The Ashburton Herald AND Borough and County Advertiser (With which is incorporated the “Evening Echo”). MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1879.

Another Rise in Wheat.— By the Suez mail we are glad to announce the en couraging news that Ashburton grown wheat is still improving in value in the Home markets, Messrs Friecllander Bros. ’ advices announcing the fact that 555. 6d. per quarter had been reached for their two shipments. This is an advance of 2s. Gd. upon last month’s rates. Messrs Saunders’ advices note the same advance.

Public Analysts. —Mr. Wright is pre eminently practical. In the House recently he was at Government to make public analysts more practically useful to the colony, and the reply given to him was that in the recess careful consideration would be given to the subject.

The New Fire Bele. —Due notice hav ing been given that the new fire bell would be rung for the first time on Satur day evening His Worship the Mayor, a full muster of the brigade, and a large number of spectators, assembled at the new station on the Wakanui road, to go through the ceremony of testing the sound of the bell. Punctually at 8 p.m. His Worship stepped forward, and stated that he had been requested by the mem bers of the brigade to give the first toll, and he did so with great pleasure, know ing, as he did, the manner in which the officers and men of so useful a body had exerted themselves for the public good, and more especially at the late fire, where their exertions saved several buildings and much valuable property. He was glad to say that it was the intention of Govern ment to grant them the same privileges as volunteers, and to make a capitation allowance of £2 2s. per head. That amount, with some assistance from the Borough Council, would enable them to provide the necessary uniforms. He also hoped that before long, a steam fire en gine would be procured for them, and as the Council intended sinking more of the pipe wells, the brigade would be in a good position to combat any fire which might break out in the town. (Cheers.) He would also like to remark that it was gratifying to know that the cast ing of the bell had been done in New Zealand, and it was certainly a creditable piece of work for the colony. Mr. Bullock then took the ropes and the peal resounded through the township. The tone is deep and rich and was greatly ad mired. !§| Afterfringir.g for a few minutes the signal was given to stop ; and Mr. George Compton, captain of the brigade, stepped forward and proposed the health of His Worship the Mayor, which was re sponded to vociferously. Thanks having been returned, His Worship proposed the health of the captain, and complimented that officer on the efficiency of his officers and men. Mr. Compton replied, and hoped the public would take more interest in the formation of a Fire Police and Sal vage Corps. The health of Lieutenant Dolman and Fireman Wilkie were also drunk and suitably replied to, and the brigade dispersed.

Cricket.— A match will ha played in the Domain on Saturday next between an eleven of the Borough 0. C. and an eleven representing the Geraldine C. 0., play to commence on arrival of the 10'35 a. in. train from Timaru. The following are picked to do battle for the Borough, viz : Messrs G. Andrews, A. Andrews, J. Ash wood C. Denshire, J. Hoskyns, D. Amos, 11. Fowler, S. Poyniz, G. Whitley, E. Mayo, A. Fooks. Emergencies—43/ Saunders, A. Groves, D. Leitch, H. Williams, W. Charlton.

Serious Accident. — Shortly before four o’clock this afternoon, while Mr. Thomas Woolley, farmer, Dromore, was in E. Tay lor’s shop for a supply of bread, his team of three horses standing outside took fright at a bucking horse ridden by a hoy. The dray drawn by the team was heavily laden, and when Mr Woolley bolted out to secure his horses he was knocked down, the heavy dray passing over him. He was at once carried into Quill’s Hotel; where a doctor attended him. He is badly cut about the head, his shoulder was dislocated, and he has suffered other injuries. The runaway horse fetched up on the road after a good long run. Local Wheat in London Market. — Messrs. Saunders Bros, are advised of sales of wheat in London ex Arethusa at 55s 6d per 49Glbs. This shipment com prised samples grown at Seafield by Messrs. Ledley, Lawry, and others. Messrs. Friecllander Bros, report as follows :—Our wheat ex Arethusa sold for 55s 6d per quarter, and ex Marayal 55s and 55s Gel, both lots having been disposed of at the October sales in London. Caledonian Society. —A meeting of the' Caledonion Society was held at Quill’s Hotel on Saturday night. Present : Messrs Grant (Chairman), Crawley, W. Anderson, C. Reid, T. Quill, Wilkie, and Ward. It was resolved that an offer of £lO-10s be made to the Racing Club Com mittee for the use of the ground on Boxing Day, and Messrs Anderson, Reid, and Crawley were appointed a Committee to wait on the Club with a view to arranging the matter. Subsequently a warm dis cussion took place as to the advisableness of amalgamating the two Societies with the object of devoting the profits of both towards making permanent improvements on the ground ; and it wa s finally resolved that a combined meeting be held to discuss terms of amalgamation, etc. Children’s Treat— Arrangements have been made to give the. children attending the Presbyterian Sunday Schools at Ash burton and Wakanui, and the Presbyterian children at Watertoii and’ district, a treat on New Year’s Day. The spot chosen for the day’s enjoy mentis the ground of the manse, .arid the arrangements will be under thm management of the Rev. Mr. Beattie himself and a committee of the Sunday School teachers..

Public Funeral. —The remains of Mr. Powrie, a member of the Ashburton Brass Band, were carried to the grave this afternoon. The band headed the processsion, playing the “ Dead March in Saul.” A good number of deceased’s comrades in the Rifle corps also attended.

The Old Men’s Home. —To-morrow night the Good Templars give an enter tainment at the Old Men’s Home, for which a very superior programme has been prepared. Native Coal. —ln the House a few days ago, the Hon. Mr. Oliver said Govern ment were giving a bonus of sixpence a day to engine-drivers, with the object of inducing them to use native coal, and the result was that native fuel was now very largely in use. The Old Cable.—Two miles of. the old Cook’s Straits cable are to be sent from Wellington, where the old cable is now stored, to Lyttelton, where it wifi be used for harbor purposes. It will be laid be tween Lyttelton Heads and the Light house.

Hansard.— The Debates Committee re commend the payment of £75 bonus to the “Hansard” reporters as compensa tion for the length of the session. Poor Sir George !—The “ Post ” refer ring to Sir George Grey says : “It.is un derstood that he had a most magnificent oration prepared and already for delivery in anticipation of the reimposition by the Government- of the tea and sugar duties ; and, after all, the Government didn’t reimpose them. It was too bad to inflict so cruel a disappointment on that ‘ soi-disant’ £ outcast,’erstwhile ‘ the great Pro-Consul.’ No wonder that Sir George Grey was so dreadfully cross and captious during the remainder of the evening, when he found all the ground thus ruthlessly cut from under his feet ! The “Waka Maori.” - The native newspaper is dead. The Maoris were very eager to take the paper ; hut as no jour nal can subsist on hope and suction alone, any more than any other enterprise can live on these not very nourishing foods, te spec collapsed. The native mind cherises a fondness for “ long time ” pay ments, and is forgetful’ of debts.

Immigration. —The “ European Mail ” is of opinion the stoppage of all assisted immigration of male adults from Great Britain to Nqw Zealand will disappoint many at a time when a good selection could he made for the colony. This is all very well ; but it is just as safe to be un employed at Home where the men are known, as to go.on.the “wallaby” for work in a strange land, without any hope of finding a hand’s turn to do.

TELEGRAPHIC.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

TO-DAY’3 TELEGRAMS

Auckland, Nov. 24.

It has transpired that the seamen con cerned in the recent broaching cargo case, carried a lighted candle from the forward part of the vessel right across the powder magazine, in order to get at the spirits. Ann Dixon lias been arrested for utter ing false florins. There were others found in her possession. A number of false half crowns and shillings arc in circula tion.

Tie Mary Mildred, from Newcastle, with 277 head of cattle, still lies aground off the Bastian rock. She is not expected to be got off till the spring tide. The remains of the officer found at the wreck of the Orpheus were brought into town and buried to-day in the next grave to Commodore Burnett. The crew of H.M.S. Boomerang landed, and followed

the remains to the cemetery, headed by the hand of the Volunteer Engineers. ' Wellington, Nov. 24.

At the Police Court, this morning, John Francis Willhoft, for .stealing £29 and various goods from John Pearson, Pebbles town, near Oamaru, : was remanded to Oamaru. ! : 5

Nelson, Nov. 24.

Early yesterday morning a case of drowning occurred olf.; iVlofcueka . wharf. The Ite'amer Lady Barkl'y, with about 75 excursionists for Chiavini’s circus, had re turned to the 'wharf at Motueka, when Edward Gofi’e Thomson, in the darkness, fell from the wharf. At daybreak his body was found. An inquest will be held.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

LAST NIGHT’S CABLEGRAMS.

(Renter's Telegrams.) London, Nov. 20.

The-total reserve in notes and bullion in the Bank of England is £16,625,000. At the wool sales, to-day, 8000 bales were catalogued. The tone of the market is active for all descriptions. Foreign purchases continue limited. Scoured wools are a halfpenny higher. The brandy vintage of France is only one-third as much as that of 1878.

An ex-Fenian convict, and proprietor of a National newspaper, has been arrested in Dubiin.

There is great excitement throughout Ireland in consequence of the action of the authorities. Further warrants are issued for the arrest of prominent agitators. Calcutta, Nov. 20.

General Roberts is taking precautionary sieps to prevent an outbreak of Afghans. Five regiments which arrived from Turke stan were disbanded at Gabul. It is expected that others will follow. San Francisco, Nov. 20

There lias been a terrible explosion of petroleum in a tunnel at California. Twenty-five persons were killed, and many others injured. Rome, Nov. 20.

A new Ministry has been formed under the presidency of Cardinal Caeroli.

AUSTRALIAN

(Reuters Telegrams.)- Sydney, Nov. 22.

The Intercolonial Cricket Match was continued to-day. Victoria in the first innings made 168 ; New South Wales in the second innings got 113. Victoria in the second innings has three wickets down for three runs.

The bushrangers have been further com mitted for trial on the charge of robbing under arms. Other charges are pending. Nov. 23. The: Zealariclia has. arrived from New Zealand. Constable Bowen died from the effects of the wounds received in the encounter with the bushrangers. Cooki own, Nov. 23. Arrived—Brisbane. The Eastern news is unimportant.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

LAST NIGHT’S TELEGRAMS.

AtTOKL-iND, Nov. 22. On the arrival of the barque Anazi from London last-night five of the seamen were landed, and given into custody by the captain for broaching cargo. It seems that during the voyage they made their way over the powder magazine with a naked light to the cargo, and broached several cases of champagne, brandy, and French wines, returning in the same manner. It was providential that the vessel was not blown up. The men were charged to day at the Police Court and re manded.

The upper sawmill at Whangapoura has been destroyed by fire. It was the pro perty of C. A. Harris. The mill was a large one, fitted with machinery, and capable of cutting one hundred thousand feet weekly. The loss is a serious one. The Mary Mildred, barque, from New castle, struck on the bank at Kohimarama. She is expected to he got off next high tide. The damage will be very slight. At the Cambridge Races, the Trades men’s Plate was won by Magician, Tin second, The Maiden Cavalry race was won by Dick, Kaiwaka second.

Gbaiiamstown, Nov. 23.

The Alburnia retorting yielded Gl7ozs. since Tuesday. The mine looks as well as ever. Three hundredweight of picked stone was broken down last night. New Plymouth, Nov. 22.

The steamer Rangatira broke down off the Sugar Loaves on the voyage from this port to Wanganui to-day. The Waitaki went to her assistance. Wellington, Nov. 23.

The Tui, steamer, left this morning about eleven. The weather was very dirty, and she got ashore on the outer rock of the Chafer’s Passage, at the Heads. She then landed her passengers, with the assistance of the pilot boat. Some of the passengers walked in, others were brought in by the Hinemoa, which went out soon after the accident was heard of. She is insured for £4OOO in the National, the bulk of which is reinsured in other offices. At high water the Tui got off, and is now 011 the patent slip. The cost of the last general election, as far as the colony was concerned, was about £4OOO. The expenses of last session, about a month long, was nearly £25,000. The Masonic brotherhood have arranged to give a ball on the evening of St. And rew’s day, when the foundation stone of the new Courts of Justice will be laid. This will be the first ball ever given by the Masons.of Wellington. , Reefton, Nov, 22,

A fire broke out this morning at three o’clock, in a detached cottage at the rear of Dawson’s Hotel, In a few minutes, and before the brigade could get to work, the building was enveloped in flames and completely destroyed. The cottage was owned by Mr. John Dawson, and was oc cupied by Louis Davies. It was insured for £2OO, and the furniture for £2OO ; both in the New Zealand office. Davies was out at the time of the fire, and the origin is a mystery. An enquiry will be held. Timaru, Nov. 22.

The John Watson sank off shore to the south, it is supposed near the Waitaki. All hands were saved.

The sea has gone down a good deal. The permanent wharf, and breakwater, has not been effected Some of the blocks temporarily laid on the shingle have sub sided, the shingle having been washed out from under them.

Oamaru, Nov. 22. At the inquest to-day on the body of

W-. M‘ Kenzie, killed on tlie .show ground yfestefrctay by ahorse trampling on him, an open verdict was returned. A rider was added as follows :—“ That the committee be recommended to make a rule that all racing and jumping be strictly prohibited in future, except for the pui'pose of ex hibition, and in the enclosed ring set apart for that purpose.”

Dunedin, Nov. 22. ■ A-comic publication was issued here to day, Sunshine.’’

The Chamber of Commerce will be called together oil Monday to consider the tariff. An intensely painful feeling in town last night by the circulation of a report that the ship Dunedin from Glas gow, with immigrants had been wrecked at the Snares, and that six passengers were drowned. -This was simply an absurd canard.

SPORTING.

WEIGHTS FOR THE WELLINGTON.

CUP. [By Telegraph.]

CRICKET.

The Association match set down for de cision on Saturday last was an alphabetic one, but owing to an insufficient attend ance had to be abandoned, and a game was played between sides chosen by Messrs Denshire and-S. Saunders. ■ It is very much to be regretted that no more interest is displayed in the support of cricket by a number of gentlemen who can well, afford the time, and profess to have the welfare of the game at heart. It was arranged to commence play on Satur day at 1.30 p.m., at which time about half-a-dozen players were on the ground, and by 3 p.m. this number having been only slightly augmented, it was resolved to abandon the original fixture, and play the scratch match already referred to. Saunders winning the toss, elected to take the bat, and after Bruce and Guy had been disposed of, Amos and the Captain treated tqe field—of which there was a full eleven —to some rare leather hunting. Amos put together 37 by rather plucky, and not very correct play, hut this gentle man’s indefatigable patience will always make him a troublesome opponent. Saunders made 49, not out, in his best style, his score comprising five threes, eleven twos, and singles. The innings closed for 98.

Denshire’s side made no stand against the bowling of Bruce and Saunders, the former being in excellent form, and again giving promise of taking a very foremost position amongst our trundlers. E. Fooks, a very young player, showed some power with the bat, and was • very useful in the field. The following are the scores S. Saunder’s Side. Bruce bA. Fooks ••• 0 Saunders not out ... ,• ■ ••• 49 Guy b Denshire 1 Amos cE. Fooks b Denshire ... 37 Poyntz c Fowler bA. Fooks ... 0 Groovesb A. Fooks ... ... ... 5 Extras 6 98 W. B. Denshire’s. Side. Denshire b Saunders ... ... ... 2 A. Fooks b Bruce ... ... ... 0 E. Fooks not out 7 Fowler b Bruce ... ... • •. 3 Dixon b Bruce... ... ... ••• 0 Buxton b Saunders ... ... ... 2 Extras ... ... ••• ••• 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR IS DUE.

To the Editor.

Sir, —In your Friday’s issue you state that had it not been for the Waterton pigs the pens would have been empty, on Tuesday last. Permit me to inform me that the north side of the river filled one pen, at least, with a sow and 10 pigs, gaining first honours ; the same sow gaining second honours last show as a breeding sow. She was pro nounced to be too fine for breeding, but since that time she has had three litters of pigs, 35 in all, and rearing 31 pigs, pre vious to that time she lias had 19 pigs at a single litter. Moreover, the said sow was bred by Mr. Saunders, of the north side of the river, and from a sow .that would have been hard to beat. Therefore, Mr, Editor, in justice you ought to give the northerners a leaf of the laurel, if not the wreath. —I am, &c., G.T.S.

INQUEST.

An inquest touching the death of James and Arthur Penny, infant twin sons of James D. Penny, waiter. Somerset Hotel, was held to-day in Baldwin’s Hotel, before Dr. Trevor, coroner, and a jury, of whom Mr W. T. Davison was chosen fore man.

After viewing the bodies, the coroner said it was impossible to finish the inquest to-day, as there was a certain amount, of mystery about the case that could only be cleared up by professional evidence, which was not yet at hand. _ It would therefore be necessary to take what evidence was available, and adjourn theincpiost to some day this week. Mrs Margaret Penny, wife of James Doweny Penny,'the mother of the children, said the children were three months old on the day they died The biggest boy, James Downey, had always been healthy from his birth ; the other one, Arthur Henry, was not healthy at his birth, but became stronger. Put the children to bod on the night of Friday, the 21st, at half-past 10. Both seemed to lie in their usual state of good health. At eleven o’clock, when going to bed, saw the children again, and they were then all right. At three o’clock in the morning I again saw the childrens’ faces. They ap peared to be quite well—they were sleeping soundly, and I could hear them breathe. Did not feed them at that time, as the biggest, James, had been' a little cross during the day. It was my custom to feed them in the early morning. I next saw them at six o’clock, a. m., when I rose to dress. They were then both foaming at the mouth, and a little blood was exuding from the nose of the biggest one. Called my neighbor Mrs. Cullen, who came in. She lifted the biggest boy and I lifted the smallest. James only breathed once or twice after Mrs. Cullen lifted him, and I think Arthur was dead when I first saw him. Sent for Dr. Ross, who arrived twenty minutes afterwards. I gave the boy James a little aniseed mixture, but not any to Arthur. I had often given them the same mixture. I did not give James any more than one drop of the mixture on the night in question, and that was the quantity I always gave. Am quite certain only one child got the mixture. The children slept in a good sized cot by themselves, and not with me. I covered the children myself, and they were only covered up to their shoulders. I could see their mouths from my own bed, —they were not overlaid at any time during the night. My husband was the only other person in the room, and he went to bed at half-past eleven. He went for the doctor in the morning, without waiting to lift any of the children. There are no animals kept about the house, and I connot account in any way for the death of the children. They had never had convulsions before to my knowledge. By the police—Their food has always been the bottle, and lately bread and milk in addition. The children were horn somewhat prematurely—some two or three weeks. The usual milkman supplied milk that day, but I do not know his name. My husband does. Mr Neate supplied the aniseed. The aniseed had been in the house since about three weeks after the children were born. I was in the habit of giving the milkman a bottle to get the milk in. On Friday he brought my milk in a bottle different from the one I gave him. He usually got an empty bottle from me in the early part of the day, which he returned later on full.

James Downey Penny, father of the children, sworn, said he was,a waiter at the Somerset Hotel. His evidence was mainly corroborative of that given by the previous witness. At six in the morning of Satur day, his wife remarked that the children had been uncommonly good all niglit. Turning round she looked at them, and suddenly said, “ Jim’s face is black, I beliei’e he is dead.” Seeing the children both looking black, I went for Dr. Ross. Believed they were both dead before wit ness left the house. Could not account in any way for the children’s death. The children’s milk was supplied by a man named Rattray. Mrs. Penny had often complained of the milkman changing the bottles.

Mrs. Penny, recalled—The body of the little child was quite limp, and not rigid, when I lifted it.

Eliza Cullen, wife of Robert Cullen, carrier, said she resided in the same house with the Penny’s. About half-past six on Saturday morning went into Mrs Penny’s room, in answer to her call, that her children were dying. Picked. up- the biggest boy, the little one being already in Mrs Penny’s lap. The child in Mrs Penny’s lap was beginning to get black in the face. The other child, which I took up,was dead. Both Mr' and Mrs Penny were much distressed over the death of their children. They have been in my house a month, and have been very attentive parents. There was no extreme rigidity of the limbs apparent to me, but the one I took up seemed to be a li+tle stiff. The children were quite warm when I saw them. Cannot in any way account for the children’s death.

By juror Ben. Smith : There is no fire place in the room.

The Coroner here announced that he had not called any professional evidence seeing that as yet the needful analysis was not complete of the contents of the stomach, food, &c. He considered it ad visable to hold over the medical evidence until the full analysis was before they jury. Nothing had transpired in the evidence to remove the mystery at pre sent surrounding the death of the children and he would therefore adjourn the in quest till Thursday, at 10 o’clock.

RESIDENT MAGISTRATE’S COURT.

ASHBURTON. Monday, Nov. 24,1879. (Before Mr. F. Guinness, R.M.) alleged injury to property. Thos. Mitchell was charged with this offence. The prosecutor Mr. Phillip Tisch, of Mount Somers, being absent, the ac cused was remanded until .to-morrow, Tuesday. ILLEGALLY ON THE PREMISES. Jas. Grant, charged with being illegally on the premises of Mr. Power, Royal Hotel, was sentenced to 12 hours’ im prisonment. The Court then adjourned.

Press Cricket Match.— The staffs of the “ Timaru Herald ” and the Christ church “ Press ” will contend for cricket laurels in our Domain on the 13th Dec. The Dunedin Mayoral election is being fought on the “ No Popery ” ticket.

Forty Hours Underground

The Neills ville (Wis.) “Republican” says : —Last Friday, at noon, a well being dug at the fair grounds caved in at the bottom after it had reached a depth, of 116 feet, burying William Selves, a workman, under about thirteen feet of sand, measur ing from his head while he was in a nearly upright position. The well had reached a . depth of 100 feet when a stratum of loose wliite-sand was reached, which made curb ing necessary. An upright curbing in sections four feet long was used. While putting in the fourth section the caving of the well took place, first crushing in the lower section not yet finished, and pinning Selves in solid sand nearlydo the armpits. It was instantly followed by the - three sections above, which were crushed into the centre, leaving a vacuum: there.; On-;see ing it start Selves had instinctively raised a section of the curbing over his head, bending backwards, face up, with the arm supporting the piece of curbing stretched above his head. In this position the sand settled about him, completely binding him except his head and one arm, which he could move at that time. The:’section curbing which he had raised above lxis head created a vacuum .which for a short time communicated with the vacuum through the centre of the well made by the: coming together of the barrel-like curbing. As soon as possible a. gas 'pipe for the pur pose of pumping air to him, was. inserted through the. opening, Selves, who then had one arm at liberty,- placing it as near his mouth as the boards over him would permit. Soon after this was accomplished the sand settled solidly above him, leaving only the vacuum under the board, which soon filled so . close, as to im prison the arm that, had been at liberty, and to also render his head unmovable. In this situation, plainly depicted by him self in sepulchral tones through, the air tube, and perfectly audible at the top of the well, William Selves, then six hours without food and cramped and chilled by the cold sand, said he would hold on; to life if there were brave ? hearts enough above him to undertake his release, know ing full well the danger: to those who might attempt it in a hurry. The task was to remove from thirteen to eighteen feet of sand from the bottom of a we 11.116 feet deep, by puttting in’ - a new curbing while taking out the. sand and debris of the old curbing, and to do it all so care-: fully as not to fill the little vacuum above his face. Coupled with this task was ■ the appall mg danger to the workmen of a fresh caving in of the well, now more imminent than the first, for above the ominous vacuum made by the caving of the sand, hung the hundred feet of clay wall, with no support but its own adhesion, its natural foundation of sand being gone. The bore through, the clay being but twenty-seven inches in diameter, could not, for lack of time and space, be curbed. In the face of these discouragements, there were brave hearts enough found to work night and day, never slackening, ex cept for a short time on Saturday morn ing, when for a time further attempts seemed suicidal by reason of the caving in of a small portion of the clay wall. But soon new precautions were devised, and the almost hopeless Iworlc went-on to its practical conclusion at one o’clock this (Sunday) morning, when a friendly hand raised- the plank and brushed the, sand.. - from the .now nearly unconscious face. > He had retained his mind perfectly up to a few moments before, when the tenderly cautious hand above him, in spite of their care, had so disturbed the sand as to cover his face and to interrupt the supply of air from the tube. He returned to perfect consciousness in a few moments,' and, his head released, the work went rapidly on, he himself helping materially after his arms were released. At 3. 30 ‘ o'clock; nearly thirty hours after his incarcera tion, William Selves stepped firmly from the mouth of- his , living, grave, and was received into the ; arms of his young wife amid the glad shouts of the throng who had so long shared his sus pense. His exertions in assisting to free himself had given him the use of his limbs again, and when he reached tlie surface about all h'e seemed to need was nourish ment, which he had not had since the Friday morning before, nearly two days.

The State of the Army.

A military correspondent of the “Times,” writing on the above subject, says that though exception may be taken to the assertion that the army is in a state of collapse, the following facts clearly prove that the term is no exaggeration. On the Ist of this month the total number of soldiers above three months service in 55 battalions of the line in the United Kingdom and Ireland amounted to 21,950. The 18 battalions of the line which stand first on the roster, for foreign service number but 10,421 men, and of these 6082 are under two years service. These battalions are 2413 beneath their peace complement, and to' bring them up to a war footing would require 9579 transfers. Even the five battalions at tlie head of the roll for active service are 886 under their peace establishment. The five battalions which recently embarked for South Africa were high on the roster for foreign duty, and presumably were in a fit condition to embark; yet, owing to one cause or another, upwards of 1000 from these five battalions were rejected on the regiments being detailed for embarkation. We may assume that the rest of the army is in a like condition. Consequently, deducting 200 men from' each corps as unfit, we find there are about 11,000 efficient soldiers of over three months’ service in the infantry of the line. It is not in point of numbers that the regiments are practically ineffi cient, but also in discipline. It is well known that non-commissioned officers are the backbone of the army. With good non-commissioned officers a colonel may take his battalion anywhere ; with bad non commissioned officers the battalion has ho motive power. The one great cry through out the service is the. want of non-com missioned officers. Owing to the short service system, smart young fellows are passed rapidly through the ranks and pro moted in the hope that they will turn out well. Often, too often, they are untried men—men with little self-restraint. Instead of bearing with the hasty recruit, they needlessly harass the men, and petty acts of insubordination are the result. In subordination increases, courts-martial ate of common occurrence, and a general tone of unhappiness pervades a corps thus cursed. In one regiment that embarked for South Africa there were no fewer than 32 men in prison, in two others 35; another corps, now at home, which a few year#

Monday, November 24, 1879.]

THE ASHBURTON HERALD.



Wellington, Nov. 24. st. lb Fishhook 9 7 Tempelton. 9 5 Mata ... 9 5 Mari tana 8 10 Natator 8 G Foul Play 8 4 Chancellor 7 13 Pinfire 7 12 Hornby 7 10 Betrayer 7 10 Camballo 7 7 Volunteer 7 7 Resolution 7 7 Titania 7 6 Hippocampus... 7 5 Grip ... 7 4 Sinking Fund... . ... 7 3 Maid of Honor 7 3 Otawa ... ... ... 7 0 Foam ... 7 0 Hailstorm ... ... ... 6 10 Lara ... 6, 8 York ... ... ... ' ... 6 8 Repudiator 6 8 Norseman G 8 Leita ... G 7 Comus... G 7 Merlin G G Tera 6 5 Magnolia G 5 Rata G 5 Grand Duchess G 5 Soukar ... ... ... G 4 Luna ... G 4 Repo ... ... ... G o O King Quail 6 2 -Libeller ... .... 6 0 Loch Lomond 6 0 Laertes 6 0 Vampire 5 12 On Dit 5 12 Balmoral 5 12 Wilberforce ... 5 12 H. P. Lange, Handicapper.



New Advertisements. . FIRE ! FIRE ! ! FIRE Ml |Tjp O W FT H A L L . THURSDAY, NOV. 27tii, For Benefit of J. HYDE, Rendered by the musical people of Ash burton. PROGRAMME : 3 -©-Hallelujah Chorus, Ashburton Brass Band. 2 Part song, “ Come to- the fair,” from Martha, Glee Company, of 20 voices. 3 Song, Mr. Dolman 4 Duet, “ List to the Convent Bells,” Misses A. Permain and E. Savage. 5 Song, Mr. H. Stephenson. 6 Aria, “In verdure clad,” Miss Strien 7 Song, Mr. Branson. 8— Trio, “ Life’s a bumper,” Messrs. Stephenson, Pickford, and Savage. 9 Mr. Jacobson. 3 o—Song,o —Song, Mr. Harrison. INTERVAL. Part ii. 11— Selection, “ Pot Pourri,” Band. 12— Part song, “ Comrades in arms, (Adolph . Adam), Glee Company. 13— Song, Mr. Branson. 44 —Recitation, Mr. Minnis. 15 — Song, Mr. Harrison. 16 — Duet, Piano and Cornet, “ Staccato polka,” (Bonnisson), Mrs. Paige and Master G. Savage. 17 — Song, Mr. Stephenson. 18— Quartette, Messrs. Branson, Pratt, Zouch, and Jacobson. 19 — Song, Miss Strien. 20— “ God Save the Queen.” The above Programme is subject to altera tion. Mrs. Paige has kindly consented to accompany on the Pianoforte. Conductor, J. Savage. . 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 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. 565 a



10s. REWARD. LOST Yesterday, a CROWN GRANT. Finder will receive the above re ward on leaving the same at the Somerset Hotel. 713 a N. OLSEN. UT 1 O IR, 1880. The press almanac And Diary Can be obtained from the undersigned. Price—One Shilling. WEEKS AND DIXON, Herald Office, Near Railway Station. WANTED —Two Good FARM SER ■ YANTS for Rakaia. Scotchmen preferred. Must be good ploughmen and good with horses. Wages, £65 _ a year. Apply, Saunders Bros. | 725 a SHEARING will Commence at Shep herd’s Bush, Rangitata, on DEC. 8. Price, 15s. per 100. 693 a WANTED— TENDERS for CART ING 250 BALES WOOL (more or less), from Shepherd’s Bush to Eal ing. Tenders to be addressed. to the Manager, Shepherd’s Bush, Rangitata, by Ist DECEMBER. 694 a T? n A T T T, T N SURGEON DENTIST, Is now at Quill’s Hotel, and will attend patients until further notice. 671 a WINSLOW SPORTS. MEETING of the Winslow Sports A . Committee will be held at Harris’ Railway Hotel on MONDAY EVENING, Nov. 24. 722 a TINWALD. TO LET.—A SHOP and DWELLING, fitted with shelves and counters, at remarkably low rent, and is beyond doubt the best stand for a good General Store in this large district, embracing all the Long beach and Mount Somers traffic. The principal sale yards and grain stores being in Tinwald is also an inducement for a General Store or any other line of busi -687a Apply to S. STEPHENS. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. Builders desirous of tender ing for the erection of FENCING, and OUTBUILDINGS, &c., on Reserve 769, Baring Square, Ashburton, are re quested to send in sealed tenders, duly en dorsed, and addressed to the Architect, on or before Noon on TUESDAY, the 25th November. The Drawing and Specification may be seen at the Architect’s Office. J. STANLEY BRUCE, C.E. GB4a-196 ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL. NOTICE TO ALL OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF LAND IN THE COUNTY OF ASHBURTON. -jVTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ashburton County Council re quests owners and occupiers of land in the .County NOT TO OBSTRUCT any natural WATERCOURSE, nor to interefere with passage of storm-water along the natural depressions on the Plains, much damage luwng peen caused to fences and roads through inadvertence in this respect. By order, F. MAIN WARING, Clerk. Council Office, Ashburton, Nov. 13,1879. 685-a



New Advertisement,!. ASHBURTON COUNTY COUNCIL ASHBURTON FORKS PROTECTIVE WORKS. f [RENDERS for -these works, addressed to the Chairman, with a deposit of 5 per cent, to be sent in to Council office, Moore-street, Ashburton, not later than 10 o’clock on WEDNESDAY - , 26th inst. The Engineer will show intending con tractors over the proposed works on Mon day 24th inst., starting from Mr. Goode’s at 1 o’clock p.m. By order WILLIAM BAXTER, County Engineer. Ashburton, Nov. 18th, 1879. 701 a BROWN PAPER, strong, and large sheets, at skl. per lb. WEEKS AND DIXON, Stationers, East street North (near the Railwry Station), Ash burton. A MEETING of the Insurance Agents and the Oflicers of the Fire Brigade will be hold at 11 o’clock on TUESDAY morning, 25th inst., at Messrs. Edmiston Bros, and Gundry’s office. Business : To consider the advisability of forming; a SALVAGE CORPS in con nection with the Fire Police. J. M. CAMBRIDGE, 720 a Hon. Sec. A. E. B. ASHBURTON MAYORAL ELECTION. jyj-R. HUGO FRIEDLANDER will Address the Ratepayers at the TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY EVENING, NOV, 25, At 8 p.m. 702 a Ball programme cards in very neat styles, with Pencils and Ribbons, printed at the Herald Office, East street, near Railway Station. NOTICE. MISS HODDER-, lately .arrived from London,begs to announce that she has commenced business as DRESS MAILER in Moore street, Ashburton, near Dr Stewart’s residence. Prices strictly moderate, and no effort will be spared to give satisfaction. MISS H 0 D D E R, Dressmaker, Moore street. 1G9—651a FUNERAL NOTICE. THE Friends of Mr. JAMES D. PENNY are requested to attend the FUNERAL of his twin sons, James Dow ling and Arthur Henry Penny, which will leave his residence, Burnett street, TO MORROW morning at half past 9. 727 a GEORGE PARKIN.