the end of Oemetry road and such other places above the said road as may be necessary. Sub ject to the provisions of the Public Works Act, 1876, the Board is empowered to con struct and maintain such bridges as free public bridges, and may interrupt the navigation of the river Heathcote. Sir George Grey’s Bill to make grants of Crown lands as sites for working-men’s clubs contains four clauses. It empowers the Governor to set apart Crown lands for this purpose in cities, towns, or places where such clubs are established. Grants of land so set apart to bo made to trustees without power to sell, lease, or charge upon such lands.

Mr Brandon’s Laud Transfer Bill con tains three clauses. It repeals the proviso to section 97 of the Land Transfer Act, 1870, and substitutes another. Before re gistering a transfer or other dealing, the District Land Registrar will require the transferee or other party dealing with the land comprised in the certificate of title, lease, or other instrument, to make affi davit that he has not transferred or other wise dealt with the land comprised there in ; that he has not deposited such lease, certificates, or other documents as security for any loan : and the reaistrar must give fourteen days’ notice in a newpspaper and in the “ Gazette” of the intention of re gister. Section 4 of the Land Transfer Act, 1870, Amendment Act, 187 G, is re pealed.

TELEGRAPHIC

TO-DAY’S TELEGRAMS.

INTERPROVINOIAL.

Invercargill, Oct. 2D. The ministers in town have decided to discontinue the practice of Sunday funerals, except in cases of absolute necessity. At the meeting of the Town Council last night a motion— “ That inasmuch as the bank of tire Corporation had declined to float the water loan of £IOO,OOO, further action on the part of the Council in regard to Dunsdale Water Scheme be postponed, and be not further proceeded with without the sanction of the rate payers ” was lost by 4 to 3.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

Christchurch, Oct. 24.

The new American cars used on the line are greatly admired. They are just being brought into use, and are far more convenient in every way than the old style of carriage. There is a revival at last in commercial circles. The general rise in sugar, grain, &c., recently cabled, has had a bene ficial effect, and this week’s commercial reports are quite cheering compared with what they have been for some months past. Arrived —Rangitikei, from London, all well, after a passage of 96 days. Fine weather, and no deaths among the im migrants, and scarcely any sickness. Dr Eadson is Surgeon Superintendent. The Rangitikei left Plymouth on the 19tli July, crossed the equator on August 20, passed the Cape on the 18th September, and the Snares on the 18th October. The Ethel, from Manakau, has also arrived, and the Rosanna Rose, from Kaipara. Sailed —Cleopatra, for Oamaru. Dunedin, Oct. 24.

A serious accident happened on the Castle street tramway to-day to a man named Meldrnm, a drayman in the em ploy of Findlay and Co. In endeavoring to stop his horse, which took fright at the tram engine, he was knocked over and both his legs were fractured. He sus tained other injuries besides, and a fatal result is fearer l . Meldrum was conveyed to the hospital on a bed-board and mat trass, carried by two Maori prisoners and a warder from the gaol.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

To the Editor of the Asheurton Herald. Sir, — Your paragraph in last night’s issue, that the officers’ election for the corps, is incorrect, but I wish to say that my resignation lias been sent in. I am, &c., 0. Cavendish Hurrel.

SPORTING.

The Winslow Sports.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in tlie annual Winslow sports was held at the Winslow Hotel last evening. There were about fifteen gentlemen present, and Mr James Scott occupied the chair. Mr Rogers, the honorary secretary, re ported that £2O 15s Gd remained in hand from last year’s sports. It was proposed by Mr Grant, seconded by Mr S. Saunders, and carried —“ That the annual Winslow Sports be held on Ist January, 1880.” The following gentlemen were ap pointed a General Managing Committee : —Messrs Scott, Saunders, Grant, Walker, J. Williams, Frisby, Martin, Kavanagh, Rennie, Harris, James, H. Wright, ‘E. Wright, Hewitt, and Cairncross. The following officers were then elected : President, Mr E. G. Wright ; Vice- President. Mr John Carter ; Judges, Mesers Wright and Grant ; Honorary Secretary, Mr Rogers ; Honorary Treasurer, Mr Williams ; Starters, Messrs Saunders and Stitt ; Clerk of the Scales, Mr Rennie.

A subscription list Avas handed round, and £l6 14s Gd promised by gentlemen in the room.

An honorarium of £5 5s Avas A r oted to Mr Rogers, the Honorary Secretary, for his able serA T ices in the interests of the sports. The usual vote of thanks to the Chair man terminated the proceedings.

Ritualism.— We learn from Waimate that similar charges to those brought against the Rev. Mr Carlyon formerly of Kaipara are likely to be preferred there against the Rev. Mr Coates, Church of England curate. Meetings have already been held, at A\ r liich AA r as asserted that the ritualalistic practices upheld by the rev. gentleman Avere so closely verging on Romanism that the difference Avas scarcely discernable. Strong feelings on the sub ject are manifested by members of the church.

A Chinaman-in a Passion. —A China man in a violent passion must present a singular appearance, according to a Avit ness in the Police Court this morning, Avho described the almond-eyed stranger as pursuing a boy up Tory-sheet, and all the Avhile “ hollowing out like a cat Avho had lost its tail. ” Wo presume that the wit ness (who, as Mr Fitzgerald said, seemed to be the “funny man of the district”) intended some covert allusion to the Chinaman’s pigtail.—“ Wellington Post.”

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

FRIDAY, Oct. 24.

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

CIVIL CASES. Friedlander Bros. v. John Charles— claim, £l2 10s 7d. Defendant admitted the account, and judgment was given for the plaintiffs and costs. Same v. James Charles—claim. £l6 6s lid. Judgment for amount with costs. Trustees of Jameson Bros. v. David

Fitzgerald—claim, £4B on a dishonored acceptance. Mr O’Reilly for plaintiff. Judgment confessed. Davidson v. Candish —claim, £6 10s. Judgment confessed. Smith v. Corsbie. Mr Branson for plaintiff, Mr Crisp for defendant. Plain tiff nonsuited with costs, as the description of the plaintiff was insufficient. Stoddart v. W. Smith. Mr Crisp for plaintiff. This was a claim for £25 on a dishonored promissory note. There was no appearance for defendant, and Mr Crisp applied to his Worship to compel his attendance on Tuesday next. Appli cation granted.

A DLSrUTED SECTION. Fitzgerald v. Gibson—claim, £4l 18s for wrongful conversion of a 20-acre paddock of wheat. Mr O'Reilly for plaintiff, Mr Branson for defendant. Mr Branson ob-

jected to the case being heard as defen dant was a married woman. Mr O’Reilly quoted the statute by which the argument was barred, he not having had 4S hours’ notice given as required in such cases. Mr Branson said that it was well known that Mrs Gibson was a married woman, and in fact it was notorious that her husband was living, and there fore no notice was necessary. The magis trate did not consider a notice necessary.

Mr Hugo Friedlander deposed : I know Nicholas Fitzgerald. I hold a license to occupy a section of land issued to him. Cross-examined by Mr Branson : I pro duce an agricultural produce lien which covers the wheat growing on that section, dated August 1878. He never repaid me. The moneys are due under the lien. The document was registered. Mr C. C. Fooks, surveyor, produced a

ap of Wakanui district. The section marked 28,773, as shown on the map, is the one described in the license to occupy. Mrs Gibson occupies the adjoining section, 24,773. Nicholas Fitzgerald owns the first-mentioned section.

Nicholas Fitzgerald, sworn : I am a farmer Section" 28,773 is my property. I know Mrs Gibson ; she occupies the ad joining land on both sides. On the 26tli January the defendant’s men and drays came on my land and took off the wheat after I had cut and stooked it. I had previously prevented her from cutting the crop, and offered to sell it to her, also offered to pay her for the labor she had done on the land, but she refused both offers. I also offered to rent it to her, and she would not pay the price. I have charged for the wheat at the same rate as 1 received for the remaining portion from my land. By Mr Branson : Mrs Gibson ploughed and sowed the land. I don’t know that she is a married woman. I got the license to occupy in August, 1577. I knew that she was ploughing and sowing it. I never warned her not to do so. Mrs Gibson fenced the land before I bought it. On one occasion I dropped the license to occupy, and a man named Sweeny found it, and i told him not to mention I had such a document in my possession. I went to see Mrs Gibson in September. I told her the land was mine, that was after the ploughing was done. I did not know that she wanted to buy the land. I did not know that she had given instructions to Friedlander Bros, to purchase it for her. My farm is about 6-J- chains from this section. I never told Mrs Gibson that I had planted wheat somewhere, but would not tell her where. In 1877 and 1878, saw her ploughing. About August, 1878, I found out that I could get the land from Government, but I was satis fied previously that there were 20 acres in the section.

Re-examined by Mr O’Reilly : The fences put up by Mrs Gibson Avere along the frontages of her other sections, but no side fences were put up on the boun dary betAveen her section and mine. John Moynahan, farm laborer : Saw plaintiff and defendant together Avhen their crops were being cut. He offered payment for Avork done, or that he Avould accept rent for the land, but she Avould not agree to any of his offers. George Cole, farmer, estimated that there was a crop of 15 to 17 bushels of wheat on the section last year, Avorth 33 Id per bushel. For the defence Mr Branson submitted that as plaintiff* had given a lien to Friedlander Bros, he had no claim to sue, and that as Fitzgerald had acted so as to lead defendant to infer that he had no title to the land, he had acted so that the Isiav of estoppel debarred him from taking proceedings. It AA r as clear that the strict terms laid doAA-n in the Agricultural Liens Act, took all possession out of Fitz gerald’s hands, and thus he had no locus standi as plaintiff. Mr O'Reilly contended that Fitzgerald had acted fairly, all through. He had made very fair offers to defendant and she had refused all of them.

His Worship said that under the Agri cultural Liens Act, it Avas evident that Fitzgerald, had parted with his right to the Avhoat. He recalled

N. Fitzgerald Avho said he had given a mortgage to Mr Freidlander to secure payment of the balance due after selling the Avheat.

His Worship continued—The crop was absolutely conveyed by the plaintiff to the Friedlander’s, and he could not then she for it. As to the question of estoppel, plaintiff* had clearly misled the defend ant. He had alloAved several months to elapse after getting the license to occupy, and Avas aAvare that defendant Avas in the habit of working on the land and had fenced it. At the time plaintiff bought the section he could have easily found out the acreage, so that his excuse that he did not know whether his title was good or not Avas an ureasonable one. He Avould grant a non-suit on the estoppel point raised by Mr Branson, and grant costs against plaintiff, £3l9s.

All the preparations for lajung down a submarine telegraph cable across the Caspian Sea are, the “ Cologne Gazette ’ states, iioav completed, and the cable itself Avill be laid by the end of Septem ber. The cable will be 150 miles long.

ASHBURTON AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.

The general regulations and prize list of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association is now published. The poster containing the programme is a very neat, not to say gaudy piece of printing issued from the “ Lyttelton Times ” office. There are no less than 141 classes to be exhibited, dis tributed as follows Sheep, imported or New' Zealand bred 26 Cattle do ... 20 Horses ... ... ... ... 24 Pigs ... 5 Implements 22 Poultry and Pigeons ... ... " 9 Dogs ... ... ... ... 2 Agricultural Produce • ... ... 9 Dairy Produce ... ... ... 5,-, New Zealand Manufactures ... 9 Wool ... 6 * All entries are to be made to the secre tary, Mr George Jameson, by Tuesday, November 11th, and must be made by the bona fide owner of the exhibit. All ani- v mals to be exhibited must be on the * ground by 9 a.m. on the morning of the show (November 18th), and implements the day previous at 9.30 a.m. Horses and cattle are to have a man in attendance, and horned cattle given to disorderly con duct will be prohibited from admission to the ground. The regulations also embody the usual stipulations as to entries, pro tests, Ac. The gates will be opened to the public at 11 a. m., and the admission will be 2s 6d up to Ip. m., after that Is. We are of opinion that in sheep a good exhibit should be made in the Lincoln and Leicester classes. With the quantity and quality of the feed in the district just now the sheep ought to look pictures. In the short horn cattle class Ashburton cow r s can hold their own anywhere in Canterbury, and w r e have no doubt but that a good many visitors from other dis tricts will attend the Show on purpose to inspect some of Mr John Grigg’s magni ficent animals. In horse flesh the Show last year was tolerable, and we expect to see a slight improvement on this oc casion, as there are a large number of really grand draught mares in the county, and some of the sires which have arrived here since last season are of very good quality. In implements the judges have included every article of necessity to farmers, and as the retail price is to be affixed to each exhibit, there will be no difficulty in any agriculturist in search of a machine of any description being able to count the cost at once. The Show last year had some very good samples of dairy produce, and should this year have better, as tlie feed is far more succulent than after the nor’ westers of last year. Fowls and pigeons are also included this year. In manufactures, ale, sad dlery, woollen goods, boots, &c., are to have a place in the day’s Show. The last item is a leaping match, always a favorite event among our bucolic friends, and less than a four foot jump is not to count.

We notice that the amounts of the prizes are not stated, and believe it is . intended in most cases to give the winner his choice of a medal or a money prize. Tinwald will be in holiday costume that, day unless it has a nor’-wester such as blew last Show day.

THE STORY-TELLER.

Eugene Morton. A Tale of the Indian Warfare on the American Frontier. CHAPTER 11. THE DARK CLOUD. During the walk homeward, Ilaverland spoke but few words, all hough his loquacious friend kept up a continual, unremitting stream of talk. The woodman’s heart Avas too heavy to join him in his humorous, pointless words. Although dark and fearful suspicions had flitted before him, he had closed his eyes upon them, until he could no longer shun them, they ap peared at every turn, and now resumed a ter rible certainty. Although at the time of which Ave refer, the Revolutionary struggle of the col onies had closed, and their freedom was placed upon a firm basis, yet universal peace by no means reigned. Dark, sanguinary, and bloody tragedies were constantly enacted upon the frontiers for generations afterAA’ard. The mother countiy, failing in her Avork of subjugation, con* tinued to incite the Indians to revolting barbar ities upon the unoffending inhabitants. They found them too willing instruments, and, insti gated by them, a protracted Avar Avas long main tained; and, Avhen moving cause was removed, the savages still continued the unequal conflict. As every one acquainted with our history must know, the Avar on the frontiers has been an al most interminable one. As the tide of emigra tion has rolled Avestward, it has ever met that fiery countersurge, and only overcome it, by in cessant battling and effort. And even loav, as the distant shores of the Pacific are well nigh reached, that resisting wave still gives forth its lurid flashes of conflict. In a pleasant valley stood the home of Alfred Ha\ r erland. His own vigorous arm had cleared off a space on all sides, so that his residence stood at some dis tance from the forest, Avhich rolled a\\’ay for miles. In the clearing still remained the stumps of the fallen trees, and in some places the rich, virgin soil had been broken, and was giving s ; gns of the exhaustless wealth it retained in its bosom, waiting only for the hand of man to bring it forth. The house itself, Avas such as are generally found in neAV settlements. A number of heavy logs, placed compactly together, Avith an opening for a door, and one for a rvindow, were all that could attract attention from the outside. Within rvere two apartments, the loAver and upper. The former Avas used for all purposes except that of sleeping, which, of course, was done in the upper. In building- it, Ilaverland had made little prepaiaiions for defence, as he fondly hoped it would never be needed for such, and it seemed to him that the idea of danger would ever be before him, should he construct it thus. And, besides, should he use his utmost skill in the purpose mentioned, he knew it Avould avail him little. He had no means of Avithstanding a protracted siege, and a handful of assailants could bring him to any terms. As he steppted forth into the clearing, Ina, his daughter, caught sight of him, and bounded out of the cabin to meet him.

“ Oh, father! lam glad you have come back so soon but dinner isn’t ready. Did you think it Avas? I Avas just telling mother ” She paused suddenly, as she caught sight of a stranger, and with her hand on her mouth, stood fearing to approach, and afraid to yield to the impulse of turning, and running into the hou-e again. “ No', I didn’t think dinner time had come, but as 1 had a friend to visit me, I thought I could entertain him at home better than in the wood. But where is your kiss, dear?”

The lather stooped, and touched his lips to

Saturday, October 25. 1 579. j

IHE ASHBURTON HERALD.



QUOTATIONS. s. cl. s. cl. Wheat, milling, per bush 4 8 to 4 IO Chick Wheat » 3 6 3 10 Oats, feed ,, 2 3 ,, o o ,, milling „ 2 S ,, 2 5 Buckwheat » II 6 * i 12 . o Rye Corn „ 4 9 ii O o Barley, feed ,» 3 o ii 3 6 - ,, malting » 5 o ,, 5 6 Maize „ 4 6 o o ,, crushed , 4 9 ,, o o Peas, for seed only, „ 4 6 11 o o Beans ,» 4 9 y, 4 9 Rye Grass ,» 3 9 11 4 6



Nov/ Advertisements. WANTED, a Good DRESSMAKER for up-couutry. Must have refer ences. Apply by letter. V. K. HXLLGROVE, 588 a Ashburton. WANTED— A MALE OR FEMALE COOK. Apply—Tinwald Hotel, 279 a Tinwald. y. In the District Court of Christchurch, Holden at Ashburton. IN THE MATTER OF The Debtors and Creditors Act, 1876, The Debtors and Creditors Act Amend ment Act, 1878, and of the bank ruptcy of WILLIAM I* RASER, of South Ashburton, Farmer, a debtor.



NOTICE is hereby given that the Creditors of the above-named Debtor having failed to elect a Creditors’ Trustee, I have this day appointed Frederick Pavitt, of Ashburton, a Certificated Accountant in Bankruptcy, to be Creditors’ Trustee of the Estate of the said Debtor; and the said Frederick! Pavitt has signified to me in writing his acceptance of such Trusteeship. Dated at Ashburton this twenty-fifth day of October, 1579. 0. CAVENDISH HUKRELL, Clerk of the Court. 599 a



TEN SHILLINGS REWARD. LOST, on Tuesday last, a Dark Bay Heavy Trap HORSE ; branded M on near shoulder, and newly shod. . Anyone returning or giving information will receive the above reward. MR, J. TASKER, 590 a Trevorton.



ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. A PUBLIC MEETING will be held at Quill’s Commercial Hotel on WEDNESDAY EVENING NEXT, Oct. 29th, at 7'30 p.m., to consider the advis ability of holding Sports on New Year’s Day 136—596 a



WESLEYAN CHURCH, Cameron stx-eet. —Divine Service will be conducted To-morrow morning and evening by the Rev. J. H. Simmonds, of Timaru. 593 a



PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH Wills Street. Service will be con ducted in this Church To-morrow morning and evening. 594 a



E S L E Y A N CHURCH, Cameron Street. HOME MISSION SERVICES. Rev. J. H. Simmonds, from Timaru, will preach in the above Church TO MORROW (Sunday) Morning and Even ing, at the usual hours. Collections in aid of the Wesleyan Home Mission Fund. 135 —597 a PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Rakaia. A SOIREE Will be held IN THE TOWN HALL, RAKAIA, On THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th, 1879, At 6.30 o’clock. The Revs. J. Elmslie, M.A., A. M. Beattie, M.A., and B. J. Westbrooke, will deliver Addresses, interspersed with Music. Tickets, 2s. 125 —595 a



TO PRINTERS. MACHINE FOR SALE. FOR SALE, about tlie end of October, 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 Demy Machine now used for printing the “ Herald ” and “ Guardian,” for hand or steampower. Can be seen and all par ticulars obtained at our office. WEEKS & DIXON. Ashburton, October 14, 1879. 568 a